2 Bathroom Updates in Springfield....

Earlier this year, my Godfather contacted me for some bathroom remodeling advice.  His home is nearly 30 years old in Northern Virginia and I can remember playing there as a child, watching football games, and of course fajita night!  He is semi-retired and more then likely leaving the area in the next 5 years or so.  His bathrooms were original and we were looking for simple updates that he would enjoy now and that would also be neutral for the next buyer.
 
First we set our eyes on the hall bathroom, see the before photo below.



{30 year old Bathroom, Circa 1983+,-}

 

The update is simple, transitional, easy to maintain, and provides ample storage.  We went with a 12 x 12 porcelain tile on a brick joint on the floor a solid surface tub/shower surround and vanity top.  The plumbing fixtures are Kohler and the cabinets are a warm maple finish.


{Hall Bathroom After}

Next we tackled the master bathroom.  Here we were looking to pick up more functional drawer storage at the vanity and we planned to convert the existing tub to a shower. 




{Existing Master Bathroom}



{Existing Master Bathroom}

During the demolition we learned that there was wasted space behind the existing tub surround, so we took the opportunity to turn the new shower space to make the bathroom feel more open.  My Godfather liked the color combination in the hall bath so much we repeated the cabinet, plumbing fixtures and tile in the master, though this time adding a 12 x 24 porcelain tile to the shower wall and a 1 x 3 to the shower floor.
                                                            

                                                             BIG REVEAL.......



{After Master Bathroom, with better vanity storage}

 

{Larger Shower we were
able to create by turning
and capturing unused space
 found during demolition}
 


 My godfather is incredibly happy with these improvements, we finished on time, and he is now able to enjoy these refreshed spaces. AND.... I didn't break the bank and he can still fully retire on time as planned!!!!!!



a(MUSE)...in Rehoboth Beach, DE

Matt and I were lucky to enjoy a wonderful beach retreat this past weekend.  Deciding where to eat is always such a challenge as there are so many wonderful restaurants, we typically end up doing a "progressive dinner" or a "tour of Rehoboth" as we like to call it.  We do this with our dear friends Holly and Brandon who live at the beach year round.

Typically the night consists of 3 - 4 tastings, 1 at each locale spanning the course of 5 - 6 hours.  Our 2nd stop on our "tour" this past Saturday was a(MUSE). We have walked by a(MUSE) several times during our visits though never actually dined there, Saturday seemed the right evening to try it out.  Boy, what we have been missing!!!! We ordered several small plates to share, a short rib (which was OUTSTANDING) and potted chicken just to name a few.  Take a look at the beautiful presentation of the potted chicken below.

As we sat at the bar taking in the ambiance, I thought what a lovely setting.  I spend most mornings combing Pinterest for new and creative ideas, I couldn't help but notice something I had pinned recently.... a 2nd purpose for Mason Jars.  At a(MUSE) the pendant lights are Mason Jars!  How great to see this concept employed, I could definitely see this is a rustic chic kitchen project!




{At a(MUSE) Mason Jar Bar Lighting}

{Mason Jar Lighting on Pinterest}

AND THEN HE GRADUATED......

This past weekend my baby Brother graduated from High School and what a beautiful event it was!  Seems just yesterday I graduated the same high school and he was headed towards kindergarten. 

Several changes since my graduation from Poolesville in 2000, for instance girls wore gold and boys wore black robes; or the fact that we used to be home to the Poolesville Indians, in lite of a PC mascot they changed to the Falcons.  I graduated with a little more than 100 classmates while Steven held his own with over 350! 

The weekend was a special time to celebrate all of Steven's accomplishments, how far he has come and all the opportunities that await him this fall!


{My high school graduation 2000 with my Grandparents,
I couldn't find the family photo}



{Steven's 1st day of school, his expression is priceless,
not sure he knew what he was in for}

{Sunglasses photo with Steve and my younger sister Christina}

 



{Family Photo}

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL...

I am very much looking forward to a few days of R&R at Rehoboth Beach this weekend with the not so little guy below and Mr. Sick.

The last few days have been so nice, as the good weather continues so does the frequency of walks that Colby and I take.  This dog is so special, nearly every walk we take he ends up belly rolled in the grass as happy as can be.  We will be walking nearly anywhere and he will just tuck and roll into the photo below.  Onlookers stop, stare, and laugh, but most of all they SMILE! I stop, smile, and shake my head, it's in these small moments a wave of emotion washes over me, something so simple is so Beautiful.

{Love this Guy}

 

Happy Almost Memorial Day and thanks to all those who have served and continue to protect our Freedom,
Allie

THE AWAY ROOM
 
This year at the DC Design House, I thought I'd try our take at an attic/guest bedroom space.
 
This room had a lot of potential at first glance and immediately I had the perfect proposal!
 
I call this space THE AWAY ROOM.  It was envisioned for the lady of the house, (or really whomever)  looking for a place to curl up with a good book, take a lazy weekend nap, or just a place to reflect and be.
 
We started with a stark Attic bedroom.  The natural light was great and the existing carpet wasn't too bad either. The existing lighting left something to be desired (that's an easy fix).

Before Photo #1

Before Photo #2

I thought this would be a great space/opportunity to showcase our superior craftsmanship and add built ins surrounding a twin bed under the window. Given the ceiling challenges, I thought a subtle stripe would "fool" the eye.  The beautiful Robert Allen Fabrics really complete the coziness of the retreat.  Once again my Case Craftsmen never cease to Amaze me!


{TADA!}



KITCHENS COMING TOGETHER...

This week I have been knee deep in kitchen production (which is a good thing).

I take great pride remaining in the loop during production, making sure the details I have outlined are executed to perfection!  This week I landed at 3 of my kitchens in productions for counter top template.  I love that each kitchen has it's own style, flair, and feel.

The 1st stop, Monday was to a lovely stained cabinetry kitchen on Oakton, VA.  For this kitchen we used Shiloh Cabinetry in a Cashmere Stain on Maple Wood.  The granite for this space is going to be Uba Tuba and the client will be using black appliances.

The 2nd Stop Thursday Morning was to this beauty shaping up in Vienna, VA.  For this kitchen we used a stained Alder perimeter and painted island both from Crystal Cabinetry. (There is an awesome Baker's rack that hasn't been put together yet, though that is a painted finish as well.  The counter top here is a show stopper, literally.  The project came to a standstill on our quest for the perfect granite.  We found Fusion Granite we will be using here, I have seen nothing like it ever before!

The 3rd and final stop Thursday Afternoon was to a charming traditional/transitional kitchen space in Arlington, VA.  This kitchen features the timeless look of a painted white perimeter with a sepia cherry island.  The counter tops are to be contrasting too with a Black Honed Granite along the outside and a Danby Marble on the island.

 

Additionally, I stopped by production at the Design House SEVERAL TIMES this week, my craftsman Shawn is doing an outstanding job, looking forward to our big reveal soon!!!

 

 



Little of This, Little of That....

Hello March!  How did you get here SO quickly? Seems just yesterday it was Jan.  I cannot believe I haven't written in nearly (2) months #yikes.

It's nearly spring time and my calendar is jammed packed with kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, laundry room fixes and the DC DESIGN HOUSE!

Here is a sneak peak at the blank canvas I am working with this year......oh the potential!

                                              It's the 7th bedroom on the 5th floor of the
                                                         beautiful 15,000 s/f home.



While I do not have photos yet to reveal of the work in progress that is the DC Design House.  I do have some photos of a lovely Arlington Kitchen that just got a whole lot brighter!

Below is the before photo looking into the dining room then the small kitchen from the family room.

Here is the current construction photo before drywall begins.  Note the interior wall removed and large window (which will be over the sink to allow lots of natural light to dance in the space).

Cabinet installation starts Monday, I am pretty excited to see this project come together!