Progress!

Its absolutely amazing what 10 days will do!   We've seen great progress.  Ron is having a hard time staying away long enough to go to work!  Im just trying to keep up with the 2 renovations that Grapevine is doing, plus a few decor projects too.  Its given me a chance to get out there again and see the latest and greatest in flooring, lighting and tiles.  Keep tuned as I share some of the things I've found.

And so it begins.....

This year is going to be a year of changes!  Grapevine is expanding and changing.  I hope to be better at keeping everyone up to date.  But I need to keep things at a gradual enough pace so that I can have the time to do what I have dreamed of for a very long time!  Build our home.  After 16 years of working on many wonderful peoples homes, I get to design one for myself.  A bit of a daunting task as I feel there are so many expectations on me because of my career in the industry.  Not only by others, but by me too!

Grapevine is alive and thriving, but I am going to take a side step with my blog.  I hope to continue to update you on new and exciting things happening at Grapevine Furniture & Designs, but I also thought I would take you along for this ride we are on of building a custom home.  This will also help me show you new and exciting things in the interior design industry.  Make sure you subscribe so that you can laugh (maybe while I cry) as I find my way on this project.  I have a budget - a small one for the size of house!  My goal is to stay within it, without comprising what I hope to attain in the look and function of our home.  Don't get me wrong, I know there will be comprimise - but that is an exciting part for me!  How can I achieve a look without breaking the bank?  And, where can I save so that I can splurge?  I am excited to share with you great ideas I come across, and some of the pit falls I will undoubtably fall into.

The begining of the process was unfamilure territory for me.  I don't usually get involved with the decision to start a project, I get brought on after the decision has been made.  Thankfully my husband knows a thing or two about good financial decisions!  Still there were sleepless nights and a nervous stomach for a month while we hashed it out.  Finally the property was ours, and we've jumped in with both feet!  Having worked on countless new builds, I know it is not for the faint of heart.  And of course we don't ever do things the easy way; we've bought a bit of a complicated 1 acre property with a creek.  It sat on the market for awhile.  Not totally sure why.  I think no one had the vision for it.  I think we do! 

First, have a look at our little piece of (what hopefully will be) heaven for us:

This is the back two thirds of the property.  From the creek - back.  Our fun friend Andrew took my husband and the boys up in his helicopter to get this picture!  The big garage is staying and being made into a sports court for the kids.  The little cabin at the back unfortunately had to go.  And the other little shed.... who knows!



This picture is looking out toward the streed down our driveway:



And this is our creek:



 

The trucks have begun to arrive, and things have started to happen.  I always wondered what it would feel like to see big trucks arriving with loads of something we're paying for!  To see men working away day after day with heavy equipment, and to think money is coming out of our pocket to pay these bills!  Yikes!

 



Note to self:  Don't stop by the property before heading out for the evening!  Even if you think you are oh so smart to bring all the kids boots.  It doesn't matter!  They are still going to get filthy!

Its been too cold to pour the forms, and our permits have been caught up at the city, with a key person on holidays - UGH!  But, we finally have our permits, so we are off and running.  I hope to update you again soon.

New Suppliers!

I am very excited to announce the addition of a few new suppliers to our company!  Antiques 2000 made their debut to me in Liberty.  The style of their furniture adds a touch of old world to almost any space.  Even in a contemporary environment they add an interesting  juxtaposition.

A little bit of unique… never the same twice.

Each and every piece with it’s own story, softly worn edges, earth friendly recycled woods, hues that are never exact, a little hand finishing to ensure everything is well…just its self...

Each piece has a soul

waiting to find the right home…

you will always want more.

lovely!

 

Another very exciting addition is that of Oly.  Oly is un paralleled for style and design.  This high end company offers some of the most sought after pieces in the industry.  Their items come with a fairly high price tag, but probably less than half of what you would pay in other retail stores.  What I have seen of their products to date is simply stunning.  Click on my link for OLY STUDIO, and check them our for yourself!

Also check out the following suppliers that we are about to add to our list of suppliers:

Redford House

vangogh designs

Currey and Company

Love it!

I just love this room.  I am so proud of it.  The goal here was to bring more storage into the room.  A place to do crafting, and a comfy place to read.  So we added great storage from Unique Storage and Organizers in the closet which tripled the capacity of the closet.   A great desk from AP Industries that will provide this little girl with a place for homework, crafting and displaying her creations.  The corner shelf was a lucky find from a used furniture dealer.  We gave her a night stand which she didn't have before and is so great for a reading light and book storage.  The bed was a labour of love.  We did the footboard and headboard at the same height to create a daybed.  The floral fabric is from Crown Wallpaper and Fabric, and it was love at first sight!  The gorgeous bed was made by Surrey Upholstery.  We also added some under bed storage for her abundance of craft suppplies!  Enjoy the pictures. 





BEFORE:

Kool Kid

I can't take credit for this great room that Rachael designed for her 9 year old son.  It is cool and fun for an active young boy.  Rachael bought some of  the furniture from me.  It is from AP Industries.  We love the handles of the element 5 drawer chest - so cool and contemporary.



Also the Cyana headboard and footboard.  Of course the skater is the icing on the cake.  And perfect for Rachael's son!



And the Element Desk!  Rachael accessorized with pieces from Pottery Barn, and great internet finds.

Whistler Home

Two projects in one year happened out of town!  This home was being built to sell.   The idea was to live up to the multi million dollar homes it was surrounded by, and still come in on budget.   In Whistler it is common to have name brand everything, but we concentrated our efforts on the finishing to create a stunning home.  Of course the natural elements were a must, but we also put emphasis on unique tile and  placement, lighting and beautiful fireplaces.  The house is in a beautiful location and is a stones throw from Whistler village.   We wanted great curb appeal and I think we achieved that.  The architecture was certainly helpful :)  It was helpful too that a large tree was hauled up from the lower mainland and placed in the home as the centre of the staircase.  Beautiful!   The house sold very quickly, and I didn't make it up to take pictures, but I was able to get a few  from the owner.

Big Reveal #2

This is where the dramatic change was.  We took out a hallways that held the laundry, entrance to the bathroom, and a door to outside.  We eliminated the door altogether, as it wasn't used frequently.  The laundry was moved into the enormous bathroom, and the entrance to the bathroom was moved around the corner.   I knew all along a white kitchen was just what we needed to brighten and bring life to the space.  It also was a great backdrop for the nautical theme.  There is no store on the island, so there is lots of groceries for a long visit and two fridges fit perfectly in between two supporting posts.   All the lighting is from Pottery Barn.  The cabinets are custom made.  The harware is from Rona. The corbels on the island are from Homesense.  The bar stools were a great find.  I had tried to get some vintage stools and have them painted, but they were no where to be found.  After looking at some very expensive choices, I found these at Zellers, 2 for $50, and then I had them painted.  The kitchen table and chairs were existing.   I'd like to add a bamboo blind on the window above the sink, and maybe some vintage signs on the header above the fridges and stove.  Other than that, its time to sit back, relax and enjoy.  Stay tuned for the remaining rooms to be revealed in a couple of weeks.

 



 

BEFORE



 

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS