If you’ve been following along on our blog then you’ll be up to date with the remodeling going on at my house. You may also be wondering what’s going on because I haven’t posted much progress lately. Truth be told, we’ve been so busy at The Cob Collection that I haven’t had enough time to devote to my own designs! My focus also had to switch to the outdoors, getting that underway while the season allowed. So I rolled up my sleeves and dug in to the outside.
Complete Overhaul
This was intense! A complete overhaul including new driveway, sidewalk, and landscaping. Designed and managed by The Cob Collection. I’ll break it down for you and give you the facts on choices and the mechanics behind some of those choices.
Landscaping
One of the first things we needed to consider when choosing plants is not only what is going to compliment the house but what is native to this area. There is a big movement that has been happening for many years trying to educate growers, landscapers, and customers regarding the need to stop planting non-native and invasive plants. You can read more about it here. With that being said, there are plenty of unusual specimens to choose from that will give you a unique look and fit in with our area.
Some of my choices included: Cilician Fir, Moonrise Maple, Fat Alberts, Forest Pansy Redbud, Purple Ghost Maple, and Horstmann’s Silberlocke Korean Fir.
They will add bursts of color throughout different times of the year and will act as an anchor and backdrop to perennials and annuals.
Progress photos:
Leaving nothing to chance!
We even picked out the rocks ourselves!
*what do you think they’re talking about?
If you look closely at the photos you will notice that the yard has a slope. We added 4 drains to the property to keep the water flowing out and around the house.
Concrete
We tore out and redesigned the existing sidewalk and driveway. I chose an aggregate concrete finish to blend in better with the house versus the bright gray of a new concrete. There are other advantages to aggregate that makes it a favorite of mine. According to concretenetwork.com:
- The surface is rugged, nonskid, and resistant to heavy traffic and weather extremes.
- Many types and sizes of decorative aggregate are available to achieve unlimited color and texture variations.
- Exposed aggregate is highly versatile and contrasts beautifully with plain concrete or other decorative treatments such as stamping, stenciling, staining, and integral
- Low maintenance
What’s not to love?!
Progress photos:
After photos:
The outside is nearly finished with just a few loose ends needing to be cleaned up! Whew!
Services
The Cob Collection has long been known for its decorating services but did you know the scope of our services actually goes well beyond decorating? We handle new construction, remodeling, interior space planning, color consultations, and outdoor design as well as traditional design services to include: accessories, window treatments, bedding, wallpaper, rugs, and furniture. From start to finish, we’ve got you covered!
Need help? Just ask! We’d love to hear from you!
Let’s create great design!
Plant a Tree!
They clean air and water, prevent climate change, and prevent species loss.
If you don’t have the space for a tree, or think you just have enough trees in your yard already, consider giving to an organization whose mission it is to replenish trees. You’ll be making a difference in the environment and helping with economic and social gains. One of our favorites is HTRIP and you can check them out here.
Be kind to mother earth.