Feels Like Home

What an amazing week we had watching our Given House being framed. I knew it would happen quickly, but really, our guys get after it! 

The second story is partly there, but no stairs yet for me to climb. Kirk and I have been praying for the safety of our crew. They climb around on 2 x 4’s like acrobats – scares me to death!

The most wonderful part of the week happened yesterday. The crew was gone, Kirk was in Alabama doing a bike ride, and as I was alone inside our Given House. I said out loud without thinking, “This feels like home.” It was awesome! Always fun to surprise yourself! I knew the house would feel small, but at that moment, it just felt cozy and right. I am so grateful; truly I am.

I’ve been space planning – trying to use furniture we have in an effort to save money. I originally wanted some built in bookcases in the living room and took them out of the plans for two reasons. One, to save money and two, we own a large antique bookcase. But once I was able to stand inside the framed space, my gut was telling me the piece we own was too big and to go for the built in.  I discussed changes with my builder and hope I am making the right decision!

Here is a quick sketch I did to help myself visualize the bookcases. (I’m planning to have it turn the corner.)

In the past week, I’ve also purchased all of our kitchen appliances. I was able to get an amazing “deal” with Jenn–Air and am so happy with not only my cost, but also the appliances. I’ve selected most of my plumbing fixtures and most of my lighting too.

Probably the toughest issue for me is deciding if I want to “mix” finishes. (Can I have chrome plumbing with brass lighting?) As a Kitchen and Bath Designer, I am hearing my own advice to others echoing in my ears. “You need to be cohesive throughout your home.” That cohesiveness can take multiple forms. For example, you can have the same flooring throughout, or the same wall colors throughout your home or the same color theme throughout. But, your rooms definitely need to flow together.

So, as of right now, because my flooring and wall color is the same everywhere, I am leaning towards mixing some fixture finishes. We all should update our homes over time, but I want to try and design as classic of a home as possible, within my budget. I’ll keep you posted!

More to come!

XOXO

Cindy