Sneak Peak - by Holly

Alright, here is the plan for the second floor. I haven't shown the first floor yet... that will come soon. Also coming soon, the designer's copy instead of my drawing. :)

I haven't noted every little thing (like windows or the private porch off the master or the extra stairs by the landing that will someday go to a third floor, etc.). I was hoping to fit a lot more into this second floor, but certain restraints have made it cost effective for it to be this particular plan. It has its compromises... it's the smallest master bath we've ever had but I'm gonna make sure to put in a back massaging whirlpool to bring it up a notch. ;) The diagonals between the bedrooms are fireboxes we will have to cover up. Another note, the storage off the master cannot be used as an expansion to the adjacent rooms.

Anyways, I want to know what YOU think. It's important to me that we have a plan that works for us and for most people. By the way, the first floor has a living room, dining room, kitchen, guest bedroom/office, full bath (shower only), family room, and screened back porch. Ok so now its time for you to share your feedback. What would you say if you were house hunting for yourself/your family?

Imaginary Shopping - by Holly

I love the Habitat store. Here are some cool finds that I WISH I could have grabbed for our house...

Awesome brass bed

Ornate oval mirror

The perfect comfy kids' bench; I would change the fabric

National Geographic Foamboard Map

Footings - by Holly

This week the guys (Will and Jeremy) started digging the footings for the new beams. There are a lot. It's kind of a good thing the floors weren't salvageable; it definitely made their job easier! We had the inspection (which passed!) on Wednesday morning and they've already poured the concrete! Jacking should start Friday or Monday!

Inspiration - by Holly

Thought I'd share things I'm in love with...


#1 School house lights. I'd love 4-6 of these in the kitchen:

(doesn't have to be this exactly)














Here's an example of something similar in a kitchen:

#2 A light and bright gallery style main hall. If only I could duplicate our arch... but alas, I cannot (historic pres restrictions). This pic is almost EXACTLY what I've had in my head:

can you picture it?!


























#3 Damask. I love the damask pattern and was super excited to learn that it was also popular in late 19th century Victorian homes. It will be in my house... somewhere, somehow!

These are actual wallpaper patterns from the 1800s














#4 Apron sink with wall faucet:

Complete with its own backsplash. Love it!








#5 Double Front door. I'd like to have some form of lites on the door but they have to be far enough away from the handle that one couldn't easily break the glass and unlock the door... we may end up with solid doors + sidelites or a transom, etc.

These particular doors will not be ours but they are super cool!

























#6 Carrara Basketweave Tile:

You [tile] can go in my master bath.

Thinking about paint - by Holly

We're at that point where design is hot on my mind... and we are VERY close to having something I can post. In the meantime I am also thinking about exterior paint colors. It's going to be a long time before we paint the house--in fact it probably won't make the to do list for a few years--but I know that this is something I need to spend a looong time thinking about. I'm excited to be learning about the Victorian style and doing a mix of historical/personal/modern. And what better way to experiment than to spray paint my own house:

Spray paint doesn't have a whole lot of choices when it comes to colors, but it's a starting point. Don't get too hung up on the saturation/value. Right now we're liking the idea of yellow for the siding, cream for the trim, and accent colors a gray, an orange, and a brown (no green). I love how yellow is so friendly and inviting!

Victorian houses need multiple colors. They have a lot of detail, and using multiple/contrasting colors really makes those details jump out.

We're also taking into consideration what other houses are around us--yellow is a good choice. If you're wondering why I spray painted my house knowing it wouldn't be repainted for a while, you should know the wall I sprayed will not exist.... Oooooooo, aren't ya curious about that... It's gonna be a porch. :) Whoops, I just ruined the surprise.

I'll leave you with one last pic of the guys working on the footings for the foundation. Poor guys--it's SOOOOOO HOT. I tried to surprise them with a misting fan today but actually couldn't find one in stores. Boo.

Foundation Work - by Holly

Foundation work has begun! We'll need to add some beams and jack the house a bit... no biggie... ha ha ha! The work has to go slower but Colin and I have loads to do with finishing the design and starting to put a "finishes budget" together. I do love having to choose EVERYTHING but I can see why it gets overwhelming to Colin. :) (cabinets, doors, paint colors, appliances, hardware, sinks, toilets, tubs, closets, electrical wiring, lights, and so on)

Anyways, have a look at our lack of floors (there was no original hardwood):

This is our family room

And looking through a possible bath into the study/guest room

The study/guest room

Here is the attic

We hope to have a bonus room + bath up here

Stairs would come up on the left of this pic, facing the center of the house (like the beams)

More Upstairs Demo - by Holly

The demo upstairs was done in basically one week, just like the downstairs. I'm sure there are a few more things that will go but for now we are working on design and starting foundation repairs. One really cool thing happened last week: the wall separating the units came down!!!!

Before: The wall under the drywall

After: No more wall!

I literally just stood here staring

That doorway behind the paint bucket is not going to stay.

The rest of the wood will be removed/replaced with a period appropriate banister

I can totally picture myself walking down these stairs and around to the kitchen...

How about instead of 2 single doors, I'll do a a double door ;)

The landing at the top of the stairs (which will be open)

The front bedroom room upstairs from the landing (street is on the left)

Front bedroom looking towards the back

Front room facing street

Top of stairs looking into second bedroom (window on side of house)

Top of stairs towards master bedroom (back of house)

Current bathroom in master bedroom

Hopefully this will become the center of the master bedroom

This wall will go to our private porch (whoo hoo!)

From the back towards the front