https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 17:06:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2275455 Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:32:37 +0000 Janet 2275455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone!!!</p> <p>I’ve been away so I’ve been very lax about posting or responding but please always know that I love the feedback and comments! We are meeting with the architect again on Friday so I’m excited to move into the next phase of finalizing the design and ordering cabinetry. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2274210 Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:40:17 +0000 April 2274210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fingers crossed for you, Janet, that you don't experience the supply chain nightmares that have become the norm for materials, appliances, etc.</p> <p>There's nothing quite as exhilarating as completing a reno, though the process can be stressful.&nbsp; If you find yourself needing emotional support along the way, just say the word. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2273946 Mon, 25 Jul 2022 22:45:25 +0000 Murph11 2273946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So exciting!</p> <p>I was going to ask if you'll be moving out for the first floor project until I read down to your Airstream comment. It's almost impossible to keep the dust from filtering into the rest of the living space. My guess is that you'll prefer to glamp during construction. (Speaking from experience -- and DH is a builder.)</p> <p>Oh, and love the rug choices </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2273297 Fri, 22 Jul 2022 03:11:58 +0000 Sal 2273297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This sounds and looks fantastic Janet.&nbsp; The kitchen looks gorgeous (love the skylight) and the pattern mixing totally works.&nbsp; I am more likely to pattern mix in my home than on my body!!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Love the colour scheme too:)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2273206 Thu, 21 Jul 2022 16:19:45 +0000 Angie 2273206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Janet</b>, we are ABSOLUTELY working with architects too! We have used them before, and we understand each other. They have been working with Sketch Pad - I think that's the name of the software? - but Greg being very tech savvy, can use it too. We have been planning our design for a YEAR! It's a very complicated remodel for all sorts of reasons. Still thinking about the timing of it all. It is EXTENSIVE, pricey, &nbsp;and very disruptive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2273198 Thu, 21 Jul 2022 14:40:54 +0000 Janet 2273198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I wondered how your plans were coming along! I’d love to see your project as well, if you’re ever inclined to share. </p> <p>Our architect did these renderings. I’m good with floor plans and elevations, but have never used rendering software. I understand there are some easy options now that didn’t exist when I was learning design. What we are doing is extensive enough that we really needed the expertise of an architect! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2273181 Thu, 21 Jul 2022 13:32:43 +0000 Angie 2273181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW. You are well on your way with the remodel, Well done <b>J&amp;J,</b> and VERY handy to have the airstream to camp out in :)</p> <p>Both rugs look like they will work well with the basement decor. Good match!</p> <p>Did you do the kitchen renovations in Sketch-Pad - or did the architects do it? It's a good visual tool. It's going to be AMAZING when it's complete! SOOOO exciting!&nbsp;</p> <p>Regarding our loft renovation - which is just about a gut of everything - we at last have a final design too.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272908 Wed, 20 Jul 2022 01:01:03 +0000 JAileen 2272908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The two rugs remind me of a family of quilting fabric - they look like they were made for each other. &nbsp;I read somewhere that you should have pattern and color distributed evenly throughout a room. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272818 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 16:37:49 +0000 Anonymous 2272818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It all looks enviable. &nbsp;You will love that gas fireplace and new kitchen. &nbsp;Be sure you have a good stepladder to reach that high ceiling and be able to change smoke alarms yourself. &nbsp;Have lots of electrical outlets for kitchen appliances and good lighting. &nbsp;I can't wait to see updates and the final result. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272814 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 16:20:47 +0000 Laurie 2272814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes, keep us posted, and lots of pics please! I love the rendering of your kitchen! So sleek and modern. Love love love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272738 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 10:18:13 +0000 Bijou 2272738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So lucky you have the Airstream! This is a massive project but you have such a great eye the end result will be stunning. I love the new kitchen, especially the stone benchtop - it is gorgeous. The new rugs are great and such a good way of adding colour to your room in a way that is easy to change.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272674 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 23:43:53 +0000 Carla 2272674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your colour story as described and illustrated by the rug samples. In retrospect getting the airstream was brilliant! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272657 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 21:48:38 +0000 Cardiff girl 2272657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How exciting!It will be wonderful when it’s all done,thank you for sharing what’s happened sofar.l look forward to further instalments. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272645 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 21:00:24 +0000 MsMary 2272645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Woo hoo! So great! I love a good house project and you have the best artistic eye of anybody I know, so I know this is going to be spectacular! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272623 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 19:45:55 +0000 Anonymous 2272623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun! Looking forward to following the projects. Very cool pattern mix and colors of the rugs. Pretty design for the kitchen and first floor. Love all the light </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272612 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 18:36:03 +0000 Style Fan 2272612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is exciting.&nbsp; I love design projects.&nbsp; The rugs look so good together.&nbsp; I have been looking for a rug for our living room for a while.&nbsp; Your kitchen will be gorgeous.</p> <p>Rachy, I have a favourite wood too.&nbsp; Mine is cherry.&nbsp; Pine is second. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272606 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 18:01:09 +0000 RobinF 2272606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very exciting! Love the rugs, I think they will look good together. The colors sound great.&nbsp;</p> <p>The main floor is exciting too! Love the big windows. We did our kitchen when we moved into our house three years ago and it was quite a project, although much smaller than yours. I quite enjoy picking out colors and fixtures but I also stress about it - such important decisions that need to last a long time! Heads up, someone said to me, "take the timing estimate and double it" and they were exactly right. Totally worth it but it sure was a pain while it was going on.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272602 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 17:44:29 +0000 Ginger 2272602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so exciting! It sounds like you've made a ton of progress already, which is super encouraging. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272595 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 17:27:56 +0000 Janet 2272595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, all! We are very excited about the updates, especially the kitchen/first floor project, even though it's going to be a doozy. Our house is a post-and-beam contemporary with an open floor plan, so living/dining rooms, kitchen, hallway, foyer, powder room, and laundry room are all in the mix somehow. In addition to the kitchen remodel, the laundry room is getting a complete overhaul. The powder room was redone a few years ago but is getting new tile floor, the same flooring that will run throughout the space, except for the living and dining room, where will have the existing hardwood floors refinished. We are having the very tall (vaulted ceiling), red brick fireplace resurfaced with a new modern finish (still in the process of researching options, looking at something with an onyx type of effect), gas fireplace conversion so no more wood needed, and the railings around the loft and stairway will be replaced from the rather lodge-y looking wood (there is SO MUCH wood, even the ceiling is wood) to a more modern metal treatment. I'm also thinking if we can squeeze it in the budget, I'd like to replace the carpet in the loft with hardwood, and replace the front door with something modern, including sidelights that let in light but aren't transparent -- the dogs see deer out in the yard all the time and bark, and it drives us nuts.&nbsp;</p> <p>Good thing we have the Airstream -- I suspect we'll be using that to cook and hang out for the better part of 2-3 months!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272573 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:35:25 +0000 Helena 2272573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those renderings look spectacular Janet! As a colour phobic person, that pattern and colour mix looks gorgeous ... And feels so fresh. Will look fantastic!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272571 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:24:47 +0000 Suz 2272571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, what a project. It sounds and looks amazing. I love the rug (s) and the fun of the pattern mix! Can't wait to see the finished result.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272566 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 15:22:07 +0000 Anonymous 2272566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have so much kitchen envy right now! &nbsp;Thanks for sharing this big project with us, it’s very exciting to see the process. &nbsp;I’m no expert on pattern-mixing, but to my eye, those rugs look very happy together. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272563 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 15:10:44 +0000 LJP 2272563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - what a stunning kitchen! &nbsp;Love the rugs too. &nbsp;I spent way too much time on line last winter looking for an area rug and drove myself crazy. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272551 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:13:23 +0000 rachylou 2272551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Big changes! How exciting! The rugs are fantastic! Also: walnut is such a beautiful wood. It may be my favourite… and it also may be odd to have a favourite wood, but I do </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272532 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 13:17:16 +0000 Janet 2272532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, avicennia! </p> <p>Just a teaser, these are preliminary renderings of the new kitchen. The design has been changed a bit since these were done, but it gives you an idea of what is to come! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272528 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 13:07:08 +0000 avicennia 2272528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! It sounds like a lot. I’m sure others will have specific thoughts, but I’d like to send general good wishes for what will be a big project. That said the two rug patterns do compliment each other. I say go for it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reluctant-pattern-mixer-and-big-home-projects#post-2272509 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 11:01:10 +0000 Janet 2272509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know some of you enjoy home design projects, so if that’s you, read on! </p> <p>We are planning a huge kitchen and first floor renovation — our architect/designer is finalizing plans, and demo and construction will start in the fall! But in the meantime we have been slowly redesigning our finished basement den. For 16 years it has been a mishmash of furniture from our old house, inherited items, nasty old carpet, and storage. We wanted to redo the space to be a hangout area that suits our new needs, now that we have been empty nesters for a while. The vibe is to be clean and contemporary, with eclectic touches in art and accents.</p> <p>So far we’ve:<br /> - sold or donated lots of the items and furniture, still some to go<br /> - had the old carpet torn out and replaced with LVP flooring<br /> - turned the storage room into a workout room<br /> - installed new LED lighting throughout<br /> - chosen a new paint color for the walls<br /> - bought a new sectional and two chairs, plus tables and floor lamps, and a new TV that is mounted on the wall instead of taking up a big console.</p> <p>The new living space is divided roughly in half, with one side being the fireplace/TV/sectional area, and the other being the music listening area, with two swivel chairs placed for optimal sound from our stereo speakers, which we already own but have been up in the living room, with the turntable in an awkward, hard-to-access cabinet. There will be a new custom record cabinet in the den, to hold our big vinyl collection, and the turntable will sit on top where it is easy to operate. </p> <p>I designed new built-in shelving and cabinetry that is being built by a local woodworker and installed by a contractor. There will be cabinetry and shelves flanking the fireplace on one end of the room, and floating shelves in a staggered pattern on the facing wall, flanking a large painting that was made by a dear friend of my husband. The woodworker is also making the record cabinet for us. All of these wood projects are possible because of a huge black walnut tree that fell at the ranch in Texas several years ago — we had the tree milled and the wood is GORGEOUS! Oh, we are also getting a beautiful new dining table top from that wood (keeping the old base). </p> <p>We’re also replacing an old, sticky, cheap sliding glass door in the den with a new, larger, more modern one that looks out to our backyard garden, and removing an old redundant metal door and two old windows to make wall space for the built-ins on either side of the fireplace. We’re also converting the wood burning fireplace to gas. We are also really excited that the new room will provide wall space for some of our favorite art, some of it decades old and some of it very new. </p> <p>Whew! It’s a lot and it’s happening bit by bit, but the basement will be finished in early September, just in time to start getting ready to clear out the first floor in preparation for that massive project! </p> <p>In the meantime, I thought I’d share a little design detail that made me chuckle. We’ll soon see if it works. The flooring in the space is a light cool-toned, almost greige-ish wood pattern, the wall paint is an quasi-cool neutral that looks slightly blue in the downstairs light but almost khaki in daylight. The sectional we got is a deep denim blue, and the chairs are grey leather. I’ve also selected a camel-colored leather ottoman for the sectional and velvet throw pillows in a similar color. After looking through what felt like a million rugs in stores and online, I kept coming back to the one in the first photo. It ties together the cool and warm tones in the room and is modern and a bit of a statement, since the furniture itself is simple and neutral. This rug will define the listening area. </p> <p>I then had to find a smaller rug to go in the sectional area. Not much of it will be visible, but I wanted a bit of color and pattern on that side of the room too, since everything there so far is solid and neutral. I found this zig-zag pattern rug in pic 2, and the colors seem really good! It might be crazy but it was super cheap and it’s all returnable. But for a reluctant pattern mixer like myself, I think this works, oddly enough. </p> <p>If you’ve actually read all this, thanks for indulging my novella! I will share more pics of the project and progress if anyone’s interested! It has actually been fun to see it slowly come together. I’m a little nervous because I’ve never designed furniture for actual production before, but I think the shelves will be really cool. I’ll edit the post to add a drawing when I get a chance later. </p>