Category Archives: Plans & Progress

This is where we lay out our to-do-list and show the not-so-pretty, work-in-progress pictures.

Design Options For Our Basement Stairs

Everything architectural has been selected for our basement, aside from one thing that we’ve been putting off for months… What could this major design decision be you ask? Turns out it’s not so major at all. It’s simply our stairs. Here’s what we are working with: When we started the project, we had Carpenter Homes open up part of the stairwell to create a more airy space and to allow us to have a statement railing. While it was worth it, this project wasn’t easy for our contractors and cost a bit more than we imagined. We also had them tear up the carpet, which our builder installed using carpet leftover from the upstairs’ bedrooms. It got pretty beat up during construction. They… Read More

By Katie | Filed under Plans & Progress, Renovations | Tags: , , , , , , ,

Overcoming Indecision and Second Guessing

A big misconception about Daren and me is that we are naturally decisive. Because we run a blog about home design, and manage to complete house projects without ruining our marriage, people assume that when we come up with a plan, we stick to it and that the decisions along the way are easy. While we do have a knack for design, and Daren is incredibly handy, that is not always the case. There is a reason this blog is called pretty domesticated and it’s not just because I think our house is pretty. It’s because for every day we have it pulled together, there is a day, or two, where our house and projects are a hot mess. At the end of a project, are… Read More

By Katie | Filed under Plans & Progress, Renovations | Tags: , , , , , , ,

Quartz Countertops + Some Extra Stone Details

If you’re here for the basement tour, you’ve come to the right place. While progress in the basement has slowed down over the past month, Northern Stone and Clearwater Custom Cabinets recently hooked us up with some impact pieces — quartz counters and one-of-a-kind cabinets. Now that the cabinets and countertops are in we expect things to start progressing quickly. Our contractor, Carpenter Homes, says we should be able to indulge in a family movie night by Christmas! That is, as long as we don’t make any last minute changes and pull our weight on the DIY stuff! Uffda, here’s to hoping! Let’s start with the bar. If you need a refresher on the look we are shooting for click here. At this… Read More

By Katie | Filed under Plans & Progress, Renovations | Tags: , , , , , , ,

Where to Find Patterned Tile + Bathroom Progress

I now fully understand the hashtag #Ihaveathingwithfloors. I am head over heels for our bathroom floor. I will love it for ever and ever and ever (or at least until it becomes dated, which is hopefully NEVER!).  Our bathroom tile has received a lot of attention since I first posted it on Instagram and shared the bathroom design plan.  Like our office painting, it’s safe to say it’s a fan favorite. Since I’m generous, I’m giving up all the details. But first a close up. Ignore the dirt, it still needs a good scrub down. This stunning tile is Cement Tile Shop’s Bordeaux pattern in Pacific Black. I came across it  after seeing patterned floors over and over again in my Pinterest and Instagram… Read More

By Katie | Filed under Plans & Progress, Renovations, Rooms & Details | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,