Final exteriors...

Our final exteriors are done, one step closer. There are just a few tweaks that need to be made to the exterior rear elevation window plan, but besides that we area good to go...and I did sneak the trellis across the other side of the front elevation, it looks so much better now. Here is a peek at what we will call home (if we ever get home to get it started).

Here was the exterior before I balanced it out...

 And now the final revisions...

Again, still revisions to be made to the exterior window plan and SDL (window grill) design & placement. But oh how I can't wait to sip a glass of wine next to the outdoor fireplace...heaven!

Our cabin is empty of house guest for the first time in quiet a while, so today will be all about family time and enjoying the silence. Enjoy yours! Mel :)

Adirondack or Muskoka, you decide...

Up north we refer to them as Muskoka Chairs & down south they are referred to as Adirondack Chairs. All I know is I cannot wait to sit in ours by the fire when we are at the cabin. There is nothing better than relaxing after a day out in the sun with good friends and family, by a bonfire sitting in a comfy chair, and enjoying the conversation and company.

 

Image via Shannon Lafferty

You can get them pretty much everywhere and made out of pretty much everything, from cedar, teak, recycled material, & plastic. Last year we found a great deal on ebay, they were unfinished fir for around $30 each.  I had Rob paint them in the same color as the trim the we used for the exterior of the home, Pratt & Lambert Lambswool, one of my faves, it is a simple off-white and a great contrast to the stained cedar siding on the home.

Image via Bombippy Photos

They do look so lovely in fun funky colors as well, a great way to add a pop of fun to any space...

 

 Image via Flicker

Or you can keep them in a natural wood state for a more earthy calm look...

Image via Southern Living

Whatever you decide you will love the feel of them, but most of all the memories that are made while you are sitting in them surrounded by great people!

 

Image via Superstock

Have a fantastic Thursday and enjoy the sun! Mel :)

BTW, HERE is the link for the seller from ebay that we purchased ours through, they are a bit more this year but if you order as many as we did (12) then you will get a deal I am sure.

Sarah's House the finale

First, I want to apologize for being MIA, between listing our home (with 2 children = not fun), being buried in paint chips for clients, and prepping some homes that are ready for construction my blog has had to take a back seat. I am still going to try my hardest to post Mon-Fri, please forgive me.

This week on the finale of Sarah's house they featured the exterior transformation along with a few spots in the home that we did not seen during previous episodes. 

This view shows the addition to the original farmhouse. I love the combination of the siding and brick and how she brought some of the red brick into the addition with the chimney.

 

It is so charming,  and talk about a surprise when you walk through the door and see what the interior has to hold. Also I love the large tree in the front, on our side of the country trees like that are a rarity since the growing season is minimal.

Here is a view of the upper hall, love the brightness of it and how all of the white just works beautifully together. In fact, HERE is a great article about using white by the talented Maria Killam from Colour me Happy.

This is the hallway leading to the new addition. I love all of the natural light that it has, makes you want to go and see what is down the hall. The only thing I am not digging is the combination of light fixtures, I wish they were all the same or at least complimentary to each other.

Here is a view of the lower level rec room that was not featured on an episode. The blue is making me want to run away, not the right tone for me, but everything else works beautifully together, the combo of fabrics, the wainscoting, and the placement of accessories work really well together.

All images via HGTV

OK, now I am off to the mountains for some girl time for me and play time for the boys. Hope your day finds you well! Mel :)

Almost there...

We got our plans back from the architect yesterday and I am really liking the exterior so far, they are slowly getting perfected and finished. Here is the rendering we have for the front elevations so far; it will be finished off with stucco, a stone & brick combination, timber detailing, and chevron style plank siding for the dormers. I am still trying to convince Rob to take the veranda and cedar trellis straight across the main section of the home...so far not successful.

The one thing I do need to decide on ASAP are the front doors. Iron or wood?? Thoughts and input are appreciated!!! Here are the 2 styles I have in mind, not the exact doors, but pretty good examples.

  

   

I have wanted iron doors like those on the top for years, but now that the time has come I am drawn to the wood ones on the bottom. I really do not enjoy selecting thing for our own home, I over analyze every little decision.

Enjoy your Thursday! I am hoping for some sunshine and for the snow to stop, Mother Nature must have forgotten about us up here. Mel :)

The little things...

It is the little things that can make a huge difference. We are in the design process for a new spec home to be constructed and one of the first attempts was just not floating my boat. Too blah, or vanilla as some would say. Since it is a spec home it needs to pop and stand out to potential buyers.

After sending it back for revisions we came up with the image below. Imagine driving by, both houses are priced the same, which would you go for? If you say the first one, booo. ;) The one below looks like a completely different home, yet it is the exact same with minimal changes. We added simple batten work around the windows and an eyebrow roof line over the front entrance. Total additional cost, less than $1K, yet priceless with the improvement to the curb appeal.

It comes down to the little things. Enjoy your hump day. Mel :)

Shutters

Shutters can add so much to a home...when they are done right. I have seen so many homes built with shutters that make me, well, shudder.

Simple a stunning image of what works. The eyebrow roof over top of the French doors 

is a beautiful touch.

 Image via Liberty Valley Doors

The purpose of the shutter is to close and cover the window or door for protection or privacy. So if you have a 5' wide window why are the shutters only 1' wide on each side? If it wouldn't make sense in reality then the faux version wouldn't look right either. Prime example of what I am referring to is pictured below. Think about the exterior of the home when designing the interior space. If a smaller window will accommodate the shutters you want then make the window smaller. If that is not an option then consider a simple trim to dress up the window.

 

Image via MLS.ca

There are also numerous examples around here (especially on the new homes) of shutters that appear to be sunken into the face of the wall. Why would a builder put on a shutter, then do the stucco and stone work around it, causing it to be recessed? Again, if they were there to serve a purpose then you wouldn't leave the wall behind them with a scratch coat finish.  Here is what a shutter should look like when placed on top of stone...

    

Image via Home Portfolio

Another example on top of brick...

 

Image via Legacy Home Products 

I just love single shutters on small windows...

 

Image via Shutters.net

And finally, Bahama shutters. Yes, beachy and coastal, but they will be on my dream home in Maui...one day I hope. ;)

Image via Shutters.net

I would also like to take a moment and thank 2 wonderful women & blogger that nominated me for a fabulous award that made my Monday. It is the Sunshine award here...

 

Be sure to pop over and check out Kristina (love the music!!) & Susan's (the post on her little one is just precious!) blogs. Thanks so much girls, it means a lot to me!!! :)

Hope your weekend was full of love and laughter. Mel xoxo