Thursday, May 26, 2011

Here it is and a little tribute:)


I can't resist. Also, I want to share a couple of things....first of all, I want to clarify that we did NOT do this all by ourselves.  I designed all of it myself, but much of the heavy lifting and hard part was done by skilled contractors and craftsmen.  I have a friend that is a contractor,  that consulted on the hard parts, and with questions that I had, but I pulled permits, was there every day, and I made sure the project went along as planned and on budget.  (thus the hardhat comment)

Also, I don't know weather you all noticed in the kitchen AFTER shot, that lying on the floor in the pantry is my dog Hampton. 



Well, Hampton is no longer with us.  During the week that The Nate Show producers called me, my first child, my dog of 12 years had to be put down.  It was the craziest week, because I was so happy that Nate had called, but soooooo sad that my sweet (actually he was a pain in the neck, but we loved him) dog was no longer around.   Long story short, when the showed the photo of my kitchen, I paused, because I remember taking that photo, and talking to my boy...and got a little teary.  Nate asked me "are you ok?", what is it your dog" and I said "he (my dog) just passed away. Nate was sooo apologetic, the studio audience had a moment....and all I could say was "it's ok", it's ok, it's ok."  which translated into the 10 thankyous that I said at the end....and why my energy faultered a bit. 

My boy Hamp always protecting me, was looking down on me that day (literally). I miss him terribly, even though he drove me crazy, he always wanted to be the center of attention...so in a way, he got it.  Love you old boy:)



9 comments:

pve design said...

I love how at ease you are and how at ease your home is too. Congrats!!! You are a STAR!
pve

Shani said...

I just got a little teary eyed reading this even though you had told me the story about Hampton.

You were so fantastic, and I am so excited to watch you continue to grow. I've known you were a special creative person ever since that little party we threw at the Capital City Club back before we could fathom having children. Seriously, I still talk about those flower arrangements! This was such a well-deserved moment for you!

A Perfect Gray said...

you killed it babe. your house and YOU were both terrific. thanks for inspiring us all and doing ole SC (house) proud!

Unknown said...

Fantastic!!! You did an awesome job and your home looked tremendous. I have been before the camera and know it is unnerving, if you had any jitters at all, it was not apparent. Congrats on you few minutes of fame!

Cathy

Rashon Carraway said...

u did such an amazing job.
whooo hoo sc rocks!


Rashon aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting

Allison said...

You did a great job on Nate today, Gretchen! I am so sorry for the loss of Hampton. Our pets become members of our family and I kow how difficult that must have been, especailly with the timing of Nate. You were very gracious and at ease on camera. You've done an amazing job with your home and your kitchen is beautiful! What a before and after!

Unknown said...

SO well done, Gretchen!!!! After months of working so hard on your home, I know it must feel so good to have it recognized by one of the very best in the business, Mr. Nate Berkus!!!

Congratulations on everything!!!

And, I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. Having had mine just a short time, I can't imagine how hard it will feel when that day comes.

Enjoy your Memorial Day!!!!!
xoxo Elizabeth

LiveLikeYou said...

I LOVE your house Gretchen. You did a fantastic job!! Love the color mixes and the lovely charming feel, and the outdoor space!! And you were awesome on Nate!! So sorry about your dog, I know just how it feels.

Aimee@ the Functional Space said...

Great Job! Everything looked beautiful and so did you! So very sorry about Hampton. What a great little treasure that he got to be a part of your big day too.