Before & After Wolfe Island Cottage Remodel

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Q64L76x_EduvmMgZF7CKYBOCl2HMb1A0YAX6ITJbuRk5q4qNN4CZbNqT9LEL46Hi3fep7M6gGmewgIAqs9-a8BA-tm8AJBJIM9Z_J-hU2_2uch8LKNeH6r8BhcQByKCcK7q3fKDvEXQ3/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.25.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Q64L76x_EduvmMgZF7CKYBOCl2HMb1A0YAX6ITJbuRk5q4qNN4CZbNqT9LEL46Hi3fep7M6gGmewgIAqs9-a8BA-tm8AJBJIM9Z_J-hU2_2uch8LKNeH6r8BhcQByKCcK7q3fKDvEXQ3/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.25.07+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back in <a href="http://mynottinghill.blogspot.com/2009/08/inn-style-wolfe-island-canada.html">2009 I noticed this weather worn cottage on Wolfe Island</a>, CA (Thousand Islands) and wondered how it would be with a little TLC.  Well, somebody thought the same and fixed it up in the most charming way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNz7czP0geLZCVzlLEkAJOMw4c0uh8VnOKwdA-UhOCYzDxmqqvdUNyrE3FubHgXqVSDOnRAfGpRPvOMRz6o-zScjlkRmAsJSNt7Z54sBrFkTxl8AzShFTxBLXi76eZN_mrxIzBNfHB6GSX/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.07.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNz7czP0geLZCVzlLEkAJOMw4c0uh8VnOKwdA-UhOCYzDxmqqvdUNyrE3FubHgXqVSDOnRAfGpRPvOMRz6o-zScjlkRmAsJSNt7Z54sBrFkTxl8AzShFTxBLXi76eZN_mrxIzBNfHB6GSX/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.07.25+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />I came across it while checking out <a href="http://www.vrbo.com/412902#photos">vrbo</a>.  The homeowner has covered the walls in an on-trend and classic horizontal planking and added cheerful touches throughout, like this bright green door on the upstairs landing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3489bZaqBPB6yKsLqxvJ0Ocx3NHWzW8BgAbW55SFnT1Bci4o5R94dPg_iuKrVTvrb9Zm9IcICL8jhBfel-zE5NFscqHBVRVa7n87n3Ky50aiXk-sbEpKxqpKnha6y6hkyZByUffR94h4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.10.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3489bZaqBPB6yKsLqxvJ0Ocx3NHWzW8BgAbW55SFnT1Bci4o5R94dPg_iuKrVTvrb9Zm9IcICL8jhBfel-zE5NFscqHBVRVa7n87n3Ky50aiXk-sbEpKxqpKnha6y6hkyZByUffR94h4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.10.19+PM.png" width="486" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpZ1mgF5xXLfLpFOOVPC1vL3ohtiz_p8r6TMh28GhRDSFxi5Dmql_D7k4EbDHHc4MYG5TWuEQymUGUM94Ew2XIJk0Dg5pmaoW9MM3pnQN7A4lojrAXcn3AHQ8wDFV363L79rLrmypP07N/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.07.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpZ1mgF5xXLfLpFOOVPC1vL3ohtiz_p8r6TMh28GhRDSFxi5Dmql_D7k4EbDHHc4MYG5TWuEQymUGUM94Ew2XIJk0Dg5pmaoW9MM3pnQN7A4lojrAXcn3AHQ8wDFV363L79rLrmypP07N/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.07.50+PM.png" width="488" /></a></div><br />Rag rugs on the painted floors are charming.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ny1kGmfn5Hwsc5UpgU3fVTPkGYIyEJUap_kpEog4CJr4JUUIDJkD8bclUb0lnUiutRlEXUPv_GUySl0EqIP9BBAIwb7sXYUMcSxKJAZT65irhBEEgy-bn7vbqoDLLkvt_vEUheJRXxET/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.08.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ny1kGmfn5Hwsc5UpgU3fVTPkGYIyEJUap_kpEog4CJr4JUUIDJkD8bclUb0lnUiutRlEXUPv_GUySl0EqIP9BBAIwb7sXYUMcSxKJAZT65irhBEEgy-bn7vbqoDLLkvt_vEUheJRXxET/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.08.07+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VGL5xpSpz1CvoAR-E2ApyYfkCIFttPJPDdK9JQG2JjxADSu8r5sU1SNNEj_4SPaqJH5uWub74HaGZ3wUn5Ivjh0zb8lLJG1f8avStt_fq4kyMTxvlzLYvCR9xL9Vd4GruB0vYQSw-rTD/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.08.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VGL5xpSpz1CvoAR-E2ApyYfkCIFttPJPDdK9JQG2JjxADSu8r5sU1SNNEj_4SPaqJH5uWub74HaGZ3wUn5Ivjh0zb8lLJG1f8avStt_fq4kyMTxvlzLYvCR9xL9Vd4GruB0vYQSw-rTD/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.08.50+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />A cozy living room for conversation and watching the boats go by.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHr41uTYzkW-zlSeqPbyJiUcR4XeQiIh8QlwzEOKxXhyphenhyphen2AMadMdDMMDQX8GQP_r98BWbO4E-BqsyS4Udi3HuLPVC8WJDWcLmvU_rdgXQRIJqQ3n7FHzoSUJFeXVmGkO_pqEVTRpGZFZEl/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.09.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHr41uTYzkW-zlSeqPbyJiUcR4XeQiIh8QlwzEOKxXhyphenhyphen2AMadMdDMMDQX8GQP_r98BWbO4E-BqsyS4Udi3HuLPVC8WJDWcLmvU_rdgXQRIJqQ3n7FHzoSUJFeXVmGkO_pqEVTRpGZFZEl/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.09.06+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nYrKNC-XfQI6YZ-4EuZQteW7Ntmflt6cp6Yq-qeO_cB0t0qR2pS-c09kTYgrx3KqU665EjqMHl3YRaZkvbcExHmGLpt8kZcOUzljndsInkpKHKqIAO1q6DixEdnyWTiYZ1JxCM2V1bgi/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.10.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nYrKNC-XfQI6YZ-4EuZQteW7Ntmflt6cp6Yq-qeO_cB0t0qR2pS-c09kTYgrx3KqU665EjqMHl3YRaZkvbcExHmGLpt8kZcOUzljndsInkpKHKqIAO1q6DixEdnyWTiYZ1JxCM2V1bgi/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.10.06+PM.png" width="486" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DogZBy0B79hPH0aZfjvuEwMjB6bbsdPW1nuvNxF67SB03D-EXJQMYzLCRSTRTDuY_HWUUUh0EROceuY66n18E3ga8cKYrpI0bp8cXV-r5zEktkYSByWnl4sGDXXlOV7ifqpTwxFLWBaZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.10.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DogZBy0B79hPH0aZfjvuEwMjB6bbsdPW1nuvNxF67SB03D-EXJQMYzLCRSTRTDuY_HWUUUh0EROceuY66n18E3ga8cKYrpI0bp8cXV-r5zEktkYSByWnl4sGDXXlOV7ifqpTwxFLWBaZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.10.35+PM.png" width="488" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWNniS-QFrBorE221axyFypfAY3g8sC1COSxO9llZ81as8ixb-NLYNQ9Oys7l1QMROzxYXJ5qjxAUsSueiu-ba1a0ZaisHxli9R3oaFOZ2WhK8fSxvfvFkLinHpasK6Ws9aueT8BGj7pA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.11.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWNniS-QFrBorE221axyFypfAY3g8sC1COSxO9llZ81as8ixb-NLYNQ9Oys7l1QMROzxYXJ5qjxAUsSueiu-ba1a0ZaisHxli9R3oaFOZ2WhK8fSxvfvFkLinHpasK6Ws9aueT8BGj7pA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+2.11.12+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />If you've never been to the Thousand Islands, be sure to add it to your bucket list!<br /><br />

Before & After Wolfe Island Cottage Remodel

Back in 2009 I noticed this weather worn cottage on Wolfe Island , CA (Thousand Islands) and wondered how it would be with a little TLC.  We...

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Now for the Inside

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Zpxmzm0lMlgHSwwY8hq0kz8onpDSCCnnYRg0D-QI5e_byohCQCMVSxSsx6-5MLIPbLZ6C2xYYftZFg9DhPLpdmrMu9gfSUpON-PWAMSvuZk0NNlMDymf0ifEnNVdbkgKm8-nyYJRl85z/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-19+at+5.13.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Zpxmzm0lMlgHSwwY8hq0kz8onpDSCCnnYRg0D-QI5e_byohCQCMVSxSsx6-5MLIPbLZ6C2xYYftZFg9DhPLpdmrMu9gfSUpON-PWAMSvuZk0NNlMDymf0ifEnNVdbkgKm8-nyYJRl85z/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-19+at+5.13.47+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;">In yesterdays post, a few people commented about wondering what the inside of Arkansas based landscape designer </span><a href="http://dkdesignoutdoor.com/" style="text-align: left;">Daniel Keeley</a>'s home.   Well, here it is - looks like his talent extends to interior<span style="text-align: left;"> design too!  Images via </span><a href="http://www.athomearkansas.com/blog/outside-box-d-keeley-big-reveal" style="text-align: left;">Outside the Box with D. Keeley - At Home in Arkansas</a><span style="text-align: left;">.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwbjm-bKeIRbniXnVkFvKmanvxoxiH8nI5JxV0TIaNSgBb0OZRD4tyuqdKdVSsfrcym4c8hiGqmu_hiGyQFkSzGBeFWghkfu7waktstOaAoiHVloHx9dtqX5e5r6ysD5I-Y3sRab7xhZm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-19+at+5.14.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwbjm-bKeIRbniXnVkFvKmanvxoxiH8nI5JxV0TIaNSgBb0OZRD4tyuqdKdVSsfrcym4c8hiGqmu_hiGyQFkSzGBeFWghkfu7waktstOaAoiHVloHx9dtqX5e5r6ysD5I-Y3sRab7xhZm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-19+at+5.14.04+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZI09D7LUXKpii9txe088Fb9Yjv00m3OP4ZzrJ4SNUY0uHTwqk50qvc5mDLcS5E3W_2Dbo6HwLCHb53FKSdErYCaa-FTAdx1aSyDSaklvxpkUJwXHA8xOjPydfnM1dRstxDPfHjLRoXIK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-19+at+5.13.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZI09D7LUXKpii9txe088Fb9Yjv00m3OP4ZzrJ4SNUY0uHTwqk50qvc5mDLcS5E3W_2Dbo6HwLCHb53FKSdErYCaa-FTAdx1aSyDSaklvxpkUJwXHA8xOjPydfnM1dRstxDPfHjLRoXIK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-19+at+5.13.29+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPtYwKgixvyVWyOidnWFtvoe0R376iXcPanpMmQr0322JaM2HcX6-HCrkldPJdmqADYeal7hTPSihqIspdw_-ols_UrgBk2DsU19wfhyphenhyphenME9Gyl89Ga3m-pqXrzl4jWx7VRuWiFXvWy1qa/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-19+at+5.14.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPtYwKgixvyVWyOidnWFtvoe0R376iXcPanpMmQr0322JaM2HcX6-HCrkldPJdmqADYeal7hTPSihqIspdw_-ols_UrgBk2DsU19wfhyphenhyphenME9Gyl89Ga3m-pqXrzl4jWx7VRuWiFXvWy1qa/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-19+at+5.14.26+PM.png" width="498" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dtqWoQpnsW2Rg7Rq6FEgk-f3t-9GfZOCzvHQPCtvUdewJrM0msiWKR4cwCJl7uIpf_jJym2WqKIlV7IpMoee82420eAq9szwh2Dk6havd6SPGI3hoQzElRrh-iFDHEMInOU7GDJVI7UT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-19+at+5.14.48+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dtqWoQpnsW2Rg7Rq6FEgk-f3t-9GfZOCzvHQPCtvUdewJrM0msiWKR4cwCJl7uIpf_jJym2WqKIlV7IpMoee82420eAq9szwh2Dk6havd6SPGI3hoQzElRrh-iFDHEMInOU7GDJVI7UT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-19+at+5.14.48+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Exterior renovation featured <a href="http://mynottinghill.blogspot.com/2014/02/an-amazing-exterior-renovation.html">here</a>.

Now for the Inside

In yesterdays post, a few people commented about wondering what the inside of Arkansas based landscape designer  Daniel Keeley 's home. ...

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A Capitol Hill Renovation

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s1z2RV7wMTetx6ItEpEpsTuv3AHT2R8c0wiqhpckhv_e12JpZa4KD454FlJDOo7unsnwS7AfDUovpmg0LbbQjs_rqmooPCNfQNqSK_ClJ5Y4Gzq1tCBERH-HLatM-IFu5Q5_q5bJL8tG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-08+at+6.12.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s1z2RV7wMTetx6ItEpEpsTuv3AHT2R8c0wiqhpckhv_e12JpZa4KD454FlJDOo7unsnwS7AfDUovpmg0LbbQjs_rqmooPCNfQNqSK_ClJ5Y4Gzq1tCBERH-HLatM-IFu5Q5_q5bJL8tG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-08+at+6.12.16+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love it when an owner adds on to their home in the most stylish and stunning way.  That's the case with this Capitol Hill home. My favorite part is the three tall french doors spanning the back and those gorgeous lanterns. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0lg0iXWxeRAWOjh_VyDojdDpvRlW7APgFuKWmg-5aJWsRDlimKNvfWVfX1XqLaFpWPxPq-G3BqFWFaBrfKzvjqftVniFVI-sOTKJ6TjUDboL4xPW3YJybaY6EB1-3Y2Olhl5PVhwz8Jn/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-08+at+6.09.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0lg0iXWxeRAWOjh_VyDojdDpvRlW7APgFuKWmg-5aJWsRDlimKNvfWVfX1XqLaFpWPxPq-G3BqFWFaBrfKzvjqftVniFVI-sOTKJ6TjUDboL4xPW3YJybaY6EB1-3Y2Olhl5PVhwz8Jn/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-08+at+6.09.58+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzW-vLQ0vhoAqv55ka8uDE3AiQWtM2bySYnf11QDHfuZeNZiZsqiOciNZOw7VXsxgntomUkUaLn7qY3kXfLbsI1OHJpchyzwwO0vc3JkESUmOtOJWtFhuVyE3qBOQIyjEHzmw4LcNUuCA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-08+at+6.10.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzW-vLQ0vhoAqv55ka8uDE3AiQWtM2bySYnf11QDHfuZeNZiZsqiOciNZOw7VXsxgntomUkUaLn7qY3kXfLbsI1OHJpchyzwwO0vc3JkESUmOtOJWtFhuVyE3qBOQIyjEHzmw4LcNUuCA/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-10-08+at+6.10.25+PM.png" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRXA6lEx_DY2IPaobNHXlTHMrxBZ4mqcbTcFSevGNlUzQ2zcbo8DD8rpZ6njVq_7-pglJskdzNulDAu6udkzVfPnMZuQDav6eEBqO0otG57vUKNVHyoehRTYmcVJjPGyniPsiULyKYfNR/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-08+at+6.05.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRXA6lEx_DY2IPaobNHXlTHMrxBZ4mqcbTcFSevGNlUzQ2zcbo8DD8rpZ6njVq_7-pglJskdzNulDAu6udkzVfPnMZuQDav6eEBqO0otG57vUKNVHyoehRTYmcVJjPGyniPsiULyKYfNR/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-10-08+at+6.05.41+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">Renovation by </span><a href="http://www.thorsenconstruction.us/" style="text-align: left;">Thorsen Construction</a><span style="text-align: left;">, architect Frederick Taylor and kitchen design by <a href="http://www.gilmerkitchens.com/">Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath</a>.  More images via Thorsen Construction </span><a href="http://www.thorsenconstruction.us/showcase/custom-homes-additions/Capitol%20Hill" style="text-align: left;">here</a><span style="text-align: left;">. </span><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">Hope you have a great Monday!</span><a data-pin-config="none" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" /></a><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>

A Capitol Hill Renovation

I love it when an owner adds on to their home in the most stylish and stunning way.  That's the case with this Capitol Hill home. My fav...

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Our Basement Reno Progess

Did you ever wonder what happened to the basement renovation I mentioned almost <a href="http://mynottinghill.blogspot.com/2012/06/renovation-progress.html">2 years ago</a>? Well, we had a good start and then very slow progress.   Here's the current status. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBznJ7nCdod_do-IeXhjFUvdNrS12cohEfhRTWAT-a1tXTW7yAycNC-8cGNaZ0v8eISzCwO9xfXI7B-CnbSiqrNG16CI8vaar2pLJIOD-VmzXp2bgv3vBJYjC9E1puUU_fOx4dp98NOGL/s1600/P1130333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBznJ7nCdod_do-IeXhjFUvdNrS12cohEfhRTWAT-a1tXTW7yAycNC-8cGNaZ0v8eISzCwO9xfXI7B-CnbSiqrNG16CI8vaar2pLJIOD-VmzXp2bgv3vBJYjC9E1puUU_fOx4dp98NOGL/s640/P1130333.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />This the view to the left of the stairs when you first walk down.  A window was added and the door replaced - it exits outs to three steps that bring you level with the backyard.<br />Below is it's current state. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLONNLCdGGSreC5mKDIK1RgXoJ9W-uow61S1sdS7-h1l9tyKqi_fBSvu7bXLM7sw-4qTPoos5pvjrwoKj6U2PaVXEWDRjVDFBbuGOoDqYHSSOcNhwpv19ZH9skRLrqr05nKQ5LiMIeYfH/s1600/IMG_3193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLONNLCdGGSreC5mKDIK1RgXoJ9W-uow61S1sdS7-h1l9tyKqi_fBSvu7bXLM7sw-4qTPoos5pvjrwoKj6U2PaVXEWDRjVDFBbuGOoDqYHSSOcNhwpv19ZH9skRLrqr05nKQ5LiMIeYfH/s640/IMG_3193.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />\<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Pjn5sPph4bax_fNjNWEnCpH1029OXQlBeQRSBcvqzd-QY7cljDBH0kCohZaDgr4_JM1bl65zFPCFglMvs6uHONEJqcHmluPiSkMiObsE2_MLLWnSvNNUaYJZev6h43rBfqLOoJVfOp4-/s1600/P1130332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Pjn5sPph4bax_fNjNWEnCpH1029OXQlBeQRSBcvqzd-QY7cljDBH0kCohZaDgr4_JM1bl65zFPCFglMvs6uHONEJqcHmluPiSkMiObsE2_MLLWnSvNNUaYJZev6h43rBfqLOoJVfOp4-/s640/P1130332.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />You're looking at the future bathroom, through to one of the bedrooms. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguND27ZyPPZg7YcSk_MB40Q70NI0SmV4vLKjxwd1SBXdsHdZfGEjmTSHnInJW-rWBAGHP-Fu0fzvdfOpud46iK0AUCT_rUFoco7ww5OC2hBvhAAlPZHbK5nGnnXPfcv0JTr6t8_oRuvHcs/s1600/IMG_3192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguND27ZyPPZg7YcSk_MB40Q70NI0SmV4vLKjxwd1SBXdsHdZfGEjmTSHnInJW-rWBAGHP-Fu0fzvdfOpud46iK0AUCT_rUFoco7ww5OC2hBvhAAlPZHbK5nGnnXPfcv0JTr6t8_oRuvHcs/s640/IMG_3192.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here's the bathroom currently - the bureau in the distance will become the sink vanity.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MyWS8pmGXE6xybKKf4DpheKK5h20NhZYb38UgbQ-ZT13ut4lnMGkAn9lntjY0vfXE5TtYzmJ8MAyhj4ECYx8U6YNNHph2iPkQSj8PKruYAOAddgnQOwXtZ5qHtRBY1bZU9sRjxg6iLqG/s1600/P1130335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MyWS8pmGXE6xybKKf4DpheKK5h20NhZYb38UgbQ-ZT13ut4lnMGkAn9lntjY0vfXE5TtYzmJ8MAyhj4ECYx8U6YNNHph2iPkQSj8PKruYAOAddgnQOwXtZ5qHtRBY1bZU9sRjxg6iLqG/s640/P1130335.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The bathroom you just saw is to the right in this picture.  We made the hallway fairly wide so it wouldn't feel like a tunnel.  The closet for the right bedroom is behind the end of the hallway.  At the end of the hall, to the left, is the second bedroom. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYxsFyyiNuUUlf8y8_dOdA3KXFEbH2KXvxC1gR9RQZ_cJXuGIinjBMZq2y00JCbEWpt32n1erq2sVUYdx5kUSb4eB3ODOdO7agbofGSc99RLIvkpvNoyzSAdzCewgk-9U3FJo0CekZfO7/s1600/IMG_3184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYxsFyyiNuUUlf8y8_dOdA3KXFEbH2KXvxC1gR9RQZ_cJXuGIinjBMZq2y00JCbEWpt32n1erq2sVUYdx5kUSb4eB3ODOdO7agbofGSc99RLIvkpvNoyzSAdzCewgk-9U3FJo0CekZfO7/s640/IMG_3184.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /> Remember the ceilings are yet to be dry walled! :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz1nzx-l1l8Xtaz4n53NIpxsSCz4qNP71z-i3i5q1qnCqcTD77v7ZfSOk6158miMbfbQXX1UVGUQnT1wD_DkrfLt5rGTlL0_AnIX_knCVHOb67-y456Cc8EYQb_zblVhG6MH4wfFZJCLu/s1600/IMG_2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz1nzx-l1l8Xtaz4n53NIpxsSCz4qNP71z-i3i5q1qnCqcTD77v7ZfSOk6158miMbfbQXX1UVGUQnT1wD_DkrfLt5rGTlL0_AnIX_knCVHOb67-y456Cc8EYQb_zblVhG6MH4wfFZJCLu/s640/IMG_2139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I know, this is a crazy pile of assorted stuff but soon it will be the tv/hang out area.  The wall the to the right - behind the sofa - is the walk-in closet for the second bedroom.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwBOF42Jz_-m3lmvXFCyqr0mqj6SBxsrtqgk-TjLxo3zRgUO9MRbWhZKSbbWubXPEk7rnl6R2RP54gS99kIPeJ8HFmmg31JUpH42OO08AcqTEAu-Bt_LIuqT22Db0HKJ7vGi0q6-yYShK/s1600/IMG_3185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwBOF42Jz_-m3lmvXFCyqr0mqj6SBxsrtqgk-TjLxo3zRgUO9MRbWhZKSbbWubXPEk7rnl6R2RP54gS99kIPeJ8HFmmg31JUpH42OO08AcqTEAu-Bt_LIuqT22Db0HKJ7vGi0q6-yYShK/s640/IMG_3185.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Since this area had an existing pine paneling and dry wall combination, I decided to have it paneled to create a cohesive space that ties in these two elements. The plan is to paint it all in one color in a semi-gloss finish.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtCpeHBWpVOEfwIWVj4Rk4W-iI_XujifDHB_zWzkXL1syk1c3W7q4h4EfLFJw4d5HCQvBuCgQ0zrvJp6F1pEfSw0cEeDyVAmgTAJZphkyp6JQp_-ONF-ez_5CuZLp67ATio-QqFm9oHzr/s1600/IMG_2140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtCpeHBWpVOEfwIWVj4Rk4W-iI_XujifDHB_zWzkXL1syk1c3W7q4h4EfLFJw4d5HCQvBuCgQ0zrvJp6F1pEfSw0cEeDyVAmgTAJZphkyp6JQp_-ONF-ez_5CuZLp67ATio-QqFm9oHzr/s640/IMG_2140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsTVxtg3gr34LB1zkjq6GnBR8zIPDy3-LDBC4tQXjLcIy3bfMQ6tm42UThfhrg0BGXUZsREfBgWtUocf3H8bNfRPMpMMKidLYXXc6MOCkdzLCr3gWAE3ITeKjlTfDnfC2cHjhO0A8CDur/s1600/IMG_3186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsTVxtg3gr34LB1zkjq6GnBR8zIPDy3-LDBC4tQXjLcIy3bfMQ6tm42UThfhrg0BGXUZsREfBgWtUocf3H8bNfRPMpMMKidLYXXc6MOCkdzLCr3gWAE3ITeKjlTfDnfC2cHjhO0A8CDur/s640/IMG_3186.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The door will be painted the same color as the walls.  A wall mounted flat screen will be placed to the left of the door.  (Not quite sure why the electrician placed that outlet so high but the t.v. will cover it.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />

Our Basement Reno Progess

Did you ever wonder what happened to the basement renovation I mentioned almost 2 years ago ? Well, we had a good start and then very slow p...

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Renovation Progress

A long overdue update on our renovation progress. The stairs have been moved from the kitchen to the former dining room that connects the living room, kitchen and family room.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaipMvUYSFcsLB7ULtCZ4saJIdPPDIGhXyAgu-iCQVuCkCgTs6epawptjQYxyXOJSY4Gb-dgkVWnnRr0at9VGwtDk5WYakNi7e9cAHj1nEtLYRYdjPNY77Qj0zUKtvUblcd6LCH4vRnql5/s1600/dbath.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5759296008579494562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaipMvUYSFcsLB7ULtCZ4saJIdPPDIGhXyAgu-iCQVuCkCgTs6epawptjQYxyXOJSY4Gb-dgkVWnnRr0at9VGwtDk5WYakNi7e9cAHj1nEtLYRYdjPNY77Qj0zUKtvUblcd6LCH4vRnql5/s400/dbath.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="640" /></a> There will be a large bathroom w/a wet area (this first space you see), two bedrooms, a media area and a large laundry/craft/storage area on the other side.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIcOz9168VdNxIEM30NEZZyJtPL6y0cyt7csxTm_wjKc9KAbND-aAePKv0uTqz-fFRJreNgWDFuatDCW-6eHyN9Q-WaFyMnp9tPOZyt_-6rCn7qUEk1Lw1X2A_dyRldWHnm9KJE-keSFN/s1600/dppool.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5759295922413174802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIcOz9168VdNxIEM30NEZZyJtPL6y0cyt7csxTm_wjKc9KAbND-aAePKv0uTqz-fFRJreNgWDFuatDCW-6eHyN9Q-WaFyMnp9tPOZyt_-6rCn7qUEk1Lw1X2A_dyRldWHnm9KJE-keSFN/s400/dppool.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> Here's a new window that adds in more light. Four steps up and you're at the level of the pool.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDW48H3yfp8FJUYriUNcn5wAbgSa6NlrltdAU9fi56GItNawVbyeOyXvsaKIHqTIwugJANtJnFdRS47yPml6YtqHpvUG0mV0kezqQ-tjywtMesmNiF_r2ic3Qszj2CU8xbd4XJmuCUaj-S/s1600/dbedr.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5759295815050835746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDW48H3yfp8FJUYriUNcn5wAbgSa6NlrltdAU9fi56GItNawVbyeOyXvsaKIHqTIwugJANtJnFdRS47yPml6YtqHpvUG0mV0kezqQ-tjywtMesmNiF_r2ic3Qszj2CU8xbd4XJmuCUaj-S/s400/dbedr.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> One of the 2 bedrooms w/a 3' x 4' egress window. The second bedroom has a large walk-in closet.<br /><br />

Renovation Progress

A long overdue update on our renovation progress. The stairs have been moved from the kitchen to the former dining room that connects the li...

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My Reno: Getting X Stair Rails

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenN57bom_PxwyBi-AdASzBQD9OPUselp_XffVnJG9TxZWeLuASZVht6olJen0m1e7dQerNWwe4o612_fNWNy0Rht9oUFjEaQ9uQaMzYrB_zwrkD_ayHa-z68CVr_G25KSdQzx-Wm-nuob/s1600/P1130084.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671125554371957858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenN57bom_PxwyBi-AdASzBQD9OPUselp_XffVnJG9TxZWeLuASZVht6olJen0m1e7dQerNWwe4o612_fNWNy0Rht9oUFjEaQ9uQaMzYrB_zwrkD_ayHa-z68CVr_G25KSdQzx-Wm-nuob/s640/P1130084.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width;" /></a>What do you think of my current stair rail?? Luckily I don't have small children and this barrier of furniture and random piles of wood and plastic has prevented anyone from falling over. *(The blue tape shows where a new window will go. The new lower level windows and doors are in.)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOtUcrGMbRh-BrJgjCRFSSYdHjbKDnvoiWdNyk2dIXi-0WaKrzUaI-BGWQuGxCNIJI8Q5rxo-XIcdQdMmzKZ9x2lRpQ8piXOV4tRDlP_Wy0DJ0c8xcyhgjrrHMJigw5Sm3lfGwmzJQMMO/s1600/scottyetman.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671124850166885058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOtUcrGMbRh-BrJgjCRFSSYdHjbKDnvoiWdNyk2dIXi-0WaKrzUaI-BGWQuGxCNIJI8Q5rxo-XIcdQdMmzKZ9x2lRpQ8piXOV4tRDlP_Wy0DJ0c8xcyhgjrrHMJigw5Sm3lfGwmzJQMMO/s800/scottyetman.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width;" /></a>Monday the stair rail fabricator is coming to measure for the X stair rails - which will be very similar to these. After months of indecision I've decided to go with this design and have a solution planned so they will pass code. For inspiration: (1) the above gorgeous stairs and entry by Canadian designer Scott Yetman. The image is via the blog Home Bunch - go <a href="http://www.homebunch.com/an-elegant-house-by-scott-yetman">here</a> to see his whole house.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9L0mYzAj8-dilPMlZbaCkkBu7ig9i1SUdFQl3Ce2NK4HahiWW7OvNR_prsyJR9O00FsNoVNFUAsrk-rNRdrLSsGwF5oL5PJliuInRynut6r-8cs2yAvo4A3HkSGiT0vRGSfA1AOv6JjFp/s1600/GinnertyRailIdea2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671124765883367266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9L0mYzAj8-dilPMlZbaCkkBu7ig9i1SUdFQl3Ce2NK4HahiWW7OvNR_prsyJR9O00FsNoVNFUAsrk-rNRdrLSsGwF5oL5PJliuInRynut6r-8cs2yAvo4A3HkSGiT0vRGSfA1AOv6JjFp/s640/GinnertyRailIdea2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width;" /></a>and (2) these amazing stair rails from Suzanne Kasler (photographer not known).<div><br /></div><div>Hope you have a great weekend!</div>

My Reno: Getting X Stair Rails

What do you think of my current stair rail?? Luckily I don't have small children and this barrier of furniture and random piles of wood...

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Hole in Floor - Our Renovation Underway!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlr-FPcjrOn28T60IxuOfSKqPsNATZijLK5wHJQ_b_7b_q6y0aA27ujJr_tO9qk55D0ns9Vv9i44l2XzNKiLRLIuoq8a9U0-pP7C7h-bnyHYynnaANaW02cmePG46ykZBG3ZmP2tw1IQF/s1600/P1110812.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633265906856950530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlr-FPcjrOn28T60IxuOfSKqPsNATZijLK5wHJQ_b_7b_q6y0aA27ujJr_tO9qk55D0ns9Vv9i44l2XzNKiLRLIuoq8a9U0-pP7C7h-bnyHYynnaANaW02cmePG46ykZBG3ZmP2tw1IQF/s640/P1110812.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width;" /></a>If you've read my blog awhile you know about my problem room. Built in 1954, our house had a <a href="http://www.mynottinghill.blogspot.com/2010/02/visit-from-wanda-crossley-transformed.html">narrow "dining room"</a> that connected the living room to the family room addition (seen in the background of this photo) and the kitchen and den/office. The kitchen is another problem child as it has an awkward L shape. Nothing like opening your dishwasher only to have 5 inches of clearance to get by to the basement stairs. <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaQaVwuJRwI-nmFSR8jryK2f7qNp-DX2HgaP3I_2skCVkZanJmEo8SGAWiXVx3oXypqh3Hc4sQnvEDyqpp25Hro91DjOCyz2-slcFCjSXtHYGkSAkgEP1FAlO2ezkjL-AsynbTMc2D2kf/s1600/before3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633285425959001634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaQaVwuJRwI-nmFSR8jryK2f7qNp-DX2HgaP3I_2skCVkZanJmEo8SGAWiXVx3oXypqh3Hc4sQnvEDyqpp25Hro91DjOCyz2-slcFCjSXtHYGkSAkgEP1FAlO2ezkjL-AsynbTMc2D2kf/s400/before3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>Above pic, Narrow Dining Room, Christmas 2009.</div><div><br />Well, finally after living here 10 years, it dawned on us that we could relocate the stairs to the basement from the kitchen into the dining room*. (*which we haven't used as a dining room since last year when we made the former den/office the dining room.) Above is the tape marking where the new stairs to the basement will be. You'll head down the stairs from the living room.<br /><br />BEFORE<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPNngEcqLOElDvzvRM302JAqSw_ADsDFbnA1pHmYmpUzK4DDgsLmaAEhyABIkA5zvcDHxQ9ZOta24754LJyK2uxhICH5QXq1cAXqAOu8b7ZJKVQNR01YFxgXY8YcFtK72ZN47tWbf0sk9/s1600/floorplanbefore.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633263911041441250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPNngEcqLOElDvzvRM302JAqSw_ADsDFbnA1pHmYmpUzK4DDgsLmaAEhyABIkA5zvcDHxQ9ZOta24754LJyK2uxhICH5QXq1cAXqAOu8b7ZJKVQNR01YFxgXY8YcFtK72ZN47tWbf0sk9/s400/floorplanbefore.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 353px;" /></a>The office/tv den (currently functioning as the dining room) was originally a carport.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">NEW</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yX-vaiSQct2TY_Cs3gpjCbdsKCDb39xb6E2QqUuJP7R8wat_Kdn_lrx0OAJf37uGfeLCsRTteKaIa0VaclOqGFD5tet80mNwjCWi9WSTr3oKSH_j-JZ-hOCksCN2fKpkiENEH3whVXsR/s1600/floorplan.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633263124018125106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yX-vaiSQct2TY_Cs3gpjCbdsKCDb39xb6E2QqUuJP7R8wat_Kdn_lrx0OAJf37uGfeLCsRTteKaIa0VaclOqGFD5tet80mNwjCWi9WSTr3oKSH_j-JZ-hOCksCN2fKpkiENEH3whVXsR/s640/floorplan.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width;" /></a>Here's the new first floor plan showing where the stairs will be. This gives us a larger kitchen that is not L shaped! </div><div>- There will be a tall window too to let light into the space and down the stairs. </div><div>- The opening to the kitchen will be about 7 ft wide, flanked by built in cabinets on either side. From the front door you won't be able to see the kitchen sink but you will get a view into the far corner of the kitchen/family room area. </div><div>- It's also possible during the renovation that we'll expand the kitchen out a bit to the left, into the hall/stair space. </div><div>- The wall that is against the dining room will be the cooking area, our counter depth Blomberg fridge will relocate to the right side of the sink, in the corner. I also plan to put my grandmother's small kitchen table, with drop down leaves, in the center of the kitchen.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFFbzUOgoGi5WksFpt6ae_q-xk3IwyCGG81_kE1JVx4xJIklI3UEcJ4mSsObeLoRQ_ZSRQf_C6S1qenpFL1l8UJIyb9QZrIy7V-Joz7SIcsYg8oPPwjy0Fz4hTJ2doqxJZpZyEBrIrO4B/s1600/P1110813.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633265728932634626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFFbzUOgoGi5WksFpt6ae_q-xk3IwyCGG81_kE1JVx4xJIklI3UEcJ4mSsObeLoRQ_ZSRQf_C6S1qenpFL1l8UJIyb9QZrIy7V-Joz7SIcsYg8oPPwjy0Fz4hTJ2doqxJZpZyEBrIrO4B/s400/P1110813.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>I love my carpenter! (aka my husband) Here he is, hard at work, starting to remove the floor. I'm not worried since he built our family room addition back in 2004. He might not be worried either, but I'm not sure how happy he is... As he keeps telling me, "I'll be happy when I have it all finished." </div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">New Lower Level </span></b>- Because of the slope of our lot, our basement is 2/3 above ground. After we renovate that area we'll have:</div><div><br /></div><div>2 bedrooms</div><div>1 bath (expanded from it's current size)</div><div>TV/media area</div><div>Multi-purpose space with laundry, craft area, storage and wet bar for entertaining</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll post on that tomorrow as I have to head off to work now. I've been off for 3 weeks so this will be hard!</div>

Hole in Floor - Our Renovation Underway!

If you've read my blog awhile you know about my problem room. Built in 1954, our house had a narrow "dining room" that conne...

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A cave, a view & a dream

<div align="left"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339940027610881650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eFrA9WFIArI2xoC-n0pWqbmJY3sTa93rZUhTH69ynQAX7-IdiEqNYM93wxlCpWVgP_WckMtUJoE5oDxNChk0mE03om2qzMB7xr8GkFv742zaiqcgaqN7wPa-3DI_XsjioBq_NjzmO44/s800/untitled4.bmp" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />A very interesting email arrived... "I too was a management consultant for 20 years but left it all behind to renovate a couple of caves on the cliffs of Oia-Santorini." It ended with <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Wave from the cave~</strong></span><br /><br />Renovate a couple of caves? Leave the corporate world behind? You see Michael of <a href="http://www.oiasantorini.com/">Oia Santorini </a>had a dream that spanned over 20 years, a dream to wake up each morning to a spectacular Santorini view. Above is one of the two cave homes he and his family are renovating. Love this blue door. Below is the spectacular view of his dreams. </div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgFanQC50HRueaWntky9fUA3Pfr2JNDeb7vLt2TRoKvjEYJMUZ4KzVdugN9r1LUxYO3ESx9Qt8o6PJl63ONpPX4ZYQoDYCkFmY5-dEIIw8hz31r-tCqKhyphenhyphenXGu7OJ-LkzJNuZaR31dnQg/s1600-h/untitled5.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339939927415317506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgFanQC50HRueaWntky9fUA3Pfr2JNDeb7vLt2TRoKvjEYJMUZ4KzVdugN9r1LUxYO3ESx9Qt8o6PJl63ONpPX4ZYQoDYCkFmY5-dEIIw8hz31r-tCqKhyphenhyphenXGu7OJ-LkzJNuZaR31dnQg/s800/untitled5.bmp" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzTSoMg0tmGkaNE4b4pxI8YHfjrmXqE8wrcq7QzfZwROxxCxbUeFUjv1ufKCGpKh8vGDU88oNeC7OLw4zpwplfLniNJvrm6FII-vpmcbW1zeWZLwK0lgd9_WK_380M3Wb6GrVMnnioFA/s1600-h/untitled2.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339939821942704290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzTSoMg0tmGkaNE4b4pxI8YHfjrmXqE8wrcq7QzfZwROxxCxbUeFUjv1ufKCGpKh8vGDU88oNeC7OLw4zpwplfLniNJvrm6FII-vpmcbW1zeWZLwK0lgd9_WK_380M3Wb6GrVMnnioFA/s800/untitled2.bmp" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> His blog, <a href="http://www.oiasantorini.com/">Oia Santorini</a>, is about "adventures, trials & tribulations, sheer joy, wonder, frustration, inspiration and self discovery..." Below is a picture of the mules who move away the dirt and the rocks, bag-by-bag.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAFgGtNlAqVHLXbufKokjJOcoohqmANfe0o9Bqpa-cn_f0NHCyukUJfvFQI6RS3KhNNFulVmuB-0k_GV3JzagIDf4Oq9i8SoMuFkjnnAPvfDK9DCnX1guDbj7oy71NovaJ19bydS6TbY/s1600-h/untitled3.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339939377361714146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAFgGtNlAqVHLXbufKokjJOcoohqmANfe0o9Bqpa-cn_f0NHCyukUJfvFQI6RS3KhNNFulVmuB-0k_GV3JzagIDf4Oq9i8SoMuFkjnnAPvfDK9DCnX1guDbj7oy71NovaJ19bydS6TbY/s800/untitled3.bmp" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> A special application of plastic and mesh prevents moisture problems that can cause the interior paint to peel away in the winter.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnE6be3NXCNMqbRICmHsp9BpYlLV7yfm0dFlKo7qHcO4uW-D7hyVuWVDLabCorYlL8CuYS4ABTsjYxsoERWAMeQKebJwhwWTc_9EqwlBmcUS9FvKB9SE6TH3SO7EcJjClZeUqmSEdL2xQ/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339939261988605442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnE6be3NXCNMqbRICmHsp9BpYlLV7yfm0dFlKo7qHcO4uW-D7hyVuWVDLabCorYlL8CuYS4ABTsjYxsoERWAMeQKebJwhwWTc_9EqwlBmcUS9FvKB9SE6TH3SO7EcJjClZeUqmSEdL2xQ/s800/untitled.bmp" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I'm looking forward to following this blog as the renovation continues and to vicariously enjoying these incredible views along the way.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2U428Rtb4Vt-le4wWdkDgFtgSU_2wpqJ5nAYstK31hnKoyW8xuA_6hyphenhyphen60Rip5AOKQ58j96qwaH1P6Nxw1ssnlTBaV3K7-Y3fgZ8XBhfa4Bfu8cH9BjHtploZgprOQNxJpNGEpK9wOck/s1600-h/untitled1.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339939573871973570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2U428Rtb4Vt-le4wWdkDgFtgSU_2wpqJ5nAYstK31hnKoyW8xuA_6hyphenhyphen60Rip5AOKQ58j96qwaH1P6Nxw1ssnlTBaV3K7-Y3fgZ8XBhfa4Bfu8cH9BjHtploZgprOQNxJpNGEpK9wOck/s800/untitled1.bmp" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFFURshRp8WP9a6AA8zpzfF4N0Gw9aBMp2rurnxQgzGEl4bt3SZXacMF2NSyHwQMlheevcaKm7AGY7xU1CnxRyDip7ZsWu6t3HMb9hbC-EV26txupB15xTWtfbyUj2tFQgn6qDhseF_Q/s1600-h/untitled8.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339938979349798690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFFURshRp8WP9a6AA8zpzfF4N0Gw9aBMp2rurnxQgzGEl4bt3SZXacMF2NSyHwQMlheevcaKm7AGY7xU1CnxRyDip7ZsWu6t3HMb9hbC-EV26txupB15xTWtfbyUj2tFQgn6qDhseF_Q/s800/untitled8.bmp" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdk7o8rY7zg5OmXZ2C29AHixN52pIh_fDBspNkL7VjinOmIk4ISY2QMtUlq9eavfF4faQ6NewmbDai8ZMEt2IfF5p0e2FMWkzUZThg21nIIl9Ud67r6UZLUfr8nRhQ8xitGW9rgAE1spE/s1600-h/t8.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339935608427291874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdk7o8rY7zg5OmXZ2C29AHixN52pIh_fDBspNkL7VjinOmIk4ISY2QMtUlq9eavfF4faQ6NewmbDai8ZMEt2IfF5p0e2FMWkzUZThg21nIIl9Ud67r6UZLUfr8nRhQ8xitGW9rgAE1spE/s800/t8.bmp" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Cheers to dreams, to paths contemplated, to journeys taken!</strong></span> </p><p><span style="color:#666666;">(all copyrighted photos posted with permission, <a href="http://www.oiasantorini.com/">Oia Santorini</a>)</span></p>

A cave, a view & a dream

A very interesting email arrived... "I too was a management consultant for 20 years but left it all behind to renovate a couple of cave...

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