Demo on our bathroom happened this week and it was so shocking to see the space after it was completely cleared. I actually gasped. It seems to have grown 10x! My sister was so sure there must have been a wall cheated out somewhere. Our minds just couldn’t get around the fact that this huge, open space used to only have a narrow walkway from one end to another and now it’s THIS. I feel like I can picture everything so much better now (and I’m second guessing a couple things), but mostly I’M SO EXCITED!!! We have the plumber and electrician coming next week and after that, framing then tile and all the fun stuff! (See the plans right here!)
The exterior is going slower than we’d like right now, but we’re keeping spirits up and picking our exterior color this weekend!! We’ve gone through one round of samples already and I’m just so unsure still. We are allowed two follow-up calls with Studio McGee and I’ve been saving them. I think choosing an exterior color is definitely worthy of a phone-a-friend.
More fun things this week!
• I came across this English Cottage meets California cool home this week ( designed by Gil Shafer and together with Rita Konig) and my jaw was on the floor with every photo–and there are a lot more right here. Such a cool house filled to the brim with charming inspiration. I came for the English Cottage, stayed for the skinny black exterior and I might move in over those dark planked walls! (I mean, can I move in?!)
• I found my beloved white enamel first aid box on Amazon for half price!!!
• This bathroom was a bright spot in my week.
• I got this tie dye lounge set for myself and all of my sister in laws so we can match!! Bonus, it’s so soft, $30 and the pants are long enough for me!!! (That never happens) I got a medium (6’0 size 4) and it fits perfect.
• I, along with millions of others, was over the moon at the surprise release of a new Taylor Swift album last night. But what hit me the hardest was the caption she included in the announcement.
“Before this year, I probably would’ve overthought when to release this music at the ‘perfect’ time, but the times we’re living in keep reminding me that nothing is guaranteed. My gut is telling me that if you make something you love, you should just put it out into the world. That’s the side of uncertainty I can get on board with.”
Don’t Wait. Don’t Wait. Don’t Wait!
Have the best weekend. <3
I’m so glad I read this post today. I’ve been struggling (like everyone else) during these uncertain times. The Does.Not.Matter link along with the last post really resonated with me. I’ve been wanting to pursue a dream and have started working towards it lately. I know it’s going to take a bit to get it where I want to get it too but at least I started. I was going to wait until it got to a certain point to share it with others, but why not start it now and let others come in the journey with me :)
Julia, where is your door hardware from on your black door? Is it unlaqured brass?
I am SO keen to see what your bathroom will like when its done. I love good before and after pics! Makes me feel all the more inspired and eager to work on my own bathroom. Though with it being straw bale, its going to look much different to a more traditional house. But I’m thinking blue tiles for now!
That cottage is amazing! Love the black exterior, and the interior woodwork. Do you come across houses like this often?
Where can I find more pictures of the California Cottage, Your house is looking amazing!
Julia,
If the siding was a cedar shake look, I would go with that. Where it isn’t, I definitely lean to the narrow smooth like you. I have seen houses in Maine and Norway In the narrow smooth and painted black or charcoal. They are enough to make a person weep! I’ve driven by your house three times this summer to see if the siding was in progress. I can’t wait!
I do have one thought on the front out side of your house. The renderings have beautiful grey stone on the garage. I love it with the black. But, the eye goes right to the garage and kind of sticks there. I was thinking it might help to have some grey stone on the right side of the house to move the eye across the whole house. I don’t think it would take much. Maybe the right dormer and some near the ground? Just a thought.
I love you and your husbands designs. I love the direction home design is moving.
Thank you for sharing.
LaPriel