Kitchen Backsplash

This is the 2"x4" subway tile we've chosen for the kitchen backsplash. The lighting is not the greatest here - it's clear glass and I think we'll do a white grout with it. The tiles have some depth to them, which creates a neat effect when lit.

Floor Photos

A little difficult to see - these are the floors following the staining process, but not yet sealed. The seal coat should bring out a bit more contrast...we actually like all the variation. These photos are in our master bedroom. Not at all what we planned on, but we think it's going to be good.

Floor Update

As anticipated, we had a frustrating weekend. Unfortunately the stain did not "stick" again. After another test, we discovered the color buffed out. It did leave the floor a slightly warmer gray and after much debate over whether or not to just seal the raw concrete (as is seen in virtually every "Dwell" home recently), we decided that the stain does give the floor a bit more character and warmth. So we did it....and it all buffed out as expected, but we feel alright with the result. Because the color continues to come out when buffed, it also added a day to the process before it can be sealed, so we have to push the drywallers back until Wednesday...which is a big bummer. Every day seems so significant when you're facing homelessness!

Our appliances will all be delivered (to the garage) tomorrow. Also, the siding and roofing materials should arrive to the installers this week...that means installation could begin soon. Our good friend, Vic, in San Antonio thinks our front door will be shipped this week as well. All good news, as we are packing right now to move (into storage) next weekend.

Progress Report

We now have defined rooms! The drywall is all hung. No word on if the mudding will begin tomorrow, so that's a probable no. Despite those frustrations, we are very pleased with the spaces that have emerged and the overall brightness of the rooms. This photo was taken standing just inside the front door - to the left is the kitchen.
Looking towards the living room from the kitchen/entrance.
In the kitchen looking towards the dining area.
Looking towards the kitchen from the living room.

Drywall

This is where things were over the weekend. The upstairs drywall was all hung, as well as most of the downstairs ceilings. Today the remaining ceilings were finished, and the rest should be complete by tomorrow. Then on to the mudding. This weekend we REALLY think the floors will be treated....but I say that with a bit of skepticism. More pics to come...

No news is NOT good news.

The drywall has not been started. Our 6 month old digital camera died. It's not been a good week.

Success!

We found a stain that worked! What a relief. This is a water-based stain and we need to do a bit more research on the sealer, but are excited about the color.
Olive and Artichoke will have a secret entrance to the litter boxes from our bedroom, so that we won't need to worry about keeping the door open between the kitchen and utility room. This will get framed in a bit more before the drywall goes up.
The drywalling is finally scheduled to start next week. The electricians need one more day and then, following an inspection, things can really start to improve. This is the receiving end of the laundry chute located just inside our bedroom. Tim framed it so that a laundry hamper can be placed on the top shelf to receive the boys' laundry and we can have another hamper or storage underneath.

This is the upstairs portion of the laundry chute....did I mention that we occassionally see small elves haunting the site?!

Matt is busy figuring out how to wire for sound in the media room, living room, kitchen, and master bath. He plans to do that this weekend...before the drywall goes up.