CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Why would you buy a fixer upper and not realize that part of the cost of renovating is hiring people-even if you spend under 10 hours with a architect. You can hire an architect these day son Craigslist for $40 an hour. I'm sure you can afford this.

nowikfamily Thank you everyone for your wonderfully comments tho! We will sure post pictures when we have finished but please continue with ideas and feedback!!

libradesigneye Check out younghouselove.com They have fixed up two different ranch houses so far, and are starting on another type now, so you can search all their rooms in the first two before and after and get some ideas and practical planning concepts. Search for "lovely napkin" to get an idea about how to plan colors cohesively.

Suggest an idea, based on what I found on the outside for your consideration.

Start by painting out all the wood in the siding space using primer first in a buff tone / pale camel with clean white trim. http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6140-moderate-white/ walls with pure white trim. Paint out the rest of the walls with no siding with the undiluted wash paint. This is a great choice that will look great with white and provide a simple neutral backdrop - the horizontal wood is a big positive - adds texture and modern style.

For now, until you can do more study on everything you want, on the exterior, paint the shutters navy (sw needlepoint navy is a good one here against the light siding) and a cottage-y yellow door - test sw bees wax. Use the leftover high gloss navy paint from shutters to paint out one hand me down end table or coffee table for the family space - find one fun print with camel (a yellow based tan), navy and white. See http://beautifulfabric.com/asccustompages/products.asp?fav=0&fpage=1&page=1&categoryID=18&productID=7495&pStart=0&recNum=65 imagine drapery, use the coordinating fabrics or imitate them with ikea blue velvets, stone twills slipcovers, unbleached linen bemz covers for ikea seating, maybe use this for a mid century chair you can recover http://beautifulfabric.com/asccustompages/products.asp?fav=0&fpage=1&page=1&categoryID=18&productID=8115&pStart=0&recNum=192
pillows in a graphic pop against beige or camel / navy http://beautifulfabric.com/asccustompages/products.asp?fpage=1&productid=6910&storeid=39

Try a kitchen in pure beige and whites, buy blue and white towels and blue spoon rests. Go monochromatic in the bedroom, with shades from camel to cream - let silver stand in for white there - add your own photos printed in sepia tones after cropping them close.

Do a navy and white bathroom and / or guest room / office, media room. Sky blue and burlap bedroom with pops of red. Red and white with just a bit of navy for a kid with beige walls. See how all these spaces, the palette is still based the same, but with options feature different tones. In a small house, this helps it be cohesive and yet, each room has its own character.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. It makes me nervous. Its way too low. I don't even like looking at the pic.

oneofeleven you never know :)

The Cable Connection Here's one example of cable railing you might like.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Great job. I love clients who take the time to do their homework WELL IN ADVANCE. I always say it takes at least a year to organize such things-esp when one is working and it takes many meetings with a builder to make sure every single detail is on paper and nothing is missed and all is picked out in advance so you know the exact price & details.

clsz It cost about $30,000. Which included new windows, roof, and landscaping as well as the porch itself.

motherto2 I absolutely love the look of your house. You did an amazing job. I agree, you can come and do my house :)

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. I agree. High Gloss Black

joansahmed Dark blue

mforr I agree with creative garden spaces and olddbobbi, a rust, paprika, burnt orange color or even a brownish red would be daring and exciting. Black is great if your door is prominent and gets some light. If its inset, under a deep overhang or porch, it just looks like a cave or a hole in your house. I hope you'll consider a bit of color.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. A sophisticated Turkish Oushak Rug . Love! http://www.dorisleslieblau.com/a-turkish-oushak-rug-bb5083.htm

Ann My favorites are the pottery barn (rug 7) and the lbelmona (rug 9).

kuhnishkaf good. www.kuhnishkaf.ru

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. I like an olive to temper all that peachy yellow.

kevin_laurentian yeah a new porch light fixture is coming - my sister smashed the one currently up while trying to clean it . I guess in the end all that matters to me is that the pinkish disgusting colour is gone!

Sheila Rowan Congratulations, it looks sooo much better with the new paint job, but I think there is still room for improvement; I would emphasize its midcentury style by removing the shutters and getting a new door with a more spare, linear style. And check out modern landscaping ideas on Houzz.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Congrats. Much better!

richkeeler Did you have to strip any urethane off all the oak? Did you take apart the railing to paint the balusters or everything in place? Looks good

KimR Hi Rich, yes, we had to rent a sander from the Home Depot (an Edger) to remove the old ( very thick) urethane and stain on the stairs. We left the staircase together as is and did not take apart the spindles. We then sanded them down each by hand and applied Kilz primer for wood, sanded again, primed again and then applied 2 coats of the white paint you now see and finally stained the bare wood a dark cherry. It was a very long, tedious process!

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. The ivory is just too much yellow in one room. Plus the cabinets are golden so its too much. The grey will temper this. Though not sure this is the exact right shade? Plus with granite, I prefer a ceramic-its more sophisticated than glass.

iloveittwo I THINK THE IVORY IS JUST TO BLAN. OK ILL TRY TO FIND OTHER CHOICES. THANKS U ALL.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. I'd paint the trim, the walls and the ceiling-all the same color because though arched windows look nice from outside of a home, they look dumb with drapery-I would definitely NOT do shutters or wood blinds-because they will only emphasize the arch and I want them to disappear with straight drapes and hardware.

leelee27 I'm not covering the windows just adding fabric on the sides. I doubt I ever close them.

leelee27 Catinbody: that's what I'm going with.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Because of the shape of the house and the way the garage is, the garage doors and driveway are two major focal points. That both need major work! As well as the rest of the yard. But don't cheap out on these areas.

casarietti studio I think everyone is focusing on the garage doors...but here's a thought paint the exterior of the house and the garage doors a whole new color something that blends into the landscape wonderful greens deep rather mossy colors greyed down is what I mean soft possible like three different colors that are gradients of each other so the exterior becomes "invisible" to the eye so to speak and the next phase would bring more landscaping plants pot into to scene...the right colors will transform this and be very cost effective...look at different colored homes I think they will have to be somewhat stronger colors that become a part of the scene instead of standing out like a white sore thumb...just a thought:)

casarietti studio Also hire a designer to help select the colors if this is your path...while it seems easy it isn't you need someone who can do color well...

Lazzell Design Works .

thirdstone inc. [^] Hi Tina - Thanks for your interest in the SD House. - See also Floor Plans in the list of images provided. This house also has a full basement consisting of 2 more bedrooms, 5 piece bath, media room, laundry and mechanical room...

The square footage (footprint) of each level...

* Main Floor / Basement each is approx. 1645 SF.
* The (tandem) Garage is 560 SF
* 2nd Floor Level is approx. 1540 SF

~ thirdstone inc. [^]

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. lightology.com. I think its by stonegate designs

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Wow. I'm speechless.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Over the island you could do cabinetry..of course I hate when this is done but in this case, you need far more storage. Plus the slanted walls are not a focal point great to look at anyway. Do more functions in an island and the pantry on the door side

carolins Very nice house!

Joseph F. Yencho, Design/Builder Ok. Sent them out. thanks

suzanne_m Sparkle, I photoshop 2 of the rugs mentioned above. It will help you visualize the suggestions. I can do more if houzzers (or you) give me the links to rugs or arts or tables.

srlong I posted information once before about the stove in this farmhouse, I have the stove at my house now and I do NOT want to junk it but I have found no one who wants to buy it. At this point its on my porch and the hood is as well. I am in harrison NY and will give it away to someone who loves it. my email is shauna.long@yahoo.com if you are interested.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. I'd paint with a glossy black.

libradesigneye love the wall art! chopsticks are easy to pick out and fun to teach / play together.

pearlmelba Hi Sandi ..... Love the candle sticks !!!!
also the home made art !!!!
not sure about the other things you have placed
How are you doing with finding a lamp?
maybe you have one already around your house you
could use

Love to see a picture facing head on of the piano and that wall

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Boxwoods, boxwoods and more boxwoods....

Helga Simmons Interior Design LLC I agree with Patti.

mugsy1703 The home is beautiful and has a lot of potential but it is very underwhelming right now. It needs more architectural detail. I would add trim around the windows (not shutters) and make the entrance more grand. Right now, the door seems hidden. The driveway is cool ... but needs to be defined with brick or stonework. I agree that a fountain is a must in the middle of the circular drive. I have attached a picture for inspiration.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. The mexican tile isn't downloading here.

lsugolfmom The vanity was made by my husband!!

hanson1997 Did he create if from stock cabinetry or a plan?

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. What would modernize that sofa would be one seat instead of 3. But your cushions should be thicker than these...By an inch-1.5" inches so it looks a little more bulk like the rest of the sofa .

darlenerunner Thanks, that is one of the reasons that we are reupholstering the sofa, I hate the cushions! I am not sure how much can be changed during reupholstering. As far as the chairs are concerned, do you think that I would be safer with the leather ones?

Keitha My vote is the leather chair

Sharon

Sherri Fitzgerald As an interior decorator I say definitely paint it!! Do the shelving a light cream, You could bring your lamp shade to the paint store for a match. If you really want to get artistic .... paint the back boards an accent color...you could pick up the greys in your couch or do somethig interesting like on the shelves in these pictures. The last picture shows some ideas of how to decorate the shelves... I know you havent got that far yet but I thought you would like these ideas.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. I agree with the mantle statements above....and also you need more modernized ceiling fans. Those are too parlorish. They detract from the room. Try something more like this and order it from a lighting supply showroom. If you have a sloped ceiling make sure you get the right kit to go with it. These have a 100watt lighting too so probably much better lighting than you currently have. http://www.amazon.com/Casablanca-Fan-Company-C43G546L-Reversible/dp/B004TTY5YK#productDetails

carolins The thing that could do with a revamp in this room (apart from the ceiling fans and the pelmet) is the ceiling. I would leave everything else alone and get the ceiling plasterboarded and skimmed. Perhaps add some recessed lighting on a dimmer switch. And then paint the ceiling off white.

You have a beautiful room and nice furniture. And yes, the grout could be lighter.

charnelle45 Yes, grommet curtains. Where I'm from we call them eyelet curtains, same thing thou. The ceiling also would make a huge difference, I agree.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. The mantle is too high above the fireplace.

epmlassie I had the same concern, but I looked at comments on other sites and they are generally favorable. I have an Ikea buffet that is still perfect after about 5 years, but it doesn't get heavy use.

leelee Hey, that's great. You never know these days...most everything seems like the quality has gone down!

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. It always is bad to have fireplaces like this with goofy low windows flanking them. I don't think its the fireplace so much as your drapery looks too frilly and traditional with this more contemporary style fireplace. I'd get rid of long drapes with these and I'd do woven romans instead.

jg rip it out! so old fashioned it's like something from the 70s.it's overbearing and far too heavy for a modern room. stone is ok if it;s a comolkiment to the room decor , not the dominant feature.

Interiors International, Inc. I like the Superstition Mt. Residence pic above.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. You would be a low information decorator to spruce up a subzero or throw it out for a lessor brand. For one I have a 2700 series sub zero which are a pain and always have issues because the compressor is on the bottom. My repairman who knows more about appliances than any decorator on here-says that the original style are worth every penny and its the only fridge he would ever own. They last forever. I had to replace my compressor on my subzero 2700 series last year after only 9 years. Sorry but it was still cheaper than buying a new fridge which frankly in this case, would not fit into that empty area as the subzero does. yes and I agree-why wouldn't you just get new panels for it-if you get a new kitchen you buy new panels for this fridge.

OnePlan You can either read up on the best way to do it and tackle it yourself - or get the pros in ! Some companies take the doors off and spray them for a pro finish ! Good luck with it all !!

Kevin Retired Decorator Yes it is your house/home and treasure it as such to the day you list it ! Please your heart for a happy home !

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. I like the ones on the left and who cares about the crumbs....get a swiffer and use it every two days.

see_ Definitely the left. The granite is way too busy and the combination is not as harmonious.

judyg Two comments, no suggestions: I would question why the seam is going there and the glass tiles will look blue when installed.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Have the vanity painted a high gloss black. At least then the bathroom would look like you mean for it to look that way....and I'd have all old caulk taken out of shower and recaulk it

Kate Allen if tiles are in good shape as they look on the pictures, then I would try to find similar tiles and lay tiles all the way up to the ceiling to create something like this



I say "something like" because if you like modern design , use a more modern type of tiles and pattern.

Then I would paint the windows frames with either contrasting colors or with a color that matches the grout color (depending on the mood :) ).

Put a hanging sink/vanity instead of the current one.

I would invest in shower - clear glass walls would add to the overlall acqua look of the bathroom.
then add appropriate accessoires in some acquatic style and here you go w/out major reconstruction.

It's a small space, I used to have a similar bathroom and no matter how you move things around it will remain small. But - with right colors, style and accessoires you won't notice it's size anymore.

Young and Borlik Architects, inc. Chances are that you'll need to get into your neighbor's ceiling to relocate any of the drains. It's interesting that the "business" is done so differently. It may well turn out that just relocating the tub and/or vanity will already require access from below, So don't fear the shower.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Any decent upholsterer can make this too. If you don't like the sizes or styles shown above.

Raashi Design You're welcome christelaoun. Good luck!

Keitha Try Overstock.com too!

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. I would not make a backsplash out of this material. The tile does all the way to the top of the countertop. otherwise it looks squat.

Barnhart Gallery Love the first/gold-grey option, yawning at the seafoam, and like the Brazilian.

Delfina For me I love the Brazilian one--very nice!

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Love it. I'd have it sprayed by a car refinisher in a super high gloss color or do it more rustic. Whatever you prefer. It would be so cool with the right wallpaper. Paint would not do it justice.

thedarlingsbecca How about starting a new discussion for the new room?

Nancy Walton Will that headboard fit under those windows, or will you relocate the bed?

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. I like it but the maroon shutters are not working with the brick . A dark charcoal are a black would be great.

Diane Cooper THANK YOU for the great ideas! I love the blue gray look with red brick. I've actually been eyeing that combination for a while so it's good to hear others' are in favor of it as well. @Margaret - Great idea about making the window bigger to eliminate the wood underneath. I'm all for that idea! @curryj - What do you mean by "real shutters"? I thought we did have "real shutters"...they are just ugly! And the trees are all staying, no fear!

New Question - I do really love the blue grey look. However, it seems like if we do blue grey, we should do everything including windows, front door area, garage doors? Or should we mix in some black accents with shutters and front door? I also love the idea of going with a light paver stone around front door, black front door, black shutters...so then what should we do with the garage doors? White? I love these options! Thanks for your input!

Masterpiece Doors & Shutters Hi Diane, Beautiful home! We might be a great fit for your needs. New shutters and garage doors would give your home a wonderful makeover! And you are right about the maintenance aspect of real wood products (big pain). I would not recommend going that route for your garage doors. We offer 100% composite entry doors, garage doors, and shutters. We finish them to have the appearance of either authentic wood or wrought iron. The best part is that they do not require nearly as much maintenance as either of those traditional products! They hold up so much better! We also custom make everything to your exact specifications so you won't have to fret about sizing issues. I have attached some photos for you to take a look at. The last one is an example of large shutter job we just finished. If you have any questions feel free to call us at 678-894-1450. Good luck with your project!

Kevin Patrick O'Brien Architect, Inc. We built our home 12 years ago and went with hardie-shingles (fiber cement) smooth and painted them. We installed with a slight "staggered" look similar to the photo of your home. I had the painter come out and he said all he has to do is paint the trim!! Amazing how well this product has performed! We specify fiber cement siding and shingles on every project that will be painted. On the coast we go with wood cedar shingles and stain for the "weathered" feel. I should mention our home is in Northern California, so weather is not as harsh as what you are dealing with!!

feeny I think inset would be great for a farmhouse look (they are more old fashioned, in a good way), though full overlay can also have a vintage farm house look with the right hardware. Inset is usually just a bit more expensive. I would avoid MDF, however. It doesn't hold up as well as wood, especially around water. There are Houzz threads that discuss this in more detail.
http://www.houzz.com/discussions/407874/MDF-vs-plywood-box

Thera I am not really into Tuscan, but I do have an old meat cutter (all silver metal and in much much better condition than the one in the picture), not sure if the chicken will fit, agree re pot rack but not sure I would put it on the wall and might do a back splash down the road.

Sicora, Inc. I'm sorry, but we do not have that information on file...

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. How wide is this house? Its so cute!

nanibarba Yes, may I ask what the width of the front of this home is?

Art of Tile and Stone Hello Ebienkowski,
These are part of our handmade artisan series in 4" x 8" and glazed with 4 different colors.
Please feel free to contact me by e-mail with your project specifics and I'll be happy to get some samples out to you.
hadriend@artoftileandstone.com

sam0705 This is one of the pics that came to mind - like the pedestal table you are thinking of

Ann Kelly's third choice led me to this one.
[houzz=
]

bamamom Margaret....I purchased the rug through local flooring store. I do believe I have seen same rug at decorator.com. Less than $700 for the size I purchased. I think it was 10x13. There are smaller sizes too.
I love the pillows and throws you have. Beautiful room!
Google oriental weavers and the design is Chloe. I have a yellow lab and grand daughter under two, so did not want to spend a lot because I know there will lots spills and lots of dog hair. I found beautiful rugs at PB and ballards but just to much to risk ruining. AND I'm sure I will be changing things up again 5 years up the road.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Black. I like classic. Classic glossy front door with a black storm door. That blue is not right at all.

Faith Girton make a slght a overhang over the frontdoor porch down to the other end of the house will at charm ,make sur those shutters are on hinges,like I said landscaping on both sides will do wonders!

Faith Girton None of the other colors look good as i just said adding a front porch will add volmes,let me know

lhester42 I'm sorry the carpet, crystal vision is by Tuftex.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. I believe in getting deals on Wools which are 50x better than nylon and clean up better as well. Its also a better product for your health than nylon. Air quality.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. I like it running horizontal. Makes the space look larger. The vertical is trendy and confuses the eye. I'd go with the one on the left...its closer to the floor.

Eastern Ontario Marble Trend Sales Representative The pearl is actually a folded glass hand cut into the 3x6 subway. It is a beautiful glass. Retail cost is approx $50 a square foot but completely worth every penny! Marble Tremd can supply that for u as well through you deans carpet one ;)

Ed Hi kmd, Congrats on your kitchen remodel. Please post photos of your new kitchen! :)

PH Interiors, LLC With your fireplace off center, symmetry is a challenging goal. If it were me, I would have custom built-ins with lower cabinets (shallow) installed. The ones on the right could be designed with an angle on the right edge so that it does not protrude into the entryway. Not symmetrical but balanced.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Put up your own privacy fence. Talk to your neighbor about this b.s. too. Two fences unacceptable. Turn him into the city.

Bethany Crenshaw - Lowe's Bashford Manor I have a next door neighbor that put up privacy fences inside their chain link, but only on the front and back side of the garage. So, I had this section between the fences that grew weeds and about a 18" section between their garage and the fence that had a lot of trash in it. We asked the neighbors if they would be ok if we took the fence down and she was fine with it. We also asked if she would mind if we stained our side of the fence and she said, "no problem". Granted we have a few different types of fencing now on each sides of our yard, but at least it looks nicer than it did.

jennjewell Try Cali Bamboo Fencing (online). They'll ship you fencing made of beautifully stained bamboo that you can attach to the chain link fence. Their fencing is more like artwork than a boring wooded planked fence.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. The only thing that doesn't show water spots are cast iron sinks and those are too heavy for your countertop and require a lot of frame in work by a carpenter. They are also super expensive.

olldbobbi I would much prefer a porcelain sink to a stainless sink. The copper looks interesting, tho:

Ann I recently put in a new granite composite (silgranite) sink in their color called biscotti. It's amazing and shows no marks of any type. It never even looks like it needs cleaning but I've used barkeepers friend on it a few times so I know it's been cleaned. I never dry it. I really love it and there are many great configurations to choose from. I really considered copper, but the price for a good quality one was quite high and my husband didn't like the look (I love the look).

CHISM BROTHERS PAINTING Love your style of home! Lots of color options for painting. Here is one idea that keeps the body of the home traditional and lets the FRONT DOOR speak for itself:

Exterior Painting Projects 1 (I know these painters too...great work in Bay Area)

Exterior Painting Projects 2

I love shutters. Yet you have a lot of windows in the front. I think shutters will not fit well...and make it too crowded. Just by doing a color change and accenting your front door, you should be just fine!

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. Go subway. I have a U shaped kitchen that I designed that I will post soon.....and it has the same tile everywhere. Makes the kitchen look huge. Also don't do the stone backsplash. You don't need to. You will have tile from counterheight up to the cabinet. Also consider lowering your electric to counterheight.

mforr I love the timeless look of subway tiles. If you wanted a different look over your stovetop or range as a feature then that would look ok with them. But only there, the rest of backsplash should be consistent

Mottles Murals Ceramic Tiles I have sold murals to clients using surrounding subway tiles, but I don't have any pictures to show. I don't think you can go wrong with white subway tiles, or any shape of white tiles. Have fun! Thank you.

CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc. I love a classic white house in florida.

David J. Wade Inc, Architect Two more from Royal Palms.

Kevin Patrick O'Brien Architect, Inc. Barbara, your "thread" has been interesting to follow. I always advise my customers to develop a "mission statement" and refer to it often throughout the design and construction process. This "road map" will keep you on task to solving your concerns and enjoying your home. We "houzzers" go on to the next post and you have to live in what you create! Have fun with your project, enjoy....