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Month: December 2015

2015 Year In Review… A Look Back

Where did the year go?!

Another year here and gone.

It feels like yesterday that I was putting together last years end-of-year recap…

check out recaps from years past: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011

2015 was another fantastic + rewarding year.  Highlighted with many firsts, it was an exciting + busy year of new projects for our home and for clients.

2015 Year in Review of Jenna Burger Design. Filled with Top Posts + great DIY projects, www.JennaBurger.com

As always, it’s fun and a bit bittersweet to take a stroll down memory lane, but let’s do it. Here’s a recap of the last 365 days

JANUARY started off by coming up with something (a goal, I guess you could say) for what to focus on as the year kicked off.  Living with Intention (a great post that I try to read often) was set forth to truly find the meaning + purpose for tasks set in front of me.  There were many moments where I lost focus over the 12 months, but I’ve tried and will continue to in the year ahead.  With intention in the forefront of my mind, I set forth to clean up + clear out and put together a few round up posts for organizing.

Also for the first month of the year, I shared the reveal of a bathroom project I had tackled, dished on plans for a coming project – the living room, and shared details of 2 national magazines that I was featured in.

All-in-all, January was a wonderful month and set the stage for the 11 after it.

Organization Posts - Get organized in the new year!

[organization posts all in one place]

Bathroom Reveal

[bathroom makeover reveal]

FEBRUARY continued to be a great month in which I started to share some of the nitty-gritty details of the bathroom renovation (creating a simple shelf and one-of-a-kind kids modern fingerpaint art)  + the process of the living room transformation (choosing a black paint color + how to make black walls work).

DIY: Simple Wood Shelf

[simple wood shelf with decorative brackets]

How To Make BLACK WALLS Work in Every Room of the Home

[how to make black walls work in every space of the home]

[favorite black paint colors]

By MARCH was ready to start thinking of Spring, so I shared ideas+ inspiration for freshening up the home for the season, making the house FEEL + LOOK instantly clean, storage solutions using baskets, and 5 favorite surfaces to spray paint.

It also was an exciting month because I was finally able to share details on a kitchen I designed in collaboration with Better Homes and Gardens for the specialty publication Kitchen + Bath Makeovers.  This was year #2 for the cover project.  It was a pretty awesome partnership!

6 Ways to make a Home Feel + Look Instantly Clean

[6 ways to make a home feel + look instantly clean]

5 Surfaces to Spray Paint

[5 surfaces to spray paint]

APRIL strolled in and it was time to finally share the reveal of the living room makeover + resources.  Also for this 4th month of 2015, I shared a client kitchen and living room makeover that I was apart of, how I organized our garage, and our simple spring mantel. Oh and I forgot… I painted our front door (check out the color if you haven’t seen it).  It was a busy month!

Living Room Makeover Reveal

[living room makeover reveal]

 

Getting Organized in the Garage

[getting organized in the garage]

MAY came with another revamp in our home, but this was a fairly quick one… the laundry “closet”.  It was a horrid space before and now it’s a dream (to me).  It’s amazing how a not-so-lavish laundry can be given new life to look + function so much better!  After the makeover, I shared my 5 favorite ways to revamp a laundry room on a budget – don’t miss them!

after1

[laundry room makeover]

[5 ways to revamp a laundry space on a budget]

May also brought the nice weather so we were finally able to get outside and enjoy the beauty of Spring. With it brought projects, of course.  We tackled, not only, jazzing up the front porch but also adding a stone border to our flower beds (what a difference!) and creating some beautiful outdoor living spaces!

JUNE came and we were still focusing on the outdoors.  We tackled a big project by adding a stone base to the foundation wall in the front of our house to add curb appeal.  It looks so good.

Spring Front Porch with Stone Veneer added to Foundation

[spring porch with stone veneer on foundation]

June also brought about the start of Year 3 of the Creating a Meaningful Home Blog Series.  The incredibly talented + outgoing Mandi of Vintage Revivals kicked off the series and once again, it was a fantastic series filled with fellow Bloggers friends who opened up their homes to show us how they’ve created meaning in the home.

Create a Meaningful Home blog series: Year 3

Vintage Revivals kicks off Year 3 of the Creating a Meaningful Home blog series

[creating a meaningful home: Year 3]

JULY was busy on the blog, but quiet on the homestead. The blog was filled with more of my favorite friends sharing their stories.  In my little spare time while the kids were off on summer break, I had a moment to sit + inspire with a post on decorating with mirrors… it’s a good one!

Ideas for to decorate with MIRRORS!

[decorate with mirrors]

AUGUST vamped up again with some new projects, specifically my office that I spiced up + organized using pegboard (my new favorite thing for every room).  I also went garage salin’ and found the most interesting things

Office Revamp using pegboard for organization

[office revamp using pegboard for organization]

SEPTEMBER arrived.  It was bittersweet to see the summer end – it was a great one – but we welcomed the Fall with open arms by creating a festive front porch with new-to-me wicker chairs and a colorful turquoise table.

Festive Fall Front Porch with COLOR![festive fall front porch with COLOR]

OCTOBER was greeted with a new furniture makeover, a cute Halloween craft, and another project using my favorite pegboard.  Also in October I started as a content creator for Better Homes and Gardens (see all my posts here) and the process of renovating our kitchen began with me sharing a round up of Wonderful White Kitchens!

Jenna Burger, BHG Content Creator

[my better homes & gardens bio landing page]

Dreamy Wonderful White Kitchens roundup, www.JennaBurger.com

[dreamy wonderful white kitchens inspiration]

NOVEMBER began with me finally sharing details about the upcoming kitchen renovation + 2 client projects reveals – beautiful budget bathroom makeover + a stunning stained kitchen.  As the month continued, I shared details on our kitchen makeover, starting with the staining of the hardwood floors. As the month winded down and the Holiday decorations started to go up, I gave you a preview of our home decorated for the Holidays by sharing pictures of the Christmas Mantel.

Tips + Steps for staining hardwood floors! www.JennaBurger.com

[steps for staining hardwood floors]

budget bathroom makeover, a MUST-SEE before & after makeover by www.JennaBurger.com

[beautiful budget bathroom makeover]

DECEMBER, which we are still enjoying for the last hours, has been an interesting month.  Decorating for Christmas (don’t miss my home tour) + the kitchen remodel (cabinet installation + countertops) kept us busy at the beginning of the month, but as the month winds down it’s been fairly quiet, which is bizarre. I know it’s going to vamp up again and be crazy very soon, so instead of fretting over the peace, I am going to enjoy it!

Christmas Home Tour by www.JennaBurger.com

[christmas 2015 home tour]

And there you have it… a recap of the last 365 days!  As another year comes to a close, I’m going to raise my glasses (or my computer mouse) and be thankful for all that’s been blessed to me.  My wonderful journey continues and with each day new + exciting opportunities arise.  As always, in turn, I will do what I know I was put here for and that is to inspire & create greatness.

Cheers to 2016 my friends!

Decorating with Southwest Style

Geometric patterns.

Rich colors.

Artisan-created goods.

All characteristics that epitomize the aesthetic of Southwestern style.

A mix of refined bohemian and Spanish styles, Southwestern decor incorporates warm hues + natural elements like wood, iron, and leather, making the beautiful, rugged style a favorite for those from the ‘burbs to the city.

New post up on BHG.com

Click to read the full article on >>> Southwest Style Decor

Decorating with Southwest Style Decor! Round up post on www.JennaBurger.com

Check out my bio page on Better Homes and Gardens

More content coming soon to be featured on BHG.com!

Schoolhouse Style Decor

Only days till Christmas.

Are you still hustlin’ + bustlin’ with shopping + preparations for the big day?

Amidst the Christmas Craze, I wanted to share that I have a new post up on BHG.com about Decorating with Schoolhouse Style.

It’s never too cool to bring classroom style + decor into the home. From industrial-style lights + school lockers, to vintage maps + globes, decorating with schoolhouse decor brings back the nostalgia of the younger years.

Click to read the full article on  >>>  Decorating with Schoolhouse Style

Decorating ideas using SCHOOLHOUSE style decor, Round up by www.JennaBurger.com

Check out my bio page on Better Homes and Gardens

More content coming soon to be featured on BHG.com!

Kitchen Renovation: Choosing a Quartz Countertop

Demo is complete.

Hardwood floors are stained.

Cabinets have been installed.

Countertops are FINISHED.

You heard me right… we have counters, which means we have a sink, which means we have use of a kitchen. YES!

It has been a busy few weeks around our homestead, but the kitchen is taking shape and I am thrilled to share with you all the details on the countertops I chose (natural quartz) + why…

Natural Quartz countertops in the kitchen was a great choice! It's durable, maintenance free, and so stylish. Check out more at www.JennaBurger.com

When the process of the kitchen remodel began, I was dead set on using granite for the counter material.  I’ve always steered my clients towards granite.  believed it was the best choice because of the vast selection, durability, and its uniqueness. No one anywhere will have the exact same piece.

When the time came to choose a material for my kitchen remodel, I wanted something light and minimal, like the gorgeous + drool-worthy look of marble.  And I say the look of marble, because it’s a material I wanted to steer clear of because it is too porous and will easily stain from acidic spills like orange juice, tomato sauce, and red wine.  As a family of 5 with young kids, I can’t be watching + micro-managing our kitchen like a hawk every minute.

With marble crossed off my list, I started my search out with lighter toned granites.  I found 2 I loved – Bianco Gabrielle and Bianco Romano – at Lowe’s, but I felt they had too much movement for the overall minimal, clean look I was trying to achieve.

Then my eye honed in on just what I wanted aesthetically + functionally!

Natural Quartz.

Silestone Quartz Lagoon

After giving myself a day to think it over, I knew that choosing quartz was the right + best choice for our kitchen.

The design options for natural quartz has grown tremendously over the past years and with it being a natural material (a must on my checklist), incredibly durable, and maintenance-free, it truly was the perfect material.

WHY NATURAL QUARTZ?

Natural Quartz

> Natural stone

> Extremely hard mineral giving it great strength

> Nonporous

> Stain-resistant

> Maintenance-free / never has to be sealed

> Cleanup can be done with water + mild soap.

> Cost: $60 to $100 per square foot

Once my cabinets were in place and I finalized my order for Silestone Lagoon quartz, a templater came to my home to take all the needed measurements for the new counters.

After a few weeks of living with plywood counters…

Gettign ready for new countertops to be installed

… and no sink…

Getting ready for new countertops to be installed

…the day had finally arrived for install.

I was floating on cloud 9 with excitement.

It was estimated for the counters to take 2-4 weeks for fabrication, but it took just about 2 weeks from templating to installation (with Thanksgiving in between).

The independent contractor that does the fabrication + installation through Lowe’s was incredible.  They were timely, courteous, and did a great job.  I was 100% satisfied!

eek – watch my wreath. they did.

Installation of Quartz Countertops

Because of the countertop overhang on the island, a steel plate was installed to give extra support.

Getting ready for new countertops to be installed

And then they laid the tops in place on the island and on the perimeter cabinets.

Installation of Quartz Countertops

There was one area on the perimeter cabinets that needed a seam.  The process for connecting the seam was very interesting.  They used this neat gadget to level + tighten the joint to make a perfectly, unrecognizable seam.

Installation of Quartz Countertops

And then they were done + gone, and I was left with gorgeous new countertops that I could finally stop dreaming about and instead enjoy for many days + months + years ahead…

Silestone Quartz Lagoon

And here’s a peek at the kitchen and how it’s progressing…  It’s almost done.

How To Choose the Right Countertop for Your Kitchen! Pros + Cons + Advice for countertop materials by www.jennaburger.com

There are many other materials to consider for the kitchen, but our top choice was Natural Quartz!

Want to learn about other countertop materials for the kitchen? Check out this post with a breakdown of 10 countertop materials to consider for the kitchen + the pros & con for each. 

10 Countertop Materials to Consider for your KITCHEN! Round up of material choices at www.JennaBurger.com

If you want to see all the posts documenting the kitchen renovation, here they are from start to finish:
Wonderful White Kitchen Inspiration
Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action
Demo Day: Steps for Demolishing the Kitchen
Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors
The Cabinets Arrive + Get Installed
Natural Quartz Countertops in the Kitchen
10 Countertop Materials to Consider for the Kitchen
Subway Tile Installation + Choosing the RIGHT Subway
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Options + Inspiration
Choosing a Paint Color + Wallpaper for the Kitchen and Dining Room
Kitchen Renovation: The Appliances
Dissecting the Details
Kitchen Renovation: REVEAL + RESOURCES

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWE’S USING KRAFTMAID CABINETRY.  ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF KRAFTMAID AND THE LOWE’S DESIGN TEAM.

Creating an Interior Design Plan + Mood Board

A few weeks ago, I shared a few favorite tools that I use to run my design business + blog.

All are must-haves to run my office efficiently (as possible, it’s never perfectly smooth), but my main go-to day in and day out is my Intel 2 in 1 laptop + computer!

From morning till night, this is my #1 for creating design plans to writing blog posts to browsing the web for inspiration.

I’m often asked what programs I use for the floor plans + mood boards I create for my blog and for client presentations. And today, you lucky dogs are going to get the inside scoop…

Creating a Design Plan + Mood Board

Whether designing a space for myself or for a client, the process typically starts by gathering inspiration + making notes about the proposed space.

Before an initial meeting with a client, I ask them to look through magazines + search online for spaces & elements that they are drawn to.  There’s no need for a common thread or a specific style.  That doesn’t matter.  Basically, if you love it – for whatever reason – tag it. Later, we can dig through the why do you love it…

The next part of the initial design process is to write down wants, needs, and use of the space + what the objective of the room will be.  How do you want the room to feel?  If the room could talk, how would the room describe itself?

These first steps gets the ball rolling for me to pull together how the room(s) will look, feel, and function!

FURNITURE PLAN

Next up, I create a furniture plan for the space(s).

For this, I use AutoCAD. Unlike inexpensive drag & drop architectural programs, AutoCAD is 100% manual to create the plan with exact measurements needed.  This program is most used by professionals in the Architectural field and has been around for many years.  I use an older version of Architectural Desktop 3.3.  Here’s a look…

Creating a Design Plan + Mood Board

For those of you who want to create your own furniture plan, there are many drag + drop programs to give a try.  Or you can try SketchUp, which is a 3D modeling program.

GATHER IDEAS

Simultaneously to creating the furniture plan (I make changes as I find items and can input the exact measurements), I am also scouring the web + my design resource library for furniture and decor elements to create the room that fits the look + feel + function I am designing.

I pull images from the web by saving them to my desktop or taking a screenshot.

Ever take a screenshot – a snapshot of your computer screen – on the web?  If not, it’s easy!  On your computer keyboard there is a button, PRNTSCR, typically on the top right.  Click it and you’ll take a shot of your computer screen at that moment.

This is a screenshot of a rug that was perfect for a loft space I am designing…

Creating a Design Plan + Mood Board

MOOD BOARD

Once I have a good handle on about 90% of the items that I want for the space, I start the creation of the mood board.  For this part of the design process, I use Picasa, a free picture program to organize + edit.  It has a collage-making section and is very user-friendly.

Here is a snippet when I was creating the mood board for the loft…

Creating a Design Plan + Mood Board

Once the Furniture Plan + Mood Board was complete, I was ready to print.

Here is the result…

Creating a Design Plan + Mood Board

This is the bedroom space mood board…

Creating a Design Plan + Mood Board

And lastly, the overall floor plan for the loft…

Creating a Design Plan + Mood Board

From the initial thoughts + ideas all the way through to creating a real living space, this is the process of developing the design + making the mood board!

ALL with my Intel computer.  I told you it’s my main go-to for running my business.

Along with working on local client projects, I also offer E-Design services to those living anywhere in the US.  For those projects, all communication is online. Along with my business + my blog, as I said before, my computer is like my 4th child… a little sad to say, but true.

Interested in learning more about my E-Design program?  I offer a slew of services.

Here’s an example of what I can do for you…

E-Design Services by www.JennaBurger.com

There you have it… a peek into how I create a design plan + mood board for clients.

I’m off to meet with a possible new client about another project…

More questions about running a design business?  Ask me!  I’d also love to hear about your ideas + experiences.

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST IS A PARTNERSHIP WITH INTEL TO SHARE MY THOUGHTS + HOW I USE THE INTEL 2 IN 1 LAPTOP FOR MY DESIGN BUSINESS. #spon

Faux Stacked Log Fireplace Screen

2 weeks till Christmas, WHAT?!

How can it be?

Last week was so great with the Holiday Housewalk!  Thank you to those who toured my home and left such sweet comments – I can not tell you how much your kind words + thoughts mean.

One part of the tour that I received a lot of happy comments on was the fireplace, specifically how I stacked all the logs so perfectly.

Fooled ya!

They’re not stacked at all, but instead it’s a FAUX stacked log screen that sits in front of the fireplace.  Not only does it look fabulous & hides the not-so-pretty-that-we’ve-wanted-to-replace-for-years fireplace, but it also is a barrier to keep the cold air from filtrating through.

Whether for aesthetic purposes or for heat conservation, if you love it, here’s how to make it…

DIY: Tutorial on how to make a FAUX STACKED LOG FIREPLACE SCREEN. check out how-to make it at www.JennaBurger.com

MATERIALS

> 1/4″ thick plywood cut to desired size

> Black Paint + Paint Brush

> Fallen Trees / Logs

> Powered Miter Saw (check out my favorites here)

> Liquid nails

> Magnetic Strips (optional, if needed)

HOW-TO

For Christmas and beyond, this is a great project to jazz up the fireplace.

1

Whether you are fitting the faux ‘screen’ into a fireplace opening or covering part of the fireplace (like I did), cut a piece of plywood to your desired size.

I measured beforehand and had Lowe’s cut my piece so I didn’t have to do it at home.

Paint one side of the plywood using black paint. I used leftover paint from the black wall in the living room.

The black paint allows the eye to be fooled that the space behind the logs is a lot further back than it actually is…

DIY: Tutorial on how to make a FAUX STACKED LOG FIREPLACE SCREEN. check out how-to make it at www.JennaBurger.com

Let it dry and in the meantime, head to step 2…

DIY: Tutorial on how to make a FAUX STACKED LOG FIREPLACE SCREEN. check out how-to make it at www.JennaBurger.com

2

While the paint is drying, start gathering fallen trees + logs.  Look for logs in various diameters between 1/2″ to 3″.

Here’s my lumberjack in our woods cutting a few trees that had just fallen.  Be sure to gather logs that are solid inside, holes = bugs (yuck)!

What a guy…

3

When you have a collection of various sized logs, it’s time to cut them into discs.

Imperfect is better! When have you ever heard that before…

Cut the wood in to discs that are about 1/2″ to 2″ thick.  This will make the “screen” look 3-dimensional like real stacked wood.

DIY: Tutorial on how to make a FAUX STACKED LOG FIREPLACE SCREEN. check out how-to make it at www.JennaBurger.com

4

In all, we cut about 125 discs in varying sizes and as the Mister was cutting, I was putting this jigsaw puzzle together…

The key is to start with the bigger pieces and fill in with the medium sizes, then the smallest.

DIY: Tutorial on how to make a FAUX STACKED LOG FIREPLACE SCREEN. check out how-to make it at www.JennaBurger.com

5

In no time, the puzzle was complete and it was time to glue.  No picture for this part, but one-by-one I used liquid nails to attach each wood disc to the painted plywood. Don’t skimp out on good glue… if you do, the discs WILL FALL OFF!

DIY: Tutorial on how to make a FAUX STACKED LOG FIREPLACE SCREEN. check out how-to make it at www.JennaBurger.com

6

Once the discs were in place, the board was heavy.  The screen is fairly thin, but with 125 +/- wood discs there is a lot of weight!  I had to be sure to secure it so it wouldn’t topple forward.

DIY: Tutorial on how to make a FAUX STACKED LOG FIREPLACE SCREEN. check out how-to make it at www.JennaBurger.com

For my fireplace, the “screen” lays on top of the glass doors instead of being inset into an opening.  To secure it to the fireplace, I added heavy-duty magnetic strips to the back of the plywood + I have it leaning on the fireplace handles.

DIY: Tutorial on how to make a FAUX STACKED LOG FIREPLACE SCREEN. check out how-to make it at www.JennaBurger.com

In place and complete…

DIY: Tutorial on how to make a FAUX STACKED LOG FIREPLACE SCREEN. check out how-to make it at www.JennaBurger.com

DIY: Tutorial on how to make a FAUX STACKED LOG FIREPLACE SCREEN. check out how-to make it at www.JennaBurger.com

If you missed my Christmas Home Tour that I shared last week, here it is with the faux stacked log fireplace, front & center… What a focal point…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

RECAP

Do it now or save it for later…

DIY: Tutorial on how to make a FAUX STACKED LOG FIREPLACE SCREEN. check out how-to make it at www.JennaBurger.com

Kitchen Renovation: The Cabinets

It’s been about 2+ weeks since I shared an update on the progress of the kitchen renovation and A LOT has happened!

Once the hardwood floors were complete and we were able to move back into our home, the CABINETS ARRIVED.  It was a very, very exciting day to say the least.

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

For this kitchen renovation that I am partnering with Lowe’s on, I chose to use cabinets by Kraftmaid.

Not only does Kraftmaid have an extensive selection of cabinet styles + colors, their attention to detail is exquisite, as well as the craftmanship of their product.  When I started the design process for this renovation, I was quite impressed with all the ‘bells & whistles’ that they offer (many of which come standard with their cabinetry) + the variety of storage solutions they offer.

Once the design plan was in place and the cabinets went into production, a date for their arrival was lightly scratched in stone (versus ‘set in stone’ – bad joke, I know).  We didn’t know if the cabinets would actually arrive on that date, but the Lowe’s independent contractor worked day after day to have everything with the walls + floors buttoned up by this magical date.

So the morning of the date comes and I heard crickets…  I never was so anxious to receive a call, and THEN my phone rank and I was jumping for joy.

The cabinets DID arrive as planned on the date and I was able to breathe again…

The delivery company unloaded the truck box by box and stacked them ALL into my garage.

Cabinets Arrive

There were a lotta boxes and the garage was filled to the max!

The cabinets were gorgeous.  Just how I imagined.

And then the fun began of installation…

The following Monday, the contractor got started with installing the cabinets in the empty shell that we once called our kitchen.  The upper cabinets (which there are only 2 of) were the first to go into place.  They set the placement for everything else thereafter.

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

Once the upper cabinets were in place, the base cabinets were installed, followed by the cabinet above the refrigerator + the pantry to the right…

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

By the end of Day One, this was the progress that was made.

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

I loved watching the new space evolve.

I literally gasped with excitement as each new cabinet was set into place.

Day after day, more progress was made and it started to look & feel like a kitchen.

A real kitchen.

After dreaming about this space for so long + being without a functioning hub for weeks, it felt so good.

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

In about 5 days, about 95% of the cabinets were installed.

And then IT HAPPENED…  after weeks of living out of boxes, I was able to put away all my kitchen essentials.

A glass of wine + some serene tunes on Pandora and IT WAS A PARTY.  By myself. With my dishes.

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

Above…

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

Below…

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

…There is so much incredible storage + space.  From the outside to the inside, every nook & cranny is so pretty!

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

CABINETRY

For this kitchen renovation, I chose the Cayden line of cabinets in Dove White (perimeter cabinets) + Greyloft (island cabinets) by Kraftmaid.  It’s a full overlay door with an inset panel and minimalist detailing.

For the hardware, I chose the sleek polished nickel Fordham pull.

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

This was the palette that I created during the design phase and the actual space is really coming together how I envisioned. squeal…

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

Without giving too much away, here are a few close up peeks at how the finished cabinets look once installed…

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

The crown moulding still has to be finished, but the flat stock has been added.

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

CABINET INTERIORS

Check out a few snapshots of the cabinet interiors…

Kitchen Renovation + Cabinet Installation using Kraftmaid. Before & After @ www.jennaburger.com

WHY KRAFTMAID.

It’s a fair question.  From Ikea to custom, there are a zillion cabinetry companies out there to choose form, so why Kraftmaid?

DESIGN. Lowe’s offers a great service of working with a kitchen designer who can create a plan for you.  Whether you know exactly what you want or need hand-holding + direction, the Lowe’s design team will work with you to implement a plan.  You not only want to create a high-functioning space, but also a kitchen area that fits your style + aesthetic…  the Lowe’s kitchen designers can do that for you!

SELECTION. Kraftmaid has an incredible selection of cabinet styles, colors, decorative enhancements (add-ons), storage solutions, hardware, etc…  Having options allows the possibility of achieving a custom-to-you, one of a kind kitchen!

QUALITY.  Kraftmaid stands behind their product (check out their warranty) and with a big investment you want a company that cares about their product.  Their attention to detail + the craftsmanship of their product is exquisite.  What other cabinet companies upcharge for, Kraftmaid cabinets come as standard including solid wood dovetail drawers that are full extension + soft close and a finishing system on their doors to make them twice as resistant to scratches.

STORAGE. Kraftmaid has a huge selection of storage solutions.  As much as the outsides of the cabinets need to be pretty, the insides have to be functional.

I am so thrilled with the progress of this kitchen renovation.  I will be 100% honest, the renovation process has been exhausting + wearing and I haven’t even lifted a finger (with all the DIY we do, I couldn’t not imagine doing this as a do it yourself project… that’s just too much for me).  There have been frustrating + tiring days, but I just keep focusing on the end result.  In mere months, this renovation will be simply be a past moment in time. For now, I’m just thankful to have cabinets + focusing  on the day-to-day progress!

Next up… countertops.  I can not wait to share with you what I chose!

If you want to see all the posts documenting the kitchen renovation, here they are from start to finish:
Wonderful White Kitchen Inspiration
Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action
Demo Day: Steps for Demolishing the Kitchen
Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors
The Cabinets Arrive + Get Installed
Natural Quartz Countertops in the Kitchen
10 Countertop Materials to Consider for the Kitchen
Subway Tile Installation + Choosing the RIGHT Subway
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Options + Inspiration
Choosing a Paint Color + Wallpaper for the Kitchen and Dining Room
Kitchen Renovation: The Appliances
Dissecting the Details
Kitchen Renovation: REVEAL + RESOURCES

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWE’S USING KRAFTMAID CABINETRY.  ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF KRAFTMAID AND THE LOWE’S DESIGN TEAM.

Christmas Home Tour 2015

Welcome!

I am elated that this day has finally arrived.  I’ve been busily and excitedly preparing + waiting for weeks to give you a tour of my home decorated for Christmas…  And today is the day!

I can not believe it is my 3rd year (check out 2013 + 2014) on the Jennifer Rizzo Holiday Housewalk and I am thrilled to show you lots of new spaces.  If you are following along on tour (start the tour here), I am house #19 and the first on the tour for today.  If you’re continuing through from yesterday, then you just hopped on over from Restoration House.  Wasn’t Kennesha’s house just beautiful with all her fresh greenery?!

holiday housewalk Restoration house, stop 18

Amidst a big renovation (we ripped out our kitchen…), I ‘m shocked that I was able to pull ‘Christmas’ off this year.  I think without this Housewalk Tour planned, decorating for Christmas would have gone to the wayside.  So thank you ALL for the nudge to create this years magical space.

Without further ado, grab a cup of joe or your favorite hot chocolate, put your feet up, and enjoy.

Let the tour begin…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com

Our beautiful boxwood (by the way, it’s faux…) welcomes us + guests into our home.  It adorns the apple green colored front door and a red burlap bow gives the perfect layering contrast.

Come on in…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Not overly large, but well-thought out + functional, our foyer is decorated with hues of golds and reds.

My approach for holiday decorating, especially at Christmas, is to add in seasonal layers amongst the everyday decor.  Accessories are changed out, but our family is still hustling & bustling all day, everyday, so the main elements are still in use.

My new favorite addition to this years holiday decor is the adorable vintage red bicycle pillow created by none other than the fabulous Jennifer Rizzo.  Snag one for yourself at her Society 6 shop!

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

The beautiful gold dresser (which holds the kids shoes) is still the main focus of our foyer.  I swapped out the pictures above and added in a chalkboard printable that was created by my sweet friend KellieMay you days be merry & bright, And may all your Christmases be white.  Above it I added a simple gold glitter wreath.

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Atop the dresser, I filled a large vase with branches from the yard and hung medium sized ornaments in shades of chocolate. hmmm. I love the height & ‘drama’ the branch arrangement gives our entry.

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Other seasonal favorites fill the dresser top including small trees, wrapped presents, and DIY creations like the JOY ornament that I made using a gold Sharpie.

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Since making our CHRISTMAS BLESSING card holder a few years back, I seem to find a ‘new home’ for it each holiday season.  This year it fit perfectly in this spot of the foyer & beautiful cards from friends + family have already started to trickle in.

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Pretty paper in patterns of houndstooth, stripes, and a reindeer silhouette were used to wrap presents.  Then ribbon, ornaments, and rosemary were used to dress them up. I love giving a present that smells just as good as it looks…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Let’s head from the foyer to the dining room where you can finally get a glimpse of our tree…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Do you see it?  Do you see it? White twinkly lights reflected in the glass…  We’re getting closer…

My beautiful Craigslist-found china cabinet is draped with beautiful magnolia garland (again it’s faux) along with a simple strand of pom pom garland (sent by my friends at Minted).

I wish I could show you more of this space, but honestly it’s still kind of a construction zone.  I guess I could put bows on all the boxes & add them tot the tour, but I’ll spare you, lol.

Let’s just keep looking for the lights.  I see another glimpse…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

There it is.  Our Tree. Our beautiful Tree decorated for another Christmas season.

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

And the lights off for a different view without the lights…

just snagged that copper Merry Christmas garland from Target & I love it!

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Yes the tree is a material object, but it symbolizes so much.  It tells so much about our family.

Who we are.

Where we’ve been.

What we love.

I can honestly say, other than putting the garland + ribbon on, I had no part in the creation of the tree.

All the credit goes to these 2 …

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

It might not be the prettiest or ornately decorated (hands down, I know it isn’t), but I don’t care.  My kids l-o-v-e decorating for Christmas and since I have control of creating beautiful vignettes around the house, they have the tree.  Complete ownership goes to them!

No joke, this is me watching & enjoying as they took over…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

To me, FAMILY + MEMORIES is what Christmas is about.

I’m in love with how the family room came together for this Christmas.  It was enjoyable having a new palette to work with since renovating this space earlier in the year.

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Again, our everyday is layered with our seasonal favorites, family keepsakes, and DIY creations…

I shared our Christmas Mantel earlier this week, but it got a slight revamp since then.  Check out what’s inside the fireplace…  A lot of logs that my husband laboriously cut (not, it just looks like that – tutorial coming soon).

The look of the logs gives a beautiful focal point to the fireplace especially since we rarely have a roarin’ fire going.

Our stockings are definitely hung by the chimney with care…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

This space is our hang-out-do-everything room, so it has to be comfortable + inviting + functional. It’s not stuffy or inhibiting, but instead relaxing, enjoyable, AND most importantly reflects US!

A new favorite this season is this Oh-So-Warm + cute down blanket with the most adorable vintage car pattern.  It’s put us to sleep many-a-nights on this sofa with the TV still on at 3am…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

The Ho Ho Ho knit pillow is another addition this season and makes such a pretty layer on the sofa.

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

On a typical day, most things that sit on the coffee table get knocked off (thanks to the busy hands of a 17-month old), but for the tour I jazzed it up with gorgeous gold glitter cone trees + a few of our holiday books we love to read as we countdown to the BIG 2-5!

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Along with our special keepsakes to decorate with, I also love incorporating elements from nature.  Cut branches and greenery are all around us so where I can, I’ve layered branches + greens on the bookcase tops, the mantel, and in front of the TV…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

And on the windows I added three small boxwood wreaths.  They are just the cutest…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Lots of old mixed in with a few new festive treats, like this pillow that I just couldn’t resist from Target.

There is a definite reindeer ‘theme’ this Christmas…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Well there you have it.  Thank you so much for taking the tour of my home decorated for Christmas.  A lot of thought + love went into this years seasonal space, but important of all it’s meaningful to our family.

I hope I’ve inspired you with what I’ve created + shared.

Now on to the next house, At the Picket Fence, which is stop #20 on the Holiday Housewalk Tour.

You are in for a treat…

holiday housewalk tour, At The Picket Fence

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...
Thank you to Joss & Main and Good Housekeeping magazine for partnering with this years Housewalk Tour.  Also a big shout out to Garnet Hill + Lowe’s, who I collaborated with for this years Christmas spaces.  Their decor is gorgeous and I love showcasing their beautiful goods in my home!

Merry Christmas