First Design Decisions

These are before pictures of the main floor and main living space of the home. The walls you see are coming down. I write that with some hesitation, knowing that midcentury aficianados would implore me to keep this hallmark of the home's style. I have decided to reinterpret the style, remaining true to the intention of simplified, "every-man," human-scale living, in a way that works for me.

So far, I've chosen warm, medium-toned bamboo floors for this main level. I may stain the existing wood floors in the two bedrooms to save just a bit of money, but then again, I may go for the same bamboo throughout the entire main floor. I like the idea of everything feeling unified, open, flowing. We've conceptualized the kitchen to be pretty minimalistic. I've chosen bottom cabinets in a java-stained cherry with white corian countertops; simple, open shelving, also in white corian, up top. And I'm pretty sure I'll go with a white subway tile backsplash.

We're working with the idea of some sort of stainless steel railing for the stairwell you see in the entrance way. In addition, I'm hoping that built-in, open sheves within the living area will add the warmth of wood against creamy white walls, not to mention space for our many, many books. I love the idea of everyday objects arranged in such way that they create beauty. My minimalist design is, ironically, intended to expose many of these everyday objects even as it requires me to simplify.

I've spent a lot of time sitting with various sample materials to ensure that I could, in fact, not only live with these choices, but love them. I'm picky- a trait which I sometimes truly despise about myself. But it's there, and I'm doing my best to allow this, particularly because I don't think I'm hurting anyone with it.

I love the idea of living simply, living Slowly, living calmly.

Throughout the process, in addition to being reminded of how picky I can be and learning how much I crave a sense of calm at home, I'm also realizing how visual I am... how my eye picks up every detail, overly sensitive to anything that interferes with total calm. My sisters can share stories about this, recounting how I'd always know when they took something from me- an article of clothing, piece of jewelry, my perfume. I would always know. An earring moved a fraction of a millimeter and my eye would know. A curse more than a blessing, perhaps!