This title just felt appropriate.
I think we’ve earned it for this post. Because we didn’t skip to it. We had to trudge and flail and work and sweat and cry. At least, I cried. I believe that phrase about big projects and blood sweat + tears is true. We also deliriously laughed our way through it. But we’re here. We do this for a living, and it was still hard at times. Redesign and remodeling and renovation can feel a lot like labor, especially when you just don’t feel settled. And now. NOW. We, dear ladies are gentlemen, are to the good part.
We didn’t skip. So this makes the good part even better.
We passed electrical on Thursday, {Jamin saved us 11,000 alone in labor {NASHVILLE} by consulting a kind expert and taking on this entire thing electrical-wise, with floor heater, washer + dryer and all} which was no small feat… all while managing the project and our business with other design clients. Then we passed the building inspection on Friday. So guess where we spent the night Saturday? It was like a giant party after a huge mix of musical bedrooms and dust bunnies that haven’t seen the light of day since 2016. We’re tired. But it was worth every moment.
{It’s been a while since our last full update. You can check out the entire journey here. }
Just a little round up of the past: {If you’re familiar, skip it}
• We were thrilled to announce our primary owner’s suite addition this past summer + a history of our house. It’s been a really long process for us, YEARS in the making, and one we weren’t sure would happen. So we’re adding on and expanding in an awesome way for our family.
• Here, we shared our plans, and little of what we’ll be taking on in our front yard, to solve our mullet prob, as well – coming this summer. And the beginning of it all, here.
1. LET THERE BE PAINT.
I think we had a few concerned neighbors who {rightfully} thought we may never paint the outside. It’s done. We can’t wait to make it look pretty on the outside: think expanded patio, new porch, on the back with window boxes… as well as all those plans we still have for the front. This house is a never ending project but has brought our family so much joy.
As you can see, the gutters will finally be put into place, and the house still looks like a robot because of all the struggles we’ve had with grading issues and rain… but we finally have paint! Inside + out. We shared a few tips with FrogTape when it comes to the inside + our process, and we think it just looks oh so fabulous.
We even have plans to hide all those unsightly things on the side of the house, too. Stay tuned.
When the landscaping is finally done, these Window World shakes + windows are going to look oh so good with the rest of our home! We can’t wait to get it all pressure washed and cleaned up, {the pool is STILL green from all the dirt-it has been mass chaos just trying to finish in between our day jobs} so it’s fresh and clean again.
The back porch will be expanding as well as we lay down some new Yellawood Superselect, and we can’t wait to get it all cleaned up and functioning again. For the love this has been a real process. Don’t worry, we’ve cleaned up all this clutter. I snapped it during the chaos that was touch ups / trim / moving day.
Those Kichler lights being so much character to the whole house!
2. Those hardwoods though.
We decided to go with white oak sealed with Loba 2k Invisible {I did some homework, -I love a friend’s house who sealed theirs with Bona.} I adore this natural look.
This is what the rest of our home is about to be changed to, due to a big leak in our kitchen this winter. While it’s going to be a whole thing, we are THRILLED to lighten the entire house up. We enjoyed our initial flooring in the rest of our house, but the extreme gloss was driving us absolutely crazy with three kids and two dogs.
Said leak destroyed a portion of the floors in the rest of the house, so it helped steer our decision to this choice. If we were going to change, let’s do it completely and now.
I was all over the place with the flooring, until I realized this would be my chance {even though it’s a giant pain in the bootay} to have continuous flooring throughout. It’s very much an “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” situation, and we will promptly be moving out again in a few weeks, so that they can finish off the other floors with hardwoods. {Main + Upstairs.} We can’t wait to have everything back in place.
Our entire home is about to feel much lighter and brighter. There’s just something about the beauty of those classic floors. Yes, we have lost our minds.
By the way, I’m obsessed with this beautiful Jeffrey Court tile on the fireplace! This photo doesn’t do it justice, but I’ll be sharing more details in the future, especially as we finish up this area.
3. Other cabinets
This will be a slow burn since funding cabinets can be pricey. I’ve chosen a FINAL design though for our bedroom and think we will be oh so glad for the extra practical storage. I’m also in the process of finalizing designs for the walk-through butler’s pantry, and the laundry room, too.
There have been a few more design pivots as we slowly but surely piece it all together now. One of the keys to the space is going to be the clever use of MUCH needed storage for this old 1970’s house. We can’t wait to show you the finished space!
Which brings me to…
4. Tile. Glorious Tile.
It’s delicious and I love it all. I had a little bit of a tiny twinge of fear when the blue tile went down.
Okay fine. I had to breathe into a paper bag.
But I love stepping into my bathroom, and feeling a hint of reclaimed tile from Morocco under my toes. No, they’re not reclaimed tile from Morocco, but they could be. Shhhh.
The Jeffrey Court HD tile really makes the shower oh so gorgeous. Don’t worry… finishing pieces are on their way, and this giant shower, {the one thing Jamin wanted in the whole thing was a large shower}… will look oh so good all finished off.
5. Vanities + Quartzite
FrogTape for the win on the temporary handles without damaging anything. But we custom-designed these vanities and are so happy about the outcome. I can’t wait to enjoy all this storage! Soon to be topped with this hardware.
We chose quartzite {Shadow Storm} for the bath, for a lower maintenance look with a similar feel to marble. I love natural stone + we have marble in our kitchen. But this feels like a smart choice for the best of both worlds. I can’t wait to share the full reveal when it’s all installed.
6. Fixtures
We’re thrilled about those amazing shower heads, faucets and more.
Stay tuned for what’s going under that window. Hint: I’ve waited a very long time.
7. Laundry Room
We officially move the washer and dryer + second fridge in later this week, and what I’m the MOST thrilled about, is that a FULL BLOWN CLOSET where they currently sit, which will be included in our basement as soon as we get started with our flooring situation. Closets in older homes are hard to come by and we are thrilled for this BIG tidbit of extra storage. On top of more storage. After all this time, it’s really nice.
This Rustica Hardware door is delicious. I close it just for fun, and I don’t like closed doors.
We’ll be sharing more on this one too, but you can see our hatch here. It leads to the third crawlspace of our home, which is fully encapsulated. It’s actually pretty cool, and is Jamin’s pride and joy. {Even if I do often side eye him because potential serial killer. I KID. More like serial store-er. Can’t find it? It’s in the hatch. Yes, I need to chill with my true crime podcasts.}
8. All of the Lights.
I’m theming with my songs today. But these Kichler installations couldn’t be any more glorious. I am obsessed and in love with each and every one. Alongside Delta, they truly are the jewelry in this space.
Jamin has patiently worked so very hard to make all of this happen, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I’m not one to go ga-ga in public for the husband, but he nailed this. And I am really impressed.
9. These vents
From Vent Covers Unlimited –are looking amazing. We are in love with the one of a kind character they bring to the space. They don’t have to be eyesores.
I love that all the little details are starting to come together.
10. Closet Design
Silly, but I might be the most thrilled about putting this closet together. It’s mine. ALLL MIIINNNEEEEEE. Jamin’s is the smaller one but he’s happy with it. He got that giant shower, after all. And the serial killer crawlspace.
Check out my closet design plans here.
11. Water Closet
For five years, we made it with five people and two toilets. That doesn’t seem like a big deal to some, and to others you may not be sure how we survived with TEENAGERS. Especially if you spied how tiny the bathroom was that three of us were sharing. Let’s just say adding a third is a LIFE CHANGING EVENT and I no longer live in total fear of a family-rampant stomach virus. Okay I still do, but this just makes life feel more manageable. Heck. I can even quarantine kiddos to their own rooms in the very near future if I need to. Weird but true thoughts of a mom. My tiny bladder no longer has to walk up a flight of stairs every time I have to go, and it’s the little things after waiting so long.
A lot of simple yet big things are happening in this house and it was a long wait with huge results.
We’ll keep updating as we’re able to fill in all the fun details. Thanks so much for tuning in!
Have an inspired day!
Melanie says
Ooh, please elaborate on how you were able to get wood flooring installed without quarter-round shoe molding on the baseboard. I would love that.