Prodigious Pergolas

When you get the opportunity to work for a big-name client,

it's an exciting and somewhat nerve-racking experience.

This project was bigger than most, and so--

working alongside some good friends, we brought in the BIG tools!

The structure we were being called upon to replace was a huge pergola;
no, 2 huge pergolas! And each had completely rotted out
within 10 years of their original installation.

First, we would need a lot of wood. Treated wood.
Beams that were as large as tree trunks, some 30 feet long.

Delivery, unloading and stacking took all day.

That's a lot of wood!

And, since it was freshly treated,
it would need to dry
for a couple of months.

My job was simple:  cut spacers for stacking.

This is what I call an office with a view :)

 

With the original pergolas removed and all rotted wood gone,

all that was left were the heavy concrete piers on which we would build:

 

And then came the crane:

 

Slowly, the boards were lifted into place and secured.

 

                                                                        Each board was slowly raised with the crane and precariously placed, until three layers were formed. The first layer was composed of 8x12 beams. Then the 6x6 beams and finally 4x6 beams carefully spaced and secured.

Once each layer was complete, the beams were supported

so that they could continue drying for several more weeks.

Without completely drying, the treated lumber might sag.

 

The second and larger pergola was created off the side of the house and garage,
creating an architecturally impressive carport and event cover.

 

 



White marble kitchen

When one very sweet couple finally bought the house down the street from us, we rejoiced! Scott & I had imagined the make-over on this house for years, and we were so glad to finally be a part of it!
Our connection to the house was deep; not only was it on our street (and had sat empty and neglected for years), but it was the original house created by the couple who had eventually built #20 Woodlawn, the house we now lived in.

The kitchen is long and narrow; without the appropriate design choices, it would feel dark and cramped. Thankfully, our clients had chosen clean, white cabinets. White marble countertops and backsplash would keep with the theme, but hazy gray veins in the marble add just the right amount of color.

Laying individual marble 12x12" tiles was a pain-staking job, but Scott revels in the details--especially when it comes to tile!

 

 

While they had us there, we added a screened in porch.

After a concrete floor was added off the side of the house,

we framed up the walls and installed screening that allowed for plenty

of visibility into the lush, green yard.

 

 

Bar top makeover

A return client felt that this busy granite top
needed to be replaced with something a little more subtle.

We wanted to enhance the granite by contrasting it with something that felt warm and inviting.

It would also need to be sturdier, since a chunk of the granite top had actually been broken off at a family gathering. The existing supports just weren't sufficient for the material they were supporting.

We all agreed that a wood top would accentuate the existing granite kitchen countertops.

Here, the top is installed with
appropriately sized supports.

Guests like to lean on a tall bar top during lively get-togethers.

A planked wood bar top would need just as much support as a granite top. But painted to match the cabinets, they blend right in.

Bar stools can fit between the supports to provide extra seating.

 

 

Vintage charmer gets the works!

Scott and I had designs on this house long before

it was finally purchased by a couple of friends,

to be their forever home... at least for a while.

 

In fact, I had purchased and lived in the little white cottage

just across the street over 15 years ago.

 

The house had belonged to a sweet little couple in our church.

It had already raised one family, and it was ready for a new one.

 

But first, there was a renovation to be done--

the kitchen/dining room and 2 bathrooms.

 

KITCHEN / BEFORE:

 



 

 

KITCHEN / AFTER:

 

 

The tiny, closed off kitchen was filled with dated finishes

including dark pine cabinets, worn laminate countertops

and wallpaper ... even on the ceiling!

 

Take the tour:

 

 

the cramped kitchen (visible through the door below)

joined with the separate dining room (below):

 

 

Tear-out was brutal;

 below is the view from the dining room,

through the kitchen (now completely gutted)

and into the master bedroom/bathroom.

 

 

reframing the walls:

 

 

View from kitchen into what was once the closed off dining room:

Lam beams were incorporated into the island

to provide the necessary load-bearing support.

 

 

Recessed lighting throughout the kitchen

and ambient under-cabinet lighting brighten up the space.

 

 

This energetic, young family chose a contrast of colors for their cabinets,

but brought in traditional finishes like a stone backsplash and oiled-bronze hardware.

 

 

 

 

What a difference!!!

 

 

Simultaneously, the two colorfully tiled bathrooms were overhauled.

The hall bath was a lovely mint green throughout.

 

 

Unfortunately, extensive termite damage was discovered during tear-out.

We learned a lot about how these critters eat.

 

 

After a thorough inspection, we replaced the rotten joists.

 

 

The new linen closet:

 

 

And the final look:

 

 

NEXT, THE MASTER BATH:

Dig those pink finishes :)

 

 

 

MASTER SUITE,   BEFORE:

 

 

 

DURING:Check out that closet space; it is slated to become a spacious walk-in closet with entry from the bathroom.

And finally, with all walls removed,

you can now see through into the kitchen/dining area.

 

 

TAKE THE MASTER BATH TOUR:

(pink no more :)

Rich, wood cabinets provide plenty of storage.

Oiled bronze finishes and a travertine
brick-lay floor tile provide plenty of class.

The clean white cultured marble surround is
easy to clean and maintain.

A glass door with minimalistic framing and
mosaic tile shower floor add a  high-end
quality look to this spacious shower.

That thermostat on the wall above is the control
for the new instantaneous water-heater which will provide plenty of hot water for this family while saving them money in the long run.

And finally, with a new entry into the walk-in closet from the bathroom (leaving the master bedroom wall free for dresser and tv), this couple has plenty of room for their clothing and shoes.