I decided that I'm going to build my Merida home here in New York...room by room. The diorama I did showing how I'd like to see the kitchen and bath gave me a good feeling. It fleshed out my ideas and I think it's do-able.
I've been perusing so many sites looking at color palettes. I was fairly sure that I didn't want to go with whites and neutrals. The house is small, there are very few plumb walls, and I've always been happy with color. I found a home on a Merida architects' side that had THE colors! Deep, vibrant greens, blues and yellows. I'm not worried about whether or not my artwork will "go" with the palette. Thirty years ago I saw a bumper sticker that said:
"Good art doesn't have to match the furniture"
I've lived by that thought ever since.
The living room is fine the way it is with the exception of concrete furniture but I can have new cushions made and be happy. The ceiling height is about 14 feet which makes me very happy. That was the one feature I would not compromise on when looking for a home.
It's the "garage" that's had me thinking for weeks now. It is only 6' wide with a lower ceiling, it's somewhat dark and the first thing you see when you walk into the house. I thought skylights might work and considering that the roof needs to be resealed, now would be the time to make a change.
Then I got to thinking, why not make the space completely open? I'll have a nice garden view from the kitchen and living room and still have a place to leave the bicycle.
With all that being said, below is my "mini vision". Colors aren't quite right...I was limited on the selection of Crayolas.
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| Wish I could move the concrete furniture |
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| The garage doors are iron & glass which I think will be perfect for the new garden |
That's amazing! I think this is just the right thing to do if you want to wrap your head around a project. A 2-dimensional drawing just doesn't go far enough sometimes. I love the idea of a more open floorplan!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement! I'm glad you approve...hopefully the architect I'm meeting and the builders AND the budget will will all come together on this.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to adopt a more austere lifestyle, and quickly!
Hi Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI love your approach. I'm always scribbling plans on graph paper for DIY projects around the house. I'm following your blog with great interest as I'm also hoping to one day buy a small house in Merida and fix it up. Actually, I'm in the city right now for a few months to see how the weather and lifestyle fit, before actually taking the plunge. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Brenda
Brenda, thanks for your comments. I had a difficult time finding specific information when I first started my search and then found the blog, ImagineMerida. It's wonderful and lead me to more and more expats who's blogs have helped me along the way.
DeleteAs time goes on I want to include approximate cost of renovations so that other lost souls have an idea of what to expect.
Good luck in your search...Merida is amazing!
Let's enjoy a few more plates of shrimp ceviche before you begin the austerity plan, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteThe scheduled launch for the new plan is when I deplane from my next Merida trip. Bring on the ceviche!!!
DeleteDemolition is cheap. If the concrete furnishings don't work, get rid of them now while it's easy. We got talked into keeping some concrete shelving, they never really worked for us. Finally after about five years, we had them demolished, for probably 3 times more money since everything is more expensive now . Then there was the aggravation n of moving everything, dealing with the polvo, and trying to match the paint etc. It would have been better to just do it before we moved in.
ReplyDeleteWe have skylights with air vents in them in one of our rooms, I would love to replace our other set of skylights with the same thing only bigger. I also would have bigger overhangs on the vent holes than we have now. Airflow is key.
I am loving the dioramas. Such a clever idea! I painted our house in bright colors when we first moved, now I have lighter colored walls. Paint is relatively cheap and really affects the mood of the rooms. I am enjoying the change but I liked the other colors too.
regards,
Theresa
Theresa, you always have great advice! I'm going to give the concrete demolition more thought.
ReplyDeleteI'm really interested in the skylights you mentioned. I didn't realize they had vented ones. I will have to find out more.
I agree about the paint. It can always be changed.
As always, thanks much for your comments and suggestions! M
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteThe skylights are like chimneys, ours are not very tall. One of my friends has some that are almost two feet tall.
I am also a fan of clerestory windows if they fit the architecture of the house.
regards,
Theresa
Theresa, thanks for the clarification. I will definitely check into both options. I'm familiar with clerestory windows but never knew what they were called!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for your suggestions! Enjoy the day, Melissa
Installing a skylight in your garage will surely help brighten up the space. Aside from this, you can install windows instead of skylights to save yourself from headaches should your roof have leaks. Also, you have to pick the right color of the wall paint, for it'll either brighten or darken up your space. It seems that you're focusing on the color already, so I think that won't be a problem for you. :)
ReplyDelete-Lino Kosters
Thanks for the suggestions. My home like so many in Centro is attched to the adjoining properties so windows are oit of the question. I'm really hoping for an interior garden.
ReplyDeleteDo appreciate your input though!
Melissa, I second Theresa's suggestion of removing the concrete furniture if you are unhappy with it. Our architect says it is very easy to remove and repair the walls. We have some concrete shelving we are considering removing. Dusty, but relatively inexpensive to do. BTW, I love your approach to your design options.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion. It's not so much that I don't like the furniture...I just don't like the finish. Needs more drama.
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm there next month will give it more thought. Right now I'm trying to put together a complete list of projects!