Kitchen, Etc.

First, a sidenote:

I had never purchased feta cheese until a few weeks ago when I bought a (large-ish) containter from Costco.  I knew that I liked it okay, but wasn't sure how I was going to use it all, but didn't want to go to another store.  Well, now I've to added it to everything - the quinoa salad it was intended for, the cheesy bow ties (it was an optional ingredient), even a box of Annie's mac & cheese and on pizza.  Yum!

Our kitchen is a five year old, standard builder's grade model, but still I catch myself dreaming about things I'd like to change: the countertops, the floors, the kitchen sink, do something about the broken microwave, rehang the askew pantry door, and repaint the cabinets with better paint, should have splurged for stainless appliances, etc.  Then, I remember that compared to the rest of the world, I pretty much live in a palace.  No more complaining allowed!  So, on a note of gratitude, here is what I do love about our kitchen: Love the cream color on the cabinets.  Love the simple hardware.  Love the working dishwasher.  Love the functional layout.  Love the just-right storage and countertop space (if there was more, I'd make more of a mess or collect more stuff).  Love the natural light that pours in.  Love our dishes and silverware as shown here:

Our dishes and silverware are complete settings of the ones we registered for when we married.  If I were doing it over again, I wouldn't change a thing.  We chose quality stuff, but very basic designs.  At the time, white was boring, but I am so glad we chose white.  And our silverware was plain, but we liked it because it felt substantial.  It still does.

I've had to replace almost all of our everyday glasses, on the left.  (You see our "company's coming" water goblets on the right.)  I've replaced them with PB Classic Barware and want to get more.  They are reasonably priced and have held up very well.

(These cabinets are the few that I didn't have to really clean out, they basically always look like this, except for when items are in use.)

Other random house thoughts:

I'm sure I am in the extreme minority here, but I don't think I am a fan of open floor plans.  I like rooms.  I like separation and quietness.  Now you know.  Anyone with me?  But to contradict myself, our house has a semi-open floorplan, and I like it okay because our house is on the small side and this layout makes it seem more airy.  I guess I was just thinking about this topic because we were at a gorgeous new home last night where the entire first floor was like one giant room with a hardwood floor, and with only our two families there it was loud.

I am no professional decorator, but here's my self-made rule: One blank wall in every room is good.  Doesn't need to be a big blank wall.  Just a spot that could have something on it, but it doesn't.  Gives you room to breathe.

Spring break is here!