Just When You Think It Can't Get Better

These are some exterior photos of our recent project. You saw the gardens in previous postings, so here are pictures of the upstairs and downstairs porches that view and lead into the rear garden. Just enough color to bring the design to life, without wearing you out.

I really love this! There are a pair of these beautiful sconces that hold a series of votive candles behind the metal leaves. The way they were hung really brings your eye to the great arch treatment in the brickwork surrounding the French doors and lights above.

These are two upstairs views. Designer Connie DeGood did a terrific job here, both in doing inviting furniture placement, and delightful vignettes to keep it interesting!

Fully finished kitchen photos will follow!

It Just Gets Better

This week we'll look at more completed pictures of one of our recent projects. As you move through the house from front door, through the large open hallway to the rear of the house, the feeling goes from slightly more formal to relaxed and comfortable. But believe me, I could be pretty comfortable in any room of this home!

This is the view when you walk in the side door from the porte-cochere. A beautiful view to walk into!

More pictures-including finished kitchen-to come.

And Then There Were...Part II

More photos of our recently completed project. Did I mention a wonderful art collection?

These homeowners have put together an eclectic collection of art through the years...pieces that are by well-known artists as well as pieces that may have been done by artist-acquaintances, and therefore hold an extra-special meaning for them. I remember walking through the home when it was all put together, and each piece of art just made me feel so happy! That is a great reason to hang wonderful things in your home.

Don't worry...there's more.

And Then There Were Furnishings

We've watched this project through the reconstruction phases, and now it's time to take a look at the end results!

You'll remember from past postings about this project that the renovation here was done by "remote". The homeowners were up north during the process, making the occasional visit to check on progress. When work was almost complete, they had a truck loaded with their furniture and accessories, loaded up the dogs in their car, and made their way to Tampa. Their wonderful designer, Connie DeGood of Chagrin Falls, Ohio flew down to help make it all happen. Connie has worked with these homeowners for years on several other homes, and knows their furnishings--and taste--well. I happened to see the house one Friday, empty, and was invited to a dinner party there the following Friday. Well, this is what I had the great opportunity to walk into!

These are the views just inside the front door! Inviting entry hallway, formal dining room and living room. And this is just a taste of their wonderful art collection.

I see this home as a tribute to many things, but especially a good design and build team. Yes, I know...you're worried that I may have broken an arm patting myself on the back. (And after that rotator cuff surgery, believe me it could happen!!) But seriously, we hope that this project is an indicator of why designers are important in a renovation project. (And besides, I'm administrative here. I'm really patting the team on the back!)

A good designer starts by working very closely with the homeowners to discern their desires, their tastes and needs. An even better designer will also anticipate needs that the homeowner may not mention, and design accordingly. That comes from experience. A good builder then takes the project through the next phases, and an even better builder will consult with the designer to make sure that the design is executed precisely according to the plans.

Then, with the aid of a wonderful designer like Connie, the final layer is applied to bring the space to life. Furnishings, lighting, art...these are what make a house a home, in my opinion. So, welcome to your new home!

Have I whet your appetite? More pictures to follow.

When is a Home Finished?

When is a home finished? Well, that's impossible to say, huh? At our house, apparently it is never "finished", and that's probably the case with many of you. (Why did we just have to have that tree removed from our front lawn? Don't get me started!) But honestly, this one has to be close.

I have "closet issues", and not the ones you might expect. I am a very tidy person by nature, but as far as I'm concerned, whatever is behind closed doors can be piled and pushed, so long as it doesn't spill out when you open the door. But now I realize that I've just never had the right closets! Well, these folks do. This closet started as a room as large as my bedroom--window included--and was carefully designed and planned. Why can't I have this?!


I can also dream of my ideal bedroom, and yes, that comes with a fireplace.


Am I just asking too much? Don't answer that!

No Devil In These Details

As is the case with many projects as this remodel gets near the end, all of the beautiful details begin to appear.

You've been following as the painting, resurfacing, landscaping, cabinetry, etc, came together here. Now for the fluffing! One of my favorite embellishments on this project is this rich wall covering in the powder bath.


A difficult angle to capture, and I assure you my photo doesn't do this gorgeous paper justice. The deep red is almost a purple, and in the glittering light of this "not too dainty" little chandelier, the gold actually looks like gold leaf! A wonderful little marble-topped vanity (not pictured) pulls this all together.

So, I said no "Devil" in these details...but maybe a little evil sprite! I've been anxious to show you pictures of the installed appliances...but, there were a couple of problems.

As you can see, the dishwasher is in, and all is well. (Blue stretch wrap over stainless front until last minute.) But the amazing 6-burner stove doesn't quite slide into the allotted opening. Just a matter of simple adjustments by the cabinet makers, but until then, you'll just have to imagine what it will look like in place! (Along with me.)

One-upped by the contractor!

Well, I think this may be a first! As we all know, Chip is famous for putting every square inch of a space to good use. This time, Bill of William Stone Contracting may have trumped us.

As is often the case of the really good builders, they love woodworking, and "messing" with things. In this first photo, you see Bill standing in front of the handsome, newly-tiled fireplace and hearth. I especially like the way the thick wood mantel, which matches the wood floor stain, sits on top of the hefty bull-nose tiles. (This picture was taken before the tile was grouted.)

When I walked back into the room after taking other pictures, these Jewel-box like doors had been opened to reveal all this "secret" CD-DVD storage!

Well done Bill! But, would you expect anything less from a guy who wears such cool shoes? Hey, are those a size 7-1/2 by any chance?