A Change of Look

As we get more blog-savvy... and as we continue our renovation process... it seems only fitting that we customize our blog to reflect our progress. I'm sure we'll eventually figure out how to make this blog more us, but until then we've have updated our look to include a new header. Something that's more architectural... or at least pseudo-architectural. Besides, our alteration application is still, yes STILL, stuck with the board. So until we have approval, there is not much we can do.

A Change of Heart, errr Wood

Since we began thinking about renovating our apartment, we have been fairly set on having dark wood floors. In fact, we even had one picked out and posted here! But then we chose our kitchen (also posted here). The cabinetry we selected is dark walnut that, when paired next to the dark wood floors, creates a whole lotta darkness. Granted, it's quite dramatic. And modern. But it's a bit oppressive. And so we thought that perhaps the floor was worth taking a second look at now that the kitchen was set.

After returning to LV Wood and dragging the wood samples from one corner of the showroom to the other to see what walnut wood looks like next to every other type of wood out there, we had a new winner. It's European Oak. One that's been "smoked" and has a white oil finish. The name of it is "Lugano" and we feel, we hope, that it will work better with the walnut cabinets of the kitchen. And it has tremendous character to boot!

We still LOVE dark wood floors. But perhaps it's better saved for a place with high ceilings and lots of light. Then it would probably work great with the walnut kitchen. But for us, with this apartment, we'll take the Lugano to add some lightness and character to the space. Besides, it will be easier to pair furniture with.

Kitchen Rendering

We just received this rendering from our architects, formactiv (visit their website and you can see photos of our old apartment, west 23rd street residence, nyc). Still finalizing a couple things, definites include: farmhouse sink, SMEG oven (see earlier post), GE Monogram wine fridge (holds 57 bottles), GE microwave (if you do not know, we have a GE hookup), Henry Built walnut cabinets, dry bar above the wine fridge (who knew that wet bar means you have to have a sink), and dark stained 7" wide walnut floors (we hope). Goal is to create a contemporary feel without looking hyper-modern. More details to come.

Kitchen

As most of you know, the kitchen is a major focal point for us. We have a difficult task at hand, as we feel the need to one up our previous kitchen (which was wonderful in its own right). At that time we had a very clear vision of what we wanted--stainless steel, glass fronted cabinets, and a lot of storage. However, we have been perplexed about what to do this time. We have debated many options surrounding multiple topics. What colors should we use? What cabinets and how high? What layout? What appliances? The one thing we know is this--the SMEG C9GGXU 36” stainless steel gas range with 6 (yes, count them, SIX) burners. Our only concern is that the oven is gas as well. This means that it may be difficult to gauge the precise temperature. Does anyone have a gas oven or know anything about them?

Built-Ins

The large wall in our living / dining area comes complete with a recessed area. While this gives us loads of possibilities for what we could do with the space, it also creates a lot of decisions for us. Should we go for all bookshelves, like the previous owner? Should it be a HUGE media showcase (yes, we will finally buy a bigger tv that will ultimately allow us to host tv-centric events such as the Super Bowl)? Should it be a massive wine rack? (We're pretty sure that we could eventually fill the 1,000 spots it might take). We're still working out this conundrum with our architects, and this is the current proposal on the table. Media on the left. Wine on the right—with a serving space underneath and china storage under that. A hidden storage area sit in the middle.