I can see the benefits of just doing without window treatments, especially in the kitchen. Think I will take those down and see how it goes. The window looks out on our back yard with privacy fence so really no need for the blinds from a privacy or view perspective. More to protect from the morning sun.

 

I should take some before photos.
Our checking account has developed deep hemorrhaging.
The eating area of the kitchen has turned out quite nicely with 5 new double casement windows and new double french door onto the main deck.
The master bedroom entrance to the balcony deck has quite nice as well awaiting stain however.
The second floor balcony has been re-decked and has new railings installed.
The formal front entrance doorway is on order and due Dec 20.
The tile for the front entrance is on order and due about the same time.
The tile for the food prep area is on order just to make sure we get same tile as eating area.
The hardwood in the kitchen will be installed as the same time as the tile but first the existing hardwood flooring has to be removed.
Since all of the cabinets were installed after the floors, most likely this will entail removing the island with the cooktop and downdraft vent.
Finally we'll get onto the counters, most likely some flavor of quartz, color TBD since I haven't been told yet what I'll like.
( although seriously we could never build a house together because colors and patterns take forever to come to concurrence)
I'm really not all that psyched about dropping 60 grand on new cabinets so we'll stay with what we currently have.
They're in good shape although a little dated.

In the interim the front banisters have been removed scrubbed down, re-stained and given a new coat of urethane.
The cabinets for main and master bathrooms have been given a touch-up stain and new urethane with new fixtures.
Bathroom ceilings have been sanded and given anew skim coat.
New high flow remote mount ventilation system for main bathroom on order to eliminate future humidity problems.

It's been a busy summer and fall.

 

almost done


finished eating area.

 

That turned out great. Now you can have a wonderful view of the snow! I love the earth colors along with the green plants and one can never have enough french doors and windows; I wish we had more.

 

Looks great, Jerry!!

 

Fantastic. When is open house?

 

Front door and foyer will be done just before Xmas. Kitchen floor and counters will be a while.
House is always open.

 

That really looks great, Jerry. Did you hire someone or do it yourself?

 

I wrote the check and did some of the demo work. ( I don't need to pay someone else to trash stuff ;-) )
I can't say enough good things about the contractor.
It is an odd comparison but the tile almost looks like linoleum.
The tile height consistency and grout finish level is that good.
He had the "right eye" so to speak to spot some of the problems before we got started.
He really is one of he few folks who is more anal retentive than I am. ( or at least fancy myself to be)