We have been saving for this for 5 years. We are going ahead with the kitchen remodel and addition (garage, porch & laundry room). The aim has always been to have a nice space for the least cost. The initial cabinet estimate from Kennebec was more than $60K. I am happy with the cabinetmaker we will be using for about $25K. The design was changed to save money. For example, no glass doors on the wall cabinets. They are more expensive because the finish of the interior of the cabinet. I've designed several cabinets with punched tin (similar to a pie safe) and will do the punched tin myself. By not replacing appliances (needed it at least once since we bought them-the cooktop has been an induction hot plate for 18 months) we have saved enough to get nice appliances, but there will be no built-in or CD refrigerator, no paneled appliances, one oven rather than DOs and a cooktop rather than a gorgeous range. I have not chosen most finishes (countertop, floor, ceiling) yet. I am waiting to see how the budget holds up. Since this is our retirement home, it is worth the expense to do it now rather than waiting. We live quite frugally and will need to for a long time after this project is finished. We are fortunate that DH has a secure job (yes, I am sure). DS is graduating from college this spring and has an assistantship for grad school-yea! All our cars are at least 5 years old, paid for and hopefully have another 4-5 years use in them. This forum has been a tremendous help with design and keeping costs down. I am very thankful!

Does anyone remember Anne of Green Gables, how excited Anne was, during a sleepover at Diana's house, to get to sleep in the spare bedroom? What decadence, what an honor and treat to get to stay in a spare bedroom! It's funny, because my mother arrives this afternoon for a visit with my children. (Of course she'll be happy to see my husband and me as well -- but she's really here for her grandsons!) I was readying one of the guest rooms (we have three) -- one of which is being used for pure storage as, eighteen months later, I am still going through / sorting / unpacking boxes from our move. Ugh. Another guest room is on the main level, and that was a determining factor in our househunting: it must have a nice-sized guest room and full bath on the main level to accommodate anyone who cannot easily maneuver stairs (guests or any of us with a broken foot / leg, etc.). We're also using that room as our den (it has the comfiest sleeper sofa we could find), where the main computer / printer / copier, etc. will live, although wouldn't you know those are all still up in our bedroom (where they were put when we were having the den / bedroom remodeled)! It looks like a college dorm in my room. Which leads me to the third guest room, the one nearest my sons' rooms. My children love having their grandmother (my mother) stay there so that in the morning they can go in and cuddle with her. (They'd also like to visit with my father but he visits less frequently; his excuse is he needs to stay home and take care of their pets, but the truth is, he walks with a cane and is too proud to ask for a wheelchair at the airport [stupid], so travel is v. tiring for him. When we purchased this house I had a broken foot, so it was for that and my father we wanted a house with a main floor bed and bath.) But as I was making the bed with our former bed clothes (we used to have a queen but moved up to a king: the guest bed is also a queen) I was thinking how much I'd like to have pretty bedding just for the guest room. Did you catch the part about my room looking like a college dorm though? We still do not have a bedskirt (and one of our cats uses a corner of the box spring as her personal scratching post, no matter how often we put double-sided tape there or spray her with water -- she's determined!), headboard or pretty window coverings. (although the plantation shutters we installed are attractive and useful, I wanted some panels on either side to "soften" the shutters) So, I am not prepared to spend any money on the guest room, any of them, until I get my bedroom done! (Calico Corners has a sale starting this week so I'll be going to hopefully order a bedskirt and headboard! "sale" -- one of my favorite four letter words!) So I have my Anne of Green Gables dream of having a spare bedroom others would swoon to stay in, but for now I can offer two rooms with a pretty view of the Rocky Mountains, a comfy bed and two little boys who love to cuddle! And that'll have to be good enough. It is for us in our bedroom. I loved reading and seeing what thought and care you all have put into your guest rooms. Your guests are sure to feel v. welcome!

i-chic: I want a tree like that! The pic of your son asleep under the tree with all those stuffies brought tears to my eyes. So, I can finally post my tree. As the chaos of our life continues I wasn't able to do much, but I really like it. It's the first time I've been able to do a "theme" tree - all red and silver. Sadly, the topper (a silver star you can just see) is too heavy for our little rosemary tree. From Christmas2008 Should I switch the angel and the frog to balance things? BTW, the tree is sitting on the hearth of our hideous fireplace (that will be completely redone some time in the hopefully near future. There's no mantle so our stockings are hanging from sconce holders on either side (you can see a bit of one on the right).

Fresh out of school, XH and I took on a massive old house, something akin to Victoria Elizabeth Barnes'. We entertained even though it was in the middle of a construction zone. Lots of our friends were also young professionals who were tackling the restoration of an old house. We went to dinner one night at a house where there was major scaffolding in the LR. When we entertained, we used lots of candles. The candlelight covered a world of sins! The point is, don't stop inviting friends over. Make new friends who are also doing renovation. If you have someone in your life who is negative about your adventure, dump 'em. If its your mother (ask how I know), learn to smile and tune her out (nod your head and say "yes, ma'am" a lot. She'll think you are listening.) Like others suggested, make a sanctuary somewhere in your house. And post your questions on the kitchen forum. There are good people who will bend over backwards to help you find a reasonable and economical solution. Find a day when you can open the windows and air the house out even if it is only for a few minutes. We just moved into a newly built house. There is a tile in front of the toilet that doesn't match up. I'm trying not to become fixated on it. Each day, I notice it a little less. Remember, this is an adventure. We all wish you well and will be cheering for you.