Kitchen Chronicles: Demolition

Kitchen Update!<br /><br />I posted a teaser pic <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2013/12/what-im-doing-differently-in-our-new.html" target="_blank">last week</a> showing the state of our kitchen after a couple days of demo...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFwXXCAdNxrvNHT3thsXF1TDa5k9CYcrohF-F3wAzu0KcChraW4mqxOY6u5G4H2OUN-p_hC_RnrzwYxBpLbNP_X3a2S7naPoV_RQ1IMJvCH-7cxrl01mrieoPKITjc8aWb6sqKXNxvt_u/s1600/IMG_3150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFwXXCAdNxrvNHT3thsXF1TDa5k9CYcrohF-F3wAzu0KcChraW4mqxOY6u5G4H2OUN-p_hC_RnrzwYxBpLbNP_X3a2S7naPoV_RQ1IMJvCH-7cxrl01mrieoPKITjc8aWb6sqKXNxvt_u/s1600/IMG_3150.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />So let's rewind to see where it all started.<br /><br />Demo Day 1:<br /><br />Here's how it looked when we walked in...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p9GCx3VQMQj6kJ0SX3OPmjSow958QB-yXkCl_OSA8vhlLdjnhXwgXx5KfELlEl3b7VWIsS4k5zzpSSbq-K7ONhePzA9E1Rf__IH3ZM-OfpUhMxK-dFut8qvVCpSJ8mDzaArKwqAZeU-Z/s1600/IMG_1223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p9GCx3VQMQj6kJ0SX3OPmjSow958QB-yXkCl_OSA8vhlLdjnhXwgXx5KfELlEl3b7VWIsS4k5zzpSSbq-K7ONhePzA9E1Rf__IH3ZM-OfpUhMxK-dFut8qvVCpSJ8mDzaArKwqAZeU-Z/s1600/IMG_1223.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJA60IT0-Rscnh2VagpABHBUaOztZrNc3QP4wcVLRU_ZtiOoycMyU1VpPZv9DOtzXcPNITOPZR1d07-XhFSyamfFEG8y9w2dUI0HL8EUhSP5yjRmVMHU6aou1OyByxTap2wKsSOBIHDL5u/s1600/IMG_1224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJA60IT0-Rscnh2VagpABHBUaOztZrNc3QP4wcVLRU_ZtiOoycMyU1VpPZv9DOtzXcPNITOPZR1d07-XhFSyamfFEG8y9w2dUI0HL8EUhSP5yjRmVMHU6aou1OyByxTap2wKsSOBIHDL5u/s1600/IMG_1224.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Can't forget the dining room bar...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmMY1Ed6ws8vrFrNfpfVKi9v0tTlYiCsW8czbQRDq8QdPRZeKII2XdNEyXbut84ZUA_ONsCl7eC40_bAXF2t2-Cs-GyQ0_5Vp7sRwea5tWL4C9DdOoYRfdlRNkncCMYySRh5n2eY_dix2/s1600/IMG_1219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmMY1Ed6ws8vrFrNfpfVKi9v0tTlYiCsW8czbQRDq8QdPRZeKII2XdNEyXbut84ZUA_ONsCl7eC40_bAXF2t2-Cs-GyQ0_5Vp7sRwea5tWL4C9DdOoYRfdlRNkncCMYySRh5n2eY_dix2/s1600/IMG_1219.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />We immediately got to work removing the cabinets.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBi_jUE9A6ADy-YXv9De174tIgqZJDY8KP-jDce7ak7AF_Yv61QQY2WREb64bHYTaZu08B2XYTCUC2jsiCItLwoovXhHfnrb5xj7Z_4a5NYc4mfJhzFfXto4K1rskU3WAkZ_qFA4_ZZRT/s1600/IMG_1242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBi_jUE9A6ADy-YXv9De174tIgqZJDY8KP-jDce7ak7AF_Yv61QQY2WREb64bHYTaZu08B2XYTCUC2jsiCItLwoovXhHfnrb5xj7Z_4a5NYc4mfJhzFfXto4K1rskU3WAkZ_qFA4_ZZRT/s1600/IMG_1242.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc_I6zzlvKT9qUmMauoihyYNnfW6EL8B5znyUppmz9qkkVzCLnOHceLr2eGDcskzN-oBSv-hQyIheo8hXJRIAEreY-F1GdqPObMfRw6O9OlHcdrwds8Jb1z3HuABu1wdVmS25RevcpsMA/s1600/IMG_3137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc_I6zzlvKT9qUmMauoihyYNnfW6EL8B5znyUppmz9qkkVzCLnOHceLr2eGDcskzN-oBSv-hQyIheo8hXJRIAEreY-F1GdqPObMfRw6O9OlHcdrwds8Jb1z3HuABu1wdVmS25RevcpsMA/s1600/IMG_3137.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HQOKF_0Q7ZC033fZRrCgm_Hu7_t1RTRZ1MGbXvs8aOq3EoUCJ1wvXA2_IleGAVGl4XoX0EcB0oVq9CwlNLfuDY0ZfRivt8uMrc1PKQamVcI9u43KACP7gwFo3ObdPtGw2QHt5iLuPMn9/s1600/IMG_1243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HQOKF_0Q7ZC033fZRrCgm_Hu7_t1RTRZ1MGbXvs8aOq3EoUCJ1wvXA2_IleGAVGl4XoX0EcB0oVq9CwlNLfuDY0ZfRivt8uMrc1PKQamVcI9u43KACP7gwFo3ObdPtGw2QHt5iLuPMn9/s1600/IMG_1243.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />A couple hours later and there goes the last piece...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHDlZ0igU3VrQytVkzE-Lr7DBVWQVLaw8juXDTbAuNLyDoRE5bM9DeZYAqTq74j8t1wz17VIyagbjoO5bLNZhKsXXe50J-fenkKFt3JV8AYrwBoN15LVosAAvRdD9IPDLefy1Hi-v0jQb/s1600/IMG_1244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHDlZ0igU3VrQytVkzE-Lr7DBVWQVLaw8juXDTbAuNLyDoRE5bM9DeZYAqTq74j8t1wz17VIyagbjoO5bLNZhKsXXe50J-fenkKFt3JV8AYrwBoN15LVosAAvRdD9IPDLefy1Hi-v0jQb/s1600/IMG_1244.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Ta-da!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57WDOwh46oHuD7nX0ISHGGsHttDyu3xP6kG6QyhOd5PTfEGZmLsEkz2n3ZvY-qRRCfN33yVf5JTTMCP66X6r_JBaYHhNWzOEFSXQtDFWpELkXOzvEXUObonjNiVahfe7wAMmiCwljY3si/s1600/IMG_1246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57WDOwh46oHuD7nX0ISHGGsHttDyu3xP6kG6QyhOd5PTfEGZmLsEkz2n3ZvY-qRRCfN33yVf5JTTMCP66X6r_JBaYHhNWzOEFSXQtDFWpELkXOzvEXUObonjNiVahfe7wAMmiCwljY3si/s1600/IMG_1246.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sAheemKJyN3HW9lddBiJk4u4etn_mh_izCvXVojp-Iao3fGr4J7wosPk_rHTAobk1x3wv0ydsEKRw2CKMLk1cfX7pWRBnoaSnZEj8bRdNBRHl0vew_SOSTYoJ8K16XvrITlJeT-yUSIS/s1600/IMG_3138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sAheemKJyN3HW9lddBiJk4u4etn_mh_izCvXVojp-Iao3fGr4J7wosPk_rHTAobk1x3wv0ydsEKRw2CKMLk1cfX7pWRBnoaSnZEj8bRdNBRHl0vew_SOSTYoJ8K16XvrITlJeT-yUSIS/s1600/IMG_3138.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Brad pretty much did all the ripping out while I carried the pieces to the trailer outside. It went by so fast and flawlessly—it seriously took like 90 minutes. I was prepared to spend hours.<br /><br />The next day we came back for the real work—removing the walls.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpO4-DngJTDbPHddip9y8zxIR5c-UFgsxsID2rcWyTkfUdWHq5dY9DzfW2ElMDWjv-KI7RLsvThEH9PMvIxjcnNLJB4LsDhI4qtTXovZNHAFzMLLTqOOXFzNic_HSQ4JCj9D3-ToVU0Y4/s1600/IMG_3139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpO4-DngJTDbPHddip9y8zxIR5c-UFgsxsID2rcWyTkfUdWHq5dY9DzfW2ElMDWjv-KI7RLsvThEH9PMvIxjcnNLJB4LsDhI4qtTXovZNHAFzMLLTqOOXFzNic_HSQ4JCj9D3-ToVU0Y4/s1600/IMG_3139.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />That day was definitely harder.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpNtK0jyz0RMsgxdljL59rya5Czt7NAuxm-2hiBC5_K9ss8-vvG4XUZC8K9TbYs7FAwtyOoRHX12yTvD5fUCG53ljs9rIoMtmZ8P53p8aNfnbr1ME1ZnZTOHpA9cQlTCLS3KSVqJ3GRGE/s1600/IMG_3141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpNtK0jyz0RMsgxdljL59rya5Czt7NAuxm-2hiBC5_K9ss8-vvG4XUZC8K9TbYs7FAwtyOoRHX12yTvD5fUCG53ljs9rIoMtmZ8P53p8aNfnbr1ME1ZnZTOHpA9cQlTCLS3KSVqJ3GRGE/s1600/IMG_3141.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />But little by little, we chipped away and were able to see the light on the other side...<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkb8o1VFny4gKF5hJRQ01v_fLTp-O3ki1LqlXmUDueMxLfsw8nzxTlLQmIrey5C2JbsIddq7Em9-GDOgoMveKHpM95eb7jpW-AHBKCI8XfQgHyUTKvWXlZQ8T2yO7B8ymB1fj_o1s82GN4/s1600/IMG_3142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkb8o1VFny4gKF5hJRQ01v_fLTp-O3ki1LqlXmUDueMxLfsw8nzxTlLQmIrey5C2JbsIddq7Em9-GDOgoMveKHpM95eb7jpW-AHBKCI8XfQgHyUTKvWXlZQ8T2yO7B8ymB1fj_o1s82GN4/s1600/IMG_3142.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITGkMWK0Cm6GWgzDAXv4PtPT1W9m03fvA1IWJEneFdGkNsGMvbJnHTqdYcMppEIP4ZuFCItavnxq4vQPIgaxCyev_geDpmFMdbutor8Iu07H-cNMnacgHJxqn54urvjYL4THdPCr2AYp8/s1600/IMG_3147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITGkMWK0Cm6GWgzDAXv4PtPT1W9m03fvA1IWJEneFdGkNsGMvbJnHTqdYcMppEIP4ZuFCItavnxq4vQPIgaxCyev_geDpmFMdbutor8Iu07H-cNMnacgHJxqn54urvjYL4THdPCr2AYp8/s1600/IMG_3147.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here's the inside of the old pantry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGARuic4WwRFQTAkUy0Cq_udFlyFgoaaVG2ilhkgcmfc1FV9WyuZg6_UgjsYRhtjTjqUV9j69CuIPj9QclDxWqPNkdXc54oaOaq7P6nR0xW007WlBka7oILOfF7zMkQvVWxhV5WOuA9sH/s1600/IMG_3145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGARuic4WwRFQTAkUy0Cq_udFlyFgoaaVG2ilhkgcmfc1FV9WyuZg6_UgjsYRhtjTjqUV9j69CuIPj9QclDxWqPNkdXc54oaOaq7P6nR0xW007WlBka7oILOfF7zMkQvVWxhV5WOuA9sH/s1600/IMG_3145.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />At first we thought that huge piece of wood was a beam and were quite nervous, but it turned out to just be a header (whew).<br /><br />We didn't completely dodge the bullet though—we discovered that the wall was bearing the weight of some of the trusses (after three professionals told us they were pretty certain the wall was <i>not</i> load bearing). We thought we were about to spend thousands on permits and adding beams and left the house super bummed that day.<br /><br />But luckily, we called a contractor over who said everything could just be reinforced with a few new pieces of wood and some brackets.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn50pIFD-tisuzt34nh0ZTEOP96J6XmJEIjyBjZJdkLnOid_jYciJXQf9YI0XM5eTNlrhIOlIORSMqovicTYUT_1CBXi7fgrC_mDHAudtLoF53YBuR6HzGMXooRTfqqq8-WkIAiSVb8nHl/s1600/20131210_174137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn50pIFD-tisuzt34nh0ZTEOP96J6XmJEIjyBjZJdkLnOid_jYciJXQf9YI0XM5eTNlrhIOlIORSMqovicTYUT_1CBXi7fgrC_mDHAudtLoF53YBuR6HzGMXooRTfqqq8-WkIAiSVb8nHl/s1600/20131210_174137.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />So instead of a couple thousand, we were out only a couple hundred. That I can live with.<br /><br />After our second day of demo, we got really busy with work and life in general and didn't get a chance to make it back to the house to finish knocking the wall down. Oh, and also, a random snowstorm came through Friday night...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZofllRiCqd8Lc54IgULgqGbgFJnS7h5j9ZCw-zz7dgnvzjKEH6kfXvQ9K3SFlk_fu_BnsWOQgpkzMmfDaCgM9wIAZ-4Uk3B6xOSZVHQwG90yoPOtvKcgGOmNC5n_nHX5d7j40UCI2abp/s1600/IMG_1274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZofllRiCqd8Lc54IgULgqGbgFJnS7h5j9ZCw-zz7dgnvzjKEH6kfXvQ9K3SFlk_fu_BnsWOQgpkzMmfDaCgM9wIAZ-4Uk3B6xOSZVHQwG90yoPOtvKcgGOmNC5n_nHX5d7j40UCI2abp/s640/IMG_1274.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />In the three years I lived here as a teenager it didn't snow once, so this was pretty fun (except for losing power and not having firewood).<br /><br />Since we were snowed in, we took a walk to the new place to check out the view. So pretty.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KgfILbixuLTlO-1_cNswFxUACq-cPNwN9lZ5nPzbDBn5MEn25wkddu8OEiIn0hERcTHC3tj-Lcg2ZKhCocnUHYjafp_epZv5EozVgwodmOK-8KsWkmpexHXdpVY5KzwbJF3xpI4nPR-k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-11+at+3.27.57+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KgfILbixuLTlO-1_cNswFxUACq-cPNwN9lZ5nPzbDBn5MEn25wkddu8OEiIn0hERcTHC3tj-Lcg2ZKhCocnUHYjafp_epZv5EozVgwodmOK-8KsWkmpexHXdpVY5KzwbJF3xpI4nPR-k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-11+at+3.27.57+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />For a few days the roads were too icy for our 2wd cars to make it up the steep hill to the house, so we decided to it'd be worth it hire our contractor (Doug) to finish the job for us (this was Monday, two days ago).<br /><br />It was a good call on our part—Monday evening we came back to the house and the demo was complete:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9Ktkqn638z6FEbIUZl24e-rMIlICt9tFiBEqaPUtvFLEZSuQdesU3rd5KQ_nDxKZfS5D_wBYSg1EPhslMgJBAYHkwfNwALz6euR6L60agEokc-pZMRuun7cxrzFdMFXhybcKbXB4APFf/s1600/20131209_162115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9Ktkqn638z6FEbIUZl24e-rMIlICt9tFiBEqaPUtvFLEZSuQdesU3rd5KQ_nDxKZfS5D_wBYSg1EPhslMgJBAYHkwfNwALz6euR6L60agEokc-pZMRuun7cxrzFdMFXhybcKbXB4APFf/s1600/20131209_162115.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEive1fr2e9C0pwqmB87SjfYH5qIEWDIGp3FViWnf4BdKHAT5XVH4WC7yRjAbS_7ukFCQRWLvEN5e6anYxGl58w_Wc_sO14JlabUeZi_xvPgRL8xBjl8tmG0MooeKnW0sI7dndeiWIkf7wWj/s1600/20131209_164943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEive1fr2e9C0pwqmB87SjfYH5qIEWDIGp3FViWnf4BdKHAT5XVH4WC7yRjAbS_7ukFCQRWLvEN5e6anYxGl58w_Wc_sO14JlabUeZi_xvPgRL8xBjl8tmG0MooeKnW0sI7dndeiWIkf7wWj/s1600/20131209_164943.jpg" /></a></div><br />Doug came back yesterday and worked on the plumbing and electrical. He had to remove some drywall for access, so here's how it looks as of last night:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljsGC4DalC_Md1tfU7fhsNeeBe4Y32GVtpj5ouTb0nUkeA-LFjVfhQ3PWQxZpo81qycGSQbpVfWbuE2q_VVFpynEnFQGOAdidhdTvT5W60qHo3PpxXJLftuY9aHDroSDhYokGjlLt-_HZ/s1600/20131210_171945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljsGC4DalC_Md1tfU7fhsNeeBe4Y32GVtpj5ouTb0nUkeA-LFjVfhQ3PWQxZpo81qycGSQbpVfWbuE2q_VVFpynEnFQGOAdidhdTvT5W60qHo3PpxXJLftuY9aHDroSDhYokGjlLt-_HZ/s1600/20131210_171945.jpg" /></a></div><br />Oh yeah, I told him to remove the bar. Brad's not too happy about it but it gave us so much extra room. He'll understand when it's all said and done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MwOM26A1Eh4tEPDdguGxA9akGAMDJjz0bUnqlPPjZ_fRwRqF_680NXtSGbW3_w6gTjDHMdeiSoJsTqF2Xkk8VPt_6Bs_mfO1BKYg_BoMwpGA1aeF7xpNvQFT6_EWXxWU2K9mLKEmQeE9/s1600/20131210_172004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MwOM26A1Eh4tEPDdguGxA9akGAMDJjz0bUnqlPPjZ_fRwRqF_680NXtSGbW3_w6gTjDHMdeiSoJsTqF2Xkk8VPt_6Bs_mfO1BKYg_BoMwpGA1aeF7xpNvQFT6_EWXxWU2K9mLKEmQeE9/s1600/20131210_172004.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXokhOmU_mbLNqz1qunrtL03X8gFARzWfApXtNG4k_f2QR6Y7qNuAd52-zZq-G6e-mGzfW8UoQKDWrJeLFNz1NMaznCiHf8HMJccj_CPE011dad8qbrYhLsFu0wrPDb34ZeN7r20jb1Dp/s1600/20131210_172021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXokhOmU_mbLNqz1qunrtL03X8gFARzWfApXtNG4k_f2QR6Y7qNuAd52-zZq-G6e-mGzfW8UoQKDWrJeLFNz1NMaznCiHf8HMJccj_CPE011dad8qbrYhLsFu0wrPDb34ZeN7r20jb1Dp/s1600/20131210_172021.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I also stopped by Lowe's to get some final measurements for our cabinets. I laid it all out last night, here's a visual:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNWmlL4Jh39OQbEeOgjw96EKQRWP-SdXrYbv_FIQAvReYd-2-mw9VFsI74n5Y5xZVnPMuuBeIPwKU3tUROtmK04B1HHEhEaAxJUm5Snaser3fovELIVbkADKzxfjU-AN8yGV9VtAltLEs/s1600/20131210_173611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNWmlL4Jh39OQbEeOgjw96EKQRWP-SdXrYbv_FIQAvReYd-2-mw9VFsI74n5Y5xZVnPMuuBeIPwKU3tUROtmK04B1HHEhEaAxJUm5Snaser3fovELIVbkADKzxfjU-AN8yGV9VtAltLEs/s1600/20131210_173611.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />It looks small but it's a pretty decent sized area. The island alone is 111" long which will provide plenty of storage and prep space.<br /><br />The back wall will form an L shape, with the fridge next to the door, the sink under the window, and dishwasher next to it. There will only be upper cabinets on the wall by the fridge (we'll have open shelving to the right of the window).<br /><br />Here's another perspective, from where the new pantry will be:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yq35GXTCT8EMycF9OFlZ1fid43HVtZen08Uov8YD6h6Zpj9Q6dwU9LlYsI77v8QlO7FQ25MTOVZemoozToggXLBEY8H0ixmIb9GYxk_SlQ8mYeIH8VChOWmmCRNz73RG_QO2R2uLzNpX/s1600/20131210_173649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yq35GXTCT8EMycF9OFlZ1fid43HVtZen08Uov8YD6h6Zpj9Q6dwU9LlYsI77v8QlO7FQ25MTOVZemoozToggXLBEY8H0ixmIb9GYxk_SlQ8mYeIH8VChOWmmCRNz73RG_QO2R2uLzNpX/s1600/20131210_173649.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And here's the location of the new pantry:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSaH_BST2-VMw0ACTJyKidLjvvRTK48SfMMkShnS8e79GnvZ6Vi-qoVtMcVJeGTSO54BLKqn8nZv8QhJixdd6UIqrkJVHX_leosHF7k1hISAib3RKpXOcZWtOIs72zE_ZQQ3LVUW_RIPL/s1600/20131210_173553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSaH_BST2-VMw0ACTJyKidLjvvRTK48SfMMkShnS8e79GnvZ6Vi-qoVtMcVJeGTSO54BLKqn8nZv8QhJixdd6UIqrkJVHX_leosHF7k1hISAib3RKpXOcZWtOIs72zE_ZQQ3LVUW_RIPL/s1600/20131210_173553.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />It's going to be a 14" deep Pax wardrobe from Ikea that will fill the whole space, floor to ceiling. Doug is framing out the wall on the left so it's built in (and patching the hole to the living room).<br /><br />Another angle:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_Ufu4mX3W1Xnv-XaTxk7Ga1SFizbnwB1cS_6NPSuEST-EduC4LtzMeR1pTHSw7MZXxzN1c5CL22uCkAFKC7Fg2_o7zAyuxaBAxvWc6utbNNDf6jNu4gtWN7oCq1pkjqp_dZhDk2NCGkP/s1600/20131210_173635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_Ufu4mX3W1Xnv-XaTxk7Ga1SFizbnwB1cS_6NPSuEST-EduC4LtzMeR1pTHSw7MZXxzN1c5CL22uCkAFKC7Fg2_o7zAyuxaBAxvWc6utbNNDf6jNu4gtWN7oCq1pkjqp_dZhDk2NCGkP/s1600/20131210_173635.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And another, from the dining room:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p8XHVtJEO3f-HlwymY0AXZVJKd5Ni2FLtr1U627HraD92E7HgULDDKp5eaatmagChuKoqlg_sXND1lXdhUsdSzZSguK7l2ZAmbfjCsOhn8NZFvLXIXCuYhHSMMKtQhNDzz4y69QgiWWS/s1600/20131210_173709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p8XHVtJEO3f-HlwymY0AXZVJKd5Ni2FLtr1U627HraD92E7HgULDDKp5eaatmagChuKoqlg_sXND1lXdhUsdSzZSguK7l2ZAmbfjCsOhn8NZFvLXIXCuYhHSMMKtQhNDzz4y69QgiWWS/s1600/20131210_173709.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Is it all starting to make sense yet?<br /><br />We're removing all of the existing light fixtures and adding recessed lighting throughout, along with two pendant lights over the dining table. There will be three circuits—one for the kitchen, one for the dining, and one for the dining pendant lights.<br /><br />Doug and the electrician are currently working on it as I type, so I'm excited to get back there tonight and see what they've done.<br /><br />We still have <i>so much</i> left. Here's our current to-do list, in no particular order (which is probably missing a few things):<br /><br /><strike>-Buy new appliances</strike><br /><strike>-Remove cabinets and appliances</strike><br /><strike>-Knock down wall and pantry</strike><br />-Run electricity to island<br />-Re-route old light switches/fix open wiring<br /><strike>-Plan out recessed lighting locations</strike><br />-Order recessed lighting & parts<br />-Buy wood planks for ceiling<br />-Buy wood for faux ceiling beams<br />-Buy pendant lighting<br />-Patch walls/ceiling<br />-Add 14" wall for pantry<br />-Seal the old hood vent<br />-Cap and re-run ice maker line<br />-Remove old floors<br />-Order cabinets, counters, and sink<br />-Buy pantry cabinet and bench seating<br />-Figure out/buy/make cushions for bench seating<br />-Decide on & order window treatments<br />-Decide on & order backsplash<br />-Figure out open shelving<br />-Install new hardwood floors<br />-Buy new dining chairs<br />-Build dining table<br />-Buy buffet/dresser for old bar area<br />-Build giant chalkboard for bar area<br />-Frame/hang art<br />-Paint and accessorize<br /><br /><br />A few more of those should be crossed off after we stop by tonight—I'm just so glad we decided to hire outside help for this one. It's the busiest time of year for me so this would take us months if we tried to tackle it on our own.<br /><br />We're ordering the cabinets on Saturday which takes 4-5 weeks to deliver, so if I had to estimate, I'd guess another 6-7 weeks until the big stuff is in place, and probably a couple more weeks to add all the finishing touches. And simultaneously we'll be getting my new studio ready (so much to do there), getting our new floors installed, working on fixing our AC/heating system (yep, it's broken) and trying to move in all at once. Craziness!<br /><br />I'll be back next week with another update...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />

Kitchen Chronicles: Demolition

Kitchen Update! I posted a teaser pic last week showing the state of our kitchen after a couple days of demo... So let's rewind to see ...

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What I'm doing differently in our new house.

<span style="text-align: left;">Happy December! Can you believe there's only three weeks until Christmas? The days have just been flying by here with so much going on with work and our new house.</span><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>I posted this on <a href="http://instagram.com/jennasuedesign" target="_blank">instagram </a>Thanksgiving day, when we finally got the keys...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zt9uQDBImofnRG_981AyfLbNvUQpQNvz6FW3DC4HOhR7V2FYHhzpBYZqpDtnUE0tKwbVZ7X7DLKlHL4irD_VDSnaiZyms5p1G3OYjIi0BdkS40GDk4zTdvwhtiLl3ataIKHruDk0uvv1/s1600/IMG_3131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zt9uQDBImofnRG_981AyfLbNvUQpQNvz6FW3DC4HOhR7V2FYHhzpBYZqpDtnUE0tKwbVZ7X7DLKlHL4irD_VDSnaiZyms5p1G3OYjIi0BdkS40GDk4zTdvwhtiLl3ataIKHruDk0uvv1/s640/IMG_3131.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was a happy day for sure.<br /><br />We didn't waste any time getting started—the next day we headed to Lowe's and bought all of our appliances, including this french door fridge that Brad's always wanted:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzV-IdOuYkyzjYyrOCQp6moyOZ4GKWS8kobGiX6kAIpVhDtF9Mqjm7be1ucpMPFa31tQQQcFPcheBJ0vwkaboqDWs-Ci4xhI2gZIXrA2aJIQo_JHr9zc1D6C_-l3ddcLZeJNvaVJ5YIu2/s1600/IMG_3134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzV-IdOuYkyzjYyrOCQp6moyOZ4GKWS8kobGiX6kAIpVhDtF9Mqjm7be1ucpMPFa31tQQQcFPcheBJ0vwkaboqDWs-Ci4xhI2gZIXrA2aJIQo_JHr9zc1D6C_-l3ddcLZeJNvaVJ5YIu2/s640/IMG_3134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And yesterday we began demo on the kitchen. I'll come back soon with all the details on that adventure, but here's how it looks now:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFwXXCAdNxrvNHT3thsXF1TDa5k9CYcrohF-F3wAzu0KcChraW4mqxOY6u5G4H2OUN-p_hC_RnrzwYxBpLbNP_X3a2S7naPoV_RQ1IMJvCH-7cxrl01mrieoPKITjc8aWb6sqKXNxvt_u/s1600/IMG_3150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFwXXCAdNxrvNHT3thsXF1TDa5k9CYcrohF-F3wAzu0KcChraW4mqxOY6u5G4H2OUN-p_hC_RnrzwYxBpLbNP_X3a2S7naPoV_RQ1IMJvCH-7cxrl01mrieoPKITjc8aWb6sqKXNxvt_u/s1600/IMG_3150.jpg" /></a></div><br />We're making progress!<br /><br />Before we get too much further, I want to take a step back to look at the big picture, and give you all an idea of my vision for this house (and why).<br /><br />I learned a lot in the three years we spent remodeling <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/p/florida-house.html" target="_blank">our last home</a>, and my style has definitely changed. There are certainly some things I plan on doing differently and reasons behind them.<br /><br />Let's break it down, shall we?<br /><br /><b>1. Style</b><br /><br />When I said goodbye to life on the Florida coast, I also left behind the desire to live in a beach cottage style home. Now living in the mountains, I'm craving a cozy cabin environment with more architectural elements and rustic touches. <br /><br />My overall design principles remain intact, but the vibe has shifted. I'll be phasing out the turquoise and replacing it with more natural and rich tones—grays, whites, navy blue, brown, all shades of wood tones, maybe even some deep reds!<br /><br />Here are some of my top inspiration pics to give you a sense of where I envision this home...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ivarjanssen.nl/lightroom2/interior_ambience/large/Hoffackers_2013-733-bewerkt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ivarjanssen.nl/lightroom2/interior_ambience/large/Hoffackers_2013-733-bewerkt.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.ivarjanssen.nl/lightroom2/interior_ambience/index.html" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/1c/53/68/1c5368f1fb5d72f5b08e70f98d1adec0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/1c/53/68/1c5368f1fb5d72f5b08e70f98d1adec0.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/152207662380173915/" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imperfectlypolished.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://imperfectlypolished.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/3.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imperfectlypolished.com/2013/02/07/natural-light/" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/04/101706229.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/04/101706229.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/seasonal/fall/fall-decorating-ideas/#page=23" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.houseandhome.com/sites/houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/photo/top-images/galleries/10359947/house-home-traditional-cottage-living-room-jkimber-HH-OCT11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.houseandhome.com/sites/houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/photo/top-images/galleries/10359947/house-home-traditional-cottage-living-room-jkimber-HH-OCT11.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.houseandhome.com/sites/houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/photo/top-images/galleries/10359947/house-home-traditional-cottage-living-room-jkimber-HH-OCT11.jpg" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rk.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201338/0008/img40c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://rk.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201338/0008/img40c.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/gold-tipped-mahogany-petal-cone-topiary-holiday-2013/?pkey=cdecorative-holiday-decor&cm_src=decorative-holiday-decor%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/before-and-after-living-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/before-and-after-living-room.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/before-and-after-living-room" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3k53g31TD1rq7vvzo1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3k53g31TD1rq7vvzo1_1280.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://swagtrooper.tumblr.com/post/31510601338" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/9ed8a4baa81f36fdea66f21260cedd79/tumblr_mf6pcmsDvH1qb1f7qo1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/9ed8a4baa81f36fdea66f21260cedd79/tumblr_mf6pcmsDvH1qb1f7qo1_1280.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thegiftsoflife.tumblr.com/post/38376804566" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/cozy-dining-room-hiyapapaya-photography-e1380770955735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://theinspiredroom.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/cozy-dining-room-hiyapapaya-photography-e1380770955735.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2013/10/03/cozy-dining-room-ideas/" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/8c4efb9a465b4c639eb5b5a3bf459c6b/tumblr_mnppn7AQyL1s01xbbo1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/8c4efb9a465b4c639eb5b5a3bf459c6b/tumblr_mnppn7AQyL1s01xbbo1_1280.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://passiondecor-de-marieclaude.tumblr.com/post/52294637399" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/9d/3e/ff/9d3eff10e6003f8cc34b3d682d14dba9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/9d/3e/ff/9d3eff10e6003f8cc34b3d682d14dba9.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/152207662378682841/" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.houseandhome.com/sites/houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/photo/top-images/galleries/10359947/BEDROOM_005_SUP_HH_JN08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.houseandhome.com/sites/houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/photo/top-images/galleries/10359947/BEDROOM_005_SUP_HH_JN08.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://houseandhome.com/design/photo-gallery-stylists-homes?page=25" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://homeideanetwork.com/files/2013/03/3934359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://homeideanetwork.com/files/2013/03/3934359.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://homeideanetwork.com/2013/03/12/dark-gray-wood-floors-and-stone/" target="_blank">Source</a><br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i0.wp.com/www.onekindesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Copake-Lake-House-02-1-Kindesign.jpg?resize=600%2C487" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i0.wp.com/www.onekindesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Copake-Lake-House-02-1-Kindesign.jpg?resize=600%2C487" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.onekindesign.com/2013/06/13/woodsy-lake-front-cabin-in-upstate-new-york/" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span id="goog_1220014152"><span id="goog_1220014153"></span><span id="goog_1220014154"><span id="goog_1220014159"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1220014160"></span></span></span><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I could go on forever... (see my home inspiration board on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jennasuedesign/home-inspiration/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>for more) but you get where I'm headed, right? The key word for this house is <i>cozy</i>. Especially with the holidays and winter right around the corner, I'm obsessing over cozy. And it never goes out of style.</div><div><br /></div><div>Prepare yourself for lots of wood, stone, cozy rugs, and planked walls. Lots of it. This house has textured walls which I have a strong natural aversion to for some reason, so I'll be covering as much of it as humanly possible with wood planks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Turquoise decor, your days are numbered.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. Take more risks</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I'll admit, I played it pretty safe in the last house. Everything was neutral for the most part, and the colors were soft and calming. White is still my favorite color to decorate with and there will be plenty of it, but it's time for some contrast. It's time to mix things up a bit and have some fun. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.cdnme.se/cdn/7-1/20882/images/2011/johanna-flyckt-mg_1950_179567382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn3.cdnme.se/cdn/7-1/20882/images/2011/johanna-flyckt-mg_1950_179567382.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This <a href="http://emmas.blogg.se/2011/december/saturday-sweets-1.html" target="_blank">high contrast space</a> inspires me to decorate with black!</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Edie's blog, <a href="http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/category/decorating/" target="_blank">Life in Grace</a>, is really what moved me to commit to this. She experiments with color and scale and styles in a way I never imagined, and it looks so fun yet put together. Even <a href="http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/2013/04/bhg-digital-my-house/" target="_blank">BHG</a> thought so:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/photo10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/photo10.png" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is going to take some effort on my part because I'm not used to stepping out of my neutrals only comfort zone, but I'm really going to challenge myself this time and try to make things special and less predictable. Which brings me to my next point...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Be less generic</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I can't deny my love for all things Ikea and Target, and there will definitely be a major Ikea influence in this house—but those pieces will be basics like wardrobes and cabinets where price and function are most important. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbOrBet-CgouQ-_mhT0M0ajfolaVqvdpizx_gdH34QElLlyaCUe48_L0mqhBdaCEx86kQG6b2Ri-Gy9aIWlcX3Jv2VVAkBMWwv1Ljgr7XR_6c95mvfauGuLFGgae4y8U-ty66IElNkyJt/s1600/IMG_0591-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbOrBet-CgouQ-_mhT0M0ajfolaVqvdpizx_gdH34QElLlyaCUe48_L0mqhBdaCEx86kQG6b2Ri-Gy9aIWlcX3Jv2VVAkBMWwv1Ljgr7XR_6c95mvfauGuLFGgae4y8U-ty66IElNkyJt/s1600/IMG_0591-2.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly (or luckily?) there is no Target, or even stores like Hobby Lobby and Home Goods anywhere near here so I'll be forced to shop at thrift/antique stores, Craigslist, and DIY my own solutions. </div><div><br /></div><div>This also means there will be less impulse buys—I'll be pickier about what I choose and they will have more value to me in the end. I'll still have my basic staples but I definitely want to incorporate some one of a kind, stand out items in every room. I believe your home should be filled with meaningful pieces and memories that are unique to you and your family. I hope for my home to reflect that.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. Spend less (frivolously)</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This ties into my last point about limiting mass market purchases. There have been so many times where I've searched high and low for the "perfect" item—only to settle for something that was just good enough. And inevitably, down the road I no longer liked or wanted it. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyo-XwQjA93lIYCymkmPVzCWBOA7vOLj2o-HSzHu_zps3sk6XYcHLe7Gl-6o2KjzW4v0G8R7bBYAmjGIma4lgD_8Xe6U_M14b4UwoMrtXzZIYMenYeN2HB6zPgb1RCStQHT94PfsvYHcf/s1600/IMG_6221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyo-XwQjA93lIYCymkmPVzCWBOA7vOLj2o-HSzHu_zps3sk6XYcHLe7Gl-6o2KjzW4v0G8R7bBYAmjGIma4lgD_8Xe6U_M14b4UwoMrtXzZIYMenYeN2HB6zPgb1RCStQHT94PfsvYHcf/s640/IMG_6221.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Or I've absolutely <i>needed</i> something to finish a project ASAP and just bought the next best thing instead of really planning it out and coming up with a better solution. These impulse buys don't often pay off.</div><div><br /></div><div>This time around, I hope to be smarter with my purchases and really evaluate whether it's something I need, or can DIY myself, or find an alternative for. I'll spend more time planning and consider what will work best in the future. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now that I'm living near my dad (who is a former furniture maker and has all the tools/resources I need) and have help from family, we're going to step up our DIY game a bit and try things we were too afraid to do on our own before.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Spend more (on what matters)</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>For the most part, Brad and I were really frugal (ahem, cheap) when it came to renovating our last home. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing—we saved a ton of money and really transformed the house with a limited budget. </div><div><br /></div><div>We also paid the price with some back-breaking labor, stress, and arguments that lead to some not-so-happy feelings. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgiPPA-xU3MDNqEawCcOyaCmsTWVOx1guXyjplh13t0FXYcLAOUFIIDb98JnFILGu5je9xtchYRcm2U2ZBbXeCwFgjiD25NuuCiX2-CQTkDPx9z_xw5_T0pDzRQeN2r542rKthchvnRsG/s1600/IMG_3948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgiPPA-xU3MDNqEawCcOyaCmsTWVOx1guXyjplh13t0FXYcLAOUFIIDb98JnFILGu5je9xtchYRcm2U2ZBbXeCwFgjiD25NuuCiX2-CQTkDPx9z_xw5_T0pDzRQeN2r542rKthchvnRsG/s640/IMG_3948.jpg" width="566" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>By purchasing a much cheaper house than we originally planned, we're able to increase our renovation budget and hire out where it makes sense. Just because we <i>can</i> DIY something, doesn't always mean we should. If our time and efforts can be better spent somewhere else, or if it's going to save us from a lot of stress and headaches—by all means, we're glad to pay more.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end—it's your marriage, your health, and your happiness that needs to come first. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm also making an effort to spend more on quality pieces and things that will make our life simpler. This is why were hiring Lowe's to install our kitchen, and splurging for better appliances, and replacing the handles with real oil rubbed bronze instead of spray painting them, and so on...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2DMibz3hvynJqT6hZB4o2qHy8_UEZjkbw_LU2KHNaGB5e-igGtlmv8TQGS4XieZBNvdpoBCBRV9r9Ipta-oeOkLxKiq9ZFUG7KsviXamm-wu2V4XXQ8nSZ4ClV_nvccxGFlxdx6lNL4C/s1600/IMG_8442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2DMibz3hvynJqT6hZB4o2qHy8_UEZjkbw_LU2KHNaGB5e-igGtlmv8TQGS4XieZBNvdpoBCBRV9r9Ipta-oeOkLxKiq9ZFUG7KsviXamm-wu2V4XXQ8nSZ4ClV_nvccxGFlxdx6lNL4C/s1600/IMG_8442.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We had fun with the challenge of spending as little as possible and getting our biggest bang for the buck in Florida, but I'm ready to splurge a bit where I need to this time—I'm not talking high end store shopping here, but spending more on materials and projects. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>6. Embrace imperfections</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>My mother will tell you that I've been a perfectionist since Day 1. This is something I struggle with in everything I do, and decorating our home is no exception. It's easy to go overboard when you're blogging for the world (or a handful of people) to see, and trying to keep up with the perfectly styled homes on Pinterest.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a6/34/d8/a634d8654e2c3094052850cf3c5b0e78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a6/34/d8/a634d8654e2c3094052850cf3c5b0e78.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But Pinterest isn't the real world and we have to remember that we're decorating our homes for <i>ourselves</i>, not anyone else. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes I wonder if my life would be easier if I reverted back to the days before I owned a house and had never even heard of HGTV. I'd decorate my home (or maybe I wouldn't) how I wanted without any sense of design rules or knowing what's in style, and wouldn't think twice about it. No spending gobs of money on renovations and decor, no struggling with miter saws and crown molding, no stress.</div><div><br /></div><div>But then I remember how happy transforming my home makes me and how excited I get dreaming up new ideas for rooms. This <i>is </i>my hobby and a <i>huge </i>part of my life, and I can't see that going away anytime soon. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcBnYnka27jVrW3gL7_bSewZo3ZTAEAK3XT3I2jOWfHwmqCxLjleRWrqTCo9o1fRt6_Y4QLb9BixblKkMzcaZt5cRDgkmXpyYEKBA0l3Ev_Hv0qcFPsHVF3rFLFvZ2_RhnWSI975LQ8yd/s1600/IMG_6362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcBnYnka27jVrW3gL7_bSewZo3ZTAEAK3XT3I2jOWfHwmqCxLjleRWrqTCo9o1fRt6_Y4QLb9BixblKkMzcaZt5cRDgkmXpyYEKBA0l3Ev_Hv0qcFPsHVF3rFLFvZ2_RhnWSI975LQ8yd/s640/IMG_6362.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So instead of worrying about perfect everything needs to be all the time, I'm trying to learn to let go and just enjoy the ride, wherever it leads. If my plan isn't executed exactly how I had in mind—so what? It turned out how it was meant to and I should appreciate it for what it is—unique to <i>my home. </i>How lucky I am to even have a place to call my home. Embrace the imperfections and love it for what it is—a place to grow, love, and make memories in.</div><div><br /></div><div>And on that sappy note, it's time for me to call it a night. Just writing this post made me feel more optimistic about what the future holds for our new home, and as always, I'm honored that there's people out there who are invested enough to leave sweet comments every week and follow us on our journey. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've got some big plans in store for this one, and as always, I hope you find some new inspiration along the way as my style evolves!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>PS—My buddy Jen from <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">IHeart Organizing </a>is hosting an epic holiday giveaway right now, where you can win $50 to anything in <a href="http://jennasuedesign.com/" target="_blank">my shop</a>! There's also a coupon code in there... enter<a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/12/2013-items-iheart-epic-holiday-giveaway.html" target="_blank"> here.</a></i></div>

What I'm doing differently in our new house.

Happy December! Can you believe there's only three weeks until Christmas? The days have just been flying by here with so much going on w...

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