Travel Turtle

Several years ago I went on a work trip to Southern California. On one of the evenings when we should have been at some sort of forum, we decided to play hookie and go to L.A. We visited one of my co-workers uncle’s who lived in a penthouse apartment on the foot of the Hollywood Hills. We had been forewarned that this uncle has great design sense. His old apartment had concrete floors, but our co-worker hadn’t been to his new place yet.

All I can say is his uncle missed his calling. This apartment was flawless. Aside from it’s amazing views via the wraparound porch on the millionth floor and floor to ceiling windows, the decor was elegant, simple, impossible, personal and perfect. The couch was just the right size. The huge painting in the dining area was unique and went perfectly with the dining table and chairs. Each piece was chosen with care. And then there was the kitchen. The kitchen sat directly across from the huge windows overlooking L.A. and I honestly didn’t know which I wanted to look at more - beautiful kitchen or downtown L.A. As everyone chatted about who knows what, I kept staring at the kitchen and awkwardly joined in the conversation with a “wow, that’s a great kitchen” or “I love the handles on the cabinet”. This masterpiece kitchen must’ve cost my annual salary (if not more!). When someone finally suggested that we head out and grab something to eat, I hesitated. In the fleeting moments I had left to admire the kitchen, I tried to remember every detail. Then Mr. Uncle (aka the guy with the amazing kitchen) leaned over and said, “It’s from Ikea”. It’s from Ikea? What’s from Ikea? The KITCHEN?!?! We then all dropped our jaw and asked a billion questions. This kitchen is… affordable? In my price range?

Well, here I am 2 years later. In just under three hours Ikea is sending someone over to measure and help me design my new KITCHEN!! I might not have those great views of L.A., but I won’t be looking at anything but the kitchen anyway. More details as I go through this, probably long and drawn out process, to come. Any recommendations from the web?

{Picture from IKEA. Please note, Travel Turtle’s kitchen will look nothing like picture above, my kitchen is way too small!}