Freedom of Choice

When we decided to go with a remodeler/contractor rather design-build firm, we knew we would be doing a lot more leg-work in figuring out design and picking out various options. It is surprising how much time it takes to pick everything out - and how distracting it can be if you try to do it with kids underfoot. So we're thinking of just having a weekly babysitter to try to go remodel shopping once/week. Even without kids, the choices can be overwhelming, and it is hard to know where to start. It is true, though, that once you make one decision (for us it was the hardwood flooring) the rest of the choices become a little easier. For us, some of the harder decisions have to do with the bigger picture, like what color should we paint? The only one that has a strong feeling of what colors to use is Reid - who wants his room to be his (current) favorite color, red. A red room? Scary visions of Twin Peaks dream sequences went through my head...My plan is to accommodate him to an extent - and have one "accent wall" (you can tell I'm addicted to HGTV, can you not?) in a brick red. But for our bedroom, we just have no clue.
Last night (with the help of said babysitter) we were able to get closer to a decision for the carpet portion of the upstairs (who knew there were so many choices for carpet!), finalize our choice of bathroom vanity and mirrors, and pick out some shower and sink faucets. 3 hours well spent. Next up, floor tile and shower tile - woo-hoo!
On another note, recently my older brother linked to this website from his own remodeling website (they are much further along in a very similar project of their second floor). I will return the favor by linking to his Remake and Remodel page. Note the obscure Roxy Music reference - of course we opted for Elvis Costello for our title instead.
Stay tuned for more pictures later today....I'm home with our younger son, who is now sick.