What happens when you leave town!

I took about a week's vacation to be with some family members in Key West, but the work on the house continued. I am so happy to report that lots of good things happened while I was gone! Maybe I should leave again -- ?????

The most dramatic thing, I think, is the new front entry.  Here is what the original entry looked like:

 

The entry had two doors, but the one on the right is fake. It looked okay from the outside, however dated, but it was really confusing the first couple of times you entered. It just didn't make much sense.

So, Jerry Snow, (contractor extraordinaire!) has worked his magic once again!  Here is the new entrance -- with my lovely new door!

Yes, yes, yes -- the panel on the right is a bit wider than the one on the left. But I figure if I put a plant there no one will notice the difference. And I'm planning to paint the panels and the white "column" features that are in front of them some nice color. And paint that triangle of space above the door the same color. It will make the entrance look a bit more important, don't you think? (Color yet to be determined.) A really pretty door has been installed there, but since the door is open in this photo it's not completely visible. I'll get a good photo of it tomorrow.

Also!  Look at the "new" fireplace!  Here is a "before" photo, on the day I first saw the house, with Mrs. Stanfield's cherubs and statues still on the hearth. And that silly desk area to the right.

 

 

So, here is a "during" view, with all the demolition completed and the drywall in place.

 

 

And, voila!  Here is the "after" photo. It's all painted and clean and looks so much better than the brick. (Contractor Jerry Snow is doing the Vanna White imitation here...) Look at the bookcase! And just to the right of that is a pantry with really cool roll-out shelves. The refrigerator will go just to the right of the pantry.

 



 

 

 

Another view, sans Jerry this time. The door goes to the hall -- and the doors to the foyer are barely visible back there.

 



And -- while I was away, the kitchen cabinets were delivered!!!! Of course the granite countertops are not there yet, nor are the cabinet knobs and pulls. But I think you'll get the idea.

And -- the island! It's not permanently attached, and it's SO big! It might need some alteration before it's anchored. 

Here's another view.  The new back entrance is in the back corner, and you can just barely see the door to the utility/laundry room.

Okay - that's enough for now. Enjoy the Super Bowl, if that's your thing. I am going to a friend's house, but I'll arrive after they start the engines. And I'll probably leave before they play the last wicket.  Cheers, everyone!