Rosemary Beach Renovation Unveiled

Our project at Rosemary Beach, Florida, has wrapped up. We thought you would like to see some photos!

Built in 1999, this home was designed by Bobby McAlpine of McAlpine Tankersley Architecture. It was the first beach front home constructed in Rosemary. Our task was to update a dark and dated home into a bright, interesting and relaxed second home for clients in Atlanta. We started this top-to-bottom renovation in December, 2009, and finished in early June.

A significant challenge was the very low and claustrophobic kitchen ceiling. By removing sheet rock and rerouting plumbing to a third floor bathroom, and wrapping beams in reclaimed timber, we converted a liability into a very interesting asset.

The living area on the main floor is designed to be flexible and take on different arrangements as needed for different entertaining scenarios. Sectional sofas and tufted ottomans are meant to move around to accommodate large parties or intimate gatherings.

Shades of turquoise appear on every floor to provide continuity throughout the home. The turquoise was paired with different colors: neutrals on the main floor, chartreuse in the ground floor guest bedroom, and a bold and fun orange in the third floor teen loft.

The master bedroom is calming and sophisticated. The Waterworks tile in the master bath echoes the rich colors from the Gulf of Mexico, just outside the owner’s screened in porch. This tile became a jumping off point for the master suite’s color scheme of blues and browns. The custom headboard was designed by Bill.

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!