IF I’D KNOWN THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW!

When we remodeled this house, I had grand intentions for this built-in I had drawn on a piece of paper for our builder.  I told him I wanted glass doors, so that I could beautifully display some of my favorite pieces of china.

That china display lasted about a month after we moved in.  As you can see, my collecting obsession hobby took over my plans for a beautiful display!  I’ve considered putting curtains behind the glass, but I love not having to open every cabinet door to find something. 
There was also a plan for a bench for my dog in the middle of the cabinets.

At the time these plans were made, I had one grandchild.  As my grandchildren multiplied, I had to give in to the bench being one of their favorite spots.  They kept going home from my house with dog hair all over them!  So, I wrapped a cushion with a table runner (this was a temporary fix 7 years ago!), and found another spot for the dog bed.

There was to be an open space under the dog bench for the dog’s food and water bowls.  The grands once again took over that space with their baskets of crayons and coloring books.  I finally took five dinner napkins, glued a hem in them, and put them over an extension curtain rod to hang under the bench to hide the grands’ baskets (a temporary fix six years ago).  The dog’s water and food were moved to a different location.
If I had known I was going to have three more grandchildren (all of whom would love this   little bench and accumulate art supplies at my house), and if I had known I was going to collect so much junk many treasures, I might have put solid doors on the cabinet, and built-in storage under the bench.

My other favorite shelf is the built-in that was in the kitchen when the house was built.  It has become the place for my Quimper collection and plates depicting other nationalities.  Obviously, these shelves have become less display and more storage also!  If I’d known I was going to go so crazy collecting Quimper, I would have built another shelf or two or three.

My most recent Quimper acquisition is from Maggie’s Etsy, La Faience Brocante. 

I am linking this post to the “Heart of the Home, Favorite Cupboard” party, hosted by Shelia at Note Songs.
 

Table Top Tuesday, hosted by Marty at A Stroll Thru Life,

Open House Thursday, hosted by Sherry at No Minimalist Here,

Home Sweet Home Friday, hosted by Sherry at The Charm of Home.

Feathered Nest Friday, hosted by Courtney at French Country Cottage.

Since my Quimper is vintage, I am also joining Vintage Inspiration Friday, hosted by Debra at Common Ground.

Whew, Blogville is becoming populated with Party Animals ~ isn’t it fun? 

I so appreciate your visit.  laurie