This is what I'm talking about!

A picture is worth 1000 words!

Ideas!

My most recent idea is about the counter extension we'll need when the wall comes down. I'm starting to jump on the wood bandwagon. But more specifically, reclaimed barn-wood! My main consideration is not making the living area of the room seem too cold with granite. I think wood will add warmth and help transition from the tile and granite kitchen counters/prep areas. The living area that will be open to the kitchen will most likely have a sofa and casual seating so I'd like it to be inviting and comfy. The goal isn't to make one huge kitchen, it's to have a comfortable open living space.

More ideas to come!

New Year, New Projects!

Happy New Year All - I'm sure many of you might have a renovation planned in 2011. Or maybe that plan is still just bouncing around in your heads at this stage but nonetheless, this is the time of year I start to look ahead at my 'To do' list. My list is expansive. It not only has seasonal projects such as gutter cleaning but it also takes me right through about 15 years of future expansion and addition ideas. It can be intimidating. I like to do at least one house renovation and one landscape improvement per year. For 2011 It looks like I'll be doing a biggie. We are going to knock out the wall dividing our dining/living area and kitchen to create one open concept living/eating/cooking area.

For those of you that don't know, we completely gutted and renovated our kitchen less than 4 years ago. So, what the heck are we doing now?

Well, at the time we were expecting our daughter's arrival and our first goal was to create a usable kitchen. Call that reno 1.0. Now that some time has passed and our daughter is almost 3, we are onto reno 2.0. This is where we create a perfect integrated living space.

The list is not long but it is precise because I'll be relocating some cabinetry and dissecting a fairly new kitchen, then putting it back together and adding a few things here and there.

I'm going to blog and post updates here so those interested can follow along. All the way from design/inception to finished product.

Here's the rough blueprint so far:

• Consult with a structural engineer - the wall is load bearing so I want to get specific ideas/drawings on beams and methods we can use. The span will be 12'-17' depending on the load points and what the engineer recommends. (safety first !)
  
• Remove all upper cabinets and store during demo/construction.
• Relocate microwave to new pantry area - electrical wiring
• Move existing pantry to new location
• Demo wall, install beam (researching reclaimed barn beams)
• Build new seating/bar counter to bridge kitchen/living areas
• Measure for granite
• Redo most baseboards/trim and finish with maple accents/architectural details.
• Research heating/cooling options and designs
  

There's actually alot more but that is roughly what we have going on. Wish me luck and stay tuned.

Happy New Year,
Deyano

Curved ply beams- very cool!

Stowe VT - guess what I stumbled upon?

On vacation in the beautiful Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, my family and I took a drive up to Stowe Mountain Resort to poke around after a recent snowfall. I knew HGTV's fabled 'Dream Home' for 2011 was being built in the area and nearing completion. Well guess what. It's amazing!

I had a rough idea where it was being built so we went down the dirt road clearly marked 'No Trespassing' hoping to catch a glimpse of the site. Even better, I bumped into Brendan O'Reilly (Owner of Gristmill Builders LTD), the local construction company tasked to build the home. "They asked us to complete the home in 5 months; that was a challenge", said O'Reilly. "Out of all the homes I have built, I'd say it is probably the most amazing" he also went on to discuss.

Let's put it simply - the home is amazing (especially for someone like myself). From the copper chimney detail to the poplar bark siding accents, the home is a perfect example of 'rustic modern design' and blends into nature seamlessly.

It's easy to see that Gristmill Builders do fantastic work, don't just take my word for it. While Brendan and I were chatting, HGTV was finishing up the filming inside for their show.

Needless to say, I'll be entering the contest!

For more info: click here

*Click photos to enlarge and for better detail

Check back tomorrow for some amazing 'first look' pics of HGTV's Dream Home 2011!!!

Old Vt farmhouse. Love the witch window! (aka VT windows, coffin, or sideways windows)