Buying a house in the last few years has been an interesting experiment. When I bought my little Seattle oasis back in 2006 {that just happened to be numbered 34}, I was overjoyed at having a sliver of the world to call my own. Maybe it has something to do with being a child of divorce and moving a round a lot growing up, but having my own place… the sense of accomplishment was palpable. It made me officially feel like an adult. No siblings. No roommates. All decisions were to be mine and mine alone. Oh the heady sense of freedom! Perhaps that’s what led to my life changing so dramatically a scant six months later. But I digress.

As the beginning stages of this blog documented, I had grand plans for little #34, but sadly they never came to pass. Now that we’re selling it, I’m feeling a little sad that I didn’t get to see my design dreams through. This is particularly true when it comes to the kitchen. As a lover of cooking and an even bigger lover of food, I’ve planned my dream kitchen for years. It is the heart of the home after all.

This classic Domino kitchen was my go-to inspiration.

I was ready to break down walls, tear down cabinets and create the little kitchen of my dreams. Alas, it was not to be. So now it’s my hope that someone new will step through the door and take reigns of this little diamond in the rough. Granted, I know I have no control over how some future inhabitant might want to leave their mark on #34, but I’d like to offer them a few tips.

You can create a perfect kitchen even in a small space. Every decision just has to have maximum impact. These are the four keys I’d planned to implement when Apartment 34 was mine all mine.

Make a dramatic design statement: When you don’t have a lot of room to make a big impact, the easiest way to do it is with your backsplash. I love the idea of using geometric patterns in a smaller square footages. It has maximum effect without being overwhelming.

Let it shine: I have a secret love affair. With pendant lights. They are the ultimate statement maker. You can completely change a room’s personality with them – swing from vintage to art deco to modern in a split second. I love using lights to add a tiny hint of glamour.

Let it all hang out: I am 100% committed to open shelving. Yes, they force to style a bit more. Yes, they force you to clean a bit more. And yes, every moment is worth it.

Watch where you step: While floors might be the last thing you look at, they are a quiet force in any room. I love beautiful, wide-planked hardwood floors in a kitchen. They add warmth, heart and a sense of history.

There is SO much potential in Apartment 34’s sweet little kitchen. I just hope it goes to someone who wants to make it so. Maybe that someone is you? Or someone you know? If you happen to live in Seattle, or want to, I hope you’ll take little peek! I’d be so happy to know someone else opened the door to their future at #34!

image one from vintage domino, kitchen images via pinterest