A modern + rustic home: Happy New Year!

Hope you had a wonderful Holiday season and a very Happy New Year! Ours was spent with lots of family time and a fun-filled trip to Hawaii:)

We were not in our own house this year (and the house we are renting is furnished) and I did not plan very well. I did not pack any of our Christmas decorations. We ended up purchasing a few and, of course, we had a Christmas tree but I must say I was not very proud of our tree (so no pictures). But, it was still joyful and felt like Christmas:) We really do not have anything of our own at this house...except for some of the kid's toys, our clothes, and very few other "things". In one way, it was very refreshing to put all of our "stuff" in storage. It is amazing how very little you need to live with. In other ways and after months, I am really starting to miss our "stuff". Especially, our furniture, accessories, space, etc. After all, this is stuff we have collected over many years.

But, with the countdown at less than 30 days until our move-in date...we are getting so excited but there is still lots to do! It is going to be a very busy month!

This is where we are...

The floors are in...yippee!!

So, are the concrete countertops (well some of them in this photo)

The beginning of the pantry...please excuse the large holes in the wall. The shelves are installed at different heights to accommodate various food types. I am also excited to have the large storage area underneath the bottom shelf (dog food, recycling, etc. in baskets of course:)) and platters, dishware, etc. on the top shelf. I am on the look out for a narrow piece of (antique-looking)furniture for the back right side for more storage. You can never have enough storage, right?

And the house is being painted and the roof was replaced

Here is a before...thank goodness for white paint!

The arrival of our sliding and pocket doors was delayed (is that any surprise?) but 3 of the 4 are in so that will be completed this week. We are adding a Kolbe pocket door system where that large window is located and replacing/adding 3 sliders. This is ideal for Southern California as we are so fortunate to have indoor/outdoor living all year long. These will be finished in a slate gray.

We will be adding square footage to the patio and also a fire pit. I envision nights outside having wine and appetizers and roasting marshmallows. I love this image from Jay Jeffer's home in CA Home and Design. We will be also be doing a concrete fire pit.