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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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January 8, 2015

New Kitchen Island Stools

Have you ever known that something you purchased for your home was just totally WRONG but then never did anything about it for…oh….say about 6 years?

And have you ever known that those somethings were not only totally WRONG they were also super uncomfortable and inconvenient for your family?

Yeah…me either. 😉

linen seat counter stools atthepicketfence.com

My poor husband and kids have had their legs squished under kitchen stools that are the wrong height since we moved into this house. And I’ve known it. I’ve seen how when our friends come over and pull up a stool to chat with me while I work in the kitchen they try and find just the right way to fit their body under the counter and wind up sitting at an awkward angle. My kids know that I won’t even bother sitting at the counter with them because it is so uncomfortable. Frankly, I’d rather just stand.

I saw it. I knew it. And yet, I didn’t do anything about it. I wanted to get new stools. Really I did! But, I didn’t feel like I could make that decision until I had made a bunch of other ones. And I was having a hard time making those other ones so you see my problem, right?

It was like the ‘If You Give a Mouse a Cookie’ story…but in reverse. I really wanted that ball to start rolling but I couldn’t even decide what cookie to give the mouse.

But, my friends, those decisions have been made.

kitchen island counter stools close up of nail head trim atthepicketfence.com

Which meant I FINALLY purchased some new stools.

And not only do I swoon over them every time I walk into the room, but my family is oh so grateful that they are the right height!

wood finish on kitchen stools atthepicketfence.com

Apparently all it takes to please them is having their legs actually fit under the counter. It’s the little things in life, right?

french country style counter stools atthepicketfence.com

So, are you wondering what those other decisions are? Well, our home is 20+ years old and it’s starting to really show it’s age. Especially in the most well-loved room.

It’s not going to happen all at once. It will be a multi-phase process.

But it’s GOING to happen. That mouse will be given a cookie!

These are the first two things that will happen.

kitchen makeover plans

The island transformation will be started ASAP with the floors being refinished when the weather is just a tad warmer.

counter height stools with nail head trim atthepicketfence.com

But, in the meantime, I’ll just be over here getting acquainted with this side of the island without my legs being squished!

Vanessa signature

 P.S. The stools were purchased here

P.P.S. Speaking of makeovers, our friend (and newest sponsor!) Shannon from AKA Design has some amazing ones on her site! Like this adorable girls bedroom makeover including DIY built-ins. See all of the details here!

GIRLS-ROOM-MAKEOVER-BUNK-BEDS

This post is partying here: Wow Us Wednesday

16 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Kitchen Remodel Tagged With: kitchen, kitchens

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Comments

  1. laura@top this top that says

    January 8, 2015 at 4:22 AM

    those stools are so pretty vanessa. I use to have some heavy iron ones from pier one that looked pretty but my kids poor toes got smashed everytime they moved them so i bought cute metal ones’ from the BHG line at walmart a couple of months ago. love them and the price.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 8, 2015 at 7:42 PM

      Thanks sweet friend!

      Reply
  2. Laurel Stephens says

    January 8, 2015 at 5:19 AM

    I just love that book and your new bar stools. 🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 8, 2015 at 7:42 PM

      Thank you so much Laurel!

      Reply
  3. Ashley @ Cherished Bliss says

    January 8, 2015 at 6:00 AM

    I love your stools! : ) At one of our rentals we had the same problem… so happy everyone can fit now : ) I know from experience the one place you don’t mess with a family is when it has to do with kitchen and food, haha! Or maybe that’s just my family. Can’t wait to see what you do with your kitchen! Go ahead and grab a bottle of wine with whatever paint you choose ; )

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 8, 2015 at 7:42 PM

      LOL!! Thanks girl!

      Reply
  4. Richella Parham says

    January 8, 2015 at 8:57 AM

    I like your new stools! Isn’t it funny how easy it is to think “I need bar stools” when really what you need is counter-height stools? I did the very same thing years ago–and then I didn’t want to admit that I’d bought the wrong height, so we suffered with them for quite awhile!

    I’m amazed at how much my island transformation has increased my satisfaction with my kitchen. Yes, sometimes I still wish I had white cupboards, but for the most part now I’m happy with my maple ones–and mostly what my eye focuses on is the green island with the beverage fridge! It makes me happy. Hope your new island will be a happiness-producer for you, too! 🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 8, 2015 at 7:41 PM

      Thanks Richella!! I honestly wouldn’t mind the color of my cabinets so much if they were in better condition. There’s a reason there will never be close-up photos of them. LOL! They are definitely showing their age and truly not nearly as gorgeous as yours!

      Reply
  5. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    January 8, 2015 at 9:54 AM

    Love the stools, they are gorgeous.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 8, 2015 at 7:40 PM

      Thanks Marty!!

      Reply
  6. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    January 8, 2015 at 7:22 PM

    Oh Vanessa I love your new stools!!!…so beautiful and now so very functional!!!….I am so looking forward to our island makeover…I have been on the fence about painting mine (which is the same dark cherry as yours)….
    Have a great weekend!!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 8, 2015 at 7:40 PM

      Thank you so much Shirley!! I’m sure I’ll be having a panic attack when the island is being painted. LOL!! I need you to come over and hold my hand. 😉

      Reply
  7. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    January 8, 2015 at 8:07 PM

    Vanessa, I love those stools! I hear you about houses getting worm from love and use. StoneGable is 19 years old and we have been taking a room at a time and updating them.Are you really ever finished with a home? Not me!!! Your home is just so gorgeous now, can’t wait to see what you do with it. As usual, I’m so thrilled to visit here!
    hugs to you and Heather!

    Reply
  8. Paige.Rose says

    January 9, 2015 at 12:34 AM

    I love that the stools have character & charm not just plain black ones ,or ones that look like you can pick up anywhere! Can’t wait to see the other stuff going on :)) !

    Paige.Rose

    Reply
  9. becca says

    January 9, 2015 at 4:26 AM

    We “can’t” have squished legs, now can we?! Love your new barstools (I’d swoon, too), and the plans you have for your already beautiful kitchen!

    Reply
  10. june says

    January 9, 2015 at 4:24 PM

    Vanessa…have you ever tried Guardsman or Old English polish on your csbinets. I wipe down my csbinets with Murphys soap about every two months. When I put a Guardsman treatment on them Love how they pop. … my cabinets are 27 years old and have gotten through our raising two boys. I was thinking Old English because your cabinets are darker in finish. Just s thought.

    Love the stools..

    Reply

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