Friday, May 24, 2013

The Dream House Diaries #1

As promised, I'm kicking off a new series today called...


A little background info:

My neighbours who live 2 doors down are moving and they have a house that needs to come down, which leaves a healthy 50x150 ft. lot behind for the taking...said neighbours have approached us asking if we'd be interested...and since I VERY much want to build my dream house and because this is literally the ONLY scenario where that can happen (taking budget into account,) I'm tempted to say the least.

On the flip side...I do quite love my own house and the thought of taking on a bigger mortgage, even if it's not that much bigger, is TERRIFYING.

Also...the whole having to rent while my house is being built thing...with 3 kids in tow...not so appealing either.

BUT...I could almost guarantee that this venture would be a good investment...and, it would absolutely be my dream to conceive and create the house that's just perfect for our family.

My little abode could easily suck up another 100k in roofing, windows and siding...not to  mention we need a back deck and a mainfloor bathroom...so...do we jump ship and start anew?

The million dollar question to be sure.

Also, if the dream house happens, the cottage will not...we definitely haven't won the lottery or anything...so....

...lots to think about.

In the meantime, I'm of course pulling as much inspiration as humanely possible and thought why not share...'tis the thing to do in blogland afterall.

I'm not sure why I've decided to start with staircases...totally random decision but here it goes anyways...

1. Love pretty much everything about this one...thin black spindles...floating...gentle curve...black treds.


2. Probably not something I'd ever actually do but I love how visually arresting this guy is...also very much like how the spindles attach to the oustside of the riser.


3. Crisp/thin black iron, mixed with wood teds = good.


4. Not a fan of the super ornate iron but LOVE the wall moulding and rounded bottom stairs.


5. Could NEVER happen with little kids in house but so delightful none the less.


6. White stone stairs with super rad glass and brass railing...oh lord yes.


7. Hard masculine concrete mixed with feminine glam brass...ohhhhhhh ya.


8. Lots of thin black spindles, topped in brass...totes a winning scenario.


9. Not much to have to explain on this one...everything about it is perfect.


10. Not keen on the barnboard but LOVE the delicate antique looking spindles and railing...would adore this on a concrete stair.


11. Not crazy about the spindles per say but in major love with the floating curve and light herringbone floors.


12. Curvy walls and an all black scenario is also good.


13. Absolutely EVERYTHING about this KW nirvana is appealing...brass modern spindles...black floating riser, that's curved no less...graphic runner...ALL GOOD.


When I take this lucky 13 and spin it altogether, I think the dream house would require some kind of floating curved staircase...the spindles would be thin and made of either brass or black iron...the stairs would convey the message of the whole house- old world glamour mixed with clean and modern restraint.

And the dreaming continues;)

Happy almost weekend friends.

xo
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10 comments:

  1. Tough decisions ahead! Whilst a dream house would for sure be dreamy, your beautiful home + cottage may be the winning combo in my mind

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  2. oh boy, so much to ponder and decide. It sounds like a dream venture! especially is your home requires all those fixes..could you sell it without doing any of those? Looks like your home THAT KITCHEN and all your decorating wizardry could sell that house as is. Wishing you THE ANSWER dear one, and hope it doesn't stress you out too much. Can't wait to hear your thought progress. Love these staircases and the architectural details. Have a great weekend.
    xo Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

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  3. So the floor in that Stella McCartney picture is my dream. I know we are talking about stairs here, but I can't get over the floors. We have a stella store in Dallas and sometimes I go just to stair at the pink stained floors. That is all. Happy weekend xo

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  4. The pics of your house are so beautiful I can't imagine wanting to leave it!! I am crazy excited for this series though and can't wait to see all the lovely inspiration to come!!

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  5. Dying over the #9! Best of luck to you and your family with this :)

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  6. I love this post for all of the stairway to heaven images, but what I'm taking away most is the description you used to describe your design style-"old world glamour mixed with clean and modern restraint" I often find it difficult you describe my aesthetic and ramble on and on about how I like the tension between traditional/ornate and midcentury modern. You sound way more profesh.

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  7. what a huge decision, but imagine the possibilities and not having to move! fab! staircases do it for me, they really do. there isn't anything like an amazing staircase. we only have wood with white kick-plates, but I smile every time, I just love the look so much!

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  8. wao!! decisions, decisions!! I hope the new house is what is best...let's see!! But I'm loving the brass rails!!

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  9. “...while my house is being built thing...with 3 kids in tow...not so appealing either.” - I agree. Home construction is not something we need to rush. It's all about planning and considering all the odds you may face. But even if you don't build it now, you already have an advantage. You have lots of time planning and searching for more inspirations like this. When the time you finally decide to build your dream house, it will be easier for you and your contractor. Elidia @ DaviesConstruction.com.au

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  10. I understand you feeling terrified of taking out a bigger mortgage, despite your want for a second home to build your dream house. A house is a good investment, but you have to give yourself the time to carefully consider if it's the best option. Meanwhile, it won't hurt to daydream about your ideal design for your dream house. Chastity Hey @
    Chattanooga.ChurchillMortgage.com

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Sorry about the annoying captias...tried turning them off for a day and my inbox exploded with crap.

Smooches to everyone who perservered and left a sweet comment anyways! xoxo