| The black hole of redecorating |
 For the longest time, Dan and I have wanted to build an extension on our house so that we have a large area in which to entertain. The last estimate we got was for $60,000, so we've had to put this dream on the back burner. $60,000 represents six or seven trips back home to visit family and tour around. I can't give up my family overseas. I will have to give up the extension - for now anyway.
To make up for it, the second best thing was to start redecorating. I've always loved Mid-Century Modern decor. Enough to be nostalgic and fun. I've done almost all of my redecorating via eBay and have been able to get teak and teak veneer furniture for a song. I've purchased vintage barkcloth curtains and funky mid-century china as well as my starburst clock.
The only thing missing to complete our dining room, has been a teak china cabinet. Dan and I struck gold when we found a five piece teak veneer set in a local second hand furniture store. It's not perfect. Heck, it's about 50 years old, but it's what we needed. There are three full size cabinets, and two narrow cabinets. All but one has lighting. I suddenly envisioned a space for all of my books! No more books stacked on my nightstand! No more DVDs on wire baker's racks!
  Of course, once the cabinets were delivered, we realised that we had to completely rearrange the furniture as well as empty old cabinets and bookcases. Five teak cabinets is a logistical nightmare in a small house, but we managed to find space and get everything organised after a day and a half of huffing, puffing, curse words and bruises. It was like moving day. And to top it off, the summer heat returned to make it a hot and sticky affair. By the end of the second day, Dan and I could hardly move.
Once the furniture was in place, of course, we had to go through everything and throw away anything useless and out of date. The job grew and expanded, and expanded and grew until it ate into more than half of our weekend.
Finally, late Sunday night, when the last DVD and book was safely ensconced in a new home, Dan and I turned to each other and collapsed.
"This stinks," Dan said. "I want to celebrate, but I'm too tired. Everything aches."
I concurred. I had no energy left at all. I had to force myself to take a bath even though I'd worked up a sweat all day.
In the end, I think we managed a kiss to celebrate. Redecorating stinks for your love life. But darn, the dining room looks good! It's a walk back through time. Wish we could do the same.
Labels: mid-century modern, redecorating |
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| 5 Comments: |
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Sounds great! I can't wait to see it in person.
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So... when are you coming for a visit? ;) We've got a chair with your name on it.
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I hope in November, if the stars align! I really miss you both.
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We'll be sure to have the kettle on for you.
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You're so funny. You are reproducing the style of your childhood. Actually, it looks great. Too bad you don't live closer, as I would have given you my teak entertainment center. It would be prohibitive to ship it. I always liked the grain of teak, oiled and glistening.
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Name: Melanie O.
Home: Durham, North Carolina, United States
About Me: Female, American health and beauty-conscious professional who has rekindled a childhood love of dolls.
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posted by Melanie O. at 
Sounds great! I can't wait to see it in person.