Saturday, August 28, 2010

reno chronicles #7


Ahhhh….drawings!

Got the sketches for my renovation yesterday. So exciting. I can’t stop looking at them and mulling it all over.

I am definitely a visual person. It’s so much easier now for me to “picture” the recommendations, because....well, because I can see a picture of it. In my head, I was close to picturing what we had been talking over…but now I can see exactly what wonderful contractor is recommending. There is no room left for interpretation.

I am also a process thinker, so I’m taking all the time I need to consider each element and decide if it is something I like or not, if there is anything I would like to add or delete, if there is anything I’d like to change or reconsider.

And, of course there is!

Important to remember that it’s the natural next step in the process. And a critical one, in my opinion. These drawings are the jumping off point for the next steps…real drawings that need to be submitted for building permits. Real drawings that are used to determine the cost of the project. Real drawings that form the basis of the agreement between me (the client) and the contractor.

So, it’s hugely important not to be shy at this stage if you want to ensure you are going to get exactly what you expect at the end of all this.

I’m going to follow my own advice on this one…think about each element carefully and consider actually living with each element, ask every question that pops into my head, draw all over the sketches and make notes. Another very good sign that wonderful contractor is encouraging me to do exactly that.

All of this, so that when I meet with him next, we can talk it all out…and revise accordingly until I’m happy, we’re agreed, and ready to move forward.

I’ll keep you posted….



For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

Monday, August 23, 2010

reno chronicles #6

still. waiting. for. drawings.

(it's been a month now!)

Hrrumph.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

designer puppy


Further to my comment last week about designing with a puppy in mind, I did a little searching. Much to my surprise, I easily found something incredible!

There are some really beautiful options for those of us who are pet owners but don’t want to sacrifice our keen sense of style. Read on if you are loving your doggie but are desperately trying to get used to seeing that big plastic or wire crate plunked in your living room (or wherever)…

Enter Bowhaus, a Canadian company with a flair for design and an understanding of the trendy urban lifestyle. They created a hip, fashionable combination crate and dog bed that is pretty to look at and functions wonderfully. It can even double as a side table, which is very important in today's shrinking urban living spaces.
Other options include the ones I found at dogworks.com and denhaus.com. Wicker, mahogany and other solid wood finishes would work great as bedside tables or end tables. The latter site has a link for Canadian shoppers. My favorite one (top photo) sells for $600.00 + a bed to go it in for another $90.00. Even with free shipping, that’s not cheap. But consider how long you may be looking at your friend’s crate. If it’s only for a few months, it’s probably not worth it…but if your plan is to crate-train your dog for the long haul, it just might be the solution you are looking for. Dogs love having a safe and cozy "den" they can sleep in or retreat to for a rest during the day.

Check out this clever DIY idea of making a dog crate into a desk that I found on designspongeonline.com (a fantastic, inspiring site for all things design!). Great solution if you have an office space you are willing to share with your pooch.

I can tell you with 100% confidence one of these are now on my wish list, that’s for sure!



For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

Saturday, August 7, 2010

reno chronicles #5

Still not much to report this week…wonderful contractor called to let me know that the person doing up the drawing is away on vacation, that he hasn’t forgotten about me, and will get back to me as soon as he has something to show me. Guess that's this week's lesson...there is some "stop and go" in the process.

So great of him to call, though. I really like that he’s proactive in following up. Even if it’s only to tell me there’s been a delay or that he has nothing to show me. Earns big points for that!


In the meantime, I snapped a few pics that might be helpful…
This is the kind of awning I’d like to have over the door. Keeps the rain/snow off when you are unloading groceries, pellets for the stove…or whatever. Just giving me a dry space to unlock the door would be great! Add in the same thing over the windows and I really like what it adds to the overall look and design. Very urban chic.

These are the kind of windows I’m looking at…sort of. Picture them trimmed in black. Picture the top two opening and not the rest. Picture them with a frosted treatment. Great for privacy, but will let a ton of light in. Love the idea of a wall of windows!

As for flooring, I’m set on the retro black and white check tiles. These are actually garage-grade, practically bullet-proof, peel and stick tiles that you can order online. Cost effective…and totally cool in my opinion.

That’s it for this week….

Oh…one more thing. You know that hypothetical puppy that I’m factoring into all of this? Well, he’s not hypothetical anymore! He arrived a bit unexpectedly last weekend and he’s a 6-month old, 44 pound bundle of puppy love. So much for my master plan…

Maybe next week’s posting will be about decorating with a new puppy in mind. Or maybe I’m going to need a bit more time to figure that one out…?!?





For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com