Annnnndddd here’s the living room 🙂
We debated the placement of the furniture for a while but eventually decided this is the best for conversation and walkability. No TV anymore! We hope to one day get a smallish flat screen to go on top of the fireplace, but not until we have some better cash flow 😉 We’ll save money on cable too!
We also hope to get a rug for the room. I have one in mind from IKEA already!
Note the IKEA “coffee table.” I wanted the room to feel open and airy. I almost went with the CB2 clear one, but that was $250 and these guys were $5 each! Plus, they’re movable and serve as foot stools and drink holders for any of the seating positions.
This corner is my least organized. It’s filled with computer stuff, office supplies, blogging gear. I’ll have to work on it a bit more.
And then my desk. We wish we had a dedicated office downstairs, but that didn’t work out. My computer needs to be accessible and not isolated, so in the living room made the most sense.
The desk was only about $85 from IKEA!
And the nice little computer shelf worked out perfectly. I hate cords and computers on the floor and also got a cord holder for the back. Gotta love IKEA 🙂
What is missing is my PRINTER. We had several arrangements but decided it just looked too clunky. We’re eating going to buy a $50 wireless printer or see how much printing I actually do now that I’m not in school and just walk down to the basement if I need to print from a laptop.
My favorite room is probably the foyer. I love foyers and we didn’t have a very big or nice one in our old house. This one is so open and airy and I LOVE the purpley color! And the King chair green.
Foyer table with the norm.
***
Matt and I spent the morning shopping for Ball jars, hardware and bulk foods.
Not only were the Ball jars only $12 (compared to $7 a PIECE for regular food storage containers at Bed, Bath, Beyond and the like) but the bulk foods were all on 15% off special! Got all the contents for about $25. These are my very favorites:
Adzuki beans, wheat berries, millet, lentils, red quinoa, millet, short grain brown rice, 10 grain hot cereal, garbanzo beans
Plus sunflower seeds, almonds and raisins – for the week!
I had wanted open shelves to put these on, but with plaster walls….I got nervous. We debated all kinds of shelving units in this tiny corner of the kitchen but eventually decided it would be too claustrophobic.
As it turns out, the open shelves above the sink seemed like the best fit.
We also hung some hooks!
We were more than ready for lunch when we finished around 2PM!
Matt made us plates while I worked on the jars
Sardine salad made with mustard, mayo, dill and the best secret: red curry powder! Tip: Great Harvest bread does freeze well! This Whole Grain Goodness is still excellent.
Celery and hummus
Grapes! I love grapes but I never buy them because they’re always from South America. These were California and while that’s hardly a “local” food, I splurged.
So glad I know what a Ball jar is now! I’m in love with them 🙂 This was a smaller extra one we found in the house. Filled with seltzer
I didn’t finish all of my grapes or sandwich – Matt makes big portions!
I can’t believe it’s already 3:45. The day is going too fast! I have more to do and we’re biking for a date at 5:30. Going downtown tonight and testing out the bikability!
Marilou @ Mostly Healthy says
No tv??????? I just could not, way too addicted!
Rosey Rebecca says
Can I move into your house? Not kidding. It’s beautiful!
Have fun on your date tonight!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
I just washed out a couple Naturally Nutty and Maranatha jars for food storage!! We were going to get some from IKEA but figured we already had a million nut butter jars to use at home.
I love all the colors in your home–especially the painted walls. Everything just works!!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Food is so pretty and I too use the ball jars for storage! Definitely great on the wallet and easy for organization. The place looks great! Enjoy your evening!
erica says
i love the use of jars! 🙂
Wendy says
Omg I can’t stand it. The house is sooooo pretty! Wonderful decorating style! And the KITCHEN and the FOOD. Awesome!!!! So glad I found your blog.
I especially love the foyer table.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Beautiful!! I use my blue mason jars as vases, too! There are so many uses for a good jar!
Holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
Your house looks like a magazine! I love that the house has such pretty colored walls. What else do I love — grapes, and all of your ball jars. They look so clean and organized on your shelves.
So when are you coming to MN to decorate my house?
Amanda (The Nutritionist Reviews) says
I love the yellow and purple walls!
Your house is looking great!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
i adore the jars! i love the living room set-up too…so cute. i can’t wait til they put an IKEA in denver (i think it’s another year?!?!) and i can go shopping!
Kelly says
I bought a loaf of Dakota bread today at our Farmer’s Market. It was my first ever loaf from Great Harvest. I promptly took it home and ate two slices on a sandwich- SO GOOD!!!
I was wondering what your favorite Great Harvest bread is and if you had a choice between Dakota and Woodstock, which would you choose? Today the Great Harvest lady told me Woodstock is their number one seller, with Dakota coming in second. Just wondered what you preferred.
Your house looks beautiful!
Kath says
Woodstock sounds like a name of one I eat – but yours owners probably customized it. My guess is it’s the same as Flax Oat Bran, High Five Fiber or Whole Grain Goodness in Charlotte. If so, Woodstock is my favorite 🙂
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
I LOVE the idea of using Ball canning jars for storing bulk foods!!
elaine! says
The colors in your new house are so cheery! And your King chairs are to die for — beautiful wood, and the upholstery fabric is fantastic.
Thanks for the Ikea ideas too, I’m thinking it might be time to upgrade my “desk.” It’s a round glass table my boyfriend has had since before college, lol. Round does not fit in a corner very well. 😉
[email protected] Nation says
Love your living room. I think it looks great. I also think it’s great that you are going with out a TV. I watch TV a lot, but I would actually really like to get rid of it and save some money. Yeah, not sure the BF would go for that.
The Wife of a Dairyman says
Canning jars are such great storage. I use them at home for my kid’s trinkets, such as marbles, etc…..very colorful too:)
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
What a beautiful home! I love that you have no TV! We made for 2 years without one in the living room… then cracked and bought a flat screen 😉
Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul says
Kath – I’m new to your blog and just added it to my google reader. I’m excited to follow! Your new place is adorable! Just wondering how you decide on what foods to buy in bulk? Like, say, if I’m just getting started, what are the staples I should have?
Kath says
Welcome!!
Those are them!! Those are my favorite bulk things and I think they’d make a great foundation. Plus oats, which I have in a giant container 🙂
Liz says
Kath, you’ll hardly miss the TV with all the shows you can watch online now. We’ve gone without cable for almost 3 years and while we do have a TV, we just have an antenna for it. Love the house!
Sara @ myfancytuna.blogspot.com says
Looks great! I think it’s kind of nice that ya’ll don’t have a TV…it forces you to do other things, ya know? Plus you can watch anything on the computer nowadays 🙂
Meagan says
I love your house! Can I come over? Just kidding. I love the purpley color too. It’s purple, but not too purple to be blah.
Tina says
The house is looking great! I save all of my food jars, especially Classico sauce Mason jars. I use them for everything around the house and even outside for candles.
Artemis says
The house looks fab! I’ve been in love with your couch for ages. It’s simultaneously graphic and classic.
Nice deal on all your staples! Adzuki beans are my fave too 🙂
Daniel says
Oh my! I was considering buying Ball canning jars for beans and grains too! After I saw how much they cost I figured they’re a little over a dollar per jar and you get 12 of them, that’s a fantastic deal! The only thing that was preventing me from getting them was making sure that everything would stay fresh / not get damaged by being stored by glass or open light (especially nuts and seeds). I’m guessing if an RD studying for her exam hasn’t thought of any drawbacks, then it’s pretty safe 😉
I think I’ll pick some up this weekend. And in the long run, it saves the waste you would usually create when buying in bulk because (if your store lets you) you can just bring in the jars, weigh them, fill them up with your bean / grain, and then buy it. 😀
Kath says
Well I did give oxidation a long thought. But the fact that most grains coming in clear packaging says to me that it takes a lot of sun to do damage. I think the important thing is to have a high turnover.
StephanieTBS says
I just wanted to say I adore your house and the whole style you have put together! I am in love with keeping grains in Mason Jars-so fun and cost effective! Have a great weekend!
Annie says
Looks lovely! I get all my glass jars (I also use them for storage) at estate sales. They go for a song, and they’re true vintage! One tip – if you like labels, the P-Touch label maker is a nice investment for labeling your jars. Helps if you think you’ll get the grains mixed up. As you see how fun jars are, you’ll probably increase your collection and have more items you store in them. 🙂
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
I love that couch. I think you should become a decorator!
Lana says
Lookin Good!! I think its great that you are going without a TV. They are overrated… 😉
Heather says
your living room looks great! I would die without a tv though, sadly. I love foyers, too!
Sarah for Real says
Love love love the jars! I also love your foyer. The colors are perfect together with that awesome chair. Did it come from your grandmother(I think that’s what I read?) like that or did you reupholster it?
Kath says
Yes, it used to be red velvet!
Lisa @ Early Morning Run says
you’re place looks amazing.
RhodeyGirl Tests says
Looks great! My printer is not in the room where we usually are when we print things, and it is no issue at all. In fact, it is a great way to get up and stretch your legs sometimes!
Love how bright and clean everything looks!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I love the living room!!!! you guys are gonna have some awesome get togethers in there 🙂
Callie says
Your house is gorgeous. I’m in love with IKEA and it smells so good in there. 🙂
Have fun your your date!
Heather says
Your house really looks amazing! I absolutely love ball jars and save them whenever I get one. They are so versitile and inexpensive.
I do the same with a lot of my grains!
Enjoy your bike ride.
tanyasDailyProductReviews says
wow so many spices
Helene says
I love your new house! I live in England and wish the houses here were that spacious. Here, unless you have a LOT of money, you can only get a *cupbaord* 🙁
Kathy W. says
I am in love with your foyer–the beadboard, the window, and the spaciousness. We live in a Victorian farmhouse, and the foyer is also the hall from the front door to the kitchen. There’s just a smallish space between the stairs and the front door, and the doorway to the dining room is where your window is. So in other words, no wall space, except in the hall under the stairs. And very little natural light. So I’m suffering from foyer envy. 🙂
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
the foyer is gorgeous! i’ve never lived in a place big enough for one…not when i was an adult, at least, for a “proper” one
Sandy says
Love the yellow walls and your hardwood floors. Looks like you found a great house for a rental and walking distance to downtown and UVA! There isn’t anything new to watch on TV in the summer anyway and it is much more pleasant to be outside doing fun stuff. When will you open your store and how is the lease situation working out now?
Kelly says
Wow! First time posting but a long time reader. Love your blog! Two of my favorite things are organization and food! Seeing your kitchen posts are heaven 🙂 Do you have a pantry as well or is that all of the dry (non refrigerator) food space what you have already shown?
Also, when we moved a couple of months ago we didn’t have room for a microwave as well. It took some getting use to but I don’t mind not having one.
homecookedem says
Born and raised in the south, I’ve seen those Ball jars all my life, but never thought to decorate with them like that. They look great! Your new place is really coming along nicely!!
Maria @ Kale and Cupcakes says
Kath, your place is just lovely. You guys have got some house decor skills. Love it!
Maria
Ashley says
I want to bottle up your house, move it to Colorado and live in it. I’m seriously in love with it. I’ve been wanting to switch to Ball jars for awhile now and definitely will as soon as we move. It’s amazing how cheap they are. I’m always surprised by that! Everything looks great…even your “not so organized corner” lol 😉 Looks pretty tidy to me! See you in TWO weeks!
Amelia says
I love your style. The house looks great!
Kevin & I have now been without TV for two months, and we don’t miss it one bit. We do watch an occasional show online or movie through Netflix, but you definitely get so much more accomplished without it. I have spent so much time doing other projects/ reading/ activities/ etc. It’s great!
Casey says
I LOVE your new living room! So simple, but so pretty!
Dynamics says
I love, love, love jars. I use them for everything. I no longer use plastic/Tupperware. The jars are so inexpensive and sterile. You can use a Sharpie and write what is in the jars if you need to. It washes right off with a scratchy pad. I normally write on the bottom of the jar for looks. Also, you can buy white lids for the jars that are one piece. I am partially disabled and that flat lid gives me fits sometimes. Enjoy your BEAUTIFUL home.
Megan (Braise The Roof) says
You are fantastic at making a home look homey! The Ball jars are a great idea- where did you buy them?
laine @ beets, butter and mountaintops says
I haven’t had tv in a couple of years. I don’t miss it at all! The couple of shows I want to watch I find on Hulu or netflix. I always hated living rooms that were arranged around a tv.
Meaghan says
your house is so cute! so clean, tidy, and organized.
Kerri @ Kerri Turns into a Zombie says
I like the stools as a coffee table.
Carla says
I have that disc thing on top of your fireplace too…I got it awhile back from Pier 1. I think that I’ve already said this but your house is REALLY cute…so homey:) I’m super impressed that everything is pretty much done after just a couple of days…great job!!!:)
Camille says
I love all the colors!
I couldn’t live without a TV… not because I watch TV, but because I wouldn’t have anywhere to watch movies!
Susan says
love love LOVE how fresh and uncluttered you’ve made the new digs… first you inspire me to clean up my eating, now I’m feeling a major session of de-cluttering coming on! Yay KERF! Thanks for sharing the pics… your Queen room is total inspiration too! In fact, I just may turn my upstairs (under-used) craft room into a “hers” dressing room and leave the master closet to “him”… hmmmm…
Welcome to your new home!
Erica says
The house is looking fantastic Kath! What a big project and you guys are just busting through it. Love the fire place. Enjoy!!
SentimentsbyDenise says
Kath – your home is just lovely! I’m sure you will be very comfortable there.
I also like the idea of using the Ball jars for dry food storage. I’ve been collecting them as I find them (also using the Maranatha nut butter jars for smaller portioned items). Just a note, though – are you concerned with the nuts/seeds going rancid? I keep all my seeds and nuts in the fridge, as I know they can spoil quickly. Those jars still look great lined up inside the top shelf of your refrigerator. Better safe than spoiled.
Thanks for sharing your blog – I really enjoy the things I’ve learned over the past several months from reading here!
Kath says
I did consider this, and I probably wouldn’t put fatty nuts like flax or walnuts up there, but I think beans + grains should be OK as long as we cook them enough.
Kate says
LOVE the foyer and the kitchen!
The napkin was fantabulous too… we spell our name the same way!
Nancy says
Kath-
Do you have a living room and den in this house? Just curious what you did with the extra furniture since I think you had two separate spaces in Charlotte. Also, are you renting while looking for something else or because you didn’t want to purchase the house at this point? Hope these questions aren’t too intrusive!
Kath says
We had 2 rooms in Charlotte but they were totally awkward. We just split the living room in half. Here we just have a living room and finally have all the furniture in once place since it’s big enough! I wish we had a TV room/den as well, but not so.
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) says
I’m in love with your new digs! Those ball jars are such a useful pantry tool, not to mention an excellent decorative touch. Enjoy your evening bike adventures!
A Teenage Gourmet (Sami) says
I just returned home from 10 days in NYC without internet. I’ve spent the past hour reading all of the posts that I missed. 😀 Did you get a new camera, Kath? Your pictures are looking better than ever.
Kath says
Thanks! I just have more time to set up photos now 🙂
Kath says
And more natural light!
WendyF says
I am reading your posts while in my hotel in Rio de Janiero (I fly for work south of her tomrrow).
I love the living room and the fireplace! Your house has a really cosy look to it. As for the TV, except for checking the morning commute at 5am , I don’t miss it.
amanda says
ack! i am truthfully obsessed with that couch.the stripes is out of this world.
i love the spacious living room, but i’m such a tv girl, i wouldn’t be able to handle life without one. {pathetic, eh?}
also, ikea is slightly awesome.
[email protected]://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
I use those same jars for everything. They work so well, they are my favorite also and look so cute.
Robyn @ Frugal 'n' Fit! says
I have decor envy – and ball jar envy. There is a lot of envy going on! 😉
Caitlyn @ A Spoonful of Life says
Can you come decorate my house?! You guys did an awesome job! It looks so homey. I also love the jars! Very convenient and stylish.
Lindsay in Indy says
Ok, this confirms it! I’m booking you on the next flight to Indianapolis and you’re helpng me organize!! You could just stop on your way to Chicago…it’s not that far out of the way! 🙂
Kath says
🙂
Sandy says
There is a second career for you. I am south of Indy so you could help two of us while you are passing through.
Kaitlin With Honey says
Kath, your new house looks beautiful! I am in love with your bell jar idea. I really want to copy you when I move into a house that has a kitchen with better storage space!
Suzanne says
Kath, the house looks great! I can’t believe how quickly you are getting everything done.
I just got a dozen Ball jars for my grains, beans, oats. I referred to Emily’s blog and got the same ones she did (1 qt. wide mouth jars).
I didn’t know the lids would come in 2 pieces (I guess it makes sense since they are canning jars).
Do your lids have 2 pieces too?
I’m just worried that it may get kind of get annoying to have to deal with 2 pieces every time I want to open and close the jar – especially with the items I use everyday.
Kath says
Mine are two pieces. And I didn’t think about the wide mouth until after I bought mine! Oops. Guess I’ll be pouring stuff out.
Dynamics says
You can buy a one piece lid that is white plastic for those jars you open and close often. It makes it so much easier than the two piece.
Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf says
We’re going to have issues placing the furniture around our fireplace in our new house, too. We’re also thinking the flat screen thing, but we certainly don’t ever have a spare $600 lying around. Thing is, I lived in my first apartment without cable and it was miserable. I was never home because I’d go over to my then fiance’s (now husband) apartment to watch Food Network. Without the TV, it’s too quiet in the house, and that makes me depressed and unproductive. Hah!
By the way, I’m stealing your ball jar idea. 😉
Hillary says
You’ve got quite the decorate eye – love your simple style. I’m a fan of the purple foyer, too!
Hannah says
Your place is gorgeous! About the lack of tv – I’m guessing you watch most of your favourite shows via the internet, then?
Rachelle says
PLEASE come to decorate at my house 😉
It looks great!
I’ve become a chia seed convert. At first I tried them and didn’t notice them gel at all so wasn’t a huge fan (my teeth are a bit “gappy” at the gumline, so they get stuck!). Then I did a long overnight oats. LOVE IT!!!! And it really helps the lows w/ my blood sugar in the mornings.
Thanks 😉
Rachelle says
Oh, to add… the ball jars, it makes it feel like home (my mother is quite the tomato canner). 😉
Kelsey @ CleanTeenKelsey says
Your home is BEAUTIFUL, Kath. I love IKEA so much. When I grow up I want to buy all my decor there. 🙂
I love that Matt makes you food. Maybe that’s silly, but I hope I marry someone who likes to be in the kitchen. It sometimes gets tiring making 4-6 meals a day. 😛
I’ve been meaning to ask you a Great Harvest-related question but I kept forgetting. Does Matt’s Great Harvest put HFCS in the bread? I got some Burly bread the other day and was so disappointed to see HFCS on the ingredients label. 🙁
Kath says
Matt’s location uses invert sugar. HFCS isn’t as bad as you might think, but I think most locations are transitioning over
Rachelle says
And…. ha ha, if only I could get my thoughts together here (after a long week!)….
are you shooting in manual or auto? I imagine manual b/c otherwise auto would have flashed 😉
Are you shooting in raw???
Kath says
AV setting. Not in raw.
Katherine says
The house looks great! I think you’ll adjust to the “no tv” thing just fine. I’ve been without a tv for a year now, and hardly miss it (except the local news). I watch a lot online and via netflix. I just can’t bring myself to pay for tv.
Yana says
“We’re eating going to buy a $50 wireless printer ” <= this cracked me up! Love the jars – have fun settling in!
Kath says
Whoops!
CB says
What is the color of yellow paint you used on the walls?
The living room is so beautiful….I love how crisp and clean everything looks!
Kath says
No idea – it’s been here long before us.
hemp jogger says
kath, the house looks incredible! so happy for you guys 🙂 and btw, the local rocks, right?! such a cool restaurant, and damn tasty.
megan says
Do you know the name of that desk? It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for myself!!
Kath says
Galant
Wei-Wei says
Your house is beautiful! The colour of the paint in your foyer is so lovely. And I love all the jars!
Wei-Wei
Krista says
Your place is so cute and charming! And the paint colors work so well…from what I gather from your posts/comments, the paint was there before you moved in, but it seems like they could have been picked especially for you and your furniture!
jessica says
You won’t miss the TV at all! There are a million better ways to spend your time. (I don’t have one either if you can’t tell!)
Paula says
Your new place is SO lovely! Charming, full of character and hardwood floors. *sigh* Makes me want to move! Wishing you guys many happy times there.
Deanna Riccardelli says
Maybe you already mentioned this…I was wondering if you would share the names of your pain colors! Love them!
Kath says
Deanna,
We didn’t paint. (You would have seen posts of us painting!) They were here when we got here.
Lori says
Kath,
Everything looks amazing, you are an inspiration! Where did you get the Ball Jars so cheap? I looked in Ikea and didn’t find them?
Kath says
Bed Bath Beyond + Lowes both have them
MelanieF says
I am now wondering why I’m going to Orlando on vacation in September!!! I could just spend 2 weeks reorganising all of my stuff and redecorating again!! Your house is beautiful Kath!
Red says
I totally use mason jars for storing all my nuts/flours etc. I had no idea they had half gallon mason jars until I accidentally saw them in a store! They work great for holding flour, grains, beans and other items I like to have a lot of on hand!
Stephanie says
Kath, Just catching up on your blog! I’ve never posted before, but read it all the time. We just moved into a new place and I love your idea for using the ball jars filled with beans and grains in an open storage area. I am definitely stealing that idea, especially since my pantry is smaller here! We have an area almost identical to yours where I could put a shelf next to our kitchen cabinets. Do you mind letting me know where you got the shelves? They would be perfect for our kitchen! Thanks so much!
Kath says
They were here! From 1945!
Stephanie says
Aww man, i guess those will be hard to find then. 🙂
anne says
Your living room looks great! I love living rooms without TV. I lived without one for a few years and loved it! Your desk is great too.
Michelle says
Love the house…it’s BEAUTIFUL! Not only can I not buy in bulk where I live, but I can’t find most of the items you bought, period. It’s really horrible, & I’m completely jealous! lol & what a great use for the Ball glasses! I store my homemade salad dressings in the really small ones. I think I’m going to have to hunt down the larger ones. What size are they and where did you find them?
Brandy says
I just came across your blog today as linked from NHerShoes and had been craving that sardine sandwich alllllll day! So I went to the store for all the stuff and made one and am currently enjoying it 🙂 Delicious. Never would’ve thought to use sardines in a sandwich!