Adding Traditional Details

<div align="center">Traditional design is very popular in this area.  People seem to love extra mouldings and details.  I'm always amazed when I see a real estate show on tv and if there's crown moulding anywhere, it seems someone will mention it with appreciation and awe, passing over many other more noticeable good qualities.  It's definitely an attention grabber.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I've had many clients who want to add detail and mouldings to their homes in the remodel process.  Adding just a few touches, sometimes makes all the difference in the world.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgCZ5IPu5Tck0eScxuqcEOb-1nIFujoCGSBI02W5wWXPfFTGu6gppaf6lDDErb-appwB_JaJvTReoKDI7AJxFDyzm0qGYjRu-NijB1QnFk5MfHI3n-Ber9LhnXWoKymnM1b85GlEXqOas/s1600/bracket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgCZ5IPu5Tck0eScxuqcEOb-1nIFujoCGSBI02W5wWXPfFTGu6gppaf6lDDErb-appwB_JaJvTReoKDI7AJxFDyzm0qGYjRu-NijB1QnFk5MfHI3n-Ber9LhnXWoKymnM1b85GlEXqOas/s400/bracket.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Paneling and brackets were added to the face of this bar for durability and an upgrade in materials.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Pu3OhKXOwusceR80RWTwGZmHpAlSse5ZVdK6zn5KhecRWDb-_ZRsNp2a1xOW1B6JwSjoX1TZO5VlO5s5t65H4s2LwyknYYLUWQw4MlROcZl9yjf5Wt-dL9pGbFxK7xa8gXXDOfKDHpq2/s1600/Before+-+bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Pu3OhKXOwusceR80RWTwGZmHpAlSse5ZVdK6zn5KhecRWDb-_ZRsNp2a1xOW1B6JwSjoX1TZO5VlO5s5t65H4s2LwyknYYLUWQw4MlROcZl9yjf5Wt-dL9pGbFxK7xa8gXXDOfKDHpq2/s400/Before+-+bar.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bar - Before</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL5L00edakUffB9kvDVSbe7P7bxEfSIRLqLCKSwzO9pPBAf5lKSBEPqw3YKEFyscBsvQHXR3rtbEzH8cXGy-DfbBbmw8OELkKE38EqTjeUQ6i5a3Uig0KJJQ8EcnuRoCYH7rxwhCdUCss/s1600/After+-+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL5L00edakUffB9kvDVSbe7P7bxEfSIRLqLCKSwzO9pPBAf5lKSBEPqw3YKEFyscBsvQHXR3rtbEzH8cXGy-DfbBbmw8OELkKE38EqTjeUQ6i5a3Uig0KJJQ8EcnuRoCYH7rxwhCdUCss/s640/After+-+bar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bar - After</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqyh5PyXRo_BeVfE9tivm4FgT20o5W1iB-uboIvPw5JV38H_e9TZE_MxuHOCchAklo6Lm9xUalASMEHLWRRW1vT_XRDMgxfuAPJAGrD6sCfUuLIQwMQYYjUJB7DTU2jI7leHBZSdo0gT6/s1600/6+Ivory+Moon+Pl+--009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqyh5PyXRo_BeVfE9tivm4FgT20o5W1iB-uboIvPw5JV38H_e9TZE_MxuHOCchAklo6Lm9xUalASMEHLWRRW1vT_XRDMgxfuAPJAGrD6sCfUuLIQwMQYYjUJB7DTU2jI7leHBZSdo0gT6/s400/6+Ivory+Moon+Pl+--009.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Block paneling with a curved foot detail was applied to an existing standard box cabinet before painting to give it the look of piece of furniture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYOXaD1CuqFueU7ImEyG4hjW3g0FGxw6G1w7pbmIMBbQG_BRuiO6ZMQ9ztwz9QksHAKQYDo0L3Of_kXa1YBU1CXP7sqdXjizOEakeCTcdz6KFWj46P5FC6evmsM0eNszpfoM6W8v1TJUs/s1600/Before+-+Hutch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYOXaD1CuqFueU7ImEyG4hjW3g0FGxw6G1w7pbmIMBbQG_BRuiO6ZMQ9ztwz9QksHAKQYDo0L3Of_kXa1YBU1CXP7sqdXjizOEakeCTcdz6KFWj46P5FC6evmsM0eNszpfoM6W8v1TJUs/s400/Before+-+Hutch.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Upper and lower cabinets - Before</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgzAwGkrA3ZrKckAUeLNXKHNifi6rLA_hB57xgvg4xeZO7_bTbW4hK1bQnJbP9CZ2bhuW_l6tiVEmmVydIpnQeNetJzQB_-EEl0chyYJt3Yzvd5v6HEVg9XZUBZZdgElqg2Bn8l0yvArC/s1600/hutch+-+Aston+Design+Studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgzAwGkrA3ZrKckAUeLNXKHNifi6rLA_hB57xgvg4xeZO7_bTbW4hK1bQnJbP9CZ2bhuW_l6tiVEmmVydIpnQeNetJzQB_-EEl0chyYJt3Yzvd5v6HEVg9XZUBZZdgElqg2Bn8l0yvArC/s640/hutch+-+Aston+Design+Studio.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hutch - After</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Side panels on the upper cabinets that continued down as brackets were added to the existing cabinet and the crown was redone.  Paint covers up all the additional pieces and patching.  In this project, the pantry next to these cabinets was relocated in the space.  Upper door panels were cut out for seed glass inserts and cabinet pulls added, all helping to make these standard issue box cabinets look like a piece of furniture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69lZjnCfy6xGDYl0qAUF0oc8fAAiqBOsMxIGPyk9SF_JpzQecrIfybkCDq9PYhV97QXL1Z9uUEoy2sr3e1-txR-Qnb2hHTlJuCx43TK-7GAsBfsVCOVF5yzEEgJD6sZZV_iZfmPlxILDz/s1600/3+Cabinets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69lZjnCfy6xGDYl0qAUF0oc8fAAiqBOsMxIGPyk9SF_JpzQecrIfybkCDq9PYhV97QXL1Z9uUEoy2sr3e1-txR-Qnb2hHTlJuCx43TK-7GAsBfsVCOVF5yzEEgJD6sZZV_iZfmPlxILDz/s640/3+Cabinets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">Brackets were added to the bottoms of these cabinets to help break up the space and give an unfitted look to the kitchen cabinetry.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozW0G1Y9k7_x2SjJSkRXrro0ZeUXYMQ4XTYhuE2cXb26c8QrAw1R1TNznkO_Hly4VMSoX0usZq0fxtgwgN7dtb1HX48jL2Wf6utLbuNHNJFRMamk-BTW-VYtBjNs4EL95o-3mNnRfkdIS/s1600/Copy+of+1+Before+-+Overall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozW0G1Y9k7_x2SjJSkRXrro0ZeUXYMQ4XTYhuE2cXb26c8QrAw1R1TNznkO_Hly4VMSoX0usZq0fxtgwgN7dtb1HX48jL2Wf6utLbuNHNJFRMamk-BTW-VYtBjNs4EL95o-3mNnRfkdIS/s400/Copy+of+1+Before+-+Overall.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cabinets read as one visual element in this large space.  The homeowner wanted a more traditional and interesting look in the kitchen without investing in a lot of new cabinets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWw33tGxvL26l1NikhdGTi8grOquvS6YejKB2L_fLVwE84ubAt4cGcYYXlJqhH1EvXbxW2F5OxNWLEgfu0hgj4ygb9eQK88qUbPRt1SSJcxpfLCwomP3TbREYCNVxjS2zA08-Ur99Qoc7/s1600/143+N+Linton+Ridge+Cir+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWw33tGxvL26l1NikhdGTi8grOquvS6YejKB2L_fLVwE84ubAt4cGcYYXlJqhH1EvXbxW2F5OxNWLEgfu0hgj4ygb9eQK88qUbPRt1SSJcxpfLCwomP3TbREYCNVxjS2zA08-Ur99Qoc7/s640/143+N+Linton+Ridge+Cir+006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>In this kitchen remodel, we added panels to the sides of the existing cabinetry.  It made for a more finished look.  See on the end of the cabinet by the sink?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1J9aQygdjZ0wqV_xRM-zUhTifc5dlMvaNsasGMFriJdMDt2_jKfpv8vNdtGNTBtzi9TtVEr7Si1dTE2oRGGxM-pkG5Tq5_LQgzebdDR_ZGfWqQfG-5O-eONbzp4bP7rUHmk0ErIOKdnt/s1600/S7300326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1J9aQygdjZ0wqV_xRM-zUhTifc5dlMvaNsasGMFriJdMDt2_jKfpv8vNdtGNTBtzi9TtVEr7Si1dTE2oRGGxM-pkG5Tq5_LQgzebdDR_ZGfWqQfG-5O-eONbzp4bP7rUHmk0ErIOKdnt/s400/S7300326.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">Before</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">We did a new island and kept the cabinets on the left side of the kitchen.  Adding the side panels helped tie the old in with the new island.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Little moulding tricks (and lots of paint to cover them up) helped customize these projects for their homeowners.  At some point it is just better to rip it all out and start over, but for all these above, we saved money and kept cabinets out of the landfills!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">If you're not a follower of my blog, I'd love it if you became one!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Linking to:</div><div align="center"><em><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/04/wow-us-wednesdays-62.html">Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style</a></em><br /><em><a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/04/welcome-to-inspiration-friday-no-61.html">Inspiration Friday - At the Picket Fence</a></em></div><div align="center"><em><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/04/feathered-nest-friday_19.html">Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage</a></em></div><div align="center"><em><a href="http://www.simplyklassichome.com/2012/04/simply-klassic-sunday-and-some-features.html?showComment=1335055144488#c4668664398651134650">Simply Klassic Sundays at Simply Klassic Home</a></em><br /><em><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2012/04/beautiful-sun-room-welcome-to-170th.html#more">Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch</a></em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div>

Adding Traditional Details

Traditional design is very popular in this area.  People seem to love extra mouldings and details.  I'm always amazed when I see a real ...

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Time To Remodel

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYJ5sm7mu8yN3l164O8cIzsuJimfrElI-pPQQ1-ZCR9SuQRpKBIzvBvk2iam8d4v3bK8pRvwjqmU9Rs1UbFTfeiu9XPG1Osk-zYnQVhdpfO8dTVTG61pfM4sLOw3tFHSae6ijEPWV93ap/s1600/DSCF9371+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYJ5sm7mu8yN3l164O8cIzsuJimfrElI-pPQQ1-ZCR9SuQRpKBIzvBvk2iam8d4v3bK8pRvwjqmU9Rs1UbFTfeiu9XPG1Osk-zYnQVhdpfO8dTVTG61pfM4sLOw3tFHSae6ijEPWV93ap/s400/DSCF9371+-+Copy.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was time to remodel this small master bath.  The dark wallpaper, small shower, and lack of storage prompted these clients of mine to renovate.  These cultured marble shower boxes were very popular in homes built around 20 years ago.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6w95VVlufitGSUGj0PvW7hjQV-OAhctXNCtrwwv5ECkPCYPQyoSJjnYg3j98Ek864NFBevWcoEVYzZtgz6KN2NSNXbWjZJef6lMzSBtO8kixip2Hk2Ff6yo9W47y-ci2zplUbFY2JYk_4/s1600/DSCF9365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6w95VVlufitGSUGj0PvW7hjQV-OAhctXNCtrwwv5ECkPCYPQyoSJjnYg3j98Ek864NFBevWcoEVYzZtgz6KN2NSNXbWjZJef6lMzSBtO8kixip2Hk2Ff6yo9W47y-ci2zplUbFY2JYk_4/s400/DSCF9365.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sorry for the dark photo.  Here is the vanity inside the bathroom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJjUmBznBhi6NDkukXAoy1C8dwsdVDfGJyMaMaG66SHTEbhUPLUWyD4P9zlphjSTe_pJRtbgPL4VKJnJM4_LA4mHzC7Lu6Y9UY5qpVzxwjRTNFaVii8ZGFbgiH3rCEUp3NXMcVL4T56Q1/s1600/DSCF9366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJjUmBznBhi6NDkukXAoy1C8dwsdVDfGJyMaMaG66SHTEbhUPLUWyD4P9zlphjSTe_pJRtbgPL4VKJnJM4_LA4mHzC7Lu6Y9UY5qpVzxwjRTNFaVii8ZGFbgiH3rCEUp3NXMcVL4T56Q1/s400/DSCF9366.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tub area, not used, except for maybe drying clothes.  Why not put a large shower here?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAAncSiRHq2KZPGr0tI2MYPKHky3mkIchtmoo0g0Y-_-Q1o2481oNjzYH9h0N2olZ7rPy27LAX5qLUjo1m2Mny3tInB39KijaQexNDlzN0E5tnnC2p0Tpb25RD9craZeJwTS_RHLVqCXV/s1600/Before+-+looking+through+entrance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAAncSiRHq2KZPGr0tI2MYPKHky3mkIchtmoo0g0Y-_-Q1o2481oNjzYH9h0N2olZ7rPy27LAX5qLUjo1m2Mny3tInB39KijaQexNDlzN0E5tnnC2p0Tpb25RD9craZeJwTS_RHLVqCXV/s400/Before+-+looking+through+entrance.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her vanity had to remain outside the main bathroom.  Small master closet is just opposite her vanity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzWJ2M63RlOR-6bmRS5fe3aQYVlxqeZycgi9Uy9iaxOqlRXZyydssVVxEHAapimDmruCuOIXGvITCpv_iw7SONBNfR-MyX0xBOIGXCP9qTTqkob6NjZXmKi5YXSAID4yNfjwPcXZXFN18/s1600/DSCF9355+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzWJ2M63RlOR-6bmRS5fe3aQYVlxqeZycgi9Uy9iaxOqlRXZyydssVVxEHAapimDmruCuOIXGvITCpv_iw7SONBNfR-MyX0xBOIGXCP9qTTqkob6NjZXmKi5YXSAID4yNfjwPcXZXFN18/s400/DSCF9355+-+Copy.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The closet doors were a problem.  They swung out into the small space and annoyed the husband, but she loved the mirrors and wanted to leave the doors open.  They also needed better use of that closet space which fortunately had a high ceiling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After remodeling, they have a lovely new bathroom with lots of great storage, beautiful updated finishes, and fixtures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsROPCtjHmLgv2KT4l2Sl9v4dEHea1GKUgEVmWqGD1C0U8Q_7IyLzcearjKj6abq2rjJ58dQ96dkCXg73oomMI991e47RFp5qXIZmqlU8sKg936z1mflmIYPyf-UFktS5S_MIu05QZrOY/s1600/looking+thru+entrance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsROPCtjHmLgv2KT4l2Sl9v4dEHea1GKUgEVmWqGD1C0U8Q_7IyLzcearjKj6abq2rjJ58dQ96dkCXg73oomMI991e47RFp5qXIZmqlU8sKg936z1mflmIYPyf-UFktS5S_MIu05QZrOY/s640/looking+thru+entrance.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center">Looking into the main bathroom through her vanity area.  Mirrored upper cabinets brought more storage and reflected natural light into the space.  <br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyINW8qST8i9auCXZ5oc8C7i_kXtLEt2PHRsNGCgNEgek7WP2rx5xUlBTf9jMBcwl_ih9IPg07p-bUuQ4QeCBXh9CG7_1B4aXEjOFV0D_Rt0gd-UTcscQ8KPfuXnINKoG6S8t87x5qFnG/s1600/After+-+Main+bathrom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyINW8qST8i9auCXZ5oc8C7i_kXtLEt2PHRsNGCgNEgek7WP2rx5xUlBTf9jMBcwl_ih9IPg07p-bUuQ4QeCBXh9CG7_1B4aXEjOFV0D_Rt0gd-UTcscQ8KPfuXnINKoG6S8t87x5qFnG/s640/After+-+Main+bathrom.JPG" width="582" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">We moved the shower to the tub area and changed out the window for privacy.  All the finishes were kept light to visually enlarge the space.  The beautiful onyx tile provided some nice detail and interest.  The antique brass fixtures bring out the warmth of the tile.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisx5uiNZw4GGB9UeZx9i3WvC12TE1HSZDEzIzc-3WsQNnxkeHWCWuE0cuvbErVL8c6oowANC3fHOQawzegUodGvcxitS_8yJT4qn8zBhBWYzSmGc2BV_9ooavPC6s5AvwyNUaGkLYCPVNM/s1600/After+-+New+shower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisx5uiNZw4GGB9UeZx9i3WvC12TE1HSZDEzIzc-3WsQNnxkeHWCWuE0cuvbErVL8c6oowANC3fHOQawzegUodGvcxitS_8yJT4qn8zBhBWYzSmGc2BV_9ooavPC6s5AvwyNUaGkLYCPVNM/s640/After+-+New+shower.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">Beautiful marble at the counters, shower threshold, window sill, and shower seat.  Marble shelves in the shampoo niche too.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTKFjbvZRnOCpigkKzUgoSf1LoPvqigZO2gaQ9xsIUPANtWHVMEjk5zxoU8G2kg2b9FlEp__Fzgo_qxFTI3VPXaQac5eHGlFpQTWKmBmypJFz29quxWUA7tjOXLAZeXjJ8QaLGEFDC3is/s1600/After+-+Her+vanity.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTKFjbvZRnOCpigkKzUgoSf1LoPvqigZO2gaQ9xsIUPANtWHVMEjk5zxoU8G2kg2b9FlEp__Fzgo_qxFTI3VPXaQac5eHGlFpQTWKmBmypJFz29quxWUA7tjOXLAZeXjJ8QaLGEFDC3is/s640/After+-+Her+vanity.JPG" width="630" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">Looking back into her vanity area.  You can see the new closet doors in the cabinet mirrors.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmyctw9sMTCfWcsndKwM8E22WRdGkih7YcjsqzzsM01SeJtb6yHQMIOhvF_hqX0alt4khg7piIegEO1p5XgGLkPVhe9mnepuuHy3yTwlZvil3fz84tq5-sOKuK8xSfcXPMK-6u0_tXCTj/s1600/DSCF0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmyctw9sMTCfWcsndKwM8E22WRdGkih7YcjsqzzsM01SeJtb6yHQMIOhvF_hqX0alt4khg7piIegEO1p5XgGLkPVhe9mnepuuHy3yTwlZvil3fz84tq5-sOKuK8xSfcXPMK-6u0_tXCTj/s400/DSCF0324.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sliding barn door style hardware was hidden under crown moulding. The doors don't swing out anymore and the mirrors are always available!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxPPfqSsVD54gp1gzq06QEVK2XGtEKn5weeck9nmWRkZVVoCj2VSYsduQI1j7Z_pSvXvsEffWp_Ku1uwoahbS7yOzEc8QQgcpRLrsEm58-aLfi15wvpznPCBls6Kxb01cklPOGv1xPtdL/s1600/After+-+Closet+with+sliding+doors.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxPPfqSsVD54gp1gzq06QEVK2XGtEKn5weeck9nmWRkZVVoCj2VSYsduQI1j7Z_pSvXvsEffWp_Ku1uwoahbS7yOzEc8QQgcpRLrsEm58-aLfi15wvpznPCBls6Kxb01cklPOGv1xPtdL/s640/After+-+Closet+with+sliding+doors.JPG" width="614" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">A beautiful rolling <a href="http://www.putnamrollingladder.com/">Putnam ladder</a> works well in the closet to access high storage.  It pops snugly into a niche in the back of the closet when not in use.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I love how this traditional bathroom turned out.  My clients are happy too!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">If you need a beautiful bathroom designed just for you, contact <a href="mailto:carla@astondesignstudio.com">Aston Design Studio</a>.<br /><br /><em>All "After" Photos by Miro Dvorscak</em><br /><br /><br /><em>Participating in the <a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/2012/03/open-house-party_14.html">Open House Party at No Minimalist Here</a></em></div>

Time To Remodel

It was time to remodel this small master bath.  The dark wallpaper, small shower, and lack of storage prompted these clients of mine to reno...

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Job Site Visits

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWqNtxNNPsJ2ZhESb8DS-KR1utgKLA2tuEctReACZIbOc8yd2yO70udKFiyrELrdlC6-JGmC2fXdosVJpm3OUZ38DnwvLSRDD6TG0LGO619QHbP5zxM3jfVOleH3b_DjzM97PEBwNE8rT/s1600/DSCF0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWqNtxNNPsJ2ZhESb8DS-KR1utgKLA2tuEctReACZIbOc8yd2yO70udKFiyrELrdlC6-JGmC2fXdosVJpm3OUZ38DnwvLSRDD6TG0LGO619QHbP5zxM3jfVOleH3b_DjzM97PEBwNE8rT/s400/DSCF0668.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Job site visits today!</strong>  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This remodel project involves turning a dated 90's contemporary property into a more traditional home.  The fireplace is coming along.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJwS4oiYT9I3CmskFLCpAbFEl9h_816i2f8Xv_7ii88hmf7egPokEyhSNOgnuKqC2mcBI6EFkOKFPP_E3rLNMeVJtMOYcKsd0UQObr0jqvWV3vduQkaX5lOF5lbRUFRQSteXOC7WSnWVO/s1600/DSCF0669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJwS4oiYT9I3CmskFLCpAbFEl9h_816i2f8Xv_7ii88hmf7egPokEyhSNOgnuKqC2mcBI6EFkOKFPP_E3rLNMeVJtMOYcKsd0UQObr0jqvWV3vduQkaX5lOF5lbRUFRQSteXOC7WSnWVO/s400/DSCF0669.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Traditional corbels and paneling and an appropriate scale and weight for this big space helps transform the look.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QbM3KxU__UtotfydkIlZA0Tj-n4Bolb_CDy5inrhkBRGSRPA81L8UT2LDjPnweFJL-LnwnpJ4kHVYdJnkgXzez40Cs-O8QwqETcDcBVMmIuJKSIh3JgVxQSDRIQHb-agkD_OIvtIPcq1/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QbM3KxU__UtotfydkIlZA0Tj-n4Bolb_CDy5inrhkBRGSRPA81L8UT2LDjPnweFJL-LnwnpJ4kHVYdJnkgXzez40Cs-O8QwqETcDcBVMmIuJKSIh3JgVxQSDRIQHb-agkD_OIvtIPcq1/s400/IMG_2107.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Right after demo.  All mouldings and tile were removed as well as stepped sheetrock detail at the ceiling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoOFJ870ddA9tkIb1-HDusF6TxXYyt8DZPFmINeMCg_T0ZS4IC9C1SoYxmg1yeMIhyphenhyphen40Ybn22gRPkHUOiYReWquXcrlcMqNdqgp0Dt-tCRGlxwYx_nMG1tiR5tlPSR4HaWJ_OVYu2yQ5d/s1600/DSCF0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoOFJ870ddA9tkIb1-HDusF6TxXYyt8DZPFmINeMCg_T0ZS4IC9C1SoYxmg1yeMIhyphenhyphen40Ybn22gRPkHUOiYReWquXcrlcMqNdqgp0Dt-tCRGlxwYx_nMG1tiR5tlPSR4HaWJ_OVYu2yQ5d/s400/DSCF0470.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fireplace Before - smallish, plain, and unimportant</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>On to the bathroom!</strong>  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7T4AG3sQ7vgP20QitKU2_ukDwrhTAmoUTMCVsSfCd0X9u7KUItbsGokk7fWC9ezyTDUu2wewGbz9bCeXZucEtffOAd7rREN3fW6jniTmW7bnKXBG5nggZYXaVfJ0bsMBEk-6SYvXUmWw/s1600/master+shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7T4AG3sQ7vgP20QitKU2_ukDwrhTAmoUTMCVsSfCd0X9u7KUItbsGokk7fWC9ezyTDUu2wewGbz9bCeXZucEtffOAd7rREN3fW6jniTmW7bnKXBG5nggZYXaVfJ0bsMBEk-6SYvXUmWw/s400/master+shower.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tile work looks great.  A warm golden color scheme was desired by my client, achieved with the Angelica travertine for flooring and bathroom tile.  Fitting a traditional tile pattern and layout around the existing modern window helps marry the styles and looks purposeful.</div><br /><br />  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDti6Yo4iKGFD-GuF_8wrlxifvMBwLy25nVlvWsG2rGdueE2_9irw_-xVyKoYs-WMcR5XS-Z8qbwICD6YGu171mTDmJ5DMUe6yyN9JBQwe4nS9L4YMxI__Eidw5fvVuHF02NZpcS2ZEvW/s1600/more+shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDti6Yo4iKGFD-GuF_8wrlxifvMBwLy25nVlvWsG2rGdueE2_9irw_-xVyKoYs-WMcR5XS-Z8qbwICD6YGu171mTDmJ5DMUe6yyN9JBQwe4nS9L4YMxI__Eidw5fvVuHF02NZpcS2ZEvW/s400/more+shower.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shower tile work</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJ8JgLPxmxjNATmkD2FySIgxiNaaV3FJlXNUh3J1XlxME3xP_YtUd8_0TgM1PbqkVSQneSJvjSVocOsXXzS2PJga4sp6IZr0vJX9bULGEN1VwcyYBSZ2ZYI6sD8BHM3AwD4KvV95IJZ7X/s1600/niche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJ8JgLPxmxjNATmkD2FySIgxiNaaV3FJlXNUh3J1XlxME3xP_YtUd8_0TgM1PbqkVSQneSJvjSVocOsXXzS2PJga4sp6IZr0vJX9bULGEN1VwcyYBSZ2ZYI6sD8BHM3AwD4KvV95IJZ7X/s400/niche.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Niche at the tub area. Waiting for the Angelica limestone ledge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>On to another job site.  </strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New  paint on the dark wood paneling and new wood flooring.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4y5k2ZhIaNMXHEUzgYYNbHyBxdA63NFUUbR0nsa1Ad-vmyLC6uRZLI3ntxlF_EuGVOzOUNQzf0ZWG5ILJVYQpFglMGJqgija2M4wV_H_pXCRGc_C8k5ESQ2mhQhqoiBA0KPXZDzsYTs5a/s1600/DSCF0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4y5k2ZhIaNMXHEUzgYYNbHyBxdA63NFUUbR0nsa1Ad-vmyLC6uRZLI3ntxlF_EuGVOzOUNQzf0ZWG5ILJVYQpFglMGJqgija2M4wV_H_pXCRGc_C8k5ESQ2mhQhqoiBA0KPXZDzsYTs5a/s400/DSCF0621.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSbAKwufYG-N9dFs2Zy9qiRuk5u0ppc0FHZHA9bFKJKtr9bcTsnHW6HzSSpDZYXiJppoVIS0CJN7F_ftOGofC5MK9yZUjX1IryF7MN7NlBhM-p6FIdXIgvda_JfCk84uiHWfhbcRAwSWi/s1600/DSCF0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSbAKwufYG-N9dFs2Zy9qiRuk5u0ppc0FHZHA9bFKJKtr9bcTsnHW6HzSSpDZYXiJppoVIS0CJN7F_ftOGofC5MK9yZUjX1IryF7MN7NlBhM-p6FIdXIgvda_JfCk84uiHWfhbcRAwSWi/s640/DSCF0783.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After - Yea!!!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been soooo busy this summer, not quite on top of my blogging. Busy is good though!  I've got a fun apartment decorating project to post next.  I'll be back next week!</div>

Job Site Visits

Job site visits today!   This remodel project involves turning a dated 90's contemporary property into a more traditional home.  The fir...

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The Elephant in the Room

<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyxV-pImpjXAQG6PTqXRWEJRXmHhDTa_7_ss3kHggEkGCxfpaLWcB6a6AKNTYOx7NL6PHsqFK6ESaDSq4YicUK58r4tsViYeQTD586KFHqF94miNY1C4SpVSrZGqNH9V8VSPwzD4cD55R/s1600/elephant-room11.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575137689612984194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyxV-pImpjXAQG6PTqXRWEJRXmHhDTa_7_ss3kHggEkGCxfpaLWcB6a6AKNTYOx7NL6PHsqFK6ESaDSq4YicUK58r4tsViYeQTD586KFHqF94miNY1C4SpVSrZGqNH9V8VSPwzD4cD55R/s400/elephant-room11.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: #666666;"> <em>image from spongeist.wordpress.com</em></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">I do a lot of design for remodels......kitchens, bathrooms, etc. When I meet with homeowners for the first time, they have usually done some homework and have created a list of what areas of the space they want to affect. Sometimes I agree with their scope or choices of items to replace or redo, but sometimes due to budget constraints or a desire to minimize the remodel, they want to leave the biggest eyesore in the room and they ask me to work with it.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">While I pride myself on being able to improve any project and make things work for my clients, I sometimes feel this is a bad investment of time and money for the homeowner. We are trying to make an ugly or dated or out-of-character thing look like it belongs......the elephant in the room.</span><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeMjX-o3fjiBrWQPqtzKbQEk4Wnb3DYmTyOgRv2SGM0Ot_acpedebY8i27I3zajJZtBADl141CcrhJ_RvyF3d7xcomuKwWwadB5LoZzoKEp6Z7ZVABHmm4N43SBl68y7tY58KtnuMWS89/s1600/images.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="503" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575137679994923874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeMjX-o3fjiBrWQPqtzKbQEk4Wnb3DYmTyOgRv2SGM0Ot_acpedebY8i27I3zajJZtBADl141CcrhJ_RvyF3d7xcomuKwWwadB5LoZzoKEp6Z7ZVABHmm4N43SBl68y7tY58KtnuMWS89/s640/images.jpg" style="display: block; height: 199px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 253px;" width="640" /></a><span style="color: #666666;"><em>image from atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com </em></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any designer will tell you this is the most difficult of all challenges. The more fixed variables you have to work with, the more limited you are with what your solution or design will be. For example, if you have all your furniture, paint, window treatments, etc. and are looking for the perfect rug to tie it all together, you've really got a struggle ahead of you. You've limited your choices by having so many of the variables fixed. But that's beside the point. An elephant will always be an elephant no matter how you disguise it. </span></span><em><br /></em></div><em><br /></em></div><span style="color: #666666;"></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6khs9rMcp2g7QS9bkXJwaMhT68njhno0Tu0a2ob21f7UT3ILIccTxuslMwRVagCWoYBsh53uScK1XX09WQoH9dmDsFRmI0XdI5fgmaaf3DH-zeJhWKSP4Us03PDxDM1jroBYIfPSrCDD/s1600/banksy-elephant-in-room1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575137676194300434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6khs9rMcp2g7QS9bkXJwaMhT68njhno0Tu0a2ob21f7UT3ILIccTxuslMwRVagCWoYBsh53uScK1XX09WQoH9dmDsFRmI0XdI5fgmaaf3DH-zeJhWKSP4Us03PDxDM1jroBYIfPSrCDD/s400/banksy-elephant-in-room1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: #666666;"><em><span style="font-family: arial;">image from amyabrahams.com </span></em></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial;">I think this is sort of an HGTV get-your-house-ready-to-sell approach to design. You are just sort of making do, making the best of what you have, making it look so much better than it DID, etc., but it may not really be giving you the end result you want. If you are planning to spend a certain amount of money on a master bath remodel and due to the limitations of the budget, you have to leave the dated, yellowed tub because tubs are expensive purchases in a bath remodel, then the tub has become your elephant. No matter what you spend on the remodel, that tub will still be there, telling everyone what year it was installed and that you didn't have the money or the insight to tear it out when you installed your beautiful new shower or vanity.<em><br /></em></span><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm all for making existing things work when you can. I've worked with many an existing tub, existing cabinets, existing tile floors, etc., and it definitely can be done and can be done well. I'm not arguing that. I just think it's important for homeowners to ask themselves this, "Will I be happy a year down the road, after this process is over, with that item remaining in my new space?"</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a hard decision, but sometimes it's better to wait and save until you can redo the whole space the way you want rather than go half-way. Then when you are ready to go for it, you can wholeheartedly plunge ahead without many fixed variables and you can really get the look you want.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />Here's a nice big elephant below. Luckily the homeowner agreed and it was OUT with this dated monster. <br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcc1CeB8CIRDe89SNUyhZzk80l6o6LEwGn6FBxZIt9HPsVX45r_0TxNxi8YE9IdVS3iQORAoBoQrYmtZXtBhIAuhrz89vzod_H6HhBnMdlxala_rhjF_4egd3sI6axGHzQDi5ztDSPv4B/s1600/Before+Tub.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575137465579467218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcc1CeB8CIRDe89SNUyhZzk80l6o6LEwGn6FBxZIt9HPsVX45r_0TxNxi8YE9IdVS3iQORAoBoQrYmtZXtBhIAuhrz89vzod_H6HhBnMdlxala_rhjF_4egd3sI6axGHzQDi5ztDSPv4B/s640/Before+Tub.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocKQkDQiUs9K-6675c08jr1aeQY5hnmJEGGVvzAFaGgDis54sZ_JpsD5R5M9faHCKMF2-6-SFwqY2NjG_UJjBHrYpOJzkmGkVsmH9yszfilvgqZGj9d7GICGMjJYY0_AcfPIhg0-l5Lya/s1600/CA+Underwood+1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575137462267963618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocKQkDQiUs9K-6675c08jr1aeQY5hnmJEGGVvzAFaGgDis54sZ_JpsD5R5M9faHCKMF2-6-SFwqY2NjG_UJjBHrYpOJzkmGkVsmH9yszfilvgqZGj9d7GICGMjJYY0_AcfPIhg0-l5Lya/s640/CA+Underwood+1.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 358px;" width="572" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">She got a lovely, up-to-date bathroom with a free standing tub and beautiful stone floor. Yes, it was a big remodel, but it definitely made a big impact. Would you have been happy keeping that large sea of cultured marble in your freshly remodeled bathroom?</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XNgSORqu4vSF1rqPO0TeopQI9YmLbYYnXsuVrD1jGv0r8U_qm4KMZXGetA4cI_4NnaG3QY3Pak4i1adtptrb1SFtGBsyyKCpe0u_qZAuDQjo8C3iWoaM0TDgxSrhGNgrreAYVfhhum9K/s1600/285339134005_29778381005_1060_0005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575135901942359922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XNgSORqu4vSF1rqPO0TeopQI9YmLbYYnXsuVrD1jGv0r8U_qm4KMZXGetA4cI_4NnaG3QY3Pak4i1adtptrb1SFtGBsyyKCpe0u_qZAuDQjo8C3iWoaM0TDgxSrhGNgrreAYVfhhum9K/s400/285339134005_29778381005_1060_0005.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black;">The elephant in this remodel above was the builder grade, ceramic tile floor that was all over the kitchen, living room, and long entry hall. It was cold and uninviting, no matter how many rugs you threw on it. The kitchen cabinets were a given, the homeowner wanted a warm, inviting look and liked the cabinet color. The big question was what to do about all that tile. It didn't enhance the look of the wood cabinets or get her the warm look she wanted. Luckily, they bit the bullet and changed the floor to a beautiful slate that complimented the cabinet color and upgraded the look of the whole house.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxQ56ms_ASKY0BwqSEHNOOzeVxOMEHPTQi3opP39xwBULZjayR1X2DWCwZa8YOaev2_8BF1oEmeGlZDgRHqsIt98jFJD6VaHD_FISr7znqK4BN-qigiVlWuwwmIKKYxcoVJoMPtSnsRuO/s1600/_DSC1487.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575135898350435698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxQ56ms_ASKY0BwqSEHNOOzeVxOMEHPTQi3opP39xwBULZjayR1X2DWCwZa8YOaev2_8BF1oEmeGlZDgRHqsIt98jFJD6VaHD_FISr7znqK4BN-qigiVlWuwwmIKKYxcoVJoMPtSnsRuO/s640/_DSC1487.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" width="425" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">Much better, right? We warmed up all the finishes to work with the one existing thing we wanted and had to keep, the cabinets.</span><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z5jSgO_TgFj17bkvTQ79kSOb72dH9qmuceb3tDjirCTupi4MrSa8IHbazNg29ngbsknGrL1eyEHJLFtN9MMN2OsEht89fuDyPqDfzFd6D0IUL0setFwnx-dW_uDDcwrFSyiEf5C4V17b/s1600/285339133005_29778377005_1060_0004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575133837489740658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z5jSgO_TgFj17bkvTQ79kSOb72dH9qmuceb3tDjirCTupi4MrSa8IHbazNg29ngbsknGrL1eyEHJLFtN9MMN2OsEht89fuDyPqDfzFd6D0IUL0setFwnx-dW_uDDcwrFSyiEf5C4V17b/s400/285339133005_29778377005_1060_0004.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Before</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFIwdpU_aOjWtSzKKQbqjOPq2BUY-tBeQaFo3rWRIwQODnX0yX_H3NupidxsKxYxRFkTbbmfxlUbmGSPGh25R3vNuK4LeYIE9oYtaoS96a_lp9acbQCbKNjwyI_vVVw5c-VKkFBL_DYKe/s1600/_DSC1476.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575133829839798658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFIwdpU_aOjWtSzKKQbqjOPq2BUY-tBeQaFo3rWRIwQODnX0yX_H3NupidxsKxYxRFkTbbmfxlUbmGSPGh25R3vNuK4LeYIE9oYtaoS96a_lp9acbQCbKNjwyI_vVVw5c-VKkFBL_DYKe/s400/_DSC1476.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">After</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMT5WiJVDC1BnIESVZDcfKBB9GvHlmE1vQ5uvFgbV1zwkClMBKjoOUlRavOCKTggpp-fpiVRDJDt6DIrVgNBZ15rZleZDGMXiN_Ywm4Xhzd5oTCl8YL_saiyYh2oY9tQqYVtI19QEuhw7/s1600/285339138005_29778389005_1060_0009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575133827193171746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMT5WiJVDC1BnIESVZDcfKBB9GvHlmE1vQ5uvFgbV1zwkClMBKjoOUlRavOCKTggpp-fpiVRDJDt6DIrVgNBZ15rZleZDGMXiN_Ywm4Xhzd5oTCl8YL_saiyYh2oY9tQqYVtI19QEuhw7/s400/285339138005_29778389005_1060_0009.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">Before - Entry Hall</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDarWyjJN4QN6_M7QZLJzsLEMGAVYPMNi9Rv3ox_sRhOstvyJXcBaKL6mdiyifwUWqqQZd6i8-cp0voYsT0bicPk9YgEANxQAmEtHL3z6q_IWlCgwGoWc8Pz4GesRc_D546oGsPTIHhua/s1600/_DSC1539.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575133825717691762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDarWyjJN4QN6_M7QZLJzsLEMGAVYPMNi9Rv3ox_sRhOstvyJXcBaKL6mdiyifwUWqqQZd6i8-cp0voYsT0bicPk9YgEANxQAmEtHL3z6q_IWlCgwGoWc8Pz4GesRc_D546oGsPTIHhua/s400/_DSC1539.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">After - Entry Hall</span></div><div></div><div align="left"><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">If you are thinking about remodeling, you should stop and consider these things. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"></span></div><ol><li><div align="left"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">How long do you plan to be in this house? (Remember, most people stay longer than they intend!) </span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">What is the condition of the items in the space to be remodeled? Are they functioning properly? Are the yellowed, cracked, stained?</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">Is your tub sunken? (Okay, personal pet peeve.)</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">Are you leaving builder-grade products in the space because they are in "okay" condition? If all other products are upgraded, that one might scream, "You left me here to annoy you!"</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">Is this something you really hate and it bothers you, but it would be so expensive to replace so you are leaving it anyway?</span></div></li></ol><div align="left"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">If you've answered yes to any of these questions, you should carefully consider the scope of your project, even if it means holding off for a while until you can do what you want. Just remember, you don't want to have any regrets after you've finished with all the mess, disruption, and expense.<br /><br />One last thing.....in this economy, the much chanted <strong><em>myth</em></strong> of getting what you put into the house back out of it when you sell is no longer a given.....period. Just give up on that for now. These days you're doing a remodel because you want to live in it and use it and your home will give you much satisfaction in the years to come. Updating for resale is a totally different animal. :)</span><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5jGSS9s42WVZscYcquPriUh_deFoRXUK3Jj10JlsteE7kf3erkCOLnqG2FZl5CJfSbY3fji093XCwRsScIV201J5RISa9GDTdt5UNR6e41R3b-0ak8YLMFYny3p7JIPmTvccgseOLQnt/s1600/imagesCAZ3ZPWY.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575133821302839314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5jGSS9s42WVZscYcquPriUh_deFoRXUK3Jj10JlsteE7kf3erkCOLnqG2FZl5CJfSbY3fji093XCwRsScIV201J5RISa9GDTdt5UNR6e41R3b-0ak8YLMFYny3p7JIPmTvccgseOLQnt/s400/imagesCAZ3ZPWY.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 184px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 274px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">If you need help with your <strong><em>elephant in the room</em></strong>, contact</span> <a href="mailto:carla@astondesignstudio.com">Aston Design Studio </a><span style="color: black;">for a consultation!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /></div></div><br /><div align="left"></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div align="left"></div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"></span><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div>

The Elephant in the Room

image from spongeist.wordpress.com I do a lot of design for remodels......kitchens, bathrooms, etc. When I meet with homeowners for the fir...

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HOME DECOR: Whole House Remodel for Ana and Bob

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCDbq9TyKqbFb-hNeXhVqy3SKAJ7pMHnDtYPv6P06mfTvDq4NhehdN4BhCTcj11-WnHPRr2ggGjApsYPtKiEJzE2dD1yB8QGfcGW5DbQLCk3scYeT2BvubPtUzJIxCXEhN8x8lVtKFIk/s1600-h/IMG_1249.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330197739553844418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCDbq9TyKqbFb-hNeXhVqy3SKAJ7pMHnDtYPv6P06mfTvDq4NhehdN4BhCTcj11-WnHPRr2ggGjApsYPtKiEJzE2dD1yB8QGfcGW5DbQLCk3scYeT2BvubPtUzJIxCXEhN8x8lVtKFIk/s320/IMG_1249.JPG" style="display: block; height: 215px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">After many years of career, kids and caring for elderly parents, Ana and Bob decided it was time to retire and enjoy the fruits of their labors. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">That's when they looked around and noticed it had been a while since they had paid much attention to their home - and even longer since they had upgraded.  They decided that if they were going to be spending more time at home, it needed to look a lot better than it did. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Ana has a love and a need for rich warm color. We spent hours pouring over fabrics, but eventually she found the ones that spoke to her - and from them we had our palette - Golds, Russett Reds, Greens and a touch of dramatic Black. Each design decision was made with Ana and Bob, who participated fully and frequently shopped me into the ground!  I grew to love these delightful people who truly loved their home and wanted it to be comfortable and beautiful. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Kitchen</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">dropped flourescent ceiling</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">vinyl flooring</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">popcorn ceiling</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">dated wallpaper</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">dated oak cabinets (but good quality)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">old appliances</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">dated tile backsplash</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">formica countertops</div><div></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDXOorK3WeEzNnDCMwhkWzqudDbJe2-0FcA-O7M0Z8pURG6-PfsX35MiqkYz_MVscy90aripo1Jtos8_xK6LFDoqFixEnjRjQ2aSanK1orKNH1hBxEall9LeCk-X1MLmF2qspZSLJ7XM/s1600-h/disk%231+086.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="501" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330197733067368338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDXOorK3WeEzNnDCMwhkWzqudDbJe2-0FcA-O7M0Z8pURG6-PfsX35MiqkYz_MVscy90aripo1Jtos8_xK6LFDoqFixEnjRjQ2aSanK1orKNH1hBxEall9LeCk-X1MLmF2qspZSLJ7XM/s640/disk%231+086.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><strong>ANA and BOB'S KITCHEN (BEFORE)</strong><br /><br /> Notice the teal carpeting and vinyl flooring. <br /><br />The kitchen had some great things going for it too, <br /><br />including a garden window, french doors, and space. </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjO2t7qG0jQUH0n4qfJfkPTr6HN1ZUoxjKHAKl5tui4akt8AAJFqHPQqG_QeGqT1H-C6g7roiqIqBrh-fhiiCK-vUNX5wuIalJoZmm6lpAE9g64WZS9_1MaQdX4xdG2eBS8a7KHZ5Zu4I/s1600-h/IMG_1224.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330197727706246002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjO2t7qG0jQUH0n4qfJfkPTr6HN1ZUoxjKHAKl5tui4akt8AAJFqHPQqG_QeGqT1H-C6g7roiqIqBrh-fhiiCK-vUNX5wuIalJoZmm6lpAE9g64WZS9_1MaQdX4xdG2eBS8a7KHZ5Zu4I/s640/IMG_1224.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>ANA and BOB'S KITCHEN (AFTER)</strong><br /><br /><strong>The solution</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">We kept the cabinets and painted them a creamy white</div><div style="text-align: center;"> added wood trim and moldings all the way to the ceiling for a custom look. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Removed the flourescent lighting and raised the ceiling, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Installed dark granite countertops</div><div style="text-align: center;">created a window valance</div><div style="text-align: center;"> added a tumbled travertine backsplash with bronze accents</div><div style="text-align: center;"> changed the vinyl to hardwood floors in a deep rich brown</div><div style="text-align: center;">purchased a new stainless steel sink, faucet and stainless steel appliances</div><div style="text-align: center;">  efficient can lighting and pendant lighting over the island</div><div style="text-align: center;">trimmed the island out with columns, feet and corbels  </div><div style="text-align: center;">painted the walls a fresh green</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-PU0h1WZf8UtbzMy33W9I8NXByI8jCyEI_Vz9VyT8UZPoV6YMu5Q-koHGE1J-vQ3ARFT-827Z-CUFTNqhEOfF4N17I9a-KoxZn2evmVycAnAbHzK5kZkJneAex7bIbC6IdJ7z40MGAc/s1600-h/IMG_3207.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="329" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330196617264391570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-PU0h1WZf8UtbzMy33W9I8NXByI8jCyEI_Vz9VyT8UZPoV6YMu5Q-koHGE1J-vQ3ARFT-827Z-CUFTNqhEOfF4N17I9a-KoxZn2evmVycAnAbHzK5kZkJneAex7bIbC6IdJ7z40MGAc/s400/IMG_3207.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We also added bronze hardware to the cabinetry, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and I applied an antiquing wax onto the cabinets and buffed them to a hard shine. </div><div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8-wha4MWbImsOTLukkbQuwdjcCI-qyKfehbwp8tQgON1HHDdf5tZMXo5LA4_UYfs0NTiRKf2k_pXZOREjz1Wv0OB8gYiAffKnGZe1JQd7GbyGmfaJ1RfqcmPtfHMmH2uVAYybBquGvc/s1600-h/IMG_3208.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330196612838656258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8-wha4MWbImsOTLukkbQuwdjcCI-qyKfehbwp8tQgON1HHDdf5tZMXo5LA4_UYfs0NTiRKf2k_pXZOREjz1Wv0OB8gYiAffKnGZe1JQd7GbyGmfaJ1RfqcmPtfHMmH2uVAYybBquGvc/s400/IMG_3208.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a>We divided the kitchen from the family room/eating area with beautiful wood corbels. </div><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0bwvx3cmTuzrlCIMR9neH7eyM4TRrSYwswKpvpnWLNvYG5Dofj9GcjSQxwdupNc6KbEaCLhpn2E9bIGj8LOLu0erwt18cr8gPpeVpa_TdycX47ST4VgPyEFvDIrgpnhcYgorTqHybNQ/s1600-h/IMG_3166.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="408" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330196608145604450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0bwvx3cmTuzrlCIMR9neH7eyM4TRrSYwswKpvpnWLNvYG5Dofj9GcjSQxwdupNc6KbEaCLhpn2E9bIGj8LOLu0erwt18cr8gPpeVpa_TdycX47ST4VgPyEFvDIrgpnhcYgorTqHybNQ/s640/IMG_3166.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We set the 4" tumbled travertine tiles for the backsplash on the diagonal</div><div style="text-align: center;">and used 8" bronze tiles for the centerpiece behind the range. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Kitchen Dining Area</strong></span></div><div align="center">the problems</div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center">teal green carpeting</div><div align="center">dated light fixture</div><div align="center">too large dining table and chairs</div><div align="center">more dated oak - china cabinet</div><div align="center">no crown molding</div><div align="center">no window treatment</div><div align="center">floral 70's wallpaper with chair rail border</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUII6OpjG2jJn3q5PG-UE6-Vc1XHzJb0RfVZwzLZmN9IXIn8ysXDOJwMxBvhxlEUJInW07aI3tFmyB6EE9DWM2zasT2CNuWWClWla7oAmaSC1WRe2380hIVirIIjlLrrkNK58hQ5eVZ7g/s1600-h/disk%231+085.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="478" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330195799780116258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUII6OpjG2jJn3q5PG-UE6-Vc1XHzJb0RfVZwzLZmN9IXIn8ysXDOJwMxBvhxlEUJInW07aI3tFmyB6EE9DWM2zasT2CNuWWClWla7oAmaSC1WRe2380hIVirIIjlLrrkNK58hQ5eVZ7g/s640/disk%231+085.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The Solution</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5TQNq21x-uGIyioWU9-FRlx_PIGCuqMAEkZbZlnZAyjvFxSAR_J5V8WCs3SKH6Bf8L2ndEeJCxLwBwm0zRxG5ehlALfZoYkNjDPnjJte9tKDRjJVy7-YFpJGAAYPWThddPoCwAg8U10/s1600/IMG_1225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5TQNq21x-uGIyioWU9-FRlx_PIGCuqMAEkZbZlnZAyjvFxSAR_J5V8WCs3SKH6Bf8L2ndEeJCxLwBwm0zRxG5ehlALfZoYkNjDPnjJte9tKDRjJVy7-YFpJGAAYPWThddPoCwAg8U10/s640/IMG_1225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> installed deep rich hardwood floors</div><div style="text-align: center;">fresh painted walls</div><div style="text-align: center;">added crown and base moldings</div><div style="text-align: center;">vintage smaller scale dining table and chairs</div><div style="text-align: center;">upholstered the chairs in new fabrics</div><div style="text-align: center;">created window valance</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgYLFvYH39woJMBgtlBKe5odeGTp5MScaUxzxXccivmMU-BDOXPYBNh4839M15snJx5iH3arOFsZjiuCgXDfdg68ZV3q5FincWizflIds7wmhyphenhyphenb3MrFI0P_k1HNEJgGj6QgVazwWSmIA/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgYLFvYH39woJMBgtlBKe5odeGTp5MScaUxzxXccivmMU-BDOXPYBNh4839M15snJx5iH3arOFsZjiuCgXDfdg68ZV3q5FincWizflIds7wmhyphenhyphenb3MrFI0P_k1HNEJgGj6QgVazwWSmIA/s640/IMG_1223.JPG" width="416" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> can lighting installed as well as vintage chandelier</div><div style="text-align: center;">painted oak china cabinet same color as kitchen cabinets</div><div style="text-align: center;">added some new accessories, artwork and family photos</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4iy3CGavwMo50wpeqYCwRioRY0YqOuGeoNjTx_EApgeVjSf3pI4TeP4-wAmmEesQdI61N9b2AvSINxJYSDMomSK2G5u3M48eK5SFibV3erVmwcT4Aa-sNrwlN-FhgpgA1McWh9y1p4A/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4iy3CGavwMo50wpeqYCwRioRY0YqOuGeoNjTx_EApgeVjSf3pI4TeP4-wAmmEesQdI61N9b2AvSINxJYSDMomSK2G5u3M48eK5SFibV3erVmwcT4Aa-sNrwlN-FhgpgA1McWh9y1p4A/s640/IMG_1227.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>GUEST BATHROOM</strong></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><div></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpjIYeAW9gUNP1oe_AnvCSECPHsap4W83ckacSl7VhSmAhqAOdz1Euu-s85kq6VoLuU7sCh4M73szHyXTKwzjMxBWxKWu-KgK4d5yk3K-sFD5xC8Iw7WXHIqeTKGJNsBg4rbOUPJcRgM/s1600-h/disk%231+087.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330195783036588626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpjIYeAW9gUNP1oe_AnvCSECPHsap4W83ckacSl7VhSmAhqAOdz1Euu-s85kq6VoLuU7sCh4M73szHyXTKwzjMxBWxKWu-KgK4d5yk3K-sFD5xC8Iw7WXHIqeTKGJNsBg4rbOUPJcRgM/s640/disk%231+087.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="603" /></a></div><div align="center">This room has to be the most dramatic makeover! </div><div align="center">The Problems</div><div align="center">Completely covered in teal wallpaper</div><div align="center"> white faux marble countertop and sink</div><div align="center">dated tile flooring</div><div align="center">teal painted cabinets</div><div align="center">paper blind on door</div><div align="center">dated light fixture</div><div align="center">acrylic shower enclosure</div><div align="center">old fixtures</div><div align="center"> - it was a time machine to the 1980's. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_-jOvBYy4_2Sk0s0bEtURjCWxYpwQFSbFO-Dmjm5-_u8bCgUAyhxXoutZuXNClFSEbbkTdkNrxm9FrhjuhJBaZXtqDzGPzqCdfilH_mAYaHmJJO4O6WophcH8JHZJULwrqyOxbe0vrI/s1600-h/disk%231+088.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330195073548548146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_-jOvBYy4_2Sk0s0bEtURjCWxYpwQFSbFO-Dmjm5-_u8bCgUAyhxXoutZuXNClFSEbbkTdkNrxm9FrhjuhJBaZXtqDzGPzqCdfilH_mAYaHmJJO4O6WophcH8JHZJULwrqyOxbe0vrI/s640/disk%231+088.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="426" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="center"><strong>GUEST BATHROOM (AFTER)</strong><br /><br /><strong>the solutions:</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">The only thing we kept were the cabinets</div><div style="text-align: center;">repainted them a creamy white</div><div style="text-align: center;"> removed wallpaper and painted the walls</div><div style="text-align: center;">added crown and base molding</div><div style="text-align: center;">new toilet and sink</div><div style="text-align: center;">new light fixtures</div><div style="text-align: center;">beautiful semi-custom cabinet with granite top</div><div style="text-align: center;">mirror in a beautiful frame. </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeWQVBLwaZHeS9rhe4jJAH-3T3STAY9y_Ka89Jk6YiumRPUpUfS8towthYFyISlmwq1KvwedmYkYrHNPkecbAWBYefBjQO8r1rc3USh-vSYKMzsb9R2novrlPMxbqWMoUvaqNJNzbmEU/s1600-h/IMG_1234.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330195066809981698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeWQVBLwaZHeS9rhe4jJAH-3T3STAY9y_Ka89Jk6YiumRPUpUfS8towthYFyISlmwq1KvwedmYkYrHNPkecbAWBYefBjQO8r1rc3USh-vSYKMzsb9R2novrlPMxbqWMoUvaqNJNzbmEU/s640/IMG_1234.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">added brushed nickel pulls </div><div style="text-align: center;">travertine flooring with etched travertine insets and onyx mosaic border</div><div></div><div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIidIgLSxcunRTDCq0lTMpVXfa_YYQ1m8lrXHbcsqpvI4zPeBv_rU-TZ2INErRSyTqLzsLcEws1wcke8V5HkmaiisjH22LF24HQz97Fa2n-hzrlHnjwd4gCphkQcswBIuSXlVC38JLFFE/s1600-h/IMG_1233.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330195065076996882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIidIgLSxcunRTDCq0lTMpVXfa_YYQ1m8lrXHbcsqpvI4zPeBv_rU-TZ2INErRSyTqLzsLcEws1wcke8V5HkmaiisjH22LF24HQz97Fa2n-hzrlHnjwd4gCphkQcswBIuSXlVC38JLFFE/s640/IMG_1233.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="459" /></a> noce travertine shower walls accented with golden onyx mosaic</div><div style="text-align: center;">new brushed nickel fixtures </div><div style="text-align: center;">frameless glass door </div><div style="text-align: center;">opaque glass in the door and a decorative valance </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">FAMILY ROOM</span></strong></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NOTqGLp0SQ2dL_VETufg54WG6r5IPc7EZR_69kji9oi-Av9k2Xka-YNDl3YRht9cCAO7c-9wS0ao6Hf-Bb0Oyc80fw0VGq1SDZSyTMbwz4Gp0MecT7qcn0tCW6543msuElukFGOh3JE/s1600-h/disk%231+083.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330195060679409026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NOTqGLp0SQ2dL_VETufg54WG6r5IPc7EZR_69kji9oi-Av9k2Xka-YNDl3YRht9cCAO7c-9wS0ao6Hf-Bb0Oyc80fw0VGq1SDZSyTMbwz4Gp0MecT7qcn0tCW6543msuElukFGOh3JE/s640/disk%231+083.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>FAMILY ROOM (BEFORE)</strong></div><div>The family room was an awkward space with oversized furniture and also acted as a walk through to the guest bedroom and bath.<br /><br />teal green carpeting<br /><br />pink wainscoting with floral wallpaper<br /><br />oversized leather furniture<br /><br />too small area rug<br /><br />oversized television<br /><br />popcorn ceiling </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsjrkZWz60xSUrvo8L3bDVQGlROH3pxojZdm5thbPctuLP8LbUmruYHzLpFcqhpi8Slplc99fQuRCJ7zVCTB5ZUjms7teEb48T5WFd25Bac08Ocn_UbmY9xxEXgassLKNuimeffYUrpo/s1600-h/IMG_1228.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330194115317988386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsjrkZWz60xSUrvo8L3bDVQGlROH3pxojZdm5thbPctuLP8LbUmruYHzLpFcqhpi8Slplc99fQuRCJ7zVCTB5ZUjms7teEb48T5WFd25Bac08Ocn_UbmY9xxEXgassLKNuimeffYUrpo/s640/IMG_1228.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="466" /></a><strong> FAMILY ROOM (AFTER)</strong></div><strong></strong><br /><br /><div align="left">Dunn Edwards 'Tortilla' paint freshened and brightened the room. <br /><br />Deep rich hardwood flooring and a colorful, larger, area rug warmed it. <br /><br />A flat screen television installed on the wall created more space. <br /><br />Console below the television added space and held electronic components</div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia17FbTrPJb5JHsvUBTZ5z3KuKW6xy_nN4cc6TL2Oh1s0BBZSbFJjTLdkHUVVstqAbv6ldn86BJ4m9OhvyKdQrybyythHAgWDI9l9vYTMrLxMRk0nTN_g_JLy_gBgBbVIx4_DQjF4Ar8U/s1600-h/IMG_1226.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330194111286730002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia17FbTrPJb5JHsvUBTZ5z3KuKW6xy_nN4cc6TL2Oh1s0BBZSbFJjTLdkHUVVstqAbv6ldn86BJ4m9OhvyKdQrybyythHAgWDI9l9vYTMrLxMRk0nTN_g_JLy_gBgBbVIx4_DQjF4Ar8U/s640/IMG_1226.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>We arched the doorway<br /><br />added crown and base molding<br /><br />purchased a custom sized sectional - opening up the room<br /><br />matching chair and a half<br /><br />framed precious family photos to mingle with artwork on the walls<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1Qezl63LupR3FiFPaDUen5EEoYXsreb-3iLmYFnBCOCc0sLVjC14_Qjwum34YkJUbrTOSlmnuT5AsAb5dl0dvLndjyYwc259MAC2tT9odjdfGHRXyOQUb7mue9j0GPL7Hr6qK9MbY48/s1600-h/disk%231+081.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="493" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330194102836172658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1Qezl63LupR3FiFPaDUen5EEoYXsreb-3iLmYFnBCOCc0sLVjC14_Qjwum34YkJUbrTOSlmnuT5AsAb5dl0dvLndjyYwc259MAC2tT9odjdfGHRXyOQUb7mue9j0GPL7Hr6qK9MbY48/s640/disk%231+081.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>FORMAL DINING ROOM (BEFORE)</strong></div><div>The formal dining room furniture was lovely but lost in a dark and dated room. The chair seats needed recovering and some of the chairs needed repair. Dark gold carpeting and a lot of clutter. Vintage light fixture was too small. Wallpaper covered the walls and sheer draperies were on the large picture window. Despite the sheer window covering, the room was dark. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLirOshOdB1Xtis3Fmsb2DopSGb1_GqfM-0cSEf-khtJh3ulqOjRo6Kh7Dx6wviOUMq8exq4gpPBo26kZXpVBX3TdFxrJczEn5COgBFO4T0C7H5pwgOiDiBBKOt8MeaEMtlLlzmXj8p9A/s1600-h/IMG_1218.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="501" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330194096780446434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLirOshOdB1Xtis3Fmsb2DopSGb1_GqfM-0cSEf-khtJh3ulqOjRo6Kh7Dx6wviOUMq8exq4gpPBo26kZXpVBX3TdFxrJczEn5COgBFO4T0C7H5pwgOiDiBBKOt8MeaEMtlLlzmXj8p9A/s640/IMG_1218.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>FORMAL DINING ROOM (AFTER)</strong></div><div>Bringing light into the room was important. We added wall sconces and a more substantial handpainted chandelier.  White wood blinds were installed on the large picture window for privacy, while still letting light into the room.  Hardwood flooring was carried from the kitchen into this room and a beautiful rug was added. The chairs were repaired and recovered with coordinating fabric. Artwork was purchased hung over an antique sugar stick leg table.  Fresh wall paint and accessories were added and custom silk draperies and valance were made for the window.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcBW_FtUpgV-mdRh7A2Eiv-DY7Bv5ie9g8S8NiB6LuZuqrNuhRCZtPvr58Rm4a_bwgCitZiamv5032JFagsE9Q2jmH5C_VmBBoTt1EebGT8E6ySfWPlS_cJFtf68QacJ6DGjCXO-okY4/s1600-h/IMG_2098.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330194094309902722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcBW_FtUpgV-mdRh7A2Eiv-DY7Bv5ie9g8S8NiB6LuZuqrNuhRCZtPvr58Rm4a_bwgCitZiamv5032JFagsE9Q2jmH5C_VmBBoTt1EebGT8E6ySfWPlS_cJFtf68QacJ6DGjCXO-okY4/s640/IMG_2098.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>  The effect is warm and bright - all the darkness is gone. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOdcFpND5KBGEZ0JpRrGmIJV2tN2zdV52dv9VkXkVT_EjihHuwhjSS1RSVrFXYkHqQJE88ShmZRRo9brdI0m4JV-EbYf1bN3wNnQhhVL2F6Ijpic8y4J9DpoCodGud0zljLTdKrUB2rY/s1600-h/IMG_2100.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330192883447366162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOdcFpND5KBGEZ0JpRrGmIJV2tN2zdV52dv9VkXkVT_EjihHuwhjSS1RSVrFXYkHqQJE88ShmZRRo9brdI0m4JV-EbYf1bN3wNnQhhVL2F6Ijpic8y4J9DpoCodGud0zljLTdKrUB2rY/s640/IMG_2100.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> A sideboard provides a serving area. I customized the lampshades with silk fabric that coordinated with the room. Spiral rosemary topiaries bring the outdoors in.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vroe30FzNA5_0rHdXEJbxhqrIMZu_q6xzH3ZJGUy3ny5MunrIEMWOSP__lLbwLGd90NESzoicgQUvOnSc2CtCIrxZQwpEt6baSZvDnv-0HF9ySzosGUDA6pc8vErXIfUISFJ5SOHKzk/s1600-h/IMG_2099.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqv8w5XKxAOv4DI1ZOnGJNPc-3sd8zZK4g5FW3SK4GfxBQX145jAODXZnrzUFAxGTYw9GQN1qTB0QVLQmfvaZDhPEmCPlApBAaejwoyrI2o1sp0W_pi8oXnu9N6NrS0XLkNm4YRDiC4c/s1600-h/disk%231+080.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330192870845573506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqv8w5XKxAOv4DI1ZOnGJNPc-3sd8zZK4g5FW3SK4GfxBQX145jAODXZnrzUFAxGTYw9GQN1qTB0QVLQmfvaZDhPEmCPlApBAaejwoyrI2o1sp0W_pi8oXnu9N6NrS0XLkNm4YRDiC4c/s640/disk%231+080.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="426" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>FORMAL LIVING ROOM (BEFORE)</strong></div><div>This was a hot mess.  The faux lava rock fireplace dated to the 70's when the house was built. Flooring and upholstery needed a change as well as upholstery and draperies. In spite of the plain white walls, the room was dark and heavy. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivef7E36tMfMOdVTZ1BZ_WY8501s9JN8yA_2GVO7OTSqx8M7GmXv_57-l1ZH_FQ3hzUxHedPrJAM-sZ1k9LFocTOACUKwxqjixWF3Wivv4r6H5Q4t4ba_NBXyLy_7zqbG5Ik2fKVJd9Y/s1600-h/IMG_2963.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330192860303310498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivef7E36tMfMOdVTZ1BZ_WY8501s9JN8yA_2GVO7OTSqx8M7GmXv_57-l1ZH_FQ3hzUxHedPrJAM-sZ1k9LFocTOACUKwxqjixWF3Wivv4r6H5Q4t4ba_NBXyLy_7zqbG5Ik2fKVJd9Y/s640/IMG_2963.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="426" /></a> We addressed the faux lava rock first.  Then, after crown moldings and paint (Dunn Edwards "Golden Gate") we addressed the flooring - bringing in the same hardwood flooring that was used in the kitchen and dining room.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YUWpFaqGG7rG9EF657hfMphyphenhyphenB18Qx6BeUB2uLBNRSQLdXNs3EVA-dkK4rflSJi158IXRheH3NojvSJ4w57NK-JN7rCdyz0OxZB0b7cm4EXmQMO8971MMl0WQepT8vVvjS9pmIQpR3uU/s1600-h/IMG_1216.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330192856894484738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YUWpFaqGG7rG9EF657hfMphyphenhyphenB18Qx6BeUB2uLBNRSQLdXNs3EVA-dkK4rflSJi158IXRheH3NojvSJ4w57NK-JN7rCdyz0OxZB0b7cm4EXmQMO8971MMl0WQepT8vVvjS9pmIQpR3uU/s640/IMG_1216.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="485" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>FORMAL LIVING ROOM (AFTER)</strong></div><div>We repurposed the furniture in this room, recovering her quality bergere chairs and sofa and keeping the tables and cabinets.  A richly colored rug was added to define the seating area and for warmth. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6dvFnklxvIoFhD-pHudrVjL8f7vfX4r_m3ACA76qlhZr9b3k6N5UupMfBdqUs5wupAUgQRAa08H-iOFwYYUFyt3xdet8CC9AFI68dYsJfWBM_BWZy80mtiSFB0_5HCHi5wWPdd9tkwc/s1600-h/IMG_1214.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330191655286058786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6dvFnklxvIoFhD-pHudrVjL8f7vfX4r_m3ACA76qlhZr9b3k6N5UupMfBdqUs5wupAUgQRAa08H-iOFwYYUFyt3xdet8CC9AFI68dYsJfWBM_BWZy80mtiSFB0_5HCHi5wWPdd9tkwc/s640/IMG_1214.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="551" /></a>We created a custom mantel and surround, finished out with remnant granite from the kitchen.  A few new accessories were mixed with Ana's treasures.</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciSix_P66llX4GOKGATlN5B9FKiAdyEKuTc6znyPNBo_2MKnCYcYLTunYrOj1D1HBpyKHmELBcdRDlIt1n0rTKL1_r37B1KDVImvPdxaqGhrYkfzBaLzyv07qSwqaR7mftQ2Kh1Qmqk0/s1600-h/IMG_1213.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330191644664829954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciSix_P66llX4GOKGATlN5B9FKiAdyEKuTc6znyPNBo_2MKnCYcYLTunYrOj1D1HBpyKHmELBcdRDlIt1n0rTKL1_r37B1KDVImvPdxaqGhrYkfzBaLzyv07qSwqaR7mftQ2Kh1Qmqk0/s640/IMG_1213.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> In the evening light the room is warm and inviting. The final touches added were custom silk draperies and placement of artwork.. <br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJDADpP6CA4y6m8AQ2fGafekYTlkm23jJjeDaFmElusgaQ_4KGVQAtcBodgy-89q245Ty4vrD2KJ8V4vTyAUWh42o6H8Johx_TaP4kw8LcG0DuZWZVWVgQThgYDChjPLWE2OYhElrg-4/s1600-h/IMG_2102.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330191639109356690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJDADpP6CA4y6m8AQ2fGafekYTlkm23jJjeDaFmElusgaQ_4KGVQAtcBodgy-89q245Ty4vrD2KJ8V4vTyAUWh42o6H8Johx_TaP4kw8LcG0DuZWZVWVgQThgYDChjPLWE2OYhElrg-4/s640/IMG_2102.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><div></div><div align="center"><strong>ENTRY (BEFORE)</strong></div><div>The entry was dark and outdated with brown ceramic tile, dark carpeting, and dark wood furniture. <br /><br />Large cabinets and accessories overpowered the space.  A 70's brass lantern style lighting fixture hung from the ceiling.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaLqhTB1Pz0KJKvMUtzr3tu0e0dmIJY79UujOMwrlVd-9JW8fFwT_83bUfq53nh1XxXPkMuHs3SfjIkwSDuN4Ro6NZuCHElQj4c-sd562QMoS2E2ImQDdom3iO8kQ1X1SL1EosURsIgE/s1600/disk%25231+079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaLqhTB1Pz0KJKvMUtzr3tu0e0dmIJY79UujOMwrlVd-9JW8fFwT_83bUfq53nh1XxXPkMuHs3SfjIkwSDuN4Ro6NZuCHElQj4c-sd562QMoS2E2ImQDdom3iO8kQ1X1SL1EosURsIgE/s640/disk%25231+079.jpg" width="419" /></a></div></div><div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>ENTRY (AFTER)</strong></div></div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We used 20" travertine tiles with bronze accent inserts for the flooring. The Living and Dining Room wall color was continiued here. A beautiful new wrought iron chandelier replaced the brass and glass from a previous era. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FUAqBx9-M8CSLzP4fm1CRt3iobL6HeURio1jkAw4umAJh-p4C-Srpv1w7F9s4T3LDmDSU9oHm1w2pr5oLIJYBrXn3Ug42-S9R1EotaPMxFGnQf4HXqrfdQiKwpnWnlvNxGe4SKeIkAY/s1600/blog10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FUAqBx9-M8CSLzP4fm1CRt3iobL6HeURio1jkAw4umAJh-p4C-Srpv1w7F9s4T3LDmDSU9oHm1w2pr5oLIJYBrXn3Ug42-S9R1EotaPMxFGnQf4HXqrfdQiKwpnWnlvNxGe4SKeIkAY/s640/blog10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UiTCjRj9HkI/SfijX_oqPyI/AAAAAAAABtA/3vGTMKeMFOE/s1600-h/blog10.jpg"></a>A new console table accented with buffet lamps and custom shades is now the focal point on entering Ana's home. Beautiful artwork sets the mood and introduces the color scheme. </div><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcL6RBS3ijo8GqZq6D5xz4D1hNR8vFoqAbEInx9o98HrOCCqhq9XV3ZzjK-ShT2JhA1mSZm8Kd7I_o5rHjPiOhC__H1BkS0Uf4WDcBBhy5z0FF9Guvbck_GEh_fIrMHpFDEk99j6OMXOE/s1600-h/IMG_2101.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330191633595948818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcL6RBS3ijo8GqZq6D5xz4D1hNR8vFoqAbEInx9o98HrOCCqhq9XV3ZzjK-ShT2JhA1mSZm8Kd7I_o5rHjPiOhC__H1BkS0Uf4WDcBBhy5z0FF9Guvbck_GEh_fIrMHpFDEk99j6OMXOE/s640/IMG_2101.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnClrvZ-NN_OLEWRwYqVQ_bsXnPyzgQSCGbOzoK3lIGfCOMTMKpfMi_oB-nzBODq-CMRQnk4BML5dA_UY6hEvCNdHFvzu2-sUGVAIeyCJlbZFpv2OZnFKN4iw9Vx-NZFZ2eRT2DLIwoo/s1600-h/IMG_3177.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330188528342010738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnClrvZ-NN_OLEWRwYqVQ_bsXnPyzgQSCGbOzoK3lIGfCOMTMKpfMi_oB-nzBODq-CMRQnk4BML5dA_UY6hEvCNdHFvzu2-sUGVAIeyCJlbZFpv2OZnFKN4iw9Vx-NZFZ2eRT2DLIwoo/s640/IMG_3177.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="414" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>STAIRCASE (BEFORE)</strong> </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Visible from the entry is the staircase - in all its 70's see-through style. On the landing, a faux stained glass window had seen better days and was deteriorating. The metal and oak railings begged for an update. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R2k59pjJBU4IY-6wVGa4QeRiJh9NQBVYg4_fndDrV3dPjEg6-h1-VsSrXYmDDudhqQ8Jh200J8CUmS1kZ-Qd3pCPqkHGdJPtsRkkUUb7mzzZ_Eo_ZfgYaDqwHT28Nz3AbNYvass-nbo/s1600/disk%25231+082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R2k59pjJBU4IY-6wVGa4QeRiJh9NQBVYg4_fndDrV3dPjEg6-h1-VsSrXYmDDudhqQ8Jh200J8CUmS1kZ-Qd3pCPqkHGdJPtsRkkUUb7mzzZ_Eo_ZfgYaDqwHT28Nz3AbNYvass-nbo/s640/disk%25231+082.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div></div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The stairs were enclosed and drywalled - no more see through style. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div></div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmfAe0Daxo-BcFUpxanKx2U-Rm-sDXbTf1f6i82SP74RA5E6oybVNZd4tLx2f8uwHrO9v4iv0FhGJSxwHKCH68Z8y3p9RkJD57JrlOJA19KASCHEp-Q1RHSxtnJ6fQr7-FG31dzrf0d4/s1600/IMG_1217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmfAe0Daxo-BcFUpxanKx2U-Rm-sDXbTf1f6i82SP74RA5E6oybVNZd4tLx2f8uwHrO9v4iv0FhGJSxwHKCH68Z8y3p9RkJD57JrlOJA19KASCHEp-Q1RHSxtnJ6fQr7-FG31dzrf0d4/s640/IMG_1217.JPG" width="479" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>STAIRCASE (AFTER)</strong></div></div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A new beveled and stained glass window replaces the old one and shimmers like a jewel. </div></div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">New wrought iron railings added beauty, as did the new chandelier. </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UiTCjRj9HkI/SfiiOLWTIaI/AAAAAAAABsY/t6wA-kFAeVI/s1600-h/IMG_1217.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSeq6YYxdGtX4VlvC43q5peWwcMcdtqrCxd8TZcqcYM3OLvonVedmBjVjHLEJHuLwml8qiFnnNSr38Lc0-dlfp4I23PkcTyH4hgHPxJa90UrDlFkF_FCd0cSwiAIe_pZZ6mv3umJ1Uczs/s1600/IMG_3210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSeq6YYxdGtX4VlvC43q5peWwcMcdtqrCxd8TZcqcYM3OLvonVedmBjVjHLEJHuLwml8qiFnnNSr38Lc0-dlfp4I23PkcTyH4hgHPxJa90UrDlFkF_FCd0cSwiAIe_pZZ6mv3umJ1Uczs/s640/IMG_3210.JPG" width="426" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Upstair Hall Bath</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNP5vYS0jgg5eDtUjx2w8HJW192Mkt6GTzExsw0wdGnn7YXpTw6DKf69UJmsZi2n4CAUniHazJSnQ1KIskzKMA2VcnkmsYicMRWKFihFd6WwdUIvlbp2wk_eA36egaqSowbTMjIn8Ma0g/s1600-h/disk%231+091.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330188518058382466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNP5vYS0jgg5eDtUjx2w8HJW192Mkt6GTzExsw0wdGnn7YXpTw6DKf69UJmsZi2n4CAUniHazJSnQ1KIskzKMA2VcnkmsYicMRWKFihFd6WwdUIvlbp2wk_eA36egaqSowbTMjIn8Ma0g/s640/disk%231+091.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="346" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>UPSTAIRS BATHROOM (BEFORE)</strong></div><div>The upstairs bathroom, with demolition already started, was a blank slate - with the original 1970's light fixture still intact. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKNK9PZ96aRKwZme2WSjNVQPsZIcqHWsoLJmaCcZIHERFBsulo623s596CtlawqPPD5jaA9nNVLV6MdJIWWeZ2hlDhv9nWg9JkydyYnItGCrEUkmDbabt42J8QuwzGSchMlD55JD4kbo/s1600-h/disk%231+090.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330188512140984418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKNK9PZ96aRKwZme2WSjNVQPsZIcqHWsoLJmaCcZIHERFBsulo623s596CtlawqPPD5jaA9nNVLV6MdJIWWeZ2hlDhv9nWg9JkydyYnItGCrEUkmDbabt42J8QuwzGSchMlD55JD4kbo/s640/disk%231+090.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="474" /></a> <br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHECxssmB4MMvqEB5aADk5XHvkgftLhCk4bhk1hGAO3c38TGZF_IZYrXOxpnvvZadnd_N39KpUYLqQbQqAro9uRv1V9NQjjOYlngAmy0EGRDHdcjTKMlQULbGAtz5FQRUpN8bHYfY2phU/s1600-h/IMG_1242.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330186474650149170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHECxssmB4MMvqEB5aADk5XHvkgftLhCk4bhk1hGAO3c38TGZF_IZYrXOxpnvvZadnd_N39KpUYLqQbQqAro9uRv1V9NQjjOYlngAmy0EGRDHdcjTKMlQULbGAtz5FQRUpN8bHYfY2phU/s640/IMG_1242.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="385" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>UPSTAIRS BATHROOM (AFTER)</strong></div><div>A furniture grade mirror and vanity with marble top in a deep wood tone was our starting point. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtA0p4QUEBKdjyH_O8vWesNvxVr0PjYwXPbLmTx69IRZH4TLeGUzbaX0XQEiXm1AGXFyHRO-WWQHJWuYEzXbhhERVR9_yksBNgPPi4rmoGLHrXcOu9BzoqUEd_SZsnXKhPsknn-c8azfU/s1600-h/IMG_1237.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330185364278113650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtA0p4QUEBKdjyH_O8vWesNvxVr0PjYwXPbLmTx69IRZH4TLeGUzbaX0XQEiXm1AGXFyHRO-WWQHJWuYEzXbhhERVR9_yksBNgPPi4rmoGLHrXcOu9BzoqUEd_SZsnXKhPsknn-c8azfU/s640/IMG_1237.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a> We took the travertine tile from the floor half way up the wall and topped it with a beautiful mosaic listel. A watercolor and richly toned towels are the perfect accents. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMs1_zO2S7CC_S3LTBEV1R5mrAhnOK71nRAXblugEg_rEVypeqxAijWGPwIEIIRZl2uywwFwK-G0eudykSf14JNpiiCWcsqo0IwzFW7zCgYI0xDnZaTBLi0M1aHj9hLc7SUFL-okdDoo/s1600-h/IMG_2955.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330185357653862674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMs1_zO2S7CC_S3LTBEV1R5mrAhnOK71nRAXblugEg_rEVypeqxAijWGPwIEIIRZl2uywwFwK-G0eudykSf14JNpiiCWcsqo0IwzFW7zCgYI0xDnZaTBLi0M1aHj9hLc7SUFL-okdDoo/s640/IMG_2955.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="392" /></a> More travertine for the tub surround, new polished chrome fixtures and a frameless glass enclosure complete this room. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjndFzC3v6GIvVe2X9_571VvkVawHQOvb02Z-Id5bVyAs6RKEQaHkbB-xYT8n5JiPhOmCjdRokfE3Rnkh1-bPOUtS7WRzl49LTJgRxgdhbEp42OD3SvC5jQ6QlEopJlhHaQgvY2KZmFg/s1600-h/disk%231+092.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="487" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330185354280982706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjndFzC3v6GIvVe2X9_571VvkVawHQOvb02Z-Id5bVyAs6RKEQaHkbB-xYT8n5JiPhOmCjdRokfE3Rnkh1-bPOUtS7WRzl49LTJgRxgdhbEp42OD3SvC5jQ6QlEopJlhHaQgvY2KZmFg/s640/disk%231+092.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>MASTER BEDROOM (BEFORE)</strong></div><div>I saved the best for last. Ana and Bob's master bedroom was roomy but dated. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw80pxFI0RwqgdjqiguhLFpCOdafWMtKxnZRxdxK52fdqZoZj7Ym7X_eDmAxNLB-WbFCkvJjkqbDn-T7U4N1zJ9L6Y70bOjF_43KuPxqF2mJw3ujIFXTABU2PtE_AaQVMq5_rD0VS6etw/s1600-h/IMG_1244.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="458" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330185349260664802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw80pxFI0RwqgdjqiguhLFpCOdafWMtKxnZRxdxK52fdqZoZj7Ym7X_eDmAxNLB-WbFCkvJjkqbDn-T7U4N1zJ9L6Y70bOjF_43KuPxqF2mJw3ujIFXTABU2PtE_AaQVMq5_rD0VS6etw/s640/IMG_1244.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>MASTER BEDROOM (AFTER)</strong></div><div>I chose a fresh green for the wall to complement Ana's favorite color choice of Coral which we used in the silk embroidered drapery panels, valance and bedding. We added just a simple piece of artwork and bedside lamp - leaving the bed and bedding as the focal point of the room. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1rdVhixacSjFH-3cdFBZNLRqeuURNpT8iFNMh689DZGsWeb4Jy8bF7GTPpEynK-kPz2L_0ePnwWSNOD_mqIlTMaGOMydlJqVufFkT6af87asn5U6aXLqCrEWgMU6_VJbaiIu4vo_UDQ/s1600-h/disk%231+095.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330185339245677618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1rdVhixacSjFH-3cdFBZNLRqeuURNpT8iFNMh689DZGsWeb4Jy8bF7GTPpEynK-kPz2L_0ePnwWSNOD_mqIlTMaGOMydlJqVufFkT6af87asn5U6aXLqCrEWgMU6_VJbaiIu4vo_UDQ/s640/disk%231+095.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="426" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>MASTER BATH (BEFORE)</strong></div><div>The toilet and shower were in a tiny room - the master shower was literally 3 foot x 3 foot. That was definitely unacceptable. Time to have a conversation with the contractor. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkS3IGktgBNLwvTtNZ-xGAGC7tiTxTLcUGH-CJ7i2BTJXOYPykcOu13YFCm0M6pXqMLc1KetpqyNV_p13zBw5UtXn-VUVX5o1XD7NbH_WsTnzAri-NbQxez6mEEgQqjSEo_j-Kf3KBhA/s1600-h/disk%231+094.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330184175845592082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkS3IGktgBNLwvTtNZ-xGAGC7tiTxTLcUGH-CJ7i2BTJXOYPykcOu13YFCm0M6pXqMLc1KetpqyNV_p13zBw5UtXn-VUVX5o1XD7NbH_WsTnzAri-NbQxez6mEEgQqjSEo_j-Kf3KBhA/s640/disk%231+094.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="477" /></a> The dressing area, including the sink, was open to the rest of the bedroom. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7GcweaGGhNvJQJol5MPl96bt7of3hrUyi5cb0X-WWM5M3uL7RZi6rw5zk3dQCXhZKa_Lsjl3jCOZCm-2SSJM-umw169qW6OaxstIM4AFnA-HLSx4PI1bKeobNSRSavGovgJL3QqzLi4/s1600-h/disk%231+093.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330184169716457426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7GcweaGGhNvJQJol5MPl96bt7of3hrUyi5cb0X-WWM5M3uL7RZi6rw5zk3dQCXhZKa_Lsjl3jCOZCm-2SSJM-umw169qW6OaxstIM4AFnA-HLSx4PI1bKeobNSRSavGovgJL3QqzLi4/s1600/disk%231+093.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a> <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg382JS7EeIL8bFc4O70vQg1BuH-mWqF-E76BnjpJtJyufpUzeVf6WF4mS1dnD6fR7_Fz0y5XthQF3uMExSkTkSBsxf2rb95Sl0ujJTyDLUka-WzYns42UgLzKJ4iWvURQ593fH2oUpc4k/s1600-h/IMG_1245.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330184166858806850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg382JS7EeIL8bFc4O70vQg1BuH-mWqF-E76BnjpJtJyufpUzeVf6WF4mS1dnD6fR7_Fz0y5XthQF3uMExSkTkSBsxf2rb95Sl0ujJTyDLUka-WzYns42UgLzKJ4iWvURQ593fH2oUpc4k/s640/IMG_1245.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>MASTER BATH (AFTER)</strong></div><div>We borrowed a little space from the bedroom and the dressing area and constructed a sumptuous walk in shower. We closed the sink and shower areas off from the bedroom. We installed a furniture quality free standing vanity with granite counter and created a backsplash with listeles in marble. We hung a beautiful framed mirror above the vanity and installed new bronze fixtures and vanity lighting. The floor is travertine in classic color. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVw27sh2bC_bYo-copV5NecyRiYFPyz8IPV4i10BgUE5aymdtUwzR8gqBVjPChGySEbFwVany9FbnBhiiZC6PdExqzkkFZrmpyNPyUKct7D8N1vsFlrUbhyq-fkhsSOUWsFfYatJFE_s/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="581" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVw27sh2bC_bYo-copV5NecyRiYFPyz8IPV4i10BgUE5aymdtUwzR8gqBVjPChGySEbFwVany9FbnBhiiZC6PdExqzkkFZrmpyNPyUKct7D8N1vsFlrUbhyq-fkhsSOUWsFfYatJFE_s/s640/IMG_1248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div></div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The 4 x 6 shower uses classic travertine with red travertine and roja marble mosaic, bringing in the coral color that Ana loves. The shower is enclosed on 3 sides with frameless glass. (notice the reflection in the mirror)</div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QJwJ6Gf1bHDBmpprjYsjQYgNRXV8OHdd2wNLGCKDnIoXsPY4J6XRjrpKG_aUU20CVSO0xdnGJJkMBj_gxlB2X3_9B5pgCuB82aIcEGI1UGSFnG-7HMxeenjYkEETIwF9Rti2lcVjT6c/s1600/IMG_1247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QJwJ6Gf1bHDBmpprjYsjQYgNRXV8OHdd2wNLGCKDnIoXsPY4J6XRjrpKG_aUU20CVSO0xdnGJJkMBj_gxlB2X3_9B5pgCuB82aIcEGI1UGSFnG-7HMxeenjYkEETIwF9Rti2lcVjT6c/s640/IMG_1247.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Ana and Bob are happy and comfortable spending time in their home. The changes that were made were calculated to add value to their home and create beauty and comfort. Most importantly, Ana and Bob were both very involved in the choices made and in color and fabric selection. When they walk into a room, it is their room, and a designers room in their home. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

HOME DECOR: Whole House Remodel for Ana and Bob

After many years of career, kids and caring for elderly parents, Ana and Bob decided it was time to retire and enjoy the fruits of their lab...

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