new home update...

last week john and i visited the design center to choose all of our options and upgrades.  we got there thinking we were totally set and prepared, and walked out with darker cabinets and many other changes!  after building two previous homes, we learned from our mistakes and knew exactly what we wanted in this home.  here are some of our choices:

* knotty alder cabinets throughout - cappuccino color - staggered in kitchen
* granite counters - giallo santo (lighter color with greys, browns)
* GE profile appliances - stainless (w/french door fridge - freezer on bottom!)
* two-tone paint - almond latte & cottage white
* upgraded carpet & pad - suede (a darker brown swag-type rug)
* tile throughout - citrine (cream, light & dark browns) - staggered
* rain glass shower doors
* larger baseboards (3 1/4")
* laundry room upper & lower cabinets
* taller garage doors
* garage door openers
* garage insulation
* 8 ft r.v. gate
* upgraded grass landscape package
* ceiling fans in all rooms
* water softener
* 2" wood blinds - cameo color (cream-ish!)

typing this all out makes me even more excited!! the whole design process went very smoothly for us. we're pretty much on the same page with everything.  the only hang up was the carpet - it took many many samples, sitting next to the tile & cabinet, to finally decide!  so, now that the design process is out of the way they submit everything to the builder, then the plans go to the city for approval, and then they set the construction schedule.  we heard from the builder that the plan approval has been received, and they're scheduling on monday. we can't wait!!!  we are so excited to be able to move into a completely finished home -- no rushing to run out and get estimates on blinds and install them; or run out and buy two garage door openers and install them; or get a water softener (which is nearly mandatory living down here in the desert -- just ask kam & i with our eczema!).  john has some good ideas brewing for the backyard already.  it would be super sweet if those plans included a big ol' swimming pool {hint, hint -- that huge yard needs something to fill it up}!!