The Lights are On...

The lights are on but we aren't home--yet.

It's taking a little longer than I thought.

(I think things should be instant and all the contractors should drop what they're doing and work on my house--RIGHT NOW.)

Something we learned during our other renovation adventures:

Put more lights than you think you want in the kitchen.

This kitchen has TEN cans, two pendants and four under counter lights, plus an outlet over the dish cabinet that I can use for uplighting or a lamp.  Possibly Christmas decorating???

Here's the view I'll have from the kitchen to the family room.I plan to move the garbage can and eventually replace the boob light.

I found these pendants in Destin at the Restoration Hardware Clearance Center.

I went back the last time we were there and it had closed. 

That's a major disappointment since the prices were fantastic (70% off some things).

Here's the staircase- finished. 

This pict of the sconce in the landing isn't the best, but that little fixture adds a lot of charm and light.

The range was installed today--yippee!

It fits in the hole--whew! and is level--I think.

It weighs about 300 pounds.

Note the foot prints on the corners where the guy sat down on the floor and pushed it in.

I'll let you know if my cooking improves.

We have a few more odds and ends to finish--the vent over the stove for one-- and then we can call for inspections.

Our furniture was moved in over the weekend  and maybe we can move in at the end of this week.

Stay tuned,

Patti

The New Staircase

The staircase is in and finished.

These pictures don't do it justice. 

The installer was very good--we're delighted with the work.

We had planned to paint the newel posts but reconsidered and went with stain.

Here's a sneak peek at the lights for the front.

Too bad they're on back-order till the middle of August.

Come back soon for more picts.

Patti

The Sweet Old Lady in Birmingham

Here it is: Will''s first place--first non-college place that is.

His tudor style "Sweet Old Lady" in Birmingham.

I think he picked well. 

 It's an 1920's era apartment that's been renovated--to a point.

Now, I have to say that this wasn't exactly the easiest place to move into.

It's up a full flight of stairs from the on-street parking and then across the yard and then up another flight to the second floor.

At least the entry hall is welcoming after the climb-really wide and bright; not the norm.

There's an entry foyer into the unit--very unique based on others he looked at.

I really like the arch. There's a phone nook on the left wall-you can almost see it behind the door.

The Old Lady's kitchen is placial for her era.

Black and white ceramic tile, new counter top, newer fridge and it HAS a dishwasher.

The shelve in the back was probably an ironing board but has been turned into a spice rack--super handy for a kitchen with few cabinets.

There's room for a small table and a couple of chairs--maybe ikea later.

I love the architectural details.

  Is this a great way to hide a ceiling beam or what!

The ceilings are high--I think 9 feet plus.

The bathroom is huge (I know I keep saying that, but so many older apartments are teeny tiny) and its been updated with a new toilet, sink and tile.

The floor tile is original--baby blue and white--pretty good.

Check out the painted windows over the tub.  That'll be easy to scrape off.

I couldn't believe how big the rooms are.  His bed looks tiny in here.

This room is so nice with windows on two sides.  Makes a huge difference.

The floors haven't been refinished

--a good thing for someone who wants a dog.

The  Old Lady has two sections with this courtyard connecting them.

The first floor apartments have a courtyard door the second floor units share a balcony with their neighbor.

This Sweet Old Lady will be nice to come home to.

Patti