“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

If we are what we do, are we also what we repeatedly see? Even subconsciously? My partner and I have been in the throes of a kitchen remodel for nearly three months. Early on, I knew that I didn’t want to go to a lighting store and buy the “Latest in Lighting” I wanted something unique, warm and well, a little glittery.

One of my favorite stores here in Portland is Lounge Lizard. Over the years, I’ve purchased several vintage lights, miscellaneous homegoods and furniture from them. When I went in to select my lighting, I got lucky, because Chris, the owner was there and he shares my passion. We spent a couple of hours putting things together. I even got to go into the “Secret Back Room” to poke around.

Here is a portion of the end result.

And here is what I see every day in the Studio.

Until the electrician hung them, I didn’t even notice the similarities. Sublime. And, evidently, inspired. The floor is green marmoleum, in the same color family as the wall behind me here at the studio, the cabinets are black, mimicking the color of choice for a lot of our clothing. The walls are not orange, only because my partner put her foot down, but I got as close as I could.

The kitchen is still not done. We’re down to the minutia – Baseboards, backsplash, trim and crown. I am enthralled by what is evolving within our home, especially after seven years of cursing the previous kitchen.

For your continued pleasure, a vignette of our work in progress.

Mrs. Knightly is pretty pleased thus far.

Happy Holidays and here’s to Peace on Earth in our lifetime.

Cheers!