Wide Open Spaces

This is the fourth week without HOMEWORK! and I’m not missing it in the least. In my house, it barrels through the door in all caps with an exclamation mark because it seems to be a manic, panic-inducing thing most nights. Often left until the last minute, when everyone is at their most tired and least focused, there it looms: spelling test preparation, math worksheet completion, and my (least) favorite: composing facts about a historical character.  After working all day and often after the kids go to bed, I find homework wholly undesirable and often complain that I’ve done my fair share already. I think that must be the biggest teacher’s joke ever – for every child complaining of homework and counting the years until they don’t have to do it anymore…only to learn as an adult the misery of doing HOMEWORK! with your KIDS!
 
Our home was built with a desk area in the kitchen, helpful with one school-age child, but once we have multiple kids working on multiple projects, this space will no longer suffice. The current trend seems to be the purpose-built Homework Center and it’s something I can get behind. 

​Besides these centers, I’ve been working on a few other projects lately that all have one thing in common: wide open spaces. From enclosing them to accommodate a set of French doors (or in one case, these fabulous barn doors):

​to opening them up to create a custom wine nook where there was once a lowly coat closet:

​It’s all been about spaces. I’ve also been busy estimating outdoor spaces including concrete additions, stone fireplaces, and full kitchens as well as a tricky support post issue and the sweet homeowner that wants it OUT OF THERE, like yesterday ;) I’ve been fortunate to work on some masonry repairs as well, including an outdoor grill that required full removal and replacement of the stone cladding, and some mortar repairs.
 
In terms of my lofty home ambitions, the paint project is on track and and I’ve managed to get a material list together for the coffered wall. I’ve spoken about half-measures before, and it’s sometimes funny what the universe attracts. I’ve witnessed the chalk paint refinishing craze and have lustfully admired the finished projects completed by many of my accomplished friends. I like the idea of a side project, one that isn’t tied to a client or a deadline and managed to find one this past weekend. 

​I know it doesn’t look like much right now, but that’s exactly the type of piece I was looking for. I could have done without the chewing gum affixed to the headboard, but this bed has great style, is substantial, and came with all the pieces. I was counting on building or buying a frame separately but was pleasantly surprised when the rails and additional slats appeared. I have no intention of joining the ranks of professional furniture refinishers but am excited to share the progress of this project with you. Starting with removal of that gum ;)
 
What spaces are you working with? Let’s make the most out of what we have, whether it needs to be opened up or closed in. The Ashbury Construction Company is happy to look at any project you’re contemplating. Please contact us today!

*photo credits: babble, Sand and Sisal, Shea Homes, Talk of the House, Home Depot