It has been four good years in this apartment. Many windows still don’t have curtains, paint touch-ups remain uneven, light switches have gone unreplaced. I have always had big plans for the little things, but as time wore on, those were increasingly slowed. Real life in whatever way or season, took over, and an attention to the small but grand changes were cast aside again and again. It is not that I wouldn’t hit a light switch and be reminded that its face needed to be replaced. Or that the chair in the dining room would very likely crack into pieces if the kids sat in it without pulling it out all the way. I knew and I was reminded of all of this, and for the most part ignored it anyway.
To contend with this, you would have to understand that I am the kind of person that likes weird things; beat-up couches, hole-clad sweaters, chairs that rock a little too much, but hold their character. Everything I hold dear, has almost always been loved deep by someone before me. I could care less if something is slightly broken, though I should. In the before times, I redid the kids’ play kitchens, we built bunk beds from wood we cut ourselves, and our kitchen was completely renovated over days with contact paper and paint by yours truly. That isn’t the case unless it’s vacation, or a weekend alone or the summer. I understand this could be a struggle for some if you’re looking for things to feel finished. Nothing, ever, is finished in my book. And it is not because I only often reproach with new eyes, I just sometimes won’t finish.
Projects do have a way of playing out in my head though. So of course, part of me believes that most of the push-off of finalizing projects is to unconsciously and continuously keep my mind and my hands busy. While I can’t really say for certain one way or another, I believe the kitchen nook is a prime example of this.
This nook is a combination of everything high and low. A mix of found vintage chairs, a bistro table, vintage candle sticks and an Akari light sculpture that took me years to settle into as a purchase. The scarf that was hung as a curtain still lives on, unfaded (so far) with holes for pins. A low-light pathos sits on a perch shared with cats sleeping in the spring sun. After purchasing a new rug for the living room, I moved the living room rug in the kitchen. Once again, knowing it was a temporary solution, while simultaneously noting that it was in fact the least expensive option. An option that would not cause immediate regret, but would ultimately ask that I readdress it in the long term. You know, whatever long term means in this case.
Any high-low nooks at home of your own?
Such a beautiful space. I was wondering if the pothos plant is safe for cats.
Hi Jay, they are not. But fortunately, my cats are very uninterested in this particular plant (I’ve watched out for it for many years). They just hide behind it. However, any plant that is tall and wirey is pretty much bait for them for some reason. So the one that I do have that is poisonous and fits that bill, stays in my room. And I don’t bring others in. But I think the pathos not hanging is just boring I suppose.
x
L
Haha, I love your high low kitchen design and resontated with this essay, Latonya! Also, any room with a dedicated sun perch for kitty = design win in my book 🙂
My partner and I recently moved in together to begin building shared life routines and to save for a house down payment one day. Both of us love our respective sofas and envision a future home with them. The kicker is that one of us has a red sofa, and the other green … So, our temporary solution right now is to tuck the smaller green sofa into the kitchen and use it as banquette style seating for the dining table. I promise it actually works! 🙂
Hi Mel, I totally can see how that can work! I have a vintage sofa I love that needs reupholstering that sits in the dining room ONLY for a future house… its been four years.
I really love this post. I think I’ve had similar mindsets of “this is temporary” when it would come to spaces in my own apartment. And this was encouraging because I think this nook is gorgeous! Maybe intention is good to get me getting objects I love and then needs at that time make it. My nook is probably my little work from home/desk set-up. I’ve changed it so many times during this past year to suit my needs and I love it as it develops.
I love that, Georgette! Do you think your approach to work has changed along with the change of set-up?
L
Very much so! I’ve probably had my most productive year doing personal writing and really accepting my own work style. I used to love hopping around work spaces & really lovely coffee shops, so it was fun setting up my home version of that. And finding my focus in a different way!
I love this! I love the idea and intention of looking at one smaller space, a nook, and giving it particular love. Must be so nice to sit there with coffee..