Renovation Round Up: As It Stands

Life in the basement is quiet and dark. It reminds me a lot of New England. The kids have made forts in every available closet and under every bed and ottoman. The air feels slightly stuffy without the windows open. We are all going stir crazy. I forget that some days are beautiful and we stay hibernated all afternoon.

We are so thankful for our Project Manager/Contractor, Sean Popieniek at Kelly McArdle Construction. While I started the renovation process in July, Sean and his crew took over last month for the big stuff and have been wonderful ever since. Now that everything has been taken apart, the fun is starting and we are beginning to see the light.

Back in the Spring when we started this process, my friend Kathy Wilder fancied up a couple of design boards to help keep me focused. Thank God because after this long I could have changed my mind a thousand times. 

Here is Where We Started Almost 6 Months Ago:

Here is Where We Are Right Now:

The kitchen was redone around 7 years ago, and while not my personal favorite, I couldn't justify gutting it. So we kept the existing cabinets and refinished them. Also kept were the SubZero fridge and wine cooler and unused Kenmore double oven and dishwasher. I know, not my favorite but literally they have never been turned on. Everything else is being replaced! (More on that later)

Sean's guys took the master bathroom down to the studs and are presently laying the tile!! The future is getting clearer...and whiter!

The kids bathroom revelaed rotted flooring and rad 70's wallpaper. Gutted the whole thing. . .Surprise!

I fell hard for this grasscloth from Phillip Jeffries. The dining room is going to get tons of use when we are done!

The original wallpaper was going to cost me a year of preschool tuition, so I last minute switched it up and decided to go for fun instead of classy in the 1/2 bath. My painter is going to kill me. . .now my trim paint is all wrong! 

Oops, Did I do that. . .

Charlotte's Finest: Allison Sprock Fine Art

Meeting new friends is always fun. Meeting a new friend like Allison Sprock . . . enlightening. A mutual (and dear) friend of ours recently introduced us, and we have had nothing but fun ever since.  Allison has an extensive background in the arts that includes time spent in New York City, Atlanta, Charleston, SC and San Fransisco.  Presently in Charlotte, North Carolina, her gallery, Allison Sprock Fine Art, is committed to raising an awareness of local established and emerging artists; and to bringing a European sophistication to the Queen City. 

Tuesday night, Allison hosted the opening reception for established artist Cher Cosper at her Myers Park Gallery. Cher's work is truly as fun, bright, loud and lovely as she is. While often understated, closer examinations of her work reveal symbols of Christianity and love. 

I Love Him  12 x 12 (Sold)

Cher's eclectic and modern style is evident in the following painting entitled Double Pink.

Double Pink 16 x 20 $1000 

While Tuesday evening was spent showcasing Cher Cosper, the gallery itself is full of artwork from American and European artists. 

The Parlor at Allison Sprock Fine Art

In attendance Tuesday evening was local artist Marcy Gregg. The recipient of the prestigious 2013 Art With Heart's Emerging Artist Award. Overcoming "incredible odds" in 2006, Marcy committed herself to her "true passion, art." Her artwork explores natural form, color and texture. 

Marcy Gregg Peaceful Meadow 30 x 30 $1,500

The gallery has a substantial collection of available artwork by southern artist Gee Gee Collins. Gee Gee's work includes one of my personal favorite's.

Gee Gee Collins

While potentially spoken for, the modern expressionist nude (shown above) would be a welcome addition to our collection. 

Allison Sprock Fine Art is located in the heart of Myers Park at 600 Queens Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207. Stop by or make an appointment by calling 704-705-2000.