Our project conversations usually start something like this...
Travis- "Do you have a second to look at this?"
Me- "Yeah, watcha need?"
Travis- "Okay, on this desk...do you want____ or should I just ____"
Me- "Um, just do ___"
This conversation pretty much goes through the entire project. They always start with a rough sketch by me:
Technical, I know. I draw it, sans measurements that are accurate, and Travis makes it happen.
I start out with a list of features I'd like to have in the kitchen:
*open shelving
*Taller cabinets flanking the stove
*Display space
*fridge built in
That is about the extent of our fancy planning. I also worked this kitchen by only investing in the things we needed- like new appliances. I am not a fan of our countertops- haven't been since we chose them at the "design center" where they didn't even know what honed granite was! Because folks, I really, really, really wanted honed granite. And a farmhouse sink, but I wasn't willing to sell a kidney to get it. So instead of mourning what I didn't have in our kitchen, I just worked around it- which is pretty much how I design most of our rooms. My husband is a plant shift worker and Iam was a teacher, so our budgets are pretty small for our renovations.
We always describe our renovating style as a "fly by the seat of our pants" affair. Tweaks are made as we go, the design changes as we go, and sometimes the end result doesn't turn out quite like my original drawings and that's okay. I like how we work together, and I look forward to our project time. We play on each other's strengths and it all works out in the end ;)
Travis- "Do you have a second to look at this?"
Me- "Yeah, watcha need?"
Travis- "Okay, on this desk...do you want____ or should I just ____"
Me- "Um, just do ___"
This conversation pretty much goes through the entire project. They always start with a rough sketch by me:
Technical, I know. I draw it, sans measurements that are accurate, and Travis makes it happen.
I start out with a list of features I'd like to have in the kitchen:
*open shelving
*Taller cabinets flanking the stove
*Display space
*fridge built in
That is about the extent of our fancy planning. I also worked this kitchen by only investing in the things we needed- like new appliances. I am not a fan of our countertops- haven't been since we chose them at the "design center" where they didn't even know what honed granite was! Because folks, I really, really, really wanted honed granite. And a farmhouse sink, but I wasn't willing to sell a kidney to get it. So instead of mourning what I didn't have in our kitchen, I just worked around it- which is pretty much how I design most of our rooms. My husband is a plant shift worker and I
We always describe our renovating style as a "fly by the seat of our pants" affair. Tweaks are made as we go, the design changes as we go, and sometimes the end result doesn't turn out quite like my original drawings and that's okay. I like how we work together, and I look forward to our project time. We play on each other's strengths and it all works out in the end ;)
what a gorgeous kitchen! I am going to add this to my inspiration to re-do our kitchen....it's on my summer list (on a teacher's salary!)....I really love the shelving and white cabinets, you have done an amazing job:) your blog and your home pix are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with your kitchen, and I love the open shelving. You have everything so coordinated and the colors are perfect! My hubby and I are the exact same way, Not a lot of planning, we just get an idea in our heads and go with it. So far so good!
ReplyDeleteHow ever you work it you and your husband do it so well. Your house is so beautiful. I love your kitchen. I feel the same way about my counters but for now I just have to work with them. We purchased new appliances last fall and I was surprised how they changed the feel of our kitchen. My husband and I are the same way. I come up with the plan and he executes it. Most of the time everything turns out how I envisioned it. I can't wait to see your completed office.
ReplyDeleteYou just described how to make designing work and how to make a marriage work. :) Your kitchen is to die for!!
ReplyDeleteAwww, I love that analogy!
DeleteYup, it all looks pretty good from here
ReplyDeleteI think it is beautiful. If I might ask (because we are getting ready to move to our farm and do a lot of remodeling) what don't you like about the countertops? They look great from the pictures.
ReplyDeleteI really wanted a honed granite- no shine. I was thinking something more like soapstone for the counters and marble for the island top. The ones I have look fine, just not really my taste.
DeleteYour kitchen is just beautiful Tricia! I came over here from Sew a Fine Seam to look at your bedroom, but got distracted by all your other posts! I love your style. I'm pinning your kitchen, because it's exactly the look I would want if I could ever convince my husband that we need to paint our dark cabinets!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Love it! I am all in favour of painting dark wood ;) Jill is a doll- I just love her work!!
DeleteGorgeous kitchen! Love it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful kitchen. I can really appreciate your thoughts about not ripping out the counter tops but working around them and coming up with a great idea that works for you. I know my house had designs that I also would love to remove but common sense prevails. it is so nice to meet you. Stopped by from BlogTalk. Love that group.
ReplyDelete~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
I know, that darn common sense! I always like to use the phrase, "In the next house..." ;) Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteCooking is my passion and I love your kitchen! And I totally know what you mean about the honed countertops, only we went with honed marble instead of granite. I love that it has less of a shiny look than the polished stone. I have a great/easy biscuit and jam recipe you might like to try in your pretty kitchen!! Don't think less of me when you see Bisquick in the ingredient list! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://3friendsandfork.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/thyme-for-biscuits-and-jam/
Girl, I am all about Bisquick!! Thank you so much for sharing....going to make those in the morning!!
DeleteCute Kitchen!!
ReplyDeleteDaisy~
Your design is amazing, and you certainly do work well together with your husband. What a good team. I love your open shelving and gorgeous whites and creams. I've been learning that whites are the hardest colors to get just right. You did a fabulous job!
ReplyDeleteI featured your pretty kitchen today at Mod Mix Monday!
ReplyDeleteI love your granite! I actually came here from Pinterest to ask what kind it is.
ReplyDeleteI really don't know the name of it, but I do know that they carry it at Home Depot :) It's a pretty common granite (we didn't do an upgrade when we built the house :)
Delete