[IHB] A Review of the Las Ventanas Tract at Portola Springs

[socal78]

Wendy Larson made a review of Las Ventanas here.

Of course, if you remember my last posts on a tract review, I expressed my delight at looking at the interior photos and finding a Bingo match for the stager's furniture. It happened this morning... twice and within just a few minutes! It's never happened for me more than once at a time. 

You can't hide from me, Crestview cabinet! I'd know your mug anywhere.

http://www.wayfair.com/Crestview-Collection-Two-Door-Mirrored-Cabinet-in-Black-CVFUR034-CVV1249.html

How they love to tease me with unique lighting. You've been busted, shell chandelier.

http://www.lighttrends.com/product_p/wa-jupiter.htm

There was so much eye candy in all of today's photos. Thanks to Wendy for taking the pictures. I could spend all day finding matches. Contrary to what you might think, it is actually easier finding pieces with the more character they have. It would not be difficult to transform your base model home into what you see in the photos. Much can be done on your own!

Did you have any favorite pieces?

 

[ps99472]

No wonder the models go for so much..everything is included right?

 

[homer_simpson]

I think you have an "option" to purchase the accessories when you purchase the model home.  The reason the models are so expensive is because it normally has a lot of the builder options like granite counters, hardwood floors, designer paint, and upgraded cabinets..

 

[socal78]

We are on a roll today so I'll add one more.

Who doesn't love the Dr. Seuss kids' room?

Think it's hard to duplicate? Nope!

Wham! Bedding from Pottery Barn Kids. For those keeping score at home, this is our 3rd Bingo for the day:

Bam! Wall decals from Amazon.

Do not waste your money hiring an artist to paint these by hand. Any parent (like myself) who has received a quote to paint a mural in their child's room knows those people cost an arm and a leg. You will not be hindered in changing the room's theme to grow with the child when you know the wall art did not cost more than your contribution to the kid's 529 for the year.

 

[socal78]

No wonder the models go for so much.

If someone wanted to really keep an eye towards cutting costs, rather than spend hundreds (between 300-700 depending on if you got that chandelier in a 15" or 20"), they may always look at suitable alternatives that are more easily within reach. As long as it shares some of the same qualities such as color, size, or shape, it's good. For example, you could do with this $50 piece instead. It is actually 32" which is larger than the others so you could use this over a larger table:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90147465/

When determining the size of chandelier you need, use this formula:

Length of room in feet + width of room in feet = # of inches for your chandlier

I'll give you an example. My own home's dining room is 17'L x 12'W. 17+12=29. I am looking at a 29" chandelier.

 

[irvinehomeowner]

Hmm... I got logged out of the IHB again... and forgot my password.

Anyways... nice to see that the articles are getting linked with the TI forums too.

Great review... Wendy should mention that this tract has driveways... heh.

 

[cubiczirconia]

The decals are my favorites! I used a Dr.Seuss saying on the kids' bedroom wall. Cost me only 11.99, and looks great. Easy to apply, easy to remove.
Nothing concerning the model homes, but I have a silk painting 18"X60". Any unique framing ideas? I don't want to go for the regular frame.

 

[socal78]

Nothing concerning the model homes, but I have a silk painting 18"X60". Any unique framing ideas? I don't want to go for the regular frame.

An idea that comes to mind would be turning the single piece into a frameless canvas art collage. Of course, it sounds like the silk painting may be something that cost a pretty penny. How dedicated are you to keeping it in its current form? Bear in mind I have not seen this painting (or have I!?) so I am unfamiliar with what it looks like. If there are certain parts that appeal to you most whether due to the color or theme, you could always go to a site like this to get you started:http://www.potterybarn-photos.com/

Without affecting the original, you can scan or photograph the painting, upload it, and select a canvas size. They do the rest for you. That's assuming you don't want to butcher the original. However, if it's open to experimentation, you can pick up some canvas frames at the store and basically upholster them yourselves as you would upholster the seat of a dining room chair or wrap a gift. Few supplies would be needed... a staple-gun, some scissors. You could do any number of canvases whether it be a scattered arrangement heading up the stairs or a symmetrical collage arrangement like this:

This would allow you to pick out your favorite features of the single, long piece of art and showcase them.

 

[cubiczirconia]

I got it from my India trip in summer. You haven't seen it yet..
Hmm.. cutting/ stapling won't work. I will post a picture tomorrow.

 

[socal78]

Hmm... I got logged out of the IHB again... and forgot my password.

Is there something a person can do logged-in that they can't do otherwise? When I leave a comment, I don't bother logging in.

 

[rkp]

Hmm... I got logged out of the IHB again... and forgot my password.

Is there something a person can do logged-in that they can't do otherwise? When I leave a comment, I don't bother logging in.

you get to avoid the annoying "type this word" field...

 

[akim997]

I tried to convince the wife to look at LV - every time I get the response - "We ARE NOT trolls!  We ARE NOT living under a bridge (133)"...  enough said...