Move In Day at the Ventura Beach House
Well, we survived the move-in day at the Ventura beach house. I have so much to share, mostly good but some not so good, and lots of pictures too!
When we packed the house back in April 2022, I packed everything. In hindsight, I probably should have donated about half of our stuff, because half of the boxes I opened did not work in our newly remodeled home. Remember all of the aqua decor items? Nope. I didn’t keep a single one. They are going to a friend who is moving to a new home. And I am so excited for her and her family.
The Status of the Move-In at the Ventura Beach House
Slowly is the best word I can use to describe the move-in. Why?
We have been unpacking boxes and setting up furniture all week while things are still being completed. What kind of things? Well, on moving day they were also installing all of the appliances. And they were painting the last coat on the 2nd floor every day this week. The downstairs, the office, and our primary suite are done as of today, but I am pretty sure the kitchen and family living area still need another coat. Both stairwells also need a second coat of paint
We probably should have waited another week to move in, but I really didn’t want to pay yet another month of storage fees. So we pushed it. And I am so glad we did! I am pretty sure my contractor wasn’t thrilled but by now they have learned how to put up with my crazy ideas!
In the pretty picture of our kitchen, if you look closely you will see plenty of areas where more paint is needed! (Hint: Check out the window trim or hood vent!)
As you can see, I still have a lot of stuff to put away. None of the closets are built out yet so for now, this is where it stays! Also, I am not sure how I ended up with three Rummikub games. We love the game, but how did I end up with three?
Open shelves were added on either side of the sink because I want a very open and working kitchen feel. Now, I have an ocean view from the kitchen island and I cannot wait to spend a lot of time here cooking meals and entertaining family and friends.
We also just got hot water and most of the bathrooms are functional. But our house is not quite ready for a sleepover yet!
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The Not-So-Good Part of the Move In
Ok, time to share a not-so-great thing. I messed up pretty badly. When I pressed SEND on my computer when I ordered my appliances a gazillion months ago, I should have triple-checked it.
Why?
Somehow I managed to order a refrigerator that was not counter-depth. I have no idea how it happened but I ordered the wrong refrigerator. And it doesn’t fit.
And the worst part? The store policy is that 48 hours from delivery you have to inspect all deliveries. Because this is a remodel, the appliances were delivered in December, but not installed until the kitchen was ready to receive them in January.
So guess what? I have a beautiful brand-new refrigerator that doesn’t fit and can’t return it. I actually cried when I went to the store and they told me that!
So … if anyone in Ventura/LA is looking for a brand new, never been used GE Cafe Matte White refrigerator, email me at [email protected]. I will give you a great deal!
Oh, and if the refrigerator debacle wasn’t bad enough, the dishwasher has a big dent in the front. And guess what, same 48-hour inspection policy, applies so the dishwasher has to go through the warranty process if I am lucky. That should be a lot of fun. Wish me luck!
And I do have to say that this was my fault. I learned a lesson and when you are doing a remodel you really need to make sure you always check everything!
If you are wondering about the amazing couch in the photo above, I got that at the Pottery Barn Outlet. It is really, super comfy!
Fortunately, both products are currently in stock so the replacements shouldn’t take too long. It is just so frustrating that I have to buy them again! You know the old adage, measure twice, cut once. Well, measure thrice, and order once!
Please learn from my mistake!
My Favorite Items in The Beach House Kitchen
Counter Stools
I have been eyeing these counter stools for a very long time and I knew how amazing they would look in our kitchen. I bought them in the fall and they have been sitting in our Carriage House forever!
They are from Serena and Lilly and they are the Balboa Counter Stools.
Hanging Lights
I found these lights on Amazon and I bought them last summer! How funny is that?
Kitchen Table and Chairs
I have gotten to know the staff at the Pottery Barn Outlet really well. I bought this table last summer and I bought the chairs a few at a time so that I could fit them in my car. Incidentally, the chairs are the same ones we have in our dining room at home, these are a lighter color which is called Seadrift.
Appliances
The appliances are from GE and they are called Cafe Matte White. I absolutely love them and it’s wonderful that you can order different knobs and handles depending on your preference. The stove hood is also part of the Cafe collection. I bought them all at Home Depot last year because of all of the shortages, they took a really long time to arrive. Like eight months!
Of course, now they are in stock.
Now that we are almost moved in, I am so excited to be able to start sharing the Ventura beach house. Make sure to sign up for my newsletter so that you get the blog delivered to your email box each morning and you don’t miss any beach house updates! There is so much more to share!
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Your beach house is gorgeous! I’m sorry about your appliance problem. You may get a better response if you contact the store manager or corp office regarding the damaged item and explain it was a remodel project. I had a similar situation and after a few phone calls I found someone to help me. It’s worth a try!
Sue,
I am working on that! Thanks.
Gorgeous! Oh to have an ocean view! I’m in the Midwest with a woods view , grass is always greener I guess❤️❤️xo
Oh thank you Michelle! I am obsessed 🥰 woods view sounds very pretty too!
A beautiful space. All.
What is your floor?
So beautiful! I can’t wait to see more!!! I hope all works out with the appliances.
Hi Kathy! Thank you ☺️ I’m excited to share!
It looks amazing Leslie! Thanks for the reminder to check appliances, even if you are not going to have them set up right away. I am having a new washer and dryer delivered today I will be moving to Texas next month. They will be kept boxed up but I will have the Home Depot delivery people carefully open them so I can check them for any damage and box them back up for the move. I’m sure you will find someone who will be thrilled to get the refrigerator and cross fingers you will be able to get a replacement dishwasher.
It’s always good to double check things 😆🤗 absolutely- thanks for your kind words!
Beautiful remodel. Lots of fun times to come I’m sure. Do you have two refrigerators in your kitchen?
Thanks so much Claudette! Yes! One of them is dedicated to drinks 🙌🏻
You did a fabulous job! Thanks for sharing. What is the kitchen backsplash?
My question is why you didn’t leave that wall above sink totally windows for ocean view.
Style choice! The wall opposite is top to bottom windows, so this is what we went with ☺️🙏
Leslie, you might get another dishwasher or put one on one of the other floors. and one thing i cant do without is a 40 gal MAXXICE ice maker under the counter, its a life saver at parties and with overnight guests. it constantly makes great ice, i have the double dishwashers, under the counter, counter heights. you can hide dishes in it and not have so many on your shelves! mine are kitchen-aid brand. also a smaller sink with a garbage disposal in your island for multiple cooking tasks. i have had parties of 125 people and both are always in use. in my casitas, i always put a small refrigerator and ice cube trays but you could put an icemaker in one of your hallways by bedrooms. clients love the room small refrigerators, a keurig and a microwave. saves them using my kitchen. lots use the top of the refrigerators to put their stuff-liquor. and idea i do in client bedrooms, i put dishes and paper cups,wine glasses, plates,bowls,plastic silverware in the closets which they always use.it keeps lots of running up and down the stairs. and is so easy to clean the rooms. and BUG SPRAY is a must in every room as friends have died from west nile mosquito bites. joyce dodd harcharik. i have 6 bedrooms and lots of guests!
Wow! Thanks Joyce for the tips 🥰🤗🙏
Oh bummer on the appliances. I ‘ve had a similar experience with Home Depot before as well. Luckily after multiple phone calls they made good on it.
It’s all coming together beautifully and I am loving 😍 watching the progress. Thanks for sharing your experience and details good & bad.
Aw thank you Leslie! It’ll work out, just a bit stressful in the moment 😆 still so excited!! ☺️
Congratulations! It’s beautiful! And what’s a remodel without a few Oopses!? We could swap stories sometime – I had a similar measurement problem in our kitchen. 🙂 Your new view and new setup is so worth it though, and I’m happy for all of you!
Oh thanks so much Barbara! Haha yes, so true! Oh I’m sure we could 😆 thanks for the kind words!
Leslie! I have loved following your remodel. It is all about the views. Gorgeous! Cannot wait to see the special touches you will add. Ugh with the appliances. We get to learn from your mistake. It would not have entered my mind to open up appliances I wasn’t going to have a place to put for months! Thank you for sharing the process with us!
Hi Deanne! Oh I’m so glad! Yes definitely a lesson learned 😆 still so excited though. Thank you for being here ☺️🙌🏻
I’m sorry you are running into problems. All you want to do with the refrigerator is swap it out for a counter depth model. Same idea with the dishwasher, you just want to swap it out for one that isn’t dented. I wish you success.
Yes! Thanks so much Edith 🤗🙏
Curious why you did kitchen sink faucet not gold. Or am I incorrect? Love the sink along with everything else.
Gorgeous
Wow looking good, sorry about the appliances, hopefully you can find someone to take the wrong one off your hands. If I lived in the area I might take you up on it, I hate my frig. Do you have 2 refrigerators in the kitchen? If so I imagine that will come in handy with parties and weekend fun. Can’t wait to see the rest. Beautiful view.
Thank you Carole ♥️ Yes! One is a drinks fridge. That was my thinking 🤗 can’t wait to share the rest!
Beautiful!! Would you mind telling me what color white you are using for your trim? Looks so bright and clean.