Final Look at Summer Duck

When a project comes to an end, it's always bitter sweet for me.  I love my work and my clients, so it's hard to say "good-bye".  Summer Duck was one of those projects where I had the best clients who trusted me to guide them through the difficult task of building a new house.  What's even better, they trusted themselves to make some gutsy decisions and pushed through to get them done.  I was able to get over one last time before they moved in and of course, the painters were still there doing last minute touch-ups.  I really wanted to have this house professionally photographed, but it just didn't work out.

This entry foyer is a perfect example of what this room should do.  It welcomes you and gives you a preview of what is to come in this home.

The perfect powder bath.  My client found a cute antique cabinet to use as the vanity.  Just needs a mirror to complement that chicken wire light!

I just don't have the words to describe how wonderful this kitchen turned out.

Farmhouse sink with Torquay counters by Cambria. 

My client and I spent a lot of time finding the perfect lights.  Here is one of three vintage ones she found over the summer. 

The family entry, off the garage, with interior brick pavers and board and batten trim.

Here's a laundry room that took a little effort, but so worth it.  Yes, that light is red!

For the sink, my client found a metal tub and paired it with a wall-mount tub filler.  Genius!

Master bath with wood floors.  My first time doing this on a project and so happy with how it turned out.  With just a little extra care, these should last for years to come.

Another vintage light...

Their son's bathroom turned out so great!  Vintage hexagon tile on the floor, white subway tile in the tub and a blue cabinet. 

In my last post about Summer Duck, I promised there would be a red front door.  This is the best photo I could get of that for you.  Oh, and here's the last vintage light. 

You can see more photos of Summer Duck on my Houzz profile and I can't wait to share more projects with you after the new year.  I wish you and yours a safe and joyous holiday.  We will continue to cherish our time with family and do our best to remember the real meaning of Christmas!

Summer Duck is Almost Done

When I stopped in to check on my Summer Duck project last week, I couldn't contain my excitement.  There were tons of tradespeople there working, so the photos aren't the best, but hopefully you can see why I am loving this house!

Home of a future red front door...

View from Upstairs

Another example of why I love wallpaper.

I can't wait to show you more photos of this master bath.  There is a freestanding tub, an amazing shower and did you notice we used wood flooring?  BEAUTIFUL!  

I'm off to celebrate Thanksgiving.  I'm truly thankful for so much - my son, my family and my clients!  They are truly the reason I love my job so much and can't wait to see what the next day has in store.  I hope you will be surrounded by love and laughter this holiday weekend.

Oh, and WAR EAGLE!

Chez Sois {take six}

Well, it's almost finished and anyone who has ever been a part of a construction or remodeling project knows there are always a few "hiccups" along the way.  Even with the best laid plans, things don't always come together as you hope and Chez Sois is no exception.

The kitchen selections were all done, but then the inevitable back order happened.  The accent tile wasn't available and the company couldn't even tell us when it would be.  With the counters already ordered, we made a safe decision by going with the mosaic version of what we already selected for the field tile on the splash.  This ended up being a much better choice than our first!

Here is what we originally picked out...

The quartz counters were white with a warm neutral veining, cabinets were white, main field tile was a white/gray marble and our accent tile (the sample leaning against the cabinet door) was going to tie it all in together.

Once everything was installed, my client just wasn't happy with the white counters.  She waited until everything was done before deciding, but it just wasn't working.  I'm proud of her for not just "living with it" and regretting it years later, but it was definitely a delay and expense we weren't counting on.  So, gray counters were ordered!  Thankfully, we were able to use the first set of counters on another project.

The new counters were installed last week and I took a quick picture before they had finished up...

And this is the only photo I have showing the original counters...

 

With all that was going on with our counters, the contractor made great progress on some of the trim details we had planned.  He was very patient with us in laying out the mantel and paneling on the walls so my client could envision everything he was going to do.  Here's how the mantel literally came to life this week...

Pencil drawings to get all the measurements worked out.

Then, the marble tile surround was installed.

And we are almost there.  Just needs a coat of paint and the new logs!

I will leave you with one last photo of the powder bath progress.  These rooms always end up being my favorite and I can't wait to show you the finished space!

 

New Counters You Can Count On

I have designed a lot of beautiful (and functional) kitchens and bathrooms in my career.  There are so many details that go into these projects that it can be overwhelming to someone who is tackling it for the first time.  Today I want to talk about one of the most important selections you'll have to make and that is counters.


If your kitchen or bathroom need an update and you're not ready to commit to a full remodel, consider replacing just your counters and maybe adding a new tile back splash.  Those two changes alone can make a huge impact and can only increase the value of your space.


Here are the top three materials out there today, along with some photos...

Granite
This is still the top pick for counters in both kitchens and bathrooms.  There are tons of choices out there and the final one can really define the overall look of your space.  I tend to go with a more neutral granite for my clients, like Santa Cecilia or New Venetian Gold.  My biggest piece of advice regarding this type of counter is go see your slabs in person before they are installed.  Every piece of granite is unique and will NEVER look like the sample in the showroom.  If you can't get to the warehouse, insist on seeing photos of your slab before it's installed.

Granite Counters by White Oak Construction

Marble
Like granite, marble is a top pick for counters and is gaining in popularity.  I mainly use it in bathrooms, where staining is less likely to occur.  It has a beautiful look and evokes a sense of classic elegance.  

Carrera Marble Counters by Jennifer Taylor Design

Cappucinno Marble Counters by Jennifer Taylor Design

Engineered Stone
This category encompasses many brands, including my two favorites, Cambria and Zodiaq.  This product is 93% quartz compared to granite which is only 40% to 60%.  Quartz is one of the hardest and most common minerals on earth.  It is super easy to maintain and has a nonporous surface.  Over the years, the manufacturers have made great strides in developing colors that look more like real granite.  I really love this product and use it as much as natural stone.

Cambria Counters by Jennifer Taylor Design

From Cambria Photo Gallery