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Chinaberry Construction Update

Stacey Littleby Published: Dec 20, 2021

For weeks I’ve been promising y’all a construction update and I’m jumping on today to give you just that – and it’s a big one! So much has been accomplished since the last blog post update, I figured the best way to show it all was to give you a little tour… so that’s exactly what we’re going to do!

(If you’re new here, I’d love it if you’d start with this post to get caught up on our journey and how we got here. Then you can see all the updates here.)

We’ll start on the outside.

They just finished painting the exterior. Of all the decisions we’ve had to make in building this house, the exterior colors were probably the easiest. Heather and I knew exactly what we wanted it to look like.

The main color is Maison Blanche by Sherwin Williams. It’s the perfect light, creamy tan.

Trim is Curio Gray by Sherwin Williams. Which, oddly enough, doesn’t really look gray at all, but more deep taupe.

The original plans only had a brick skirt, but we wanted more brick to give the farmhouse look a bit more of a classic feel.

As I’ve shared before, brick was a big decision for us and really helped us get the feel we wanted. It took lots of searching to get that vintage, reclaimed brick without the reclaimed brick price.

We settled on a brick from Cherokee Brick called Silo Square and couldn’t be happier with that choice. The little pops of blue really give the look that the brick was once part of an old building with one of those signs painted on the sides.

We also opted for an ivory colored mortar and a flush mortar joint to give it more of that vintage feel.

There’s just something about this view of the house that makes it one of my favorites. I think it’s all the angles coming together that gives it such visual interest.

I’m also pretty fond of the view from the top of the hill looking down on the property. That’s the test kitchen over to the right.

Speaking of the test kitchen, look at this beauty!

It was designed separately from the main house, but the architect did a fantastic job of giving them a cohesive feel.

Once last minute change Heather wanted was a little balcony on the top, so that’s what you see there with the double door.

The overhang on the right side of the kitchen is where 4 large sliding doors will be to give me tons of great natural light for shooting photos of all the food. We’re planning for a big farmhouse table out on that patio, too.

Heading into the main house, we’ll start in the main entry. These 8 foot mahogany doors let in tons of natural light. There are three sets of doors like this across the front of the house. The ceilings in this room are 19 and 20 feet high. The tall ceilings give the rooms a grand feeling without them being huge.

Looking toward the fireplace, you can see the tall ceilings. That brick, which is the same brick from the exterior, will go all the way up the wall and be flaked by built-in bookcases.

Here, you can see a little more of the color and variation in the brick.

Directly across from the entryway is the dining room. This is one of my favorite rooms. It’s a bit different than the original plans, but we just love it. We’re planning some type of water feature on the hill just across the yard to take advantage of the great view.

Standing in the kitchen looking into the living room makes me so, so happy. While many folks say that open concept plans are going out of style, I love the way the rooms are connected. The openness means that even when I’m in the kitchen, I can still be a part of whatever is going on in the living room. I can just imagine all the happy memories that will be made in this space.

This is the view into the kitchen from the living room. Imagine the cooktop and double ovens on the far wall, the sink under the windows to the right, and the refrigerator on the left beside the set of double doors. Oh, and a big giant island right smack dab in the middle.

Just out back of the living room is one of the outdoor living spaces. This wall will be where the outdoor kitchen is beside the wood burning fireplace. We’re going to screen this space in so we won’t get carried off by those Alabama mosquitos!

Back inside, just through the living room is Jack’s bedroom. Originally that small window up top was in the attic, but we decided to vault the ceiling and let even more light into the room.

Jumping back through the kitchen is the master bedroom. I sure love those huge windows, but without some serious blinds or drapes, there will be no sleeping-in in this room!

The master bathroom is another room that’s changed a little from the plans. The large soaker tub will sit right under those windows and the shower will be in that space over to the right.

You can see that cabinetry is starting to find its way!

While you can’t see much of this room, Heather’s studio, you can see the beautiful, super tall 6-panel doors that we picked for throughout the house. The double doors on the right will be the doors the lead between the master bedroom and master bathroom.

This space is the bonus room that sits above the garage. We’ve also changed this space a little as we’ve moved through the process. A half bath became a full bath and we moved the closet around to take better advantage of the space. I’ve just got to figure out how I’m going to fit a skee-ball machine in here. (Of course I’m just kidding… kind of.)

And here’s the new Southern Bite Test Kitchen. This view is from the bonus room looking out back.

The main floor is mostly kitchen, seen here. Imagine that far wall with the sink under the windows, double ovens on the far left, and the fridge against the right wall. The large island in the middle will house a gas cooktop. Through that door on the right is a small butler’s pantry area, a half bath, and a large pantry for props and ingredients.

Upstairs will be a full bath and my office. You can see the double doors that will open onto the small balcony. That little ledge happened out of necessity to run a/c ducts, but it will be the perfect spot for our little Ella to join me at work where she can see out the window.

And here’s the other side of the office. This side looks toward the back yard and house. Lots of good stuff is going to happen right here.

Stacey, Heather, and Jack

So there you have it! A little photo tour of the progress! As you can imagine, we’re so excited about making this place a home. And we’re so grateful for the journey that has gotten us to this point. It hasn’t always been pretty, but we find ourselves blessed, nonetheless. And, of course, none of this would be possible without the folks that helped us to build Southern Bite to what it is today. And we are eternally grateful to each and every one of you. It’s as simple as that. Love y’all.

Stacey Little of Southern Bite

Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us!

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Comments

  1. CHERYL BARNETT

    Love the tour and I very much enjoy watching your show every Sunday on TV, love your simple recipes and they are so easy and delicious, God Bless

    Reply

  2. Bonnie C

    Beautiful home and amazing progress. Will be beautiful next Christmas. Happy, healthy 2022 to you and your family.

    Reply

  3. Mollie Frook

    So delighted to see how quickly your house is taking shape. It is going to be a stunner. Having the Test Kitchen right on the property is going to be wonderful for you and the family. Thank you for keeping us up to date on the progress and the reasons for your choices. Makes us feel like part of the family. Hope you had an awesome Christmas and wishing you health, happiness and peace for the New Year. God bless.

    Reply

  4. Hattie

    Wow! What a beautiful home. I know youall can’t wait till it’s all done! Thank you so much for
    sharing pics with us. It will be so much fun decorating it. Please share pics when it all done.
    Blessing’s for many wonderful years for you and your family.

    Reply

  9. Cindy

    Stacey your home is beautiful. How exciting this is to see it taking shape. Next Christmas should be fun decorating your new home. You have a beautiful family. I use your cookbook often.

    🌲🤶🎅🌲 Merry Christmas and continued success in the New Year!

    Reply

  11. Judy Manuel

    Stacey and Family – Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for sharing the Chinaberry House Project. This tour has been like a little “Christmas present” to open and enjoy! I LOVE it when I see an “Update” email from you as I know it brings the steps of progress. You are SO generous to share your family’s journey with us.
    May you all have a very Merry Christmas, and a New Year ahead FULL of joy, love, and good health….AND making memories in your new home!

    Reply

  12. Leslie

    Gorgeous home! I imagine that you guys are anxiously waiting to move in & start to enjoy the spaces! So exciting too! I hope that you and your family have a very Merry Christmas, & a Happy Happy New Year!

    Reply

  14. Carol Parmer

    Absolutely exquisite! Now I’m humming “I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop”. You do indeed!

    Such a fabulous place to live, love and share your wonders with all of us fans! Please know that I send warm thoughts, love, and prayers to your family and ask God to continue making you a blessing to us!

    Merry Christmas! Hope you find some time to “kick it neutral” and enjoy some peace.

    Reply

  15. Teresa

    Thank you Stacey for sharing the progress of the Chinaberry house. It’s going to be gorgeous. I hope you keep us posted. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Looks like it’s gonna start out great!

    Reply

  17. JoAnne

    Love the “accidental” ledge due to the ac but even better are your plans for it. I always wanted my own little reading nook by a window. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Y’all deserve this🙂

    Reply

  18. Katie

    Congratulations on such a beautiful Forever Home!!! Good things come to those who wait . . .
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and family!!!
    Thanks for opening your home to us – we’re so very happy for you!

    Reply

  19. Stacie R Thompson

    You’re home is coming a long beautifully. Thank you so much for sharing the progress with all of us! Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    Reply

  20. Rita

    Love the brick! Thank you for the tour, Chinaberry House will be just gorgeous. Forgive me ,but did I miss something, ? who or what is little Ella?

    Reply

  22. Roxanna

    Congratulations on all your blessings. I always read your recipes and have made several and they never disappoint. Good luck in the new year and hopefully your new home will be done soon and you and your sweet family can enjoy it.

    Reply

  23. Kathy

    Stacey: that looks exceptionally nice and well-planned out. I am so happy for you and Merry Christmas to all of you and a Happy New Year as well. Thank you too for going to all the trouble that you did for the pictures.

    Reply

  24. Frederick A Tietz

    Y’all, That vis an awesome Farmhouse, Home And Test Kitchen. I wish you the Best And I Guess I’m Going to have to Invest in your Latest cook Book so you can pay off the Mortgage on That Project Beauty. Hope you can e-mail me a Recipe for Choc CHip Cookies From Scratch. Have A Merry Christmas!!!

    Reply

  25. Brenda Chambers

    Thanks for the update. It is really taking shape. I am so happy for y’all. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

    Reply

  26. Annie Scott

    Stacey:
    Your house is wonderful and a great place to raise your family. A suggestion. You should put together a time capsule of when you move in, pics of building it and what is going on in the world, not to be opened for at least 25 years. We have one that was put in a wall of our house when it was built in year 2000. Not sure what is in it. We are the third owner.
    Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    Reply

  27. Ann

    Very lovely home and test kitchen, I know you can’t wait to move into your new home and test kitchen. It’s unreal how much Jack has grown. May the three of you enjoy your lovely home and have a very Merry Christmas and bless New Year. Thanks for always sharing!

    Reply

  28. Reba Files

    Thank you so much for sharing the Chinaberry House progress with us. It is amazing and so beautiful. Thank you for sharing family pictures and of course your great recipes. Most of my printed recipes come from you because your recipes remind me of my mother’s and grandmother’s recipes. I’ve been collecting recipes for more than 65 years – but I’m still open to new versions of old recipes. Keep those recipes coming. Blessings to you and your family at Christmas and a wonderful new year.

    Reply

  29. Ruth Anne

    Stacey,
    Your house is coming along beautifully! Love the board and batten on the exterior and the choice of brick. When they clear stain the front door (I assume that is what you will be doing), the mahogany color will pop and will look fabulous! That’s what we did a couple of years ago building our house in NC. Have fun with the progress!

    Reply

  30. melinda b marashi

    I love the house and its setting on the little knoll with Chinaberry trees! You will all enjoy it tremendously!
    May the Lord continue to bless you and this home you have built.

    Reply

  31. Neuroticmom

    Wow I love it. Love all the windows and doors letting in natural light and the high ceilings. Can’t wait for you to get in and enjoy it!

    Reply

  32. Cindy Newton

    Stacey – Wow! The house and test kitchen are coming right along! It’s like the song by Miranda Lambert:
    “Momma cut out pictures of houses for years
    From better homes and garden magazine
    Plans were drawn and concrete poured
    And nail by nail and board by board
    Daddy gave life to momma’s dream”
    I know you and your family will be very happy in your new home!!
    Cindy

    Reply

  34. Jane

    What wonderful progress!! Thank you so much for being so kind and letting us all share this with you!! I’m excited to see all the beautiful things happening!! You’re so deserving!

    Reply

  35. Carolyn Vigna

    Oh my word! I can’t believe how that Jack has grown! I loved the tour of the house, it’s absolutely gorgeous, I know you can’t wait to get moved in.

    Reply

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