Durango Renovation - Day Eighteen

Today marked the wrap up of the painting at the Durango renovation.  The painters and I walked the house this morning with a new set of eyes looking for any punch out work that needed to be done.   There was almost none.  The house looks amazing.  After the few items were complete, the loaded up and headed back to Dallas.  With four of them (all under the age of 35) they will take turns driving and make it back in one day.

One of the many things that was completed while I was shopping on additional furnishings and accessories for this project in Los Angeles was the renovation of the front door.  Many of the luxury homes here in the mountains have special, one of a kind, art doors.  They are often hand carved and hand colored.  Sounds a bit odd and I imagine that some of them can be.  I wasn't that excited about this one when I first saw it.  But it was faded and the finish in very rough shape.  I have no idea how cool it really was. 

The entire frame was sanded, the color restored and resealed.  Many layers were stripped from the threshold and it was also restored.  The stiles and rails of the doors (the wide boards on the top and bottom that hold the door together) were  treated.  The old finish was lifted and the color enhanced on the carvings and now the door is really amazing.  It looks and (importantly) feels like new.  I am now a big fan.  Restored is not to big a word for the work that they guys did on the Entry Doors. 

I say "feels" because one of the best ways to determine the quality of a paint job is by touch.  Slide your finger tips across the enamel.  It should feel smooth and quite seamless.  That is the mark of excellent workmanship.  

Yes, that is snow on the Entry mat.  There was about 1 1/2 - 2 inches of ice on the private road topped by 5 inches of snow when I arrived this morning.  It made for a very exciting ride.  Especially since some of the trees bend dramatically under the weight of the snow and hang down into the road.  Very Indiana Jones.  The painters had a little difficulty leaving but with all the equipment packed in their truck, it wasn't too bad.  

There are a pair of great custom doors that provide privacy to the sleeping area within the Master Suite.  They are now refinished and operate much more nicely than before. They were removed, refinished and re-installed.

The Master Suite has multiple shades of color within it, lighter ceilings and deeper walls.  The fireplace is also in a deeper tone.  The beams look amazing in the room.  The peach and ivory ceiling fan is on its way out.

The stairway to the Observatory used to sort of blend into the walls.  It didn't make a statement.  It does now and the wood looks rich and warm.  The iron railing speaks the heavy black iron plates that are used as part of the structure and are now featured on the beams.

There is now an accent wall in the Breakfast Room.  It is not nearly so blue as it appears in the shot, but that was due to the reflected light from the SNOW! 

Those of you that know me well know that I have very little patience when it comes to then projects that I am entrusted with.  With each step, things look better and better (even during demolition) and I just want to see more and more.  Now there is a bit of space between the installation of new cabinetry, the template making of the quartz counter tops, the installation of LOTS of lighting fixtures and truckloads of furniture.  I'm so excited about the way the house is looking that it is hard to wait!  But wait I must.  I will keep you updated on each step, no matter how small.  I hope you are enjoying the journey as much as I am.  I really believe I have the very best job in the world. 

More on Thursday after the Island cabinets are installed. 

ALD