It's been mega busy at the job site lately. The last push to get things done. Today, the finish carpenter, tile installer, painters, media system installers, excavator, and electricians were all hard at work.
Mike has completed my pantry. I love it so much.
In our home, we keep all food items in the pantry, so it's a room we use a ton. I'm so thankful that it can look so nice and be functional.
I tried to use as much vintage lighting as possible. I found the best resource (and most affordable by far) to be Revival Lighting in downtown Spokane (they do mail order too). When I couldn't find what I was looking for, they helped me piece lights together to get them just right. (Such as: I like that shade, but would prefer to use that base). Not a problem. One of my favorites is this old milk glass fixture from the thirties that hangs in the upper stairway:
Me and milk glass? We're old pals.
The tile installation has begun in the kitchen. It will cover the walls, floor to ceiling, and around the "Mega-Shelf", as Todd calls it. Dirk designed it with 2"x4" and 2"x6" subway tiles. The layout design has a sort of woven look, which will play off of the woven grasscloth I have going in the dining room, just to the left. The grasscloth will butt up against the tile.
The ultimate test if it's okay? Colin. He likes it. (Even after having his flight home from his Seattle office delayed by several hours). Hooray!
I've tried to add special touches to each of the boy's rooms. This room is the smallest, so I wanted to make good use of the space and give it a cool factor. After googling elevated beds, I was really inspired by this idea. Mike adapted it to fit this room and used chain in place of rope so there's no possibility of it stretching. The dark wall is finished in chalkboard paint and will be perfect for our son who is a non-stop doodler.
This bedroom has a shelf (in progress) that wraps all around, which is perfect for our son who loves to create sculptures and collect books. I've tried to keep the corbels here consistent with others used throughout the house. It's one of those things that probably won't be consciously noticed by visitors, but does give the house a feeling that everything belongs together.
Propane was installed today and the appliances will be going in soon. There's a tiny bit of painting that needs to get finished up. The plumbers will be installing all of the sinks/tubs/faucets in a few days. The thermostats will be going in, as well as remaining light fixtures, security system, wallpaper in a few rooms, mirrors installed, tile grouted, carpet installed, closets finished, stairway woodwork done, and concrete poured for the porches, walkways, and patio areas.
And at World Headquarters, the trim is getting painted. Once that's done, the floor will get the final finish, stairway finished, closet shelving installed, plumbing completed in bathroom, and then.... we'll be done!
And guess what? Everyone is feeling a bit cranky. We're anxious to be done and these last few weeks have been a bear. But the good thing... it will make moving in that much sweeter.
I counted back through the years and this will be the sixteenth time that I've moved in my life. (Not counting my gypsy wagon days). Know what? Sixteen's a charm. ...Sweet Sixteen...
We're never moving again.
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Between posts on my website, I document my life on Instagram. You can follow along with me there.
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Congratulations, Serena, it's looking lovely!
: )
Julie M.
ps I have a thing for milk glass too and have been collecting fixtures for my house restoration projects.
Posted by: Julie M ~ The Little Red Shop | March 31, 2011 at 12:17 AM
SWEET 16 alright!!!!
I am so in LOVE with what you're doing here!!! FANTASTIC!!! Keep posting I'm Dying to see what's next!
I think instead of a Sarah's House there should be a Serena's House hehe
Posted by: Ashli from Maillardville Manor | March 31, 2011 at 01:01 AM
just beautifull....when's move in day? We'll all come over and help...if you provide the snacks and lunch...lol
Mel's Cabin blogspot follows you.
Mel
Posted by: Mel's Cabin | March 31, 2011 at 03:00 AM
Your pantry is amazing! Wow, looks wonderful.
Posted by: Valerie | March 31, 2011 at 05:21 AM
The pantry is wonderful. With all the food saving I will be doing from the garden this summer, it sure would come in handy. Actually everthing looks great.
Blessings
Diane
Posted by: Diane | March 31, 2011 at 05:45 AM
That is such a beautiful home and it seems to have a good energy already. All of my favorite details are there (specifically the kitchen) but the elevated bed is so unique and cool! Very inspirational.
Posted by: Jennylind | March 31, 2011 at 06:07 AM
Just wanted to say Thank you for sharing your personal space, we all like new ideas, are happy for others who can get their hearts desires, make a family happy. Being on the opposite side of the country in Florida I just love all the west coast finds and love the pics from your Farm Chick show! Any chance more vendors this year can list items for sale and ship? Sorry, didn't mean to get off the subject of beautiful housing, love love love it and what views you have! Thank you for sharing, you're such a sweet person!
Posted by: Susan | March 31, 2011 at 06:46 AM
Everything is so lovely. I even love the light fixture to the left of Colin's head. I can't wait to see the finished product -- both before it's moved in and after it's decorated.
Posted by: Myra | March 31, 2011 at 06:53 AM
I think I'm going to dream about your pantry...it's fabulous! Everything is looking so great - I'm so happy for you and can't wait till you get moved in, too! xo, Nan
Posted by: Nan | March 31, 2011 at 07:17 AM
Great job on the bed! I love the wider boards and the chain looks really cool. Can't wait to see it all put together!
Posted by: Mariana | March 31, 2011 at 07:53 AM
Mariana,
Thank you for the inspiration for the bed. I love it.
Serena
Posted by: Serena | March 31, 2011 at 08:06 AM
It looks SO great! I love the tiles in the kitchen! :D
Posted by: Heather | March 31, 2011 at 08:19 AM
It looks beautiful. I've only moved 4 times in my life, and it's now been 21 years since I've moved. I can imagine it would be a lot more work than the last time though :-)
Blessings,
Marcia
P.S. Please pray for my nephew. He was seriously injured in Afghanistan last week.
Thanks so much.
Posted by: Marcia | March 31, 2011 at 08:59 AM
Marcia, My thoughts and prayers for your family and nephew right now. May the path before you be filled with blessings and light.
God bless,
Serena
Posted by: Serena | March 31, 2011 at 09:37 AM
How 'sweet' it is. So excited for you and your family!
xxoo,
Posted by: Lisa Hilderbrand | March 31, 2011 at 09:38 AM
Isn't that the true test of any decorating fancy? The smile on his face? Now that is a real success!
Congratulations on creating a space of beauty for yourself and your family,Serena!
and Marcia, your nephew is in my prayers.
Posted by: Kathy | March 31, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Oh a walk in pantry....heaven! And I agree with you - all those little touches that noone really notices (except for us!) really ties the home together :)
I guess I am a gyspy too - we were just counting the times that we have moved - 13! My number doesnt sound as sweet as yours, but I am ready to finally settle too :)
You are definitely in the home stretch....the "fun" part is soon to begin!!
XOX
ps - how cool to have an elevated bed?!
Posted by: Lolo | March 31, 2011 at 10:53 AM
I've loved watching the progress. I never comment but I had to say I'm drooling over the vintage lighting. We built our home 15 years ago and this is what I really wanted but it wasn't around as much at that time. The house is darling. And your hubs is really a cutie.
Posted by: nanette | March 31, 2011 at 04:37 PM
A W E S O M E!!!! I love it all.. can't wait (as I'm sure the same for you) to see the final result!
Posted by: Kim L in ATL | March 31, 2011 at 05:57 PM
Hi Serena,
My daughter Serena (yes, she shares your name) told me that you'd shared about Jordan on your facebook page. Thank you so much. We're so blessed by all the prayers for Jordan, and your post added so many more, I know. It is such a miracle that he survived.
Thank you again.
Blessings,
Marcia
Posted by: Marcia | March 31, 2011 at 07:44 PM
Oh Serena, You deserve this house and all it's wonderfulness. It already has an incredible personality that will nuture you and your family. I do have to say that the pantry is so sexy. I know, I know, how can a pantry be sexy? I can just imagine all the cracker jars, mason jars full of herbs, spices and all the staples needed to feed your great family. Pantries to me are treasure chests. Yours is amazing.
Posted by: Jil | March 31, 2011 at 08:42 PM
Oh my - I am so jealous of the pantry!
About the elevated bed, GREAT idea! My friend was going to do that (with the ropes) but my concern was with boys, who will be boys, would get rope burn and stretch it out as they climbed all over it.
Posted by: Amy | April 02, 2011 at 08:15 PM
All the details are coming together so beautifully!!! I love the light fixtures. I am giddy to see everything once you move it!!
Posted by: jeanne | April 04, 2011 at 10:43 AM
Lookin' good Serena! The World Headquarters is Amazing!
Posted by: Jennifer Wood | April 04, 2011 at 03:40 PM
Wow, looks like there is so much work going on, I really want to see more photographs. We are currently building a new home in Ireland, but we are not as far along in the process as you. Your home looks amazing
All things nice...
Posted by: All things nice... | April 10, 2011 at 04:33 AM
Oh I am drooling, I love this pantry! Divine!
Posted by: Gina | April 19, 2011 at 09:06 PM