Gas or Electric?

I hadn't even thought of the option of gas or electric stoves, I just assumed we would do electric. Most likely I will stick with electric just because that is what I have always had. I have had a few people try to convince me to go with gas, I mean it is what all of the professionals use and I am pretty close to being a professional especially when it comes to making Mac and Cheese out of the box! If you feel strongly either way let me hear it. I am guessing I am going to have to decide soon if I go with the gas so they can run a gas line over to it. And while I am on it, is there any reason to run a gas line into the laundry room for a dryer if we ever owned one? I know this is kind of boring stuff but it still has to be decided.

Cabinets-furniture legs

I really like the look of furniture legs on cabinets (there might be a specific term for this but I have no idea what that would be!) and if the price is right I think I will add some.

So first off what shape would you do. I think I will go with a round spindally look similar to some of these. . .

kitchen design

traditional kitchen design by boston kitchen and bath Rob Kane - Kitchen Interiors Inc.

But I also really like the square look on this island but I don't know how well it would work flanking the oven.

traditional kitchen design by san francisco architect Wm. F. Holland/Architect

Then do I add them just for looks or do I pay the extra money and make them functional? I think these are pretty sweet!

traditional kitchen design by boston general contractor Mitchell Construction Group

Honestly I have to figure out how much it will all cost but I think it adds a lot to a kitchen. What do you think?

Cabinets-Color

Cabinets are the next big thing on my list. I have already spent a lot of time thinking about them but now it is time to make some final decisions. I am going to try to narrow it down into separate parts to make it a little easier. First off I am trying to decide if I really want to add some color to part of the cabinets. Right now I am thinking of doing wood for the majority, black on the back of my island and desk area, and a glazed teal on my butlers pantry. Over all it would be at least 70% wood tone. These are a few pictures that give you an idea of what I am talking about. I haven't decided for sure on colors but something in this general area.

This first picture shows what it would look like with the three different colors combined into one area. This isn't quite the style I am looking for but kind of shows the general idea.

traditional kitchen design by london interior designer Steeldaisy Associates

These next two pictures just show the teal islands in different shades. Do you think I could pull of this color?




This last one shows a different kind of color combo. . . I think it is a little light for me but I still like the combination of colors.



You may be asking "Why do color at all" and here is my short answer to that. I am going to have a lot of wood going on in one room. Between floors, cabinets, mantals, banisters etc I kind of want to break it all up. Plus I am really digging more color these days! If you have suggestions or ideas . . . please help ASAP.

Head Board

What is this? I love how they have made this head board but what do you think it is. I'm sure it isn't that comfortable to lean up against but it sure is cute!

Exterior Doors-Check

So this is my final decision. Do you like it? Okay just kidding, but I do really like it. Kind of a rustic country look. For those of you who keep calling me a redneck is this what you had in mind for me?

traditional exterior design by san francisco architect Taylor Lombardo Architects

I really love this one. I think it is absolutely beautiful with a totally different feel than the first one. Okay enough of the dreams. . .

traditional entry design by boston general contractor Mitchell Construction Group

This is very similar to what ours is going to be. Our transom, or top window, is going to be a rectangle not an arch and we are only going to be able to have a window on one side because we are short just a couple of inches. Plus we aren't going to have any grids in our windows, instead we are going to have blinds between the glass. So really it isn't that similiar! I decided to save the $400 dollars and go with steel doors in a style that looks like this.



I am excited to have all of the extra light and I hope I really love the built in blinds because that is where I decided to put the extra money! Right now I have no idea what color the door will end up. That part will come later.

Now for those of you who need or want to paint your front door and are thinking of adding a little color, maybe you should try this but in a nice shade of blue!

eclectic entry design by chicago interior designer Allison Cosmos

Exterior Door Update

Here is a little food for thought. . . the door that enters the house from the garage has to be fire rated. A steel door provides 90 minutes of protection time where a fiber glass door only provides 20 minutes of protection time. It was mentioned that a fiber glass door may be more likely to protect us from bullets and such! I wonder which is more likely? Honestly I hope neither.

Doors!

I have to order my windows and exterior doors, and while I have the windows all squared away I am having some trouble deciding on the doors. Between steel, smooth fiberglass, textured fiberglass, french, patio french, hinges,low e glass,etc. you wouldn't believe all of the options. While I like the top picture a lot it is a little fancy for us right now. Plus I HATE windows in doors. Been there, done that probably won't ever do it again! We do however like the side lights and transoms but we are doing plain glass with small blinds between glass frames.





I have narrowed it down to these two doors, I think! The top picture isn't the exact door, but it is exact style just not so many groves. Can you believe that when all is said and down there is a $400 difference. One is smooth fiberglass and the other is steel. Then when it comes to the fire rated door one is better than the other. Keep in mind that which ever one I go with I will be painting to match the exterior of my house.



I really like the look of it in wood. Maybe another time. . .

If you have any opinions or a different idea all together please let me know.

Home Sweet Home

This is it, the place of our future home! It doesn't look like much now but I promise, or I hope, it will soon!