I did four smart things before I had my kitchen–bedroom remodeled.

1. I lived in the house for a period of time (3 yrs) so I knew what it was about the house that drove me crazy (lack of closet space, cramped kitchen that hadn’t been touched since the house was built in 1932 and the flow was wrong—to get to the backyard you had to walk through the master bedroom).
2. During my three year “wait” I collected photographs from magazines (everything from Dwell to the NYTimes magazine supplement) of rooms, countertops, walls, flooring, appliances, windows etc. etc. Some of the photos I simply loved for the color of the walls or the way the light came through windows even if the design of the rooms were impractical for my tiny bungalow. It didn’t matter. Anything that appealed to me I tore out of whatever magazine I was looking at and put it in “the house” folder (which became a small box which became folders which eventually graduated to a group of thick folders in their own plastic file box).
3. For three years I went to the AIA Austin Home Tour which occurs every October. That way I could be physically in the spaces architects designed, which, for me, was much better than simply looking at an architect’s portfolio. It was on one of these tours that I experienced a house Christy had designed, which is why I chose her for my remodel. Her use of space, light and innovation fell in line with everything I desired for my house.
4. While my house was going through the remodel I moved into my garage apartment. Soooooo much easier than living with the remodeling even though in this tiny apartment I was surrounded by stacks of boxes and all my clothes were on rolling hanging racks I still had a functioning kitchen and bathroom!

I had never worked with an architect before so I wasn’t certain what I could expect. Fortunately, Christy and my contractor, Jason Williams of Shoal Creek Construction, had enormous amounts of patience and walked me through every step of the remodeling process.

Before our first meeting I sorted through the photos I had been collecting for three years and put the ones I thought appropriate for a kitchen or bedroom into categories of “kitchen” and “bedroom.” I made color photocopies so I could put the photographs into notebooks for both Christy and Jason. For me it was the best way to visually explain what I found appealing and necessary. As I went through this process it became apparent to me that I need loads of natural light, I wanted my kitchen to be an open airy space and, in my bedroom, a closet the size of Montana.

What I learned.

1. Even simple remodeling is a long process because there are always, always, always unexpected experiences—like a crumbling foundation that is hidden until you dig down to it or a counter top that breaks or an unexpected weather situation. Ergo you need to be flexible!
2. Sometimes what seems to be a problem can be turned into a solution. When the ceiling was removed from my kitchen it was discovered that some of the attic beams would have to be replaced due to a fire that occurred sometime in the 1940’s. When everything was out and the ceiling opened completely both Christy and I loved how this unexpected cathedral ceiling opened up the space. After we both oooed and ahhhed at the openness Christy turned to me and said, “I can make this work!” And she did. Beautifully.
3. You will have unexpected expenses. See #1—hidden crumbling foundation. It happens. It isn’t anyone’s fault. Be fair to yourself—if you want to set aside $50k for a remodel, make it $60k–$70k just to be safe.
4. Incomparable joy. I had no idea how much I would love my house after the remodel. It is exactly what I wanted and then some. Not long ago I hosted my book group. There were nine of us in the kitchen at one time and no one felt crowded or got into each other’s way. We moved seamlessly from kitchen to dining room to the back deck. The flow was perfect. Every morning when I walk into my closet (maybe not the size of Montana, but I have room for absolutely everything!) I stand there for a moment and admire how neat and tidy and organized it is and I have room to spare!

Would I remodel again? Absolutely. On the other hand, now that my house is perfect, I can’t imagine moving anywhere else.