Rob's River House Part 2 Week 3 & 4

The demolition is almost completed.  All that's left is removing the old windows in the bathroom. The above window is being removed and replaced with a transom window that will be placed up to the ceiling line.

The skylight is in the shower and will double in size.  This will give the shower area great light and a view of the river.

The entry french doors are relocated forward into the third floor landing to allow the doors to the Master Bath and Ladies Walk In Closet to be in the bedroom.  Before both  of these doors were located out of the bedroom in the hall landing area.

Master Bedroom ceiling is framed .  It is now a balanced ceiling.  Wait and see what we will do with it!

Ladies Closet framing begins.

Rob's River House Part 2 "The Master Bedroom Renovation"--The Demolition

Prepping Bedroom

Demolition Begins!
 WEEK 1 and 2

Bathroom Gut

We have removed all the  bedroom furniture and have begun the  bathroom demolition, which is the first step. We need to make certain we can even out the 2 floor levels by moving/removing old pipes. Waiting for the plumbers verdict.

His verdict is in and the pipes can be moved --the floors will be even!

We are also applying new insulation,removing  the existing window from new shower area and putting in a bigger skylight. The bath tub will be removed and a built-in shower bench will replace it. Everything in this room has to be gutted out.  We are putting in new heat, a heated floor, new plumbing and a new transom window.  In an old house you never know what is in the walls and this one had some bad wiring and plumbing.

 Rob doesn't know it yet, but he is going to love his new bathroom!!!

The bathroom Color Scheme is Gender Neutral--  white,gray,beige and crushed cream glass.
Shower Floor:  Mosaic
Shower Walls: 8x24 Ceramic beige brick applied vertically  with  a single row of  Mosaic every third row.
Bathroom Floor: 8x24 Ceramic brick staggered, bordered on short sides with a single row of Mosaic.
Cabinet Sink Mirrors: 4 rows of Mosaic trimmed in a decorative Pewter bead.
Cabinetry:  White
Plumbing Fixtures:  White Porcelain and Polished Chrome

Rob's River House Part 2 "The Master Bedroom Renovation"

I am starting the Master Bedroom renovation at Rob's River House.  All I can say at this point is "This was really in need of help." The room was cluttered with mismatched furniture and a bad color combination.  The flow of the room was chopped up with several misplaced entries,unorganized closets and an outdated bathroom.
 I am going to WALK you through the entire renovation.

The Master Bedroom is on the third floor of the house. There is a 27' wall of windows with sweeping views of the Hudson River.  The third floor consists of His and Hers Walk In Closets, Mather Bath and Bedroom.
After meeting with Arichetect Mary Scott ;Mount Kisco,NY , Contractor Mark Germinaro of J.Germinaro and Sons ; Montrose, NY and Tim Mulroy of Windhill Builders;Franklin, NY  we came up with the plan.

Before: Her Closet

MASTER CLOSETS: Complete Update with new carpeting, lighting and closet built-ins.

Bedroom Before

Bedroom Before

MASTER BEDROOM:
1. Even out ceiling with center beam and 12 applied beams creating a decorative cathedral ceiling.
2. New recessed lighting and sconces.
3. Built-In Coffee Bar Unit with under counter refrigerator behind automated pocket doors.
4. Built-In TV Cabinet with equipment storage and Wall Mounted Flat Screen TV.
5. Eliminate 2 doors and relocate French Doors to  bedroom entrance.
6. New bedroom furnishings to include: Upholstered King Bed, 2 Transitional Nightstands,Glass Table Lamps,Bench at the end of the Bed, 2 Chaises with Glass Occasional Table, Oriental Carpets, New Drapery and Bedding.
MASTER BATHROOM:
1. Gut renovate and eliminate tub.
2. Create a large steam shower, with bench,rain shower,and 2 additional shower heads
3.Create a private water closet with pocket door
4. Double sink cabinet with center storage tower.

Before Master Bath Sink Area

Before Master Bath Area which will be shower

Let's get started!

Happy New Year!! May 2012 be Healthy, Happy and Prosperous!!

Happy Hanukkah!!

Deck the Halls




DECK THE HALLS !!

 NEED I SAY MORE?

Christmas Chandeliers

It doesn't take much to make a table sparkle if you decorate the chandelier above it.  This really adds to the festive Holiday mood.  So get out a few ornaments, garland, ribbon and pine cones and see what you can do!

Bento Box #12

Bento Box #12

Top Fabric: Vervain  "Barania" Red.  This is a Medium Duty Silk/Wool Suzani Pattern.  It's great for your window treatments and decorative pillows.

Left Top: Fabricut "Zenith" Bronze.  Great for all upholstery.  This is a very Heavy Duty chenille.  Good for high wear areas.

Left Middle and Bottom:  Edward Ferrell "Hadley" Tobacco  and "Dover" Fudge Leathers.  These are great for upholstered pieces especially ottomans.

Center: Scalamandre "Paddington Velvet" Old Rose.  This is a Heavy Duty cotton velvet that is also great for all upholstery.

Bottom Right: Prismatek "Tristan" Brown,Orange and Red .  This is a Poly/Rayon that is excellent for window treatments and decorative pillows that would add a whimsical touch to your room.

Paint Colors:

Walls: Benjamin Moore "Chocolate Sundae" 2113-10 OR "Lenox Tan" HC-44

Trimming Benjamin Moore "Grand Teton White" OC-132

Once again, this is a Transitional Grouping.  You can use it either with contemporary--go for the Polka dots here OR traditional style. 

Pair this with a neutral carpet.

ENJOY!!

Bento Box #11

Bento Box #11

Top Left: CarletonV "Cornelius " Silver Fox . A Heavy Duty Cozy Chenille.  Great for all upholstered pieces.

Top Background: CarletonV" Marrakesh"  Slate/Gold. A fabulous "Ikat" print in 100% silk from Thailand.  This is a stunning fabric for Window treatments and decorative pillows.

Middle Right: Villa Romo"Striato" Tornado This also a Heavy Duty Chenille that is great for all upholstery pieces.

Front Center: Duralee "Linen" Sahara . A Heavy Duty Rayon/Cotton Linen.  This is excellent for Window treatments-especially Roman Shades.





Paint Colors:

Walls: Benjamin Moore "Whale Gray" 2134-40 OR Benjamin Moore "Springfield Tan" AC-5

Trimmings: Benjamin Moore "Pale Oak" OC-20

This palette combination is Transitional and will work well in any space.  Pair it with a neutral carpet.

ENJOY!!

Bridal Registery 104 Everyday Glassware

Everyday Glassware

Everyday glassware should be :
1. Sturdy!  Sturdy! Sturdy! Don't go for the thin glass unless you plan to replace often.  When purchasing ,feel the weight of the glass in your hand and also make certain the rim has some thickness to it OR you will be replacing them alot.
2. How Many?  Select 12 tall iced beverage glasses.  8 short glasses that can double up for juice. At least 12 sturdy stemmed glasses that can serve as a water goblet or an everyday wine glass.

This is an area to get creative.  For instance you can do Canning Jars without or with handles (shown above) or the imported Mexican glassware (shown above).  Beer mugs can also be great for iced beverages. You can mix and match designs.  Have fun with this item since there are many styles to choose from. 




                                                                  

Bridal Registery 103: Stainless Flatware

Stainless Flatware
When purchasing everyday flatware I suggest 12 place settings. This covers everything from small buffet dinners to dinner for 2.  The question here is What to select??
There are a few pointers to follow:
1. Look for something with an 18/8 or 18/10 number.  WHAT IS THAT???
This is the number that refers to the percentage content of chromium/nickel. This is what  makes up the stainless steel alloy.  The higher the back number(nickel content) the higher the sheen. 0 means no nickel therefore, it looks dull and cheap.  The 18 is the chromium which keeps the flatware from rusting. 
2. Knife Construction is the next step. 
a. Is the knife made of one single piece of stainless stamped by a machine?
b. Is the knife constructed in the "drop forge" method where molten steel is poured in a mould?This gives the knife a better blade.
c. Is the knife constructed of a "hollow handle" with a higher quality blade inserted? This obviously makes the best of the 3.
3. Look at the final finish on the flatware.  In the stamped versions, the fork tines and edges of spoons are usually sharp and square. In the hand forged and hollow knife versions, more time is spent on the edges so they usually have rounded edges and smooth fork tines
4. Look at the design and weight.  The utensils should feel balanced and comfortable in your hand.
5.If future availability is important to you, stay away from boxed sets.  They are usually around for a few years and then the style is changed.
6. Price point--with the above information find the flatware that best fits your budget!

Bento Box #10

Bento Box #10
Background Fabric:  Kravet "Handwork Floral" Azure Cerise. This is an embroidered linen suitable for window treatments or decorative pillows.
Bottom Left: Duralee " Linen/Rayon" Winter White. This is a great linen that doesn't wrinkle because of the rayon content.  It is heavy duty and makes excellent slipcovers or window treatments.  If you are brave it is also good for upholstery.
Bottom Center: Osborne and Little "Varese" Teal.  This is a 100% cotton velvet, great for upholstery but lightweight enough for window treatments.  It is medium duty.
Bottom Right: Stroheim and Romann "Chadwick Strie" Garnet. This is a heavy duty velvet perfect for all upholstery.

Wall color:
 For the "Dramatic Spirit"
 Benjamin Moore "Venezuelan Sea" 2054-30 or "Beau Green" 2054-20 Trimmed out in Benjamin Moore "Acadia White" OC-38
For the "Quiet Spirit" Benjamin Moore "Crystal Blue" 2051-70 Trimmed in Benjamin Moore "Cotton Balls" OC-122

This is a great look for Living /Family Room or DiningRoom