Saturday, October 8, 2011

Flashback


To give the details of the photo shoot and how everything happened, I need to flash back to June.  After I determined that the e-mail coming from Better Homes & Gardens wasnt' a scam, excitement turned to nausea when I realized a professional camera lens would be in the house.  The plan was that the magazine would be sending a field editor, or scout, to the house to look around, set up some camera angles and take some shots.  I had about two weeks to get things ready.


At that point, I had just finished the little construction project to make room for a new downstairs bathroom so I could expand the kitchen.  The walls were unpainted and I had a 1960s portable dishwasher on one side of the stove and a microwave cart on the other.


I swapped those out with two cheap cabinets from Home Depot that painted in BM Rockport Gray.  I also happened to find an old lab table with a slate top that was the perfect size and height for an island.


I also added open shelves above the stove and new cabinets.  The brackets were from Home Depot and were about $9 each.  These were painted out in BM White River which is the same my trim color in the living room, dining room and kitchen.


I added butcher block countertops on the new cabinets.  These are 1-1/2 inch hard rock maple that I ordered from John Boos & Co.   I was able to order a 4-foot section which I cut down to fit the two cabinets.  I ordered them on-line and it was delivered to my door a few days later.  These are unfinished and should be conditioned with food-grade mineral oil but they also come unfinished.  When I do the major kitchen renovation, they will become big cutting boards.



Here's the "before" of the kitchen...


...and this is what it looks like now.  I tried to add up the cost of all of these changes and, excluding the stove, it's about $900. That includes cabinets, countertops, open shelving, kitchen island, bamboo blinds and paint.

A few days before July 4th weekend, I got e-mail from the editor of BH&G saying they were having trouble finding a field editor who could come in time to get them photos for their editorial management meeting and asked if I could put together a list of before and after shots for them to see...next week.

Sure I can do that.


But first, I wanted to get this doubly duty closet done.  The next morning, I got up at 4:30 so I could the wallpaper up before going to work.  A little bit of shopping at the Cambridge Antiques Market for barware over the 4th of July weekend and I was ready to take my photos.


Here's my before of the dining room.


And here are the afters.


Many thanks for Shelley from Bow Street Flowers for coming through with all the flowers for my own photo shoot.


I'm not sure these will ever be done I was pretty satisfied with how the shelves looked.



This was another shot I included just to have a little fun and to show the versatility of the dining room.  Although the basic elements of the room are very neutral, it's easy to bring in a little color just by adding a few accessories.

When the stylist and photographer arrived, they had a shot list that included these photos along with instructions on what should be included in, and what should be removed from the shot.  Although the photographer was free to take and submit his own shots, the shoot was very clearly directed.

Next time, I try to explain and demonstrate and what I learned about taking photographs.




53 comments:

  1. Everything, as expected, is beautiful! It truly doesn't look like you needed a stylist at all. Wonderful job! Bonnie

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  2. Beautiful, Steve! You sure can handle a camera.

    Sue
    xo

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  3. Wow, what an amazing amount of work to do in such a short amount of time.

    And the before and afters are just incredible.

    What a visionary you are sir.

    xo Jane

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  4. Oh my goodness, the kitchen redo is fabulous. You must be so proud when you look at all the before pictures. How far you have come!!!!!Thanks for taking us along for the ride. I find the photo session fascinating and cannot wait for the next post.
    xoxo Dianne

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  5. I love a good 'before and after' story and yours is wonderful...love what you did with the kitchen in a short space of time...there's nothing like working under pressure to get things done!! Look forward to seeing the magazine (if I can get hold of it here in U.K.) Robx

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  6. Steve, I'm so jealous. I can't believe the way your kitchen turned out for just $900!! It looks so beautifully finished - and you'd never guess that those cabinets came from HD! Stunning afters, you've done a great job turning your home into a show stopper - and I'm glad that BHG stood up and took notice! Those shelves in your DR look great, and I love that you used your coral topped bottles in the vignettes! THANK YOU FOR THAT! :)

    Now, when are you coming this way again (PLEASE TELL ME SOON!!) I'll have you over for dinner and you can help me with this dump!

    A

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  7. Perfection as usual!I love the simplicity of your style.

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  8. hello steve,

    i love this post b/c it shows that it doesn't take a fortune to have a beautiful home. you basically renovated your kitchen for $900 and that is amazing. i adore it and will miss it when you do the big reno. and the dining room is my fav room in the whole house. it has such a rl character and charm to it.

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  9. Fascinating - what a lovely transformation. Is that a Zazu ear at the bottom of the last photo?? Kitties like cameras at your house.

    xo Terri

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  10. Steve,
    It all looks amazing. Isn't it wonderful how a deadline can motivate us to "git er done"? Love the vintage coffee pot clock in the kitchen too. Didn't you have Suzaki pillows in the DR before? It's hard to believe how much you've gotten done in the past year or so.
    am

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  11. So exciting. Your pictures look wonderful. I hope you'll autograph my copy when the book comes out.

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  12. The bar shot is fabulous!! I love leather and horsey things together. The dining room is wonderful too. Shelves are brilliantly styled. Bravo. Maybe you should style shots for a living.

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  13. Great post. I thought the dining room before and after was stunning! Where is the bar cabinet located? Is it in the closet in the dining room? It looks great too. I have a John Boos company island in my kitchen. I didn't realize you could order slabs of their butcher block~! It is the best, isn't it? I think the Barefoot Contessa has those in her kitchen. You took beautiful pics too Steve, it all looks great!

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  14. I think it is truly amazing what you were able to accomplish over the summer. These photos are gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. You are quite a decorator, stylist, AND photographer.
    Camille

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  15. Stunning changes sir! You've have found some really great things and made some smart changes - it all looks worthy of being in a magazine. I've enjoyed watching the changes. Congrats!!

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  16. ...but I don't see the Boos? Didja take the pics before the boos? I lurve Boos block!

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  17. You are a man of impeccable taste and style. I cringe when I look at your clutter free fabulousness and then at my more- is- less approach! The kitchen is too nice to change. It fits in your house so well and is simply lovely. Thanks for some great paint colours. I am still in love with arsenic green and the Rockport Grey is delicious. Do you do international house swaps? I'll leave the paintbrushes out.

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  18. I just love all of your "afters" as it is truly a space I would enjoy any time of the day or night!
    Could you tell me about that wire basket filled with green apples?
    I have one like it but it is shaped like a heart-is it old?
    Of course I found mine in a thrift
    shop in Florida for about 50 cents.
    I like it but wish it were round instead of heart shaped.
    Great job with your design!

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  19. What an incredible and beautiful transformation. Congratulations and well deserved
    Helen

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  20. JolieAnne,
    I'm afraid I don't know a lot about the wire basket. I had a thing for wireware at one point so I bought a few different pieces. I think it's antique but I'm not really sure how old. I recall it was about 10 bucks. Thank you for your compliment, too.

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  21. Thanks for the plug, Steve. I'm thinking you might be honing a new career. Before you bag groceries at WF you might think about interior decorating or consulting. An inspiration to us all!

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  22. Shelley,
    My dream of bagging groceries was a secret!

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  23. Beautiful transformation and congrats!
    xo isa

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  24. Wow. I never cease to drool over your images. They are just brilliant. You have more talent than is fair -- you need to share it and do other people's homes. Seriously.

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  25. Terrific post! I love before and after photos!! The last photo looks totally professional with the touches of green. And I adore the shelves in the next to last shot - great color on the back of the shelves and your objects are terrific! I especially like the two off-white vases and the shoe forms. Nicely done.
    Claudia

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  26. You have a great sense of style. Elegant and relaxed at the same time.

    The kitchen transformation is amazing - such a lot accomplished in such a short time!

    xo
    Claudia

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  27. congrats on the shoot! the kitchen is total class! very talented you are!

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  28. Dang it! I'm on vaca and trying to stay off the computer and yet another blog where I MUST post a comment!
    WHOA! I am amazed at all that you have accomplished! STUNNING!
    I've been bummed because of my countertops that curve up into a small backsplash and my stainless steel sink (I'm wanting a big white sink dropped below a SHINY black counter, backed with white subway tile) but then I see your kitchen and it makes me feel HAPPY with what I have. Thank you.
    and just so ya know...I just spent a HUGE amount of time going through your old posts. WOW!
    A Humble Follower - Cindi

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  29. The transformation is incredible. You did such a good job. Like what you did with the eating area. The shelves look great. So creative! We just did a post on book shelves. check it out.

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  30. So fun and inspiring to see the before and afters. I, too, love what you did in the kitchen with such a modest investment. I often think that limited funds inspire the most creative solutions. Just lovely!

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  31. your shots are great... I bet you inspired the editors themselves! Do you have any lighting secrets you could share? You always take such great shots.

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  32. What a transformation of your kitchen and dining room. I love the maple worktops, they really add a bit of class. Your dining room chairs are just gorgeous. I also love the bar area, but am unsure where that is. Very well done, I am sure you are ready for your feet up and a little rest now? Love Linda x

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  33. Wow nothing like a deadline to get things done! I had no idea you put your kitchen together so fast. Great choices.

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  34. You've transformed your home into a stunning butterfly! I can only imagine what the "real" kitchen will look like! You do amazing work - can I hire you! LOL!!!

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  35. FABULOUS shelves. Not remotely surprised that you are going to be featured in a book - it is fascinating to follow your blog and I am always be impressed by your hard work and creativity.

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  36. I. can. not. wait. to see this in print! So exciting!Karin/lifeinsmallxhunks.blogspot.com

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  37. First let me apologize for being so late to the party Steve! Congratulations and talk about well deserved!!!

    Your kitchen make over is wonderful and I really can't wait to see it in print! Will you sign my copy?

    xox kelley

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  38. Wowzers. Stunning! Your counter tops are purdy, we have the same ones I believe. We love them, what a great idea to repurpose them when you upgrade. Your shelves look killah!

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  39. everything looks amazing- i love the color palette you have chosen! and those gray backed bookcases- oooh!

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  40. IMPRESSIVE! After the excitement settled down I probably would have cried!! But you got it done and it looks amazing!

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  41. Steve, I just love everything you've done with your house! I would love to use an image from your kitchen (with proper credit and a link, of course) in an upcoming post I am working on.
    ~Amanda

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  42. Steve, I've shared your kitchen on today's post on kitchen mirrors! Thank you!
    http://www.houserevivals.blogspot.com/2012/02/using-mirrors-in-kitchen.html

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  43. WOW! Look at you! I kind of gave up blogs for Pinterest (I am instant gratification junkee) and here I find your dining room on Joe Ruggerio's board. I can remember when a "few" of us were giving our opinions on what color you should paint the back of those bookcases! You broke out on your own and ended up with perfection. So happy for you, Steve. Wishing you all the best and continued success!
    DB from the used to be Ranch Dressing

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  44. Great looking home, you got my attention with the painted bead board and bookcases! Stunning-pinned them too!
    New Follower

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  45. Hi, I really love your bookcases! Did you explain how to made them in your blog ? I need a DIY! Thanks , a french follower :-)

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    1. Emilie,
      I designed the bookcases but hired a carpenter to build them for me. It's an old house and nothing is straight or level so it's not something I would ever attempt on my own. I am pleased with how the turned out because they feel like they've always been there.

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    2. Ok, thanks for your answer. Our house is not so ol, but we 've got the same problem with walls not straight.. but we will trying to do something not too bad ! (sorry for my english)

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  46. Love it. where did you get the larger chairs around table?

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    1. The chairs were on ebay. The were being sold by a designer in Los Angeles and she thought they were probably mid-Century. They have kind a weird mix of details so I've never been able to figure out where they came from or who they were made by.

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  47. can you tell me the paint color of the bookshelves in the dining room and the gray painted on the back of them? I LOVE THEM BOTH! Thanks

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    1. Rhuck,
      The bookshelves are painted Benjamin Moore Icicle and the beadboad in back is more of a brown. It's Benjamin Moore Fairview Taupe. It's one of the historical colors. A dark gray would also be really nice, like Kendall Charcoal.

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