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Life can be hard. Sometimes we make it harder on ourselves than it has to be (both hands raised). Likewise, we can also implement small changes to make meaningful, positive impact. I’m in full support of any improvement, no matter the size, that will bring joy in the form of beauty, efficiency, or utility. Enter three home hacks if you will, each designed to make the place you call home feel better. 1. Closet Packing Island If you travel frequently for business or, luckier yet, enjoyment - you are likely familiar with the challenges of packing and unpacking in a standard walk-in closet space. The packing island has become popular thanks to lifestyle posts, Pinterest and Houzz but also because it’s an incredibly useful tool to make coming and going so much easier. After completing a stunning master wing remodel, this family opted to add a custom built packing island to simplify a full travel schedule and the organization that is required to successfully accommodate it. The island was designed with all drawers, including jewelry drawers at the tops as well as a custom maple top. We opted not to stain it, only to enhance the natural color and protect the wood against zippers, wheels, and the bulk of a suitcase landing and taking off weekly. Drawer pulls in a matching style but complementary finish pulls the space together with the master bath. Of course, no space feels complete without a great accessory - a shell chandelier in this case. Happy travels! 2. Cabinet Hardware I’ve written about cabinet hardware previously and feel just as strongly about it as ever. In the case of this new kitchen, many of the drawers were impossible to open without pulls, which added a practical element to the pretty. Mixing sizes and styles broke up the significant amount of cabinetry and shows off the varying door styles. The larger pulls are generously sized; non-technical photo included for illustrative purposes only ;) Each of the three hardware selections came in the same finish but different price points which maintained the budget even though the large pulls were pricey comparatively. 3. Outdoor Patios Covered patios in my part if the world feel more like a must-have than a luxury. Usually, these spaces are included with the original build and feature a concrete floor, poured at the same time as the foundation. While this is suitable and not terribly unappealing, we’ve been receiving more requests from homeowners to cover the drab concrete with something more stylish. This also allows homeowners to further style the space with a rug, furniture, and accessories to compliment the floor covering. Tile is a popular choice but it’s important to use the proper thinset suitable for outdoor applications as well as the typical unevenness that is expected with these bases. A quick-and-dirty alternative is to paint the floor (again, using the proper products) in a standard single color or something more decorative such as stripes or a stenciled pattern. The surface can always be repainted in the future or covered at any point. String lights, a ceiling fan, a beverage cooler will complete these areas and make them ready to entertain friends and family. As always, if you’d like a consultation on your own project whether it be pretty, practical, or both - please reach out to The Ashbury Construction Company.
I’ve learned that sometimes you build a house and sometimes the house builds you. There are twelve years, more than 1500 miles, and plenty of lessons between them, but the latter has certainly been the case with both the first new build on Harty Street back home in Canada and the Harper on Shady Glen Lane in Missouri City. I don’t believe my gratitude or sense of appreciation to be able to do this work, day after day, has waned. While it almost never feels easy (and it’s usually a red flag if it does), there have been so many helping hands and helpful people along the way, those who are excited and all in on these projects no matter the level of difficulty. Cheerleaders who refuse to stay on the sidelines and treat my wins as their own; who are equally vested in my success and the completion of these projects. People I can count on, who make me smile and think of easy work no matter the task. Sherwin-Williams has been incredibly supportive and were the first vendor to come on board with The Ashbury, basically before a board even existed. No matter the scope of work, their first and only question has been “how can we help?” When they heard that I was hosting a vendor thank you event at The Harper, they quickly got behind it and offered to assist. This was meaningful as the Harty Party is very close to my heart and a great opportunity to show appreciation to the many hands who make light work on these new builds. I was so excited to receive the watercolor rendering that was commissioned by the not only sweet but incredibly talented Bethany from Be Sweet Ink that I posted her message to me on Insta: Houston weather cooperated just long enough to allow us to complete the final grade, landscaping, and this gorgeous little front porch pot: Finally, Harper. She was looking as close to perfect as possible by the vendor event date. I couldn’t have been more proud and love showing her off: The for sale listing can be found on www.har.com or by contacting The Fullers Group at Re/Max Southwest directly.
The real estate group and I will be co-hosting a special neighbors only open house shortly, followed by public open houses so please plan on stopping by. Our next significant project is a full remodel with new addition in Piney Point, complete with full design services by the lovely and talented Alana Frailey. To say I’m excited to get started and share all of the amazing details would be an understatement. Sort of like referring to the Harper as “a little blue” 😉 |
AuthorJulie Monkhouse Archives
April 2020
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