Reno Memos - Progress (finally!)

The old saying "slow and steady wins the race" seems to be the mantra for our remodel. Every step has taken three times as long as anticipated, but we are finally rolling! The back of the roof has been removed and the new second story is on. This is the space for the boys' rooms and they are beginning to get excited and are already placing their furniture. Downstairs, Sweet Pea's suite has been framed out and the new game room has walls. Progress is fun!

The budget has been a point of contention throughout this process. For some reason, we can't make our budget fit our list of wants. Go figure. I'm sure we are the first people to experience this... not. I am just trying to keep a good attitude about this and see it as a fun challenge instead of rain on my parade. For now, I am so happy that everyone can begin to see what I have had in my head all along - a wonderful family home.

Before

Currently

A second story!

The carport that will be the game room

Stairs!!! I can't help but think of the scene in The Money Pit where Tom Hanks learns that he now has stairs. It's the little things.

The upstairs hallway that leads to the boys bedrooms and will contain a built-in study area and storage.

The kitchen - this is the main area affected by the "budget". Oh, what to do.

Toodles!

Krissy

Reno Memos - Copper Dormers

We finally have our plans finished for the renovation and we are seeking out the perfect contractor. I sort of feel like I'm looking for a husband with my husband. Is that weird? The qualities that one would want in a mate are the ones that one would want in a contractor: honesty, loyalty, hard-working. Ok, my list for my "potential husband" was a bit longer (and Mr. Pearl met every one!) but you get my point. It is hard to choose someone to work with you on something as intimate as your home. I'll let you know who passes the test.

The exciting part is that I now have a drawing of the vision that I had in my mind all along. Mr. Pearl, bless his heart, was totally following me blindly, as he could not see what I saw in the house. He wasn't sure until he saw the drawings. He is on-board now and ready to go. Yeah! I am looking forward to the entire project, but the exterior is really close to my heart, as this old girl (the house, not me) is ready to start her transformation into a French beauty. The plans call for "louvered copper dormers" and I have been researching them. How gorgeous are these?

I am loving them all and can't wait to see one in a spot of honor on the house. What do you think?

Krissy

photos via: chrisind.com and copper-inc.com

Monday Smokey Blues and Reno Memos

This is amazing. The floor is genius. The change in color and direction of the floor planks -

love it.

This banquette - the soft gray, tufted velvet upholstery - I'd never leave the dining room!

This warm nook makes me smile. The warm creams and the gentle pops of soft blue on the chair and rocks from the fireplace are perfection.

Love this classic mix of blue fabrics.

This kitchen is too fun - I love the play of the modern glass tile mosaic with the rustic inserts of planks in the cabinetry. The soft blue/green of the cabinets and the white wash on the paneled walls and ceiling; this is going in my idea book.

Howdy everyone! Yes, it is Monday once again. I am feeling anything but blue though, as the sun is shining here and the mini-pearls are back in school after a four day snow break last week! I am back to working on the house reno plans and ran across these wonderful shots of spaces designed by Sarah Richardson. I love the smokey blue colors in each of these spaces and the fact that, although the blue is a cool color, she strikes a perfect balance with the rest of the space to evoke a warm, inviting mood. My color palette is starting to take shape. Do you see it? Have a great one!

Krissy

All pictures via www. sarahrichardsondesign.com