Siding in progress

We're loving the way the siding looks, particularly with these windows - we omitted exterior window trim for a more modern look, and also because the window frames themselves are a bit wider than most. Since a few windows arrived damaged from shipping, siding was put on hold, but it will finally start up again next week and we can't wait! It will definitely be dramatic to see the front of the house clad in new siding. The combo of smooth beveled and board and batten is just right for this Modern Farmhouse.

Meanwhile, in order to continue the original old-growth fir flooring into the addition, we salvaged several hundred feet of nearly identical old-growth fir floor boards from another nearby property (slated for demolition where a new custom home will be built) as well as from Second Use. Both were perfect matches. Joel, our longtime hardwood guy, says it's ideal not to mix new fir with old-growth fir since it will take the stain/finish differently.

Drywall is now complete and today interior doors are being hung. Later this week: cabinets and trim. Still a lot to do though this is definitely the most gratifying stage. I will relish the moment the master bedroom light fixture is installed, for example :)

Leaps and bounds

 

Apologies once again for the lapse. We have been maxed out as you might expect - an expanded workload and summertime activities yield very few free moments as we're sure you all have experienced! But, here we are with some really fun photos to share :) The house is turning out amazingly well and we are growing quite fond of it. The floor plan is a hit with those who have worked on and/or toured the project so far, and the flow and views outstanding. Plus we have a TON of windows. The husband does not like to skimp on windows. The way I am passionate about silly things like a highly functional laundry hamper, Husband is passionate about windows. And I can't blame him. He did his research and these are truly great. (We even added two more windows to capture additional view once we got the second story framed out!).

Above is a view from the back. Like I've said before, this little house isn't so little anymore! 

Window installation day *sigh* ... it makes me so happy! Especially when the windows are so dreamy. We added some metal roofing accents - above the front porch, over a bay window, and at the base of the (enlarged - major improvement in the world of proper proportions) chimney.

The "galv-alum" finish is way cool and perfect for this modern farmhouse. I know for a fact Husband's heart pitter-pattered over this stuff.

Windows and doors in at the back of the house. Love the single light French doors (we have four total of those - Husband likes lots of doors, too. Makes for incredible site lines and we're keeping all our  headers at 7-feet which makes everything feel larger, more open, and brighter. We'll be back soon with siding pics!

Progress

Framing is almost complete and it's so gratifying to see the plan start to come to life. The dormer is framed, the roof framing is nearly complete, and this little house isn't so little anymore (though it still feels entirely charming, even in this early stage, thanks to the design and layout). Here's a bit of what came before.

Excavating, foundation, waterproofing, and back-filling.

Next: first floor framing.

Starting the second floor (with spectacular views of Lake Washington, major bonus).

Stairs built to code, hooray!! This made me so happy (I really despised the existing staircase, which has since been demo'd to make way for a new walk-in pantry).

 A view from the back.

And from the side, taken today. Hello, house! Roofing, windows, and siding, you're next :)

Until then, the little guy is keeping everyone in check.

A small fixation

I think by now it is quite evident I get excited about a truly functional (and stylish) laundry hamper. While I do love the ones we splurged on a while back (and you may recall my post about this other one at Container Store as a nice option), I think I've found something even more perfect. It's from Crate and Barrel's fantastic new Clean Slate line (Oh, how I love this stuff!). It's got a lot going for it:

1. Pleasingly simple, utilitarian design

2. Wheels!

3. Folds up (be still, my heart)

4. Canvas bag snaps on/off for easy laundering

5. Bag is raised off ground (no more hanging over the top of the basket grasping at those last two socks).

 You can check it out here.

Parking pad

Permits are approved and foundation for the addition is being poured tomorrow - hooray! First though we'd like to share "Phase 1" of the project, which was to remove the giant bee-infested hedge out front and carve out a two-car parking pad. Oh, and re-frame the front porch. Here's a reminder of how it looked before:

Thankfully the husband had great vision for the parking pad- he generally does for these kinds of things (framing/structural, future walls, elevations) whereas I sometimes struggle envisioning those aspects. Though, I can visualize a finished interior down to the artwork on the walls and the way sunlight will be streaming in :)

I didn't realize just how old-fashioned and dumpy the front  hedge was till it was gone. It was as if the whole street brightened up and became more cheery. The house itself definitely stood taller and prouder. The front walkway was re-done as well, and we even included some adorable stairs up to the side yard for garbage can storage and just access around the house in general (I really have a soft spot for those little back stairs).

Since then we've demo'd a small, cantilevered addition off the back which contained the laundry and  bathroom, and have excavated for the new foundation. Forms were built today in preparation for the pour tomorrow. While this is happening some of the interior structure will get reworked - additional framing to support a new dormer, as well as reconfiguring the staircase. More to come!

Perfect soup mug: found

I've been on the hunt for this ... simple, modern, and just large enough for soup. A mug because the handle stays nice and cool but the soup is piping hot. $2.50 a pop at CB2.

Vipp modular kitchens

I happened across this Danish modular cabinetry on Remodelista the other day and it spoke to me instantly (I particularly love this unit above as a stand alone piece almost anywhere). I realized later I think it's because in a way it reminds me of vintage black and white enamelware, but in kitchen cabinet form :)

See what I mean? (darling enamelware bowls from Etsy) 

Available in white and black, the line includes modular cabinets, shelving, hardware, even kitchen accessories.

Also, how sweet is the design as a bathroom vanity?