Friday, May 31, 2013

Spring drive by

The DC heat today is reminding me that spring barely came this year. It went from cold to summer, then back to winter, and now full force hot...but even so we managed to sneak in some springish activities in between all the work projects. Spring is the best time for.....

Beach camping...it's cold and fresh, no bugs, sun enough to explore but not to be content just lounging (that's saved for summer :) it's so invigorating...
birthdays! We had a whole string of them...2 years for our baby, 6 for our middle, and 30 whole yearsfor Rich and me! Woohoo!

...and the only time for May crowning. Growing up, my school always had a May procession honoring Mary...all the kids would bring flowers, and one girl would be chosen to crown her with flowers. It was always beautiful! This year my kindergartner's class carried on the tradition. Gorgeous, peaceful, prayerful, and full of spirit...
and the very best for flower weed picking and wild bouquets. I remember begging my mom for a tidy little store bought bouquet to bring in for May crowning, and her telling me to go outside and pick some. I didn't realize how much better that was at the time...but now my preference, especially in spring, is wild bouquets that look natural and carefree. Even weeds...







Hello Summer!


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Change of view: a before and after client house flip



For the last couple of months I've been working with a very talented builder, (Paul Kuzma of Kuzma Construction) to transform one of the cutest houses. He and his wife are an awesome team... I went to college with one of their daughters and another daughter is one of our favorite babysitters...so I've known and admired them for quite awhile, but it's been awesome getting to know them in a different capacity. Plus, their work is fabulous because Paul notices and invests in every detail. The whole process has been refreshing because nothing is put in haphazardly or just "because it was cheap" which is often the case in house flips. Paul's background is in carpentry, so details matter, and he knows how to execute them beautifully! The house is now on the market, so email me if your interested in more details.

There are so many things I love about this house...the perfect proportions, the mix of old details that add character and new details that add function, beautiful outdoor areas, gorgeous neighborhood, the light, etc X infinity!

 I have to go back and take real pictures (when I'm not trying to juggle kids and a camera at the same time :) but here's an in progress peek...

The original house was cute cute to begin with if you had a really good imagination....

 But it's looking a little better these days :)))

BEFORE: Mudroom into great room (that framed box on the far side became a fireplace)
 AFTER (in progress):
and from the other direction (IN PROGRESS):

I love that we improved upon the original quirky details, making them functional and charming...
BEFORE:
 AFTER:
BEFORE:

AFTER:
 BEFORE
(the dining room into the kitchen...you can see the boarded over window that's now above the kitchen sink)
 AFTER (the lighting looks awful in this photo):

 BEFORE:
 IN PROGRESS:
 AFTER:
 Dining room BEFORE:
IN PROGRESS:
BEFORE:
AFTER:

 There are a million more things to share in this house, so I will be sneaking back there soon to take more after photos. I love everything about it!

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