Then & Now: The Loft

The loft. This space was not in the original house plans, but we had to opportunity to add it since there would have been a wall up taking up valuable space.

So it began....

Andy, our friend and serious multi-tasker. Juggles beer and under laminate...in the loft.

Last time I showed you the loft it was right after move in and the floors were finished.

fresh after move-in day...still dust everywhere in this photo...

Since our bedroom is on the main floor, we didn't think we would use this space much just yet. I picture this room a perfect spot for built-ins and toy storage.

But, for some reason, I’ve been spotting furniture steals perfect for the loft! And, why in the world would I pass up a bargain?
Let me introduce to you to our bonus space now:

The large vintage map has been on the list of makeovers since I purchased it this summer at Kane County Flea Market. But I just can't decide what to do with it yet, so we hung it for now.

If you've been a reader for awhile the succulents in the Prince Albert tin were a past post on the blog. But have since died, and been replaced with fakes. Shhh.

A view of the staircase

Desk is Target... a few years back.
B&W letter name sign: gift from my bridesmaids.
Banana leaf basket storing Scout's babies is from HomeGoods. 

Chair $5, estate sale

Ottoman $5 (needs a makeover, but works for now) Goodwill

Green desk chair $7 estate sale

Vintage USA map $20 flea market find
Barnwood end table: parents garage
Prince Albert tin: parents garage
Rug...I think Wal-mart

Not too bad huh?

For now, Scout seems to think of the loft as his lookout, since he can see out the windows into the creek, and also out the front door from his perch.

His babies are also stored up here...when they are put away.

Looking down into the open living room.

You might also notice we switched out the living room rug...trying something new...more to come on that!

What do you think of our bonus space?
Would you antique the map or leave it as is?

Wednesday photo update

Monday, they worked on the back of the home.

The window above where the back deck roof will be looks so small from this angle.
But it's the same size as the front window, and that one seems big...

There are now 3 piers poured for the back deck.

Living room.

Ceiling is now taking shape.

And upstairs is Bedroom #2

 Bedroom #3's window is not cut out yet.

Scout had to wait in the car so he wouldn't get muddy.

 On Tuesday, they roofed the garage.

We are happy with the shingles we chose.

Maybe this will help us get moving on the siding choice!

House Plans Final!

Finally, I can share the house plans with you. We've been making change after change and I believe we are happy with this layout!

main floor. Click image to enlarge.

We really have not made any changes to the second floor since we first picked the plans. The only changes could be moving things around int he bathrooms, or maybe switching up the closets. The 2nd floor layout below are the originals that were drawn up, so the measurements are not an exact fit to the first floor plans at this time. But you get the idea!

Not many changes since the orignal.

Basically, to pick the plan we ended up buying a bunch of house plan books on Amazon, and scouring the internets. We showed our builder what we liked from about a million different homes, and he whipped up some sketches.  We toyed with moving the stairs to the living room, having an office, and even removing the cathedral ceiling in the living room. But we are happy we didn't do any of those crazy things.

We had many sleepless nights discussing the layout. I mean, this is our forever home. It's only Adam, me, and Scouty now, but we do plan to have a few super cute kids someday.
There were several weeknights we were up at midnight measuring every room in our current house to get a feel for the rooms. We had a few panic-y thoughts that a room was too small, or that we wouldn't have enough room for a dining table.

We consulted with friends, family, and a few professionals to come up with the final draft you see above. And we love it.


So, what do you think? Our favorite part is the living room and kitchen/dining area. I can not wait to sip wine on our back covered porch listening to the creek.

Coming up next week, exterior!

MIA

Sorry we've been so MIA lately. We both have big time spring fever because to us Spring = house building!

Quick update:

• Our bids came back and we gave our contractor the go ahead to start as soon as the weather permits. Hopefully late April, but most likely early May.
• We got our actual address, and I was right--it's just a bunch of numbers & County Road.
• We met with the bank, everything is on track with the construction loan.
• Adam is working with the electric people to get some power out there.
• I am in charge (and in full control!) of kitchen cabinets and kitchen layout. 

I have some posts coming up this week, and I'll try not to get so behind with my blogging! Bad blogger, I know, I know.