Weekend Warriors

Got a lot of remaining projects out of the way this weekend. My good friend, and one of my blog followers, Tom (see top right) came by and helped me install bookcases and wall hooks. He also helped me move the couter onto the island and lay down my new rug in the living room. Thanks Tom, I definitely owe you more than pizza! Also, my kitchen barstool arrived and fits perfectly under the island.

Filler Post

Since there hasn't been too much to post lately, here's a little wordle of my blog to fill the gap. Surprise that some of the most popular words are "Restoration Hardware."

Kitchen Island

Since there was no room for drawers in the small kitchen, i had an island custom made to provide extra storage and also add more work surface. Last week the island was delivered but the screw-holes for the drawers were not the right distance apart. So the drawers were fixed and delivered today. Pulls were attached to match the kitchen cabinets. The finish isn't as dark as I had hoped (it looks even lighter in this picture than in person), but I can probably stain it darker down the road. I also had a marble top made to match the kitchen counter that will be attached to the island this week. (I tried to lift it on top to show what it will look like, but it probably weighs more than I do.)

Bathroom Resource List

People have been asking about the different fixtures and finishes I selected for the apartment, so I thought I would write up a resource list of each room, starting with the bathroom. Here are some recent pictures along with a list of items. Let me know if anyone wants more info. (The links are not necessarily to the stores from where I bought the items.)

• Wall and floor tile: 3"x6" Honed Carrara from Kaleidoscope Tile (White grout on walls, Silverado on floors)
• Tile trim: Honed Carrara pencil molding from Kaleidoscope Tile
• Mosaic Tile on floor: 3/4" Polished Carrara mosaic from Kaleidoscope Tile
• Door Saddle: 5" Honed Carrara from Kaleidoscope Tile
• Sconces: Restoration Hardware Sutton Double Sconce in Polished Nickel
• Shower head: Speakman Anystream 6 Jet Shower Head and Shower Arm in Polished Nickel
• Shower/Tub faucet: Restoration Hardware Chatham Balance-Pressure Tub and Shower Valve & Trim in Polished Nickel
• Vanity: 24" Wood Vanity with Ceramic Sink from VGA International (store i found in NJ)
• Sink Faucet: Hansgrohe Solaris E Single Hole Faucet in Polished Nickel
• Vanity Hardware: Restoration Hardware Chatham 4" Pull in Polished Nickel
• Vanity Towel Bar: Restoration Hardware Chatham 18" Towel Bar in Polished Nickel
• Ring: Restoration Hardware Chatham Towel Ring in Polished Nickel
• Toilet Paper Holder: Restoration Hardware Chatham Tissue Holder in Polished Nickel
• Hook: Restoration Hardware Chatham Double Hook in Polished Nickel
• Shelf: Restoration Hardware Chatham Glass Shelf in Polished Nickel
• Towel Bar: Watermark Rochester 24" Towel Bar in Polished Nickel (I happened to already have this)
• Medicine Cabinet: Kohler 30" Double Door Mirrored Medicine Cabinet
• Mirror: ABC Shower Doors mirror with 3/4" bevel
• Toilet: Toto Soiree One Piece Elongated Universal Height Toilet with SanaGloss in Cotton
• Radiant Heat Floor: Warmly Yours TempZone floor heating roll and SmartStat programmable heating control
• Switches and wallplates: Lutron Diva Single Pole Dimmer and Lutron Claro Wallplates in White
• Door: Masonite Crown MDF 1 Panel Square Smooth Door
• Door Knobs: Emtek Egg Privacy Doorknob with 2-3/4" backset in Satin Nickel
• Paint: Benjamin Moore Natura in Light Chiffon (eggshell finish) on walls, Benjamin Moore EcoSpec in White (semigloss finish) on moulding and door

Day 66 - Light Fixtures

Updated light fixtures were installed in the living room, hallway and bedroom. The fixture in the living room is probably too large for the space, but I think it will really finish off the room. The fixtures in the hallway and the bedroom are the same - the one in the bedroom is a bit larger. They still have to paint the ceiling around where the fixtures were installed (that's why the one in the living room is still covered in plastic).

Day 65 - Backsplash and Faucet

More tile arrived so they were able to finish the backsplash. The right faucet finally arrived (first one that was too tall, then one that was the wrong finish) and was installed so I now have running water in the kitchen! One more hook-up needed for the dishwasher and I will be able to start using it!

Day 64 - Backsplash and More Hardware

They began installing the backsplash tile in the kitchen, but unfortunately I didn't order enough to finish. More should be coming soon though.

And a few more hardware items in the bathroom were installed.

Day 63 - Hardware

I apologize that there has not been to much to report the last few days, but things are almost done now, so only a few finishing touches to show you. And that includes hardware that was installed in the bathroom....

(I personally installed the door knobs - the one thing I have actually done.)

...and on the kitchen cabinets.

Day 56 - Counter and Sink

Meet my new baby. Against almost everyone telling me I am crazy, I went with a white marble counter. It was installed today (along with the sink) and looks beautiful. Since it is more delicate and stains easier than other surfaces, I will be obsessed with cleaning and protecting it (I may only wipe it with a diaper). The stainless steel sink looks good, too.

They also came to fix part of my floors that had become exposed because my new kitchen isn't as deep as the old. It should dry to the same color as the rest of the floor - I hope!

Day 49 - Oven and Hood

The new oven and hood were installed today. The old gas line was outdated and not compatible with the new range so it had to be replaced - another unforseen setback (and expense!) - but it looks great.