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. 

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.