Thursday, March 25, 2010

Butcher Block Counter Top Swap


Every once in a while Kev and I get a wild hair and decide to take a day off.
He would like to do this a lot more than she does. She is obsessed with her work and would probably forget to go outside for weeks on end if it weren't for him. He, on the other hand, thinks it's important for her to stop and smell the roses every once in a while. Or in this case, the butcher block.
So Tuesday morning we jumped in the car and headed to Atlanta to see about getting a new counter top for the cabinets on the right side of the kitchen. You remember the cabinets on the right side of the kitchen, right?



They used to be in the guest bathroom, and we've been staring at that hole (where the bathroom sink used to be) for several months now. Tuesday morning, we finally decided it was "out with hole, in with the new"!

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It was a beautiful three hour drive to Ikea in Atlanta. The sun was shining, we found a great radio station to jam out to and since it was a Tuesday there weren't too many cars on the interstate.

Somewhere along the way, we stopped at a truck stop for a little food and fuel.
I was really craving chocolate chip cookies, so I got a small bag of Chips Ahoy. Mmmmm!

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Within seconds of popping cookie #1 into my mouth I realized there was something terribly wrong. You see, not only did it taste extremely stale, the consistency can best be described as that of a biodegradable packing peanut. It turned from cookie, to dust, to mush in 3 seconds flat. It was horrible and traumatizing, and I swallowed it. (shudder)

So if you're traveling somewhere today and you stop at a truck stop for a little treat, make sure you check the expiration dates on those snack packs. If it says 15NOV09, the cookies inside are no longer crunchy.

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We arrived at Ikea around one o'clock. Aside from the stale-cookie-mush, we hadn't eaten for a good three hours, so of course we were famished. (What's up with getting older and being hungry every three hours???)

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If you've been to Ikea, you know about their insanely awesome Swedish meatballs. That's what I got...

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Kevin got the chicken tenders. He's a big chicken man.

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Wait. That came out wrong.

Both of our meals were num yummy, but we were so anxious to get the counter top, we ate super fast and made our way to the marketplace within seconds of scarfing down our food.

Normally, I would've done a little homework before driving three hours to spend $59 on a counter top, $30 on gas and $10 on lunch- but since the whole trip was pretty spontaneous, I didn't even think about hopping on Ikea's website to make sure they had the counter top we wanted in stock.

So you can imagine the look on our faces as the sales associate said, "No, that one's out of stock. We should have some more in next week."

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I wanted to cry. Not like a full-blown bawl or anything like that. Just a little "Do-you-know-how-much-work-I-could've-gotten-done-in-seven-hours-if-I-had-known-
there-were-none-in-stock?" type of cry. I asked the helpful sales associate if there were any other butcher block counter tops available. "Yes", she said, "we also have one called "Numerar".

"Really?" (me, suddenly not feeling so bad about making the trip)

"Yes, it's $169" (helpful sales associate)

"Oh, wow. That's quite a big difference in price." (me, feeling bad again)

While the helpful associate explained the difference between the two counter tops Kevin and I engaged in a little mind reading through a series of various facial expressions...

My first expression said,
What do you want to do?

His expression replied,
I don't know, what do you wanna do?

My next one said,
We drove all the way here...

His said,
It's like 110 dollars different in price.

Mine said,
I know, but I don't want to have to drive back next week.

Then suddenly, we both jumped to,
Is she still talking?

Which, fortunately, led to,
Whew, she is, but we better make a decision. I think she can sort of tell we're talking telepathically and not even listening to her.

So Kevin gave me a quick,
Okay, let's just get it.

And I shot him a happy,
Okay. I love you. Over and out.

And we bid the helpful sales associate adieu, and headed toward the check out counter to pay for our chunkier-than-expected (in more ways than one) butcher block counter top.

Getting it into the car was almost as fun as paying the extra $110 for it...

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But Kevin finally got the trunk tied down, and we felt pretty confident that everything was secure. Driving home is never as fun as driving there, so we were sort of wishing we could just click our heels together three times, and be magically transported back home...

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...but black Chucks don't seem to work the same way ruby slippers do.



We got home around 6:30, and spent the rest of the night watching "Twilight: New Moon". (Loved it! Totally hooked. Can't wait 'til the new one comes out in June!)

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We unpacked the counter top today, and although we haven't sealed it yet, this is what an unsealed "Numerar" counter top looks like on top of salvaged cabinetry, painted "Mourning Dove" by Martha Stewart...

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It's so awesome having all that extra counter/cabinet space. And I'm hoping to wrangle some more space for things on the wall above it too. The possibilities are endless there, and I really want to make a big, bold design statement. It would be such a shame not to. All that open space is just begging for something dramatic, don't you think?

Speaking of dramatic, we also got a couple of things for the dining room while we were at Ikea...here's a sneak peek of one of them...

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Lots more renovation and decoration adventures to come!

'Til next time,



PS- Click on the logo below to read my first article on HGTV.com!


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95 comments:

Amanda said...

The new counter top looks wonderful!! x

Samantha2818 said...

Love the colour on your new counter top - it works great with the grey and white. Can't wait to see what you have in mind for the wall above.
~Sam

judi said...

My hubs and I took the same kind of trip to Ikea back in Nov.'08 for our butcher block countertop. We are 4hrs from the closest Ikea store-sure wish we were closer. I feel a trip coming in the near future..having withdrawals!
We love our Numerar counter, you can check it out at the1892farmhouse.blogspot.com
We chose to use Natural Tung Oil to seal the wood and it has held up so well, especially near the sink.
I LOVE your blog...you and Kevin make me smile and so does your decorating style. (ooh a rhyming comment!)
I loved the kitchen before but it's just as beautiful with the new color. Look forward to the finishing touches.
~judi ;)

Kristine at The Painted Hive said...

OMG!!! I think I have to drive a fair distance to my local IKEA and it's only 45 minutes away! Last time I was there I bought the exact same item you're "sneak peak'n". I'm gonna put it in my 'new' bedroom! I'm about to do a post about it too. I'm a new blogger from Australia and would LUV if you chose to stop by. We have such similar taste.
Kristine
xxx
http://thepaintedhive.blogspot.com.

Unknown said...

I have a butcher block countertop and I LOVE it! It's so warm and inviting. I don't have an IKEA anywhere close, unfortunately, so we had to get creative. My dad ended up making my countertop from a used bowling alley that he found on Craigslist. You can see it here: http://confessionsofjenny.blogspot.com/2010/03/kitchen-episode-7.html

Can't wait to see what you end up doing above the cabinets. :)

Lynn Kellan said...

I loved your telepathic conversation!! Love the butcher block and can't wait to see your other new ideas!

Vanessa Greenway said...

Awesome! I also enjoy the romance behind the 'scenes' like the picture of you guys sneakers. You two make a lovely couple!

KellyMellyBoBellyBananaFanna said...

I very much want at least part of our countertop to be wood in our new kitchen. Looks great.

Kelly

p.s. You and Kevin are too cute.

Lori said...

How fun! My best friend and I just had our first "kids free/girls weekend" a few weeks ago and we went to Ikea! Although I didn't have the meatballs the mashed potatoes remain as one of the most wonderful things I ate that weekend!
My friend had to leave without her favorite chair...slipcover not in stock.

Lisa~A Cottage To Me said...

I'm still bummin' about the cookies being stale! LOL You come up with some of the best ideas for your home! I enjoy your stories that go along with your posts too! Have a great day and your new counter top looks great!

Kare said...

I found myself saying Ooooh and Ahhh right out loud at the sight of the new counter. It looks fab!! I love those telepathic moments, 17 years into marriage and we STILL have those. And, yeah, I usually win too....(which I attribute to the single eyebrow raise). Love, love, love the pic of the black chucks!! You two have the best adventures...the thought of the stinky branches following you home still cracks me up!!

Have a super day!!
Kare

Skye McLain said...

Layla - I love your blog! I am so sad that I only recently found it. You are such an inspiration to me and I really enjoy your ideas and your presentation. Thanks for sharing all these thoughts with the rest of the world. It would be a dim place without you!

Good choice on "Let's just get this one." It is beautiful! I can't wait to see what you do with the wall above!

Chris said...

Uh, yeah. Totally worth the extra money! Love it. NEW MOON!!! I told you you'd love it! There's no going back now! We're both hooked!

Kerry said...

I completely get it...I have to drive 3 hours to my nearest IKEA as well...but totally worth it. I really love the look of your new counter top and the colour of the cabinets. Can't wait to see what you do with your counter-scaping and that wall above. Don't keep us waiting too long will you?

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Wow, I didn't know Ikea had great butcher block tops like that. I live just thirty-five miles N.E. of Atlanta and have only been to Ikea twice.

Vanessa@decor happy said...

Enjoyed your adventure to Ikea and the counter looks great. Congrats on your first HGTV article!

dedeetsyshop said...

LOVE it! I am desperately wanting butcher block countertops somewhere in my kitchen!! I also loved that you loved New Moon! I hosted a New moon party and am already planning our Eclipse Extravaganza for June 30!! My husband just rolls his eyes and my friends and I! ;)

www.deannablogs.blogspot.com
www.dedeetsyshop.etsy.com

Jennifer @ A Fine Romance said...

LOVE the butcher block...LOVE the black chucks...LOVE the fact that you watched New Moon. Just another reason to LOVE you guys even MORE! :) Totally cute post. The Lettered Cottage is always a favorite stop in my day. :)

My Cottage Charm said...

Yay you, I'm glad you got the counter back in one piece...and it looks awesome! Boy when you said your cookies were stale on twitter, I didn't think they were THAT stale...YIKES! By the way, it's 8AM and I now want Swedish Meatballs! Thanks a lot! LOL :)
Hope you have a great day!
Melissa

Simply Complex said...

1. The Food. Freakin' awesome. I have never been to Ikea, but if my husband gets relocated to CT/NY, then we will be near some and knowing Ikea has food just made me more excited about the prospect.

2. Chucks. Us too.

3. In case you haven't figured it out, from the looks of the block, it was worth the price.

4. Martha Stewart should hire you. Or you can replace her. I vote for the latter. (though she has some awesome ideas/things to look at.

Anne said...

Love it!!

Perhaps I missed it ... did you ever say what happened to the black furniture piece that was here? Was it a hutch? A bench? Am I going crazy? :)

Anyhow, loved the black cabs, but am realllllllllly loving the new, lighter look.

maura said...

Love that counter. It is gorgeous! It looks great on the cabinets! can't wait to see the other new items. It makes me want to make a spontaneous run to ikea too!

anita said...

weve used ikea in our rennos for years..and for years we drove from orlando area to atlanta..once THREE times in 3 weeks to get everything for a condo redo. thankfully the orlando ikea opened. we also have been to ikea in philly, iceland and paris..its all the same but the sheet sizes (i learned that the hard way)

Rachel said...

We have the same counter tops in our kitchen (recently put them in) and we're loving them. They're beautiful and practical. I'm sure you will love them too!

Tammy said...

I love the new counter top! I love that you guys were spontaneous about it too. Can't wait to see it all completed. You guys are amazing.

geri said...

Hi Guys.
Well I would have had a full blown cry.
Then I would have had a full out Happy Dance.
The Ikea butcher block top is beautiful.
It is way thicker and more substantial looking than the one they were out of.
Good thing it wasn’t a huge area to do.
It looks beautiful. I think it was a great telepathic decision.

I love your article for HGTV. I will pray for many more or
better yet, your own show with Kevin, including all your exciting jaunts and stories.
Have fun with your new purchases.
I am spoiled. I have an IKEA 45 min. away. Dangerous though
when you feel a need to shop come on. hehe
Cheers. Geri

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

I enjoyed reading your adventure. I too have to get the Swedish meatballs with every trip to IKEA. Yum! Your countertop looks fantastic and I can't wait to see what you place on the wall above it. Your kitchen looks beautiful!

Heather said...

The counter top looks great! I just went to the Atlanta Ikea for the first time this past Sunday. Which is pretty sad, considering I'm only 2 hours away from it. My husband and I are currently debating between the butcher block and the stone effect black countertop for our kitchen.

1 Funky Woman said...

You two are so much fun! Love the new countertop. Can't wait to see what wow statement you do above the counter!

angela walker jewelry said...

How pretty! My friend has butcher block countertops from IKEA in her kitchen and she LOVES them! I can't wait to see how it all turns out!
You and Kevin are so cute and so funny :)
Health and happiness to you both,
Angela
http://angelawalkerjewelry.blogspot.com/

Hillcrest Acres said...

Love the butcher block counter. I can't wait to see what you do the the wall.

LesleySW said...

Loved your story. I have done just that kind of thing SO many times. But it looks like it was worth it. It will be fantastic!

vanessa said...

Yall are too brave for stuffing that countertop in the car and driving through Atlanta!! We put the same countertop in out old house and put it in a year ago in our new home. 1st time we used Tung oil, this time we sealed with waterlox since we have an undermount sink.
I've got a very detailed post in my blog
http://kleypas.blogspot.com/2009/06/countertops.html

Unknown said...

You two are precious! You have inspired me to head on down ('bout an hour and a half) to my NEAREST Ikea (why, o' why don't they EVER seem to be close to ANYONE???). Layla, where did ya get them pretty tin things on top of the newwww butcher block? I would LOVE to know - pretty please? Blessings!

shannon i olson said...

love your story, counter top looks great. I have never been to Ikea, but I hope to go soon. It is a 4 hour drive to the nearest one around here.

Anonymous said...

Ooooo I LOVE it!!! I love your whole house (or at least the parts we've seen on the blog :) ) and it makes me want to re-do every room in mine!

Momma Wilson said...

LOVE the counter! My Mr. and I need to have a sick day, what a great idea!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

The counter top looks just gorgeous. I love the thickness. I can't wait to see what you do above it. Hugs, Marty

Anonymous said...

Layla you and Kevin are sheer delight. I have IKEA countertops too, but not butcher block, I have the laminate and they have chipped, well what do you expect for $38 so I am going to be doing the wood very soon. Fortunately our closest IKEA is only an hour away. Keep inspiring us older gals over 50 my dear!

LeAnn:)

Robin said...

You guys are so cute. I think it looks fantastic. It doesn't appear that you needed to build up those cabs at all, but in my house - my bathroom cabs are about 2.5 inches shorter than the ones in the kitchen. I love the butcher block!

Nadir @ Hodgepodge said...

That butcher block is divine! I love it! Can't wait to see what you do with the rest of the space.

The Grandy's said...

My husband and I were stationed at Fort Rucker for flight school (we normally live in Arizona) and I drove ALL the freakin way to ikea in Atlanta to buy a stupid chandelier for my daughters room that they also didn't have in stock. LAME.

Also, I've been swiping a few ideas of yours and just redid my mantel to look like yours. And boy howdie, it looks amazing. I linked your blog to the posting, I hope you don't mind.

www.4sweetpeasinapod.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Layla,

You have the ability to take an ordinary trip to Ikea and make it an extraordinary adventure in wonderland! I love what you have done with the kitchen. I have no doubt you will get more bang for your buck with the additional cabinet and counter space added to your beautiful kitchen. What did you do with the lovely bench and hutch? Can't wait to see what you do with the sheets.

Deborah

Unknown said...

Ha, we got a butcher block counter from Ikea from the damaged section (a little split) and used it to make a table. Sweet!

Would you be jealous if I told you we had not one but two Ikeas about 35 min from here? Gotta move to Canada!!! :)

BTW, your kitchen, and it's new colours, look really awesome.

Ellen said...

Ooh! i got those same curtains for my craft room!

ItchyBits said...

Sounds like it was a fun trip. Lucky you to have a partner in crime! I've been to Ikea once and left with nothing...except cinnamon buns. Not sure why - maybe too much to look at or the stuff too first apartmenty? Need to try again I think. If you get a break would love to know where you found that runner in your kitchen??? Love it. Plus I think I need a bird cage. Good for you with the HGTV article.

Sandy said...

Hi Layla and Kev,
Love to read your cute stories! Hubby and I like to go to IKEA and we are lucky our store is only about 45 minutes away. I don't remember hubby picking me up like that when we arrive though. LOL! We're getting too old for that (and too heavy). We don't like the food at IKEA - hubby makes fun of the meatballs. On the way home we stop at Max and Erma's for lunch. When we bought our IKEA big screen HD TV stand I picked the box out. While loading it into the car hubby noticed damage on the one side. He had to take it back in to the exchange counter before he could get another one. Now I let him pick the boxes. We just bought another TV stand on wheels (black) for our TV in our finished basement. Hubby hasn't put it together yet. I bought two of those white picture shelves for my craft area. I can't believe you changed your kitchen already! I like it both ways but maybe just a little bit better in the lighter tones. What happen to the bench you had in your kitchen? I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with the wall above your new kitchen counter top.

Teacup Lane (Sandy)

Folkman's said...

The new countertop looks great! We have an Ikea about an hour away form here and I have only been there once! Looks like I will need to be taking a trip! Love the new Kitchen makeover! You have got some ambition to paint the whole thing again! Looks great!

Shilo said...

Layla, how fun that you were able to get your new counter top!
I just HAD to tell you that there is this old radio show called Chicken Man. Check out this link for the first episode! It is hilarious! But be warned...you and Kevin might be quoting the tag line if you listen! :)
http://www.danoday.com/chickenman/chickenman.shtml
All the best,
Shilo

Samantha said...

Now I know you guys probably don't need one of these, but you made it on to my list for an I love your blog award, so if you would like to collect it then just follow the link http://thishomesweethome.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-love-your-blog-awards.html

Because I love you guys and your blog!

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

I LOVE IT! I would have been full blown bawling if it had been me... but glad you got the other one. Can't wait to see what all you do with the rest... and about the Twilight/New Moon thing... (just went to LaPush with some girlfriends a few weeks ago and released our inner 14 year olds. It was great-)

It's gorgeous there- http://www.lemonademakinmama.com/2010/03/three-days-with-my-friends.html

Kira =] said...

So nice to know DH & I aren't the only ones to communicate with looks in front of sales associates!!

Definitely looks like you had fun getting it loaded in the car! You should've seen me loading a 6ft picnic table into my van while occupied with 3 toddlers in car seats by myself in a parking lot. Thank goodness for stranger's kindness & ingenuity!

New Moon - *sigh*

gme said...

The new counter top looks beautiful as does the whole kitchen redo. One question, where did you put the neat bench Kevin made that you had there?

Lanie said...

Where did you get those great cake dishes on counter?

Cindy @The Flipping Couple said...

Wow, love it!! I mean, the extra sink hole was nice and all but this is beautiful! We also added an extra counter into our kitchen and man oh man do we love the extra space!! You can never have too much counter space in a kitchen.

ps - now I'm craving swedish meatballs...

Anonymous said...

I know I am working too hard when a trip to Ikea is my Big Outing - funny, I feel one coming on after reading your adventure!

I have had their butcher block in various kitchens for years, and it always looks handsome. In the US some people are suspicious of the low prices (or is it simple snobbery?), but I have one sofa fifteen years old which came over from the Old Country with me and is still in perfect condition (I made new linen slipcovers - the Ikea ones shrank!)

TheVirginiaHouse said...

It looks great! I can't wait to see what the wall turns into! Your pictures are always so inspiring no matter if they are an expired cookie package or a beautiful kitchen butcher block! Great job.

Amanda said...

That Ikea is very close to me. I love it!

chiara said...

The numerar is worth the extra money. From what I've read, the thinner one has a tendency to warp (we were considering it as an option but then went insane to the other side of the budget spectrum and got soapstone).

With you being in the South and that humidity, the numerar was the way to go. It looks great!

Ginger@cottageonrosewood said...

I have the same countertop and LOVE it. Can't wait to see it finished. I can top the cookie story. I had a moldy carrot cake once and took a bite before I realized it (nighttime). Gross. Kind of made me not want carrot cake again.

Bethany said...

I LOVE IT. And I totally own those curtains:) I had a similar experience a few weeks ago going to ikea (1.5 hours away in Bristol) and buying a "sofa bed" (according to the sales person) that didn't even recline (once we got it home and assembled). Customer servie people in England are way less helpful than in the States. As always--love what you've done with the place:)

Anonymous said...

I've got that very countertop bookmarked for our house to be - we have a ginormous chunk of vintage marble for an island, too. Of course the quote I've gotten for moving it pretty much negates its "free" acquisition - why, always?

So beautiful, it's inspiring and yet entirely un-guilt-inspiring to read/see ya'lls work...that's a hard thing to do. Thank you.

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

I love Ikea! The block looks wonderful in your kitchen! Can't wait to see what you put on the walls above it :)
Take care-
Kristin

Bohemian chic said...

That counter top rocks. So does New Moon. Did you read the books? Those had me up all hours of the night. Are you a Jacob fan or Edward fan?

Lynda @ SportsMadGirl said...

I am so craving some of those Swedish meatballs now!! I LOVE them (as in could eat them everyday). The counter top looks great! I can't wait to see what you do above it.

Gracefully Vintage said...

TOO CUTE!! you know i just went to Ikea for the first time a few months ago.. Could spend hours in there.. Love IT..
Can't wait to see more of your work, I will be checking out your article,so exciting, love all the inspiration...
Amazing.. The Tie down looks familiar, many times my heart-head are bigger than the suv, had to go back in thrift store to buy an electrical cord to use to tie down the back of my tahoe.. (TOtally True!!) i wasnt leaving without the Hutch..
Love the Blog- WOuld lOve to Follow YOur designing-and get inspired..
Karryann

Kim from The Sheep's Nest said...

You guys are too adorable! The counter top looks wonderful in your beautiful kitchen. I'm glad you decided to "go for it"! Such fun! Kim

Ally said...

We were just looking at that yesterday in the catalog. So is the Lagan a laminate or a wood? I thought it was a laminate that looks like wood...just want to be prepared if they are out of something when WE make the three hour trek. Ugh. :0) In any case, I think you guys made the right choice. It looks great!

Katie Lewis said...

We got our butcher block for our dresser turned island at Ikea - Atlanta, too! We love it! It really deepened in color and "texture" when we sealed it and adds just the right amount of natural to the kitchen. :) Maybe we'll see you there sometime on one of our spontaneous (only 1 hour)trips there..we're usually the ones with the 5 bored kids following behind us!

Crafty Niche said...

Can't wait to see the reveal! I so want butcher block for my kitchen counters!!

Abbie said...

Ugh. I feel your pain. I had the same thing happen after driving almost 7 hours (one way) to IKEA last month. I went with a girlfriend and had other things I wanted to get, but my two major items were out of stock. I thought I was going to cry.

The new countertop looks fabulous.

Anonymous said...

Who knew IKEA carried butcher block counter tops??? Not I and I've shopped there for over 20 years. Gracious.
Well done! Love, love, love it.

Tricia said...

I'm so glad that everything worked out for you guys. Tying down the trunk kind of cracked me up because my husband's fav. thing to do at IKEA is to load up on the packing twine that they provide at the curb. It's like some weird victory to him to make sure that he gets loads of it. You know. Just incase. ;)
The countertop looks great. I love the chunkiness.
Oh, and I'm super excited to check out your HGTV.com article. Yay!

Happy Friday!
XO*Tricia

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

The counter is going to look amazing. I'm looking forward to see what you do with the wall above the cabinet.

Ashley said...

great choice on the counter and cabinet colors - so calming and "tidy" (for lack of a better term)
:) can't wait to see what you have coming up next!

Stacey said...

Your kitchen rocks! Above your new butcher block I was thinking that two med - long shelves would be nice, on the lower shelf maybe a row of wicker baskets with circle tags on the front "1, 2, 3etc" and then a collection of pretty white vases or pitchers on the top?

I'm sure you have a million ideas! Loving your blog!

Stacey xx

Kacey said...

I always love what you guys come up with! It looks great. Now I'm wishing for butcher block countertops for my kitchen.

Sue Pinner said...

Wonderful story telling Layla and know that feeling of sorry it's out of stock right now and our journey is under an hour to our favourite Ikea store
Well worth the extra cash though butchers counter top looks absolutely fabulous
I love happy endings x

awal.ny said...

You are a hoot. My sister and I have an Ikea story, we have to drive to Canada to get to it, and for some reason we could not find the entrance, but we could see the building behind all the roads and trees and buildings, needless to say we drove around Ikea in circles until after an hour of asking people how to actually get in. I fell in love with the place and we make a pilgrimage at least twice a year. I am in love with all white and I have 2 slipcovered chairs from Ikea and they are the best. I love the counter top and you are doing a great job.
www.arborhouselane.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

cute post! loved the outcome. i really enjoy your blog and all the fun projects. thanks for posting--rs

The Pennington Point said...

Wow....it's really coming along. I am just wondering where in the world is that IKEA? The ones Ive been to have all had packed parking lots...even during the week.

I think you're going to love that butcher block countertop! Lisa~

Greyfreth said...

Layla, your posts are SO cute. I love the new counter, it was worth the upgrade, and I love your new kitchen look! I have that same paint in my house (the mourning dove grey - the evening moth, too! - don't you just love the names?) it looks great in your kitchen! The pear branch is dreamy.

xo Isa

Alyssa said...

There is nothing like a gas station sandwich. Try one of those-Bluck!! But stale crunchy cookies would be a nice dessert... Looks awesome! I love IKEA!!! I went to the one in Sweden and in MA...funny, no difference ;)Looks so great!

Leah said...

Layla,
The butcher block looks great! Have you thought of putting cafe shelving up on the wall above for more dish storage? That would look so pretty!

Here's a link to some pretty shelving at Ballard Designs:
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Wall-Decor/Wall-Shelves/Cafe-Shelving-10-Deep/p/2127?path=1%2C2%2C1468%2C1544&iProductID=2127

Can't wait to see what you do there!

Heather said...

Layla,
Glad I stumbled on your blog a couple of weeks ago! Your style is very similar to mine and it is great to get some fresh ideas.

For that space above your new counter, how about using your talent in photography to shoot an outdoor scene you love. Then blow the picture up really big and frame it behind an old paned window, or use a few large frames close together and cut the picture between them. Sort of a faux window to the outdoors. Of course you'd have to be willing to give up all of the storage possibilities of the space.

Can't wait to see what you do - I'm sure it will be beautiful!

~Heather

The Painted Home said...

I'm dying to see where the black bench went!!!

Abbie said...

The butcher block looks great! And I'm jealous of the extra counter space - that's the one thing my kitchen is short on. But ... where did your custom-built bench go? I'll be watching to see what new spot it found!

Kim said...

IKEA is soooo dangerous for me...we have one 10 minutes from our house & I could spend so much money there! Once I get into their marketplace section, I pick up this & that & it all seems so cheap. Next thing I know, I've spent 10x what I meant to spend!

Woven and Spun said...

Lookin' good guys!
What did you do with the bench seat Kevin made? I like that and hope you find another place to use it.
I have an IKEA just 5 mins from me. My kids and I know it back to front - they love to go there for a meal and I love the bargain bin area!
My house is almost embarrassingly loaded with IKEA stuff : }

CarolAnne - camdesign said...

I love the new counter top, I did not know they sold them...
One of my offices is 2 minute drive to Ikea, but I must admit I do not go too often...takes to much time to walk through and find something...to find they do not have what I want...sigh...
I do use the swedish meatballs as a reason to get my hubby to go with me ...he hates Ikea but will go there for dinner.lol...and you must walk through the store before you eat, right? lol He always says as he is eating dinner... you did it again didn't you...you got me to walk through... hehehehe
Yes, the meatballs did it...

Unknown said...

1. LOVE the countertop. Ive considered ikea butcher-block for a long time and you totally just convinced me.

2. i just had my first ikea trip of all time and i got super giddy when i realized you drove a freaky long distance to shop sweedish goodies too!

3. that's totally the same as my old, and first, car; Howie.

4. cute shoes.

Anonymous said...

Well, I like that chunky look, I like it a lot. I think it looks like it cost more (obviously it did), and it just has a better feel.

I have been trying to talk my husband into a trip to IKEA from Birmingham. He adores Swedish meatballs, so if I tell him you said they were good, would I be lying?

Scribbler

Gail said...

The countertop looks great! I totally get not wanting to drive an extra 6 hours for the other one. Time is money as my Mom says. And I can't wait to see what you do to the wall space behind the butcher block. I vote clean, white shelves...but I know that whatever you decide will look awesome! Hey, speaking of awesome, how's the guest bath coming? No pressure though. ;)

-Gail

Dreamy Whites said...

Layla,
You guys are so darn cute! LOVED this post! My sister lives in Atlanta, she is a R.N.
Have a wonderful day!
Take Care,
Maria

Rachel Elizabeth said...

I am in love with the counter and happy we live only 15 minutes from an IKEA