A Custom Medicine Cabinet.

So after I showed Paul my dream-cabinets, I suggested that he build what I had in mind. It doesn’t really look that complicated. But Paul assured me that “just a square box,” does not imply simplicity.

Paul explained it would be difficult. And that he is not a cabinet maker.
So I got some estimates for a custom-made cabinet… at which point, Paul decided that actually, on second thought—he is a cabinet maker.

Below is when the new wall was just being framed out. I forgot to take a photo from the inside of the bath. This is the outside, but shows the outline of the cabinet.

Paul sheetrocked the entire wall.

And then cut out the space for the cabinet. The wall on the right will house the sink and a large mirror.

Once he hung the door, I danced a little jig. It turned out fantastically. Paul has unintentionally signed himself up for many more complicated projects.

What I’m NOT Getting.

Designing our bath storage was a challenge. I wanted an extremely tall, oversized medicine cabinet. I wanted something recessed, with a huge mirror and glass shelves. Something that would reflect lots of light and compliment a vintage-style bath.

Clearly, they made this just for me: Roburn, Fairhaven:

I would clarify why I love it—but I assume its appeal is self-explanatory.

Wow. This is totally fascinating… keep reading.

May 11, 2012 By Victoria Elizabeth Barnes in Hall Bath 2 Comments Tags: bathroom inspiration, Big Project, Decor, Envy, Fixtures, Hall Bath, House, Marriage, Medicine Cabinet, Paul, Planning

My Husband — Original MadMan

Before there was MadMen, I referred to Paul’s project-state as, “MadMan”.
Because when he starts something, there is no stopping.

In the last five days he has:

Laid out all the floor tile so I could rearrange it in a way that satisfied me.
Tolerated way more rearranging than he thought was necessary.
Did all the math, made all the cuts, ran up and down the stairs, in and out of the house, back and forth to the wet-saw…
Installed the floor.
Waited for it to set.
Put the final coat of paint on the door, installed the mortice, and attached the doorknob and hinges.
Started on the subway tile.
Grouted.
Hung the door.
And found time to go pick up something I could not live without from craigslist

As a reminder, here is what we started with, before we Moved A Wall: Hall Bath

When we began gutting and discovered a second bath’s worth of tile, concrete, and reinforcement wire under the first: Twice the work.

You may also like: Our Front Porch Project

May 9, 2012 By Victoria Elizabeth Barnes in Hall Bath 2 Comments Tags: Bianca carrara, Big Project, Construction, Grout, Hall Bath, House, Marble lookalike tile, Paul, peronda museum tile, porcelain tile, Tile

Things I’ve Learned As A Wife.

Well, it’s Saturday morning at 8 a.m. Now that the bathroom is on hold, Paul is outside sawzalling the side porch. I’ve never met anyone else who wakes up on a Saturday, puts on work clothes. And runs outside. To saw stuff.

I didn’t even try to stop him. I could have, but then he would have been irritated. And Paul does irritation like you would not believe. And never more so than when prevented from demolitioning something, or building something, or fixing something. All while being incredibly loud.

Sorry neighbors. In the face-off between your peace, and mine? Mine wins.