By 2pm today our gorgeous cabinet materials and crown moulding for the kitchen and dining room arrived at the new house. It takes up the entire living room (and that's a big room). Having the materials early puts us under pressure, but I am so excited! We celebrated by dining out (Chinese). This weekend is jam packed with events, so hopefully we will be able to get more demo done over there.
We also met with a drywall expert today. We are putting drywall over some of the plaster in the house where there was some water damage from a faulty window. We're still waiting to meet with a plumber and electrician. I think we'll be ordering finishing touches on the kitchen this weekend and choosing our paint colors. Lots to do. Wondering what is the best way to tackle each task. This is hard, but so exciting!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Time to Think About Lawn Care
So Spring has sprung and the April showers have made the grass grow. A lot! We're lucky that our landlord takes care of the lawn here, but at the other house the grass is getting higher and will need to be cut.
Jeff's parents have generously given us a tractor:-) That means we won't have to buy one. I'm really grateful. Jeff is too--but he's not looking forward to mowing all 1 1/2 acres that's for sure.
Jeff's parents have generously given us a tractor:-) That means we won't have to buy one. I'm really grateful. Jeff is too--but he's not looking forward to mowing all 1 1/2 acres that's for sure.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
FREAKING out!
Today we got bad news. The window guy we signed our contract with neglected to tell us that we have to add more money onto the price for any windows that test positive for lead--to the tune of $120 per window. That's a big price adjustment! We have about 21 windows which are original and sure to contain at least some lead in the framing, which translates into really bad news for our budget:-( We may have to postpone other projects because of this--and there are so many left to do. I'm angry. How could they overlook something so important?
More bad news (that actually should be good news, but it isn't) is that our cabinetry order is ready to come in. We ordered 21 days ago and were told that the order would arrive in 6-8 weeks, so we built our timeline of To-Dos around this date. We worked really hard to schedule work/estimates with different companies and planned our schedules ourselves to do some work to be ready at that time. And Jeff is probably going to have to ask for additional time off from work soon, and it's always better to schedule that sort of thing in advance and not at the last minute. We're really in a bind.
Now I feel like everything has to be flashed forward and that we need to rush. I really, really hate rushing. I'm glad we could potentially move in earlier and avoid paying rent AND a mortgage/utilities, but I'm really freaking out about how in the world we are going to get everything finished. We haven't even sent the flooring order in yet! I'm less than happy about these glitches in our plan.
Trying to keep my chin up and not lose heart. It's difficult though since it is a holiday weekend coming up, and I suppose we won;t be celebrating so we can go to the house and get some work done. I probably have to cancel some orders for household things we need to get as well. I thought they were in our budget, and because of someone else's mistake they apparently are not :-(
:-( :-( :-( I want to cry.
More bad news (that actually should be good news, but it isn't) is that our cabinetry order is ready to come in. We ordered 21 days ago and were told that the order would arrive in 6-8 weeks, so we built our timeline of To-Dos around this date. We worked really hard to schedule work/estimates with different companies and planned our schedules ourselves to do some work to be ready at that time. And Jeff is probably going to have to ask for additional time off from work soon, and it's always better to schedule that sort of thing in advance and not at the last minute. We're really in a bind.
Now I feel like everything has to be flashed forward and that we need to rush. I really, really hate rushing. I'm glad we could potentially move in earlier and avoid paying rent AND a mortgage/utilities, but I'm really freaking out about how in the world we are going to get everything finished. We haven't even sent the flooring order in yet! I'm less than happy about these glitches in our plan.
Trying to keep my chin up and not lose heart. It's difficult though since it is a holiday weekend coming up, and I suppose we won;t be celebrating so we can go to the house and get some work done. I probably have to cancel some orders for household things we need to get as well. I thought they were in our budget, and because of someone else's mistake they apparently are not :-(
:-( :-( :-( I want to cry.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Completed Window Purchase
Through Bel Air Construction we have purchased new windows for the entire house. We chose Vytex windows in the Georgetown series. My favorite window will be the triple picture window in the kitchen. There is such a pretty view out of that window and it will let plenty of light in--much more than the small window that is there now.
This new expanded window will give me something to look at while I prepare food and wash dishes. There is a pretty fruit tree there, and I plan to hang the birdfeeder we bought on it so I can watch the birds. We bought this copper and glass feeder:
Can't wait to see our feathered friends enjoying it!
This new expanded window will give me something to look at while I prepare food and wash dishes. There is a pretty fruit tree there, and I plan to hang the birdfeeder we bought on it so I can watch the birds. We bought this copper and glass feeder:
Can't wait to see our feathered friends enjoying it!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Flooring Selection & Knob Shopping
We met with our designer again today to discuss flooring. Because of my back the selections for soft flooring were a bit limited, but I think we've selected something that looks nice. It really helps to have a designer who just knows the look we are going for. She's very intuitive and has done a fantastic job every step of the way.
My concern was that a soft floor wouldn't be durable, or would look cheap against the rest of the upgraded kitchen. I was leaning toward wood or laminate wood-look flooring, but Jeff doesn't care for it at all. I was thinking that it would look nice extended into the dining room since they will function as one large space. In my dreams I would get gorgeous tile, but my back just couldn't handle that. Perhaps in a different room where I won't be spending as much time standing. I hate having a herniated disc!
We decided on an Amtico tile in a warm stone color provided the price will fit our budget. We weren't sure what flooring to order for the dining room yet. We decided to go to the new house and tear up the red carpet that is currently there because we were fairly certain there were gorgeous original hardwood floors underneath (based on the corner that we pulled up a while ago). Well, we were disappointed to discover that the wood is just a really great quality subfloor. We were hoping to save some cash by simply refinishing what was already there, but that's not going to happen:-(
On the upside I have found some possibilities for cabinet knobs that I like a lot. I wanted to go with a vintage-inspired look germane to this type of house and was surprised to see so many options available online. I really want to get something like this large fluted glass knob. This is something you'd actually find in an old house like ours. It's an actual reproduction of a vintage knob, so I appreciate that. I'd love to upgrade to crystal because I like the feel of it and the light dispersion quality of it. This swirled crystal knob is lovely. I don't love the price though. My favorite might be this etched crystal round knob, but of course this is at the higher price point. Champagne taste, beer budget;-) I definitely want to get something glass or crystal, though. I noticed as I choose materials for our home I am making choices based on being sentimental. I tend to choose things that are evocative of a feeling or a memory, even as I shop for knobs. Growing up where I did there were so many old, lovely homes. That's where my love of them began. I fell in love with old houses way back then, and for a kid a big part of the charm of them was the glass doorknobs. I thought they were the coolest thing! Much different than the standard brass we had in our own home. Ok, so I was a weird kid; I loved playing with the doors when I visited anyone--opening and closing them just because of the neat sound they made and the cool, heavy feeling of the glass in my hand. I am sure I got on everyone's nerves;-)
One thing that gets on my nerves is having to do things twice. About a month ago I ordered the small Santa Croce Angel of Contemplation sculpture for the little alcove beside the front door. I chose the white marble finish.
It's the perfect size to fill that spot with an offbeat architectural detail you don't see every day. I've loved this sculpture for a long time. I love that it is a replica of a demolished 18th century church in Italy. I love art from that time period, and I think the detail on this angel is so lovely.
I get a really calm, serene feeling when I look at her, so I really thought this was perfect for our home. I was very excited to receive her after waiting a month for delivery. I bought her from an Ebay dealer who had a very good price and free shipping, but I traded the price tag for additional hassle when the statue arrived in poor condition. The seller packed the sculpture while it was still wet, so she has imprints of round bubble wrap blisters on her arms and wings and there was a small chunk missing from the back. So far the seller is denying that it was packaged while the paint was wet, so we will see how much hassle I have to go through to get this resolved. I love Ebay, but sometimes the hassles just aren't worth the savings. My time is valuble especially now and I really didn't want to have to deal with this. If everything works out I would still love to have this piece of art.
Even this hassle can't steal my joy right now. We are picking up Rosalie and Humphrey tonight. They are bonded! I'm so happy they will be with us shortly.
My concern was that a soft floor wouldn't be durable, or would look cheap against the rest of the upgraded kitchen. I was leaning toward wood or laminate wood-look flooring, but Jeff doesn't care for it at all. I was thinking that it would look nice extended into the dining room since they will function as one large space. In my dreams I would get gorgeous tile, but my back just couldn't handle that. Perhaps in a different room where I won't be spending as much time standing. I hate having a herniated disc!
We decided on an Amtico tile in a warm stone color provided the price will fit our budget. We weren't sure what flooring to order for the dining room yet. We decided to go to the new house and tear up the red carpet that is currently there because we were fairly certain there were gorgeous original hardwood floors underneath (based on the corner that we pulled up a while ago). Well, we were disappointed to discover that the wood is just a really great quality subfloor. We were hoping to save some cash by simply refinishing what was already there, but that's not going to happen:-(
On the upside I have found some possibilities for cabinet knobs that I like a lot. I wanted to go with a vintage-inspired look germane to this type of house and was surprised to see so many options available online. I really want to get something like this large fluted glass knob. This is something you'd actually find in an old house like ours. It's an actual reproduction of a vintage knob, so I appreciate that. I'd love to upgrade to crystal because I like the feel of it and the light dispersion quality of it. This swirled crystal knob is lovely. I don't love the price though. My favorite might be this etched crystal round knob, but of course this is at the higher price point. Champagne taste, beer budget;-) I definitely want to get something glass or crystal, though. I noticed as I choose materials for our home I am making choices based on being sentimental. I tend to choose things that are evocative of a feeling or a memory, even as I shop for knobs. Growing up where I did there were so many old, lovely homes. That's where my love of them began. I fell in love with old houses way back then, and for a kid a big part of the charm of them was the glass doorknobs. I thought they were the coolest thing! Much different than the standard brass we had in our own home. Ok, so I was a weird kid; I loved playing with the doors when I visited anyone--opening and closing them just because of the neat sound they made and the cool, heavy feeling of the glass in my hand. I am sure I got on everyone's nerves;-)
One thing that gets on my nerves is having to do things twice. About a month ago I ordered the small Santa Croce Angel of Contemplation sculpture for the little alcove beside the front door. I chose the white marble finish.
 |
| Photo from Designtoscano.com |
It's the perfect size to fill that spot with an offbeat architectural detail you don't see every day. I've loved this sculpture for a long time. I love that it is a replica of a demolished 18th century church in Italy. I love art from that time period, and I think the detail on this angel is so lovely.
I get a really calm, serene feeling when I look at her, so I really thought this was perfect for our home. I was very excited to receive her after waiting a month for delivery. I bought her from an Ebay dealer who had a very good price and free shipping, but I traded the price tag for additional hassle when the statue arrived in poor condition. The seller packed the sculpture while it was still wet, so she has imprints of round bubble wrap blisters on her arms and wings and there was a small chunk missing from the back. So far the seller is denying that it was packaged while the paint was wet, so we will see how much hassle I have to go through to get this resolved. I love Ebay, but sometimes the hassles just aren't worth the savings. My time is valuble especially now and I really didn't want to have to deal with this. If everything works out I would still love to have this piece of art.
Even this hassle can't steal my joy right now. We are picking up Rosalie and Humphrey tonight. They are bonded! I'm so happy they will be with us shortly.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Demolition Has Begun!
Goodbye old 1960s kitchen! Well... almost. We started to clean the slate for the new kitchen over the weekend. With the help of Jeff's dad some of the dreary brown particleboard & plastic cabinetry is now gone. It wasn't going down easy though--it put up a pretty valiant fight when we ran into some problems.
For the cabinet surrounding the sink Jeff had to turn the water off, but the valve didn't work. They had to make 2 trips to the hardware store to buy a cap. They also made 3 trips to his dad's toolbox back at home to get this started.
Another cabinet almost came down, but something was catching and not detaching. There was a hard-wired under cabinet light that we weren't aware of. Thank goodness the bulb didn't break! The rest of the cabinets should come out this week and then onto the harvest gold printed vinyl floor.
We have an appointment to look at flooring and discuss the backsplash options this Friday. I want to get something that won't compete with the granite. I'm starting to see how this kitchen is gonna look, and I'm really liking it.
I've also been shopping for the little details. I bought 3 of these mini pendant lights to install over the island:
They look like little mini chandeliers. They were hard to find! I have ecclectic taste, and don't care for the ultra-modern choices that are popular in the stores right now. I enjoy vintage-inspired pieces, so these were perfect. And I got them on Ebay for a very good price. No one else likes them though:-( But we do:-)
They remind me of childhood happy memories. Ever since I was a kid I was completely obsessed with chandeliers. Most of my family had them hanging in their dining rooms. On special occassions I was always captivated by their beauty and the way they throw spectrum light all around the room. I remember my mom preparing for holidays and taking hers down from above the dining room table and washing it piece by piece in the kitchen sink. Then she hung the strings of crystals on a wire hanger in the window over the sink to dry. When the sun shone through them, it was absolutely gorgeous. It always made me happy to watch her. I always said, "Someday I will have one of those crystal lights too." Now I do:-) I think they will look stunning reflecting on the white granite we selected.
Thinking ahead to food storage we stopped at Ikea to check out glass storage for dry goods. We bought the Burken Canisters.
For the cabinet surrounding the sink Jeff had to turn the water off, but the valve didn't work. They had to make 2 trips to the hardware store to buy a cap. They also made 3 trips to his dad's toolbox back at home to get this started.
Another cabinet almost came down, but something was catching and not detaching. There was a hard-wired under cabinet light that we weren't aware of. Thank goodness the bulb didn't break! The rest of the cabinets should come out this week and then onto the harvest gold printed vinyl floor.
We have an appointment to look at flooring and discuss the backsplash options this Friday. I want to get something that won't compete with the granite. I'm starting to see how this kitchen is gonna look, and I'm really liking it.
I've also been shopping for the little details. I bought 3 of these mini pendant lights to install over the island:
 |
| Photo from Estate Lighting store Ebay.com |
They remind me of childhood happy memories. Ever since I was a kid I was completely obsessed with chandeliers. Most of my family had them hanging in their dining rooms. On special occassions I was always captivated by their beauty and the way they throw spectrum light all around the room. I remember my mom preparing for holidays and taking hers down from above the dining room table and washing it piece by piece in the kitchen sink. Then she hung the strings of crystals on a wire hanger in the window over the sink to dry. When the sun shone through them, it was absolutely gorgeous. It always made me happy to watch her. I always said, "Someday I will have one of those crystal lights too." Now I do:-) I think they will look stunning reflecting on the white granite we selected.
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| Photo from beltrame.uk.com |
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| Photo from Ikea.com |
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| Photo from Ikea.com |
I'm already using them and they are great--I can open them with one finger with the little handle on top, and it is air-tight to keep the food fresh. We also bought the Rajtan Spice Jars.
These will come in handy since I grow and dry my own spices and make my own various spice rubs. They didn't have anything that I could use for 5lbs of flour or sugar though, so we went to Bed Bath & Beyond for The Anchor Hocking Heritage Hill Gallon Glass Storage Jar.
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| Photo from bedbathbeyond.com |
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