Progress At Our Florida House

Back in December, while we were in Florida, even though a lot of the actual renovations still weren’t finished, I jumped the gun and started accessorizing our home. Since this photo was taken, not only have I shipped a big box of accessories from zhush.com down, but our contractor has thankfully been very busy finishing up some of the bigger projects there as well. I think it’s finally safe to say that we are getting close to the end zone here (which means lots of zhushing!)

Last month, our contractor sent us the photo below, of the fabulous Martinique wallpaper that finally went up in the guest bath. And, now just this week, we’ve gotten some images of the staircase and walls that he has been working on. I’ve also included the “before” image of the original stairs and railing (which isn’t even the true “before” as this was an all black railing when we purchased it). At first we thought we could get away with painting these ornate black iron rails white, but since this is an open layout and you see the rails from every angle on the first floor, it didn’t work. So we replaced most of the railings with plain white dry wall, simplifying the whole overall effect and then implemented a much fresher railing, using Phoebe Howard’s South Hampton home, as the inspiration for our own stairs (image included at the bottom). I’m thrilled with the way things are shaping up and can’t wait to get down there next month for spring break and see everything in person!
Keep Reading

The Mother Of All Builders

I’m so proud of my good friend, Jen. Like so many moms I know whose children are in school full time, Jen reinvented herself by finding a new career. With a pink hard hat and a passion for details, my friend is now an official general contractor. Jen was able to combine all her previous business school project management training with her real life work experience and her first hand knowledge of what families really need in a home along with her flawless taste and aesthetics. The result is Jen’s first home, featured here today. The gourmet spacious kitchen (seen below) is my favorite feature, not to mention the open living floor plan, stunning views, designer pantry complete with gift wrapping counter and amazing attention to detail… this house truly has it all and then some! Congrats Jen!
Keep Reading

Our Florida Home: More Updates

corner of living room in our Florida home

Updates on our Florida vacation home

 

During the Thanksgiving Holiday, we took a quick trip and were able to get a few things done on our vacation home…here are a few pics of the slow but steady progress we are making in Florida.

While I’m itching to replace the drapes in the living room that came with our house, the fact that some of our living room furniture has arrived is making it easier for me not to focus on them too much.

I like how it’s starting to really come together in there. 

Keeping the green broadloom in the guest room that came with the house, proved not be be as challenging as I had first thought. 

I’m also loving the few little cozy areas that are really starting to take shape…even our landscaping is filling in (plants grow so much faster in Florida…it’s astonishing!)
Keep Reading