Jen's Profile

MelissaM: It's not just about how much one spends to buy a house, it's about how many resources it takes to build, heat (maybe not so much in Texas), cool, and maintain such a large home (and the many similar others that populate the US).

For everyone saying that land is abundant and cheap in Texas...well, so what? Does that just automatically excuse us from considering the impact of what is built? Does it mean that we don't have to think smartly about how we use resources? I would hope not.

That said, for this home in particular, it had been around for some time before the homeowners bought it. Unless it was torn down (a waste), someone was probably going to be living in it. At least it's a relatively big family making use of it. Aesthetically, it feels too cavernous to me, which isn't my personal taste, but there were some really nice elements like the letter collage in the nursery, Audrie's whole room, and the handmade bookshelves. And the family is quite lovely.

I lived in the Mission for many years and would go back in a heartbeat. It's a big neighborhood and while there are spots that are more rough around the edges than others, that's no reason to condemn the whole area.

Beautiful place, Christopher.

Could you make them using the large sheets and then cut them into smaller rectangles after they chill using a serrated knife? Not sure that would work any better, but maybe the chilled peanut butter and chocolate would sort of hold the crackers together a little.

In case you aren't convinced yet, the seam is unacceptable. I've never seen such a horrible seam in any kind of stone counter, and "difficult material" is no excuse. If you do not know how to properly work with a material, don't take the job. Take the job and you accept the responsibility to do it right. I don't so much mind the positive reveal, but you're correct that the contractor did really shoddy work in gluing the sink in. I'm actually feeling anger on your behalf. It's not cheap to redo a kitchen, and those are defects that, if not corrected, you have to live with for a long time to come. I agree that you should complain to Ikea and do everything you can to force the contractor to redo the work.

Cory, I love your independent spirit and agree that sustainable homes for seniors is a WAY better idea than more nursing homes.

The one suggestion I have is to change the curtain. The one you have is a little too short, and although it could just be the picture, it looks kind of dingy next to all of that bright white. It might be nice to use a curtain that picks up on the soft blues you have going on which are so pretty.

Wow!

Yes, apartment dwellers can compost with worms, but realistically, they don't dispose of a whole lot of food waste in a week. Worms wouldn't even put a tiny dent in the amount vegetable scraps we create in a week.

I like the kitchen. The aqua with orange accents work well with the cabinetry and create a warm, happy space. I also like the grey chair in the living room with the sheepskin, and butterfly wallpaper in the baby's room.

As for the living/dining spaces, it could just be the pictures, but the wall, carpet, and sofa color all look really similar, which creates a cold, monochromatic effect despite the added pattern and color. I think the space needs some more warmth and texture (case in point, the grey wall paper really stands out in the hall with the wood floors). I know you can't change out the carpet now, but maybe replacing the zebra skin with a large, richly colored jute rug would add some texture and warmth? Also, because the color and pattern are so concentrated in the living space, the dining area sort of fades into the greyness. Maybe some decorative elements on the sideboard in colors that tie in with your living room accent colors would help unify the spaces.

Great transformation, and thank you P(2) for always including a floor plan and detailed write-up.