Every Square Inch

Storage is a high priority in almost any one's home. So in a major home renovation, finding any and all storage possibilities is part of what a good space planner will accomplish.

In this project we've been following, the master suite (with a relatively small walk-in closet) was a prime target for this kind of planning. Space for built-in cabinetry was carved out in several locations so that the finished rooms will offer ample storage for almost anything you might have!

Though still waiting for the doors, you can see how much space these units in the bedroom have.

In the bathroom, again, cabinetry is tucked into many spaces to accommodate linens, medicines and other bathroom paraphernalia.

This over sized vanity mirror (in waiting), could practically hold a drug store! Well, close anyway.
Not only is all this storage wonderful, when the beautiful doors are installed each cabinet will become an architectural element in the home.

I think I need a new house!

Phase II Begins

It's been a couple of months since we checked in on this project, and the second phase--the covered pavilion--is just underway.

Since it is a small backyard garden area, the main architectural elements from the garage and the new pergola (all close by), will be borrowed for the new pavilion. But there will be a few surprises that will set it apart and give it a personality of it's own.

The columns are going up, and cross-beams have been prepared.

This project will go up pretty quickly. By next week, we'll definitely be seeing a structure!

Master Bath

Once the floors were finished and could be walked on again, (sorry, they will be covered for the remainder of the construction, so photos later!), I could check back on progress in the master bath at this project.

Here are some photos of the progress.

The marble tile installation was completed in the shower stall. The marble surrounding the door is beautiful!

A new double vanity is topped with a gorgeous marble slab with a lot of gray, and subtle blues and greens....it blends beautifully with the more traditional Carrera marble on the floors and in the shower.

The wall behind the vanity was made thicker to accommodate a large, custom medicine cabinet that is being built. Likewise, the same exterior wall was thickened to allow for a deeper linen cupboard at the end of the tub.

The contemporary shape of the tub matches the over-size sinks in the vanity. This is a great blending of updated elements into a more traditional setting.

Room-by-room, design details are falling into place. Stand by for more!

Another Minor Detail

A stair rail, is a stair rail, is a stair rail.

Or, maybe not! When you have a tricky stair configuration, the rail should match the intricacy of the steps, right? The correct answer is, yes, it should. But, unless the installer is a very patient craftsman like on this job, you'll be lucky to get this kind of work.

The newels, handrail and balusters on these new stairs are very appropriate to the period and style of the house.

Spindly balusters would have looked flimsy, and a thicker newel post would have made the staircase too clunky in the beautiful new space. Proportion here is very important.

Notice how the staircase ends at the same plane as the wall just beyond. This is an important element in the design that helps maintain a feeling of "calm" in the room.

And now for the promised detail! Notice how the rail steps up (or down) exactly like the stairs.

Once in a while, it's the things you didn't even know to expect that give you the most pleasure. Life should be like this every day!

Floor It

Flooring....options abound in flooring materials these days. Stone, ceramic, porcelain, polished concrete, bamboo, cork...but nothing speaks warmth like stained hard-wood floors with a glossy or satin finish. The glow in lamplight is the stuff that poets write about!

Last week, I promised a peek at the floors on this project. I was lucky enough to be on site during a day of the final installation. Due to major changes in room configuration, new flooring was specified for the entire first floor. Oak was chosen.

Once all the planks are installed, the floors are machine sanded to even up all surfaces. Then, good installers will come behind with smaller sanders to hit any spots the large machines have missed.

Final stain color should be sampled and selected on-site to insure the finish is exactly what you want it to be.

This is the view of the new spaces, looking from the kitchen down the pantry hall, through the dining room and living room, and into the entry area.

Imagine this view with the finished wood...so beautiful, you can almost taste it!

The day after these photos were taken, the floors were stained and varnished, and the house was sealed for the rest of the week for the finish to dry. Don't know about you, but I can't wait to see them done.

Counter Intelligence

Counter tops are going in at this project. There are so many unique and beautiful offerings available in counter top materials that the choice can be a difficult one. Natural stone is always a wonderful option, and a trip to a stone yard can be as exciting as taking a 6 year old to FAO Schwartz! Marble, quartz, granite, colors, veining, thickness....so much to choose from!

This homeowner has chosen two different natural stone materials that coordinate beautifully--one for the kitchen cabinet counter tops, and one for the island.

The counter tops are a fairly uniformly speckled stone, in a pale green and creamy-gray tone.

And the island is a darker marble that has gorgeous green veining through it.

These great counter tops were fabricated by Custom Marble Works here in Tampa. We have worked with them for many years, and can always count on their great selection and unparalleled abilities.

When the counter tops are in, it's a sure sign that the finishing details are underway on the project, as all the pieces begin to fall into place. Next week we'll take a closer look at flooring!

Outside

We've been concentrating on interior changes at this project over the past few weeks. Let's take a look at what's been happening outside. The front area has been excavated, and waiting to be re-graded. Retaining walls have been formed at the sidewalk and on each side of the entry walkway. A "mini-deck" on the side of the house was an afterthought, but a great way to claim an unused exterior corner. And a door was added to allow direct access from the living area. The garage is progressing well. Though it's position and height may seem surprising at first glance, when the beautiful new structure is complete, and the garden and pool area transformations take place, the garage and house will work together to create an intimate setting around the pool area, that will truly act as an additional room entered from the kitchen and family rooms. The view from the second story area of this garage will have perfect views of the pool and garden, before you know it.

Here and There

Progress is apparent all over the house on this project! Marble tile has gone down on the floor and into the shower stall in the master bathroom. (Covered on the floor for protection during construction!)

More porcelain tile ready to be installed in another bathroom. An existing fireplace surround has been removed in preparation of new tile and trims. The existing ceiling wood adds a neat texture to the new stairwell.

Paint is appearing on the walls, and slowly but surely details are appearing that will give this old home it's shiny new personality.

Cabinet Base-ics

Still a ways to go, but base cabinet delivery and installation means that the dirtiest of the dirty work is behind you! Once demolition has been completed, and new walls are framed, the cabinet shop will come in to take final measurements to begin production on the boxes. In this project, the cabinets are solid wood, and the final finish will be painted. A paint-grade wood vs. stain-grade will affect the cost of finished cabinetry. Often, painted cabinetry will be well suited for a vintage (or vintage-feel) home. Here are some of the cabinets in place...or close.

Here is the base for the kitchen island, not yet slid into place. And here is the cabinetry that will house the stacking ovens. Of course the real personality comes through when the counter tops and doors are installed, but even with just the bases, you really start to get a feel of the space and how it will work. Cabinet doors are generally one of the last things installed in a renovation, in order to reduce damage to the finish. Progress in other areas to follow!