House #7 Update: First Look at the Exterior & Design Thoughts

Things are starting to get real.  The architectural plans for house #7 are set.

There’s no going back on the floor plan now.  And with the lot cleared and the foundation about to be poured, it’s time for me stop pinning like a mad woman, adding house inspiration images to my dream house iphone album and pouring through design magazines and books.  The time has come for me to come up with a design plan for what will hopefully be our forever home.  I say hopefully because I’ve learned to never say never when it comes to moving.  😉  But we really are planning to live in this next house for the long haul.  While working with the architect on the floor plan I tried to think not just about what would work for us right now, but also about how we will want our home to function when we’re officially empty nesters.  Which with a 12 and 14 year old isn’t actually too far down the road for us… as crazy as that thought may be.

So the floor plan is set, the layout of the bathrooms and kitchen is planned.  But none of the finishes have been set in stone yet.  And I’m currently at a crossroads from a design standpoint.  I’m waffling.  What is going on in my head right now can best be described as what happens to a lot of brides when they go shopping for their wedding dress.  It’s like you have this vision in your head of what your dream dress looks like, but then you go to try on dresses that match that image and they just don’t look they way you thought they would.  Did this happen to anyone else?  I specifically remember thinking I wanted a strapless dress, all satin, very simple with no frills and absolutely no tulle.  But when I started trying on wedding dresses that particular style just didn’t fit my body type very well.  I tried on quite a few.  But none of the dresses I had dreamed about looked the way I imagined they would.

I walked down the aisle in a scoop neck with a full tulle skirt.  It was simple and elegant and not at all frilly.  And it was perfect for me.  I LOVED my wedding dress.  But it was NOT at all what I had dreamed my wedding dress would look like.  Can any of you relate?

This is what I feel is happening with the design elements for this house.  For years I’ve had a dream house folder where I’ve tucked away images I love.  I’ve made mental notes while watching movies and television shows.  I know you all do this too, right? I mean who doesn’t still swoon over the Father of the Bride house?  Or the entry foyer of Sally Field’s home on Brothers and Sisters?

A Love of Tradition

Traditional kitchens in neutral shades that feel warm and welcoming have always been my favorite.  Honestly ever since I was a little girl I’ve loved a white kitchen with warm wood tones.

(Meryl Streep’s kitchen in It’s Complicated)

(found on Pinterest, unsure of original source?)

(@JoannaGaines)

(@cestesdesign)

A Love for Color and Happy Spaces

But as I’m getting closer to the day when I have to nail down my selections, I feel my heart tugging me towards something with more color.  Happy, colorful spaces draw me in and make me want to stay.

(Becki Owens)

(Better Homes & Gardens)

(My Domaine)

Color isn’t something I’ve ever shied away from, but I’ve never been this bold.  And with this being what we think will be our forever home, I’m feeling a tad nervous about following my design gut.

I keep going back and forth. I’ll think – you should go with what you’ve always dreamed about.  But then I’ll think – you should go with what your heart wants not what your head is telling you is more logical.  I’ll think – neutrals are forever.  But then I’ll think – color can be very classic too.

The exterior of the house is set.  It’ll be a shade of pink (to be determined later), with black doors and white trim.

Because I believe the kitchen is the heart of the home, I feel like starting here with the design plan is the smartest move.  Hopefully if I can make up mind on what I want in here everything else will flow naturally without all the waffling and second guessing.

What are your thoughts?  Go with what you’ve always dreamed of, or go with what your gut is telling you now?  I’m not sure what the right design call is in this situation, but what I always tell my design clients is – don’t make a decision based on fear.  

That being said we’re usually talking about upholstery fabrics and wall paint colors……which are all fairly easy to change.  😉