Comments on: Plans Submitted to City, and Other Updates

By: nick

nick — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:28:30 +0000

Ran across these the other day:

http://dustbowl.wordpress.com/category/furniture-lighting-design/

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:07:58 +0000

Re: interior fittings and finishes, I don’t have one specific site to refer you to, just some general advice based on how I approach the same task. (Like you, I also like to know what all the options are, so tend to do exhaustive research on everything! It works for me…)

1. Google extensively and save good sites to a well organized set of folders; e.g. Bathroom fixtures, Carpets, Window Coverings, etc.

2. Read/scan a LOT of design magazines, including foreign ones and tear out the pages with stuff on it that you like–put those “clippings” into folders similar to the headings for your online resources. If you choose not to buy the magazines, review ones at the library and jot down the websites or other reference info for items you like, then look them up at home.

3. Make some “compare and contrast” sheets–I cut and paste computer images of, say, my top 5-10 sinks (or refrigerators or…) so I can see them side by side, along with dimension notes. I find it easier to make decisions within a context vs. looking at one sink (or whatever) in isolation. I just line up the images on a Word document, but I’m sure there more sophisticated ways to do it!

4. Make some design boards for yourself. If you hire an interior designer, this is essentially what they will do for you too, but I do my own by cutting and pasting computer images of objects (fixtures, furniture, tile, etc.) along with actual paint chips, fabric samples, etc. on a large sheet of white foamcore. Pin it up on a wall and stare at it over a period of a few weeks and see if you still like the colors, forms, and general “mood” of the assemblage! Closest thing to a dry run of the actual objects. Plus it is good to see how the design elements of each room or space look next to each other, and decide whether you want the spaces to all flow together or to contrast with one another…

5. Don’t make any sudden decisions–I find that what I think I like the most, often evolves and changes as I put all the parts together. The whole package or assemblage is more important than any one single object.

Your blog is totally awesome. You’re doing a fabulous job of documenting the whole process. We are building new too, but still in design phase. Your comments are really helpful to us!

By: Mike D.

Mike D. — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:45:04 +0000

JB: Nope, no permits yet. They are still wrangling with the architects on details. My guess is that the amount of scrutiny the city thrusts upon you (high) is inversely related to the amount of permit requests coming in (low).

By: JB

JB — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:57:41 +0000

Great Blog! We are living a similar life and are about to submit our plans to the City of Seattle for permitting. I read that your Permit Intake was Dec 21, but don’t see a follow-up indicating that you’ve received your permits yet. Are you still waiting? If not, what was the turn around time?

By: Bridget Mc.

Bridget Mc. — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:34:32 +0000

John B. is right. Seriously think about how you are going to clean, dust and replace light bulbs. As someone with a 25′ vaulted ceiling and no way to get up there without buildinng scaffolding (seriously, dude) I know of which I speak.

Cool design though! Love your blogs.

By: Mike D.

Mike D. — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:45:06 +0000

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Lots of good stuff to look at. Benjy, no worries.

By: Benjy

Benjy — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:57:53 +0000

I don't mean to be self-promotional, but another good resource for modern lighting is Lightology. In the interest of full disclosure, I work for the company as web marketing manager, but am recommending it because we do have a large selection of lighting in the styles and price points you are likely considering for you house. I am a longtime reader of your personal blog, and given my interest in architecture, etc. I have really been enjoying the chance to live vicariously through you on this undertaking.

By: nick

nick — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:32:17 +0000

Mike,

We’re remodeling our bathrooms and I’ve found the following to be solid:

The coolest sinks and showers ever designed:

http://www.dna-plus.com/BATH/index.html

An awesome resource for tiling and stone:

http://www.annsacks.com/home.html

Clean lines and reasonably priced bathroom stuff (see Philippe Starck range)

http://www.duravit.com/

Also, if memory serves, there’s a Waterworks store down on First Avenue.

Regards,

Nick

By: Vince

Vince — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:31:11 +0000

I have found lots of great ideas at the Cool Hunter

http://www.thecoolhunter.net/house/

By: Lou M

Lou M — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:49:20 +0000

Thanks KP for the feedback on the resourcing of materials. Good to know. Can’t wait to see the final renderings of the house and of course, actual photos once its all done up.