HOUSE UPDATE: featuring Thermador
As most of you know, Dan and I bought a house about a year ago, with the plan of renovating it completely. Amidst the excitement and chaos during this time, I am putting in effort to periodically sit back and express joy for all the exciting changes that have already been made. If you have been following along with LIJ stories or Thermador stories, you probably have a rough idea of the progress that’s currently being made. With that, you all have been embarking on this journey with me, so I wanted to collect all updates, insights, and thoughts, for each of you! Keep reading for a full update on our home renovations (still feels so surreal to say that out loud)!
Exciting Updates:
I am going to start this with a few exciting updates that give a rough idea of where our focus is right now, and then we will get to the most exciting part (spoiler alert: the kitchen). Stepping into this adventure, Dan and I knew our lives would be a whirlwind of decisions, but boy, we had NO IDEA about the sheer volume of choices that have to be made! From the type of hardwood floors (we settled on this gorgeous, warm white oak that just lights up the whole space) to the intricacies of door jambs and knobs. It's been a journey of discovery and, full transparency, a test of our decision-making skills.
This past week, our primary bathroom got a bit of a facelift with a beautiful new slab installation. It sounds a little cheesy, but it feels like we're piecing together a puzzle, each part bringing us closer to seeing the whole picture. Next up are the cabinets. As most of you know LIJ’s sister company is LIJ Spaces, where we build custom built-in storage solutions. I am a little extra giddy for you to see the end product of our home because LIJ Spaces created the cabinets in our kitchen, vanities, closets, and laundry room. They are UNREAL!
Since we are hopping around topics right now, I think it might be worth mentioning that we've made a rather impulsive, yet exciting decision to add a pool to our backyard. I should preface that we planned to add a pool later on, but with summer around the corner, we couldn’t resist doing it now! The construction kicked off recently, and if all goes well, we'll be hosting pool parties in just eight weeks (the idea of the kids enjoying this over summer makes me so happy)!
The Heartbeat of Our Home: The Kitchen
Now, let's chat about the kitchen because, honestly, this space deserves its own spotlight. It's where Dan and I envisioned not just preparing meals but creating memories, hosting heartwarming gatherings, and maybe even having those late-night heart-to-hearts over a cup of tea.
If you saw my recent IG Reel, you probably know that the kitchen is a very special space for me. When I think of the kitchen, I think of memories with my dad, which are some of the most cherished memories I have. He was a chef, so it’s built in my bones to consider the kitchen as a vessel for community, love and laughter. Due to this, I wanted the design process to be a labor of love. We've poured over every detail, from the placement of the range to the type of refrigeration, ensuring each element not only serves a functional purpose but also resonates with our personal style.
And here's where Thermador stepped in like a culinary fairy godmother. Their 48-inch Pro Harmony Range is a dream come true for anyone who loves to cook. The precision of heat across the griddle and the six Star Burners make every cooking experience a delight.
Their 36-inch built-in fridge has seamlessly become a part of our kitchen's identity, providing not just a sleek look but the kind of functionality that makes daily life a breeze. And I must give a shoutout to the Star Sapphire Dishwasher—it's like the unsung hero of the kitchen, blending in perfectly with our cabinetry and making clean-up a hassle-free task.
I really wanted to take this moment to emphasize how much I believe in these products. To no exaggeration, they have been a giant factor in making our kitchen feel like home.
Reflections
Looking back at the chaos, the choices, and yes, even the challenges, I'm filled with gratitude. This journey has taught us so much about patience, about the beauty of creating something together, and about finding joy in the little things—like choosing the perfect shade of paint for the trim.
As we inch closer to moving in, I can't help but dream about the future memories we'll create in this home. From cozy family dinners in our dream kitchen to lazy summer days by the pool, it's the beginning of a new chapter for us, and I'm so grateful to have you all along for the ride.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being a part of our journey. Here's to creating a home filled with love.
XX, Jen