Colors, Cabinets, and Floors...oh my! (Week 9)

This week has been full of choices and lite on physical work. We only had several hours, literally, where temperatures were above freezing this week. That prevented any brick work from being done this week. The plumber and HVAC subs started work with the help of some space heaters. Rough-in heat and air is already finished and the plumber still has a weeks worth of work to complete his rough-in. We decided to go with a dual fuel Carrier 3.5 ton split unit for the main floor and a smaller heat pump for the second floor. We really like the idea of the dual fuel because you get the efficiency of a heat pump in moderate temperatures and the warmth of a gas unit when the temperatures really drop, like they did this week.

Last Saturday we made a trip down to Lowes Cabinet and Lighting Gallery, no this isn't the big box retailer you are familiar with, to finalize our choice on kitchen and bathroom cabinets and counter tops. We were really reluctant to make this decision because last time we were there we didn't see the look we wanted. Luckily the company now offers a Cabernet stain that was just what we wanted. We were planning on using Maple for all of our cabinets, however they showed us a sample of a Cherry cabinet with the Cabernet stain that we absolutely fell in love with. After getting quotes on the Cherry and Maple we decided to go with Cherry in the kitchen and Maple for all of the bathroom vanities. We also chose Tropical Brown granite for our kitchen and master bathroom counter tops. The order was finalized on Tuesday and should take 4 weeks to make them.

Originally we were interested in using carbonized strand Bamboo flooring for the entire main floor of the house and hallway of the second floor. We stopped by Valley Building Supply to see what they had available and found a Brazilian Cherry floor that was comparable to the price of the bamboo. We have not made a final decision on the floors yet, but we are strongly leaning towards the Brazilian Cherry floors. I borrowed the sample of the cabinets and a sample of the cherry floors to make sure they look good together since we are using wood in the kitchen. I think the cabinet, floor, and cushing green paint will look very nice together.

This morning Katie and I met with Kim McClellan from Just So Decorating again to make final choices on exterior Hardiboard/shutter choices and interior colors. The office and kitchen will be Cushing Green, the bedroom will be Oxford Gray, formal dining room is Clinton Brown, and the powder room and laundry will also be Clinton Brown. We are really happy with the palette that we ended up with and Kim's help was priceless.

Temperatures are supposed to rise back above freezing this Sunday and be back in the forties next week. The electrician is lined up to finish up with rough-in first of the week followed by an electrical inspection. Once the inspection is complete we should see insulation work start which will be followed by dry wall. Katie and I purchased our dishwasher and built-in microwave which finishes off all of our appliances. Everything has gone really well so far and with some help in a few areas all of the decisions have been really easy. Now...if the temperature will just rise above freezing!