Hit enter to search of ESC to exit

Transforming Our Home’s Exterior: A Remodeling Journey

The exterior of a house is often the first impression it makes on visitors and passersby.  It sets the tone for what lies inside.  In our quest to create a welcoming and  “organic modern” exterior for our home, we embarked on what felt like one million decisions.  Stucco, windows, roofing, tile, landscaping, and the list goes on!  In doing so, we have completely transformed our house into a place we’re proud to call home.  Here is the story of our exterior home remodel.

It started like this.  We bought the least expensive house on the market in our coveted neighborhood/community.

Before picture of our fixer upper when we bought it

 

We lived in it for 1.5 years.  I did several DIY projects to make it reflect our style while living there but as soon as we received our permits from our City, we started construction.   We remodeled instead of building from scratch.  We thought it would be faster and cheaper that way.  It probably was not.  With rising material costs and the complications of this remodel, it ended up being way more expensive than we had budgeted for.  (Another story for another day).  It was a large remodel with an addition upstairs.   We used Ballentine Architect Studio and were happy with their work.  They understood my vision and made it happen.   We kept a lot of the footprint of the home but added a garage in the front and built above it.   We had tons of decisions to make about everything, the exterior too!

  1. Choosing the Exterior Finish

One of the first and most significant decisions we made for our exterior remodel was selecting the exterior finish. We chose smooth trowel stucco.   Stucco is a versatile and durable material that can dramatically impact the appearance of a home. After careful consideration, we chose a beautiful, warm white, smooth trowel stucco finish that complements our home’s architectural style. Its earthy color provides a modern yet inviting feel, and the smooth plaster texture adds depth and character to the façade. Stucco not only looks fantastic but also offers excellent protection against the elements, making it a practical choice for our home’s exterior.

2. Tile Selection for the Perfect Accent

To add more texture and sophistication, we decided to incorporate decorative tiles into our remodel.  When I laid eyes on Arto’s Newport Brick, it was love at first site.  Newport Brick Veneer is a long-form, modern looking brick with a limestone textured surface and crisp edges.  The concrete composition is durable enough for freeze thaw climates and can be used for walls and floors. These tiles are strategically placed around the entry and the entire garage exterior wall, creating a captivating visual focal point. The tiles infuse an organic vibe into the overall look, while remaining modern.   This may be controversial, but I did not grout the tile.  I love the non-grouted look of this tile and we have all the necessary water proofing behind the tiles.

Arto Newport Brick Tile

The front patio tile is Bone and Early Gray concrete pavers (also from Arto tile) laid in a custom pattern.

Arto tile front porch design

  1. Windows

To grid or not to grid.  That was a question I debated forever!   Ultimately, we decided against grids and we went with Milgard fiberglass casement windows (with no grid pattern).   Fiberglass is more expensive than Aluminum but at the time, it was the only way I could affordably get white on the inside and black on the exterior of the windows.   They also have many benefits.  Fiberglass windows are low-maintenance and resist swelling, rotting, warping and corrosion. They do not require repainting like wood, but the material is paintable, which is awesome because you know I like to paint!   We painted our library window dark green to match the rest of the room (for example).

home exterior design

I did, however, find the most amazing front door that does have grids to mix it up.  It is also a dutch door!  It is customizable for your exact dimensions and as far as front doors go, reasonable in price.

front door black dutch door

  1. Roofing

Given the extensive nature of our remodel, we had to add an entirely new roof. We chose GAF Timberline Reflector Series in charcoal.

5. Landscaping: Bringing Nature to Life

No exterior home remodel is complete without landscaping.  Yardzen came to the rescue!   We told them everything we wanted and they made it come to life in a rendering.  We used the rendering to implement the design ourselves.  We opted for a mix of real (front yard) and fake grass (backyard) and a mix of plants, some drought-tolerant plants, thoughtfully arranged to create a harmonious balance of greenery and hardscape.  Specifically, in the front, we used olive bushes and white roses.   The climbing vine is star Jasmine.  The addition of a the small stone sections in our walkway leading up to the front door  adds an element of charm to our home’s exterior.  We did the same pattern in our driveway to break up the large amount of concrete.

Here is the rendering we received from Yardzen.

yardzen design rendering

6. Coordinating Colors and Materials

One of the key elements of a successful exterior remodel is ensuring that all the materials and colors work together harmoniously. We made sure that the stucco, tiles, and landscaping elements complemented each other. The earthy stucco and tiles are complimented by the lush landscaping, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. In addition, we painted the garage door black and stained the wood elements black to complement the overall design, tying all the elements together.  For those wondering about our garage door, we used Colima Garage Doors and Repairs and showed him this design and he made it happen.

home exterior design

7. House Numbers, Lighting and Final Touches

I was gifted gorgeous house numbers by Dropcap Studio.  We chose the Forza Light in black. We LOVE them!

I wanted to keep the lighting simple (and inexpensive) so opted for these lights from Wayfair.   They work great and look great AND the price is awesome!

For front porch decor, I added these affordable and comfortable rocking chairs.  We love sitting on the front porch to catch good morning and afternoon sun and people watching.  🙂

I found our mailbox on Etsy.   I love it!

home exterior design

Our exterior home remodel has been a labor of love, resulting in quite the transformation that reflects our style and personality. The choice of stucco, tiles, landscaping, and other design elements has come together to create an inviting and beautiful exterior that we’re proud to call our own.   Feel free to send me a DM on Instagram if you have ANY questions at all.

xoxo,

Kristin
Photo Credit:  James Ogg

Creating the Ultimate Teen Boy’s Bedroom: Sophisticated, Practical, and Stylish

As your teenage son enters a new phase in life, it’s time to give his bedroom a makeover that’s both sophisticated enough for the future and practical for his present needs. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the journey of designing a teen boy’s bedroom that strikes the perfect balance between style and functionality.  Scroll to the bottom for links/sources.

teen bedroom decor

1. The Versatile Daybed: Maximizing Space and Comfort

When it comes to teenage bedrooms, it’s crucial to find a furniture arrangement that allows for both practicality and style. In our quest to create the ultimate teen bedroom, we decided to go for a daybed. This choice not only provides a comfortable place for sleeping but also maximizes floor space, allowing for a lounge-like atmosphere that’s perfect for hanging out with friends.

The daybed’s versatility is a significant advantage. As your son (or daughter) grows, it can easily transform into a comfortable seating area (in our case – somewhere else in our house), making it an excellent long-term investment for the room.

teen bedroom decor

2. A Gallery Wall with a Personal Touch

One of the most creative and personal touches in our teen boy’s bedroom makeover is the gallery wall. Instead of traditional art, we decided to incorporate items that reflect his passions and personality. The gallery wall includes a signed basketball, a basketball hoop, and other art that holds sentimental value for him.  Including art by his favorite artist – Wendy Stillman.

This approach not only adds a unique and personal touch to the room but also allows the space to evolve with his changing interests. As he grows, the gallery wall can adapt to display new items that hold meaning to him, creating a room that truly reflects his identity.

teen bedroom gallery wall

teen bedroom gallery wall

3. Functional and Stylish Storage Solutions

Teenagers tend to accumulate a variety of belongings, from gadgets to school supplies and hobbies. In our bedroom makeover, we integrated functional and stylish storage solutions to help keep the space organized. Open shelving (in his closet), storage cubes, and under-bed storage are some of the options to consider. These solutions ensure that the room remains clutter-free and fosters a sense of order.

4. Neutral Color Palette with Pops of Personality

For a sophisticated and timeless look, we opted for a neutral color palette with pops of personality. Shades of gray, black, and white formed the foundation of the room, creating a serene and versatile backdrop. We introduced pops of color and personality through  throw pillows, roman shades and the gallery wall items.

This approach allows for easy updates as your teen’s tastes change, without requiring a complete room overhaul. It also encourages creativity and self-expression.

teen bedroom decor

5. A Study Area 

For years, he did his homework in the kitchen but has recently transitioned to doing it in his room.  We included a desk and a comfortable chair, ensuring that this space is both practical and stylish.

In conclusion, designing a teen boy’s bedroom that’s sophisticated enough to grow into but practical enough for daily life is all about balance. Incorporate versatile furniture, personalized decor, functional storage, and a timeless color palette to create a space that evolves with your son’s changing needs and tastes. As he grows, so will his room, making it a place he can truly call his own.

With a little creativity and thoughtful planning, you can create a room that’s not only stylish but also a reflection of your teen’s personality and interests. It’s a space where he can relax, study, and, most importantly, be himself.

teen bedroom decor

teen bedroom decor

Links:

Scroll through for most links:

Roman Shades – link
Checkered pillow –
link

 

xoxo,

Kristin

DIY Swing for Your Tween’s Room: Crafting Memories and Joy

As a parent, I’m always on the lookout for ways to create a magical and memorable space for my children.  Right?!  What if I told you that you can add a touch of whimsy to your 11-year-old daughter’s room with a simple DIY project? Yep! In this step-by-step guide, I will show you how to make a delightful indoor swing that’s perfect for kids of all ages. After all, who says you’re ever too old to enjoy the simple pleasure of swinging? So, grab your tools and materials, and let’s get started on this fun project that will bring joy and relaxation to your child’s room.

DIY swing for kid bedroom

 

Materials You’ll Need

Before I dive into the nitty-gritty of crafting your DIY swing, let’s gather the materials you’ll need to make this project a reality. I found all these items easily at Home Depot.

1. Wooden Board:

  • Select a sturdy wooden board that’s about .75 inch thick, 6-8 inches wide, and at least 18 inches long. This will serve as the seat of the swing.  I used a .75in thick wood piece that is 7in wide and 18.5in long.

2. Rope or Chain:

  • You’ll need a strong and durable rope or chain to suspend the swing. Choose a material that can support your child’s weight and is comfortable to hold onto. Consider nylon rope or a sturdy chain for safety.  I used this one.

3. Eye Bolts:

  • To securely attach the swing to the ceiling, you’ll need eye bolts. Make sure they are strong enough to support the weight of the swing and your child.

4. Carabiners:

  • Carabiners will help you connect the rope or chain to the eye bolts. They also make it easier to adjust the swing’s height.

5. Tools:

  • I used a saw to cut the wood (but you can get it cut at Home Depot), a drill and drill bits (a 1/2″ hole bit) to make the holes for the rope, an orbital sander, a measuring tape and a stud finder.

Now that we’ve gathered our materials let’s move on to the exciting part—building the swing!

How to Make Your DIY Swing

Step 1: Measure and Prepare

Before you start drilling holes or attaching anything, measure the space where you plan to hang the swing. Make sure there’s enough room for the swing to move freely without touching walls or furniture. Also, consider the height from the floor to the ceiling.

Step 2: Locate Ceiling Joists

Use a stud finder to locate the ceiling joists where you want to hang the swing. Attaching the eye bolts to a sturdy support structure is crucial for safety.

Step 3: Create the Swing Seat

Cut the seat to your desired dimensions.  Then, sand the edges of the wooden board to prevent splinters. Then, paint or stain the board in your chosen color to match the room’s decor. Allow it to dry thoroughly.  I used poly.

Step 4:   Use a 1/2″ round drill bit to make 4 holes 1.5″ from each corner.

Step 5: Attach Rope or Chain

Cut two equal lengths of rope or chain, ensuring they are long enough to reach from the eye bolts to the desired height for the swing. I doubled up the rope on each side of the swing, threaded the rope through each hole in the swing seat, knotted it and fringed the bottom.   Connect the carabiner to the top of the rope and make sure they are securely closed.

Step 6: Install Eye Bolts

Using a drill and appropriate drill bit, create holes in the ceiling at the locations you’ve identified for the eye bolts. Screw the eye bolts into these holes securely. Make sure they are level and tightly fastened to the ceiling joists.

Step 7: Hang the Swing

With the seat ready, and the rope in place connected to carabiners, clip the carabiners into the installed eye bolts.  Make sure the swing hangs level and is at the desired height.

Step 8: Safety Check

Before your child takes the first swing, perform a safety check. Ensure all bolts, knots, and connections are secure. Test the swing yourself to make sure it’s stable.

This simple project adds a touch of whimsy, comfort, and joy to Tegan’s space while allowing her to enjoy the timeless pleasure of swinging indoors.   We have already formed so many memories on this swing!   Her friends love it too!  Remember, you’re never too old to enjoy the simple joys of life, and your child’s smile will be the best reward for your DIY efforts.

DIY swing project

 

my daughter’s pre-teen bathroom reveal and all the sources

My 10-year-old daughter’s bathroom is finally complete!   It took me months to decide what to do with the white walls.  Originally, I was going to wallpaper them but I decided to paint them instead.  I LOVE how the DIY checkerboard walls turned out.  They compliment the beautiful tiles, hardwood floors and the white vanity.  Let’s discuss all the sources – starting with the tile and the faucets!

pre-teen daughter bathroom reveal with tile, faucets and all the other sources included

 

The wall tiles are from Arto.  They are 2×8 Studio Field in Alabaster.   I decided to display them in a vertical stack pattern.  I love mixing patterns, so I actually changed the pattern to horizontal over the shower bench.   The shower floor tile is from Bedrosians.  I love the playful vibe of the large format penny tile contrasted with the vertically stacked tiles.

pre-teen daughter bathroom reveal with tile, faucets and all the other sources included

 

After being an almost exclusively delta faucet purchaser for my faucets, I was lucky enough to work with Delta Faucet!  A dream!  This shower faucet is the Trinsic line in “brilliance champagne bronze.”  It is the prettiest metal color.  It goes so well with everything.  We got matching hooks and a toilet paper holder.

 

pre-teen daughter bathroom reveal with tile, faucets and all the other sources included

Let’s talk about the vanity situation.   I did NOT want to pay for a custom vanity.  I found this one on Wayfair.  Here is the link.  As you can see from the link, it came with black pulls.  I had intended to buy new hardware but I couldn’t find the correct lengths and I did not want to fill and drill new holes.  So naturally, I spray painted them.  I opted for a linen white.   Here is the link to the spraypaint I used.   The sconces are from Dutton Brown in “barely” with a brass accent.  The faucet is from Delta – the trinsic line.

pre-teen daughter bathroom reveal with tile, faucets and all the other sources included

pre-teen daughter bathroom reveal with tile, faucets and all the other sources included

For the DIY checkerboard wall, I did 8×8 squares to line up with the tiles.  The white color is “simply white” by Benjamin Moore.  But unfortunately I don’t know the griege color!  I am SO SORRY!  I had this “griege”  sample in my garage and it was PERFECT but the top is worn so I do not know what color it is.

Last but not least, let me link all the accessories for you!   Styling can make a room FOR SURE.

Last, but certainly not least, we decided to run our hardwood floors into all of our bathrooms, except the primary.  The floors are gorgeous.  They are “fika” from Stuga.

Hope you like it!  Let me know your favorite part below in comments!  You can find all this and more on my Instagram and Pinterest.  Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Kristin

 

backyard transformation with a basketball court!

We recently gut remodeled our home, resulting in a new home AND a backyard transformation with a sport court!  When we bought the house, the “yard” was a driveway because the garage was in the backyard.   We created an open concept kitchen/family room where the garage previously was and added a garage to the front of the house, which left us with a true backyard.  All information, including plants and furniture included below.

BEFORE PICS:

As a family, we decided to add a sport court for basketball games and a large enough patch of artificial grass for tumbling.   And I definitely wanted a hang out space with a fire pit and dining space.  We worked with Yardzen to make our dream our reality.  Yardzen gave us the plans years ago and now it finally and truly is a reality!   I played the contractor role and hired various sub-contractors to get the work done.

We started by pouring the concrete for the sport court.  The concrete guys leveled our yard (at a slight slant for water) but making sure the sport court area was completely level.   It is important to finish it with a medium broom finish on the concrete, so that the sport court tiles can be properly installed on top.     We painstakingly measured the space to make sure we had room for a 3 point line and to ensure that the free throw line was regulation.  Our court is 18′ wide and 25′ 3″ long with the hoop anchored right in front of the court (allowing 2 ft total to the fence to leave room for the hoop crank).  We purchased our hoop from this company.  We purchased the multi-sport 72/36 with pro rim.   If you order from them (the best hoop for the price – please let them know I referred you).

We hired a sport court expert to order and install our tiles , which includes cutting, anchoring and painting the lines.   Please let me know if you want his number!

After our concrete was poured, we started with the artificial grass.  We had our gardener install the grass, which involves leveling, gravel and decomposed granite for proper drainage.  We installed a 15′ by 15′ square of grass.   It is right off our garage, which is perfect and easily accessible for my daughter’s gymnastics equipment.   It is kid/pet friendly and adds a nice pop of grass without requiring water or causing mud.  🙂

Lastly, we hired a company to install pavers.   We decided on Courtyard stone combo pavers in the dark gray/copper/charcoal color.   They came in and finished in a week – we had over 300 sq ft total.  If you install pavers near your sport court, make sure they are level to the court.  Our pavers were installed before the sport court tiles, so we had the pavers 5/8in above the concrete to ensure they were level to the court once the 5/8in sport court tiles were installed.

AFTER:

Plant sources: Our privacy hedge is ficus.  For the other plants, I purchased and planted a combination of grasses, ground cover and silver sheen bushes/trees.

Furniture:
The fire pit is from Terra Outdoor  
The dining chairs
The dining table is from Article but no longer available.
The sofa and chairs are our fav!   They are the brown wicker from Outer  – linked here.
We love that it is made from recycled materials AND it is incredibly comfortable.  We LOVE how easy it is to keep it clean and dry with the easy to use attached cover.  Use coupon DIONOUTER for 5% off.

Email me at kristindiondesign@gmail.com or DM me on IG for sub-contractor info or for any other information.   Happy to share!  I had an awesome experience with all.

xoxo,

Kristin

teenager boy bathroom reveal

Besides a missing window covering, this boy’s bathroom is done!   I have encountered many hiccups when trying to reveal rooms in our newly remodeled home because not all of the details are done.  But this one is close enough!  We all, especially him, love it!  First, let’s talk about the beautiful tile, tile pattern and huge tub.

patterned tile, window in the shower, big tub, shower curtain

The tiles are from Arto.  They are 3×6 Studio Field Sierra Snow.   I decided to display them in a basketweave pattern.  I love mixing patterns, so I had fun mixing in stripes and plaids against the pattern of the tile.

The bathtub is a large acrylic alcove tub that is larger than what people typically use but I wanted a large shower and a large soaking tub and we had the space so why not?!  It measures 60″ (L) x 36″ (W) x 21-5/8″ (D).

After being an almost exclusively delta faucet purchaser for my faucets, I was lucky enough to work with Delta Faucet!  A dream!  This tub/shower combo faucet is the Kayra Monitor 14 Series tub & shower trim in matte black.   It is beauty meets function at it’s best.  I will link all accessories below.

Let’s talk about the sink/vanity situation.   It is what you see when you walk in and it does not disappoint.

vanity and mirror with a beautiful rustic vanity

We bought this vanity from West Elm – it is their Donovan 36in vanity in white oak (note: it is a white oak engineered finish, easy to wipe down).  It comes with a beautiful white resin counter and sink and beautiful black hardware.

The faucet is the Kayra single handle pull-down faucet in matte black from Delta Faucet.   It is SO nice to pull it down for easy cleaning, especially for those hard to reach toothpaste spots …

Ok let me link all the accessories for you!   Styling can make a room FOR SURE.

accessories linked in a boy bathroom makeover

 

Last, but certainly not least, we decided to run our hardwood floors into all of our bathrooms, except the primary.  The floors are gorgeous.  They are “fika” from Stuga.

Hope you like it!  Let me know your favorite part below in comments!  You can find all this and more on my Instagram and Pinterest.  Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Kristin

our van’s sink + faucet

When we converted our van, one of our favorite additions was the sink and faucet!  This isn’t just any sink and faucet – it is a dream sink and a beautiful faucet.  I wanted our van to feel like our home on wheels, so naturally I was as picky about our van products as I am for our home.  I went with an earthy color palette – a creamy white, green, black and bronze.   I instantly fell in love with our bronze sink the moment I first laid eyes on it.   And how dreamy to have a big deep sink (15in feels BIG in a van) in a van, especially when camping.

I get asked OFTEN how I choose products for my designs without seeing them in person.   Honestly, if I cannot see the products in person, I make sure the company I am ordering from has a good return policy.  Luckily, I live close to a Ferguson showroom, so I booked an appointment and got to explore my products in person before making a final decision.  I made an appointment and toured the showroom with a showroom designer, who was super helpful.   The designer I worked with put together my order and managed the process.  Easy peasy.   But if you can’t visit a showroom, I know from experience that Ferguson/build.com has a good return policy for online purchases.  🙂

Click here for our sink.

Click here for our faucet.

I was gifted these products but all of my opinions are my own and am truly in love with these products.

xoxo,

Kristin

Etsy lighting finds

As promised, here is a curated list of my favorite pendant and wall sconce lights from Etsy — affordable, high quality and handcrafted lighting.  I purchased several of these lights for our new home and can attest to their beauty and quality.

After countless hours of searching the internet for good lighting, I am so thankful I found these artists who DELIVER handcrafted quality goodness.  I am so impressed.   I truly believe you guys will love every. single. one of the lighting shops I found.  And the prices.  You will love the prices.   The lights are each linked below.

Scroll to the bottom to read which ones I have already bought and where I am putting them in my house.

a curated collection of affordable and quality handcrafted lighting options from etsy

Which is your fav?  I purchased the bottom row.  The bottom left wall sconces are going in my dining room.  The fluted ceramic sconces will be in my powder room.  The rectangular disc sconces will be in my entry and the bottom right pendant is also going in my entry (I customized the size to a 24in diameter).  I am considering several of the top pendants for my kitchen.  I CANNOT WAIT to install these beauties!

xoxo,

Kristin

 

 

 

 

 

new fall decor

I tested some new fall decor in our VAN today!  I am obsessed with it all.  My van is giving me all the feels!  The little lamp might be my favorite.   You can shop the decor below.

our DIY van styled for fall

van fall decor van fall decor

 

some recent target clothing purchases

I’m in the midst of an expensive home renovation and therefore have no business buying new clothes . . . but I justified all of these purchases because they are practical, comfortable and affordable (considering the quality is quite good).    You can shop all the items here.  They are all true to size except the tie dye joggers, I’d size up.

A couple items from my try-on reel are no longer available (the white dress + green romper) but I linked some similar items.  And yes a couple of my items are from the girls section.  I’ve found that in some items, a girls XL is almost equivalent to a women’s 4/6.

I also linked my white Birkenstocks because I have been wearing them EVERY day.  🙂

Happy shopping.  Let me know if any of these work for you!

xoxo,

Kristin

window shopping 101: some useful information

Are you thinking about replacing your windows or choosing windows for a new project?  I am currently choosing windows for our remodel and I’m finding the process a bit overwhelming.   The choices seem endless! Styles, materials, types, colors, shapes, brands, etc.  SO many choices.   Here are the steps I’ve taken in this process.  Hopefully some of this info will be helpful.

Step 1:  Determine the sizes of your new windows

If you are replacing existing windows, this step is easy because the existing framing will dictate the size of your window.  My architect and I, as the designer, worked together to determine the sizes of our new windows, based on both structural considerations, functionality and aesthetics.  Once we finalized the plans, we created a “window schedule,” which lists each window by number and includes the rough opening size.

Step 2: Come up with a budget

Windows vary significantly in price.  How much are you willing to spend?  If you want steel windows and doors, for example, you are looking at a gigantic budget, as compared to most other window materials.

Euroline steel windows

Suffice it to say, steel windows and doors do not fit our budget.

Step 3:  Find your window inspo and determine how to recreate it within budget 

After much research and contemplation, we decided on black exterior windows/white interior.

Material:  Vinyl is the most budget friendly option but aluminum windows are stronger, more secure, and tend to have a much longer life and many more options for customization.  However, most brands only offer aluminum windows in the same color (black exterior/black interior or white/white).   We decided to source black aluminum exterior/white painted wood clad interior windows.  This combo gives me the most flexibility for size and functionality.  Also, I love the softer look of painted wood for the interior.  I decided against wood for the exterior because we live in a coastal location prone to termites.   For several of our fixed windows (not operable), I am using fiberglass windows because brands have the capability to make black fiberglass exterior/white fiberglass interior.   Fiberglass is more budget friendly and also very durable.

Rendering of our primary bathroom vanity/fixed window

Style:

There are so many choices: awning, bay and bow, casement, double hung, picture, single hung, sliding, etc.    When choosing the style of the window, it is important to think about the overall style of your home.  Sliders, for example, look awesome in mid century homes.  Traditional homes tend to have traditional grid lines.  But I LOVE casement push out windows so I decided on a combination of casement and picture (fixed) windows.   Picture windows are less expensive because they aren’t operable.  When you add in screens, hardware, hinges, etc. the window increases in price.

What is a casement window?  These windows feature sashes that are hinged on one side and swing inward or outward with a crank or push out operation.   The problem with casement is if you want screens, the screen has to be on the interior because the window pushes out.  I don’t love this look.  Some of the brands, however, including Loewen, Weathershield and Marvin, have nifty retractable screens that are built in the frame of the window and pull out when you want to use it.

casement pushout window. Photo cred: Amber Interiors

Picture/fixed windows:  I quickly learned that fixed windows (no functionality) are WAY cheaper than any window that functions.  So in several instances, we are including fixed windows.  For example, the triangular windows in our primary bathroom and closet will be fixed (rendering above).  Our kitchen backsplash window will be fixed.  A floor to ceiling window in our kitchen will be fixed.   I also learned that we can use fiberglass windows (black exterior, white interior) to save costs.   In certain cases, this makes sense and because of the window location, it probably won’t bother me that the interior frame is white fiberglass, as opposed to wood.

Window grid:  Old windows all had grids because glass was only available in smaller sizes so window panes had to be created to accommodate the glass size.   These days, new windows have grids to recreate the look of historical windows.  I love horizontal grids.  I can’t explain why – I just do.   SO… on most of my operable casement windows, I’m adding 2 horizontal grid lines and on all fixed windows and doors, I am leaving them open, with no grid.   This is ENTIRELY personal preference.

horizontal grid lines photo cred: Amber Interiors

Step 4:  Find a window expert

I found Joann Zwagerman at One Stop Door Inc.  Her number is (310) 766. 0662.   Please tell her I referred you.  She knows the look and feel I want to achieve and she is quoting multiple brands and materials to make this look achievable within my budget.  You do not have to order all your windows from the same brand.  For example, you may choose higher end windows for the front exterior of your home.  Or for the windows you know you operate everyday.  Joann is awesome at mixing and matching and coming up with a good solution.

Step 5:  Order the windows

We aren’t here yet.  We are still going back and forth on window sizes and materials in several locations.   Once we finalize the rough opening sizes for each, we can place the order.

After I order the windows, I will share what brands I chose and why.

Hope this helps!

xoxo,

Kristin

laundry room makeover

I promised you all the sources and all the details about my laundry room makeover and here it is!  I’m sharing all the details about the paint, the DIY counter space and all the styling items I purchased, including the new copper hardware.

I’m going to start with the paint.  Ever since I first saw lime wash paint by JH Wall Paints in my friend Bri’s bedroom, I knew I had to try it!   Since our house is currently being remodeled, I don’t have walls yet so I tried it in my dad’s laundry room.  I was craving a brighter more joyful room so I chose a pink color, click here, which is totally out of my comfort zone and super exciting.  I applied the primer, and 2 coats of the paint.  The paint mixes with water, goes VERY far, and is super easy and safe to apply.  I love the texture it provides without the cost and time required for plaster.  The directions on their website are very clear and easy to follow.   I will definitely be using this paint in our new home with our renovation is complete.

laundry room makeover

 

I also wanted to create more counter space for folding clothes.  First, I took off the risers from the front loading machines.  Then I built a counter with 3/4 nice plywood from home depot.  My handyman helped me out and the tutorial is in my Instagram highlights under “laundry room.”  I used Danish oil in natural to finish it to keep the raw look.

laundry room makeover

One of my favorite parts of this makeover (and the easiest part), was changing the black hardware to copper!  I found such fun and affordable hardware and it instantly made the room more cheerful.   Everything I used to style the room, except for the baskets (I found those at Home Goods) and the copper mirror (details on it coming soon) are linked below.

laundry room makeover

Click on any image below for the product.  🙂

Do you like it?

xoxo,

Kristin