april demolition brings...

...new may bathrooms? well, something like that. either way, my brother-in-law shaun came up for the day saturday to help robby knock out the original bathroom demo and install the new window. i was gone all day and missed all the fun (ha!) but i was giddy with the progress they made (with the help of andrew, too) and the results of the new window... for once i actually really like something i designed without any real hesitation. now i just can't wait for it all to get finished. 

i am using slightly more "retro" finishes for this bathroom since it is part of the existing house and the cool cast iron tub will remain. i ordered the tile today... white subway tile for the tub walls and 2" black hexagonal tile for the floor. i can't find a good image online of black hexagonal tile, but trust me- it will be cool. it better be... it is the most expensive tile we've used to date. but i've known since we bought this house that was what i wanted in there. it's also a tiny floor (only 30 sf) so i can justify it. here's the light fixture i've ordered for this bath. and the sink + cabinet (in white) from IKEA that we're getting this weekend in charlotte. it should hopefully all come together nicely. 

but for now, here are the photos from before and demo. enjoy!

BEFORE:

they wish this were for real... the chainsaw was for another project you'll see coming up. 

the chainsaw takes the stage: the old dying dogwood in the backyard came down. it was in a terribly awkward location and not in good shape. the backyard already looks much better with it gone. we have plenty of shade trees so this will actually open up a good sunny spot in the yard. 

boone assisting as usual... 

and here's the bathroom all demolished and with the new spiffy window! no more window in the shower!

the window has glass called "obscure" so no blinds are needed... it looks good on the inside and out. 

pic of the finished step on the deck... it looks great! robby also spread some mulch on the side yard. eventually that will be a patio. 

i am a happy gardener this spring.... my peonies are coming up! i just hope they bloom!

remember these? they've grown and have been moved, but they're looking great this spring. getting the yard to look good takes more patience than i really have, but i'm trying so hard.