Laundry Room Reveal

Yippee!!

I got that laundry room RE-DO.  Remember the one I was lusting after (click to see).  It's taken a little while, but here it is.

Ta Da!

It took several days weeks of painting and drying.  We got down to pretty interesting underware what with not having a washer and dryer hooked up, but the sacrifice was worth it.
 I painted the walls Sherwin-Williams "Rainwashed" and the washer/dryer stand Martha Stewart's "Zinc" from Home Depot.

The cabinet is a little Ikea Hack.  Steve took one of our office cabinets apart, cut the pieces down on the table saw then put it back together. This is part of a set of cabinets we've used in our office in three houses--so, yes, Ikea cabinets are sturdy and I love them.

This little gem is the Akrum base cabinet with two Adel doors --painted now--and Ikea's pulls and square legs.  The counter top is  made of plywood with formica veneer from Lowe's or Home Depot (I forgot since it was done years ago.)

Can you believe all this junk went in that cabinet?  I'm still working on an ironing board hanger to put behind the door.  You know that last 5% takes the longest.

I'm particularly happy with the art work.  I originally planned to have a poster sized print made at CVS to frame for the big blank wall, but the cost and hassle factor were major issues.
So I searched around and came up with this:

The digital picture came from iStock Photo.  You can pick from zillions of pictures--I wanted laundry on the line--but not cutesy--an old building in Havana with somebody's wash was just the thing.  Canvas Discount was cheap--later I read the reviews--not so good. Well anyway I think my print was really fine.  Getting the canvas in a skinny box and realizing I had to stretch it myself wasn't exactly what I had in mind--I've never done that before.

But you know me--not easily thwarted. 

And I know my way around a staple gun.

What do you think?

later,

Patti

New Old Crystal Chandelier in the Bathroom

Well, I bought that Craigslist Crystal Chandelier.

And I got so excited when I learned it was really old that I paid what the gal was asking. I'm so ashamed (not really since I thought it was a pretty good price for what I was getting)

Here's the ad from Craigslist.

BEFORE

After driving around a little longer than I should have looking for the house I got there and was lead upstairs to the bedroom. The lady flipped the switch and viola -- the thing worked (this was a very positive sign in my book). 

The only problem was, the darn thing was still hanging from the ceiling.  So, she proceeded to get her handy dandy step ladder and screw driver and started taking it down.

In the meantime I grew a little concerned since it's a pretty heavy chandelier so I hopped up on the ottoman and held it up while she took it down. Now, I'm not in bad shape but holding this thing over my head got old fast.  It came down with no problem and I carried it out to the car and put it in the trunk.

That's when I noticed one light hanging at an odd angle.  When I put it in the trunk,and arranged the padding around it I must have bumped one of the arms and cracked it.

I almost cried.

Well, what could I do?

I wasn't about to leave it so I got in the car and brought it home thinking the whole way about what kind of glue to use to put it back together. Worse case I figured I could take it to a repair place and have them re-attach it.

AFTER

Turns out, I didn't really break it. It had been "repaired" before. This was an old break and the glue had just come loose.  I was relieved that I didn't break it, but a little pissed that the gal didn't admit it was already broken.  Hmmm.

During

 The thing was just absolutely filthy. I took it apart and washed each piece in ammonia water.

It just sparkled!  I was so excited.

A little dab of silicone held the broken arm and we were back in business.
The main wire was a bit scary so that was replaced along with a few other rusty pieces.

Some of the old wire that holds the crystals was beyond salvation. So, that meant a trip to Home Depot for a whole huge roll of wire. 

Let me know if any of you need wire- I've got a life time supply. 

The chandy stayed on the kitchen island over the weekend with it's guts hanging out in front of everybody until  I finally finished putting it back together. NOTE TO SELF--take pictures before you take something apart.

Now it's at home hanging in my bathroom.

Please ignore the sheet over the window. I haven't decided for sure what to do here--I'm leaning toward plantation shutters.

I love it!!  It's just the right size and it really shines.
(I'm leaving the tape on the broken arm a nice long time, just in case.)

What d' ya think?

Any suggestions on really good glue for glass?

Later, 

Patti

Linking to:

a beach cottage--Good Life Wednesday

Master Bathroom Update

I've been kinda quite on the remodeling news lately, but that doesn't mean things have been at a standstill.

Finally we're working on the upstairs including the master bathroom.

It's not ready for the big reveal, but how about a work in progress update?

This weekend Steve has been hanging mirrors and installing the sconces above the vanities.

Here's a little advice:

  When you remodel--take pictures of everything.  Even small insignificant things...

Things you think might not be all that important could turn out to be VERY important.

Take this pict for instance. It's just framing and a huge opening for the window over the tub.

Wrong--it's a record of where those darn electricians hid the wires for the vanity lights.

After increasing the size about 10 times the original, we could just make out the wires on the right side snaking around inside the framed wall.

I knew they were in there somewhere.

Whew!!!

It only took about half an hour with a clothes hanger bent into a hook to find them and fish them out.

Of course all the pictures in the world won't prevent this:

Every single solitary sconce is going to have to be hung in front of a pipe or a stud. Thankfully they have an app thingy for that.

Here's my project for the day: caulking and painting the window sill. This momma had to be "modified" because the toilet tank bumped into it.  Short explanation; the toilet wouldn't fit so the carpenter had to take the sill out and cut it down then re-install it.  Cha-Ching!

Oh the pleasures of remodeling.

But we're almost there.  Just another week or two.

Stay with me folks.

Patti

Bathrooms--Before and After

I love a good "Before and After" and these bathrooms from Better Homes and Gardens are super.
Lately I've been showing 1960s Brick Ranches to a client and we've seen some of these bathrooms and they hurt our eyes--it's nice to see the possibilities.
Now, one disclaimer--BHG claims these are "weekend" projects. Two days?  That might be a little ambitious for me.

Done-in-a-Weekend Bathroom Refreshes

The smallest room in the house shouldn't fall short on style. Take your bathroom from outdated to up-to-date in just two days with these makeover ideas.

Before: Overtiled Bathroom

The hundreds of nondescript tiles on the floor and halfway up the walls in this bath were a drawback until their sandy color inspired a fresh, beachy scheme. A few simple updates and well-chosen accessories will transform this bathroom in just two days.

  
(nice use of the coat rack when there's no place to put a towel bar)

After: Beachy Bathroom Oasis

The first step in the bathroom's transformation was painting the walls a watery blue. Next, serenefabric choices, such as the cream-color cotton window shade and striped shower curtains, tie together the colors of the tiles and walls. A wooden coatrack adds storage by providing a handy spot to hang towels and robes. These elements work together to highlight the original claw-foot bathtub.

 
(yuck, yuck, yuck--at least this one's clean)

Before: Dark and Dated Vanity

The oak vanity provides lots of storage opportunities, but the wood darkens thebathroom. Old Hollywood-style strip light fixtures, a tile countertop, and a flat mirror date the bathroom.

 

After: Bright White Vanity

Updated to coordinate with the tub and toilet, the old oak vanity now looks more like a sophisticateddresser thanks to a few coats of white paint. A new countertop, sink, faucet, and hardware add to the makeover. Above the vanity are a pair of brushed nickel sconces and a medicine cabinet. On the wall, beach scenes bring together all the colors in the bathroom.

 

After: Vanity with Flair

The oak vanity was given a new look with white paint, new hardware, bun feet, and decorativecabinet doors. The original center doors were replaced with a set made from mesh cane webbing -- the kind typically used for chair seats -- inserted into premade door frames and backed byplywood. Simply adding two knobs to the previously bare center cabinet panel reinforces thefurniture look.

 

After: Modern Fixtures

There can never be too much storage in abathroom. A 4-inch-deep medicine cabinet replaced the flat mirror. With a brushed nickel frame and mirrored inside, the medicine cabinet adds a touch of glamour as well as storage to the bathroom. A sleek and simple high-arc faucet with lever handles adds a modern touch.

 After: Versatile Accents

A wooden stool with a woven top serves many functions in this bathroom. It adds texture and plays off the room's beach-theme. It also offers a spot to place towels for easy access from thebathtub and a place to sit. In a small space, it's important to choose versatile pieces.

Before: Vintage Style

The homeowners wanted to give this 1929bathroom a modern update without losing its vintage charm. New vintage-inspired fixtures, lighter walls, and bright accents will give this bathroom the quick update it needs.

After: Pink and Green Style

The pedestal sink, floor and wall tile, and bathtub were all keepers in this 1929 bathroom. The homeowners incorporated modern function with a wall-mount shower and a new faucet reminiscent of the original with cross-handle fixtures. New tile installed behind the faucet nearly matches the old pieces, and pink-and-white wallpaper complements the tones of the existing mosaic floor. Changing the window blinds to shutters and replacing an old light fixture and wall mirror with a new pair in satin nickel add impact with minimal effort. A petite green Windsor chair and a colorful bath mat and towels complete the look.

 

After: Pattern Control

Floor-to-ceiling toile might have been too much in this compact space, but covering just half the walls provides a pleasing counterpoint to the white tile wainscoting. There are no worries about swelling and peeling wallpaper in a bathroom that doesn't get steamy from showers.

 

Before: Green

Dated green tile and a mini print wallpaper make this 7x7 1/2-foot bathroom feel closed in. A boxy vanity and wall-mount cabinet above the toilet don't help the cramped space. Updated walls and streamlined fixtures will give this bathroom a modern update.

 

After: Charming Country Bathroom

This bathroom gets a fresh farmhouse look from, a new pedestal sink, open storage shelves, sunny yellow accents, and solid-surfacing panels that resemble beaded-board wainscoting. The new pedestal sink with a wide rim opens up floor space, while a vintage-style recessed medicine cabinet provides storage.

 After: Clever Fabric Uses

Multiple shower curtains hung on a curved rod protect the wall and window behind the bathtub and shower area. White subway tile picks up in the shower stall where the beaded board look-alike ends. Repurposed fabric softens the space. The shower curtains are actually window panels outfitted with grommets. The cafe curtains were fashioned using tea towels, a curtain rod, and clip rings. With no room for a traditional towel bar, a double hook with glass finials stands in next to the shower.

After: Colorful HuesA home center chandelier, originally in an aged silver finish, received several coats of yellow paint. Sky blue paint covers the ceiling, an unexpected touch, and complements the bath's sunny accents.

(Raise your hand if you know what these "pots" were really used for.)

After: Savvy StorageMetal pots and bowls hold toiletries. These cleverstorage solutions add country charm to thebathroom.

So, what do you think of the "before and afters?"  

I picked up a few good ideas and a lot of encouragement.

Later,

Patti

Before and After "Bump-Ups"

We all enjoy a good "before and after."
Maybe it's like a lady I met once said, "I love to make old  houses pretty."
Here are a few ugly duckling houses that became swans. (photos courtesy of the Atlanta Journal Constitution)

All these homes had second story additions that added much needed living space--bedrooms, baths and closets. Space was added without turning them into McMansions.

This first house, in Morningside, is a good example of Painted Brick with Dark Trim. I blogged a few other homes with this paint scheme a while ago. See that post here.

AFTER

 Like I said before, "There is no special place in hell for people who paint brick."
The AJC article said the owners painted this home to make the addition blend with the original. Lots of people do that. Sometimes its almost impossible to make the new brick match the old.

A few things I like about this renovation:

• added trim to gables with Tudor "turkey track" detailing 
• arched roof on the portico over the front door
• shutters make the facade look finished
• they didn't paint the granite foundation

BEFORE

The next home got a HUGE facelift that includes a higher roofline, front dormer and gable- plus a front porch.
They raised the first floor ceiling height, too. I'll bet that makes it seem a lot roomier.
AFTER

BEFORE

Most of us wouldn't have looked twice at this house. It was sooo plain, tiny and downright ugly. It's located  in Loring Heights; a neighborhood built in the 1940s I believe.

BEFORE

AFTER, its quite a handsome fellow. It's hard to believe it's the same house.  They even added a swing on the porch. Wonder if they painted the ceiling "haint blue."

Next is my fav.  Don't you just love it?  I wish we had interior pictures--sigh.
This home is in Morningside, too, probably built in the 1930s.

AFTER

Why I like it:

• the color--ummm, ummm, ummm
• arched front door with gorgeous X window trim
• shed dormer with 4 windows is in proportion 
• screened porch on the front retains its curved roof line
• (this is just a good picture from a good angle--we know how important that is)

BEFORE-it was big from the beginning and got bigger but not big and tacky

BACKSIDE BEFORE--the walkout terrace was great even then

My thoughts:

• I'm not crazy about the angle of this picture. 
• The roof is probably flatter than I'd like, but the second story blends nicely.
• The short roof between the first and second floors is really important. It breaks up the flatness. 
• That copper roof and those gutters are quite nice (cha ching!)
• The short roof over the French door is good good
• The detail and window box at the middle window add interest, again breaking up the flatness
• They didn't paint the granite foundation

AFTER

If you want to read more about these renovations, scoot over to the AJC for the scoop on second story additions.

later,


Linking to:
Savvy Southern Style- Wow us Wednesday
beach cottage--Good Life Wednesday
The Shabby Creek Cottage--Transformation Thursday