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allthedamnlove · 16 days ago

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AQUAMARINE: RAFE CAMERON X SOFIA FANFICTION: CHAPTER 1

Wordcount: 4k words

Prologue

Radio for this chapter:

18 MONTHS AGO

Sofia's POV

I, Sofia Ramirez, never really thought that in my twenty years of life would end up as a bartender in a fuck all country club where I hear gringos talk about stuff that doesn't even matter at the end of the day. Every time I go near a table to get their finished “whiskey neat” “Old fashioned.” cocktail glasses with fingerprints imprinted as if they were on a crime scene, I have invented a guessing game of “What are these greasy old white men talking about?”

I have a set of permutations and combinations:

How much will this deal pull through?

Man, crazy that those Pogues own that land; we should get a lawyer to annex the shit out of it.

My wife has been slacking, man. Not fucking me good anymore or worse, says, “I’m not in the mood.”

God, I need a drink. Or a cigarette

If it was women, it would go like

Ohhh! I really want that new Van Cleef, but Daddy ended up buying that Cartier bracelet for me.

Ugh, bestie!!! I wanted that new Rhode smoothie, but there are no fuckass cute cafes, even on the Kook side.

I think my boyfriend’s cheating on me (this is valid, and they probably deserve to run men through a tar road)

Girl, I need a drink.

First world problems, lemme tell you.

You might ask, what about me then?

Well, I wait tables around here, as you probably would have known. I also bartend if the boss asks me to. And I clean the floor and the tables and sometimes take care of the register.

At this point, I am running this bar like the Navy, but nobody wants to talk about it.

Is the pay worth it? Nope, absolute-fucking-not. I work for nearly nine hours a day and get paid only two and a half dollars per hour. I don’t get extra sick days except for the allotted 12 days a week, and half of the tips go to the owner officially….wink. And I smell like yeast every day after my shift.

Yay. I am so happy.

Bullshit.

At least I get to see mid to okayish-looking white men. Occasionally, other races, but hey, who am I fooling here? Most of the people frequenting here have zero percent of melanin.

It was a slow day at the pristine country club, with its tall false ceilings and fancy glass upholstery and lighting, a huge white marble counter encircling the veranda with shell white and pastel green chairs and tables fit snugly on the granite floor which I clean every day that I see my own reflection.

Which I am doing right now.

My feet were gliding on the slippery wet floor as I saw myself scrubbing the white tile which was stained with “your finest Bloody Mary please!” the blood-red stain laughing in my face. I am tired and exasperated and I need a drink. That I didn’t make with my own hands. I looked up as the summer breeze made my stray hairs encounter my eyes; my vision blessed with one of the most picturesque sunsets I have ever witnessed after settling in Outer Banks. The golden Sun was muted orange now, glistening as the white tufts of clouds were colored inside by the marine blue sky. For a moment then, everything felt right.

“SOFIA, GO DOWNSTAIRS TO THE INVENTORY AND GET ME A BOTTLE OF THAT OLD RUM”

Spoke too soon.

I turned towards the source of the source and there he was, my boss.

Benjamin Alexander Portridge. Long name. I know. Everyone around the town calls him Mr. Portridge. But all of us working in the bar called him Benny Bitch behind his back. He is the textbook definition of a schmooze. Five feet tall, unnaturally thin with his pinstripe pants and suit and an eerie gold pin with a bear engraved on it resting on his breast pocket that he wears every day like a magician at a circus, if you are a Kook with some cha-ching on your purse he would snag, grab and treat you like you are his next wife or something. He would “warmly” welcome you with a “Good evening, gentleman. How can I help you?” with him trailing over them like a hawk. Then he would sweet-talk them, talking about “da birds and da bees” and switch over like a chameleon; slowly collecting all the dirty laundry of Kooks who smile and make small talk with him.

It's too bad he doesn’t air it out to us. He just zooms around and pierces you with his look while you’re pouring drinks and most importantly when we collect money, his snake eyes follow the line of money. And he screams out orders when no one is around.

I wobbled and carefully stood on the floor, slowly placing the “Don’t Walk, Slippery Floor” sign, I saw a fuzz of blonde walking right into the area, her hot pink headphones bobbing along with her strawberry blonde bob, navy blue skirt swaying as she strutted with no care. I can hear Ayesha Erotica blasting through her phone.

“MISSY, DON’T WALK INTO THE WET FLOOR”

“WHAT, SOF, WAIT, OH-”

Her right foot dramatically went up in the air while she scrambled to keep her weight steady for a hot minute, failed miserably, and fell with a soft yet powerful THUD.

“OW!” she let out a small yelp as she was rubbing her bruised hands on her uniform, her butt still planted on the wet floor. I slowly walked near her, careful not to fall flat on my ass, helping her stand steady and taking her near to the bar counter.

“Sofia, girl why didn’t you tell me you were cleaning? Oh, my ass, my ass.”

I threw my head back, exasperated. I literally put up a sign that wrote “SLIPPERY FLOOR” in black, bold letters” in front of her eyes. And I told her exactly that.

“Missy, look in front of you, there is a sign called ‘WET FLOOR’”

“Fine. I heard Benny Bitch call for something, that’s why I came back from my cig break” she said in her airy voice, dusting off any ashes from her white polo uniform. Lia “Missy” Robinson is a character, alright. A loud, boisterous, chain smoker, changes her hair color based on the weather (this is true, she even explained her mechanism once on a break) and is a “proud Gemini” because “Gemini’s are crucified everywhere and I, for one, think that’s bullshit” (her words, not mine), Missy was the first person I met when I came to work here in the fine establishment (I am baring my molars when I am saying this, by the way) of Pelican Bay Country Club (I mean who even names a club like that?) two months ago at Outer Banks. Benny told me that I needed a mentor when I started out and he “appointed” Missy, (whatever that’s supposed to mean) and all she did was, flick her cigarette on the floor and said

“Olives may be stale but those idiots don’t know that so don’t hesitate to give them that. If anyone comes at you for making the drink wrong, just put extra tequila on it. If a fight happens, see if they start to punch each other and if you see blood, then call Benny. And if you want to smoke, there’s a basement room right next to the inventory. Finally, welcome to hell. And I like the bangs. Keep it.” she motioned towards my hair.

She’s cool and doesn’t take shit from anyone which I like since sometimes my shy self can get flustered whenever some customers get a bit unsavory and try saying, “I CAN NOT BELIEVE WE ARE LETTING POGUES TO MAKE US DRINKS, YOU ARE SHIT AT EVERYTHING YOU DO”

“No, he asked me to get rum from downstairs.”

“Well damn, I fell on my ass for nothing then. It’s fine, I’ll go get it for you. I came all the way from sexting my neighbor for this, might as well make myself useful.”

Oh, I forgot to tell you, Missy is synonymous with Too Much Information.

Even though I really don’t want to go to the basement for the tenth time today, I am a bit unsure about letting a “butt-hurt” Missy get hurt again or worse, get her hands cut by dropping the bottle.

“Are you sure, Missy? I don’t mind”

“Positive”

“Ok, then….but take the one from the top shelf. Otherwise, I’ll be the one staying late having another “mixologist” revision.”

She struggled to get up from the barstool so I helped her up again and she ambled her way to the basement; leaving me alone with only Jeremy on the bar. He works with me on the counter during my shifts, we are not friends or even acquaintances but we just wave at each other and relay messages to each other during work.

That’s the definition of a colleague. And I just realized that.

It’s not that I don’t want to be alone with him, it’s just that it gets so awkward when we are alone in between shifts or when cleaning the place. He doesn’t know anything about me and I don’t know anything about him except the fact that he owns a pet tarantula named “Gary” from some crocodile hunter in “Animal Planet” (he mentioned it to me when an old Kook spotted a spider outside the club and screamed, “OH MY GOD, THERE ARE BLOOD SUCKING HEATHENS HERE!!! I AM NEVER COMING BACK TO THIS CLUB.”)

And it’s way too overdue to ask him about his life and vice versa. So we just work in silence or I blast my headphones high to avoid the tension. There’s no such thing as comfortable silence when you’re with people.

Begrudgingly, I passed by the uniformly arranged chairs and made my way to the lockers located way inside, past the attached kitchen which serves “elevated bar food” in the evenings. As I went inside the stuffy room resembling the gym locker room minus the stench with its seafoam green walls, I saw my other “colleagues” and janitors standing in pairs of two to four, gossiping and applying light makeup to their faces. Their heads swiveled towards me as I came in, everyone collectively saying “Hi, Sofia” and then going on with their lives. After chirping in a squeaky “Hello!” back, I reached my locker, its rusty blue door littered with photos of all the people I hold close to my heart: a family photo of my mamá and papá standing in front of a cathedral in Mexico; that was them on their wedding day; an old photo of my abuelas posing with my thirteen-year-old self wearing a baby pink tutu and a polaroid of my two hermanas Isabella and Alejandra and my brother Theo smiling at the camera holding our cat, Mishmish. I smiled looking at their pure laughs spilling from the photo and opened my locker, taking out my face wash and towel from my cherry-red handbag.

I gave up a lot for them. It doesn’t mean it stopped hurting when I stopped dreaming but the fact that I am able to help my ma put food on the table or at least try to lessen her burden is more than enough for me. All I can do is get through every day, hoping that I can stop surviving and start living.

My introspections got cut off as my ears caught onto two waiters gossiping in the common washroom, my eyes closed and hands automatically washing off the suds of my face as I half-heartedly listened to them.

“No way he is back”

“Yes way, Tammy told me that she saw Rafe Cameron at Tannyhill when she was walking Mrs. Daisy’s dog”

Oh, I have heard of him.

Rafe Cameron.

I vaguely remember his dad’s name coming up on the news some time ago or maybe my dad told me about him sometimes passing in a random conversation. The notorious Kook Prince. Never seen him though. I only know of him through other’s opinions of him and safe to say, that nobody likes him. Not from what I heard anyway.

“Oh, but his dad is dead and he and his family disappeared off the face of the Earth and now he’s back…after two months…that’s suspicious as fuck”

“You know him, that cokehead must have done something. Too bad, looks hot as fuck but truly a wasted potential”

I wanted to eavesdrop more but then stopped myself. I have a shift in ten minutes and I hate inserting myself in other people’s business and plus I don’t want to hear Katya talk about her periods as she stopped talking about drama altogether. Who knows, maybe I’ll see this infamous guy one day and see for myself if he’s “fuckable or not” (again, not my words)

Oh, if only I knew.

*****************

The club was packed tonight in spite of its spacious open space floor; a sea of beiges, pastel shades, and tan pants flooded my senses; my eyes and feet dizzy from the dim lighting and my feet haphazardly dancing on the granite, palms barely holding onto the huge wooden plates containing a plethora of drinks and poisons of all sorts: you name it, I have it my hand and I’ll probably drop it on some Kook’s head if I don’t get a break.

Such is the life of an underpaid bartender. God, I need to go home.

Exhaustion pushed me as I slowly went inside my safe space, on the other side of the counter. I mean, it’ll still hurt but I don’t have to look like a circus elephant running on a ball when I am just pouring drinks and manning the counter. Jeremy came barrelling towards me, sweat and all silently screaming, “You take care here, I’ll go serve the drinks”

I gotta hand it to him, no matter the awkward glances. He’s running this place like Benny is going to give him the keys to the bar next Saturday. And I respect him for that. Everybody calls him a weirdo but he’s always been reliable to the T. Helping me with the accounts, serving customers at lightning speed and sometimes he stays until I leave my shift which I always felt was sweet. Or maybe it’s creepy and I still don’t know how to take cues from strangers. But all I said was a small, “Okay!”

So here I am, serving the nth Long Island Teas to a throng of women adorning body-con dresses chatting up about the next big party happening in the Bahamas and how they should totally look up all the restaurants in the cruise. The back of my hand swept across my sweaty forehead, a pristine fake smile plastered on my face, and deftly moved my shaker as I made another Cosmo for another customer. My hands were gangly, ready to give out but I kept saying “Just 30 mins more, just 30 mins” like a mantra as I broke the ice from the icebox into a perfect rectangular cube, dropped it on the sherry glass and swiftly poured the drink from my shaker and twisting an orange peel on the rim of the glass, my hands shaky as I gave the drink to the lone woman scrolling Instagram chirping, “One Cosmo Ready”

As she graced me with a polite smile, I recognized that the bar rush slowed down; leaving with only a bunch of people standing around. My lungs caved in peace, and finally some rest.

Or so I thought.

You know the infamous trope where your eyes meet someone, you know that they are going to change your life forever, well I felt that was an anomaly, maybe it’s true but I feel that’s just attraction you know, or infatuation, but life-changing?

I don’t thi-

I didn't meet the love of my life in some grand fashion, like dancing in the rain or dropping my books onto his feet or the classic colliding on each other’s shoulders. I met him as I was dying my hands on a dish towel, hearing a loud call from a distance screaming, “RAFE CAMERON IS BACK BABY”

I turned around and there he was in his six-foot glory, the man I knew from whispers.

Rafe Cameron.

He walked over languidly, with Topper Thorton hand’s resting on his bicep like a loose branch; his arms and entire body swinging as he welcomed his supposed friend with loud, rumbling cheers. Topper was clearly inebriated or the folks say, pissed as hell.

But the first thing my eyes caught on about Rafe Cameron was his eyes.

They were eerily blue.

No, not just blue.

They were Aquamarine.

The pair walked over my direction, to the counter, Rafe sporting a small smile as his unsteady feet went back and forth, his mouth mumbling nonsense as he stopped right in front of my eyeline. Now that I can see him in all his entirety under the blinding warm lights, my brain conjured so many miniscule details about this perfect stranger like the small mole on the back of his left palm, the million freckles that littered his face, short blonde buzzcut ending just inches from his nape, broad shoulders sporting a navy blue and white checkered shirt, grey linen pants with those black Oxford’s; the smell of cigarettes and fresh mint gum on his breath, fingers drumming up on the marble counter in a non-uniform staccato; aquamarine eyes holding a tornado of emotions that I can’t even grasp. And that damn head tilt he graced me as he said to me,

“Hi, can I get an old-fashioned?”

Fuck, Naya was right. He looks gorgeous.

“Coming right up” Now that I think about it, I didn’t even recognize that my voice reached that high when I squeaked that response.

He just smiled at me, nodding in understanding. I tried to be nonchalant, not making eye contact as my body mechanically reached up to the whiskey cabinet behind me. As I tipped over to reach the Jack Daniels Bottle, I could physically sense his eyes on me, scrutinizing my every move. My stance faltered, hands more shaky than usual as I gripped the glass bottle with all my strength, moving right back to my initial position. I can mix an old-fashioned in my sleep at this point, but for some reason, I was not feeling my mojo today. Instead, my feelings were having an out-of-body experience of being…shy for no reason. As I bent down the counter to get the muddle, I heard him say,

“I have never seen you around here before, you new here?”

I shot right back up, muddle in my left hand and my heart in my other.

“Umm...depends on how you define new. I started working here around two months ago.” I replied, trying not to meet his eyes.

“Oh ok, then you are new here. I haven’t been here for three months so yeah, that’s why I didn’t recognize you��.Miss?”

He was nearly crowding the counter now, hands on the marble and his face fairly near mine. His eyes wandered to my chest and I was going to have a heart attack at that very moment. Then I realized what he was doing.

He was looking for my name badge. The badge I forgot to wear today.

Shit.

“Sofia”

“Well, Sofia, I am sure that you know my name…”

Of course. The cokehead, fuckup, nepo-baby of Outer Banks. Bad News. But I didn't tell him that. I just played along with him.

“Oh, I mean I have heard about you but I don’t know for sure if that’s what your name is…I don’t wanna presume, you know”

He was full-on smirking now, “No, no, tell me what you think my name is, I don’t mind being misnamed”

I tilted my head a bit, putting my fingers on my face, feigning deep thought, “Is it…Ralph, or Rocky or I don’t know, Ryan?”

His mouth went agape and his hands clutched his chest laughing, “Nope, I think you know my name, and by the way, do I even look like my name would be Ryan? God, that would be a disgrace”

“Sorry, Mr. Rafe. I thought you looked like a Ryan. My deepest, most sincere apologies for the wrong assumptions” I was measuring the bitters now and pouring it into the drink.

“Hmm…apology half accepted ‘cuz I’ll see if I wanna grant you my full apology after I judge your drink”

I let out a breathy chuckle as I broke the ice, again, gently stirring the drink, “We’ll see”

His attention was centered on me now, his focus zeroing on my hands and the way they twisted the single lemon peel around and twirled it on the rim of his glass. I was trembling inside, hoping to God that he wouldn’t catch my countenance stumbling and falling under his gaze. With steady hands and a frenzy heart, I gave the whiskey glass to the blue-eyed man, his hands feathered over my fingers as he took it from me. My hands felt a zap as if I touched lightning with my fingertips. His fingers were not baby-soft like most Kooks since their palms have never touched anything that makes them sweat or even work. His fingers were slightly calloused, my hands feeling the slight ridges of skin peeling off just from a moment of touch.

Fuck, why am I hyper-ventilating.

This feeling is so unlike my usual range of emotions about Kooks from passivity to anger to slight envy about their riches, shiny gold watches, and their airiness about life that comes with money. And he is the wealthiest of them all. It’s not like my heart is beating like I need to marry this guy tomorrow rather like a wave of curiosity and a lick of infatuation encasing like no other.

The side of his mouth turned to a slight smicker as he downed the first gulp of my drink, faking a deep thought for a minute as he replied, “Not bad, Ms.Sofia. Not bad at all.”

I was trying to look busy, looking at the blank screen of the bar computer and clicking any buttons as I said, “Told you. Now, can you apologize? Mister Rafe…”

“Cameron. And I do apologize Miss Sofia…?”

I still don’t remember why I said that whacky reply as I looked straight up at stuttered, “Cameron”

Now why did I say that? He was full-on smiling now, clutching the glass in his hands as he said, “Sofia Cameron, sounds like I should have known before ‘cuz you have my last name too.”

I was fumbling so badly, “NO, NO. It’s Ramirez. I’m Sofia Ramirez”

He was slowly shaking his head as he extended his hand to me, “Ok then, Sofia Ramirez. I take your apology in full payment. Shake on it?”

I looked around from side to side, hoping that Benny Bitch wasn’t near me as my hands snaked onto his for a firm handshake, feeling his rough yet delicate hands on mine. Fuck, I need to calm down.

I was crashing out as I chucked, “You know this is bullshit right. What are we even doing right now?”

“I don’t know, I thought I was trying to chat up the new bartender of the country club.”

“Well, you should stop 'cause my shift ends in like” I glanced at my imaginary wristwatch as I said, “Now. It’s nice to meet Rafe but I gotta clock out. Hope you have a good night…drinking.”

He turned around while sitting on the barstool, raising his glass in response, “I will, Miss Sofia. Good night”

As I rushed towards the small outdoor from the counter with my satchel in clutch and my battered white Keds hot on the floor, I could feel Rafe’s eyes hovering over me, gazing at every movement I made, every breath I took. I felt pink with all this attention on me.

I practically sprinted my way to the main reception as I went up to Maria, the receptionist; signed my name on the register, and reached my beat-down cherry-red Pontiac, Betty. I shut the car door so fast, that my stray hair went flying up to my eyes. God, this is the second time this happened today.

The car roared to life, as I put my feet on the gas; the radio blasting a random tune. I cranked it up high, not really ready to ruminate over everything that just materialized minutes ago. I heard a pop song playing on the FM, not knowing what specific song it was

“A very humble apology to talk mid-song but I just wanted the very good evening to all the lovely Outer Banks listeners, this is Bianca Richardson from XOXO FM 207.34. On this fine Wednesday night, I wanna call all the Swifties to sing along to this fine-ass tune so enjoy listening to Gorgeous by my favorite, Taylor Swift”

I hate the cruel play of time.

“Ocean blue eyes

Looking in mine

I feel like I might

Sink and drown and die”

As the song went with only the late July breeze keeping me company, I was naively unaware that my life completely changed that night. As I caught a glimpse of the coastline beside the straight road through the side view mirror, my mind lingered on the color of the waves crashing on the beach.

They were as blue as his eyes.

***************

Chapter 2

Author's Notes:

HEYYO, Long time no see!!! I am so sorry for the very late update. Life kicked me several times so I needed a long nap. Well here we are, with the first official chapter of the fic. Please please let me know how's the chap cuz I want to improve my writing as much as I can.

By the way, l wanna switch pov's and see what works best but for this one, I chose Sofia's pov. AGAIN LIKES, COMMENTS AND REBLOGS ARE SO SO APPRECIATED, but seriously every time you guys say anything I genuinely feel fireworks in my heart, thank u for your support.

This is just the beginning, you guys are in for a LONG RIDE. I am taking an hour every day for this fic so I'll be trying to update the next chapter as soon as possible even though I am very tight with college and life.

Byeee. Love youuu :)))))))))))

Please lemme know if you wanna be on the tag list.

#aquamarine fic #rafe cameron fic #rafe x sofia #rafe cameron #sofia obx #fiona palomo #drew starkey #obx fanfiction #allthedamnlove works #Spotify

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pinkshiftbites · 2 months ago

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“Don’t be deceived when they tell you things are better now. Even if there’s no poverty to be seen because the poverty’s been hidden. Even if you ever got more wages and could afford to buy more of these new and useless goods which industries foist on you and even if it seems to you that you never had so much, that is only the slogan of those who still have much more than you. Don’t be taken in when they paternally pat you on the shoulder and say that there’s no inequality worth speaking of and no more reason to fight because if you believe them they will be completely in charge in their marble homes and granite banks from which they rob the people of the world under the pretence of bringing them culture. Watch out, for as soon as it pleases them they’ll send you out to protect their gold in wars whose weapons, rapidly developed by servile scientists, will become more and more deadly until they can with a flick of the finger tear a million of you to pieces.” ―Jean-Paul Marat

#quotes #french revolution #jean paul marat

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chocolateflavoredjest · 1 month ago

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I SWEAR TO GOD.

MINIMALIST HOMES ARENT COOL. STOP RUINING HOUSES WITH CHARACTER. JUST BUY A MODERN HOUSE. AND STOP USING PAINT ON MARBLE AND GRANITE.

#i hate modern houses #stop ruining homes #minimalism hate train

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norsesuggestions · 1 year ago

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So i started to google about the human usage of different minerals and i realised that lots of the stone floor i used to assume was marble

I just some classic swedish granite, polished. The very (almost*) same i see everywhere swedish nature when i step outside

*almost in that the stone quarries in sweden specialize in the different color and thoughness varierties of granite. So sometimes the granite in a building is from across the country because it forexemple as a nice red colour

Which makes so much sense, being our most common stone AND as the swedish granite industries pamphlet about floor choice* told me, granite is good choice instead of marble, because granite survives ALOT more wear and tear (beeing a much thougher stone than chalk based marble)

*real pamphlet, really informative, although VERY biased towards buying stone from swedish stone quarries for SOME reason haha

#geology #blogkeeping

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archivist-crow · 2 months ago

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The Haunted Atlas

Craigdarroch Castle - Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

48°25'20"N / 123°20'38"W

Former private residence of the wealthy and influential Dunsmuir family of Victoria, British Columbia. Craigdarroch Castle was once the most spectacular residence in the province. It is now a museum and historic landmark and reportedly the home to ghosts.

History

Craigdarroch Castle was touched by gloom and mourning before it was ever occupied. It was built by Robert Dunsmuir, a poor Scottish immigrant who arrived in Victoria in 1851 with his wife Joan and family, determined to build himself a great fortune. At first the family lived in a windowless log cabin, and Dunsmuir labored away for dismal wages. He pursued his ambition zealously and, true to his vow, soon built a business empire, raking in money in coal. Though once a poor worker himself, he exploited other poor workers and lavished money on politicians to buy their favors. His critics called him a greedy capitalist, "King Grab."

Dunsmuir shrugged off the criticism. He wanted everyone to know how rich and powerful he had become. There was no better way to put that on display than by building the most impressive home in the entire province. In 1887, construction began on Craigdarroch Castle, designed by architect Warren William Heywood. Tragically, Heywood died of an enlarged heart just four months into the project.

More tragedy followed. Dunsmuir himself was never to occupy his grand home. In April 1889, he went to bed with a cold. He was renowned for his health and vigor, and no one suspected that he would never leave his bed. Four days later, he was in a coma. Within two more days, he was dead.

Several months later, in September, Dunsmuir's second daughter, Agnes, died in a typhoid epidemic that swept through the town of Nanaimo, where she lived with her husband and family. Her husband, James Harvey, never regained his health and died the following year.

In the summer of 1890, Craigdarroch Castle was ready for occupancy. It had four floors plus a tower and an 87-step staircase leading to a fourth-floor ballroom the size of a three-bedroom house. Dunsmuir had spared no expense acquiring the finest oak, walnut, mahogany, cedar, granite, marble, and sandstone. Exquisite stained glass and ceiling paintings decorated the castle.

Widow Joan moved in with her three unmarried daughters and Agnes's orphaned children. It was not the happy occasion she had once envisioned. Nonetheless, Joan was determined to reign as "Queen Joan" the socialite. She reigned until her death in October 1908. Many thought the era of excessive displays of wealth was over, but son Robert had yet to erect an even grander home, Hatley Castle.

Craigdarroch was now a liability, too big and expensive to appeal to most buyers. Eventually it was sold and its contents were auctioned off. After World War I, it became Craig Darroch Military Hospital for veterans. The hospital was moved to another facility in 1921, and the castle was taken over by Victoria College. By 1946, the college was severely overcrowded, and the castle was condemned as a fire hazard. Students were moved out, and the school board turned it into an administrative facility.

The school board moved out in 1967, leaving behind a deteriorating building with rotting wood, crumbling stonework, and broken stained glass. City officials considered demolishing the once-grand home to make way for a high-rise apartment complex. Instead, it was taken over by the Victoria School of Music, who later turned it over to The Castle Society, who restored it as a historic landmark, its present status.

Haunting Activity

Ghosts have been experienced since the renovation of Craigdarroch Castle. One worker, resting on his lunch break near the stairway to the ballroom, glimpsed a partial apparition of a young woman's foot in a satin shoe and the length of a ball gown. The startled man watched for several minutes as the shoed foot and part of gown came slowly down the stairs. Perhaps he had witnessed an imprint of the social dancing that went on at Craigdarroch during its Victoria College days.

Visitors both see and sense other apparitions. The ghost of a small girl has been seen in the basement and the invisible presences of suffering soldiers have been felt. Another ghost is a maid dressed in Victorian clothing who walks into a room, looks around, and then vanishes. A phantom man wearing a bowler hat and carrying a walking stick has been seen. One witness who saw the ghost noticed that the following day, a bowler hat and walking stick that had been on stands inside of a glass case in the museum had been knocked off their stands while still in the case.

Other phenomena include cold gusts of air, sounds of ghostly piano music, and the smell of burning candles where none are present.

Text from The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits, Third Edition by Rosemary Ellen Guiley (Checkmark Books - 2007)

#the haunted atlas #craigdarroch castle #victoria #british columbia #canada #haunted locations #ghosts #spirits #apparitions #hauntings

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enchantingalpacapanda · 11 days ago

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Transform Your Space on a Budget with Contact Paper: Endless Possibilities

Are you tired of your dull and outdated space? Do you want to give it a fresh and trendy appearance without breaking the bank? Look no more! With contact paper, you can change your area on a budget and let loose endless possibilities. In this post, we will explore the various ways you can utilize contact paper to revamp your office or home. From bubble wrap to wood chippers, we will cover all the tools and techniques you require to achieve a spectacular change. So, let's dive in and discover how contact paper can reinvent your space!

Introduction: The Power of Contact Paper

Contact paper is a versatile adhesive material that can be used to add color, pattern, and texture to any surface area. It is a budget-friendly option to costly materials like wallpaper or tile. With contact paper, you can quickly change the look of your walls, furniture, counter tops, and even floors. It uses a large range of styles and surfaces, enabling you to personalize your space according to your personal design. Whether you choose a modern and minimalist visual or a vibrant and dynamic look, contact paper has actually got you covered.

Transform Your Area on a Budget with Contact Paper: Limitless Possibilities

Transform Your Space on a Budget with Contact Paper: Limitless Possibilities is not simply a memorable title; it completely encapsulates the endless capacity of using contact paper to revamp your area without breaking the bank. Let's check out some of the amazing changes you can achieve with this economical material.

1. Renew Your Walls with Contact Paper

Do your walls need a facelift? Instead of handling untidy paint or costly wallpaper installation, think about using contact paper to provide a new lease on life. With its self-adhesive backing, contact paper is exceptionally simple to apply and eliminate without damaging the underlying surface area. You can pick from a large range of designs, including bold patterns, synthetic textures, and even realistic brick or wood finishes. The possibilities are really endless!

2. Develop Customized Furniture with Contact Paper

If your furnishings is https://anotepad.com/notes/d54f4mb6 looking exhausted and worn, don't hurry to buy brand-new pieces. Contact paper can work wonders in transforming your old furnishings into stylish statement pieces. Whether you want to include a pop of color to a plain dresser or offer your dining table a marble-like remodeling, contact paper is the perfect service. Merely determine and cut the paper to size, remove the backing, and thoroughly apply it to the surface area. Your good friends will be impressed at your DIY skills!

3. Update Your Counter Tops with Contact Paper

Dreaming of gorgeous granite or marble countertops however can't manage the hefty price? Contact paper can offer you the look you prefer at a portion of the expense. With its heat-resistant and water resistant homes, contact paper is perfect for updating your cooking area or restroom counters. You can select from a variety of colors and patterns that simulate pricey products. Plus, contact paper is easy to tidy and preserve, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

4. Add Flair to Your Stairs with Contact Paper Stair Nosing

Don' t disregard your stairs when transforming your area! Contact paper stair nosing is an exceptional way to add style and security to your staircase. Stair nosing provides an additional layer of defens

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behtarinseokaram · 10 months ago

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How to choose the right stone cutting plate?

The stone cutting plate is an indispensable tool for anyone working with stone. Whether you are a professional stonemason or a DIY employee, choosing the right cutting board for your job can make a big difference in the quality of your work.

Factors to consider:

Type of stone:

Marble: continuous-edged diamond cutting plates are ideal for clean, lip-free cutting. Granite: high grade diamond edge cutting plates are required for quick and durable cutting. Ceramic: premium-graded diamond-edged cutting plates are ideal for clean, lip-free cutting. Concrete: cut plates with Diamond Edge with metal bonding are required for maximum durability.

Size:

Diameter: must match the size of your cutting machine. Thickness: thicker plates are suitable for cutting harder and thicker stones.

Application:

Continuous cutting: choose more quality and durable plates. Casual cut: cheaper, shorter-life plates may be enough.

Brand:

Prestigious brands such as Bosch, Dewalt, Makita and Norton offer higher quality and performance.

Price:

Stone cutting plates are available in a range of prices. Set your budget and choose according to it. Additional tips:

User reviews: read other users ' reviews about different cutting pages. Buy from reputable stores: buy from stores that offer quality guarantees and after-sales service. Taking into account these factors, you can choose the right stone cutting plate for your needs.

Here are some examples of the best stone cutting plates in 2023:

Bosch Expert for Stone Diablo CeramX Dewalt DWA4440X Makita B-07403 Norton Clipper X35B These cutting plates are suitable for different types of stone and applications.

By choosing the right cutting plate, you can achieve accurate, clean and fast cuts and do your job with high quality.

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smgstone · 2 years ago

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Stone Wholesalers Melbourne Supply a Wide Range of Natural Stones in Cheap!

Engineered materials are used for a wide range of home décor and maintenance purposes these days. They materials might be bit cheaper than the natural stones but there are certain elements that have always managed to keep the natural stones the first choice for many. When it comes to the cost, performance and aesthetics related objectives, the natural stones often appear as the most versatile option. These stones can be used for the both interior and exterior décor and they are going to last long. As they are directly take from the nature, they have the ability to withstand against the odd weather conditions for a long time and not going to damage. On the other hand, the engineered materials that we use for the same purposes can damage easily and quickly once they are exposed to such conditions for a long time. If you want to get natural stones in cheap, then the time has come to opt for the best stone wholesalers Melbourne.

stone wholesalers Melbourne

Most of the time we select the engineered materials, as they are low on maintenance! But the fact is the natural stones that are now coming to the market can bring versatility, depth and also available in a wide range of colors that these engineered materials cannot deliver. And that’s the thing that makes the natural stones the first choice for many homeowners these days. At the same time, the natural stones are also having a good resistance against the staining and scratches. They are not going to acquire such issues so easily. They might break if you are not taking proper care while installing them, but staining and scratches like issues are always going to remain prevented for these natural stones. So once you have installed them properly, they are going to last for a long time and you will not face these issues further. The leading natural stone suppliers Sydney have got the best collections for these stones.

When we are talking about the natural stones, the leading stone wholesalers Melbourne has got a wide range of natural stones to display before you. These natural stones can be used for different purposes such as to décor the kitchen and bathroom, to décor the flooring of your home and to make the vanity-bench tops. Use them for just any purpose, and they are going to deliver you anticipated outcome always. From limestone to the cobble and from sandstone to marble, granite, travertine, onyx, slate etc; you can now get all these natural stones in the best possible price range when you visit one of the leading natural stone suppliers Sydney.

When you are installing the natural stones for your home’s exterior or interior, you have to consider some steps and processes. You have to use the natural sealant so that these stones can remain at their position firmly for a long time. With regular cleaning of the surface of these natural stones, you will be able to maintain their beauty, luster and shine for a long time. Just take a cleaning mop and wipe the surface of the marble of granite and with this much of work you can clean these natural stones properly.

This much of cleaning will be enough to remove the dirt and dust on these stones and their natural shine will start to appear again. There is no need to use the chemicals to clean them. This might damage the surface of these natural stones and can take off their natural shine and appeal. When you buy these stones from the leading natural stones wholesalers Melbourne, they can also educate you about how you can take proper care of these stones and can use them for a long time.

#stone wholesalers Melbourne #buy marble and granite

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gcountertop · 9 months ago

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No Foolin' Around with Our Countertops! Happy April Fool's Day from the team at Granite Countertop Warehouse! 🤡 Today, we're slicing through the pranks to bring you something solid - quite literally! While we love a good joke, there's one thing we never jest about: the quality of our countertops. Did you hear about our new "invisible" countertop line? Just kidding! While we can't make your countertops disappear, we can guarantee they'll be the centerpiece of your kitchen. And today only, we're offering a special "buy one, get a smile free" deal. Jokes aside, whether it’s granite, quartz, or marble you’re after, we promise to provide you with the best quality countertops, no tricks attached. Our commitment to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction is no laughing matter. So, come on down and let's celebrate April Fool's Day together - with offers that are too good to be true. Visit us at: 2595 Baker Rd, NW Acworth, GA 30101 Contact us at: (678) 574-4116

#AprilFoolsDay #GraniteCountertopWarehouse #NoJoke #SeriousAboutCountertops #HomeImprovementHumor

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stesierra · 1 year ago

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Word Finding Game Tag!

@avrablake tagged me! The words are: rain, carve, look, bury, burn, and buy. I'm going to draw from Stitches and Memories today! Writing below the cut!

Rain

The last statue belonged to the Eagle God. It sat at the very center of the crowd, depicting a man with piercing eyes and a hooked nose and feathers where his hair should have been. His limbs and chest were heavy with muscle under the armor he wore, and he raised a long, one-edged sword towards the sky. The statue was painted in shades of blue and gray and black except for the skin, which was the same hue as good bronze.

Reza said, "Vilsel? What do we have worthy of a god?"

Vilsel came to stand at her foot, his eyes captured by the statue's stern face. "Little, Your Highness. Some coin and food."

Reza sighed. "I was afraid you would say that. Here." She pulled the jeweled rings from her fingers and let them rain into Vilsel's open hands. "Give these to the Eagle God, with the greatest respect."

Vilsel went forward and arranged the jewelry in a rosette on the god's altar. It shone there beautifully but otherwise did not stand out. The altar was already stuffed full of riches. No one dared make a poor offering to the king of the gods, and so, over the years, worshipers had showered his feet with gold and diamonds and even a few bejeweled crowns. Antea stared at the crowns and wondered if past heirs to the throne had left them here in their quest to win the god's favor.

Carve

They left behind the emptiness of the cave entrance as they descended into the cavern, following a walkway through the middle of a vast room. Its ceiling caught only a hint of Jedan's light. Vibrant turquoise water flowed by silently to either side of the path, vanishing somewhere beneath where they walked. The cave was not like illustrations Antea had seen in books at the library, illustrations that were always full of stalactites and columns and ribbons of rock. This one didn't have decorative growths at all. It looked as though something had carved the cave out of the granite with a giant spoon and an unsteady hand. The walls were full of dips and gouges, and only the path where they walked was relatively flat.

Look

She turned the first page and caught her breath. Sprawled across the pages was a dragon, its long neck twisted in a graceful "s", its wingless back hidden under a forest of spikes. Its tail trailed off the page. The artist had taken the time to include every diamond-shaped scale.

Antea read aloud, very quietly, "A seed of dishonesty lies in every human heart. An example: Dragons eat the dishonest. Dragons don't exist. One of those statements is a lie." The claws of the dragon stretched towards her, its eyes so black they seemed to eat away at the page. "I, the writer, am human and I thought that lie."

Something stirred, looking at that picture, reading those words, and it seized her mind and shook it until the writing on the page swam and melted. The memory grabbed at her -- a jade statue of a rearing dragon on a marble pedestal just face-high -- and knives jammed themselves into her ears. She felt like she was falling.

Bury

Antea's nostrils flared, and heat flooded her core. "What’s strange is, there aren't supposed to be bandits on this road. The soldiers patrol it. It's the main road. The damn main road!"

"Getting upset is not going to make that dead man go away."

She blew air out and tried to still her shaking hands. "Do we have to bury him? Report him?"

"I shouldn't think so. The soldiers will find him soon, and since they didn't do their job of keeping him off the roads, I don't feel bad about making them dig the hole."

Burn

Zoren leaned on the desk, scattering papers and tape everywhere, and fixed her with sharp eyes. "What did that book tell you to do?"

"Excuse me?"

He shook his head and folded his arms tight around him. "I should have thrown it on the fire."

Antea's jaw dropped, and she planted both her hands on his desk. "You don't burn books. You never burn books."

"I should have made an exception. Then you would not be leaving on some fool journey it told you to make."

Her chest felt tight, and she shook her head wildly, still leaning on his desk. "Look, the book hasn't told me anything! I haven't even read it yet! I'm leaving because I need to find my father. This is my only chance. Please understand."

Buy

The farmer closed his hand over the oboles, casting her an offended look as though he had heard her thoughts. "You can have the barn for tonight, but I warn you now that you'll be sharing."

Jedan's brow furrowed. "Sharing?"

"Girl came in before you did and asked to sleep in the barn. Paid me a third of what you did, but there's only one of her, and I've used up all my charity for the night." He stepped farther from the door and pointed them towards the barn. It was twice the size of the house, with a similar thatched roof and splintered walls no one had bothered to whitewash in years. "Go over there and get out of my face." And the farmer stepped back inside, coins clutched tight in his white-knuckled hand, and slammed the door in their faces.

Antea glared at the door and resisted the urge to go and pound on it again. She muttered to Jedan, "Shouldn't that much money buy a meal, too?"

He shook his head. "Be kind. The taxes a farmer pays are terrible."

"I guess. You didn't get poked in the boob."

Jedan coughed. "No, I did not."

Tagging @elizababie, @squarebracket-trick, and @macabremoons. Your words are dig, ride, jump, cut and drown!

#Stitches and Memories #tag games

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gwensparlour · 1 year ago

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Beginning of an idea I'll probably never finish because I don't write romcoms unless the planets align In which Thetis is a super rich heiress, Peleus is smitten, and shenanigans ensue

Jumping out of the car on a Saturday morning, Peleo swings the box of pastries from the small curled bow at the top.

The box is warm and smells heavenly. Freshly baked baklava with extra pistachios from the fanciest bakery in town. It is the surest way to put his brother in a good mood, despite the early hour. He hopes.

The hall is quiet, no one there except the doorman, busy sorting through the mail. He gives an abrupt nod to Peleus before returning to his work.

Telamon lives in a penthouse on the top floor. It takes ten rings of the doorbell before a very gruff voice answers from behind the door.

"It's half past seven."

"'Morning bird gets the worm,'" chirps Peleus and lifts the box of pastries to the peephole. "I brought breakfast. Baklava, your favorite."

"Extra honey?"

"And double pistachios."

There is the sound of various locks and keys being turned. Then the door opens, revealing an extremely irritable Telamon in his underwear and old sweatshirt.

"The pastries had better be good," he mutters, rubbing his eyes and stepping aside.

The kitchen is still dark, with the curtains down, and pleasantly cool. Peleus sets the box down on the granite countertop before moving to the window, while Telamon rummages through the drawers for coffee beans and the grinder.

"What did you do this time?" The sound of crushed grains is soothing in the stillness of the morning.

"Why do I always have to do something? One accidentally shoots his old man once and gets branded for life."

Telamon drops three lumps of sugar into his cup and does not respond. "Then why the urgency?"

"I'm getting married."

Telamon bends over, in the throes of a violent coughing fit. Frosted crumbs fly everywhere.

"You what? How? When?" He gasps. Peleus pats him on the back. "Well, it's not like I'm getting married right now. That's more the end goal. But I'm in love," he says and takes the steaming cup of coffee that Telamon hands him. Leaning against the refrigerator, his brother drinks his in two long sips.

"When? Who?" He asks. "Someone I know?"

"Technically."

"Technically?"

Before Telamon can ask any more questions, Peleus takes a rolled-up magazine from inside his jacket and throws it in his direction. "Page 245."

It shows a full-page photo of a dark-haired woman in side view. She is leaning against the railing of a marble balcony and showing dangling earrings of emeralds and sapphires. Each one is the size of a drachma. On page 246 is a front view of a huge villa overlooking the sea of the French Riviera.

Telamon looks at Peleus as if he had grown an extra head.

"One of the daughters of Nereus Okeanids."

"The eldest."

"Of Nereus Okeanids? Do you have any idea who we are talking about?"

Peleus does, a pretty clear one actually. Everyone knows the Okeanids. It is the third richest family in all of Greece, the top ten in the whole world. They are so rich that they could buy the Eacides company as easily as a grandmother buys fish at the market. They are practically nobles.

Rubbing his forehead with his massive hand, Telamon gives him a sidelong glance.

"You're high, aren't you?"

"Never been more lucid."

"I have a hard time believing that. Look, it's okay. I know what it's like. You partied a little too hard last night, snorted one too many lines.... " He pinches his nose, leaving two pieces of pistachio on his left cheek. The look in his eyes is a well-known routine.

"I am not on drugs. I'm not drunk. I'm just, how to say ... it was love at first sight," Peleus insists, unable to hold back a dreamy sigh. He does not hope his brother will understand, he and his too many mistresses.

"They are out of our reach. Completely."

"We are not beggars."

"To them you might as well be. Nereus will marry off his daughters to some Arab prince who might pave the streets with gold or something."

"Technically, we're noble, too."

"No. Father is the bastard son of a prince who has scattered so many bastards around that by now half of Greece could say they have blue blood. There's a big difference."

#the iliad #the song of achilles #tsoa #peleus #telamon #thetis

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regalokitchens11 · 2 days ago

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Budget Friendly Ways to Decorate Your Modular Kitchen

Source of info: https://www.regalokitchens.com/budget-friendly-ways-to-decorate-your-modular-kitchen.php

Introduction

The process of decorating a modular kitchen does not have to be expensive to buy. With careful planning and a little creative thinking, you can create a fashionable and effective kitchen without going over budget. Regalo Kitchens specializes in changing your kitchen into a room that is both beautiful and functional. Here's a budget-friendly method to decorate your customized kitchen while keeping it practical and interesting to look at.

Choose Cost-Effective Materials

Choosing low-cost materials is one of the simplest methods to stay inside your budget when designing a modular kitchen. Try laminate or butcher block counters that look like more costly materials such as granite or marble. For cabinets, MDF (medium-density fiberboard) with a plywood finish can have the same beautiful appearance as real wood at a lower cost. Regalo Kitchens provides a selection of cost-effective material solutions without losing design.

Incorporate DIY Projects

DIY projects can be a fun and cost-effective way to customize your modular kitchen. Think about painting or refinishing your current cabinets to give them a new appearance. You can also create your own wall with peel-and-stick tiles, which are affordable and easy to install. Adding DIY decorative features, such as customized shelving or painted hardware, can also have a big impact. Regalo Kitchens can offer advice and suggestions to help you complete these DIY tasks successfully.

Update Hardware and Fixtures

Sometimes a small change to your kitchen's hardware and fixtures can have a huge difference. Replacing outdated cabinet knobs and drawer pulls with modern, stylish alternatives will quickly improve the appearance of your modular kitchen. Think about changing the taps and cabinet knobs to complement your new style. Regalo Kitchens has a variety of cost-effective hardware alternatives that may improve the appearance of your kitchen without breaking the bank.

Use Accessories to Add Flair

Accessories are an excellent way to personalize your modular kitchen. Think about using shining dishes, attractive bowls, or trendy storage containers. Adding a few well chosen items, such as a fashionable carpet or a pair of attractive jars, can bring new life into your kitchen. Regalo Kitchens will assist you in selecting the best accessories to suit your kitchen's design while remaining within budget.

Maximize Storage Solutions

Effective storage options can help your modular kitchen look more organized and visually attractive. Install shelves or hanging racks to make use of available vertical space. Think about using transparent storage boxes to keep your kitchen cabinet material clean and accessible. Regalo Kitchens will help you in creating and carrying out clever storage solutions that will maximize your space and usefulness.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint can completely change your kitchen and bring it back to life. Choose a color that matches your current design and adds energy to your environment. Light, neutral colors may make your kitchen appear larger and more open, whereas bright colors can make an impact. Regalo Kitchens provides experienced support on picking paint colors to improve the overall appearance of your modular kitchen.

Invest in Quality Lighting

Good lighting is important for both functionality and atmosphere in the kitchen. Think about putting under-cabinet lights to brighten work surfaces and create a warm, inviting environment. Pendant lights above the island or dining area can give a feeling of class and style. Regalo Kitchens is able to help you in selecting and installing lighting solutions that are both cost-effective and improve the overall appearance of your kitchen.

Incorporate Greenery

Adding plants and greenery to your modular kitchen can bring nature within and create an inviting environment. Small planted herbs or plants can be arranged on windows, counters, or shelves. Greenery not only provides color but also creates a more pleasant and relaxing environment. Regalo Kitchens can help you pick the finest plant selections for your kitchen's layout and lighting situations.

Opt for Budget-Friendly Flooring

Upgrading your kitchen flooring does not have to be costly. Try low-cost choices such as vinyl or laminate flooring, that can match the appearance of more expensive materials like hardwood or tile. These alternatives are long-lasting, easy to maintain, and available in a range of designs and colors. Regalo Kitchens can help you choose flooring that complements the overall design of your modular kitchen while remaining within your budget.

Focus on a Cohesive Design

A unified design is required for making your modular kitchen look professional and well-put-together. Choose a color palette and keep to it, making sure that everything, from cabinets to accessories, work together. Avoid using too many patterns or colors, since this might make the area seem crowded. Regalo Kitchens is here to help you to create an overall layout plan that is suited to your style choices and budget.

Conclusion

Decorating your modular kitchen on a budget is completely possible with the right approach and resources. You can build a beautiful and practical kitchen without ripping the bank by using low-cost materials, doing DIY projects, and focusing on clever storage solutions. Regalo Kitchens is dedicated to assisting you in meeting your kitchen design goals while remaining within your budget. Contact us now to discuss cost-effective choices and how we can change your built-in kitchen into a room you'll enjoy.

#kitchendesign #regalokitchens #modularkitchen

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