My First Place

I've shown you so many pictures of my current home, but I've never shared any photos of the FIRST house Kevin and I bought together. It's very different from the house we live in now, but it's equally (more, actually) as dear to me.

Today, I'll start with photos of the exterior. Then everyday, for the next week, I'll give you a guided tour of each room inside.

If we had not sold it, we would have painted the exteriors brick, carport and trim, and re-surfaced the driveway.

Welcome to Hermitage Drive...
















Walking up to the front door:




Here's the back yard:





This is the courtyard on the other side of the brick wall in the carport.










We were going for a Japanese Zen Garden type of a space.
I sure do miss the hot tub we had back there this time of year. :-(

Stay tuned for the first set of interior pictures tomorrow!


Layla

Firehouse For Sale

One of my favorite things to do is look at houses that I can't buy.
Not really, but you know what I mean.

Check this one out.



The ad reads-

"Beautifully restored, large open floor plan apartment on second floor and loft like studio on first floor. Perfect live/work space for artist, musician or antiques dealer."

It's an old Firehouse, built in 1925, and it's located in Richmondville, NY.
It's on the market for $295,000.

Here is the upstairs apartment:


















And here is the studio space on the first floor:




What would YOU do with this space?

Rendleman Family Kitchen Redesign

Michelle Rendleman recently purchased one of my Consultations because she wanted my advice on an inexpensive way to pull together a look in her Kitchen.

Currently, there is a battle going on between the color Cobalt Blue and Red in this space.
12 years ago, Michelle bought all cobalt blue accessories, dishes and transferware, but since then, her home has become accented with more red things, than blue.
I suggested choosing one color or the other, but recommended that she choose red since she has become a little disenchanted with the blue things. Michelle agreed that a color palette of red, cream, black and tan was the way to go- and mentioned that in recent years, she's collected lots of plain white dishes.

Here's the design plan I came up with:

As soon as Michelle sends me her "After" photos, I'll be sure to post them here.

She's got big plans for new black granite, or skimstone (concrete) countertops too- can't wait for the big reveal!

Layla

Dean Family Stairwell Redesign

I received an email from the Dean Family recently, requesting my help with their Stairwell. Jenni purchased one of my Photo Consultations, so I got to work on some options for her to choose from.

Here's what Jenni wrote:

"Here is the next space that we need some help on. It is our stairway that leads to two bedrooms upstairs. The first picture shows just a tiny portion of it if you are looking at it from the bathroom. The only thing that has to stay is the door at the top. If you feel it needs a color change we could probably do that. Right now the steps only have carpet on the tops of them.
We don't want to spend too much but we definitely want it to look better! I am not sure if you can tell but there is a light on the ceiling above the landing at the top of the staircase. I hate it right now and can't wait to change it. The ceiling height at the top is pretty low, so it can't be any kind of light fixture that would hang down."

In one Scheme, I suggested using a Sisal Runner, like this:



But after looking at this next Scheme, in a few different color options, Jenni and her husband decided on this one:



The fronts of the stairs are painted white. The top side of each stair is painted black. Each step has a number stenciled on the front of it, starting with a number "1" on the bottom step. The trim in the stairwell is painted a crisp shade of white and the walls are painted a light wheat color. I suggested painting the door at the top of the steps, and Jenni said they are going to, but haven't decided on the color yet.

These are the light fixure options I recommended for the landing at the top of the steps:





This shows the stairwell from the other direction, looking down the stairs-



I used this light fixture to illuminate the bottom landing.



Jenni has informed me that they are going shopping for trim and light fixtures tomorrow, and promised to send me "After" photos of the Stairwell when they are done making the changes!

If you have a Design Dilemna that you'd like my advice on, click here!

Layla

Pick your favorite Kitchen!

A.



B.

C.

D.




E.




F.