JANERAMA: I'm currently remodeling bathrooms. I'm on the second one which shared a wall w/ a large, narrow, walk-in closet. To enlarge what was a tiny, drop-in shower, a good half of the closet hadda go. I rebuilt it using the Efla system when it was on sale. (I have no connection to this product, but could sell the stuff door-to-door, I love it so.) Although necessary, I mourn the loss of this big closet which stored so many other things like Christmas. We are not yet able to move back in, but I really believe that taking the time and spending the money to revamp our contractor closets would make it sooo much easier to keep them tidy and make us actually wanna keep them nice. The place for everything that these reorganized closets give you, and the new beauty of it all, is sure inspiring me to do better. The system is rather a mid-price between the really expensive ones and the one that came w/ the house. It can be dressed up w/ all wood shelves or w/ wood facias (sp) in different colorways. I also like the Houzz ideas of painting the interior walls of the closet a color.

To redo the master bath, left to last to learn on the first two, it will again be necessary to take space from the master dressing/closet area. Hoping to be able to build a cedar closet in the attic down the hall like BLUENAN.

I think spending a bit to give common contractor closets (no offense to contractors...I mean the top-shelf-and pole-only kind) might really help us keep them, and even wanna keep them, neater and tidier. The remodel, actually having to remove every last stick of stuff from the closet, teaches something in itself...like cleaning the garage, I suppose. Give that a try, even if you don't remodel/reorganize your closet...real eye-opener. Hang in, Houzzers, we can do it together.

I don't have a schedule for closet purges. I have dedicated spaces in my armoire and closet for each type of clothing and if I get new things and notice the designated space for a particular item is getting tight, I pull a couple of my least favorites out and donate them.

Wow, I had no idea it was a thing.

Woulda run the counter up as backsplash. When I did mine, they told me that little bit that runs up the wall in your pix dated my kitchen. Paid for advice and took it. They sealed my backsplash w/ some liquid sealer (urethane?), and, even w/ being white and carmel, still like new even behind my splashing faucet. Housers have shown you some beautiful choices. I agree, don't pick something busy, there's enough pattern in the counter. I too am not up for subway tile, and have completed a kitchen and two bathrooms now w/o it. Love the Ann Sachs on the right. I don't like the tile laid in the brick pattern, think that looks like subway tile...mine are stacked, but very modern here. Know you can pay up for splash back usually because you need so little. I'd match the grout perfectly so as tiles do not stand out assa checkerboard making it too busy again. I'd skip the stainless; I just don't see it fitting the style of this gorgeous kitchen you have going. I think it's grey, hard, cold feeling works against this more cozy, warm kitchen. Hang in there; you've made good choices so far.

Wow...so many opinions, so I'll add mine too! Hahaha! If you like a little sparkle, what about a small MOP (mother of pearl) or glass mosaic? Simple, sparkly, gorgeous with hints of color to compliment?

So many exciting decisions!!!

Ann Sacks tile is fresh, sophisticated and timeless. You can't go wrong.

adtnnr: Thanks for the photos...simply lovely!

Since we are based in southern CA, an ultimate outside living space is a must on my wish list. #BeSeenBeSafe

I think it may depend on not only where you live but the stage of your life. When I had children I would have been in heaven to have a basement where they could hang out with their friends until they left home. It would have been an awesome room that grew with them. My children seldom were interested in the backyard. They park yes! The backyard no. Now I have no children at home. I am very interested in my entire yard on about 1/2 acre. Our home sits in back of another house and property. There's a long drive up to our house. It will soon be walled in on all four sides because of our dogs and our desire for privacy. Behind the house is a farmer's field and beyond that is an old growth forest. What I really like about France is that most of the homes have a walled in yard, front and back, and people ring at the gate for entry. This gives the home owners much more property to use as they see fit. So curb appeal become a statement of lots of flowers and creative plantings that is personal to each home.

We also have a large master. The bed is centered on the back wall where you have a view of the room and looking out the windows. High tables and lamps on each side (light for reading). Large art makes headboard. Down into the room we have a sectional, coffee table in front, and chair in the corner. The sectional looks out the sliding doors to the balcony overlooking the woods and yard where that office area is. The back of the sectional comes up a bit on the windows on the other side of the room (sectional on left/sliders to balcony on right), those windows overlook the driveway, entry door, neighbors, so we sit looking away from them (3/4 blinds there) and out to the small balcony and view. Maybe the office could be such an area w/ some remodeling, or a library (bookcases and comfy chair and lamp). I enjoy sitting out there. The TV is mounted on the wall between the bed and sitting area so it turns to the sitting area or toward the bed...it can also be seen from the en suite bath. Bath and dressing room/closet are on past sitting area in their own smaller rooms. Otherwise, decorate as you do...in the style you like...just make a nice sitting area/retreat for yourselves much like a living/family room, but can be more personal. I'd send pix, but just am not that far along in my tech skills on here. Best wishes...always great Houzzer help here.

OLD POST

I'd love to see hoe the final project turned out. Mandi @ Dura

With glorydweller on the clock. Would have been nice to have small, recessed, strong lights over the pennisula, but since they're not there, hang the pendants if they're quiet and plain. Get a great hanging light for over the table, something you love and is useful...I'd go contemporary, but then I'm the contemporary girl.

I think lights over the peninsula are unnecessary. I would invest in a really nice light over the table.

I think they would look nice! Especially since they're mini, they don't seem like they would overshadow the area. Hang them and see how you feel. Get a really beautiful light to compliment it in a clear, silvery or white color. :)

Patricia Hall is your girl, and you're lucky to have her. I'm no pro but have worked w/ two very good ones. I'd just like to speak up for blinds...they don't fade, the don't rot, they don't need to be washed or hardly ever replaced. They can let in some light, all light, or no light...how flexible is that? I love blinds! I have millions of window and they all have blinds. I have some that are inset into the window frames and only go 3/4 of the way up allowing privacy and yet let all light in, and I still have unobstructed view.
I am also into big art. It can match your sofa (well lucky you, anything will match your sofa, wise choice). Visit local art exhibits and artists. There's a lotta art out there atta lotta different price points. Galleries have their purpose, especially for the artist, but buying directly from the artist can save money. Remember wrapped art saves framing prints or posters. Framing is not only expensive but presents another puzzle, getting the right frame. It can detract from the art and the room and is costly. Enough. Hang w/ Pat and the other great Houzzer ideas here.

LeeLee, join Patricia and start a firm.

I just have to chime in to say that I love the bar in the background and would hate to see it disappear altogether. A bar cart or low console like you have already (though I can't see it very well) add a vintage sophistication to the room. Depending on the size of the piece, you might have to store some items elsewhere or cull the collection.

Nolan, the armchair you posted above is great. Get the lumbar pillow with it. Can't wait to see what you've done so far. Even just to see the brown couch gone...

Tap...your teeth need the fluoride.

i filter tap water!

Filtered tap water at home, bottles when out (but I save and reuse them). Like Bungalowmo, I freeze water in summer. Bottles of frozen water are great for beach or pool.

QUALITY BATH: Thank you so much for you help w/ this. I DO like those very much...just what I had in mind...if the backs slant, they're winners. I SO appreciate you taking the time for me and adding the URLs. Love the Houzzers, always the BEST. Enjoy the summer...my remodel of the second bath continues...they will put in two skylights today...I swear I could sell these door-to-door, I love them so much, and if they leak, they're in a pretty water-safe bathroom, and they will bring light to the rest of a dark room on the wooded side of the house. Again, thanks to you.

Absolutely stunning. I would not even mind cleaning this. It's so beautiful.\!

Would look good if you also have a frameless glass shower. I think location is key. There should be nothing distracting on the ‘wall’ side of the tub. Don’t want to look through the tub at ground level and see ugly white baseboards. On the photo the tile has been extended to meet the floor.

With the divorce rate what it is, if we are invited to a wedding where we are friends of the groom, we always give a tool or set of starter tools like those mentioned above. In the the event of a divorce, he can take our gift w/ him, maybe.

The jokey responses are on the right track. It’s the kind of gift that gives twice, first with a laugh, then with practical content. How are you with graphic design? Consider copying the business cards or online info of key trades — handyperson, plumber, lawn care, appliance repair — onto a single sheet and framing it or putting it into a sheet protector. Of course, this assumes you have access to current referral-and-rating info for tradespeople in the neighborhood of your friends’ new home. Maybe you know someone who lives there? Have access to your friends’ new Nextdoor neighborhood pages? You could entitle the sheet, “Foolproof Response to a Honey-Do List”, or something else tongue-in-cheek.

As for the toolbox, a small, nice-looking one might be your best bet, since the new homeowners might already have a conventionally one that likely lives in the garage. A smaller one could live in the kitchen or linen closet, allowing quick access for small jobs. You could populate the box with a few compact, good quality tools that get used a lot and most people would like having multiples of: small hammer, tape measure, all-in-one tool, small electric screwdriver.

Apologies to commenters who suggested ladders, but I would hesitate to gift anything bigger than a step stool to a non-first responder. That’s because only they know first hand how dangerous a tall ladder can be. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, every year 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries. Approximately 300 of the incidents are fatal. When I worked as a police reporter for a daily newspaper, I kept a mental list of dumb ways to die. Ladder accidents were on there. Years later, when I worked as a grip on a feature film, even the biggest he-men on the crew were only allowed on a ladder if a fellow crew member would “safety” it from the ground, or hold it firmly with both hands while watching the user. Two friends of mine were hospitalized in ladder accidents a year ago in separate incidents in their homes. One was knocked unconscious.

I’ll post photo ideas for toolkit separately.

Here are some basic items that could serve as a starter set for a small toolbox

LADYROB1: Well, check into it...there are different kinds...ones w/ electric wire in hose (we call it "the snake") that run a beater bar. They sell different heads for carpet like turbo heads. One other perk is they are the lightest, as the tank and dirt are carried away to another location...basement or garage, not sure where else tank might go. Great on stairs too. Good luck w/ it. I'm getting offa this thread now.

Once a week - shark navigator. We have two small dogs. In our new build we did hide a hose central vac and I cannot wait!!!!

Ironically I have a cleaning business so my own carpet only gets done when it gets really obvious; everyone else’s homes I clean look great though hahaha

BBARICK: AMEN! How did our ancestors survive? They had worse equipment than we have, certainly worse refrigeration.

spoons of different size. every time i enter kitchen i need them &feel always short of.

love this drawer

The bug man was the real answer, but now going it alone. Use the central vac, came w/ the house, and just suck them up to the spider "crypt" in the basement. Also handy for wasps, etc. (live in the woods here). I have seen for sale hand/tube-shaped, battery items that suck up bugs too. One might be nice for upstairs, so I don't hafta run downstairs for the "snake" (hose) and hope the spider is still there when I return. We have some large wood spiders here as well as an occasional wolf spider...truely fearsome in size and fast too. Would be nice to relocate them, but just too afraid to do more.

A lint roller on a painter's extension pole works for me. The roller is far enough away from my face and hands that bugs no longer scare me. I am, however, still totally grossed out when peeling off the tape to dispose of the little suckers.

I would just carefully try and scoot it outside! Although most people's first reaction would be to probably squish it!

I have all upper cabinets in frosted glass...they are also lit from within and below and have glass shelves. (Kids are grown and gone.) Across the room, where the breakfast table and deck are, are large, wooden, rectangular boxes mounted in a staggered fashion on the wall above w/ counter and cabinets below; these have clear glass and are used for display of antique or holiday patterns. I chose the glass because the 70's kitchen had heavy, oak cabinets stained a dark walnut...they just stopped your eye flat. Even w/ the frosted glass it has lightened the kitchen so and lets the eye kinda travel through. I love them...glass is so easy to clean and gives brightness and adds light. Great choice for me.

DJLINGLE: My glass is frosted where the everyday dishes, glassware, etc. is. We tried reed glass but it showed too much. Designer cautioned me to be sure, because if you don't like, at these prices, you're stuck w/ it (brushed aluminum frames and finger pull hardware, interior lighting, etc.). The reed glass was just too clear...you can put about anything behind the frosted glass and you see only a hint of color and outline. KAREN NEWMAN is right...I have small pantry maximized by Efla System, and all lower cabinets are drawers, no doors to open first. They have dividers and house the *uglies"? The food storage containers, pots and pans, baking pans, cutting boards, bags of all sorts (canvas/shopping/trash/etc.), junk drawer, baking drawer. The glass uppers house only dishes and glassware. Try the different glass samples. My daughter had rain glass, was nice too, but we are ultra contemporary, and she was more traditional/Pottery Barn/whatever. Get what you like. The glass really brightens. I love the lace idea of BRIANA MAIM'S...we use clear plastic/vinyl? available at Joanne Fabrics...still lets the interior light through and deadens the clinking on the glass shelves some. Can pull it out, wipe it off, and put it back.

Glass fronts are nice for your neatly arranged dishes (that match). Personally, I went with all wood to hide what's behind door #1, 2, 3, 4...all the doors :-)

I like the effect of glass doors on some the the cabinets. However, I prefer some type of translucent glass with glass shelves inside. It creates the same effect as clear glass without exposing every detail of the contents.

Gas cooktop and electric oven, my preference, and a good microwave. Two things, in my new kitchen w/ gas cooktop burners...I bought GE Profile, I felt it was really all the better I needed. I was amazed to not have had to scrub the bottom of one pot since it was installed! I used to Brillo/SOS pot bottoms all the time. The other thing is the double ovens...the convection one seems to make little difference in cooking and temp time. I do have to turn cookie trays to avoid ones nearest fan from browning more than the others, and my cake did better/flatter top using the oven below in the regular, no-fan mode.

BRIDGET: I hope you're still reading. In the remodel of my kitchen, since it was a remodel in this state, I did not have to have an exhaust fan. I'd had a downdraft fan before and seemed we rarely used it. How soon we forget...every time I fry bacon or sear a steak or need a really high heat, I regret not having that fan put in. We now micro bacon or grill it on gas grill outside, not ideal. Just think it over a bit. It is one of my only regrets, that and not having one of my light switches work at back door *and* doorway at other end to rest of home.

Thanks. I had to get new pans, my sister & her husband bought me a new set. A brand called Tramontina, which are great. The reviews of the pans rate them up there with AllClad at a fraction of the price. I have a couple of AllClad I can use but the Tramontina have glass lids so I can check on my cooking items with out removing the lids.

Anyone looking for new pots and pans should check out the Tramontina, you can not beat them for double the money.

Have gas in bottles. Want solar electric.