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In true big city fashion, I'm buying a condo. I've learned that in large metropolitan cities, it's all the craze. Last weekend, I jumped on the bandwagon and Ben and I ventured out to look at a unit I'd recently been informed about. I'm actually acquiring the condo from a guy that someone who works for me knows, so I'm getting an amazing deal on it. It's a large one bedroom; the unit has a ton of closet space, a spacious bathroom, large kitchen, an enormous living room / dining room combo, and the cutest foyer ever. The bedroom and living room are lined with enormous windows - I can't wait for summer sunrises on the lake.
The most exciting thing is that I get to do renovation work. Because it's an older building, there are some things I want to modernize in the unit. The bathroom needs the wallpaper stripped, the kitchen cabinetry is going to be stripped and refinished, and I'm replacing all the knobs and handles in the kitchen on the cabinets and drawers, and the closets throughout the house. Right now I have color swatches spread out over my desk and a cluster of Crate&Barrel and Pottery Barn catalogs everywhere. I want to go with warm relaxing tones; I'm considering a color story right now of a near-sage green for the walls, trimmed by the white crown molding and baseboards. The carpet is bone, so it's neutral with everything, and it's brand new. The bathroom and kitchen are tiled in white. I want to accessorize with pillows, throws, and artwork that have shades of greens, reds, and purples through them - all very rich, deep colors. The goal is to create a very warm, inviting environment without taking it out of the city; I don't want to go to suburban with the decor, it has to stay modern and trendy.
In other news... Christmas eve and Christmas with Ben's family was fantastic. I met his Father's parents and all the aunts, uncles and cousins on that side of his family, and then his mother's entire family the next day. Not to mention I got to spend two days with his parents, little brother and sister, and Ben in the suburbs, which was a relaxing change of pace from the hectic city life. Everyone made sure I felt welcome, and the entire experience was rewarding. I'm fortunate to have such a great boyfriend who comes from such an amazing family.
I hope everyone had a rewarding and enjoyable holiday. My best to each and every one of you for a healthy and prosperous new year.