Starting!

by the Artist

Today we start a large kitchen remodel. It's been months in the planning. Initial meetings, design decisions, kitchen cabinets ordered, floor and backsplash tile chosen. Lots of details had to be ironed out before demo can begin.

We start demo by removing all base trim, pry off the countertops, remove the cabinet bases and uppers and pull up the vinyl floor. In this situation we are only removing one small wall. And I should say.. before we start any project we block off the area being remodeled from the rest of the house with plastic. We take every precaution to keep the home as dust free as possible during the process. But some dust does still sneak out.. especially if a furnace or ac is running.

So here's to demo day! It's been a long time coming but is finally here. I know the homeowners are looking forward to eating their first meal in their brand new lovely kitchen! Here's to dreams that do come true!

Bidding on high.

by the Artist

Last week the Carpenter and I headed to a home, to take photos and measurements for a large exterior renovation project we are bidding on. We call these larger whole house exterior projects "Second Acts". http://www.applewoodremodelers.com/second-act-1/ We love this type of work for different reasons.

The photos I took will be used to layout some design ideas to show the homeowners. The Carpenter went to look more closely at all aspects of the exterior, as well as take measurements for his bid. In the photo above, I caught the Carpenter deep in thought up on the roof. I'm always surprised how relaxed he is up high. 

The Carpenter favors working with the existing conditions of an older home. Problem solving what is revealed during the project, figuring out how to fit new materials and design into "old". He says it's like working a puzzle. He makes the renovation work.

I enjoy the challenge of designing the "before" to become a beautiful "after". I watch my share of home improvement shows. Actually we started watching "This Old House" before HGTV was even a glimmer in a producers eye. I make the design work.

We've both learned a lot over the years. A lot. How to renovate to current market standards without breaking the bank, and still maintain quality craftsmanship. There is an art to that. 

And we're off to another busy week. 

Here's to hoping you have a good week too.

Here to help.

by the Artist

The end of last week the Carpenter and I met with customers whom we are doing a kitchen remodel for, at our local tile shop to assist in picking floor and backsplash tile. They brought along a sample of their countertop and a floor tile sample they had found previously. 

Before heading to the store we met first at their home, so I could meet the homeowners for the first time and get a feel for their "style". We looked at the floor and countertop tile samples they had already, and discussed what their design goals were for their kitchen. I also looked at some magazine kitchen samples the homeowner had found. We also talked about the foyer flooring that connects with the kitchen and how to "marry" the two floors, keeping in mind that the foyer floor will be replaced in the future.

On route to the store.. I was studying the chosen countertop sample and decided on a color to look for based on that– a different color then the homeowners had picked. They liked their first pick but were concerned it matched too closely to the old foyer tile.

Once in the store I knew exactly what I wanted and we found a handsome warm gray textured tile quickly. It is made up of random widths of mostly vertical pieces with one large more square area. (If you haven't been to a tile store lately.. you've got to go see the beautiful faux wood tiles and the new monochromatic what I call textured plank tiles. So beautiful!)

We then found a gorgeous glass subway tile in a warm brown with olive undertones. Again picking up a vein of color in the "chosen" countertop sample. We then picked grout color for the floor and subway tiles and we were good to go! The last item to check off needing my help will be the wall color.  

When we were setting the order up, (the Carpenter till needs to measure and order quantities).. I noticed that the homeowners were excited about the choices and how it all came together. They seemed relieved. Seeing that made me very happy. When I help with design decisions.. I want the customer to feel what I'm feeling, to be excited about their project. I also am relieved myself that I was able to successfully assist them. 

The homeowners said more then once.. "we just get so overwhelmed with what to choose". It's scary because you don't know what it will look like till you see it finished. So there definitely has to be a trust factor between a homeowner and the designer. You see that played out all the time on HGTV.

You too can get my design assistance if you sign on a project with Applewood. It is included in the project proposal. No need to feel overwhelmed during a project. Yes there are many decisions to be made. We can help lessen the pressure to make the right choices.