8.29.2010

Movin' On Up: First Time Home Owner Angst

So, it appears that it's really happening... I'm buying my first condo. I've been hesitant to write about it, as if putting it on my blog might make it too real - or worse, what if I did that and it didn't happen. It has been a crazy, frustrating, exhilarating, depressing, scary and fun experience so far.

My road to home ownership hasn't been an easy one. Once I finally found the place I wanted and the seller accepted the bid, we were moving to close and then, bam, the appraisal came back wayyyy off. So we had to renegotiate. And I pretty much bit off all of my nails and went on a shoe shopping spree in response.

Now, we're back on track and moving towards a mid September close date. I really do love the place and am so ready to be in there. Even though it's right in the city, my street is quiet and has a lot of trees. My favorite things about it are the fantastic stove (six burner gas range with double oven, ohhhh yeahhhh...) and the gorgeous light that streams in the living room.

So. It's really happening. I've started packing. And blogging. I'll be sharing the fun along with the anxiety. Today, I've started packing and am obsessed with paint chips. You see, the kitchen is this great lime color and I want to keep it. But what goes with lime? I'm not sure I love what is currently there, so I've broken out the color wheel.

Do you have any recommendations about contrasting colors that would go this lime?
My new kitchen stove. Swooooooon!

15 comments:

Olga said...

HUGE congratulations!!! You so need to buy that orange tea kettle!

DC Princess said...

Congratulations!!!! The place looks great! I'm not great with colors so I'll leave that to someone else :)

Tammy Gordon said...

Thanks ladies! I really appreciate your support in keeping me sane through this process!

Amy Martin said...

Congratulations! I'm glad everything is coming together for you, and I'm also swooning over your stove.

Random paint suggestion: we just painted our bathroom "Charcoal" from Restoration Hardware, and I think it might go well with the lime. It definitely allows the stainless steel and chrome fixtures to pop. We have 3/4 of a gallon leftover and would be happy to sell it to you for a break! Just shoot me an e-mail or DM on twitter (amylizmartin).

Elizabeth F. Stewart said...

Congrats! When I bought my townhouse, my fave thing was thinking about pretty decor (as opposed to having the floors refinished, etc.). But I found it is good to settle in a bit and let the space speak to you. So, you can relax into it and see what works best as you go. Welcome to home ownership-Woo hoo!

Tammy Gordon said...

Thanks Amy! Right now I'm considering shades of a midnight blue or a charcoal/slate color. I may email you about that quarter of a gallon!

Tammy Gordon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nelle Somerville said...

Yes, charcoal or black even. I love the black and white pops in a lime kitchen next to the stainless steel. I personally love hints of deep red with lime green, black and white. Oh enjoy and I can't wait to "see" the progress. 6 burners! I die!!!

mary said...

Congrats! So exciting.

MrsWheelbarrow said...

my decorator friend always says to go with color opposites - so something in the purple range?

Shari Sunday said...

Congratulations! I sold real estate for a while and it sounds like your experience is not uncommon. Especially for these times. I don't know if that is your actual wall in the pics, but I like the orange tea pot, too. Kind of Tropical. LOVE the stove.

Michelle said...

Congrats!!!! I have a green themed kitchen so I blend it with a lot of BRIGHT orange and yellow items. It's fun!

Elizabeth said...

I have to agree with Elizabeth (great name, by the way!) - move in and spend a month or so figuring out how you'll use/live in the space before making huge adjustments. When I first moved in, I had grand plans of how I was going to use my new condo ... a year later, and I'd say 50% of those things have changed! Paints a super easy/cheap fix and as long as nothing is broken/dirty/etc., give it some time.

By the way - CONGRATS on the new condo! I bought my first place last year around this time and there were more than a few nail biting moments, shoe shopping excursions and phone calls to mom! Homeownership is awesome!

Maggie said...

Congratulations!! On the condo (and stove, obvs), but also for making it through the depressing whirlwind of DC real estate. Not sure I will get there soon enough myself.

I love the combination of lime green and navy. I'm helping my sister decorate a nursery in this color combination right now, and have found it to be really fresh and invigorating.

Masood said...

Thanks for this article very helpful. thanks. HOA Management Services