After many years of design-new builds and remodels, it was time to create an updated bath for our own home! I kept two parts: the tub (rarely used) and the glass door! Originally there was an angled wall facing the entrance for privacy in the shower but baths are more open now. The restriction was exterior walls on two sides. There was not enough drop for a side drain but we could move the shower to the one outside wall and the door allows for full access to the shower area if needed. The new quartzite Taj Mahal tub surround is deep enough to sit on two sides. Great for sitting while facing the shower or applying lotion after. It’s also a safety feature as you can sit on the surround, pivot and lift your legs into the tub. The limestone floor and shower walls combine with the spa rock, natural stone deco band and Porcelanosa tub facing. The Toto Washlet has been an excellent experience. Shower shelves, hand held spray and grab bar complete the new look. The bath looks much more spacious and inviting plus the new materials are easier to clean.
A kitchen remodel without changing the cabinets or down time!
The kitchen had potential – nice quality cabinets, a view, and space to improve.
So I made improvements:
- All new appliances with wooden refrigerator doors blend the Sub Zero refrigerator with the cabinetry that is visible from the entry.
- The existing cabinets were sanded.
- The soffit above the refrigerator and the top of a partial wall that divided the kitchen from the family room were eliminated.
- A new cabinetry section was added to replace the kitchen desk. It holds small appliances and file drawers for kitchen related materials.
- The new leathered granite countertop/pass through to the family room has bar stool seating on the family room side. Blacks are easy to blend.
- A new cabinetry section was needed for the island. We didn’t need to have space for bar stools. The rounded corners mimic the original countertop. The sliding doors have the same spacing as the new cabinet opposite.
- The 6” cans were replaced with 2” cans and hand painted medallions were added to the ceiling.
- For interest and depth, the door into the office was removed which allowed space for the artwork (Apple by Weston).
- A custom shelf in this laundry area is handy and expands the kitchen.
Filling In A Dropped Floor
After decades of walking through homes and casually advising that lowered floor levels (aka sunken living rooms, dropped floors, conversation pits) can be filled in with concrete or a wooden subfloor, I finally filled in an area in our home! You may recommend having a space filled but if you are lucky you mention it to your favorite general contractor and voila! On the next site visit, it is finished!
We moved the furniture out. The general contractor and concrete sub coordinated the work. We ordered a new door. When it arrived, the sub installed a rebar grid for support. Then the concrete truck arrived (at 5 am!) and the pour began. Several people smoothed and leveled for a couple of hours. (The timing depends on moisture and other variables.). The surface dried untouched for a few days. After a week, tile was installed under the beverage chillers. We rolled out the old carpet as we had just rolled it and slid it to the patio. The footprint of the old carpet was the same so we put the padding strips back and rolled it back in. This makes it convenient to wait a while so the concrete can thoroughly cure prior to wood installation. That installation can be done at our convenience.
The tripping hazard was eliminated and aging-in-place ensues!
Porcelanosa Tile
And the remodeling continues! Gray remains the dominant color. For a recent shower remodel, after an extensive search, it was back to natural materials: cream limestone and Taj Majal quartzite for the tub surround with Porcelanosa tiles on the tub skirt. Maybe the Sherwin Williams forecast of sand tones will soon filter to tile for more options!
Walking the streets of Paris a week later, we saw a Porcelanosa showroom! They have a veneer with a photo finish of real marble that is an improvement over quartz. Great company with great products! Check their website for ideas and products. Porcelanosa is available locally at Facings of America in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Put On Your Easter Tablescape!
Time for a spring setting! No matter the temperature, we are ready for spring colors and a change from winter. Whether you are having a breakfast casserole or ham with scalloped potatoes (poblano chilies added) and carrot cake, the beautiful table awaits!
Pull it all together with color. The French tablecloth is an old favorite and the lavender in it is the most popular spring color. The bunny plates are whimsical. I mixed two styles. The hand-blown glass balls that are always on the table were added to a basket with lavender grass underneath Battery-operated lights were added to the top of the arrangement along with multicolored ribbon. The ring of colored eggs, gold-washed eggs and small baskets of eggs fill the space. The floral napkins repeat the color of everything. Ribbon added to each napkin ring repeat the color scheme. Some of the rings were made from leftover garland from an earlier project. Hand painted glasses and individual flower vases complete the festive look!
Pick up a few new things and add to the old for a fresh new look! Have a great holiday!
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