Kitchen Redo, 2

If you’ve followed this blog you’ve seen every room in the house renovated.

If you’ve followed long enough you’ll see the kitchen renovated twice. 

Because there was so much to do in this house and the kitchen was a disaster, we redid the kitchen on a strict and very low budget, all the while knowing I would come back to it and do it up the way I really wanted.

After 10 years, that time  has finally come.

Paper Christmas Trees

A little late in the season to post these guys but time slips away so quickly lately.

This is my take on paper trees.

Below you’ll find a very basic tutorial as it really is up to you as to what paper you’ll use, what patterns, what shapes you’ll cut your paper and which embellishments you’ll find to use.

Basically I had a book of Christmas scrapbook paper and chose papers that had nice complimenting patterns.  The stars and any embellishments were bought at the dollar store.

The base of the trees are from Value Village.

Master Bedroom Makeover

 

By the time the master bedroom ensuite was finished I knew the bedroom was in need of a face lift.

There are a number of words I can use to describe this bedroom, drab, dull, lackluster.. uninspired perhaps?

But by the same token, the entire house had to be renovated one room at a time, and this one just kept getting moved to the end.

It’s not a bad little room Charlie Brown, it just needs a little love.

A side note on the extension cord under the bed.  For the life of me I can’t figure out why builders would put ONE plug on that wall that is directly behind the bed in the middle of the wall.  Who does that ?  Don’t they know both night stands need power ?

Lets show this room some love!

Basically the first couple of things I wanted to accomplish was to fix that dumb power outlet issue.  I wanted outlets on each side of the bed.  Also, those lamps!  Oh those lamps.  They take up half the night stand.  Need. Sconces. Now.

Moving the bed away from the wall you can see the original plug behind, which we now ran to both sides of the bed as well as wiring for the sconces.  This wall is going to be completely covered so cutting out large drywall pieces was not an issue.

These switches are perfect for the sconce on the wall and for my phone charger at nights.

Enter these lanterns.  I knew right away I wanted outdoor lanterns for this room.  The choices are amazing when you have indoor AND outdoor lighting fixtures to choose from.

I’ve always wanted an interior brick wall and here was my chance to get one.

These faux brick panels can be found at Home Depot and are of course a fraction of the cost of a real brick veneer. 

But, not only was I not crazy about the color of this panel I also am not a fan of the seams that show.  That didn’t matter because it was never going to stay like this anyway.  These panels were bought with something else in mind.

In case you missed a previous post regarding the wall treatment called German Smear, you can read that here.

This picture was my inspiration for this wall.

 

This is a totally amazing technique to use on any faux or real brick wall.  I achieved the exact look I was going for.

SEE THE GERMAN SMEAR TECHNIQUE FROM START TO FINISH HERE.

We had some nails pop on the wall when we were doing renovations in the ensuite.  We also moved the light and fan switches from the outside of the bathroom to the inside of the bathroom. 

The bedroom was then painted white.  I wanted the painted walls to recede while the brick wall took complete focus in the room.

When all is said and done, finally a retreat that I just can’t get enough of.

I love the look of these outdoor lanterns on the brick panels.

All the linens you see below were found at Linen Chest.  After searching all over, buying and returning 2 previous coverlets, I finally found what I was looking for at Linen Chest.  Prices were amazing.

I haven’t put anything on the brick wall yet as I’m still undecided about how much of it I want to cover.  I’m enjoying it the way it is.

I also found a great little shag carpet that’s totally amazing to step onto on a cold morning.

In case you didn’t see the ensuite bathroom makeover, you can catch that here.

It’s one very drastic renovation!

There are still some finishing touches to be done in this room.   I have a window treatment that I need to get started and of course the right pictures and accessories to complete the look.  I never rush these things.   I’ll take my time to find the right ones.

But for now, I’ll enjoy it like this.

To see how the GERMAN SMEAR was done click here!

 

 

 

UPDATE – JULY 2017

I finally found something for above the bed.

I didn’t want a picture to block out the brick wall.  I wanted something that would show the wall behind and I finally found something I really liked.

 

I LOVE this bike that I found at Michaels.  It just needed a little added touch.

Faux Fur Antler Wreath

Ever since I saw the fall  faux fur wreath at Pier 1 Imports, I’ve been wanting to do my own.   I wanted to do mine up for Christmas.

When I first looked for faux fur I couldn’t find it.  I even went to a fabric store but it was about $35-$50 per yard.   Thankfully I didn’t buy it from there.

I finally found the most perfect of all faux furs!  Faux Fur Ribbon.

You won’t believe where I found some of the other materials I used.

Thinking of Buying or Selling ?

Are you as tempted by today’s hot real estate market as we are?

If you’re like us, you’ve seen your home’s value rise exponentially in the last couple of years.

If you’re between 55 and 70, (the Boomer generation) this might actually work in your favor. Many of us are empty nesters and might have a larger home that we might be ready to part with. That makes this market very interesting. Downsizing might be in your immediate future.


So how do keep your level head and emotions in check when not only selling but also buying your new home? Knowing the right questions to ask and steps to take is paramount.

Here are 5 tips essential for a good buying experience:

1. Read and understand everything before you sign.
If you’re like many people when it comes to long contracts you don’t take the time to read everything. It is imperative to read and understand what is contained in your documents.
If you use an experienced real estate representative, they can answer any questions that you have.

2. Be sure you and your representative are on the same page.
Cover all of the details with your representative regarding the scope of their services. Do your own research on the buying and selling process, as well as on the documents you’ll be required to sign. A good starting point is to visit www.reco.on.ca.

3. Leave your emotions at the door.
No matter how much research you do, you might abandon all common sense when you encounter that perfect dream home and make a decision that you will later regret. In today’s market, bidding wars are common. Make sure that you stick to your budget. How much are you willing to go over your budget for your dream home? If you are a seller, decide and stick to the amount you need to sell your home.


4. Know your tolerance for risk.
Don’t let today’s hot market put you at risk. You might be tempted to beat out your competition by submitting an offer without conditions but this could be putting you at risk of losing a deposit should financing be an issue, or having to do major repairs at your own cost because you waived an inspection.

5. Be flexible and have a backup plan in place.
Homes sell very quickly in this market. Decisions are often made just as quick. You could purchase before you sell and own two homes. Alternatively you might sell faster than expected and not have purchased yet, leaving you with no home. You should have back up plans for each scenario. Adding conditions to your purchase offer could help lessen the risks.



Let me reference my own mistakes in purchasing in this hot market.
When I walked through the door of my previous home, I knew within 5 minutes I wanted that house. I may have overlooked the large crater in the back yard. In my excitement I didn’t notice the storm sewer easement at the back corner of the lot which could easily hide a small Buick. Another mistake I won’t make again is signing the purchase agreement without pictures of light fixtures, window treatments and appliances that were shown with the house and were included. The day after purchasing that house, my representative and I visited the home to take pictures of those exact things. Upon arrival, the present owner had already switched out the light fixtures.







With today's housing prices, you might be tempted to forgo hiring a real estate professional to save the commission. You’ll do yourself a huge injustice. Real estate professionals are widely known in their own community. They will hold agent open houses and round up a whole list of agents who have clients of their own. They also market your home in local papers or flyers and on social media. A great reason to have a real estate professional is their use of REALTOR.ca which lists your home to reach many thousands of potential buyers. Some real estate professionals will even help to prepare your home to show it the best possible way, appealing to buyers. Your real estate representative is also a trained negotiator. Personally, I wouldn’t ever entertain the thought of buying or selling without a professional by my side.




Your home is your life, the biggest purchase or sale you’ll ever make. Don’t cut corners or skimp on the important things.

If you would like more information and many other tips, I encourage you to visit the RECO website. Feel prepared. Feel confident. Make your purchase or sale a great experience.


So, have you been checking on your neighborhood home sales ?

Faux Brick–German Smear

As long as I can remember I’ve loved interior brick walls.  I gravitate to anything brick, stone and wood.

Since I’ve never lived in any house that would have an interior brick wall, at some point I’d have to create my own.

Easy Leafy Pumpkin

This autumn pumpkin craft is so easy you can make it in a couple of  hours.

Who doesn’t love that?

Everything, with the exception of the pumpkin itself, came from the dollar store.  You might get lucky and find a pumpkin you like at the dollar store but I didn’t.  This pumpkin came from Michaels Craft Store and with the help of my handy dandy 40% off coupon, it made this find that much better.

Spa Inspired Master Bathroom –Complete

What a relief.

After 9 years of renovations in this house, and with every room being overhauled in some way, major or minor, we have just about come to the end. This is the last room (for major reno’s anyway.)

I put this job off for obvious reasons.  The mess in the bedroom, being without a bathroom and shower for a period of time and just basically the length of time to complete it.  When you do the majority of work yourselves the projects seem to take forever.

As I stated before, when it comes to the before pictures, well yeah, I’m embarrassed to say that I used this bathroom the way it was for 9 years.  Yes, for 9 years I looked at this first thing in the morning and last thing at night.  Every time I walked in this bathroom I grumbled.

So here it is in all its glory.

The dreaded before pictures.

To understand how truly awful this bathroom was, I need to show you the layout. One third of the bathroom was taken up with this tub and almost one third was taken by the shower, which left me with one very small, crammed vanity.  The shower was enclosed in drywall with only a small glass shower door for ventilation.  I was constantly battling mold, even with leaving the fan running and the window open.

Ensuite Renovation Sneak Peek

I was going to call this Post “My Experience With Two Chucks” but decided against it.

After 9 years in this house we’ve finally come to the end of the renovations.  Well, not exactly the end as we’re smack in the middle of the bathroom reno, but this is the last room in the house to be demolished and put back together.

And what a beaut it was.  When I actually post before and after pictures I’ll surely be ashamed of the before photos.  I put off doing this master bedroom ensuite for obvious reasons.

This.  This right here is the reason.

And this.

This big gaping hole is where one huge, useless tub sat.

Anyway, here is what I wanted to tell you about my two Chucks.

If you’re doing any kind of small or large project at home where you need a drill.  I have to tell you about this one.

This Switchdriver is awesome.  It has a rotating dual chuck, holding both a screw driver bit and a drill bit.

If your project requires drilling holes and driving screws, this baby will substantially cut your time down.

With some materials, like particle board, MDF and solid woods, skipping drilling the pilot hole can create small cracks and weaken the joint.

That’s where the Switchdriver came in handy.  Between doing this bathroom renovation and my husband making a closet organizer for me, this saved all the time it took to switch bits, especially when working with particle board in the closet.

Here’s a picture of my future Son-in-law using it on the bathroom. This was when he could pry it out of my husbands hands.

It comes with two rechargeable 20 volt batteries, one Phillips bit and 2 drill bits.  It’s very light weight and has a built in LED light that illuminates the work area. Oh and something about great  max torque at 350 lbs, (something, really only men understand.)

My husband likes bit bits, and I cannot lie.

Onwards and upwards with the renovations, which I will be posting here soon.  Just took a little time out to mention the newest member of the tool family.

(Hehe.. we’re not a family of tools, just our tools… nevermind.)

Funny thing is, my husband loves the drill, as it was a comfortable fit, easy to use and cuts project time considerably. I'm not sure this feeling will last though, because the quicker the projects are finished, the quicker I find new ones!

Duncan Phyfe Drop Leaf Table

It was at the request of someone near and dear to me that I agreed to make over this table.

Someone so dear, that he just knew I could never say no to him.

He had recently acquired it in the condition you see below.  I was a little apprehensive as this piece needed to be finished properly and that didn’t mean sanding and slapping some paint on it.  This needed extra special care.

Meet Duncan Phyfe.  Modest in size, worn and slightly abused, yet still very dignified.

3 Tiered Platter/Stand

Just before Christmas I bought a 3 tiered stand that I wanted to use for Christmas Décor.  But even as I bought it, I knew exactly how I would use it after Christmas.  As a matter of fact, aside from these  two very different uses as pictured below, I also cant wait to use it for entertaining as a 3 tiered antipasto platter and even a beautiful display for desserts.  Perhaps I’ll  update this post as I get pictures of those.

Burlap Scarecrow

Fall is undoubtedly my season. 

While flowers are fading and leaves change and fall, I seem to come alive.  I particularly love decorating at fall.  Crafts seem to come easier for me at this time of year too.

Instead of a wreath, this year I decided to do something a little different.

Meet Stitch.

Such a friendly face.

This is how he came to be.

Front Door Improvements

There are many ways to dress up your front door inside and out.

I painted the inside of our front door black a few years ago and I still love it.  It provides the right amount of contrast and interest for a small entryway.

Our entry with a white door looks lovely, but a little uninteresting.

Clever Shoe Storage

A while back I posted about a common household problem.  Shoe clutter.  I hate it. 

Nothing irks me more than an entryway littered with shoes.  Well ok, a lot more irks me when it comes to clutter, but this is one of the biggest irks (?).

This bookcase turned shoe cabinet and the end of the hallway solved my particular problem.  As my family enters through the garage this little side entrance landing would get populated with shoes mighty quick.  I needed a storage solution that would get all the shoes off the floor and stored in an organized manner.

 

Below is the before.

I shall endeavor to explain the presence of my blender again. I keep it in the basement and it was waiting for someone (likely me) to take it down.  This is not where I store my blender.  “Nuff said.

In my post about turning a bookcase into a shoe cabinet you can see more pictures on before and after.    CLICK HERE TO GO TO POST.  Please excuse the rather primitive pictures from vintage 2009 Recaptured Charm.

Are you a victim of  Loafer Litter? Clog Chaos ? Dress Shoe Dislocation ?  High Heel Hodgepodge ?Sandal Shamble ?  Loots of Boots ?   Ok, enough of that.

I’ve curated a HOMETALK collection of 18 very clever shoe storage solutions, (yet not one of them stores a blender.)

Take a peek,  be inspired and clean that clutter.

Together we can conquer Shoe Pollution !