Bathroom project hits cover of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles 21st Annual Bath Contest Winner!

You watched the drama of Musso Design Group designer Catherine Cocke's long and tortuous house renovation on HGTV's My Big Amazing Renovation. Through 18 months and two pregnancies, Catherine and Byron masterfully transformed and updated a Mid-century home into a spacious retreat for their growing family.

During the filming Catherine and her family dealt with floods, roof leaks, falling trees, no-show contractors and a gamut of other issues. But in the end they prevailed and the result is fantastic.

Now that hard work is paying off. Catherine and husband Byron are winners of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles 21st Annual Bath Contest! And, their master bathroom graces the cover of the July, 2010, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine.

"It's an amazing honor to be an Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Bath Contest winner," Catherine says. "I love the result, although the journey here was tough. But I can't wait to do the next one!"

Find more photos of this bathroom, and several others, on our website.

Catherine Cocke on HGTV

Don’t forget to watch (or record) Catherine in her TV debut this Saturday at 8:30 AM.

HGTV's My Big Amazing Renovation captures Catherine’s 18 month journey in renovating their 1950’s home into a modern masterpiece, all while being very pregnant. Always clever, HGTV titled this episode, "Going Big in Georgia."

During the filming Catherine and her family (there were four then) had to deal with floods, roof leaks, falling trees, no-show contractors and a gamut of other issues. But in the end they prevailed and the result is fantastic.

You might catch a glimpse of Bill and Todd collaborating with Catherine on the project at the Musso Design Group office - if we didn’t end up on the proverbial cutting room floor!

Congratulations to Catherine and Byron on a job really well done! (Tell us your thoughts on the show by leaving a comment on this blog.)

My Big Amazing renovation airs on HGTV at 8:30 AM this Saturday, January 9, 2009.

Catherine's Remodeling Adventures

By Catherine Cocke

I have been through many home remodeling projects, but this latest project was the most complex and time-intensive ever. It was complicated by two production schedules: HGTV's My Big Amazing Renovation and my pregnancy! My husband Byron and I recently converted a 1950's Decatur ranch into a contemporary home to better fit our growing family's needs.

I was intimately involved in this renovation so I could learn more about plumbing and electrical systems. This helped me define my aesthetic choices to know how and why things work. Here are a few of my "lessons learned."

1) Eco-Friendly Cuts Energy Costs
While high-efficiency metal-clad windows and spray soy-foam insulation cost more upfront, the energy savings are amazing! I’m a big fan now of green materials. It’s also worth stretching the budget so your home’s airtight, structurally sound and well-built from the beginning.

2) Hire A Designer
No matter how good builders are, they don’t think like designers. Details slip through the cracks affecting the beauty and livability of your home. Take air vents, furniture layouts and window treatments. I had to pressure my subs to place fans, vents, thermostats and switches in less visible exterior areas. Contractors pop vents where it’s easiest—but that becomes unsightly.

3) Order in advance
Shop and order appliances, plumbing fixtures and finishes before starting. You can then devote time to other project details and not risk delays because of late deliveries. Check on delivery lead-times so you don’t pick out-of-stock items—or hold up your projects for weeks.

4) Remodels take longer and cost more
No matter how skilled you or your contractor are, there will always be surprises when you tear apart an existing house.

On the flip side, deadlines such as the arrival of a film crew or baby can encourage workers to get moving. I would point to my huge belly and say I could go into labor any moment — the guys would frantically work faster and stay longer!

TIP: If someone’s working Sundays, late into the night, or performed an especially good job, offering a cold drink, cookies and a heartfelt thank you goes a long way to inspire good will and loyalty. We will be in touch as soon as we know more about the HGTV production schedule!