Houzz interview: Brooklyn Limestone in progress

Mrs. Limestone and her husband moved to their old Brooklyn Limestone house (get used to the name, you’ll hear it a lot), after spending nearly a decade in an 800 square foot home.

The Limestoners don’t go to nightclubs or to the opera. They rarely even go out for drinks (“we are very much old farts before our time” says Mrs. Limestone). Instead, they have been spending a lot of their spare time (and money) renovating their beautiful old Brooklyn Limestone house.

Step by step, room by room, they are working on a beautiful detailed house renovation. Along the way, Mrs. Limestone also started documenting their progress in her lovely blog brooklynlimestone. While the blog’s readers can follow the renovation progress (written with a great sense of humor I must say), they can also enjoy Mrs. Limestone’s stories about their trips around the world (another love that they share) and other interesting design topics.

I’m very happy to introduce you to Mrs. Limestone from Brooklyn Limestone and her lovely home.

Please tell us about your “first meeting” with your house to be

We found the house in terrible shape. A complete gut reno was the only option. But it didn't stop us from falling in love with the place. I like to say the doorknob sold me on the house but I'm not quite sure what it was exactly. Even though there wasn't a single thing "right", it was the right one for us.

The first step of your remodeling process

The first step of our remodel (after buying the house and selling our last house to pay for most of it) was to start interviewing contractors and architects. We didn't want to start the renovation until we had sold our last house so we had plenty of time to look around. We had a few we really liked but their prices were insane. In some ways, the delay of selling was a blessing in disguise because we happened to stumble upon another house on our block being renovated and that's how we found out contractors. There were plenty of challenges along the way but it all worked out in the end.

The biggest renovation challenge you faced

Since our renovation was major, there were a lot of challenges. There were the obvious things like paying for it, dealing with the city rules and regulations, dealing with contractors, etc. But I'd say the hardest part was the stress of deciding every little detail. You can't imagine how many little things have to be decided RIGHT THIS MINUTE. No amount of planning can avoid these last minute pop up issues. They may seem minor in the scheme of things but they have a big impact of how you live in the house. So each thing that is a disagreement between me and the Mr. became a major heartache over time. Its really quite draining to deal with while you juggle a job, a semi-regular life and a marriage. Thankfully its over!

Your favorite style and colors

For my own home, I try not to stick with one style too much. I really wanted my renovations to be as timeless as possible. Because really, I have no plans of doing this again. Who knows what will look outdated in 10, 20, 30 years but I'm hoping it won't be too out there. My favorite color tends to change with time but right now its warm grays and blues

A spot in your house that makes you very happy/proud

Honestly, there isn't one spot. Despite all its flaws, I'm very proud of my entire home. As much as it was an incredible amount of work, renovating the space really made it "mine" for lack of a better word.

Your precious accessory/furniture/art

Its not very valuable but my favorite piece of art is what I call the spooky girl painting. My father owned it and I've always admired it.

Your next house project

Our next project is building a deck off the kitchen. We planned to do it already but we haven't quite got around to starting it.

5 things that houzz readers need to know about your blog

1. My house is still a work in progress.
2. It will likely never be truly finished.
3. I really like damask patterns.
4. My to-do list is always greater than my free time.
5. I like to travel.

Best tip for the remodeling beginner

1. It always takes 2x as long as costs 3x as much as you thought and is 4x more stressful.
2. If you think you can do it, you probably can.
3. Your tastes WILL change - don't make trendy permanent.

Last but not least: as a houzz friend, you get to choose a giveaway gift to one of the lucky readers that will share their thoughts about your house and interview.

I thought about it for a long time but picked something very practical. A set of cakestands from Macy's Martha Stewart collection.

http://www.houzz.com/photos/24176/Martha-Stewart-Collection--Whiteware-Cake-Stands---

Mixing the small with the large makes pretty much anything you serve much more special. I use my cake stands all the time - whether to display food or flowers. Heck, they look pretty just standing on the shelf!

Thank you for sharing your gorgeous home Mrs. Limestone!

For your chance to win this set of two Martha Stewart Cake Stands, selected by Mrs. Limestone, comment on this interview by Sunday, June14th at 5pm EST.