Big undertaking... Need your help
Judy wear
8 years ago
We moved into a new home last May. Just finished the all seasons room which consists of white, gray, black, and green accents. Love how it turned out with all your prior suggestions. We had our house painted all honey oak trim to white. The all seasons room painted SW Anew Gray/ Feature wall SW Warm stone. Dining room & living room SW Mega Greige. Kitchen & Dining room painted SW Agreeable Gray. All seasons room & kitchen has a tan tile flooring. Living room & dining room has a light tan wood flooring. When you stand in the dining room, you have visibility to all 3 rooms. They are all open to each other so accents and colors must co-ordinate. The dining room consists of a Ashley kitchen table with 8 chairs. I had the chairs re-upholstered to a teal green with a grey trellis area rug. Been thinking of maybe more of a contemporary black round table with a hutch that would fit in the kitchen against a 42" wall. The co-ordinating server & hutch we have for the Ashley dining room table is too big & in our living room. Also in Living Room is 2 slate blue couches & Carmel colored chair. The couches & chair are old but a very nice quality of leather. Much higher quality than our new white leather sectional Made in China. I would like to get rid of the pellet stove as we do not use. Thinking of maybe putting a gas insert fireplace in the wall along with tv on top of it. Not sure how expensive it would be. I do have in my idea books some interested furniture items and fireplaces. Most of our furniture was Southwest style including Lexington coffee table and end tables. Looking more for a transitional/ contemporary style since most of our furniture was bought years ago in Denver. My husband of course would like to save some of the old furniture stating they don't make furniture like they use to. He can be made to bend however! Especially with Groveraxles ideas... Where are you? Any thought and ideas would be appreciated! I will include pics to refer to... Thank you
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (419)
Judy wear
6 years agoJudy wear
6 years agoGroveraxle... This task floor lamp was in our FL room. In the last year, I have used it once. Does it look unbalanced with out it. If so, what else an go there? Thx
Related Discussions
Undertake a drainage project? Or, am I overreacting.
Comments (11)Thanks for all the responses, everyone. I appreciate all the advice. What's an easy way to determine if I have a groundwater problem? I'm seeing water pooling in my backyard after significant rain(which I think is a surface water problem), but as many of you say, the problem may be deeper. There is a "v" area between my house and my neighbor's that empties into a city storm drain before the curb. That's where I'd like all the water to go and it would not impact any of my neighbors. That's not happenning. It took 4 days for my backyard to be almost all dry (as it was yesterday). Is that normal? I don't know. organicnoob, water was not seeping through the walls, but rather the window well, which got filled with water and the window overflow went into the basement floor. I'm sure all my walls are sealed and waterproofed. I got in the window well and bucketed the water out, which stopped the water from coming in. All the while the sump pump was running, but it couldn't get all the water out in a quick manner. I was home, but what if I was gone. I would have had a flooded basement. I have made sure all gutters are clean and that spouts are 6' away from the house. Ideally, i would like the sump pump to not come on at all during heavy rains (like my neighbor). Am I being unrealistic?...See MoreNew big planters? Now what? Need your help!
Comments (7)Stick with evergreens.....and leave the perennial plants out of the picture. This planting area reflects directly on the look of the face of your house....which, right now, is rather blank. Michigan is, more or less, zone 6....but zone 5 is not out of the possibility of plant hardiness. You might wish to break the green line---if you plant nothing but evergreens but keep it soft....don't use plants that show their demise early in their lifespan. Clematis is a very nice vine to grow up a trellis.....but it is a rather short lived perennial of color......keep such vine away from the entrance of the home. The color of your entrance door, roof, and garage door, can often influence what color of perennials you choose for plantings near the front of the house. For evergreen hedge material I suggest 'yew'...for its many forms, soft needles, and easy maintenance. The planter in front of the large picture window could take such yew hedge....it can be kept low so as to not interfere with the window. On either end, a pyramid yew could be used as a sentinel plant to raise the look near the corners and the entrance door. If not yew, then consider 'box' evegreem plants which also can be kept very low and they look great with minimal clipping. I do agree though, the small space does offer problems of keeping sufficient soil there in a moist condition. Make the soil there a fairly even mix of compost and good triple mix. If the area here is kept to a pH level for evergreen plantings, it can keep the maintenance of the plot fairly simple. Evergreens are not water hungry plants....so there would be no need to water often. They should be watered well into the winter months to keep their roots alive through a cold winter. A yearly feeding of a high nitrogen fertilizer is all the food they require....See MoreHow big is yours and is it big enough?
Comments (56)phyl - about the quality? about the acronym? Sorry -- how do I know what? :) About the quality -- well, I know it the same way everyone else knows it -- you see it in someone's house and you think "hey, that looks pretty fine" and then you look closer. You see it in a store and you think - hey, that looks great, only ... then you look closer. You see what these things look like in houses with time. I see them online and living in a massive urban importing-area (LA), I even at one point noticed an online place that had a "warehouse/showroom" close-ish to me (40 min drive) so I went to look at the stuff. And it looks neat there in person, too. But the quality isn't great. There's massive amounts of wasted space between drawers, and pressboard, and staples -- all the stuff we all know about regarding kitchen cabinets. It's all the same-old. And sometimes we're OK with lesser quality; heck we most of us will die before even these lower-quality cabinets deteriorate anyway. But truthfully, my maquilladora-hand/custom-made kitchen cabinets make me smile every day ..... oh wait, I'm suddenly remembering what you meant in the "how do you know" department!! Didn't I say ask me about the faucet-sink mismatch!? lol. Well --- OK, so you're not wanting diatribe #47 about why I'm completely non-plussed about bathroom cabinetry and am still living with a non-functional bathroom after 2 years .... it's the faucet story you want! :) OK - I bought a really nice sideboard used to make into a vanity for my kids' bathroom and wanted, per their instructions, for the sink to be "pretty" -- so I got a really pretty sink bowl and then went to look for faucets to match its 'prettiness' with the help of I thought a really good small-time favorite-of-the-trades plumbing shop locally, run by a real live person-who-knows-everything. She steered me to these "perfect" faucets that were really pretty and matched the sink perfectly only ... somehow she managed to forget to think about the throw, or whatever the correct word is, of that faucet. It's way too close to the back edge of the sink. It's been a constant headache ever since. Constant. I'm so annoyed! This is supposed to have been her specialty and honestly, it's not rocket science. What else is there to think about if you're selling faucets to go with a sink? *I* didn't know about it because I'd never done this before! But I won't make that same mistake again and you shouldn't either. Make sure the faucet's spout comes out far enough to be close-ish to the sink's drain hole. :) OK, so that's what you wanted to know, right? sigh.... There is not one single solitary day for two years now I have not rued the choice of those faucets! Beware!!!!...See MoreLayout Help- Big Range+Island+Big Windows- Will this Work?
Comments (18)This is awesome feedback and so incredibly helpful! For a newbie like me, having your input really gives me confidence in our layout. So I've been contemplating the reco to switch the fridge and the range. I know having the fridge closer to the hall gives quick access to drinks, ensures the door opens properly and keeps the people from having to walk behind the cook to reach the fridge. But what are your thoughts about the impact of the fridge placement on the openness of the space? Do you think having the fridge on the right and the hutch on the left creates a more enclosed entrance into the kitchen? Right now we dont have any wall cabinets so we enjoy a fairly open and bright space with the large windows. I dont want to lose that so I'm interested in your thoughts. houseful: Your rendering is awesome. Its so cool to see my space in 3D! I surely dont want to lose inches in the planning (every inch counts, right) so Ill go back and recalculate the cabinet measurements. I love the curved island because it adds so much interest. My DH and I really want to maintain the seating for 4 on 2 sides of the island. This is the only way we could keep the ability to look at each other and our guests while eating. We played around with a "T" shaped island (the bottom of the T extending from the window), but thought the proposed island gave us more prep space. mom2lilenj: I fell in love with your idea of switching the DW and trash. It makes so much sense! If we lose that seat in the 33" space due to clearance issues, well definitely incorporate your suggestion. I also like your suggestion to expose the brick in the chimney. We had an architect friend over to take a look at the space and when I mentioned using the chimney as a decorative feature, she said because it was plastered over, the brick is probably not "pretty" brick. Id like to find out though, so maybe well expose a section in the mudroom to find out whats underneath the plaster. Even if its not pretty brick (which Im not exactly sure what that means), it would be awesome to expose another original element to the house. Ill keep you posted. Thanks again for your input and I welcome any other thoughts or ideas!...See More
groveraxle
6 years agoJudy wear
6 years agoGood... Think I will use it in the library/sitting room. Went looking today for a chair. BTW, where is the chair from that you posted w/ottoman? What color is it? Took some pics of 3 chairs today, but not that crazy in love with. Let me show you. The blue/gray chair - I was thinking of maybe a white leather ottoman? Thoughts?
Judy wear
6 years agoGroveraxle.... Found the following chairs at All Modern. What do you think? Also, above blue/gray chair?
groveraxle
6 years agoJudy wear
6 years agogroveraxle
6 years agoAll Modern has 50 chairs with ottoman included: https://www.allmodern.com/furniture/sb1/accent-chairs-c365818-a3171~20390.html?itemsperpage=96&sortby=2
Or how about a small recliner?
Sandra Club Recliner & Reviews | AllModern · More Info
Judy wear
6 years agoHi Groveraxle ... Cabinet size is 34 1/2"w 38" h x 16 1/2 d.... Broyhill Mirror is 21" round. Is it the right size or too small? If scaled correctly, how many inches between bottom of Mirror & top of cabinet should it be hung?
groveraxle
6 years agoJudy wear
6 years agoGroveraxle.... Do you think the mirror is modern enough or coastal? Any ideas to put there ? I have measured the sitting room/ office and have limited depth room for ottoman. What do you think of the following?
groveraxle
6 years agoIt's hard to see the mirror in the box, Judy, but it looks totally modern from what I can see. It looks like it goes perfectly with the chest.
If the settee fits......I think it's fine. Would you maybe get more use out of a chaise?
I see Roxie is following you everywhere as usual. Wanted to tell you I lost Oliver a week ago today. It was totally unexpected (at least as unexpected as it can be for a 13-year-old dog). Looked like he went to sleep and just didn't wake up. So give Roxie an extra treat for Oliver today, okay?
indomom
6 years agogroveraxle
6 years ago
ackcx3
6 years ago
PROFlo Mangan
6 years agoJudy wear
6 years agoJudy wear
6 years agoJudy wear
6 years agoJudy wear
6 years agogroveraxle
6 years agoI think the gray would be more cohesive, too. (I used the blue settee because it was pointing the right direction.)
Judy wear
6 years agoGroveraxle... Hope all is well with you & your little fur babies. Seems like it has been awhile since we last connected. Once again, I am in dire need of your expertise. Roxie and I are back in FL. Mark just flew back to PA, to hunt & start a renovation on our master bathroom. ( will be starting a dilemma on PA bathroom). We had to come down to FL again as we had repairs before & after Irma. Luckily, our other condo finally sold. Yeah! Also, had right shoulder surgery & recuperation has been a lengthy process... Just received this picture I ordered which is 5 ft by 5 ft. Will be hanging it above Sofa. Do I center it above Sofa or wall? I know it is matchy/matchy but will be adding accent colors & diff area rug. Also, found this co- ordinating picture & taped it off on opposite wall. Looks too small right? Remember the walls are slanted & be back momentarily with room dimensions. Your thoughts?
Judy wear
6 years agogroveraxle
6 years agogroveraxle
6 years agoYou need two pieces the size of your framed piece behind the chairs. Three would be two much, but two looks perfect.
Judy wear
6 years agoJudy wear
6 years agoHi Grover.... Found these pillows but not sure if dark enough. Liked the texture. I am not sure if your expertise is also bathroom remodels, but could you rake a look at my other dilemma - Start Up of Master Bathroom Remodel. Mark is already driving me crazy. Thx.
Judy wear
6 years agoGroveraxle... Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hope all is well with you... Back in PA, very cold and snowy. Still working on MB & Library but eventually will get done.
groveraxle
6 years agoThanks, Judy. Hope your holiday is great. Ours is turning out super. Went on a basset rescue mission and came home with this:
Judy wear
6 years agoSo cute.... I knew you would not take too long before finding another precious gem. What a fantastic Christmas present. Scooby will enjoy a new partner in crime! Name, age, and gender pls....It is snowing so hard in Erie, PA. They closed down the airport, Mall, and mail service. 53” of snow in 30 hours and another foot expected tonight. Roxie will not even venture outside. Here is a picture of Robbie, just to give you an idea & he is standing up, about 6’ tall.
drdeb1234
6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
Ann
6 years ago- PRO
Flo Mangan
6 years ago Judy wear
6 years agoIt seems like my iPad pictures disappear after I post. This past year, while in Naples FL - drought conditions with massive fires. Then in September, hurricane Irma hits. In Erie, PA - a tornado hit in October and now massive amounts of snow. A state of emergency was just called. Is anywhere safe from Mother Nature?
- PRO
Flo Mangan
6 years ago groveraxle
6 years agoeverdebz
6 years ago
pat1250
6 years agogroveraxle
6 years agoJudy wear
6 years agoJudy wear
6 years agoGroveraxle.... How are you? You probably thought you were rid of me, but I am B-A-C-K! Just arrived in PA 2 weeks ago. Spent Jan. - May in Naples, FL & loved it. We started a MB remodel, (in PA) & thought I would seek out your expertise once again. Will show you some plans & what we have accomplished so far. Looking to do more of a modern type style for the renovation. We brought back tile (18 x 36”) from FL, and colors mostly consist of white,gray, & taupe. The tile does have a sheen but not shiny & slippery. ( for floor & wall) At first, wanted a 72” wall hanging teak vanity. Since a plain white top would consist of lots of cleaning maintenance, thought about a white Carrera marble with grey veining. Looking at the tile closer, thought about cool colors & teak wood would be warm. Now, I am not sure what to do. What do you think about the teak wood with this tile? I also, have some other vanities that might work better with the tile. I have some accent tiles shown for the floor tile we transported, just for ideas on shower wall & floor. Enclosing pics of plans, what we have accomplished so far, etc. Thanks Grover. BTW - how are your fur babies?
Judy wear
6 years agoPictures of interested vanities. Floating vanity concept caught my eye, but not sure of practicality in storage. Teak wood vanity included.
Judy wear
6 years agoHere is another full vanity of walnut, but not sure if it would be a struggle with cool color of tile. Would be getting the square sinks. Thinking if I used a white vanity, might be too sterile. Realizing the tile is the star & busy, so must purchase subdued accent tile & vanity countertop.
groveraxle
6 years agoHi, Judy. I happened upon your post by chance on the main dilemma page. It hasn't shown up in my feed, though maybe it will later.
Fur babies are fine. I don't know if I told you I got a new rescue in December. I had to take her since her name was Daisy. ;-)Hope Roxie enjoyed her vacation.
Now to your bathroom. The large format tiles you brought from Florida look warm on my monitor. I think teak would look super with them. But to be sure, get a sample of the wood or go find one in person and take your tile with you. Wall mounted vanities make me drool (as do wall hung toilets). So easy to clean.
Your new floor plan is a huge improvement over the old one. (I assume you have a bathtub somewhere else in the house.)
I won't be much help on the countertop question, so I'm going to suggest you start a new dilemma for this bathroom and maybe some stone experts will get involved. (if you do that, post the link here please so I can find it.)Judy wear
6 years agoO M G - Daisy is beautiful. She looks so sweet & sophisticated. Assuming you now have 2 fur babies. Good for you...Roxie just went to the vet as she was limping. X-rays shows arthritis, options are hip replacement, physical therapy, and meds. She is glad to be back in Pa. gets the run of her back yard with no worries of cane toads, alligators, and snakes. Mark drove back by himself trailing a boat. Roxie & I took 3 days of traveling in car with several stops on the way.
Hated to leave the beautiful FL weather, but always good to be home. Robbie graduated from Penn State University last weekend & will start a job in DC. Hooray, no more tuition!... I could not find my original posting of this dilemma so just found it in my activity section. Maybe that is why it did not show up in your feed. I will post in the bathroom dilemma section & try to figure out how to enclose the link. Take care Grover, Miss ya! Nice hearing from you.
Related Stories
DIY PROJECTSHelpful Hangers: French Cleats Support Projects Big and Small
From cabinets to birdhouses, French cleats hold projects securely in place
Full Story
SELLING YOUR HOUSEHelp for Selling Your Home Faster — and Maybe for More
Prep your home properly before you put it on the market. Learn what tasks are worth the money and the best pros for the jobs
Full Story
BATHROOM MAKEOVERSRoom of the Day: See the Bathroom That Helped a House Sell in a Day
Sophisticated but sensitive bathroom upgrades help a century-old house move fast on the market
Full Story
LIFE12 House-Hunting Tips to Help You Make the Right Choice
Stay organized and focused on your quest for a new home, to make the search easier and avoid surprises later
Full Story
STANDARD MEASUREMENTSThe Right Dimensions for Your Porch
Depth, width, proportion and detailing all contribute to the comfort and functionality of this transitional space
Full Story
WORKING WITH PROS5 Steps to Help You Hire the Right Contractor
Don't take chances on this all-important team member. Find the best general contractor for your remodel or new build by heeding this advice
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDESWisdom to Help Your Relationship Survive a Remodel
Spend less time patching up partnerships and more time spackling and sanding with this insight from a Houzz remodeling survey
Full Story
FARM YOUR YARDThe 8 Tools That Help Bring the Farm to Your Table
Vegetable gardeners get a big assist from these essential helpers
Full Story
GREEN BUILDING4 Ways Green Roofs Help Manage Stormwater
See how a living roof of any size can have a big impact
Full Story
WINTER GARDENINGHow to Help Your Trees Weather a Storm
Seeing trees safely through winter storms means choosing the right species, siting them carefully and paying attention during the tempests
Full StorySponsored
groveraxle