Enter The Design Center

Going to the design center is an experience. I had heard from acquaintances how a trip to the center caused arguments, hair pulling, and the momentary loss of all reason for a number of people. Fortunately, this was not the case for us. Granted, we had some issues imagining what a few of the combinations would look like, but it was actually a pleasant 2 1/2 hours last night.

Surprisingly, it didn't feel like that long. A bit of advise, make as many of your decisions as you can before you go. We knew most of the available options when we placed the lot deposit, and had decided what we wanted in the house weeks in advance. Knowing where we wanted (hardwoods, tile, extra crown moulding, etc...) gave us time to work out the hardest part....carpet and wall colors..... After years in apartments, I couldn't wait to get away from white walls and beige carpets!

The final word for our house:

• hardwoods in the kitchen, dining room, living room
• tile in the bathrooms (master, 1st floor half, both second floor baths) and laundry
• double crown moulding on the first floor and 2nd floor common area
• a carpet upgrade through the house
• gas stove
• microwave/hood over the stove
• granite counter top in kitchen
• bronze hardware and lights upgrade
• trim package around windows
• screen rear porch*
• upgrade staircase*
• fourth bedroom with 3rd bath*
• glass block window in master bath*

The last thing we need to decide on is a refrigerator. We may go to Lowes or Sears, depending on the finishes available from the builder. We're not a fan of the way a stainless 'frige collects fingerprints.

*upgraded in July, before building began.