Countdown to Christmas

Since we last looked at this project in our October 21st post, a lot has happened. The homeowners host a large event around Christmas, so the pressure is on to complete the structure in time. When we last looked, the block was still being set for the exterior walls. Now, the roof is on, so the body of the pavilion is set.

The pergola section has been attached. This took a lot of skill and careful carpentry to tie into the structure appropriately.

Beautiful, thick beams for the pergola, and appropriately notched to fit--just what we like to see!
The wiring is in for electric and sound, so that's all good to go!

Lots of finishing and detail work yet to do, and some intricate decisions ahead with the grading and the pavers...but I think this project is on course, and will be ready for Santa's arrival. Keep your eye on it with me!

A Room of Her Own Finishes

We're closing in on the end of this project. It's been so rewarding to me both personally and professionally. We were able to do something that I believe will have a very direct and daily impact on many people's lives. Additionally, the fact that we put out the call for help, and so, so many people said "yes"! It's been an experience that has taken me out of myself, and made me feel better about the world in general.

Here are more pictures of finished rooms in the Room of Her Own project at Alpha House of Tampa. These rooms were designed and executed by many members of the talented design community in Tampa.


Not that this cake needs icing, but nevertheless, here it is! Here is the courtyard "before".

And here's the finished courtyard area, complete with comfortable seating for mom and appropriate areas for toddlers as well.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing this project together as much as I enjoyed being a part of it. There's more projects to be done at Alpha House of Tampa, so if you've been inspired, don't hesitate to visit their web site for more information on how you can be a part. I bet you'll be glad you did!

More Rooms to View!

Last week I showed pictures of our room makeover from the Room of Her Own project at the Alpha House of Tampa. Over the next couple of weeks I thought I would show you some photos from some of the other rooms...there are too many great ideas and designs to include in one session, and they're all too good not to share.

The pictures should speak for themselves.

The facility has taken on the look of a boutique bed and breakfast! I hope you enjoy these, and will look forward to next week's!

Finally--A Room of Her Own!

We've been watching the progress at the Alpha House of Tampa on our Room of Her Own project. Last week, I showed you our own renovation in progress, and promised finished photos this week. Here comes...but first, let's take another look at what the rooms looked like when we started.

Pretty dull, and certainly not a room that would make someone feel happy. That's where we come in.

Here we are in the final stages of the project. Our wonderful artist, Jeff Monsein of Splat Paint, creates a simple motif of leaves, vines and butterflies on one wall. The butterfly is part of the Alpha House logo, and we felt it was a great design element for the residents that we hope are going through a life transformation!

I met with our room adopter early Friday morning to see what she had brought to finish the room off, then she and I did another mad shopping run that day to find the final accessories to make the room complete. Here is our completed product.

I was very satisfied with the results. The room is warm and cheerful, but still has a cozy and relaxing element about it. I hope we make the residents who will stay here feel safe and comfortable, and they will enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it!

Next week, I'll give you a look at some of the other designer's finished rooms, and we'll watch the courtyard renovations in progress. More fun in store!