Brave took me up the ladder, fear reminded me that a ladder broke which caused my wrist to shatter the last time I was up a ladder. But there I stood on the second floor looking down where a floor use to be. This is the section where the two beams had to be replaced. The builder is re-using the smaller beams/slates that use to be there.
That space will be a living room... or in this shack-teau better known as a sitting room.
Everything gutted...
A slab will be created and then the ceiling will be installed underneath. As making cement outside is impossible due to the restrictions on the port, and impossible to carry a cement mixer up the narrow steps. The builder introduced us to another product. I forgot to take photos of it, so I will show you that another day. It looked like sheet rock but more solid than sheet rock.
Anyway.
The space above will be a bedroom.
We took the ceiling off to open up the roof line.
It sure feels lighter.
I walked across these planks a few times, eventually the builder noticed me doing so and remarked casually, "Oh stay on the yellow slab, because the other ones are not stable enough.
I about fainted as I was standing on those two brown boards taking photos.
Gulp.
Funny how I just noticed the old plaster wall was a pinkish color.
There is the ladder we used.
Images via Ikea
The kitchen I bought is through IKEA. It is light grey.
The counter will not be black, nor will there be any upper cabinets.
The counter top is faux marble.
This was a door in the apartment. Maybe we will use it as a window instead.
But who knows.
It is 97 cm wide.
This I fancy. It might be too overpowering, or industrial for the kitchen but I am toying with the idea of copper and grey.
When I showed French Husband he looked at me like I had lost my marbles.
Oh this light.
Nothing certain, just tossing ideas... and watching French Husband sweat, as dust swirls around.
If you have any questions let me know and I will try to answer them in the comment section.
I like the copper! Enjoying watching the progress, I know you're going to make it look fantastic
Posted by: Diane Belforte Lewis | 15 March 2016 at 12:21 AM
The copper would be beautiful for sure! I am astounded that you have the imagination to develop this into something I know will be beautiful. I will want to live there.
Posted by: Marilyn | 15 March 2016 at 12:47 AM
The copper is great with the grey, oh and those lights... The place looks like a dollhouse in some of these photos! Thanks for sharing, I know it will be great.
Posted by: Carroll Davies | 15 March 2016 at 01:11 AM
Love the gray kitchen. Id the yellow what the new floors will be?
Posted by: Diogenes | 15 March 2016 at 01:57 AM
I'm just so fascinated by it all! I love that you are bravely "switching it up" and leaving your comfort zone to ensure a light and spacious feel in Cassis. I am AMAZED by your ladder skills!
Posted by: LauraInSeattle | 15 March 2016 at 02:59 AM
the slab may be constructed using cement board. Much more manageable the hauling a cement mixer into the place! You should get a bravery medal for going up the ladder and the planks.
Posted by: Kipper | 15 March 2016 at 03:16 AM
Love the door! I just refitted a master bath with quartz that looks exactly like your marble. It really lightened up my small, windowless (just a skylight) bathroom. The place looks bigger already. Such fun!
Posted by: Jacklynn Lantry | 15 March 2016 at 03:19 AM
Copper and grey are definitely trending right now.
Posted by: Ali Moss | 15 March 2016 at 03:42 AM
Now I want gray cabinets in my kitchen. Sure beats the white I had planned! With oil rubbed bronze knobs and handles. YES Thank you.
Posted by: Ardis in Oregon | 15 March 2016 at 05:03 AM
Copper plumbing and light fixtures and grey cupboards...wonderful!!
Posted by: Leslie in Oregon | 15 March 2016 at 05:50 AM
OMG .. I can't believe what you are doing . I hope I Will be abble to see it this summer !!!
Posted by: madame in Bangkok | 15 March 2016 at 06:59 AM
The place looks better already! First time to admire your window. Great door. I hope you can use it. The bedroom looks almost like it's wallpapered at the moment and the pinky-peachy walls downstairs are pretty. Grey and copper should be beautiful. So much fun!!
Posted by: Robin | 15 March 2016 at 08:07 AM
I love the window in the soon to be sitting room and I love the grey kitchen, sophisticated simplicity, perfect
Posted by: Our French oasis | 15 March 2016 at 09:11 AM
You have not lost your marbles....love the taps and the light fitting and the grey cupboards/marble-faux top, perfect for such a cosy space. Waiting for the next instalment..... Cheers from New Zealand
Posted by: Jennifer Phillipps | 15 March 2016 at 10:29 AM
It looks amazing. They seem to be working quickly! You could be in by summer.
Is french husband a real estate developer?
Posted by: Dd | 15 March 2016 at 12:19 PM
Oh Corey you are spot on with all your ideas. I am a decorator and you can work with me any time. I love Ikea, great products for the money. I have Ektorp sofas in my family room in white. They are ten years old and don't even look worn, no sagging cushions yet. Was that brass sink faucet an Ikea product? I am looking for and unlacquered one but do not want to pay 1600.00. Also in your Brocante travels I am looking for a wall spout in unlacquered brass for a bathroom sink. Do you have more than one window in the apt. I like the one that is there now in your sitting room. Keep the pics and info coming. I am enjoying your journey!
Posted by: Judi Ryba | 15 March 2016 at 12:19 PM
Fascinating to watch this project unfold. My question is: how did the person living here before manage in this unusual layout?
Posted by: Sue J. | 15 March 2016 at 02:16 PM
Thank you for sharing your journey! It is so interesting. I, too, wonder about the previous occupant and how he managed in this little abode.
Posted by: Darles | 15 March 2016 at 02:24 PM
It's going to be wonderful! You have such vision! I love the ceiling fixture from Pierre Frey, but can't find it on their website. Any idea what the price is or how I might order it?
Thanks for your help.
Posted by: Lynn | 15 March 2016 at 02:49 PM
THAT DOOR IS FREAKING FABULOUS!
Posted by: Judy in Fort Worth | 15 March 2016 at 03:40 PM
The window is fabulous and I love the copper faucet. This is such fun to follow.
Posted by: Paula h | 15 March 2016 at 03:54 PM
The grey and copper combo is fantastic. The lighting fixture is perfect for the small space and the architectural aspect of it just wonderful.
This place seems to be moving forward so much more quickly than the Paris apartment....and it is wonderful to take the journey with you. I look forward to every "installment" of words and photos. It is going to be a very special place, indeed.
Posted by: Kristin | 15 March 2016 at 04:31 PM
Hi Corey,
Facinating project! Thank you for sharing this journey. The pictures make this space look about 8 feet wide and very deep. I am curious now. Can you tell me the dimensions of this space?
I love your blog and never miss reading everyone that arrives in my inbox.
Posted by: Vicki | 15 March 2016 at 04:36 PM
We are renovating too...my m-i-l apartment for our daughter, right now it's a nightmare but I have hope...lol...
Posted by: Gracie | 15 March 2016 at 05:48 PM
I am thrilled each day watching your posts, and amazed at the speed of progress. You must have marvelous connections as far as workers. And your vision is so inspiring.
Posted by: Irene Thomas | 15 March 2016 at 06:24 PM
love love love the industrial copper light and grey cabinets will be fabulous!!
Posted by: Tracy | 15 March 2016 at 07:52 PM
I love the copper and grey also......can you imagine the house warming party if all your
Blogging Friends could attend. The Port area would be overflowing.
In our climate in the Pacific Nortth West...I can not have a lot of grey....too depressing when it rains.....but I sure do love it.
Am loving the ride you are taking us all on.
Posted by: Ali | 15 March 2016 at 09:42 PM
Thanks for sharing all these great pictures, Cory. It's so great to see the progress. Sounds like it will be fabulous. Great job you do.
Posted by: Carole Prinz | 16 March 2016 at 04:17 AM
Love, love, love the copper lighting! The copper faucets, too.
Posted by: Natalie Thiele | 16 March 2016 at 04:35 AM
Oh Cory, such progress. It is easier to see what is coming up. Love the cabinets and counter. It is going to be beautiful! You are amazing!
Posted by: Deb Archer | 16 March 2016 at 06:10 AM
You nearly gave me a fit about your story of walking the walk..... my stomach, freshly filled with strong espresso, turned into an acid knot and I felt bilge rise in my mouth.... PLEASE don't do that to me again :
You know what REALLY makes me wonder about your contacts? The fact that you find again and again THE PERFECT TEAM of 'artisans, workers' for every project at any place. Just how on earth are you doing that. Does one have to be French, because it sure wasn't OUR experience along our stony, difficult and frustrating path of our renovaton. A reply would be really appreciated. Of course, there MUST be a difference between the French and a Swiss approach but still - I marvel and I'm ever so slightly jealous (in a good way because I truly wish you the best of luck, always....! )
And the other thing is the sheer power and engagement of you all - gutting an appart in a few days defies anybody's thinking - I mean this is France.... I follow with baited breath and even though I shouldn't be linked to 'you' but use my eyesight for other things, I cannot 'look away', I'm so fascinated!
May I outstay a bit longer? A piece of advice for your kitchen - do NOT use anything that needs TWO HANDS to handle - it's surely the one place where you'd be well served with a mono-tap (if you understand my bad English). I have installed in my house (meulière 1920 with original kitchen) a semi-industrial tap with a high bow & a lever which can be easily used to mix, decide on the amount of water rushing through AND an extendable 'shower' cable too. I wouldn't miss it for anything.
Good luck my darling(s) - I need another espresso, or come to think of it, might just go directly to the 'l'heure de l'apéro' with a Pastis, to your health of course, as you are fasting...!?!
Posted by: Kiki | 16 March 2016 at 11:11 AM
I have long loved copper so that would be fun for my taste, at least. That lamp over the table: fabulous. Industrial but whimsical (which you know I like) and simple, all at the same time.
Glad you didn't fall to the floor below. Good job.
Posted by: Rebecca from the pacific northwest | 16 March 2016 at 07:13 PM
Is the apartment on what we Americans would call the second and third floors of this building? What's on the first = ground floor?
Posted by: Rebecca from the pacific northwest | 16 March 2016 at 07:16 PM
As you mentioned copper, I thought you should definitely take a look at bathrooms at The Hoxton hotel in Amsterdam for bathroom inspiration. Ideas, ideas...
https://thehoxton.com/media/3291/hoxton_ams_1_2352.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=1920&height=965&rnd=130812421680000000
https://thehoxton.com/media/3289/hoxton_ams_1_2306.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=1920&height=965&rnd=130812421680000000
Posted by: Milena | 16 March 2016 at 07:33 PM