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Author Archives: jennlhamann
nursery 2
Kitchen Reno: Almost there!
Hi all! It has been a long, LONG, time coming, but the kitchen is near to complete.
Here are a few photos:
The colour(less) pallet
The main area of our home is open with a living room, eating nook and kitchen. The paint colours that I’ve been rocking in the largest areas have been subdued browny-taupes. We decided to go with white to brighten things up, a-la subway tile, white cabinetry and a creamy marble-esque quartz countertops. The sample we chose for our counter is, above left, by Cambria.
One set back is that our contractor, said to be one of the best in our city, is behind 6 MONTHS (sad, mad, sadder, madder face)! We are still using painted plywood countertops and a laundry sink. Having said that, my husband was brilliant deciding to install that sink, because the space is functional and a few of my friends have assumed that the sink is part of the design. Bless them!
Before old lighting was removed, but new drool-worthy lights go in
We expanded our kitchen island since it works well for storage (we lost a bit of storage with our choice to go with some open shelving) and works well for harbouring visitors, especially at man parties, where my husband and his friends never seem to sit, not even on a comfy couch.
I’m a “fan”
I am loving the hardware we chose from Restoration Hardware.
Cooking tastes better here
I haven’t quite nailed down all of the details, but I will in the next little bit. Christmas “break” is an excellent time to cross off more than your Christmas list! Think many unscheduled, unobstructed, hours and hours to renovate!
***A HUGE thanks to my brother-in-law and my husband for making this magic happen***
Dunnn Dunnn Dunnnn (The Kitchen Reno)
So it’s happening! After almost every inch of our house has been revisited and become more our own, the kitchen is in queue, just weeks away from being demolished and then rebuilt.
Here are a few befores:
I have since curbed the need to clutter up all counter space… this should be good!
And what do we have planned for this poor space’s future?
A little this:
and some of this:
and a little:
Along with bright cabinetry, new appliances (of the chic, budget variety) and
more storage!
I am so thrilled with the idea that it will feel finished, we will make the space work for us and that it will be so much easier on the eyes!
Stay tuned!
Whoa Baby!
Although we are not expecting at this point in time, like most things in life I like to plan the heck of a situation– and nothing is as fun as planning where you’d like to experience the milestones of life!
It seems that everyone I know is either thinking of having children or raising them, so the juices are flowing and I thought I’d explore the process of putting together a nursery myself. It is really rewarding delving into interiors with imagination and play in mind!
Masculine Ensuite Update
Months ago I created an inspiration board for our ensuite with a scheme that was inspired by, and meant to honour my husband. I chose colours and materials that I thought he would be most comfortable in. We then worked together to iron out the details.
Here are some of the before photos to get the juices flowing.
I know…
Here are some of the progress shots. I would have taken a plywood floor over the old floor in a heartbeat!
The vanity that we selected is more traditional than the original midcentury modern dresser from the mock-up. I really like the one that we ended up with.
The mirror that we paired it with is a Georgian style one that we already had.
We chose black granite that has some lovely icy-gold patches for the counter top. Instead of having it honed, we chose a polished surface and had the fabricators put a traditional looking ogee bullnose edge on it.
We will be building a false wall over the newly installed water system. We will be creating a cover for the hot water tank as well. That stuff needs to be accessible but it also needs to be covered!
The sight lines from the bedroom to bathroom are tremendous! I originally considered putting grasscloth in this room, but we decided to simplify and go with an all black paint cover. The colour we chose is Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron in a matte finish.
It is amazing how bright the room feels with the subway tile tub surround and the mosaic floor. The floor looks beautiful, but it was really difficult to instal. I would recommend that the fledgling DIYer hire a professional to put in a mosaic floor like this one. We struggled through it, but the finish we achieved is far from perfect.
A new curtain, square dual-flush toilet and an almost finished project!
We had an outlet and electrical boxes moved so that we can instal sconces on either side of the mirror rather than having one light above. The infloor heating was installed and now we wait patiently for our sconces to arrive.
And so, we went from this:
To this:
Yes! Trailer blazing once again!
Now for art selection and finishing touches. Stay tuned!
Soothed and Enthralled
Have you seen this month’s House Beautiful? I couldn’t help but write a post about the home decorated by designer Benjamin Dhong. It has sent me over the edge with excitement and calm– if that can even make sense.
Take a look!
The greens used in this dining room are not typically colours that I relish but Dhong is a slick visual negotiator; together the colours intrigue me and read as cozy.
The round framed painting of clouds and horizon hangs over a corner sectional with orange accents. In the forefront, a beautifully intricate sculpture perches on a modern tulip table, creating an interesting juxtaposition.
Dhong triumphs again by layering different hues of green. The muddy olive that envelops the space in combination with the distressed mantle create the ultimate feeling of understated sophistication.
The principal bedroom is restrained and soothing in complementing neutrals.
I love this little area. I would read away a weekend here.
The images, above and below, are of the outlying pool house. The use of faux bois wallpaper, bleached wood tones and white marry perfectly together.
What do you think?
Draft: D’s Music Room
Masculine Ensuite
My husband is a patient and generous man. He has listened attentively and been supportive while I have flip-flopped through various ideas and decorating incarnations during our life together. Most recently, he has been by my side as I have begun the process of putting together a mood board of potential materials for our next renovation– our principal bedroom’s ensuite.
This room is an expression and celebration of him. I love the idea of creating a room that he will enjoy as much as I do.
Our bedroom is bright and airy and so the bathroom will provide some neat contrast. I aim to make it enveloping and well-lit at the same time.
We learned a lot when we tackled out first bathroom reno. We learned that I could tile and that he has killer plumbing skills (he might argue that he had a handle on his skills pre-reno)! We learned to be patient and to take it one step at a time (I am still learning this). And although I love to “be” in a space that I find comfortable and aesthetically stimulating, I love the amount of time you free-up when you create a space that is easy to clean! That way you have a clean and beautiful room!
The job is still a month and a half away, but I like to get a head start and plan it out. We will purchase most of our supplies on our next vacation, but a few things will be ordered and sent in the mail as well.
Wish us luck!
Arteriors wall light
arteriorshome.com
arteriorshome.com
Silver leaf mirror
shopcandelabra.com
shopcandelabra.com
Home decor
harryrosen.com
harryrosen.com
Living Room Inspiration
