"Small rooms and dwellings set the mind on the right path, large ones cause it to go astray" -- Leonardo da Vinci

Well, today came as a surprise..a good one at that. The days I WANT a snow day are the very days I don't get one, and the days I don't even have a want or a wish...it happens! So, this is a perfect day to eat pizza for breakfast, and stay in my PJ's all day, and do a little blogging!

Things are moving along with getting the house ready. The railing is up, the basement floors freshly painted and it looks amazing, we repainted the bathroom and mud room and now we wait until the snow melts, so, the "sell" date may not happen until the 13th of March...we are still keeping in the 3 family (since that is our favorite number!). The storage unit is filling up quickly, but the house is becoming more empty. This weekend we plan on taking over our upright small freezer, shelving units, art work, and more basement items. It still amazes me at the amount of "stuff" 2 people can acquire.

After looking and becoming inspired by small homes we have asked the question..."how much space do two people need?" So, we went back to our architect and told him that we need the space to be smart -every inch used, no unused space. So, it meant we eliminated the loft space, but created a new pantry, and more closest space (and saved approximately 20 grand). We will end up with 1500 sq. feet of living space and 2 studios that are around 195 sq. ft, not huge, but each studio will have least 15 ft. high vaulted ceilings with skylights in each. We will have a lot of vertical space to utilize, so we are happy with the end results.

Finally, we are back to our original plan of selling first, and building second. It's a smart financial move. Our architect is an honest man, but he gave us pause when he said..."I hope you can sell your house". We have faith in this beauty, and for the price, it is one heck of a deal. It's beautifully maintained, and just like the first time we saw it he right person will come along and fall in love with as we once did. 
I'm including some images from our architect's plans in 3-D. It was really cool when he visited since he showed us a virtual example of the house; it was a virtual walk through and it all made sense. The color schemes are off in these plans because they are just a rough draft: we plan on going with radiant concrete floors and white walls, but it gives you an idea. The next step is talking materials and small details (the fun stuff!). Stay tuned!

So, happy snow shoveling...and keep warm. 

Happy thoughts for 2013!
Paul's studio. Includes closet space behind chair, 2 skylights, storage above, and to the right (which you cannot see are two windows)



(This is the open kitchen living area with vaulted ceilings, high windows for more natural light and 2 set of french doors that lead to the water view, side entrance doorway and poured patio will extend beyond french doors)



Below is an image of the kitchen area that is connected to the living area...clear glass frosted cabinets above to keep it light and airy, kitchen island (still deciding on the color), 3 windows, pantry and to the right are the doors that lead to our studio spaces.) Back door way leads to the bathroom, mudroom, 2 bedrooms). Ceiling height 12-15 feet (I can't remember exactly...very lofty).





This the color scheme we probably will go with....

Gotta trust!

We met with our architect tonight, and it's all become too real and all to scary at the same time. We are proceeding with the next step, and then selling and bidding all in the same breath. It's a little daunting, because so much weighs on you....money, money, money! Our architect is a straight shooter and he has concerns about us selling our character home (but then again this house sold as a dump in 60 days - we can only hope the same happens for us, but this time the house is not a dump). I've never had one ounce of doubt, but when somebody says this it does give you pause. We just have to trust and believe that this will too work out. We have a beautiful home for the price...we just know that someone will buy it and love it as much as we do. 

So, the plans have changed yet again. We are building small and smart. Two S' that we are ok with...I end with the thought that everything will turn out as planned. 

Gotta believe!

Until next time.

Karla 

Mom and Dad DON'T READ this...tee hee

Well, visions of sugar plums are dancing in my head (what else to do when it's crazy cold outside?), I've decided it would be a good day to blog.

The other day I was driving to school (around 730 AM) and I looked to the east and the sun was shining so bright, and looking toward the location of our future home...and realized someday I could be sitting in my art studio with sun shining in! Paul is painting the bathroom today, and we are nearly done with all the "to do" projects for our sale in March.

The reason I'm writing this post, because on Wednesday we will meet with our architect to talk about a few ideas...such as will we be on point with our budget? I NEVER thought I would say this (I was raised with two houses that had all natural materials for exterior: cedar and wood siding...and my Dad loathed vinyl siding, and so I vowed to never consider it), but after reading an article on siding it makes one think. Siding has come a long way.  If the contractor from This Old House can put vinyl on his house then why can't we? We have to keep all options open. We are including an article I read about vinyl siding - it's making a comeback along with a picture of the color combo we love! Thanks for reading...stay tuned more to come.

Here is the article on siding:
http://homes.yahoo.com/news/the-benefits-of-vinyl-siding-235956159.html

 (This was a project completed by Martin-Riley Architects the company we are working with...our Architect, Matt, did not do this project but a representation of their companies work. We love the color combo of this project...and style is similar to the style of our house (of course minus the lake, but will have a lake view!)