My sister Elizabeth was supposed to be here last night, but the Wisconsin weather decided to play havoc with our plans. I expect that WI is worried she will like it down here and not come back. The state has always been unwilling to let her go.
I am so impatiently waiting for her to get here, that I have been ADD all day. I haven't been able to concentrate on anything or finish a single task. There is no other person in the world that can cause me to be so anxious. And once she's here, we will slow down and do nothing happily. It is supposed to rain all day tomorrow. Who cares? It will be cold Sunday. Who cares? The liquor cabinet is fully stocked.
There is this adorable little house for sale two doors down from us and I think it would be perfect for Elizabeth. There are rumors that it will snow here on Sunday. I think it is a sign that NC isn't willing to give her up that easily either.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Kitchen space is NOT overrated!
Even though we didn't love (or even like) this kitchen, it was tolerable. It flowed nicely into the dining room and it had great natural light. We hadn't budgeted for a major kitchen remodel in this phase, so we figured we could live with it for the time being. A coat of paint, and some new lights and appliances would have gone a long way.
That was until Michael attempted to simply move a cabinet so that the outside door could be relocated. He was able to separate it off the wall easily enough...and then it disintegrated. Suddenly he had everything dismantled. Gone are the laminate counters. Gone are the cheap appliances. Gone, gone, gone are the five melamine cabinets and the horrible layout. I guess we better find a kitchen remodel budget.
If you watch any HGTV program they will tell you an average kitchen remodel is about $55,000. We did the entire thing for $12,000. We scrounged and found new custom cabinets online, and barely used Corian counters on Craigslist. We did all the installations ourselves, expect for the counter cutting and reseaming. Instead of getting the $6000 range we really wanted, we found a similar one for $2000 at IKEA. We had the island made by some crazy guys from South Carolina instead of going retail. All in all, the sacrifices came out great. I think it blends the old historic flavor of the House well with the modern things we love. We are still in need of a backsplash and some minor trim work, but that can wait awhile. I have some cooking to do.
That was until Michael attempted to simply move a cabinet so that the outside door could be relocated. He was able to separate it off the wall easily enough...and then it disintegrated. Suddenly he had everything dismantled. Gone are the laminate counters. Gone are the cheap appliances. Gone, gone, gone are the five melamine cabinets and the horrible layout. I guess we better find a kitchen remodel budget.
If you watch any HGTV program they will tell you an average kitchen remodel is about $55,000. We did the entire thing for $12,000. We scrounged and found new custom cabinets online, and barely used Corian counters on Craigslist. We did all the installations ourselves, expect for the counter cutting and reseaming. Instead of getting the $6000 range we really wanted, we found a similar one for $2000 at IKEA. We had the island made by some crazy guys from South Carolina instead of going retail. All in all, the sacrifices came out great. I think it blends the old historic flavor of the House well with the modern things we love. We are still in need of a backsplash and some minor trim work, but that can wait awhile. I have some cooking to do.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Enter at your own risk
The entryway foyer was the one part of the House where I think we both had and needed VISION. It was so godawful with its stained and nasty carpet, drop ceiling, panelled walls and more of that damn beige. Then there was a weird covered sleeping porch at the end of the hall that had a low ceiling and sloped floor. We knew there was something there, but it was hidden far and deep. We were so enamored though with the width of the hall and the thought of making it a "grand entrance" that we were willing to Take It On.
And as we pulled things out, things only got worse. I was seriously concerned that the entryway to our home would always represent a condemned building. Under the carpet we found asbestos linoleum. The paneling was covering layers and layers of wallpaper that was glued on with an intensity I didn't know possible. Under the dropped ceiling we found the height we wanted, as well as a rather large hole. The sleeping porch ended up getting removed, as that is ultimately where the addition will connect to. The floor was so termite chewed and wasn't worth saving, so the whole damn thing came out. (Many, many thanks to our work friends for taking it DOWN.) Now we just have a doorway that goes nowhere, but it does provide an interesting conversation piece.
The good? Under the paneling we found original wainscoting in decent condition, the linoleum was over beautiful heart pine floors (again, WHY????), and the drop ceiling was hiding a transom window. Those three things really made the project worth it. I am still pissed though that a dead and shriveled rat fell out of the ceiling on my arm. I still get a little queasy when I walk under that section. Brrrr.
A quick note to anyone that is coming to visit within the next year. The hallway is where you will be sleeping. Until the addition is built (a downstairs master bedroom, closet, laundry, and upstairs guest suite), we have only one bedroom. Yes you get your own bath, but the pull-out couch in the foyer is all yours. You know us; we're all about the hospitality. Just don't come here expecting loads of privacy.
And as we pulled things out, things only got worse. I was seriously concerned that the entryway to our home would always represent a condemned building. Under the carpet we found asbestos linoleum. The paneling was covering layers and layers of wallpaper that was glued on with an intensity I didn't know possible. Under the dropped ceiling we found the height we wanted, as well as a rather large hole. The sleeping porch ended up getting removed, as that is ultimately where the addition will connect to. The floor was so termite chewed and wasn't worth saving, so the whole damn thing came out. (Many, many thanks to our work friends for taking it DOWN.) Now we just have a doorway that goes nowhere, but it does provide an interesting conversation piece.
The good? Under the paneling we found original wainscoting in decent condition, the linoleum was over beautiful heart pine floors (again, WHY????), and the drop ceiling was hiding a transom window. Those three things really made the project worth it. I am still pissed though that a dead and shriveled rat fell out of the ceiling on my arm. I still get a little queasy when I walk under that section. Brrrr.
A quick note to anyone that is coming to visit within the next year. The hallway is where you will be sleeping. Until the addition is built (a downstairs master bedroom, closet, laundry, and upstairs guest suite), we have only one bedroom. Yes you get your own bath, but the pull-out couch in the foyer is all yours. You know us; we're all about the hospitality. Just don't come here expecting loads of privacy.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
What? No tub in the living room?
Shocking I know...but we made a few changes in the living room. This space was originally a bedroom which we thought was stupid. So we knocked down a couple walls, removed the plaster and fake brick around the fireplace, painstakingly pulled up the manufactured wood floor that was over the original heart pine (why people, WHY???), removed the door, replaced the horrible fixtures, and painted the wainscoting a different color than the walls. Someone REALLY had a nasty little thing for beige.
We basically did all the work in this room by ourselves, including the wall removal. That is a task that I hope Michael never has to repeat. It was simply dirty and horrible. When they built those walls they were not intending for them to EVER come down. The only work that we hired out in here was the plastering to fix some of the holes that we created and to build the crawlspace to the attic. We still have to replace the moldings near the ceiling, finish the fireplace mantle, and complete some other trim work, but it is coming together beautifully.
Another shock, but we finally replaced the clawfoot tub that was being stored in the living room with furniture. The difference it made was amazing. Who knew? The room is now bright and vibrant and runs seamlessly into the dining room and kitchen. I look at the pictures and can't believe this is the same house.
The only thing I regret is that we removed two closets along with the walls. That is making me get awfully creative about storage. It is also feeding my need to throw things out, which is not exactly pleasing Michael. It is just good for me that he doesn't remember everything he once had. His short memory is finally working in my favor.
We basically did all the work in this room by ourselves, including the wall removal. That is a task that I hope Michael never has to repeat. It was simply dirty and horrible. When they built those walls they were not intending for them to EVER come down. The only work that we hired out in here was the plastering to fix some of the holes that we created and to build the crawlspace to the attic. We still have to replace the moldings near the ceiling, finish the fireplace mantle, and complete some other trim work, but it is coming together beautifully.
Another shock, but we finally replaced the clawfoot tub that was being stored in the living room with furniture. The difference it made was amazing. Who knew? The room is now bright and vibrant and runs seamlessly into the dining room and kitchen. I look at the pictures and can't believe this is the same house.
The only thing I regret is that we removed two closets along with the walls. That is making me get awfully creative about storage. It is also feeding my need to throw things out, which is not exactly pleasing Michael. It is just good for me that he doesn't remember everything he once had. His short memory is finally working in my favor.Sunday, February 22, 2009
Time for Show & Tell
It was another long, yet quick weekend where we worked to clear tasks off my lengthy list. On Saturday we were moving slower than normal, so we needed to kick it up on Sunday. And there was progress to be had. The condo is clean, the House is clear of boxes, the shed is organized, the storage unit is full, and our corgi is groomed.
It is now only fair that we share in our glory. Let's start with one of my favorite rooms...the Hall Bath.
When we bought the House the hall bathroom was a room you never wanted to enter. It was as if you were being punished. Dark green linoleum (asbestos) tiles, brown wainscoting, beige walls, an old and uncared for clawfoot tub, and nasty cheap brass fixtures.
We literally ripped out everything. The window was closed in and we added insulation (one of about four walls with such a luxury), and the floor was rebuilt in order to properly support a 500 pound clawfoot.
The wainscoting was painted bright white and new moldings added. The paint color is one of my favorites - Organic Garden - and was inspired off the amazing organic cotton shower curtains I found at Pottery Barn.
New plumbing of course for the new sink vanity and toilet. Michael installed the 'green' cork tile floors that perfectly match the stain of the hardwoods throughout the rest of the House.
The restored clawfoot tub is now painted an army green and bright white and looks fantastic. Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures from Signature Hardware and lighting from Restoration Hardware warm up all the white and green.
The grand total was about $4,000 and lots and lots of love and labor. Every time I walk into this room I am now happy.
It is now only fair that we share in our glory. Let's start with one of my favorite rooms...the Hall Bath.
When we bought the House the hall bathroom was a room you never wanted to enter. It was as if you were being punished. Dark green linoleum (asbestos) tiles, brown wainscoting, beige walls, an old and uncared for clawfoot tub, and nasty cheap brass fixtures.
We literally ripped out everything. The window was closed in and we added insulation (one of about four walls with such a luxury), and the floor was rebuilt in order to properly support a 500 pound clawfoot.
The wainscoting was painted bright white and new moldings added. The paint color is one of my favorites - Organic Garden - and was inspired off the amazing organic cotton shower curtains I found at Pottery Barn.
New plumbing of course for the new sink vanity and toilet. Michael installed the 'green' cork tile floors that perfectly match the stain of the hardwoods throughout the rest of the House.
The restored clawfoot tub is now painted an army green and bright white and looks fantastic. Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures from Signature Hardware and lighting from Restoration Hardware warm up all the white and green.
The grand total was about $4,000 and lots and lots of love and labor. Every time I walk into this room I am now happy.
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