romeoandjewels's Profile

Yup - we did a 203k prior to moving in to get the bathroom, kitchen and other essentials done. No way our home would have qualified for a regular FHA because of the horrible REO condition - holes in walls, hanging electrical, safety hazards, etc. It was the smaller FHA construction loan, not the one you need a consultant for. You do need to hire a licensed contractor for some work, and other work we got money for supplies and we did the work (landscaping, etc). It was somewhat of a pain in the ass finding a contractor who would wait for the other 50% of their payment until we were done with the project and inspected (6 months after start of the project).

We've had our IKEA Kitchen for about 3 years now and LOVE it! Plus, so easy to design and install. We have the white boxes with both white ABSTRAKT doors and the medium brown NEXUS doors. We also "hacked" some components to fit a washer/dryer - the measurements were bang on and we were down to the last nth of an inch on one wall. Installed with hubby, his cousin and myself - the hanging on the wall was easy peasy! Just had to level everything at the top and then adjust the adjustable legs for our old 1920s floor. We had Caesarstone professionally installed at the end. Love that we used all drawers and have the easy close closures! It's held up fantastic to heavy traffic and two large pooches that love to lounge up against it and splash water while drinking.

I think everyone here believes it may be the cats, but that we also realize she loves them very much and may benefit from the experience of others who have made it work. Not everyone has a great doctor that has ruled out other options or given the best information about managing the allergy. As well, the comment about encouraging the cats to sleep on the sofa sounds like they are not shut out of the bedroom - which is essential to managing a pet allergy.

I am highly allergic to dogs and cats - I was tested by a very reputable allergist - and am a level 4 out of 4 on both. I got tested prior to adopting a dog and the allergist recommended much of what lilies and canadiancook above recommended. The first two weeks were rough but the flonase, claritin D and washing the pet made a huge difference. Apparently washing your pet every week for 4 weeks and then every month afterwards reduces allergens by 89%. My family lives in Toronto and there are pet stores and vets who will bathe your cat for you, if you yourself cannot. Removing all carpeting, encasing all bedding in allergy covers and keeping pets off sofas and beds are also huge. Also shower at night to remove all allergens so you don't track them onto your bed.

Yes, it's not easy - but neither is rehoming a pet. And it works, even on severe allergies. When my allergies flare up, it's because of environmental issues in the spring or with the santa ana winds here in LA - and I need to step up the neti pot flushing for that time. I realize everyone is different, but many of us who read this story also don't think enough was done to warrant the rehoming just yet. We wish you the best of luck and hope that do take those additional steps to see if they work.

Another vote for the L shaped banquette made with Ikea kitchen cabinets under the window corner. Custom table with metal trestle base from Ikea. Easy peasy! :)

Cute place!

Off topic, holy crap I read comments on AT in a while - what is UP with the negativity? If it's not your thing, move on! Don't be mean!

Love Nicole and her blog, so happy to see this featured here! Love, love, love the color and white trim - but please repaint in a lower sheen! Ow! My eyes!

This is why I love APT therapy! A great community sharing ideas! KHINNJ - that's a great suggestion to look up new doors, especially because (i'm sorry to the homeowner) they're hideous. I looked up Shaker Doors and they're about $20 plus shipping.

Garden web has a topic on it: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg091545401030.html

Wow - fantastic job! Especially with that tile in the bathroom - you really complimented it!

Your place is so warm and inviting, I just want to visit and linger over some red wine with bread and cheese! :)

To Two Thirty Five Designs - all of that completely makes sense now that you outline it for us. We would have loved to have read that on your blog - but couldn't get past the unreadable, ridiculous font. You have great content, please change the font so that everyone can read it.

Gorgeous home! Good job on the reno! Cute pups!

@surfjack : we have dark ebony floors in our 1922 bungalow and 2 rescued siberians - one with nails that weren't cut regularly in her previous home so they are longer than normal. As Mara mentioned, the white hair does show - we use a stick vacuum daily. However - regarding scratches, the dark floors actually disguise the damage unless you look at them in super bright sunlight or get down on the floor to see the damage. They are gorgeous and dramatic - go for it! And it actually makes the house look bigger!