Wow, is it Thursday already?  This week is flying by.  In the last seven days, we’ve decided that the house on the bay is the right one for us.  I think it was the breathtaking sunset views that sealed the deal ; )  And the fact that we’ll actually have a YARD for the first time in six years.  Peter finally has a dock for our ski boat that’s been sitting in storage since 2006.  Assuming the motor  still runs?  The kids are so pumped.  Here is a peek from last night.  Sorry for the poor quality photo.

There is much work ahead.  Mainly purging all of our stuff and reducing inventory before the move.  Ugh, and packing gobs of boxes.  Anyone want to come box with me?  I can offer champagne and whole grain goldfish for refreshments.  Super glamorous, I know.

Met with the painters yesterday and analyzed the interior paint situation in the house.  It’s not good.  Had all my wall and trim colors selected – a few selections I started playing around with:

Thought I had it all figured out but during yesterday’s walk-through one thing stopped all paint plans dead in my tracks.  The current trim color (a slightly offensive flesh-toned cream) is an oil-based paint.  Apparently it’s quite a process to paint over oil-based paint.  And CRAZY expensive.  Not in the budget.  So I’ll have to be a clever little designer and work with the existing trim color.  This should be interesting.

Other exciting design challenges I will have to work around and/or change in this home: fleurescent lights, carpet, oak cabinetry, bad wallpaper and yucky tile.  Funnnnnn.  So I’ll have plenty of blog material for the next few years!  Everything will have to be done in stages.  Guess how much my current budget is?  Nada.

Jealous yet?

Because the water view is a focal point along the back windows of the home, I think it’s important to keep the color palette clean and neutral.  Currently the main rooms are an overpowering pinkish red which burn my retinas.  I’ll reuse many of the furniture pieces from our Georgia home, which are darker cased goods.  As budget allows, over time I may pop in a few modern elements here and there to give it some flair.  Let me share a few inspiration shots I have for the design.

I’m aiming for layers of different textures and monochromatic tones.  My walls and trim will be a dark cream – not as light as this crisp white.  I like the interesting and quirky layers here.

We’ll be living in this home six months out of the year.  I’d like for it to have a relaxed, cozy, settled feel.  Maybe a Something’s Gotta Give meets Father of the Bride house on-the-bay-feel?  How’s that for a cray description.

Maybe Franck will come help and we’ll have a scene like this with Peter…

My favorite line in that scene:

George:  “Did we come in on budget?”

Franck:  “Of course not, George, of course not.”  

Ha ha.  All too familiar.

Peter has a few cool sailboats, wondering if I can find a place for them?  He was on the sailboat team at Georgia Tech and loves all things aquatic.  It would be nice to add his passion for the sea in our home.

Speaking of cool sailboats, I’ve had this pic on my phone forever. I think it’s a room in Ralph Lauren’s home?

A house full of equestrians and sailors.  Hmmm, interesting things to tie all together.

I’m sure by day three of packing, I’ll toss most of my clothes except for some button downs and tanks then decide it’s a great idea to  just wear a daily uniform.  Seriously, why do we have so many clothes when we usually just gravitate to one simple look with different accessories!??

Just like design, I usually go back to the classics.  They always make me happy.

By now you probably think I’m completely nuts.  Yep.  This post is complete : )

I’m very close to posting pics of things for sale before we move.  It won’t be a pretty post by any means, but it will show you all I have for sale.  Back soon!!