I feel annoyed. My house is a disaster (we’re moving to our apartment next week; the temporary abode where we’ll be living until our condo is ready next year). If you’re just tuning into my downsizing story, here’s where my adventure starts. My kid is sensing my stress levels are climbing, so naturally she’s being an extra pain in the butt when it’s really inconvenient for me to be a loving and patient parent. I’m snapping at my husband. He’s snapping back (I hate it when he does that). It’s hot as @#%& and our central A/C, which has worked like a charm for as long as we’ve lived here, is deciding to be a bit bitchy today.
This is obvs a custom design but I can mimic the palette with what’s available from my builder’s standard finishes. I’m stealing the idea of a black island and white counter top and cabinets for my own kitchen. I’m pretty much pinning anything by California-based designer Amber Interiors. Photos by Amber Interiors. Visit houzz.com for more Scandinavian-inspired kitchen photos.
What’s a mom with genuinely modern problems to do? Go. On. Pintrest. Houzz. Google Image Search. Anything that feeds my eyes with inspiration for my new home (the condo, not the apartment) and helps me escape my routine, even for just a few minutes. Right now, I’m obsessing over the finishes because my first design meeting is coming up soon.
And (gasp), after a lot of deep talks with my friends who are condo dwellers (and unnecessary anxiety), I’ve decided I’m going to make the most of the builder’s finishes. (I’d love to know what you think of my decision. Comment below).
I’m leaning towards the last palette on the right. It strikes the right visual pitch for our mash up of stuff that’s mid-century, modern and even a little bit boho. I’m just one of those people who can’t commit to one look. I know I would get bored.
Why I’m choosing builder’s grade finishes for my condo
There’s less risk of mistakes and headaches. After speaking to a bestie who’s in the condo development game, I’m going to work with the builder’s available options and upgrades and will customize later. She’s seen a lot of fine design choices go wrong because the building contractors prioritize getting the project finished on deadline versus installing your wide-plank hardwood floors with love and attention.
I want to live in the space first….and make sure I love it. Like most people, I’m a sucker for mosaic marble tile and natural wood cabinets. But what if the space doesn’t deserve it? What if the value of my customizations won’t be recouped in the long run? What if we decide to move again within the next couple of years? There are a lot of question marks when purchasing a home from plan and I’d rather answer them once I’m up close and personal with the space.
And, finally, I don’t have a blow-out budget. Herringbone floors and Artemide recessed lighting throughout are lovely additions, however, I have to keep my budget in check which means making the most of of what comes in the price of the condo. I’d rather spend more on a few key pieces of furniture and artwork (in other words, the things that will make me feel at home wherever I live).
P.S. I will make one major switch-up. The bathroom tile. There’s so much excitement and design options available right now and the choices aren’t expensive, so this is where I’d like to customize to my personal taste. I plan to order my own and hire contractors to install them after we get possession. I’ll let you know about the dreamy salle de bains I have brewing in my head in a future post.
Luckily, inspiration is plenty for my chosen palette, so I’m not sweatin’ it. Here are some looks that I’m loving and trust me, I’m figuring out how to get them for less. I’ll share my tips and finds as soon as I have them. For cheap and chic decor ideas you can use now, read this post.
1 comment
I think the palette you chose is def. the best one. Very modern and easy to warm up with organic elements and wood accents. One of the best ways to customize the builder finishes is in the kitchen (and I’m guessing your place is open plan making the kitchen visible from your main living space)–splurge on pendant lighting you absolutely love for your kitchen island and upgrade the cabinet hardware to something a little more fancy. The countertops, too, if the ones on offer aren’t up to snuff. It will make your whole kitchen look custom. You can do the same thing in the bathroom, too. Good luck and keep posting progress pics!