Thursday, January 21, 2010

Can I make you jealous?

Have you ever been to someone's home, and felt a little embarrassed by how much you adored it? That sense of coveting that you were certain the homeowner could see (well, maybe it was that distinct pea color of your pallor)?
If you haven't, well, you're either:
a) Not that into design
b) Not that observant or
c) A better person than me for being able to withstand feelings of envy!

As often happens, I stumbled upon a blog that has fulfilled my every need for great Before and After home remodeling pics, and with the homeowner's permission, I couldn't resist posting here for your enjoyment. Caution: You are about to have one of those green moments...

Grace is a home-grown southern Virginia gal who uprooted with her husband, young son, and pooch to California. In the course of LESS THAN 30 DAYS, her husband gutted and remodeled nearly their entire home to fit Grace's design aesthetic of beachy, classic, traditional. All the renovations were designed by Grace herself. I think you'll agree, girlfriend has a great eye!

The most recent reveal came from the master bath - here, a detail of the sconces she chose for the vanity area.
The infamous Before - builder standard vanity.
...And the glorious After! Besides gutting the entire area, replacing the single long vanity with His 'n Hers pedestal sinks, I'm thinking they opened up the roof to the gorgeous "Cali" sun with a large sunlight feature.
The glass tile set in a running (subway) pattern was used on the floor and in the shower/bath enclosure.
Polished nickel gooseneck faucet - be still, heart!
If THAT didn't quicken your pulse, take a peek at the kitchen.
Before: A closed-in space with standard and/or dated laminate cabinets, florescent light, and white appliances.
After: Aaaahhh! Now this jewel of a kitchen can breathe!
Gorgeous, Grace - absolutely gorgeous! The patina-finish pendants and rattan counter stools add just the right amount of casual beachy-ness that doesn't fall into the stereotypical.
Again, what's an amazing space without perfect plumbing and hardware?
Lastly, because I couldn't resist: son Harper's room (btw, he's the cutie hangin' out by the bed.) I'm thinking Grace was inspired by KWeartsler's childrens' room, with its library wall - I would LOVE to recreate that scene!
It doesn't scream nursery, or little boy, it just says FUN!

If you'd like to keep up with the rest of the renovation reveals, I'm sure Grace would love to have you at Grace Happens.
Thank you, Grace, for letting me live vicariously via your reno, and to drool just a bit!

26 comments:

~Grace Happens~ said...

my heavens! i'm seriously melting in a puddle of glee. THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting this and all of your kind words. It really means the world, and I can't wait to show my hubby that his hard work is really taking notice!!!! xoxo, grace

Darby said...

grace!!!!!!!!!
It is STUNNING all of it! You really did an awesome job with what you had! I love every bit of it!!!

Michelle Hughes said...

Yeah, I am green. I am going to blog stalk her now!

Michelle

Blondie's Journal said...

I am loving the library wall in the little boy's room. What a neat feature!!

xoxo
Jane

LindsB said...

Yes I have totally felt that way before, I find myself looking at the house more then paying attention to the conversation too :)

Stunning house!!!

MFAMB said...

rocks. hard. thanks for the blog hook up.

ashlina {the decorista} said...

amen sistah! that is like me all the time. especially in a city where everyone's home are like a big story.

thanks for the intro to grace's blog...

Averill said...

I've got SERIOUS fixture envy -- those faucets!! those gorgeous robin's egg blue pendants! Be still my beating heart.

Thanks for sharing, Alison!

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

I've been checking out their work....gorgeuas and quick! Wonderful work!

Minnie said...

What a divine makeover! Those are miraculous before and after shots. Marvelous work, all of it, though those wonderful shelves in their son's rooms are definitely my favorite part. That room does make me, maybe not jealous, but definitely want to finagle a play date invitation. :-)

Minnie said...

Umm, in case it wasn't clear, a play date invitation for my kids not just me!!

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

oh my gosh- it's beautiful!

Jessica @ Lavender and Lilies said...

OMG! It's gorgeous. I don't think I would be able to hold a conversation with anyone in that house because I would be staring at all of the beautiful details.

Ginger@cottageonrosewood said...

I've been following Grace for a while now. Who isn't green with envy. She has the perfect life. Sigh!

Radostina // 79ideas.org said...

Beautiful. I love it.
Thanks for sharing!

My Notting Hill said...

You have the best post titles! Great pics - thanks.

Kara said...

Yep - totally jealous!

Jess said...

Gorgeous! That kitchen is so lovely!!

JMW said...

I'm with you on the surge of green envy that comes about when visiting a lovely home. I struggle with it, I admit. I can't believe the renovations they made - in 30 days???? Good, Lord. I adore what she did in her son's room with the book shelves. That's great. And that kitchen - to die for.

Carolyn said...

Really quite loving it! What a great not too kiddie kid's room. And the kitchen pendants...so beauty.

Jill GG said...

wow! a true gem, I am off to her blog to explore more!

anita said...

really? less than a month?!
that is one amazing re-do; and yes, you made me quite jealous.

The Townhouselady said...

I'm green alright. Just gorgeous.

~Grace Happens~ said...

Hi! Here's the link to the ikea Ribba ledges.... http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50152595

and here is the tutorial on the art work:

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/painted-fabric-silhouettes

let me know if you have questions. happy decorating!!!!

Unknown said...

this is so beautiful: taking standard new construction and turning it into something personal and special. thank you for sharing!

Unknown said...

this is so beautiful: taking standard new construction and turning it into something personal and special. thank you for sharing!