September 22, 2007 Great Idea Kitchen, Bath, and Lighting Web Sites

I have been searching for ideas for my kitchen and bath remodels. I spent (too much) time today looking at web sites which have great design ideas with extensive photo galleries. And to save you time, I have posted their web addresses below.

Signature Kitchens & Baths of Charleston, Inc.
Kingswood The Kitchen Factory
Divine Kitchens
The Cabinet Studio
Peter Salerno Inc,
Hanover Lighting
Hinkley Lighting

August 21, 2007 Busy Meeting

Beverly met with me today and we accomplished so many things!
1. Selected exterior housing color
2. Selected exterior lighting fixtures
3. Went over the detailed plans for the children's bath and noted any final changes. We are making sure the soffit is redrawn at the correct height. Additionally, we want to verify the trim in the shower matches the height of the backsplash over the sink. We added an outlet to the new storage area for a radio. We changed the light switch order to first position are the CFL lights(sconces and shower). Second position are the incandescent downlights. The third position is the fan. 4. We reviewed the countertop material. Beverly had a nice composite stone countertop in a color called coffee bean which we will use in place of the marble.
5. We discussed the entry door. We decided to use stained wood and selected a nice stain color.
6. We selected two drawer and door fronts for the cabinetry in the children's bath. Bev with send these cabinets out for bids.
7. We added the shampoo/soap shelf to the drawing of the shower area.
8. I was surprised Bev plans no window treatment in the shower area. I would have liked something here.

August 15, 20007 Decorator: Children's bath

Bev came by today to discuss windows and to work on the bath designs.
Windows:
I updated her on info from Richie. We decided that the hardware should be in the silver tone (like brushed nickel). We also decided the exterior color should be the white version.
Bath:
We decided the children's bath cabinet needs to be a little smaller (4 inches) in width so the small wall at the end fits the space better. Since the cabinet is smaller, we decided to go with a little smaller version of the sink Kohler Ladena sink.
We discussed the tile pattern in the shower area and Bev described that while her CAD drawing shows approximate the tile placement, she will work with the tile craftmen after the area is demo'd and remudded. Her goal will be to center the pattern both based on the window and the entire area. We will also select the location of the shampoo and soap shelf.
The seat will be finished in the same tile with the top piece overlapping the bottom and sanded/finished to a smooth edge.

The shower glass will be approximate 81 inches tall to reflect the height of the door into the area with moulding. We should remember the replacement moulding is going to be a little taller than the old moulding. I don't know if an inch will make a difference.

The tile/counter selection is a travertine for the tile and the counter in a deep brown marble. Small squares of the brown marble will be used in the shower area to define the perimeter of the shower floor and to create a pattern in the wall tile.
Counter selection:


A new "closet" area is being added in the entrance area. We discuss the doors for this area. Bev wants to give it a more designed look and will use the same door fronts at the cabinetry for the sink. It will be divded in two sections--top and bottom.

August 11, 2007 Kid's Bath

I talked with Beverly today about my project.

I asked about adding a soffit in the children's bath over the shower area. She said she would draw one into the plans.

We also discussed lighting. In California, we have requirements to aid in lowering the use of electricity in the house. The first light which is turned on in the bath must be flourescent. We agreed that the lights by the mirror would be flourescent and the light over the shower would be flourescent as well. These would be on one circuit and all come on at the same time. There will also be some canned down lights over the sink area.

Even though the room has a window, we agreed a fan would be a nice addition, especially in the winter when the room can get steamy and windows won't be open.

We made an appointment to meet sometime on Wednesday (time TBA) so we can review materials and discuss the next bath...the guest bath.

August 6, 2007 Windows and Bath

I have been busy looking at the CAD drawings of the windows made by Richie. I had hoped all the windows in the CAD drawings would be in the same scale. Alas, they are not. So what this does not afford me is the ability to look at each window and the grids/muntins/mullions and determine how the overall perspective.

I am assuming the drawings are good for the most part. I do have some questions, however.

Here they are:

1. What are the dimensions of the wood members which make up the muntins?
2. In the arched windows (Library, garage, stairwell) what is the actual configuration of the muntins in the arched section?
3. What is the hardware selection?
4. Do we want double hungs in the family room?
5. Do we need to change to casement in the bedrooms?
6. Revisit the window size in the library. How does the smaller window height look from the exterior?
7. Library windows. Selection of the location of the casement windows versus the fixed window.
8. What is the trim package like for the exterior of the house?
9 What is the overall cost with the new specs on the A windows versus the L windows?

Also, Bev had the contractor come out to the house. She tells me that some of the cast concrete might not survive removal. Therefore, we probably will lose the detailing around the garage window and the library window.

Finally, we agreed to move the door to the children's bath which will allow us to include a linen closet in their bath.