FINALLY!

The post title really refers to two things: I am finally back on Cape and I am finally getting to post a new blog.  It has been a very interesting time trying to get back up north after a much longer time in Florida than I had planned when I left the Cape in mid-December. The weather did not cooperate with me at all and every time I was prepared to leave there was a major storm hitting the mid-Atlantic and then the Cape.  When I finally had a window of opportunity, Bloomie, my 19 year old cat, got sick and I had to stay two more weeks. Bloomie is better but I have to realize that she will be 20 in the summer and will not live forever. 
No sooner did I cross the Sagamore Bridge than I was chomping at the bit to drive into Cedar Lane.  I had seen pictures from Russ of the outside but it was such a joy to see it in the flesh.  The cottage fits into the space just perfectly, not too big, not too small.  It doesn't make the neighbor's cottages look diminished at all, a goal I have had since first wanting to do this project.

This is what I walk into each morning since I have arrived.  This picture does not do the space justice, it is so much larger in person and you can see what it is going to look like when finished.  You can see that all the trim work is around the doors and the floors are done.  The sanding and finishing will be the final job before I can move in.  Russ doesn't want to do them until we are all done so they don't get scratched. 

Another view of the great room.  Tom, the cabinet installer, has been working for over a week installing the kitchen cabinets and the bathroom vanities.  The floors are looking better in this picture.  They are pine and really fit into the space perfectly. 

Compact and just perfect. Granite guys come on Thursday to make the templates and the counters will be installed next week.  I am recycling my old brass knobs from my PA kitchen.  I will paint them a hammered bronze to match the rest of the hardware.  I can do that in my shed or in the new basement!  

As you can probably tell, I am dying to start decorating as I already have the start of a floor cloth in its proper place.  The cabinets are fabulous with so much storage I can barely stand it.  The drawers self close, there is a garbage/recycling bin drawer and a spice rack in one cabinet.  Love it already and cannot wait for the first dinner.

 

 

 

Master bath vanity in place.  Tiles for the shower have been ordered and are ready to be installed, probably this next week.

Master shower ready for tiling.  Am having a shower head on a bar which can be adjusted up and down so that you can get a massage while you shower.  The shower head is able to be lifted out of its holder so that it makes cleaning the glass doors and the shower easier.  Clever. 

 

Guest bath/powder room vanity ready for installation.  Doesn't look like much right now but the mermaid sink will be going in here.  As the sink is very colorful, the granite is called blue midnight, being basically black with pips of turquoise in it to bring out the colors.  As of right now the bathroom will be a shade of lime green. 

First glitch in the plans.  You are probably wondering what the large rectangle is to the right of the two finished windows.  Well, it is going to be a larger window.  When the inspectors came they decided that if there was a fire the occupants of the room could not get out one of the existing windows so a larger one was needed.  I had been sorry that we hadn't put in three windows in the guest room anyway but I am not sure I would have put in tow small windows and one larger one but that is where we are.  The room is so unusual in shape as it is, I don't think this will be anything but campy when it gets finished.

 

As you can see, lots of angles and now lots of windows.  You will definitely see the water when you come to visit.  Think I might put in a full bed and use one of the many twin beds I have as a couch, allowing for more sleeping space if needed.  Not sure yet but that seems like a good idea. 

 

Second issue involved the bathtub area in the guestroom.  We originally wanted a pocket door at one end but because of plumbing and electric issues, two doors were installed.  Too much door!  One door had to go and it was decided that the door separating the vanity and the tub was the logical one.  Problem solved.

The walk in closet is getting its shelving and bars.  I have my grandmother's antique chandelier and I think that I will hang that in here.  I will think of her every time I go to get dressed and I think it is so campy. 

Sinks and faucets are ordered, lighting comes next.  I really only have to decide on the pendent lighting in the kitchen as I rewired a 1950's metal,flowered chandelier I found at the dump.  Am not sure if I will paint it one color for above the dining room table or if I will leave it in its rusty, painted finish.  Will take a picture of it and get your opinions for the next blog. 

Paint colors for all the rooms is taking up a great deal of my thoughts as the rooms are all visible from the great room.  The color palate includes corals, blues and greens but in what hues and in what rooms.  Was trying to keep some of the linens and pictures from the old cottage as well as the Haywood-Wakefield furniture of my mother's so this marriage of pieces and colors is a challenge.  My next door neighbor, Deb, Anne and I spent about three hours last weekend picking out several options and so this weekend I will paint some boards and live with it for a bit to see if what we have chosen is what is in my mind's eye.  Living with the colors and seeing what they look like at different times of the day is important.  As I have learned from Kurt and Marcia, it is only paint and it might take a few attempts before you get the right shade.

I also want to paint some pieces of furniture as well as the dining room table and chairs so we have to pick several shades of the same color as to not make the room look too busy.  This is getting harder than I thought it would be.

So as you can see, I have much to think about as well as do.  I am having a great time and cannot wait to see the cottage finished and to have you all visit.  I am off to the paint store, wish me luck!  Next blog will be about color!