Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by!
We are two house-loving DIYers now onto our second house. One of us has vision...and one has actual skills.
Design and working on our home are our major hobbies, whenever we have a few moments of free time not devoted to our daughter or jobs. We are hoping to share our ideas, triumphs and mistakes to help other DIYers and get new ideas from all of you!

Thursday, August 10, 2017

One year in/The Big Catch Up Post

Sunday night Brent and I snuck out for a date night at Flank, which was actually where we had gone for a date night shortly after having our offer accepted on this house a little more than a year ago.

It was delicious again, by the way - totally recommend.  It being a Sunday night in the summer, the restaurant was basically dead - sad for the restaurant, but lovely for us and the very helpful bartender whom I think (hope?) we saved from tears of boredom.

We started the evening (ok, it was late afternoon) with making a list of everything that has changed in the house in the past year.  Then I looked at the blog...and realized that I hadn't mentioned about...80% of the list. So here's us picking up where I left off LAST OCTOBER.  If you want a bigger post about any of the projects breezed through here - let me know in the comments and I'd be happy to oblige. In the meantime, this post is to get the list up here, and I promise to pick up with our current project in full sentences - The Library. Ok, so here we go! In the last year, here's what has happened to the house so far.

Landscaping and Irrigation and Outdoor Furniture











Front Door and Shutters
Brent has stripped the front door back to its beautiful natural state. He also took down the existing shutters, repaired them, and painted them a crisp, glossy black.



Roof Repairs and Chimney Capped
Historical Slate Roofers inspected our roof and made some repairs that were sorely needed, as well as replaced the roof over the porch and capped the chimney.



Window Restoration
  • Fred Sullivan of FPP Window Restoration and Insulation Services has restored all windows on the first and second floors (minus the kitchen) between last summer and this summer
  • This means they all function and have been cleaned up/adjusted to work to best advantage
  • We also restored the Palladian window in the master bathroom with frosted glass instead of clear for an added layer of privacy and uniform look.


Foyer
My mother-in-law was patient enough to tackle my first-ever stenciling project with me over Christmas...it was definitely an eye-opening experience and a test of patience. I'm very pleased with how our focal wall came out! The deep green is color-matched to Ralph Lauren's British Racing Green. I have some plans to change out the rug and console table to have some lighter contrast against the dark paint and wood trim.




Powder Room
  • Ceiling pulled down, insulated, and replaced
  • Crown molding installed
  • Walls fixed
  • Heater cleaned up and painted
  • Window and trim painted (Benjamin Moore White Dove)
  • Walls from...brick/blood red to Benjamin Moore Gentleman's Gray
  • Shelves from CB2
  • New toilet paper holder and towel ring
  • Ugly tile floor covered under a Home Goods find.
  • Mirror, sink and toilet are temporary placeholders





Mudroom

  • Ceiling pulled down
  • Spray insulation installed
  • Ceiling replaced
  • Walls repaired
  • Painted Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (which was mistakenly purchased when we painted the Living Room...)

Butler's Pantry

  • Countertop replaced last summer with Carrara marble
  • Under-cabinet LED lighting installed (by electrician)
  • Walls and ceiling repaired and painted (walls are Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue to match Dining Room)
  • Mirrored tiles are going into the back of the cabinets to: 
    • increase the light and apparent width of the room
    • add some pizzaz
    • avoid extensive and tedious plaster repairs at the back of the cabinets :)


Dining Room

  • Wallpaper stripped (painfully)
  • Walls repaired, primed and painted Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue.
  • Lamps for the buffet and green end chairs scored at Home Goods

  • I'm still saving up for my dream wallpaper to go into the framed panels...


Living Room

  • Wallpaper scraped (painfully)
  • Walls repaired and painted twice after a paint buying oops.
  • Final color is Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
  • Couch, chair, rug, stools, tables, lamps purchased
  • Throw pillows in the fabric of above wallpaper etsy-ed
  • Final decorating touches will be happening once the library is done, as right now the living room has most of its furniture in it.




Liz's Office

While I have yet to fully settle into my office/unpack all of the boxes from the move, it has been painted an furnished. Here is my Pinterest Inspo Board for the space. Brent repaired the ceiling and walls last fall which got a fresh coat of Warm Blush Benjamin Moore paint.  I put in a daybed with trundle for use by guests, and got two console tables, a new rug and curtains, and am still happily using my grandmother's desk. Hopefully I can make some headway in unpacking before school starts up again...hopefully.





2nd Floor Bathroom

  • Removed and reinstalled ceiling
  • Vent/light combo installed
  • Repaired walls
  • Cabinet from living room relocated for storage
  • Painted Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray






  • This room was all Brent, including picking out the paint color. I personally think it reminds me of a Parisian Bistro/Bar with the black and white tile, dark walls, and touches of dark wood. - are we surprised? I have yet to find artwork for above the tub - any suggestions?

    Lighting Switches

    As we work through the spaces and live in the house, it has been come very clear which areas need dimmers, so little by little we are installing them. They really are game-changers for the ambiance and the frequency that you will actually turn a light on. For example, the upstairs hallway light is TOO bright at full strength, and was therefor rarely used...until Brent changed the switches! Currently we have dimmers in the:

    • main entryway
    • living room
    • dining room
    • bulter's pantry under-cabinet lighting
    • kitchen
    • stairway sconces
    • hallway lights upstairs
    • all bedrooms
    • master bathroom

    Phew...

    I'm sure I have forgotten a few projects here and there, but I can finally cross update the blog off of my to-do list!

    Your next installment will focus on The Library. In the meantime, you can check out my Pinterest board dedicated to it here.  The room has been cleared out, and a high-powered vacuum and sander have been purchased..







    Thanks for reading, and please let me know if you want more info on a project of where I got something.


    36 comments:

    1. Appliances break. That’s just a fact of life. Sometimes dishwashers decided that they’ve had enough!flood repair in McLean Virginia

      ReplyDelete
    2. Subsequently, after spending many hours on the internet at last We have uncovered an individual that definitely does know what they are discussing many thanks a great deal wonderful post. Check Now

      ReplyDelete
    3. useful information on topics that plenty are interested on for this wonderful post.Admiring the time and effort you put into your b!.. HeatonBrosRoof

      ReplyDelete
    4. AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists is a great company for foundation repair. they can solve your issue in budget price.

      ReplyDelete
    5. They introduce floors and divider handle, cupboards, mirrors, shower window ornaments, adornments, shower fenced in area and shower entryways, funnels and so on. grogantimberproducts.ie/p/country-farm-gates.html

      ReplyDelete
    6. This is an excellent post I seen thanks to share it. It is really what I wanted to see hope in future you will continue for sharing such a excellent post. Repairing and Replacing

      ReplyDelete
    7. Houses should have a high ceiling because this will make your room feel much larger and as much as possible, this should always be done.http://housevacuumcleaners.simplesite.com/

      ReplyDelete
    8. This is genuinely an awesome read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am anticipating perusing new articles. Keep doing awesome! best dyson vacuum

      ReplyDelete
    9. I am glad to read this post, it's a good one. I am always looking for quality posts and articles and this is what I found here, I hope you will be adding more in the future. Thanks for sharing. Loft Boarding Specialist UK

      ReplyDelete
    10. I wanted to thank you for this excellent read. Thank you for taking time to know more about in this subject. communityhomebuilders.com are experts in craft and make dreams into reality. Visit us on Best residential home builder in Southwest michigan

      ReplyDelete
    11. I am truly pleased to read this information which carries lots of helpful data. Reliance Construction NY Inc. is a leading Sidewalk Work Specialist service providers in Queens NY. Visit here sidewalk concrete contractor in Brooklyn

      ReplyDelete
    12. Found this article is full of informative and helpful content, really love to read it. Prestige Steel Buildings is a family owned and operated business we specialize in the supply and installation of prefabricated Steel buildings.

      ReplyDelete
    13. Awesome post! This is helpful post. This article is clear and with lots of useful information. as we provide Blown In insulation Toronto at affordable prices. for more info visit our website.

      ReplyDelete
    14. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. as we provide Attic Insulation Companies at affordable prices. for more info visit our website.

      ReplyDelete
    15. I totally agree with this article and I just want to say that this article is a very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. Visit us on local construction jobs hiring in USA

      ReplyDelete
    16. Thanks for nice and informative post. This article is really contains lot more information about this topic. If you know more about us then go through our website...Construction Jobs (primary)

      ReplyDelete
    17. I am continually searching for some free stuffs over the web. Seeking for the construction management recruiter then, holdensearch.com is here for your help.

      ReplyDelete
    18. This is great advice! Very honest and practical.I really enjoyed this post.Nice post!! these tips may help Great post, Jo! My favorite work advice.Thanks so much for a detailed post! It is very helpful for. home builders auckland

      ReplyDelete
    19. You have shared a nice article here about the Building Contractors. Your article is very informative and nicely describes the causes and natural remedies of Snoring. I am thankful to you for sharing this article here.Building Contractors Galway

      ReplyDelete
    20. Great job for publishing such a nice article. Your article isn’t only useful but it is additionally really informative. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. London Scaffolding Company

      ReplyDelete
    21. This is really such an explanatory post you have shared here about construction. I got some useful knowledge from this post.WIAPS Approved groundworkers Barrow Thanks for sharing it.

      ReplyDelete
    22. You are giving such interesting information. It is great and beneficial info for us, I really enjoyed reading it.Excavator attachment USA.Thankful to you for sharing an article like this.

      ReplyDelete
    23. I generally check this kind of article and I found your article which is related to my interest. Genuinely, it is good and instructive information about house. Thanks for sharing an amazing article here. 2 family homes for sale in queens

      ReplyDelete
    24. I am attracted by the presentation of this article. This information about house is really good. I really appreciate your work. It is a gainful article for us. Keep posting. Thank you. Low Income Apartment For Rent in Arizona

      ReplyDelete
    25. Thanks for sharing the best information and suggestions, it is very nice and very useful to us. I appreciate the work that you have shared in this post. Keep sharing these types of articles here.metal roofing cedar city utah

      ReplyDelete
    26. You have Shared great content here about House designer in New York. I am glad to discover this post as I found lots of valuable data in your article. Thanks for sharing an article like this.

      ReplyDelete
    27. I'd like to express my gratitude for writing such an informative piece on this blog about 3D Virtual Tours Real Estate Toronto. This article provided me with a variety of data. Continue to post.

      ReplyDelete
    28. Extremely useful information which you have shared here. This is a great way to enhance knowledge for us, and also beneficial for us. Thank you for sharing an article like this. house signage

      ReplyDelete
    29. The information in the post you posted here is useful because it contains some of the best information available about orange roman shades. Thanks for sharing it. Keep up the good work

      ReplyDelete
    30. The information you've provided is useful because it provides a wealth of knowledge that will be highly beneficial to me. Thank you for sharing about IDYLLIC ITALY. Keep up the good work.

      ReplyDelete
    31. You have done good work by publishing this article here.Germantown Roofing Company I found this article too much informative, and also it is beneficial to enhance our knowledge. Grateful to you for sharing an article like this.

      ReplyDelete
    32. Your blog contains lots of valuable data. It is a factual and beneficial article for us.Lawn Care Service Suffolk County Thankful to you for sharing an article like this.

      ReplyDelete
    33. This comment has been removed by the author.

      ReplyDelete
    34. A fascinating article that you have shared here about round raised bed planter. Your blog site is an important and appealing short article for us, and additionally, I will certainly share it with my buddies who need this info. Thankful to you for sharing a write-up such as this.

      ReplyDelete
    35. Great job for publishing such a nice article. Your article isn’t only useful but it is additionally really informative about 3D Virtual Tours Real Estate Toronto. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us.

      ReplyDelete
    36. You are giving such interesting information. It is great and beneficial info for us, I really enjoyed reading it. Thankful to you for sharing an article like this.paver repair St. Charles

      ReplyDelete