Thursday, November 24, 2016

Concrete & a Few Final Details

First of all, I grew up with a mom who worked for a construction company and I learned at an early age that concrete consists of cement, sand and gravel with a judicious application of water to get it all stuck together.

It drove her crazy when someone would refer to the foundation of a building was laid in cement.  So, in order to not make my mother crazy at this late date, NOLA House is a brick foundation on top of concrete.

I found a spray on texture that would look like concrete or gravel and got a board cut down for the base.  It took a few hours to dry so while that was going on I did a few other things. 

I got the second picture for the front room framed and matted.


And stuck it to the wall.  I'm pretty happy with how it looks and it fits with the other picture.  I have no idea who painted this one. I found it under a search for watercolors of New Orleans. 

I hunted down one of my flowerpots and got it situated on the balcony table's lower shelf.  It's a little big but I liked how it filled in the space and it's a pop of color that I wanted against the house.  And my pitcher arrived.  I loved the shape and size of it and how it doesn't quite match the glasses. More of that mismatched bargain hunting for our homeowner and also typical of my experience in the South.  Once folks start drinking it's easier to make up a huge pitcher rather than go back to the kitchen a million and one times for refills.



I also didn't like how bare the bedroom corner near the dresser looked so I got a jug and added some flowers.


I like how they fill the space.

And because the bathroom has all that water damage to the ceiling and wall in the sink corner I messed with the insulation in the attic over that corner so it looks like it's been soaked.



I also took a few minutes to get some keys onto a little key ring and put them on the desk, and put the purse and a pair of shoes down near the front door.  I might find a few things to put in the purse so it doesn't look empty and boring.



Once all that was done the concrete texture was dry so I brought it in and got the flowerbeds and house set onto it.
 

And then I had fun turning on all the lights and taking pictures of everything.






 
 






I've got to dust the windows too. 

I figure I'll give it a day or so and then bring it outside to my driveway and take some pictures of it there.  Natural light can only help.  And hopefully I'll have a decent background for the house. 

I'm hoping to get some decent shots and figure out the best way to take pictures of the interior.  Since we're only allowed four pictures I really worry about showing the house in its best light.

18 comments:

  1. It looks amazing! Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thank you! I'm excited to be almost done.

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    2. This all looks so, so good. I love seeing your detail shots and reading about the process of how you arrive at the solutions. This is a unique and very appealing build. Well done, Sheila!

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    3. Thank you! I'm amazed that I'm nearly done. The photos will be the really hard part.

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  2. It looks fab Sheila :0)
    If you want my advice about taking photos, (you probably won't but I'll tell you anyway :0P), is take the photo low down as if you're an actual person in the house. I always think photos taken from above take away from the realism. I try to take photos as if from a mini persons point of view just walking into a room. Outside shots look good if you blur the real-life background and just above the base of your build so it looks like it is part of the scenery.
    Good luck :0)x

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    1. That is awesome advice. I think in the next few days I'm going to be practicing a lot!

      Thank you so much. I know that I love how your photos of your builds look, it's getting there that's an issue. I'm going to keep in mind what you've said and also go hunt up some mini photo tutorials.

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    1. Thank you! It's kind of a relief you know?

      And now I'm off to start reading photography tutorials.

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  4. It certainly looks like a comfy and warm place to visit. :D Well done!

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    1. Thank you! I'm just really pleased to be mostly finished.

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  5. Well done Sheila! And well before time too!

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    1. Yeah I keep looking at it and thinking there are other things to add...but I want to be done.
      Thank you!

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  6. Most Impressive Sheila! I love all of the added details which make your rooms come alive! The shoes kicked off at the front door is perfect and the laptop in use on the desk is a natural!
    I must also comment on how the wharf in the framed watercolor, picks up the design in your drapes - a very nice touch!
    You have made a mini home and except for the major leak in the roof, I am certain your home owner is quite Happy and Content to be living in it! :D

    elizabeth

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    1. Thank you! I love those shoes... I want some in my size.

      I didn't even notice the picture and the designs of the drapes matched...Nice catch!

      Yes, except for the leaking roof... and the rusting pipes, and the tub overflowing on to the floor and through the tin ceiling of the kitchen... no problems. Thanks!

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  7. I'm seeing your work for the first time and it's fabulous. I love all the details in this very cozy home, both indoors and out.
    I hope to be one of your followers if Google allows it.
    Hugs, Drora

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    1. Thank you so much! I'm really excited to be nearly done.

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  8. Hello, glad to find your blog. Wonderful work with great ideas. Greetings from Hungary.

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    1. Thank you! The build took me the better part of a year.

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