From our family to yours wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you enjoy gathering with your nearest and dearest and indulging in your family’s favorite dishes!

Here is our families favorite cheesecake recipe courtesy from our Aunt Margaret Krempl who lives in Texas and those Texans know how to make everything good, every year for every holiday someone in our family requests her famous cheesecake.

Crust:

1 1/2 cup of graham cracker cumbs

1/2 cup sugar

1 stick of butter

*special ingredient Cinnamon 1 T sprinkled in

mix these ingredients together with a fork and then press into the bottom and up the sides of your spring form pan

.

Filling:

combine

2 packages of cream cheese

1 cup of sugar

1 tsp of vanilla extract

3 eggs *added in 1 at a time    (pour the filling over the crust and bake for 60 minutes at 350 degrees

This last step is what really makes it different !

Topping which is going to be put on after your cheesecake is finished baking for 60 minutes

1 pint of sour cream (16 ounces)

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp of vanilla extract

1/2 tsp of cinnamon ( mix all together for a creamy top to your cheesecake, spread evenly and bake for an additional 15 minutes at 350 degrees)

  our family also adds fresh strawberries and whip cream you could add any fruit our topping of your choice!

Filed under: Blog, Uncategorized by Michele Morris

Silver Leaf Townhomes by D.R. Horton

With the increase of housing prices many are looking for some affordable options too! D. R. Horton has started building in the Silver Leaf Community near Joliet Junior College. How Refreshing to be able to build new at a great price. We had the privilege to meet with our builder Rep Kat and preview the models now preselling.

They have 4 models to choose from:

McKinley 1579 square feet, 2 bedrooms 2.5 baths plus a loft and 2 car garage priced at $179,900

Charleston 1597 Square feet, *ranch* townhome, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2 car garage priced at $199,990

Lincoln 1756 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with second floor laundry and 2 car garage priced at $189,990

 Garfield 1758 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, second floor laundry and 2 car garage priced at $192,990

Check out how light and bright the Garfield Model is with a generous open floor plan.

Each home includes a Lower level bonus room which can be used as an office, media room, play room or even a guest room! Plenty of storage closets and under the stair storage.

All homes now come with the new smart home technology which integrates seamlessly with all of your devices. Control your systems through one application, whether on your computer, tablet or phone. This award winning panel connects you to the entire suite of home is connected devices. Enjoy new features with Bluetooth capability, touchless front door access, temperature controls, alarm system, light switches, amazon alexa, and more.

To make it an even better deal D.R. Horton has an in house lender that is providing a reduced interest rate at 2.99% plus $5,000 in closing cost assistance.

If you would like more information, floor plans or want to schedule a viewing let us know!

Filed under: Blog by Michele Morris

Staples has a huge back to school sale offering Crayons and Markers for 50 cents when you spend 30.00 and 20% your total purchase when you purchase a backpack! Most all of their supplies are discounted to be 42% off

https://www.staples.com/deals/School-Supplies/BI783896

Target now available with drive up and go you don’t even need to go in! Select supplies starting at just 50 cents and 20% off promo and 55% off backpacks target

Amazon save up to 56% on all school supplies amazon

Office Depot 20% off plus notebooks starting at just 10 cents each Office Depot

Walmart has roll back on glue sticks pack of 3 for $2.97 and pens, markers, pencils and notebooks also on sale  backpacks as low as $9.00 walmart

Supply Lists 

Plainfield

Minooka

Troy

Joliet

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet will host its 27th Annual Back to School Fair event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, August 1, 2019 at Joliet Catholic Academy, 1200 N. Larkin Avenue, Joliet.
The Catholic Charities Back to School Fair is a FREE “one-stop event” designed to help low income Will County families with children ages newborn to 18 years receive vital information and assistance all in one place.
Nearly 50 agencies work together to provide families with children (newborn to 18 years-old) with school and sports physicals; dentistry; vision, speech, and hearing screenings; asthma and lead screenings and; haircuts.
And of course, K-12 students can get new backpacks and school supplies; Preschool-12th graders can get new and gently used books.
Please share this information with anyone you think might benefit.1560975970flyer attached

Filed under: Blog, Uncategorized by Michele Morris

Newly listed in sought after Theodore’s Ridge Subdivision located off Ridge road and Theodore in Kendall County. 

Theodores Ridge is a community with 145 homes newly completed built by AP Homes.

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This small Subdivision with low HOA dues $350 a year feeds into Plainfield School District 202 which are located in between the subdivision and Greywall Club next door. http://tjes.psd202.org/   http://asms.psd202.org/

Both Elementary and Middle School are located within walking distance from this home about .5 mile away.

Under 5 years old, better than new construction!  Listed at $267,000

Beautifully updated 4 bedroom 2.5 bath On a large corner lot this 2300 square foot home with gracious open floor plan basks in natural light. Endless upgrades include fresh paint, luxury vinyl plank flooring, new trim and lighting.

Kitchen with cabinets galore, Classique Calcutta Quartz counters, herringbone backsplash, new stainless fridge and stove. Spacious laundry/mudroom off the 2 car garage. Upstairs 4 generous sized bedrooms await.

Master Suite with custom lighting and spa like bath equipped with double bowl vanity, tiled shower and soaking tub. Full basement with bathroom rough in. New A/C 2019

Similar style homes are currently being built new for upwards of 290,000 within a few miles, why wait and build? This home still falls under the 10 year builder structural warranty,https://www.aphomes.net/

Filed under: Blog, Uncategorized by Michele Morris

Smart ways to turn your tax refund into Homeownership

Home buying (and selling) season usually kicks off around Tax Day in early Spring! For most the scramble to save as much as you can prior to buying a home can seem daunting, Closing costs, down payment, inspections and earnest money oh my…. Here are some of the top ways you can spring forward into homeownership this spring and use your hard earned dollars to help.

1. Pay down debt – To purchase a home you need a credit score of 580 or higher and this is a crucial factor to determine your eligibility in obtaining a loan. Increase your credit score and lower your debt to income by paying off high interest credit card debt. For other tips on what should be paid down its a great idea to speak with a lender.
2. Down Payment– Depending on what loan you and your lender choose you will need 3.5 percent -5% down this is a total amount based off the purchase price of the home you choose. That IRS windfall you were not counting on can really add to what you have saved quickly.
3. Earnest Money Deposit- When you find the perfect home you will be required to give a deposit which is called Earnest Money. This amount will later come off the total down payment and closing cost amount needed to secure your loan. This Earnest Money is given within a few days after a contract is signed and usually equal to 1% of the home price. on a $200,000 home most sellers like to see $2,000. as Earnest money.
4. Home Inspections- While it is not a requirement to get a home inspected before you purchase it, we always recommend you do so. Its a good idea to make sure your not getting in over your head or that something will cost more than you budget for repair. Home inspections are completed within the first 5 business days a home is under contract and typically range in price based off the home square footage.
5. Savings- Start that rainy day fund. A great rule of thumb is to have 6 months worth of mortgage payments in an account in case you should ever need it to fall back on. Sometimes when owning a home you have unexpected maintenance costs having money aside can release you from the financial burden.
6. Build Equity- Not every home is move in ready and currently lots of deals on homes that need a little bit of work, build some sweat equity with your savings and make some simple renovations that can help you increase the value of your home exponentially.

Thinking of taking the plunge into homeownership? Reach out to us and we will get you on the right path! In the mean time have fun searching what is currently For Sale! www.michelemorrisrealty.com/homes-for-sale-featured/

Filed under: Blog by Michele Morris

8 Tips to getting your home ready to sell without spending a lot of money. 

created by dji camera

Spring is typically when the housing market gets flooded with homes! We always suggest beating your neighbors to the punch and listing your home a little earlier than most. Less for buyers to choose from can mean more money in your pocket. Often times the task of listing your home can be daunting and many do not know where to begin, let our experience work for you! Below find a list of items that are rather inexpensive and will not only make your home look great, but will also help to sell faster and for more money.

1. Paint-for 30 dollars you can buy a gallon of paint. Change the whole look of your home. So long are browns and beiges and hello to grey and white pallets. Our favorite colors that go with everything are from Sherwin Williams we like them so much we use them in ourown homes!

   1. Repose Gray, and Eider White are stunning on the wall and really do a wonderful job of toning down oak tones you may already have in your home. They brighten up dark spaces and give a clean neutral look to your home.

      1. Pussywillow gray SW 7643 it is a touch darker than repose gray and looks beautiful in any home. If this seems to dark for you, you can have it cut by 50% and it will give you the same tone just lighter. See below the great room from our newest listing 7216 Yorkshire, Joliet IL 60431 painted in Pussywillow Gray.

2. Declutter-Staging your home will help to highlight your homes strengths, hide its weaknesses and helps it to appeal to buyers. Depersonalizing your home and removing clutter and small décor items will give your home a fresh appearance. Start by packing away or donating items that you will no longer need or wont use for the next 3-4 months. Removing clutter will give the feeling of having more space. You want home buyers to imagine living in your home and making their own memories there rather than taking a tour down your family’s memory lane. Pictures should be removed off the fridge, above the cabinets should be clear and your countertops should be sparse.

3. Fresh towels and bath mats- You don’t need to spend a lot of money. Run to Homegoods, Target, Walmart or even The Dollar Store. Make your bathrooms fresh and spa like. Roll up some bright white hand towels next to the bath tub, add a bench with some bath salts, and fresh bar of soap. You don’t need a whole bathroom remodel to appeal to buyers. Small details will help greatly. Maybe your bathroom doesn’t have double bowl sinks but does have a large bath tub. Play up what you do have by enhancing the features that stand out, sprinkle some rose petals, add a plush rug and accentuate your assets.  See below how some inexpensive towels, a vase with some flowers and bench transformed this bathroom into a spa, cant you envision yourself there now!

4. Deep Clean-This is a huge deal. To the buyer your home  is ‘brand new to them’ New home buyers will see everything you don’t. We suggest taking a few days yourself or spending a few hundred dollars and hiring a company to come in and DEEP clean your home. Doing this just before your first showing is best so its fresh. After its clean its easy to maintain and the buyers know they are getting a home that was well cared for.

Have your windows professionally cleaned to give your home a lighter feel inside and out. Don’t forget to have the curtains, blinds and shelves around the home dusted and cleaned as well. Opening vents and washing the covers and vacuuming inside is another great idea. Light fixtures and lamps should be wiped down and don’t forget those pesky cobwebs in vaulted entryways.

5. Lighting – Light fixtures go in and out of style, never thought we would see gold coming back around but it is here! Lights can often be purchased and installed easily and inexpensively adding a pendants to builder grade kitchen or a chandelier over the dining room table can change the whole look of a house. Amazon usually has some knock off Pottery Barn Lights for a steal and are delivered next day with PRIME. See how these glass gloves and table area chandelier transformed this kitchen!

6. Bedspreads– replace busy or loud looking bedspreads with a neutral white or gray, especially in the master suite you want a tranquil place to land your head. Target and also Homegoods have very inexpensive plain bedding that you can purchase for the purpose of showing the home they even come in sets.  If your not in love with it swap it out for showings. This can be a great way to give your room an updated feel without spending a lot of money.

7. Landscaping– Its still winter so no ones yard looks inviting right now. A quick clean up, removing dead leaves, flags and lawn ornaments can really spruce up the yard. Old furniture that’s not looking so hot anymore can be stored in your garage and out of sight.

8. Call your Favorite Realtors for your complimentary home evaluation. We can get you a true picture of what your home can sell for. Let us walk through with you for pointers. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can help point out things you may not notice. Spring is right around the corner now is the perfect time to get ready.

http://http://www.michelemorrisrealty.com/team/

Michele Morris – Managing Broker/Owner 630-669-4469

Amanda Albrecht- Broker 815-715-5904

Filed under: Blog, Uncategorized by Michele Morris

New Construction Home Builders in Plainfield

With inventory still at record lows many Home buyers are now starting to build instead of purchasing existing homes. We have a list of all the local area builders and what you need to know!

Remember the person or persons in the builders models are working for the builder not you. You CAN use a Realtor when building new construction, commission is paid for by the builder and is already figured into their price. You will not get a better deal if you do not use a Realtor they will not deduct the price of commission and give you an incentive. In fact we are usually able to negotiate a better deal for you than you would get if you had not used a Realtor. Everything is negotiable and you need someone on your side. We have personally built with some of these builders and we have worked with almost all of these local builders we are very familiar with how each one works.

It is very easy to get caught up in the beautiful model homes and think that is what your home is going to look like, unfortunately that is not the case, most of the model homes have upwards of 75-100K in what builders call “upgrades” we know this because we ask when we go into preview the models. Many of these upgrades are cosmetic but some are structural and totally change the look and feel of the home. The Base price of a home is a starting point and we can help you determine what is more cost effective to do with the builder based on their prices or on your own after you close.

Here is who are building New Homes in Plainfield, South Plainfield and Joliet. If you would like more information about any of these builders please contact us and let us know we would be happy to schedule and appointment to check out the model and floor plans.

North Plainfield

Pulte Homes https://www.pulte.com/homes/illinois/chicago/plainfield/creekside-crossing-209986

Pulte is building in Creekside Crossing which offers Plainfield North Highschool, bike and walk trails. Close to downtown Plainfield, parks and adjacent to Mathers Woods. They currently have 5 floor plans to choose from starting at $329,900 with square feet ranging from 2621 all the way up to 3277. Creekside Greenfield at Creekside Crossing in Plainfield, Illinois _ Pulte

DJK Custom Home Builders

DJK Homes Welcomes You to Plainfield’s Premier Stewart Ridge Community

DJK is building in Stewart Ridge located off Heggs in North Plainfield. DJK is a costum builder and energy efficient at that. They have many floor plans to choose from ranging from $425,000 to over $1,000,000, and range from 2,400 to 6,500 square feet.

M/I Homes https://www.mihomes.com/communities/chicagoland/plainfield/kings-bridge

M/I has 8 Floor plans to choose from starting at $287,000 and ranging in square feet of 2,230 – 3,856. M/I typically has Quick move homes available that are close to being done or at least started. This is nice because so many people dont have 6-8 months to wait for a new build. 

K Hovnanian in Grand Park http://www.khov.com/find-new-homes/illinois/plainfield/60585/k-hovnanian-homes/somerset

Somerset at Grande Park has only one single family new home remaining. The Columbia plan has 3,150 sq. ft. of living space, spacious interior & exquisite exterior. Somerset also offers a on-site clubhouse, pool, elementary and middle school.

South Plainfield

Olthof Homes located in Ashford Place. https://www.olthofhomes.com/communities/communities.php?city=Plainfield

With 5 different models to choose from prices range from $240,000 up to $340,000 and square feet starting at 2,015 to 2,740. located right off Caton Farm road close to shopping and walking/bike paths. 

Meadowbrook Builders in Whisper Glen http://www.meadowbrook-homes.com/new-home-communities/whisper-glen-plainfield-4/

with over 17 home plans to choose from both ranches and 2 storys. Ranging in square feet from 1500 all the way to 3400. They are also building in Springbank.

AP Homes in Springbank, Grand Park, and Fairfield Ridge. http://www.ap-homes.com/

Anthony is currently building in many neighborhoods throughout Plainfield. He has a wonderful 1700 sqft ranch that starts at 270,000 in Springbank and Large 2 story homes 2800 Square feet in Grand Park that start in the mid 300s. 

Core Homes @ Springbank http://homesbycore.com/our-location/new-homes-joliet-plainfield-il-springbank/

starting in the $270,00 Range they have several 4-5 bedroom 2 story home plans to choose from.

DrHorton @ Springbankhttp://www.drhorton.com/Illinois/Chicago/Plainfield/Springbank

with 6 floor plans to choose from pricing started at $278,000 and 11 quick ready homes for you to choose from as well. Spring Bank includes membership to the Aquatic Center located off Drauden Road. It is a great feature for summertime.

DJK is also building @ Springbank http://www.djkhomes.com/springbank

starting in the low $290,000s and ranging in square feet from 2400-4000. 

Joliet Builders

Cal Atlantic @ Greywall Club, Windsor Ridge and Hunters Ridge. https://www.calatlantichomes.com/find-your-new-home/5-chicago/7840-greywall-club.html Greywall Club offers nine beautiful floor plans to choose from, ranging from 1,595 to 2,612 square feet.

Cal Atlantic is currently having a national sales event that gives buyers a $2500 incentive use it towards upgrades or as a credit to help with closing costs the choice is yours! Pictures below of the beautiful model located in Windsor Ridge. 

Core Homes @ Nuestonshire http://homesbycore.com/our-location/new-homes-joliet-il-neustoneshire/

located off Countyline road and Theodore features Minooka Schools. Prices start in the low $230,000s and sqft range from 1600 up to 3200. This subdivision has many walking paths, Core homes standardly come with 9ft first floor ceilings which give your home a more open feel. 

M/I homes @ lakewoodprarie https://www.mihomes.com/communities/chicagoland/joliet/lakewood-prairie?utm_source=adwords&utm_campaign=product-community-chicago&utm_medium=ppc&utm_content=text&utm_term=lakewood%20prairie&gclid=CjwKCAiAqIHTBRAVEiwA6TgJw9RU_6fkU08uKKkA5U3rM9NhOLdNwfr5s_Ulzhd32d-LV9OXSv5POxoCMEEQAvD_BwE

Lakewood Prairie is an exclusive clubhouse community with everything you want – an on-site elementary school, clubhouse, pool, tennis and volleyball courts, parks, and ponds. Prices start at $225,000. Minooka Schools

Each builder has different standards that come with each home the more the home is equipped with standard things like air conditioning, higher ceilings, appliances etc the less you need to upgrade if you would like a list of what standardly comes with each builder please let us know and we can get you a copy of standard features.

Best of luck on your new home search and if you have any questions we can assist you with dont hesitate to reach out

We can be contacted via text or calling to our personal cell phones @ Amanda 815-715-5904 or Michele 630-669-4469 you can also email us at Amanda.albrecht@comcast.net or micheleinc@comcast.net

If you have not yet been pre approved by a lender that is your first step. You want to make sure your comfortable with a new monthly payment at the price point your looking into. We can recommend a great lender if you do not already have one.

Filed under: Blog by Michele Morris

The greatest Christmas Light displays you do not want to miss!

If your kids are anything like ours they have a countdown to Christmas going on and wont let you forget that Christmas is only 3 weeks away, time flies and one of our favorite holiday festivities is driving around looking at all the Light displays. Luckily some of the best displays are right in the area.

Jump in the car and take a cruise to the areas best Christmas light displays, we have rounded up all the best holiday lights for you and you don’t want to miss these.  We have done our best to put these in order so you can go down the list.

If we missed a home that has spectacular lights displayed shoot us the address we would love to have all the best homes on our list.

Plainfield

• 12941 Greenfield Drive, Plainfield IL 60585
• 12733 Hawks Bill Lane Plainfield IL
• 25206 Knoll Road, Plainfield IL 60544 Tune to 95.1 FM to hear the music from the comfort of your own vehicle.
• 25236 Knoll Road, Plainfield IL 60544
• 13905 Trillium Plainfield IL 60544
• 16232 Vintage Drive Plainfield IL
• 23337 W. Grinton Drive Plainfield IL
• 4706 Swan Ct Plainfield IL

Naperville

Take a Naperville Trolley Tour and see them all! They have a Northern an Southern Tour or both for 2.5 hours of christmas light bliss https://napervilletrolley.com/december

• 2612 Wild Timothy Road Naperville IL
• 5324 Milkweed Drive Naperville IL
• 859 Raintree Drive Naperville IL The BELIEVE House! http://www.napervillechristmaslights.com/
• 

Joliet

• 4710 Ashford Lane Joliet IL 60431
• 3111 Evergreen Drive, Joliet IL 60435
• 1402 Tiger Lily Lane Joliet IL 60435

Shorewood

• 1101 Conrad Lane Shorewood IL 60404

Channahon

• 25314 S. Plainview Drive Channahon, IL http://plainviewholidaylights.weebly.com

• 24033 S Bluebird Ct Channahon, IL 60410
• 27457 Fawn Lake Ct Channahon
• 26158 Oakridge Court, Channahon,IL 60410https://www.facebook.com/OakridgeCourtDisplay/

Newark

• 47 Coy Park Drive Newark IL 60541

Elburn

• 42W891 Beith Road Elburn IL
• 60119 http://www.larsenslightshow.com/location/

Spring Valley

• 3 Hidden Grove Lane Spring Valley IL https://www.facebook.com/quesselights/videos/771897016345402/

Saint Charles

• 6N020 Old Homestead Road Saint Charles, 
  https://www.facebook.com/FlosiChristmasLightShow/videos/1977568319126722/

Park Ridge

• 528 Engle Blvd Park Ridge ILhttps://www.stbaldricks.org/fundraisers/parkridgelights

* Homes added to our list come from public websites, You Tube videos, Facebook pages, and owner suggestions. A big thank you to everyone who is sharing the joy of the holiday season with their community. *

Filed under: Blog, Uncategorized by Michele Morris

Make the jump to Homeownership

As 2017 is winding down and 2018 is upon us many of you want to set yourselves up to home ownership in the near future! If you’re thinking about buying a home in 2018, November and December are the perfect time to “warm up” for the house hunt so you can hit the ground running in the new year. Most don’t know where to start and feel the task to be exhausting we are breaking it down for you in simple steps so that you can be ready to move when the perfect home comes along for you!

• Put those credit cards away – The holidays are upon us and many of us okay ALL of us overspend on the latest and greatest for the kids and all the family and friend get togethers. It is very tempting to throw it on a credit card and earn and churn some points seems like a good deal right? Wrong. Do not open that credit card to get 10% off your purchase because thats going to show as a new line of credit, its going to increase your debt to income, and possibly make what you can qualify for be much less or make your mortgage payment more depending on the effect it will have on your credit. Dont be tempted by all the great offers these companies have scale back this year because it will make next year worth it!
• Do not Buy any Planes, Trains or Automobiles – Thats right that new car that you want or maybe even need is really going to hurt you in the long wrong and possibly ruin your opportunity at  Homeownership. Its only a 400.00 a month payment you say? Well tell your lender that when he runs your numbers all of your monthly payments will be figured into the equation when getting pre approved for a home loan.  Just wait.
• Check that credit score -A credit score is a numerical representation of your credit report. FICO scores range from 300 to 850, and the higher your score, the better. Good credit is like gold when obtaining a mortgage,Typically, you’ll get the best interest rate on a loan if your score is 740 and above. But no worries if it is not. You can qualify with a score as low as 580 for most lenders. Start paying all your bills on time, and get your credit limit raised. Note, though, that you shouldn’t max out your card each month. It’s best to use 30 percent or less of your total available credit.
• Create an Emergency fund – Its great to have 6 month reserve fund for anything that may occur during your first few months as a homeowner and this is the perfect time to get going on that. Its the Holidays after all and gift giving is upon us. Instead of requesting that new TV, Speakers, or an Alexa ask for Cash to help you get into that new Home. And remember, you might be getting some money back after you file your tax return. Don’t blow it on vacation. A tax refund is a great way to add to your cash reserves quickly.
• Find a Mortgage Lender – Before you even start looking for a home (and yes, we even mean browsing online listings), look for a mortgage lender to find out if you can afford to buy a home. We can recommend a great lender for you to use that we use regularly as the lender is the key to this whole process. Its important that your using a good reputable lender that has many years experience and actually knows and understands the guidelines of each loan out there. Reviews are your best friend, see what others who have actually used the lender have said. Chances are if they have zero reviews or bad ones your not going to have a pleasant experience.
• Get Pre approved – When a lender gives your financials the once-over and preapproves you for a mortgage, you’ll be able to show sellers that you really can buy their house. But how do you get preapproved? By preparing a few documents, which you can do several months in advance of the actual purchase. Here’s what you need to buy a house.
• Current and Previous Addresses (2 years)
• Property Information (if applicable)
• Current and Previous Employment Information and dates including monthly salary
• Bank Account Statements
• Current monthly housing expenses such as rent and mortgage payments
• Address and Market Value information for properties you own, including taxes & insurance
• Sources and Income Amounts for all Borrowers. If a W-2 employee, pay stubs for the last 30 days                                                                                                It is advised not to change jobs, make big purchases, or miss any debt payments as you prepare to get a mortgage.

Filed under: Blog by Michele Morris

Let me start by telling you there was absolutely nothing wrong with my powder bath before i began this project…other than the fact that i spend to much time on pinterest and houzz.com coming up with many many ideas on what my home could be.  We built our home New with a builder and picked out everything we wanted however if you have ever built a home with a builder before you will know that it comes pretty bare boned. We are on a mission to add character to our home a little bit at a time with small renovations and some big ones over time.

Thankfully my hubby happens to be a jack of all trades and can literally do just about anything in terms of home renovations. We save a ton of money by not having to pay for the labor for these projects and i am a sucker for deals so i am always looking for a steal when it comes to materials.

Im going to walk you through how we completed this look and will give you sources for your own DIY bathroom redo!

First off, i wanted a vintage inspired powder bath, something that would be timeless and less trendy that i could keep over time. So many designs go in and out and i am so not bold enough to do anything totally out there. I originally had it in my mind to do penny rounds but changed my mind after i fell upon these beautiful Carrara Marble Hexagon tiles.

A little background, These little tiles allowed for unique designs and made the cramped spaces feel much bigger than they actually were in early 1900s homes.  Hexagon tiles (typically white) were a hugely popular choice for floor tile. The design of these can be as simple as all white or could contain a complex pattern of different colors and designs. Their small 1″ size allowed for some very creative mosaic patterns to be incorporated by a skilled tile setter. ( im not sure Gary is a skilled setter but he killed it)

We choose a modern styled hexagon tile that had some vintage and modern feels mixed, most of all it has grey mixed into the white and hello if you have seen my house you would know my favorite color most defiantly is grey. For the wall i know because it was such a small bathroom i didnt want anything busy and floor to ceiling was the way to go to bring some height into the space.

Sources for the tile are here. https://www.tileshop.com/product/hampton+carrara+tumbled+hex+1+x+1+in.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search

https://www.tileshop.com/product/hampton+carrara+tumbled+amalfi+marble+mosaic+tile+-+2+x+4+in..do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search

I looked around for good prices on the marble as it can be pricey, We settled on the Tile Shop in Naperville, Ilinois. They usually run specials 20% off but even better they will match Contractor pricing which is 25% off on your tile purchases which brought my sqft price down to about 11.00 which was not terrible for Carrara Marble.

Our bathroom was 5ft by 5ft and 9ft tall ceilings rather small, my main objective was to have it an elegant and larger feel, our original dark floors were making the space feel to small. after we took out the floor,sink, and toilet we painted the walls a shade lighter than the rest of the home to brighten up the room a bit we went with:

Day 1 

Day 2

Here is the finished bathroom

Filed under: Blog by Michele Morris