It started small.

I live in a home that is just barely 1300 sf. It is a modest home and I love it. In May I finished my first remodeling project. It only took fourteen months. Only.

I can imagine the thoughts that are running through your mind, but only those who have gone through a remodel themselves understand such a time line. Oh, and let me add - I played the role of general contractor. I saved myself about half of the cost (or more) of some of the bids I received from licensed general contractors to undertake my kitchen remodel, but I certainly didn't spare myself any headache! And even with a plan and a budget, things got out of hand. A demolished kitchen brought with it questions that I hadn't fully contemplated. If I was demolishing everything, did that also mean the ugly floors? And if I was going to install new hardwood flooring in the kitchen (to match most of the rest of the house's existing hardwood floors) shouldn't I do it while the room was empty?

For the record, I did do it while the room was empty. And since the company was onsite doing the hardwood floor installation, I had them do the only other rooms that were also without hardwood - the two bathrooms. I also had them refinish the floors throughout the rest of the house while they were here.

And THAT is probably where the WHOLE HOUSE REMODEL started ... fourteen months ago.

I will probably do some retrospective postings on the who, what, when, where and how regarding the whole process in the coming months. Until then, I wanted to share with you the picture that served as inspiration. This image is from Cottage Living's online Design Assistant. You can view photos of kitchens (and other rooms) featured in the magazine and its sister publications (Sunset, Coastal Living, Southern Living, Southern Accents). Pictured is the inspiration photo of the kitchen that started it all.