We just returned from another trip to Huntsville during which we got to see the construction progress on our home there. This was an exciting visit for me because several of the design aspects I was most looking forward to seeing had been installed. For starters, the lights are up! Here are a few of my favorites.
This is a hallway off the kitchen. The doorways you see lead to the utility room, pantry, mudroom and garage.
This cute little wall sconce with a shade lights the way to the powder bath on the first floor.
This awesome lantern hangs above our entry.
Oh, and these. These make me all jazz-handsy. These are what I chose for the kitchen. Aren’t they just perfect?
Another exciting development is that the brick and stone exterior is complete. You might remember that I had my reservations about the choices I made for the brick and stone. Our builder doesn’t make that an easy choice because they have these itty bitty (probably about 2 ft. x 2ft.) boards with brick or stone facing, but no mortar. They ask you to make your choices based on those super small representations that could look completely different based on the color of mortar you choose. It’s hard. I really think they could make the process so much easier if they had professional photos of several houses with different brick and stone combos. That way, it would be easier to get an idea of what the brick and stone look like when paired. In any case, I’m thrilled with the way ours turned out.
The inside makes me just as happy. Today, we’re focusing on the great room.
Confession: I’ve been fairly indecisive with regard to the great room. I’ve turned to my Facebook friends for input more than once. Like when I asked for opinions on whether or not a stone fireplace would date the room.
And then again when I asked if I should skip the built-ins since they would be asymmetrical.
I don’t know what I would do without a little help from my friends.
In the end, I opted for both the stone fireplace and the built-ins and oh, goodness, friends. I’m in love with the outcome.
The photo above was taken from the kitchen, as you enter the great room. For perspective, see the photo below to get a better idea of how the room is laid out. I was standing right about where the X is when I took the photo above.
Here’s a different view. This one was taken from the staircase that overlooks the two-story great room.
This one was taken at the entrance of the room from the front door. The built-ins and fireplace are just out of the shot, to the right. The kitchen is to the left. It’s hard to make out but if you look closely you can get a glimpse of the gorgeous trim package on the windows.
Here is a zoomed in shot that shows the layout/dimensions of the room. You can see how I plan to arrange the furniture in this space.
Now, if you’re anything like me, the depiction above isn’t the kind of image that makes your heart all pittery-pattery. If you’re like me, you want to see something that gives you a feel for the room. You want to see colors and textures, right? I feel you. Let’s take a look, shall we?
This, my friends, is what I’m going for. I’ve got a style board designed for each room of the new house and I’ve been trying to use them to define my style. So far, I’ve been using “farmhouse” but I’m not sure it’s entirely accurate. Farmhouse, yes, in the neutral color scheme and the use of galvanized, rubbed bronze and wire accents. I think my preference for rustic furniture finishes also lends to the farmhouse feel. Unlike typical farmhouse decor, though, I’m not a huge fan of slouchy. I like fluffy pillows and full couch cushions. Nor do I care for tabletops that are overly cluttered. I have yet to settle on an official term. Elevated farmhouse? Modern farmhouse? Clean farmhouse? I don’t know; the words escape me. I’ve got the picture in mind and that’s all that really matters when it comes right down to it, right?
So, to recap, here’s what I’ve showed you so far: dining room, kitchen/nook and great room style boards.
I’d love to hear any thoughts or ideas you might have!
Jazz handsy is now an official part of my vocabulary.
The light couches…do you have a cleaning tip or are your kids just not messy anymore? I’m afraid to get those white chairs because of all the kids who live here.
I love that hall light! The fan and the antler pillows are my favorites in the great room. It will all be gorgeous!
Are my kids not messy anymore? HA! That’s a good one. Yeah, no. We had cream colored microfiber couches in our home here in Az in the formal living room but since there was no TV in there, the kids rarely used that room. The couches looked brand new after ten years. The same will be true of the great room in Bama. We’re not putting a TV in there. It will function as more of a sitting room. I don’t foresee the kids spending a ton of time in there. But also, ours is a shoe-less house and we don’t eat or drink outside of the kitchen so both of those things help, too. We’re putting a slip-covered cream sectional in the den, too, and the kids will be using that space so we’ll see how it goes. I’ve heard good things about the slip-covers being easy to clean. Time will tell.
Ah, ok. So what’s the wiring above the mantel then? I had assumed that was for a tv. (Good call BTW – I hate TVs above mantels but I wasn’t gonna say that! ;))
The wiring is for a TV. We first noticed that wiring when we were there last and asked them to fill those slots with removable stones so that we’ll have the option later down the road if we want a tv there. We do have a TV above the mantel in the keeping room which would not have been my first choice but the layout of the room necessitates it so…you win some you lose some.
I see now that you always being particular about things has paid off. I hope everything works out when it’s completed,
Oh, please excuse me, I have found a smudge on my hand. I’m off to the powder bath to tidy up!
Darcie — Looks great!!! I’m excited for you guys. BTW, where did you get your entry lantern? Was in thru the builder? Kelly and I are looking to replace the brass monstrosity that came with our house and we like yours or something similar.