A Splash of Color and Other Details

 

I'm amazed and excited by how much is happening every day at the house.  But then I realize how much more needs to happen--if I'm really going to be in by the end of the year.  Skip is still saying Christmas, but I'm trying to be realistic and reasonable.  It will be great if I'm actually sleeping there on New Year's Eve.  But if everything isn't completely ready, I'm prepared to wait until it is.  I have some leeway on my rental lease, but I'm keeping that information close to the cuff.  No need to ease the pressure!

I've had the tile for the kitchen backsplash and the living room fire surround for a couple years already.  But the five bathrooms have taken my tile decision-making to a new level of obsession.  With wallpaper choices in hand, I made the mistake of heading to handmade tile shops first.  I found some beautiful options, but they had long lead times (handmade) and high prices (handmade).  Riddled by guilt, I tried to settle for lesser, commercially-made tiles.  And after much internal debate, I came to a compromise.  The shower stalls would be inexpensive tiles to justify the bathroom floors.  And finally (huge sigh of relief), all the tile is ordered and some has even been delivered and installed.  This first splash of color in the cottage bath is difficult to photograph.  It's what I'd call a "spa aqua" (not grouted yet).  The shower is a simple (less expensive) subway tile in a slightly lighter shade.  

I ordered (new) French limestone in tumbled Garronne Grey for the porch and sunroom.  To most it probably looks just like the Indiana limestone on the outside of the house, but to me it's much more subtle and refined.  It's now grouted. 

The interior doors are mostly installed, as are the room entries (missing the upper middle glass).  

The living room and dining room ceilings are installed (below).  The master is a slightly simpler version of the same.  The family room/kitchen and upstairs hall are simple tongue and groove panels.

The entire downstairs and upstairs bedroom floors are installed.  And I've been working with the hardwood guys to get the pattern of the upstairs hall laid out.  So many of these guys are real craftsmen and perfectionists.  The fellow working on the stairs and railing is a case in point.  I'm sure he's done some elaborate and exquisite stair railings--and wants to do the same here.  I think I've finally convinced him that "elegant but simple" is my mantra.  

I'd be remiss if I didn't document the (literal) sign of our times.