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I've owned nine houses, a mix production construction, truly custom construction, and multiple historic renovations. I've always let the house guide the design, color and material choices.
Six months ago, I refreshed my current kitchen. I removed the Tuscan influence, replaced some of the appliances, added new lighting fixtures, painted the wood cabinets white and changed out the dark countertops. The flooring was a medium hardwood and there was just too much wood. This was done strictly for resale. But, it looks nice and fresh.
The next house is in an over 55 community. This means a production build with design choices limited by the builder. Because I will have wood look LVP flooring most probably in a medium tone throughout the home, I plan on white cabinetry. To have wood flooring and wood cabinets would just be too much wood. Once again, I let the house determine the choices. I am still wrestling with the countertops, granite or quartz. I haven't made a final decision. But, I will be guided by my late dear mother's advice, white always works. That goes for both kitchens, baths and all ceramic fixtures.
Thank goodness the grey trend is mercifully coming to an end. I didn't like it when it started and it still depresses me.
Love that black terrazzo(?) wall in the Billy Baldwin apartment, as well as those library floors. And the Le Tigre chairs.
I think the walls are a faux finish terrazzo
The answer is no you do not need to add pendant lights. They are absolutely optional. No it won't look strange if you don't have them.
My experience is that they provide limited light, they get dirty and dusty, and, I spend way too much time trying to find the perfect fixture.
I'm building right now and I have decided to forgo the pendants. My kitchen is a similar set up to yours.
Should I change my mind in the next few weeks I would select a single lighting fixture rather than the ubiquitous row of matching fixtures.
Below is the kitchen refresh that I just completed prior to selling to my current home. This kitchen is not set up like yours, the cooktop is on the island and not the wall. I wanted you to see another example of a single fixture over an island. I rarely turn it on. I use the canned ceiling lights almost exclusively. I don't even know why I have under cabinet lighting.
I also have a similar kitchen layout to yours and do not have pendants. I did add recessed lights where the pendants would have been, put them on their own circuit with their own dimmer and use them only when needed.
Thank you
How about you show the floor plan for this "new production" in the over 55 community?
A bit of courage in order: ) Location, climate, relatively, is nice too....yes we are nosy.
You have to ask yourself if the $10K differential in the upgrade vs. having an outside contractor do it is worth the time and hassle. To me, in the scheme of what you're paying for the entire home, I'd just have your current contractor do it even if it's a bit more expensive.
On the no flooring option, Lvp and carpet don't come precut. It he won't give a credit, remove the flooring boxes when they are delivered. Same with the carpet rolls,
There are certain types of residential architecture that lend themselves to beige/tan windows. They are usually, but not exclusively found in the Southwest.
That's not where you propose to build. You asked for timeless. It doesn't get any more timeless than a white window. Shingles and board and batten are both timeless as is clapboard siding.
Ditch the concept of the "modern farmhouse." It's outre. Tell your architect that you want a home that is comfortable, functional and timeless. Talk to them about how you want to live. Show them a couple of pictures of homes that you consider to be pretty. Then, let them do the sweating of the details for you.
and in the south Mrs. Pete can tell us what they use there.
Pine.
Beautiful! ^^
I have a traditional home style, too. I'm getting ready to move and wondering if the Ethan Allen sofa and loveseat will be making the move. They will need a reupholstery, too. I'd rather reupholster them than buy some cheap disposable stuff that won't last two years.
I'm definitely ready for a new coffee table. The old one is very worn out and really dates the space. My problem is I see lots of nice coffee tables in pictures, but I can't seem to figure out where to find them in real life without a designer taking me to the Mart.
Hi homechef59, you might want to check out thrift shops and estate sales. Lots of well-made traditional furniture is being donated because the younger generation would rather buy "cheap Chinese crapola" (as Sophie Wheeler used to say) than their parents' brown furniture.
"Maybe best to postpone the re upholstery designer and have the designer who has helped me with the house come back."
There is no such person! : )?
The upholsterer is a skilled technician ! Not your "designer" of anything. Call the interior designer......
She is the fabric selector as part of the entire feel you want in your home and within your budget."
It is beginning to sound like you haven't the full service from her. : )
My upholsterer is a gem, but hell would freeze over before he selected a darn thing for me, or a client!