First Impressions

Originally, when we planned our kitchen, I knew I wanted something here that would be a focal point.  It’s the first thing you see when you walk into our house, and although it would have been a great place for the fridge, I didn’t want that to be everyone’s first impression.

So instead, THIS has been the first impression for the last (almost) 2 years.  Originally, I planned to stain this and make it look like an old piece of furniture, but in the last 2 years, my tastes have changed.
  So I decided to do this!



See that gorgeous table top?  It is from an antique Hoosier.  I got it from the Junk Refunkery for $15!  $15!  And she went and dug it out of her barn for me in the dead of winter.  Dori’s my new best friend.    
Dh and I built these shelves.  I may do a tutorial someday.  I got my inspiration from Traci at Beneath my Heart.  She made these fabulous Ballard Design Cafe shelves and I knew I could do it, too. (Well, Dh helped me.)  I may do a tutorial on them someday, but Traci’s so good, what’s the point? :)I love that we were able to find trim that mimics the beading around my dishes.  I like details like that. :)
I wish I had a cost break down for you, but I don’t.  I think it was about:
$250 – unfinished base cabinet
    15 – table top
     30-40 – shelves (just an estimate – I said 40-50, but Dh thought that was too much.

What have you done to give a good first impression of your house?  I think this piece perfectly shows my style, and creates a great first impression!
I’m linking up to some fabulous parties!