Here We Go | House Project Week #1 | Demo Day

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uuSYc2vjRV4s0ldl1rz4hhTqcGXAr54pXBxsDZHXIm0JuGrX5vinnaNOKfcAqcydlgA7XyQljwl_iX9D3B8fyQkKTxsky537uSRQNW5_0dF13Vcs3L5YkCDLd9mWwrWRj53wXcEhoSDJ/s1600/IMG_4510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uuSYc2vjRV4s0ldl1rz4hhTqcGXAr54pXBxsDZHXIm0JuGrX5vinnaNOKfcAqcydlgA7XyQljwl_iX9D3B8fyQkKTxsky537uSRQNW5_0dF13Vcs3L5YkCDLd9mWwrWRj53wXcEhoSDJ/s1600/IMG_4510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9r3vWbafsx_Y63eVdV1K3wXeuX00pxzAPx8OgYjmPJVAY9IPXK5knMNL9TrO2FKfQnG3TpNiA87hLnUMV9HxOkBzbq0oqecCa_cuahGe8K7R-l5ShrQQe-IpBtwokUC4G-Oe3BYHikyw/s1600/00092278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9r3vWbafsx_Y63eVdV1K3wXeuX00pxzAPx8OgYjmPJVAY9IPXK5knMNL9TrO2FKfQnG3TpNiA87hLnUMV9HxOkBzbq0oqecCa_cuahGe8K7R-l5ShrQQe-IpBtwokUC4G-Oe3BYHikyw/s1600/00092278.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />Here we go!<br /><br /><div class="p1">Whew!  After moving into this house almost two years ago, we are finally starting our project - officially, for real.  We spent the last three days packing it up and emptying it out.  That little sentence was short and sweet and hardly does justice to the physical labor that we, ok, mostly Mike ; ) endured.  As of midnight - it was ready.   We had a moment last night before we left, remembering being in the same empty house two years ago, painting the walls around midnight on a very similar September night dreaming of the possibilities of what we could do - some day.<br /><br />It has taken the entire two years we have lived there to get our project started - from architectural delays, city reviews, finding the perfect contractor, we have finally made it.  It still doesn't seem real quite yet - until I arrived this morning and saw the dumpster in the driveway!<br /><br />Left, photo of our little family just after moving in... and a visit to the pumpkin patch.  Look at that sweet Emma : )</div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1">The "site prep" team is there this morning getting everything dismantled and outta there.  Since most of the front of the house stays intact, they were carefully taking off doors, marking and labeling everything that will get reused.  </div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyNqwyUV5ZXvuiSWBTZ7T2W5ZfjMdklBeraSKyVwjHpuZovlijj39mM73RebWOd-l_a0eMHDTQdab_KA3rSnisTfpbWtgec61uqMr4I1ctuS7MkYqJDbfjOvRnBigrN4BjSWpr64L_nSn/s1600/IMG_4513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyNqwyUV5ZXvuiSWBTZ7T2W5ZfjMdklBeraSKyVwjHpuZovlijj39mM73RebWOd-l_a0eMHDTQdab_KA3rSnisTfpbWtgec61uqMr4I1ctuS7MkYqJDbfjOvRnBigrN4BjSWpr64L_nSn/s1600/IMG_4513.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I am so glad that we are planning to use everything we can from the original house - we've been careful to not be too wasteful or have too much debris from our project.  While we were packing, we made a big effort to have a huge donation pile, a big recycling pile and a small trash pile.  Anything that is salvageable from the house (cabinets, mantles, lumber, etc.) will be donated to charity home stores.  The appliances will be saved for the new kitchen.  I am so glad to see that mantle go!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBx1YBEK5DaIBed1nFDM6-tht7KEbodWFY3eqVZfjclDIZItnbmGoeQmPm20ZOJFAcuYjPR_IyrPon5CSDPFgIzr6E3VhVCf5LdY7vyvgd-sXg6FErWgYJiGLVzTV2HgmnHU_AAFw4tjGr/s1600/IMG_4514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBx1YBEK5DaIBed1nFDM6-tht7KEbodWFY3eqVZfjclDIZItnbmGoeQmPm20ZOJFAcuYjPR_IyrPon5CSDPFgIzr6E3VhVCf5LdY7vyvgd-sXg6FErWgYJiGLVzTV2HgmnHU_AAFw4tjGr/s1600/IMG_4514.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />It wasn't original to the house and really wasn't my style... or the mauve faux stone tile that surrounded it that I painted white.  Also, gone now.  Goodbye! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqOEj4dyfaVspJ-iZdfiHk3vNNiXiXdGjkO8HifU5eqlavFaAy8R1vOlDYqGmylDO_D-zO5wVHOq6VKVlOaDuAd2-id_bhfGJXVgIqHYnMwNIFKR8FKw8mMDuHk7jGkj8gx9A_0aSS29q/s1600/IMG_2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqOEj4dyfaVspJ-iZdfiHk3vNNiXiXdGjkO8HifU5eqlavFaAy8R1vOlDYqGmylDO_D-zO5wVHOq6VKVlOaDuAd2-id_bhfGJXVgIqHYnMwNIFKR8FKw8mMDuHk7jGkj8gx9A_0aSS29q/s1600/IMG_2908.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here is Emma at 10 months, 2 years ago right after we moved in.  You can find the house tour photos from that day, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-before-house-tour-be-kind-dont.html">here</a>.  In that post, I talk a lot about what we hope to do with the house - it is so exciting to actually see it beginning to happen today.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsRSBYVmyGT3Eodsz2FA_opwlHlVHp52fBUJf1TotGh7dAjUp8ZQO1MzRAY1uXpLxVYKOos6otmytKlIlctO8iX3IgSa4sBWFEtiAyuT1yrINjJcMUdTuv4qVzJ5enMTRVejiQ2D7Y-B5/s1600/IMG_4502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsRSBYVmyGT3Eodsz2FA_opwlHlVHp52fBUJf1TotGh7dAjUp8ZQO1MzRAY1uXpLxVYKOos6otmytKlIlctO8iX3IgSa4sBWFEtiAyuT1yrINjJcMUdTuv4qVzJ5enMTRVejiQ2D7Y-B5/s1600/IMG_4502.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div class="p1">One a sad note, we had to take down a tree that was planted too closely to the curb and to make room for the new driveway.  I really hated to take it down - such a hard process.  We will be sure to replant several in the spring when we start our landscaping.  The good news is that Doug, our tree man, said that moving the current driveway off of our big giant oak tree will really help it in future... so there is some good news.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREnRTBaCeJ6G21b9RpQp9tFzMMoVx0TDiqAuF_BgnhrbR5Dp7bw5fkCwKPRd0Dd0uLfvexJlVCyGVYxXueELmgsT3qchlqTxQYeXeGCql5Noe-rbY1k7b0-DJDoLYI2xcBhx4qEPmGHjO/s1600/IMG_4503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREnRTBaCeJ6G21b9RpQp9tFzMMoVx0TDiqAuF_BgnhrbR5Dp7bw5fkCwKPRd0Dd0uLfvexJlVCyGVYxXueELmgsT3qchlqTxQYeXeGCql5Noe-rbY1k7b0-DJDoLYI2xcBhx4qEPmGHjO/s1600/IMG_4503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="p1">He and his crew did an amazing job of taking it down and leaving the yard in great shape.  It was so impressive how fast they were!  Emma and I watched out the window and talked about what trees we would plant in the spring.  </div><div class="p1"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXp5SaE8N9F5ZKe4j6GPqaZ_gqLmhL77gtSLaxG9ftbQZU6YI5SE0HRI995AHbXqymh5LYYsaP8sXv7nMtOXO1nB-s1L4npmzhhXHlffqHd_LKQx-MNO3HXe_blT8r6_qnvMgSa7-UDMwU/s1600/IMG_4505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXp5SaE8N9F5ZKe4j6GPqaZ_gqLmhL77gtSLaxG9ftbQZU6YI5SE0HRI995AHbXqymh5LYYsaP8sXv7nMtOXO1nB-s1L4npmzhhXHlffqHd_LKQx-MNO3HXe_blT8r6_qnvMgSa7-UDMwU/s1600/IMG_4505.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div class="p1">I highly recommend there service to anyone in the area - Durbin Tree Service, <span class="s1">(816) 356-1861</span>.  He is one of Mike's parents' friends and was so helpful and knowledgable during the decision making process.  He recommended trees that we can replace it with and the proper areas they should be planted.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-SQ3O7oUbJqhR62HN2Ias3Mvgs9RNv91u884SFYA9zqvb_hwBM8dLA71JR6EnWgl4XzzmS2qbR-jjPvjMCw4yCg58u4h1a0Rnm0T3DSF0CReZlsDHHH4yifS9IcuFrPx2Z4XqbxiNEaV/s1600/roasted+chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-SQ3O7oUbJqhR62HN2Ias3Mvgs9RNv91u884SFYA9zqvb_hwBM8dLA71JR6EnWgl4XzzmS2qbR-jjPvjMCw4yCg58u4h1a0Rnm0T3DSF0CReZlsDHHH4yifS9IcuFrPx2Z4XqbxiNEaV/s1600/roasted+chicken.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>I have been so good about posting a weekly menu for the last month+ and today I'm dropping the ball.  Because I hardly have our toothbrushes unpacked (ok, I do have those unpacked, but that is about it...) the only thing I have planned for the week is tonight's roasted chicken (again) but with roasted root vegetables.   I think I might do carrots, sweet potatoes, beets and red onions roasted then tossed in a lemon thyme vinaigrette.   I will share the recipe later this week - along with those Spiced Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting & Toffee from last week.  </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you all are having a great monday morning.  We're spending the next 6 months at Mike's parents' house - they are so kind to have us.  I love their home.  It is so warm, cozy and with big generous rooms.  His Mom has done such a great job decorating it - I'll definitely share photos in the next couple of weeks to give you a visual of where we'll be.  I'll wait until she has her Fallizing done - no one does Fallizing like Joy Hobick! </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Monday,<br />Jenny</div>

Here We Go | House Project Week #1 | Demo Day

Here we go! Whew!  After moving into this house almost two years ago, we are finally starting our project - officially, for real.  We spent ...

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Bathroom Inspiration | Looking for Advice | Marble, Wood & Subway Tile

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8slFQlCce5HI0IJ1gkOwK5RIctBb5IGaMvs2X1dhAjjvOOWUdhoudiVY4-WHZFqmW4ZQUU46j4xOb_MQrQ1x67avhhepw3CM2DjKFa7UcrKF6s6v7hSUEzenhyphenhyphen3YSWTqya2Kmqsl45H8r/s1600/bathroom+inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8slFQlCce5HI0IJ1gkOwK5RIctBb5IGaMvs2X1dhAjjvOOWUdhoudiVY4-WHZFqmW4ZQUU46j4xOb_MQrQ1x67avhhepw3CM2DjKFa7UcrKF6s6v7hSUEzenhyphenhyphen3YSWTqya2Kmqsl45H8r/s1600/bathroom+inspiration.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Fbathroom-inspiration-looking-for-advice.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-sMMUjdJzpOw%2FVBcMm7uldsI%2FAAAAAAAAZk0%2FE6F18uZ1A7M%2Fs1600%2Fbathroom%2Binspiration.jpg&description=Master%20Bathroom%20Inspiration%20Board%20%3A%20Marble%2C%20Wood%2C%20Brass%20%26%20Lanterns"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I can't tell you how excited we are to actually have our very own bathroom.  We've been sharing our current 5x8 bathroom with Emma and our guests for the last couple of years - this bathroom will be a complete luxury for us.   Like most things for the new addition that we've picked out, I have for the most part, always known exactly what we want.  For the bathroom that means some marble, bone subway tile, wood vanity, polished nickel fixtures, brass pulls and accents and mostly cream painted walls.  Trying to figure out where all of these finishes will exactly play out is a little more difficult.   I'll talk more about finish choices, what I need your help with and more below.  For now, let's talk layout - something that was really important for me... and tricky.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sr2FR2N1lGrXo6vH6rvma421erL0vb-oG9wupwXeSsLZEJR0LI2cRwcgjFxEk-pLw-Ul0ywYw3h-rlyTUJfUhD03jhDrxsTTg1Eg9UlBLauKjYJJtLLPrzPneNeYAByoy7JoegbtcPgH/s1600/rear+elevation.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sr2FR2N1lGrXo6vH6rvma421erL0vb-oG9wupwXeSsLZEJR0LI2cRwcgjFxEk-pLw-Ul0ywYw3h-rlyTUJfUhD03jhDrxsTTg1Eg9UlBLauKjYJJtLLPrzPneNeYAByoy7JoegbtcPgH/s1600/rear+elevation.gif" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">The layout and design of the master bedroom and bathroom was really tough.  For starters, I wanted a lot of windows and natural light in our bedroom and bathroom.  The only solution that worked to make that happen was to put the master suite running along the entire back side of the house.  The other problem, was trying to make the window layout on the exterior work with what we wanted on the interior.  We ended up sacrificing some vanity length to make it happen - which I was 100% ok with... which shocked everyone.  The construction process is all about compromise, and priority - and asserting yourself to your architect ; )  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found (like most things during this process) that most layout designs offered up were not what I was looking for.  It seemed like everything was lined up and push against each other.  For me, that felt too cramped.  As I said, I want our bathroom to feel airy and bright - and since it is not that big of a room, I had to do that with smaller scale things - no lengthy vanities or huge scale tubs and showers.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our architect assumed that I would require the 6ft vanity that most bathrooms feature, and told me that there was no way we could squeeze a master bathroom and bedroom along the back of the house (only 29ft wide) that was lined with windows.  However, I knew that my vision for the bathroom, one with airy windows and tons of light was much more important that being able to store 10 years worth of old makeup in my vanity.  Because Mike and I are pretty minimal with our primping, it was an easy choice.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our architect also assumed that when I said tub that I meant something that would be 72+ inches long with jets and bubbles and he told me it could never work.  My persistence paid off.   I drew it up myself and included everything I wanted.  It took me forever, but totally worth it. I really love how the layout ended up - it is everything I envisioned. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLPQH-BLcwiqRBRPVKxInzjMcoK6SXADb_qbWCPt35eef6iQIVCeupNd-RtlGEJ4BO605GTwX9eQ6TnY6JOPg52P2TToNWesKCrjH1A4MUXIWB7gA9I5RWHrmZNR5IPanBK0BTaVs6YHs/s1600/Bathroom+Layout.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLPQH-BLcwiqRBRPVKxInzjMcoK6SXADb_qbWCPt35eef6iQIVCeupNd-RtlGEJ4BO605GTwX9eQ6TnY6JOPg52P2TToNWesKCrjH1A4MUXIWB7gA9I5RWHrmZNR5IPanBK0BTaVs6YHs/s1600/Bathroom+Layout.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here it is.  As you can see, our Master Bedroom opens up to our bathroom with french doors.  Because neither room is too too big, the french doors will make each room feel bigger.  I wanted the french doors to be perfectly aligned with the tub under a big window that would draw your eye in - all the way from the bedroom.   I feel like this will also make the rooms feel more generous.  I had a vision for a furniture looking vanity that was not butted up next to anything else, but centered along the wall with windows on each side.   Mike has always wanted a big, glass door shower for as long as I can remember, so that was also on our list. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some inspiration photos that helped me communicate my vision to our architect and finally helped us to get on the same page : </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Fbathroom-inspiration-looking-for-advice.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-sMMUjdJzpOw%2FVBcMm7uldsI%2FAAAAAAAAZk0%2FE6F18uZ1A7M%2Fs1600%2Fbathroom%2Binspiration.jpg&description=Master%20Bathroom%20Inspiration%20Board%20%3A%20Marble%2C%20Wood%2C%20Brass%20%26%20Lanterns"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3PADaTdY29F-sgTBJ7QEZao5pQFdp-21neXbLiDhHT2DESYNuwY9C0mUQSPm1UeWa0HQDo5FKqzEZA5j-94ZAVKcihwskQ28SNykv888sLnMMeYF-H95U9eBHpkTlP9UV4-EHsNVLUmR/s1600/39cecd1a1da1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3PADaTdY29F-sgTBJ7QEZao5pQFdp-21neXbLiDhHT2DESYNuwY9C0mUQSPm1UeWa0HQDo5FKqzEZA5j-94ZAVKcihwskQ28SNykv888sLnMMeYF-H95U9eBHpkTlP9UV4-EHsNVLUmR/s1600/39cecd1a1da1.png" width="498" /></a><br />I also love the wood floors in this photo... am I crazy?  I really want wood floors, but have been told that they won't hold up.  I've seen them in several lovely homes and love the look and warmth they provide.  Does anyone have any feedback on living with a wood floor bathroom?<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX4xfj2GmhDp9TAJgqOPAgbKjZSV-tQkpLir4bfyytrDwPvqWauuc1ahcahXfy2YH0moWPVzn63M42VM6bqnTaZmGI_1D0WYRpjEt-xHYl9EDuo0NEdcuKjE5UfhajtDKM2H0hEWy79ng/s1600/3f1455382d74aa59a3262aa161aa1e83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX4xfj2GmhDp9TAJgqOPAgbKjZSV-tQkpLir4bfyytrDwPvqWauuc1ahcahXfy2YH0moWPVzn63M42VM6bqnTaZmGI_1D0WYRpjEt-xHYl9EDuo0NEdcuKjE5UfhajtDKM2H0hEWy79ng/s1600/3f1455382d74aa59a3262aa161aa1e83.jpg" width="476" /></a><br /><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Fbathroom-inspiration-looking-for-advice.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-sMMUjdJzpOw%2FVBcMm7uldsI%2FAAAAAAAAZk0%2FE6F18uZ1A7M%2Fs1600%2Fbathroom%2Binspiration.jpg&description=Master%20Bathroom%20Inspiration%20Board%20%3A%20Marble%2C%20Wood%2C%20Brass%20%26%20Lanterns"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />I'm so tempted to do a cute wallpaper with a small print...  I love how charming it makes this bathroom look.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06y-HOP9pG0I393IpndWvhUO4JZ9MVtLLXrptEThBy39jBLowf4g5WG9Y1Skgq3n5Uf-zwznpe6K8fAZwuwyseegzQUVprSHtIi864SOA5ySgJPG02jwFS0lDYPnE1V_hiPKMGEfDngKx/s1600/4c9030690c60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06y-HOP9pG0I393IpndWvhUO4JZ9MVtLLXrptEThBy39jBLowf4g5WG9Y1Skgq3n5Uf-zwznpe6K8fAZwuwyseegzQUVprSHtIi864SOA5ySgJPG02jwFS0lDYPnE1V_hiPKMGEfDngKx/s1600/4c9030690c60.jpg" width="502" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the subway tile and glass door of the shower.  I also love the wood paneling - that will be a decision made later in the process once we see how the rest of the budget is holding up during construction.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRjyKxaOnpyKG-9UiVW3_aHIuiHsNnhyRt2PNjOhrXGmsustmr-yUldICoidIkHiJh2vRRXE1dKWVne-i4JD2cKiGweFv8oNZAk8zLzL4CGbVN9Aqr6lLqt-yoMpUdEZc3KH4Pje94EWJ/s1600/house-home-sarah-richardson-design-principal-bathroom-vanity-photobystaceybrandford-march2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRjyKxaOnpyKG-9UiVW3_aHIuiHsNnhyRt2PNjOhrXGmsustmr-yUldICoidIkHiJh2vRRXE1dKWVne-i4JD2cKiGweFv8oNZAk8zLzL4CGbVN9Aqr6lLqt-yoMpUdEZc3KH4Pje94EWJ/s1600/house-home-sarah-richardson-design-principal-bathroom-vanity-photobystaceybrandford-march2012.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Here is a very elegant wood vanity with marble top - ours wouldn't be this fancy, but I like the colors of the wood + marble.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP57slJX8hI_2G2dxzdcn8mxnlJDw0qudDz_sNyBinfj0WohY3B8L56dId3ISver1evkNzTOA6kaJ0EMsHslsFSgQkTcLT2_uhd1DEdQKuU3SnicgVNKfyrQA22w9cA1zSojmOMPa23D2M/s1600/hex.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP57slJX8hI_2G2dxzdcn8mxnlJDw0qudDz_sNyBinfj0WohY3B8L56dId3ISver1evkNzTOA6kaJ0EMsHslsFSgQkTcLT2_uhd1DEdQKuU3SnicgVNKfyrQA22w9cA1zSojmOMPa23D2M/s1600/hex.jpeg" /></a><br /><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Fbathroom-inspiration-looking-for-advice.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-sMMUjdJzpOw%2FVBcMm7uldsI%2FAAAAAAAAZk0%2FE6F18uZ1A7M%2Fs1600%2Fbathroom%2Binspiration.jpg&description=Master%20Bathroom%20Inspiration%20Board%20%3A%20Marble%2C%20Wood%2C%20Brass%20%26%20Lanterns"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />The other floor material I am considering (if I'm convinced that wood is a bad option) is a 2" hexagon marble tile.  I like the slightly enlarged scale of the classic 1" hex and think it would be a charming addition of natural stone.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LOkeHoFDlQ9TrN1NWpAypIS-91_nyHdKHA3WyjPeQrlcHDDDNVr_ncpbzdxtJcmpVs6CP1UNshePqk4er6ncOLGDQq8PmqiJhX-xczPLJkYYYVaLPd4B2pg5PNNuCsCAy5IVb8us9NKn/s1600/img_33972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LOkeHoFDlQ9TrN1NWpAypIS-91_nyHdKHA3WyjPeQrlcHDDDNVr_ncpbzdxtJcmpVs6CP1UNshePqk4er6ncOLGDQq8PmqiJhX-xczPLJkYYYVaLPd4B2pg5PNNuCsCAy5IVb8us9NKn/s1600/img_33972.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I like the honed (unpolished/tumbled) versions best to give it a less flashy appearance.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDlJH9GJm-Mc562BHMCoF23GiAZiQG0koj5povBPmrsFqMxP4ehLx3l-cUZO5Aab6MzF8fAPHS9QGkKRvsVmqcHc1kZS_6LfAYBlpuQTxdLm3kHrzsKcxs3KMCLseJu89RkB3Sc80HeLS/s1600/63d1996927c3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDlJH9GJm-Mc562BHMCoF23GiAZiQG0koj5povBPmrsFqMxP4ehLx3l-cUZO5Aab6MzF8fAPHS9QGkKRvsVmqcHc1kZS_6LfAYBlpuQTxdLm3kHrzsKcxs3KMCLseJu89RkB3Sc80HeLS/s1600/63d1996927c3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAIS5wqsibQVisZAV_hInwkmqHDKTCjqT5vtu64AK0WOBsnxdaHs_RUzqsx70vrZBKuY3ZXug06vxhOwrufHrvhe8spjlU4Vl9zl41aqfjnhVXR21KUmZ5cXmgXBEZjG0plwZ5yVszaIG/s1600/4718656179_76a47da0aa_o%5B1%5D_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAIS5wqsibQVisZAV_hInwkmqHDKTCjqT5vtu64AK0WOBsnxdaHs_RUzqsx70vrZBKuY3ZXug06vxhOwrufHrvhe8spjlU4Vl9zl41aqfjnhVXR21KUmZ5cXmgXBEZjG0plwZ5yVszaIG/s1600/4718656179_76a47da0aa_o%5B1%5D_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm also fan of a little black accent in the tiles, like this one with a basket weave.  It is very classic for an older home and I think the contrast would be nice...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkBE2VP6gDla2LK2XubAAN2LvuLsLnLMFZchzLzCaOj5Dlx48vVhCRRvo0tN4H4PL9t3PtZH_GJrYqglEbLh6WhFjKAPICGQLOlK5jfS4wCU8ktULEzi-w8xHxTrtT170IC29qgFw6yLV/s1600/4719304226_5334b1a618_b%5B1%5D_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkBE2VP6gDla2LK2XubAAN2LvuLsLnLMFZchzLzCaOj5Dlx48vVhCRRvo0tN4H4PL9t3PtZH_GJrYqglEbLh6WhFjKAPICGQLOlK5jfS4wCU8ktULEzi-w8xHxTrtT170IC29qgFw6yLV/s1600/4719304226_5334b1a618_b%5B1%5D_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Really love this look.  But we won't have a fancy chandelier, but a brass lantern instead.</div><br /><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Fbathroom-inspiration-looking-for-advice.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-sMMUjdJzpOw%2FVBcMm7uldsI%2FAAAAAAAAZk0%2FE6F18uZ1A7M%2Fs1600%2Fbathroom%2Binspiration.jpg&description=Master%20Bathroom%20Inspiration%20Board%20%3A%20Marble%2C%20Wood%2C%20Brass%20%26%20Lanterns"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, here is what I need your help with :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wood Floor?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Marble Hexagon?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Basket Weave Marble?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>*Links and sources to photos can be found, here, on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jennysteffens/new-master-bedroom/">Pinterest Master Bathroom & Bedroom Board</a>.</i></div>

Bathroom Inspiration | Looking for Advice | Marble, Wood & Subway Tile

I can't tell you how excited we are to actually have our very own bathroom.  We've been sharing our current 5x8 bathroom with Emma a...

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Interior Design Board | Our New Addition

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQHdKiy9ZEcn6z8JKi1-jPmEw8W1lSlFyJGDxDpAr4e0O5jo37pjqDBTf1g6050QTmnBId8GLnLkBUFI4kYoigq6zzwcmqg1aRazVojVUJLBOgJHrQoTCl_X7oux0XB6t2GKbvDajk6Js/s1600/interior+inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQHdKiy9ZEcn6z8JKi1-jPmEw8W1lSlFyJGDxDpAr4e0O5jo37pjqDBTf1g6050QTmnBId8GLnLkBUFI4kYoigq6zzwcmqg1aRazVojVUJLBOgJHrQoTCl_X7oux0XB6t2GKbvDajk6Js/s1600/interior+inspiration.jpg" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Are you a little surprised about my design board a little?  I am.  In the last couple of years I've really warmed up to warm colors.  Last year I went on a holiday homes tour and toured a home that was just everything I love... even though it was a little different than what I thought I loved.  It just felt so right and was unlike any home I'd been in before.  It has really influenced me in the interior design of this home.  With that being said, I am also trying to stick with my roots, too - a very comfortable, cozy home that feels a little like a country farmhouse/cottage.  Did I just make a zillion contradictions?  Hopefully you're on the same page as me.<br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F07%2Finterior-design-board-our-new-addition.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-a49W-rxE61s%2FU8VqaicNvDI%2FAAAAAAAAYIU%2F0V4dPn1leYw%2Fs1600%2Finterior%2Binspiration.jpg&description=Traditional%2C%20Warm%20%26%20Cozy%20Interior%20Design%20Board"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br />We've talked a lot about the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/04/kitchen-cabinets-some-revisions-to-new.html">kitchen for the new addition</a> and the layout of the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/04/kitchen-cabinets-some-revisions-to-new.html">floor plan</a>, but I haven't done too much writing about the interior design.  The plans have been approved and now we're just in the logistical stages of getting ready for construction... which means we are starting to make real decisions about finishes and ordering fixtures.  It can be overwhelming to do, but I think selecting furniture, rugs, artwork, appliances and fixtures before anything begins will save us a lot of trouble down the road.<br /><br />So, I've tried to think about everything we are planning to put in our house, where it will go and will we have room for it.  That doesn't mean we'll purchase everything immediately (like the hand-knotted oriental rugs or antique chest...), but when it comes time, we'll have the space for it and (hopefully) it will fit into our plan.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKMFrI4lxwq4L6PIUFmbLuE4eiw-cgnezSqFVkgkdisnxPR9uthc44aSE7Id1WPX31MxRJztW1X7bqpXpC3ul-jEOgDYp1FqEVkHaiUiZsgli2DUzz87vmeobgRjhfIS3afUgW_mP-BWe/s1600/7efd25909915fc810bc14534ee480120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKMFrI4lxwq4L6PIUFmbLuE4eiw-cgnezSqFVkgkdisnxPR9uthc44aSE7Id1WPX31MxRJztW1X7bqpXpC3ul-jEOgDYp1FqEVkHaiUiZsgli2DUzz87vmeobgRjhfIS3afUgW_mP-BWe/s1600/7efd25909915fc810bc14534ee480120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I would like the home to be completely neutral (cream walls and upholstery), with accents of rich and muted colors in rugs and artwork. All of the walls will be painted a creamy white like this photo (except bedrooms).  We're hoping there will be room in our budget to add some paneling accents that will be painted, too.  It is something we can do later, so if we're running over budget during construction, we might save it for another year.<br /><br />I'm also embracing traditional rugs that contain reds, burnt oranges and deep navy blues.  Of course, I still like muted pale blue landscapes and seascapes in gilt frames (like the one Mike painted for me).   I've also discovered that I really like contrast, so instead of my typical in-between tones, I'm going for creamy walls and black accents... even debating soapstone counters.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWfZu-CF-lb3Qi_w8wg5tJwNYwRfVGPGJ5pVJiLYTiMtmP_JXi_gvvN5bkZIBteQt0as0r_FZne7ZKzjP4o6OwFkvVpf5Qnu_iHVDlY9mIoW15AGed7p_nFtz33jopOrxxC_JsNP1HFcf/s1600/757dd17090069963e87aca31fc1cb856.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWfZu-CF-lb3Qi_w8wg5tJwNYwRfVGPGJ5pVJiLYTiMtmP_JXi_gvvN5bkZIBteQt0as0r_FZne7ZKzjP4o6OwFkvVpf5Qnu_iHVDlY9mIoW15AGed7p_nFtz33jopOrxxC_JsNP1HFcf/s1600/757dd17090069963e87aca31fc1cb856.jpg" width="570" /></a> <br /><br />I love the traditional, easy, and season-less look of this house.  I want to make sure our wood floors are stained a similar warm walnut/chestnut color.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9FMje0hwIQ9zuvV4UtNlVPXV8gZSP9rPV1zyHLAKA7RlaSe9XSV-mV5cfDVmykuuq70AQ_I7bY0K1D0AcP3iSs2cFTVqHAS38-qx-7Sz_vmWmJwe5_cV_5HH8GIXSvABcCxOsCeTaQgf/s1600/e658c8690adc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9FMje0hwIQ9zuvV4UtNlVPXV8gZSP9rPV1zyHLAKA7RlaSe9XSV-mV5cfDVmykuuq70AQ_I7bY0K1D0AcP3iSs2cFTVqHAS38-qx-7Sz_vmWmJwe5_cV_5HH8GIXSvABcCxOsCeTaQgf/s1600/e658c8690adc.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />For the floor coverings, we'll have wood throughout the main areas, but use slate tiles in the mudroom.  I'll be adding a natural color runner up the stairs, in the new bedrooms and using similar throw rugs for accents in high traffic areas.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMxGqmLfW68tvhgWtwccmCMP9I1Tid4hM66LNiMsfSZwYnPf7Ca5zuT8TWL33b06dzJozujSuLcH1FsYbNmvLbxSOq6jqJXkY45FDHHe5oEO-w-v0IiJ9zfKb1LHfSGnHkyoStmbQaXgc/s1600/IMG_8587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMxGqmLfW68tvhgWtwccmCMP9I1Tid4hM66LNiMsfSZwYnPf7Ca5zuT8TWL33b06dzJozujSuLcH1FsYbNmvLbxSOq6jqJXkY45FDHHe5oEO-w-v0IiJ9zfKb1LHfSGnHkyoStmbQaXgc/s1600/IMG_8587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>For light fixtures and door hardware, I like all un-lacquered brass that has a soft, antique finish.  I am still planning to use my favorite lanterns (above in my own dining room) from Cape Cod Lighting Co. everywhere I can.  I'm picturing them above the kitchen island, dining table, foyer and even one above our soaking tub in the bathroom.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkm2Rp-ErrOh5xRIgu1cN_pQvZ-T2nQ4AunbQpjYIsWeeCJo9p5iAFMRGTvknCOl0QM6eYSkddn3wVMtNZTujfJvbRn16IoEO59Dua0AjW-Zza8rTwdGcV37RWyBA8ppLjptZ6xo643ld/s1600/e61f6e7eaf1d64bedad660ad665871c2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkm2Rp-ErrOh5xRIgu1cN_pQvZ-T2nQ4AunbQpjYIsWeeCJo9p5iAFMRGTvknCOl0QM6eYSkddn3wVMtNZTujfJvbRn16IoEO59Dua0AjW-Zza8rTwdGcV37RWyBA8ppLjptZ6xo643ld/s1600/e61f6e7eaf1d64bedad660ad665871c2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I also want to make sure we incorporate some creative details, like this vanity.  Would love this for the downstairs powder room.<br /><br />What do you think?  I'd love to hear your thoughts about the soapstone vs. the marble or wood tops.  Thanks for all of your help!<br /><br /> <a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F07%2Finterior-design-board-our-new-addition.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-a49W-rxE61s%2FU8VqaicNvDI%2FAAAAAAAAYIU%2F0V4dPn1leYw%2Fs1600%2Finterior%2Binspiration.jpg&description=Traditional%2C%20Warm%20%26%20Cozy%20Interior%20Design%20Board"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Interior Design Board | Our New Addition

Are you a little surprised about my design board a little?  I am.  In the last couple of years I've really warmed up to warm colors.  La...

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Kitchen Cabinets | Some Revisions to the New Addition Plans

<br /><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">The time has come to start making some real decisions.  We've finally gotten some bid numbers back from the contractors, and for all of you who warned me... you were right.  More time, more money.  Ugh.  But, as promised, I'll be sharing all of our battles here because I want you to know how we go about making the decisions were making - even the ones that aren't so fun.</div><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F04%2Fkitchen-cabinets-some-revisions-to-new.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-acvCTkqy14c%2FU0be-jpvk2I%2FAAAAAAAAWY8%2Fnlie6CvjLWU%2Fs1600%2Fhouse-plan-cabinets.png&description=Kitchen%20Cabinets%20%7C%20Inset%20Vs.%20Overlay%20Debate"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br />We are sticking to our guns, though, we didn't set out for this project to overspend, overdo and break ourselves, we are doing this to make our family life better, to make the time we spend at home more enjoyable, easier and more beautiful.  It is our goal to remember that with every decision we make.  (And writing it here is going to keep me in check... I hope!)<br /><br />I truly believe that your home should be your safe place, a place that comforts you and brings you peace.  There is so much to battle out there in the world, and I want my family to feel love when they walk in here - whether that means a giant comfy sofa, a fluffy bed, wood burning fire or a something delicious from the kitchen.  We do our best to keep our home a positive place, where defenses are down, judgement is forgotten and love rules all - not that kitchen cabinets and upholstery can do that alone... but maybe it helps set the stage.  I do, however, think a really good soaking tub can do that.  I'm serious.  Top of the list.  As I've reminded my contractor ; )  Bathroom details later this month.<br /><br />So, back to the decisions at hand.  By the way, this post might actually turn into the most contradictory post ever, as I'll be debating cabinetry for our kitchen.  For those of you that want to hit me over the head - yes, I know this is a huge privilege to begin with.  I get to pick out a kitchen, from scratch.  A complete and utter dream come true.  Don't worry, the privilege and the blessing is not lost on me.  I'm loving every minute of the planning - and not afraid being creative.  And realistic.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OqKoJWlajYb6tftqs-FK2g-ZsYIFp6d2C5s-4nd56BQcbHRMVNYtJMO99Av2jm0LGxsHSNM7FHliybR8YHT0-1DAeCnZMc3kTwnP0GZTg50-vBXRyOvIes0TOPAMuex8GPYHyadfiNvM/s1600/house+plan+kitchen.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OqKoJWlajYb6tftqs-FK2g-ZsYIFp6d2C5s-4nd56BQcbHRMVNYtJMO99Av2jm0LGxsHSNM7FHliybR8YHT0-1DAeCnZMc3kTwnP0GZTg50-vBXRyOvIes0TOPAMuex8GPYHyadfiNvM/s1600/house+plan+kitchen.gif" width="624" /></a><br /><br />Here we are, back at the first floor plans.  When we got the initial bid back, I got out my red pen.  Where would I be willing to cut?  I'm always up for creative solutions (but finding a contractor that is up to the same creative thinking has been more of a challenge... It is interesting how their solution is always to start cutting square footage).  Because I am a realistic person, I compromised.  I didn't cut out the mudroom (as recommended), but instead brought the entire back of the addition in 2ft, which adds up to 180sqft from the upstairs and downstairs - a real savings. <br /><br />Shockingly, we actually like this much better.  It brings the baking counter (the counter under the windows facing the backyard) closer to the rest of the kitchen - something many of you suggested.  We also decided not to pour the basement underneath the new addition - just a crawlspace.  We have a basement now that is currently unfinished, so we'll just be finishing that space instead.  I know, it would've been nice, but we're keeping it real here.<br /><br />Also, by not needing the new basement stairs, I gained a lot more space in the mudroom.  So, the powder room is now going in there (away from the dining room area - another thing many of you mentioned).  This also gives us more room for the dining area, and we gain a closet.  It does make the library a little smaller, but smaller equals "cozy" in my book.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYbvuYtl1yqKZPuAp68ikGkdlEijtZecHPUR4GztWvmUXVBLh51Bv3laNXhjwIc0OJBTSA5YSg8kiUbndAam5S8ll8VM1yZO0hE-WmYjOglriZBjfTC0L4eHiDHu1VxpaThKz0StqtYKz/s1600/house+plan+cabinets.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYbvuYtl1yqKZPuAp68ikGkdlEijtZecHPUR4GztWvmUXVBLh51Bv3laNXhjwIc0OJBTSA5YSg8kiUbndAam5S8ll8VM1yZO0hE-WmYjOglriZBjfTC0L4eHiDHu1VxpaThKz0StqtYKz/s1600/house+plan+cabinets.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Now onto the big decision at hand.  The kitchen cabinets.  To be fair, we haven't actually gotten the bid for our cabinets back yet.  I'm just preparing myself.  As it turns out, every kitchen photo that I happened to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jennysteffens/new-kitchen/">pin</a> features inset cabinetry, which happens to be one of the most expensive kind.  Ugh.  Of course it is.  As Mike would point out, this is usually the case - like when our contractor suggested we do some carpet instead of wood in some areas to save money, and I said, how about wool berber?  To which he then replied that the price just went from $12 to $25/sqft.  You get the point.   <br /><br />This is where I need your input.  On one hand, I know that we want to "do it right," but as I said before, I don't want our decisions to burden us later with huge overages and strapped budgets.  But, we want to do it right... right?  What do you think?  What would you do for your own kitchen?<br /><br />Here are some "creative" solutions I've come up with :<br /><br />- Cut the hutch by the fridge.  This would cover the upgrade amount for the inset vs. full overlay on the rest of the cabinetry.  But, we'd be little short on dry food storage in the kitchen - most of it would be in the mudroom.<br /><br />- Do inset on the uppers, and overlay on the lowers.  (photo example below)<br /><br />- Cut the hutch by the baking counter - just do open shelving.<br /><br />Here are some inspiration photos that I keep referring to, for your reference.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyCziuGCbn5FU-llBCcFqrUIzsbkDYP0cPvBvS0_RrvYulmTCPB8Uu9HGkdZa7bokSsd09GV6WydFHsCJ5Zj1AdPhnYl909OtOBGdC19BZOQdq8jDwvHvbWYijOSLNjbfFQs3yhU8J2X8/s1600/bdb5bdfa331c0dec4c45899f546abdc6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyCziuGCbn5FU-llBCcFqrUIzsbkDYP0cPvBvS0_RrvYulmTCPB8Uu9HGkdZa7bokSsd09GV6WydFHsCJ5Zj1AdPhnYl909OtOBGdC19BZOQdq8jDwvHvbWYijOSLNjbfFQs3yhU8J2X8/s1600/bdb5bdfa331c0dec4c45899f546abdc6.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />My all time favorite.  This is the inspiration for my "Baking Counter/Nook."<br /><br />This is where I think the inset on the uppers would look great.  Also love the glass-front doors, brass pulls, creamy color, big window...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U-FzcoRSJkL5Om485-nAiwRrbmwggshNEC2Yb7GwIv3VqKoP2WgK3Wp_cjfvmH_GsvEnl0t-JHAATqJQDzemlumSRX8ErwpGsEUbVaT-FR0Yj_BpUU4FEil9zKtQ1WTVlSi8ejKj9Emh/s1600/41e6169c11cd5ce26cdd8e66c2384b27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U-FzcoRSJkL5Om485-nAiwRrbmwggshNEC2Yb7GwIv3VqKoP2WgK3Wp_cjfvmH_GsvEnl0t-JHAATqJQDzemlumSRX8ErwpGsEUbVaT-FR0Yj_BpUU4FEil9zKtQ1WTVlSi8ejKj9Emh/s1600/41e6169c11cd5ce26cdd8e66c2384b27.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br />Inset.  Brass pulls.  Wood tops.  Glass uppers.  Bracket detailing.  Big window.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBhcV1o_tFbFnrdhfhX2D5DFy7GE9nacnkNp1-MOPcWaNc0IZmMAXsjRkJeHXskcyMQIkasE8MKKlL3HVtOyHPO4RBr9uZ34LPnRdUBIGciNQlYSGb6h3OC5rYFR5KaxQxIwzrWlW_sSm/s1600/a6068569f9e73cb6d0e9485b12b0d865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBhcV1o_tFbFnrdhfhX2D5DFy7GE9nacnkNp1-MOPcWaNc0IZmMAXsjRkJeHXskcyMQIkasE8MKKlL3HVtOyHPO4RBr9uZ34LPnRdUBIGciNQlYSGb6h3OC5rYFR5KaxQxIwzrWlW_sSm/s1600/a6068569f9e73cb6d0e9485b12b0d865.jpg" /></a></div><br />Inset. Simple and classic.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOqsmLtlfjw7-70OPlNxHa9r95iRU-UChf6DGI_7slR34tFfZKSQicmnZUMVjdz2VmjKPzXnhKmiS1qMFk3671S57sKX4ULjwBjQPRopqOCy6QhrsXruLTK04r3aS20Z7ZylvYJCHFQOh/s1600/contemporary-kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOqsmLtlfjw7-70OPlNxHa9r95iRU-UChf6DGI_7slR34tFfZKSQicmnZUMVjdz2VmjKPzXnhKmiS1qMFk3671S57sKX4ULjwBjQPRopqOCy6QhrsXruLTK04r3aS20Z7ZylvYJCHFQOh/s1600/contemporary-kitchen.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>Here is a sample of full overlay.  I really think it looks great here.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2JZx98-XMTX1G7NQEv5MavYcjP5pvJzbZeStYaThPB6bYUNuicIczgwH2rLI0FZKeK1aFAOaSqtZF1Hl2Ub7CguEhvwc-IanQK7VDRPC658o15riu-kR_sBrxDIZ3tm8fu8_f4yO9kRT/s1600/joans-kitchen-glass-door-cabinets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2JZx98-XMTX1G7NQEv5MavYcjP5pvJzbZeStYaThPB6bYUNuicIczgwH2rLI0FZKeK1aFAOaSqtZF1Hl2Ub7CguEhvwc-IanQK7VDRPC658o15riu-kR_sBrxDIZ3tm8fu8_f4yO9kRT/s1600/joans-kitchen-glass-door-cabinets.jpg" width="394" /></a></div>These are inset uppers and overlay lowers.  A great option to get the look on the upper glass-front doors.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xg0VuUzJObIDqWyIY5xj6f7AUA0OdfzhCVQk5n0Cs5SrzvqC-xzDYtR16xmwOwhov6FARtee8qW5rGYbRThEW0Vq09mTj2lz-era98rKmieUjoZrS9NT7EtJSnI7EzB2gyTcqX1XJvO1/s1600/msg03172459951.0310421517919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xg0VuUzJObIDqWyIY5xj6f7AUA0OdfzhCVQk5n0Cs5SrzvqC-xzDYtR16xmwOwhov6FARtee8qW5rGYbRThEW0Vq09mTj2lz-era98rKmieUjoZrS9NT7EtJSnI7EzB2gyTcqX1XJvO1/s1600/msg03172459951.0310421517919.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>A great example of a Shaker Style full overlay kitchen that looks great. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So, what are your thoughts?  Compromise space or style?<br /><br />Off to get ready for our neighborhood Easter party - so Springy here, I can hardly stand it!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE40x1O-smML4BXXeigxfKo9s5Zpgyn6FBj6SO1WM3cBgnpr3LXkV58ubp0-TQsMUpZe7rMazN60lecIZ_i9fVLPIXuqCjCoX8MMwu2AUmygNk_kVHqCb8bQbjv03byRBDrOEF7qKcNstu/s1600/house-plan-cabinets.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE40x1O-smML4BXXeigxfKo9s5Zpgyn6FBj6SO1WM3cBgnpr3LXkV58ubp0-TQsMUpZe7rMazN60lecIZ_i9fVLPIXuqCjCoX8MMwu2AUmygNk_kVHqCb8bQbjv03byRBDrOEF7qKcNstu/s1600/house-plan-cabinets.png" width="305" /></a></div><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F04%2Fkitchen-cabinets-some-revisions-to-new.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-acvCTkqy14c%2FU0be-jpvk2I%2FAAAAAAAAWY8%2Fnlie6CvjLWU%2Fs1600%2Fhouse-plan-cabinets.png&description=Kitchen%20Cabinets%20%7C%20Inset%20Vs.%20Overlay%20Debate"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Kitchen Cabinets | Some Revisions to the New Addition Plans

The time has come to start making some real decisions.  We've finally gotten some bid numbers back from the contractors, and for all of...

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New Addition House Plans | Cape Cod Style Home

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aCVgVBcm1ZdK6pZjobtBs6XBvZ34AAP7VjeSbGPyAxlV1Mzm7X9IV7YCMIK2WXSZulIcld0PnUfR2W8YNVeSFOzbSvU9zhdvYp3Gvukys9nOK4OmiQXTLbpYLFcMx4qs2qNWCJcXLT13/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aCVgVBcm1ZdK6pZjobtBs6XBvZ34AAP7VjeSbGPyAxlV1Mzm7X9IV7YCMIK2WXSZulIcld0PnUfR2W8YNVeSFOzbSvU9zhdvYp3Gvukys9nOK4OmiQXTLbpYLFcMx4qs2qNWCJcXLT13/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" width="400" /></a> Welcome to the first, real official introduction to our house project.  I know I've been talking about this foreeevvveerr already, and you've heard my schpeel many times as we've prepared for this.  <br /><br />I've been holding back the full plans until we got the final OK from our city's planning board because most of our decisions were hinging on one important part - being able to add and attached two car garage.  We had <i>almost</i> enough room to add the new garage in the place where the side-porch is in this photo, but we needed the city to grant us a variance of 2ft on the side setback.  And for the record, I hate that we have to get rid of the charming porch, but it really was the only way to accomplish many of the other things we wanted to be able to do with our budget - and provided us the perfect spot to build a generous and lovely master bathroom.  So, after a nail-biting couple of month collecting signatures from neighbors and reviewing architectural plans, we got a huge OK from the city.  <br /><br />If you would like to read about where we started, you can start <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/03/new-addition-to-our-house-driving-me.html">here</a> and <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/02/our-new-addition-kitchen-plans-need.html">here</a> to get a little background for those of you just joining me to follow along in our journey.  Basically, we bought this small little house because I love its elegant curb appeal, it is in the most charming neighborhood in our city, on a beautiful tree-lined street full of families, and it had never been added onto.  It has a huge flat backyard perfect for bumping up, out and over.  <br /><br />So... these are about two days later than I promised, but finally - here they are.  Hey, it is a construction project after all, I'm told to expect a ton of delays so why not here, too, right?  In addition to working with architects and contractors, I've been a busy bee behind the scenes preparing for my new Spring Line that will be available in my online store in less than 10 days.  I have so much fun stuff that you'll love to refresh your home - new types of products that I've custom designed and others that I've discovered.   Thanks for your patience while I've been working away.  Let the journey begin!</div><br /><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOqaloGnmh6czqea9ODwyi6_GRlKY2x-3SVPwuadR9Wu_1rAH39zMecWrEevT-MHI8-1p5seQElZLIeSnQkbWFzt2sTTGmSroQsDX3RnQVvHNgDsDRSZDwENANhkA45uMkpWScHh9JFuZ/s1600/house+plan+outside+2.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOqaloGnmh6czqea9ODwyi6_GRlKY2x-3SVPwuadR9Wu_1rAH39zMecWrEevT-MHI8-1p5seQElZLIeSnQkbWFzt2sTTGmSroQsDX3RnQVvHNgDsDRSZDwENANhkA45uMkpWScHh9JFuZ/s1600/house+plan+outside+2.gif" width="520" /></a>Our goal was to keep the house looking very much the same from the front - a very simple and classic Cape Cod style with a steep pitched roof.  The only real change with the front of the house is the addition of the garage on the left side, and finishing the old garage into livable space.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I was very particular in designing the back of the house.  There are much more cost effective ways to bump out a home, but it was important for our addition to be just as pretty from the back as it is from the front.  I also wanted it to look like it was supposed to be built this way - instead of an afterthought.  I love this style of roof and came across the idea from a book called "Updating Classic American Capes" given to me by our old neighbor from Concord, Mass that had recently added onto their own house.  <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/11/nantucket-beacon-hill-concord-ma-our.html">Our trip back to New England</a> last fall gave me so much inspiration that I relied on when redesigning the house. <br /><br />As you can see from the drawing above, we're adding a covered porch just off of the new open kitchen and hearth room through french doors.  Hopefully this area will be a good replacement for the porch we're loosing.  All the way to the right is the mudroom/my studio area that also opens up to the backyard with french doors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1gqNJ3Se3A3ihfLYdoRQVmEuVdfzVhT5jdyfwzywvMgSpCm-RecV9Ou1itCs-EJLleqXdtVs_2sKjqqRFjG8doBlNeFVvQyDEM0AmZrEmw2HZAzetAVh_QHFauWWSWAlzeXpyLX6Blha/s1600/house+plan+3:9.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1gqNJ3Se3A3ihfLYdoRQVmEuVdfzVhT5jdyfwzywvMgSpCm-RecV9Ou1itCs-EJLleqXdtVs_2sKjqqRFjG8doBlNeFVvQyDEM0AmZrEmw2HZAzetAVh_QHFauWWSWAlzeXpyLX6Blha/s1600/house+plan+3:9.gif" width="626" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week I shared the plan for the main part of the house -<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/02/our-new-addition-kitchen-plans-need.html"> the new kitchen, dining and hearth area</a>.  Here is the plan for the first floor.  The front Living Room will stay the same, then it will open up into the open plan room.  I have always loved cozy houses with small rooms, but life with kids really works better with open living.  I can't wait to be able to fix dinner while I can keep an eye on Emma in almost every corner.  For more details about how we'll use this room and the vision for it, see <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/02/our-new-addition-kitchen-plans-need.html">this post</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see, through the kitchen doors is what I'm so excited about... a mudroom and "studio."  I love utilitarian spaces.  I am envisioning it to look like a classic potting shed with open shelving, deep sink, wood cabinet storage and wooden "lockers" for every member of the family.  This will also be home to our dry goods storage and pantry.  A very hard working room.  Besides all of that, this is what I'll also be using for taking photos for the blog.  I have designed it so it will have the perfect amount of natural light on the counter for my photos - and a quick trip from the kitchen to get a good final shot of food.  I can't wait to work on my crafty projects here... I already have visions of all of my wrapping and packaging supplies in neat rows and organized in drawers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The old garage will be transformed into a "Library" - which will be our cozy room of wood paneling and leather.  It will have french doors that can be closed off and be a private, quiet place, which I think will be nice to have with everything else being open.  In fact, I interviewed Sarah Susenka of The Not So Big House book series on her thoughts of how to plan a cozy house with a modern open floor plan.  Her tip was to create one area that could be closed off so that there was a spot to get away to and curl up with a book.  Great advice.   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I should mention that I'm calling it the Library and Mike is calling it His Room : )   I'm giving him majority rule in this room to make most of the decisions (so that means I have majority rule in the rest of the house, right...?), it will definitely be masculine and probably his favorite spot in the house... and probably feature a small collection of golf plaques and trophy's.  I think it will work for both of us because we both love the handsome Ralph Lauren sort of layered look with leather and plaids.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYOyng8IkeMDRGgvkQ8VQ6KdX-AP_2EDztlZdrQ0UVeXPsB14bJfA1l9ynjVdMuwhjvlPl0bbe5I5-HiTdzx4pjU2L250UQ6dMcBoptmqXs4dpGrI9yApvRdlPHwZuvnqgMLBoV7ri5Mf/s1600/house+plan+2nd.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYOyng8IkeMDRGgvkQ8VQ6KdX-AP_2EDztlZdrQ0UVeXPsB14bJfA1l9ynjVdMuwhjvlPl0bbe5I5-HiTdzx4pjU2L250UQ6dMcBoptmqXs4dpGrI9yApvRdlPHwZuvnqgMLBoV7ri5Mf/s1600/house+plan+2nd.gif" width="632" /></a></div><br />The second floor is pretty self-explanatory.  The two front rooms are existing and changing very little besides adjusting some window placements to accommodate the garage roofline.  Emma will likely move from her nursery to our room and her nursery will be open for another baby - hopefully someday.  And just in case you're curious, not quite yet... don't want to start any rumors out there. <br /><br />We are opening the hallway upstairs to be a large central hall for all of the rooms vs. the long a narrow hall that it was before.  Another huge bonus is the upstairs laundry room.  Yes.  I can not wait.  Right now I'm lugging laundry all the way down to the unpleasant unfinished basement.  As I said before, I love utilitarian spaces and can't wait to organize this room with handy and useful storage.  There will also be a big linen closet in the central hall - we're trying to add as much storage as we can.  My goal is to have everything at least have a place - a constant struggle.  <br /><br />The master bedroom leads to the master bath that extends over the mudroom/garage area.  My plan is to have the bathroom itself be simple, airy and open with a sort of mini-vaulted ceiling that leads to a big soaking tub under the window.<br /><br />Of course, in the next couple of weeks and months I'll share design boards, inspiration photos and layouts for each individual room.  Today, I just wanted to give you the big picture of where we're headed.  We won't break ground for at least another month while we get final bids and financing (details, details...) underway.  You can look foward to a weekly update (at least) of our progress and new ideas.   I welcome any advice and resource recommendations.  Thanks for taking the time to follow along.  The weather is beautiful here and as soon as Emma wakes up from her nap we'll be taking a long walk to the park.  In the meantime, I'll be doing laundry in the basement ; )<br /><br />Have a great Sunday!<br /><br />

New Addition House Plans | Cape Cod Style Home

Welcome to the first, real official introduction to our house project.  I know I've been talking about this foreeevvveerr already, and ...

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Our New Addition : Kitchen Plans... Need your help!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aCVgVBcm1ZdK6pZjobtBs6XBvZ34AAP7VjeSbGPyAxlV1Mzm7X9IV7YCMIK2WXSZulIcld0PnUfR2W8YNVeSFOzbSvU9zhdvYp3Gvukys9nOK4OmiQXTLbpYLFcMx4qs2qNWCJcXLT13/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aCVgVBcm1ZdK6pZjobtBs6XBvZ34AAP7VjeSbGPyAxlV1Mzm7X9IV7YCMIK2WXSZulIcld0PnUfR2W8YNVeSFOzbSvU9zhdvYp3Gvukys9nOK4OmiQXTLbpYLFcMx4qs2qNWCJcXLT13/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>The time has finally come to bring you back into the New Addition loop.  Well, almost.   We are very, very close to having everything settled and official.  I'll post the entire plan when we get the sign-off from the city in the next couple of weeks (fingers crossed...).  Until then, I'm going to share our plans for the main part of the new addition, which is pretty solidified.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">We've been planning this add-on since we bought the house a year and a half ago - as you know if you've been following along.  We bought the house because we love the charming neighborhood, and because I have a thing for New England style architecture.  Since we were moving back home from Mass, I loved the idea that I would could still have a New Englandy style Cape Cod house. </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Like most cape-style houses, it is small - right around 1,100 sqft.  Most of the houses in our little neighborhood were build in the 40's and are very cottagy and charming.  A majority of the homes have been added onto and remodeled to accommodate modern living... but not ours, which is exactly why we bought it.   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixX3bftQyJ3T92jDqh4YvfiiPbVQ8KUABkCaIHzF-x2dNl66ma40qEF_qErBdROLrHJ104EV3Sltr2mpp-mb02IsRYkxKzqAHzpEPud62lh3RNFmSxrHqCX6y4-eo7I-3Rn_wp2U4Ga4vY/s1600/kitchen.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixX3bftQyJ3T92jDqh4YvfiiPbVQ8KUABkCaIHzF-x2dNl66ma40qEF_qErBdROLrHJ104EV3Sltr2mpp-mb02IsRYkxKzqAHzpEPud62lh3RNFmSxrHqCX6y4-eo7I-3Rn_wp2U4Ga4vY/s1600/kitchen.png" width="491" /></a>Here is our plan for the new addition.  As I mentioned, there are other details I'll share in the future as well, including garage, mudroom, second floor with master suite which plans are being tinkered with at the moment. </div><br />We're merging the existing kitchen and dining space with a new 15-ish foot bump out that will include a new hearth area and larger kitchen.  The room will be filled with windows, french doors, painted (Navajo White) paneling and moldings.  <br /><br />I love small cozy rooms, but love an open floorplan for living and entertaining. While designing this space I've made a conscious effort to keep this wide open plan feeling cozy.  I'd love your input and ideas.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Here are some photos that I've shared before and some new that will give you a better idea for my vision.  Resources can be found on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jennysteffens/architectural-inspirtation/">my Pinterest board</a> : </div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YLaej6l7EgiA_TcrmvNz_KSFUAUaJYZp7AbE0gnp4srLCaxDmikW4E_n7peIBI61YE0FO1iuN-YvnmLo8DL3IKocZcAIioIvpD9wZ1apH9nXzn0gAclCDtWeHRnZPCKmBgJaFjXW7yCM/s1600/757dd17090069963e87aca31fc1cb856.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YLaej6l7EgiA_TcrmvNz_KSFUAUaJYZp7AbE0gnp4srLCaxDmikW4E_n7peIBI61YE0FO1iuN-YvnmLo8DL3IKocZcAIioIvpD9wZ1apH9nXzn0gAclCDtWeHRnZPCKmBgJaFjXW7yCM/s1600/757dd17090069963e87aca31fc1cb856.jpg" width="355" /></a>I really like this - I've gone back and forth many times... should I change my Baking Counter into a cozy breakfast nook?!   <br /><br />Besides that debate, I love the beams in this photo, the white on white, wooden stools and the classic rugs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEios4wZirqN2QzjuhSz-WVKpzKwBhyphenhyphenS19meuiUYG-eS9WNoRVq8m1-iwhzATc4_wapVCpXQvFwr7g_CrIodO3wKzd9oBHs5aK89pY-RLc7LNSzVwbW-95CurvdgiFlugBu1u9PZ_nFLfugi/s1600/41e6169c11cd5ce26cdd8e66c2384b27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEios4wZirqN2QzjuhSz-WVKpzKwBhyphenhyphenS19meuiUYG-eS9WNoRVq8m1-iwhzATc4_wapVCpXQvFwr7g_CrIodO3wKzd9oBHs5aK89pY-RLc7LNSzVwbW-95CurvdgiFlugBu1u9PZ_nFLfugi/s1600/41e6169c11cd5ce26cdd8e66c2384b27.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>I've officially decided to have wooden countertops.  It will be my third kitchen with wood and I just can't get away from it - I love the rustic, cozy factor it adds.  I'm sure I will add some marble details, too... because that is my other tempter.  What do you think about wood topped island and marble surround?  Or, marble subway tile backsplash with all wood tops?<br /><br />We will also have brass pulls and lanterns mixed with polished nickel faucets.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iyGPit81xX9uuD5RZgWmvOCGbgJCaOghBgQjZii7GvdcCyFKQdOZ3WhAZqPpjWzXisnxrqmh6XdogwQZ_F1Oxi0g1-id91wxpryHCV_62tyRQqAEV-s0O-tUojK0WJsbmfD9otWhZHiV/s1600/bdb5bdfa331c0dec4c45899f546abdc6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iyGPit81xX9uuD5RZgWmvOCGbgJCaOghBgQjZii7GvdcCyFKQdOZ3WhAZqPpjWzXisnxrqmh6XdogwQZ_F1Oxi0g1-id91wxpryHCV_62tyRQqAEV-s0O-tUojK0WJsbmfD9otWhZHiV/s1600/bdb5bdfa331c0dec4c45899f546abdc6.jpg" width="326" /></a></div>This is how I envision the hutch that merges with the baking counter - glass front, but I'll probably keep cake stands and baking pantry essentials in it.<br /><br />As you can see from the plans, we've also included a large bank of windows over the baking counter vs. upper cabinets to bring in light.  I'm planning to keep a stool under the cabinets also so I can sit there during the day and work while I have a great view of the backyard.<br /><br />I'd love to have the windows be something really beautiful... diamond pattern leaded glass?  Old windows?  New with cottage shutters?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyZlW1gearKSalqPgLlgsVMsf0gpY81RJdsPL0QdvXMqXCrvC2G05B_4plaYld52m7-f1jxAee39DUVjWDGlJ1m5yDj-w1ADZsM9M0-8gtG4EGL0-VMlUFdgJe8rJ7M6vP8Bqnm0ykL41/s1600/cf30e7a0749e55325a669a0111407e0e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyZlW1gearKSalqPgLlgsVMsf0gpY81RJdsPL0QdvXMqXCrvC2G05B_4plaYld52m7-f1jxAee39DUVjWDGlJ1m5yDj-w1ADZsM9M0-8gtG4EGL0-VMlUFdgJe8rJ7M6vP8Bqnm0ykL41/s1600/cf30e7a0749e55325a669a0111407e0e.jpg" /></a></div> Love this mantle and paneling detail.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC09MT9_VkDywwlOj9jvgZNYTsb3xTU-bau48DA88i0CCsVeKulEKOgDqzXam5rdkPmvf3Ac-areNd6uDgn1FnlOT0ulGQ1cvdtiWUA9TsAQDUZL89Wwm4eNrH_bSSffvUyaZ31MoJ7Epz/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC09MT9_VkDywwlOj9jvgZNYTsb3xTU-bau48DA88i0CCsVeKulEKOgDqzXam5rdkPmvf3Ac-areNd6uDgn1FnlOT0ulGQ1cvdtiWUA9TsAQDUZL89Wwm4eNrH_bSSffvUyaZ31MoJ7Epz/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Also, love this mantle - you can see on the right side of the photo.  I love how it is boxed in with paneling... and love the beams. <br /><br />As we're gathering resources and beginning to think about placing orders, I'd love your input.   You all always have the best and most creative solutions - I can't wait to hear your ideas and thoughts on our projects.  Here are specific areas that we need some help and resources :<br /><br />Doors & Windows<br />Sink - Apron Front, Farm-style<br />Cottage Shutters?<br />Rugs<br />Upholstery - New Sofa and Chairs<br />Stone/Brick for Fireplace<br />Beams - Boxed in or Reclaimed/Exposed?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Our New Addition : Kitchen Plans... Need your help!

The time has finally come to bring you back into the New Addition loop.  Well, almost.   We are very, very close to having everything sett...

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