I have shown you this vision of loveliness before. It is my friend Heather Bullard’s remodeled kitchen. I show it to you again today because it is almost exactly like mine. Except, mine is not white. Or pretty. Not yet anyways.
It is the layout that is similar, and sadly, that is where the similarities end.
Mine is still standard builder style, hers is full of Heather’s personality! But, I have hope for mine. Mine has the stove and microwave in the exact same place, and I am putting glass doors and dishes in the exact same places Heather did.
Yes, even though it is near the stove. Tsk tsk. I live on the edge, don’t I?
I like to live dangerously amidst the grime of cooking. I’ll admit it. I will risk a little grime now and then if it means I can soak in the beauty of my dishes every day. That makes my heart happy.
And isn’t that what living a beautiful life is all about? Living among beautiful things EVEN at risk of what MIGHT happen as you go about the daily process of life?
What are you waiting for? Live dangerously. I dare you.
It is another Beautiful Life Friday!
If you have followed my blog for awhile, time and time again over the past two years you have seen me turn the page to a new chapter in life. Some of it exciting, some of it wearisome.
We lost a job, we went through a long season of no income. Finally, my husband found a new job. We moved to a new state. Our house sale fell through. We started a new church from scratch in this new place where we knew hardly anyone. Last week, we sold our other house. And now, I think this book is FINALLY over and we turned the last page!
This week we closed on the house we are living in! Happy dance!
It now belongs to us. (Well, us and the bank went in on it together, LOL).
This long saga is over. Or is it?
Now, I think the real adventure will begin.
I’m glad you are sharing this journey with me! You all are the best therapy ever.
Where did YOU find beauty this week?
It is beautiful life Friday, where we pause to reflect on the beauty we found!
The beautiful life is usually right in front of us, if we only take the time to notice them.
Photo: Heather Bullard
Hi, I'm Melissa. This is where I share inspiration for creating a simple, authentic and beautiful home.
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Congrats on your home deal being sealed! That feels SO GOOD!
And her kitchen is very lovely….every detail.
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Stacking those dishes like that is artistic and pleasing to the eye. However, we have earthquakes too often in the Puget Sound area not to take precautions and apply museum putty to glass items. I had to clean up (and got cut several times) glass and ceramic bowls, plates and dishes after the last one.
Rita´s last blog ..Repurposing Queen
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Melissa @ The Inspired Room Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I buy that sticky tack in bulk and use it everywhere. It just keeps things tidier! Of course, it takes some tugging if you want to use one of your dishes and it is stuck to the one under it!
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Hi Melissa, I can’t wait to see what you do with your kitchen. And what a year – what a ride, eh? I’m happy for you! Peace!
Happy Friday!
Sandy´s last blog ..The Pantry is Complete!
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Melissa @ The Inspired Room Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
thanks sandy, yeah, it has been crazy!
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Oh dear…unfortunately, Rita is right. But you’re from Portland, you know all about our earth quakes! I’d rather see my beautiful thrift treasures that not. In the last quake, most things stayed on the shelves, anyway, especially if there was a little lip
I love all these kitchen pictures. Mine is a workhorse kitchen, and I’ve done very little to make it beautiful. Oh, but I want to! Thanks for sharing.
Myrnie´s last blog ..A Question of Translation, of Ethics, of Beads
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Melissa @ The Inspired Room Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Yep, I’ve experienced a few earthquakes! But nothing ever broke. Must have been all my sticky tack! I even use it under pictures on the walls to keep them straight.
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Hi Melissa!
Congrats on the closing! Yippee! I am so happy for you. Like you said, now a new adventure, an new chapter begins.
Heather’s Kitchen is so pretty! It just feels like a loved kitchen to me.
Have a wonderful day!
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I love Heather Bullard’s style.
This week I found beauty in my horse Archie and his new shiny spring coat and this stunning spring weather we’re having here in my little part of the world! Check the handsome fella out :
http://littlemissemmadesign.blogspot.com/2009/10/pony-tale.html
Have a lovely weekend,
Emma
Emma´s last blog ..{ Giveaway – Up, Up & Awaaaaaay! }
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Love that kitchen! The glass cabinet doors are beautiful. I would love to have a kitchen like that. Thanks for sharing this again! Have a wonderful weekend!
Shannon´s last blog ..Posh Porch Giveaway WINNER!
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Melissa, I am so glad to read this latest news! My heart rejoices with you. But through all of the uncertainties in your life, you continued to uplift and encourage others and for that I am grateful. It is a good lesson for me as I go through my own challenges. So know that I for one heard you loud and clear. This world isn’t our permanent home; we’re just passing through. But along the way, you’ve created beauty in your own unique way. And you spread the love of Jesus even when you don’t mention His name. You can’t help yourself. You’re a child of God.
Hugs and love,
Debbie
Debbie´s last blog ..Fitness Friday ~ Self Esteem
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so glad to hear your latest news Melissa
I think it has been a tough time for a lot of people recently…you know what, it is nothing to what our grandmothers experienced…
You must have heaved a huge old sigh of relief…revel right on it it sweetie
S
x
sarah { abeachcottage }´s last blog ..Simple Beach Cottage Things
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Melissa, I am SOOOOOOO happy for your family that y’all have two chapters complete in your lives…..closing of the “old” house and closing on your new house! YEAH!!!!! I can’t wait to see how you put your touches and transform this new house to make it y’alls home!!!
Congratulations….and have fun fluffing!
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Congrats on the house! Now you can really make it your own! We are at the beginning of that adventure and it has really been a time of learning to work together and be creative with decorating ideas as my hubby has more opinions than I thought! Oh, and I’ve been praying for your church – we’re on the church planting adventure, too!
My living dangerously is working to LOVE every minute with my small kids – even the messy, repetitive, monotonous, sticky, poopy, silly, giggly ones! And as far as decorating dangerously, I just thought last week about how I don’t love many of things in my hutch. (I’d never had a hutch before and am working on what I want in it – can’t be everyday stuff because of the location.) So, even though some of my family will think I’m crazy, I’m going to box up the (expensive, wedding gift) pretties I don’t love and use other things I do!
Abbie´s last blog ..Sunshine
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Congrats on the closing! I’ll bet you’re glad this is all over and done with. I love Heather’s kitchen! It does make sense to have the dishes by the stove, and I think a glass door cabinet would be easier to clean. I think it’s a great idea!
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I’m so happy you can get going on making all your creative, decorating dreams come true in your new home!
I love Heather’s display of dishes, but as my kids take turns to wash and put mine away, the plates and bowls we use every day are in special pull out drawers. My other jugs, mugs, cups and glasses, like Heather’s, are behind glass next to the cooker and they stay clean. The open, doorless cabinet, though, is on the other wall. It’s not for the “risk of what MIGHT happen as [I] go about the daily process of life”, it’s simply because we wash enough dishes after we eat and I can’t face cleaning tomato and olive oil spatter off dishes before we eat. My oldest is learning to cook, and splatter does happen. (We had a loose lid on the blender accident last week and it had tomato and chick pea soup in it.
) I’d rather take those extra minutes every day to write or read yummy blogs like this!
janice | Sharing the Journey´s last blog ..Does anxiety make you over-explain?
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I’m so excited that you are finally in your own home…and just in time for the holidays. I bet decorating this year will be extra fun! And that kitchen is pure perfection – can’t wait to see what you do with yours!
Kristen @ Beautifully Imperfect´s last blog ..In Which I Make a Risky Statement
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Congrats again on the home sale! I know you are going to have so much fun with the new house!
I like the glass cabinets but I am not brave enough to put them that close to the stove!!! Mine would be so hazy with little spatters of olive oil! Actually – that makes me think I may want to give my regular kitchen doors a good scrub this weekend!! Thanks for sharing!!
Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish´s last blog ..Friday Finds – Look!!! Oooh Shiny!!!
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Melissa, congratulations!! I can’t wait to see you transform this house into a home!
Christi´s last blog ..things I’ve learned {or remembered} this week
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Congratulations Melissa! I’m so happy that everything turned out well for you!
Astrid´s last blog ..Ein Apfel Strudel, several ghosts & a New Tooth
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What a beautiful kitchen…I’m not sure I’d cook in it, though! So glad to hear your news. Getting closure is a beautiful thing! Can’t wait to share in the next part of your journey. Thanks for such a wonderful, inspiring blog.
)
cindy´s last blog ..What I’ve been doing….
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Sounds like you are moving forward from quite a struggle … congrats on getting there. Heather’s kitchen is beautiful. I have open cabinets full of vintage dishes. I love to look at it but dread the day I have to clean them!!
Jennifer
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That is our family battle – function vs. aesthetics. Put those glass cabinets in! Heather’s kitchen is so peaceful and beautiful. Makes you WANT to do dishes!
-Trish
Trish@TheOldPostRoad´s last blog ..Featured!!
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I’m so happy to hear your good news! What a relief, huh?!
You’ll always look back on “that” time in your life and realize how it changed you in ways that are so fantastic. (At least that’s what I believe!)
Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last blog ..I Swear, I’m Still A Little Ticked At Fall
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I love Heather’s kitchen. So pretty! I’m a white-dishes kind of girl myself, so that look appeals to me. I’m afraid the insides of my cabinets aren’t “show-worthy” enough for that much glass, but I have one glass-fronted cabinet that I like to arrange with different things.
Great post title! You’re so clever.
Congrats on closing on your new house! That’s wonderful!!
Julia @ Hooked on Houses´s last blog ..A White Farmhouse with Vintage Appeal
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Melissa,
I am so happy for you that I am doing the Happy Dance all the way over here in NC! You are right, now the real adventure begins! I am in the midst of my “adventure” right now!
Hugs,
Penny
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Hi Melissa.
Have a blessed holiday weekend
Keep the creativity flowing…Right?!
I have been in Heather’s kitchen and it very pretty in person too!
Blessing to you!
Kay Ellen
kayellen´s last blog ..Treat Yourself
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I have been obsessing over that three tier wire basket since I saw that photo the last time you posted. It is just lovely. Where does one find that basket loveliness?
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Melissa,
I am so happy for you and your family. I remember the stress and constant state of limbo from buying and trying to sell the old home. I am glad that is over for you.
Does that mean you get to break out the paint???
Stephanie @ A Fine House´s last blog ..Clutter my World.
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Congrats Melissa, on the sale and purchase! I’m so happy for you. Can’t wait to see how you “Heatherfy” you new kitchen!
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Congratulations on your house being sold, and closing on your current one. What huge accomplishments, and how wonderful that you won’t have to stress about those things during the upcoming holidays.
Autumn´s last blog ..A rather blustery day, today
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I am SO thrilled for you! How exciting that you have purchased a home! I’ve been praying for you and have been encouraged by your story. God Bless-
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I am so thankful your house situation has worked out!
Rachel´s last blog ..Housekeeping Learned the Hard Way
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Oh Melissa,
We are so very happy for you and your family! Just think, a new turn in the road to discover and adventure along.
I don’t know about anybody else, but I would rather have ‘adventure’ (read: sometimes really hairy life challenges), than be ‘safe’ and never know what it is to discover trust in a faithful and loving God.
Life is hard…but it is good too, especially when we have friends to come alongside and cheer us, suffer with us, rejoice with us, on the way.
This is where I found beauty this week…in the laughing eyes and smile of my little boy…in the arms of my beloved husband…in the voice of a friend over the phone…in the simple frolic of our little dog with his toy…in the peace that only comes from knowing Christ.
Melissa, thank you for sharing with us your life. It makes the rest of us know that we are not alone in the ‘adventure’ as we share your downs and ups.
God Bless!
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Love your thought process……
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LOVE that kitchen.. it so charming!
Hope all is well with you!
Fifi
Fifi Flowers´s last blog ..Fashionable Halloween Costumes…
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Good for you Melissa! It’s good to know that things have turned around for you and yours!!! BTW, this kitchen is beautiful!
L.Duncan´s last blog ..SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL
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I’m new to your blog and your blog party — I’m looking forward to seeing the beautiful things that everyone is sharing this week
Congratulations on your house!! Now you’re one step closer to your dream kitchen — which is lovely
If you want glass cabinets next to the stove, then go for it — nobody ever got anywhere useful by playing it safe!! 
Kelly @ DesignTies
DesignTies´s last blog ..This beautiful Belgian-inspired home can be yours!!
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Melissa – I was sooooo happy to read the post about your former house selling. Yay!!! Now you can move on with your life. I can’t wait to see what you’ll do with your house now that it’s truly yours.
Many blessings,
Barbara
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what a wonderful answer to prayer on your house!! I’ve loved following your journey and participating in Fridays with you!!
Mary Jean´s last blog ..Do You Know What Your Kids Are Eating for Lunch?
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I love Heather’s kitchen – it has so many things that say “comfort” to me! Thanks for sharing – and congratulations on closing the deal for your current home!!
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Beautiful post. Life is funny, isn’t it? So many adventures we never ask for but find ourselves thankful for in the end. Congrats to you and cheers to new beginnings!
Jocelyn Stott´s last blog ..It’s Me
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Beautiful kitchen and I am sure yours will be as well!!! Congrats on closing on the house!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ll do the happy dance too! I ahve found beauty this week by being with my daughter, planning her WEDDING!!!!!!!!!!!! WE are having alot of fun evebn though it is hard WORK!!!!!! Have a great weekend, xoxo, Pinky
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I am always drawn to your blog – I feel our lives our so interestingly similar- New job, House not selling, just selling in August, moving, and to add to the list we started services 3 weeks ago in the little town where we have been ministering for the past 1 1/2 years.
God has blessed us with an old old home (I almost wish it had builder cabinets so I could paint them)- metal cabinets, 50′s decor and am loving making it a home and a retreat to the many people who walk through our doors and stay in one of the 4 guest rooms we have. It is an exciting time and I am glad you page has turned-
It will be exciting to see how the next page reads!
blessings
mary
Mary´s last blog ..A Joyous Pumpkin! and Giveaways!
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Ohhhh I LOVE this kitchen! If I had all those beautiful dishes I would need some glass doors as well.
Congratulations on the house. That is wonderful news!!!
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Sweet Melissa!
Thanks so much for the beautiful post. I just know that your kitchen will be absolutely wonderful and full of dangerously gorgeous things!
For me, the glass doors are very easy to clean with Windex and as for the open shelving…no worries if there’s an earthquake because in the end it’s just stuff. And I’d rather use it and see it on a daily basis and take the risk. Besides, we haven’t had one in a couple years. Knock on wood. ; O) Smiles, Heather
Heather Bullard´s last blog ..Giveaway Time!
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Your blog is a feast for the eyes. I love to visit with you. You have a wonderful eye and ability to create beauty. WHat a gift.
How lovely. How blessed your family is to have a mom who is making home a special place to come to!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on my blog. I stumbled on the little table at an antique store when I was returning to buy something else. But I saw it and got it instead!! I have enjoyed it.
Stop by again for a visit some time. Blessings.
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Heather’s kitchen is totally swoon-worthy! I just LOVE IT! And can’t wait to see what you do with yours! Congrats on your new adventure!
Aimee´s last blog ..Have an extra 30 million to spare?
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I LOVE Heather’s kitchen. I feel in love with it the moment she revealed it.
Can’t wait to see your kitchen! From seeing your last one, I KNOW it will be gorgeous!
living with lindsay´s last blog ..Inquiring Minds Want to Know
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I am absolutely salivating! I need some change around my place… *decorating sequence activated*
*grin*
Maven´s last blog ..Bridge Over Troubled Waters
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I’m thanking God with you for your new home. Of course, this is a bit selfish of me. I’m eagerly waiting to see how you “work your magic” on this new space. I admire your style, and always learn from your processes.
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Glad to hear that good news has come your way. I rejoice with you1
You provide a lot of pleasure for women here on your blog.
Can’t wait to see what you will do with your kitchen remodel.
a woman who is ´s last blog ..Last Chance Weekend
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I love that kitchen and want to do something similar in mine, too. I have the glass cabinets above and to the right of the stove, and yes, it can be challenging to clean, but it’s so pretty, it’s worth it. I love all her white dishes, too. I have collected milk glass for years and have it all put away right now, but am inspired to bring it all out again and enjoy it. It’s so pretty and clean looking. Loved visiting and will be back again!
Julie
Julie´s last blog ..Book Giveaway – There’s More to Life than Making a Living
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I really do try to make my surrounding beautiful. For some reason it calms my sensibilities.
Puna´s last blog ..November 1, The Tabernacle
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Congratulations, dear one! I am so happy for you! It is so great to know that you finally have a house that you can finally call home.
I cannot wait to see all of the lovely improvements that you will make. I am sure that you are already filled with infinite ideas!
Love you,
Debbie
DebbieW´s last blog ..And at the end of the Day, Life is Very, Very Good
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I always enjoy your posts… especially this one. My husband and I purposed long ago to live as simply and as beautifully as we can. This includes using what we have, but making the best of what we have. It also includes being unafraid of what might happen to some of our “treasures”. After all, it’s really the people in our lives who are the treasures and not the things. We are thankful for all kinds of lovely things, but we know that those are not what will last.
Blessings,
Christi
Christi from Charm & Grace´s last blog ..Autumn showing off!
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