home additions.

I've been hemming and hawing over floating shelves for my kitchen since I bought and moved in last June. I looked at Ikea and hated the quality--twice. You can see where I'd hang them from most parts of the house and I wanted something sturdy and substantial, something that "shows" and is a piece of art in and of itself.Nothing stuck.I found some amazing Japanese burned ones that blew my mind. Then, I priced them out. In my "forever" home, I thought.So I went to a trusted source: Etsy. I support local, small shops and artisans who create incredible things every day (hello! I make, too). And why I never started there is beyond me, because I stumbled on Sound Side Carpentry and their amazing reclaimed barn wood pieces.Last weekend, we finally got our floating shelves delivered. We also purchased a hairpin leg stool that doubles as a million different things (which I love!): a side table, a stool to sit on when we have extra guests for a party, a plant stand for our cactus which traveled 3,000 miles from Phoenix with Sean to live with us in Boston last summer.And it fits my eclectic taste. I would never want to walk into a house and know what store, and when in time, that owner bought and decorated everything. I spend a lot of time thinking things over and deciding where it should go and whether it makes sense. I love vintage antiques. Unique pieces. One of a kinds. I've even sometimes bought something that didn't work right then but knew at some point, it would be a must piece that completes my space.My floating shelves are amazing and finally let me display some of my bowls and glassware and vases and kitchen trinkets I've collected along the way. I get to show off some of my vintage Blakley Arizona cacti frosted glass collection (I've got more on my bar cart), too.See more snaps from my home here and here.