July 30 -- Day ?!?! -- Concrete work

A few days ago, we had all of the concrete and asphalt removed from the driveway, walkways and patio in the backyard.  I can't believe that 30 years of solid rock was removed in mere hours.  It was so quick there wasn't any time to get pictures!  Tree roots had split the asphalt driveway so we're getting a new concrete driveway.  The walkways were old and sagging so we're getting new concrete walkways.  And, the patio in the backyard was that old style red painted concrete.  So, we're getting a new stamped concrete patio.  We had to move the patio as well, to make it accessible by our new french doors.  See photo  =)

We plan on doing lots of alfresco cooking and dining on our patio.  It's shady in the afternoons and evenings and Santa Clara often has a really nice breeze in the evenings.  Can't wait!!!

July 21, 2010 -- Day 326 -- Kitchen Work

James installed the microwave into the cabinet.  The oven will be below the microwave.  All of the appliances are stainless steel, with black and chrome accents so the will all work nicely together.

Here's an up-close image of the backsplash.  It's hard to see all of the colors in this picture, but the backsplash looks really nice with the black countertops and the white cabinets.

These are the handles that we'll put on all the cabinets.  We really liked the chrome finish and the top molding on the handles imitates the molding on the cabinets.  Also, there were handles just like this at Renovation Hardware for 3 times the price!! James is an excellent shopper.

July 6, 2010 -- Day 306 -- Bathroom!!!

All of the bathroom tiles are in and grouted.  Take a look below for some before and after pictures...

Before

After....well, during really.

During.

This is the floor of the shower.  We chose tiles that are made to look like stone.  We thought they brought an element of nature and whimsy into the bathroom.  

This is the floor tile for the rest of the bathroom.  It's a dark brown with a "wool" pattern.  The very slight pattern gives the bathroom a textural feeling.  LOVE IT!