We’ve kind of nicknamed this thing the Covid cabana, and I feel like it needs another name. The tropicana cabana? Cabana ooh na na? I kind of want to erase Covid from my memory this year, so I don’t think the name can stay. If you have a vote, let us know below. No, really. Anything other than covid cabana.
Covid has affected everyone in so many different ways. Good and bad. For us, it sent us into a frenzy with projects, because in the very beginning we had time and it was so therapeutic. We’re very grateful for that.
Our entire home since we moved in has been one big project in the form of an expansive rehab. But we definitely hadn’t touched the yard yet.
We were thrilled to reveal our back yard makeover part 1 in May, where we changed over the side dining area, and hid that horrible pool pump.
{You can view our master plan here, and see how it evolved, if you’re curious – overhead views I’ll share again, below.} And our last progress post was here.
We also demolished our gross old fence and expanded our yard with a new one. Yay for hiding gross old pumps and tearing down old purple sheds!
I shared a little bit of that delightful backstory, here.
That once upon a time, were toilets.
Ew, David.
It only seems fitting that from the ashes, we build something fun on top.
Quick review because I know this helps: Overhead view of our yard/house when we found it… People usually don’t understand that we have a big lot. We basically purchased this old house for the yard and school.
Overhead view of grand plans.Note: This one does not include the new roof just yet, or the {hopeful} master addition to the left side of the house. Slowly but surely.
And then all things yard plans evolved into something beyond a pergola… you can see more of our plans in this post as well, as far as structural plans and all things {FUN!} inside designs.
The final plans look a bit like this: {It’s evolved a little} – we flipped and reversed the inside plans {Cue Missy Elliot – you’re welcome} where the bar is now on the right {when facing the pergola, and the closet is on the left.} but that doesn’t matter unless you want to back track, because we thought we’d share the rest of our cabana progress today.
Side note: These little progress posts have been requested, but I’m secretly {not so secretly} wondering if I’m boring you all to death. It’s exciting because we’re almost done, and also exhausting because we’re doing this in 100+ humidity in 100 degree heat in between real work stuff, and we need a nap. So it’s been a challenge but fun, and also we’re now over it and ready to enjoy cooler weather in a completed cabana. Pumpkins can still get off my insta feed. {I think you see why I have such a passionate perspective.}
But I believe this is where I left you last. Because we’d started on the framing, and half of the walls.
And in two weeks, things have happened fast.
I’m not really sure how, and I guess maybe because we never stop working. But here we are. It still feels like we have so much left to do, but there really isn’t a ton.
So we added some braces to the ceiling to reinforce everything before we completed the walls, and started on the roof.
This wall will include the bar area, and tv watching area. Jamin has already claimed it for football, but we both really can’t wait for family movie nights outdoors. It should be fun.
Side note: since the kids are home all the time, it might also be a really nice hideout…
I also learned that climbing on a ladder and laying roof stuff that climbing up on roofs makes me dizzy.
Goooood times.
In the meantime, we also put in all things electrical. No worries, we consulted a contractor friend on this one. Because electrical, and we always want to do things correctly.
And then we finished planking what was left on the inside, and the outer walls, and began with primer, and paint.
All via the fabulous Sherwin Williams, which we’ll be sharing all about very soon. Coats like a charm.
It’s always crazy dazzling to me how quickly paint can change something.
Yes, I did just say crazy dazzling. More coffee, please. In an I.V.
And fast forwarding a bit to zoom out before we look at the other details, here’s where we are as of today.
We even have a fabulous tin roof on top, {missing a bit of soffit since we ran out of materials – which has been a fun game in the middle of all this, with clients AND our own projects…} and stair stringers. Soon to be covered in risers a-la composite deck board to prevent all things splinters.
Wheeeeee! I’m seriously loving that yummy ceiling/roof combo.
The front porch will be a smaller version of this, with the same finish to match the house.
But this is basically our view from the cabana.
Here’s each side of the closets, where we plan to keep all things pool stuff.
Shelves coming. Lights, too.
And my latest labor of love over the weekend, this ceiling.
My favorite element so far, is this really fun ceiling with the help of Frogtape® + these beautiful colors from Sherwin Williams.
If a ceiling could be Neapolitan ice cream but with mint that’s blue instead of chocolate… this would be the ceiling. Is that a stretch? Let’s just go with it. I initially had other plans for this, but these colors just kind of worked for me in a really fun way, so here we are.
Side note: It really sucks I’m trying to cut down on my covid+10, because now I’m craving ice cream.
I love this view – It’s going to tie in beautifully with all the other fun design elements we have planned.
It looks a little crooked right now because we’ve done the entire thing with planks, and kept each one level. So we’ll be adding trim and all the details oh so soon to even it out and make it look finished.
It’s time for the details!
This gap {you can see our handmade hideaway peeking through} will be a small wall which connects to the cabana, as well as a privacy wall on the right side to help curate a little privacy.
Jamin’s also held onto this guy for years, and we have a plan for him as well. No, he’s not real. Yes, he is straight up 1998.
His name is Carl. {Pronounced a-la the Walking Dead’s CORAL.} He needs a makeover. Can’t wait to show you what we’ll do with him.
So next up is tiling, shelving over the bar, trim, screens and we’re donezo. Kinda.
It’s flown by, but it’s also kept us exhausted because weekend warriors.
Maybe the next time I share it all, it will be time to share the reveal? Fingers crossed. Wish us luck.
And that’s our little update today. I’m off to eat my feelings in the form of Neapolitan ice cream. JK. I’ll be good. Maybe.
Let us know if you have any questions. Thanks for checking in today and sticking with my ramblings.
Have an inspired day!
Laura says
Source please on that gorgeous rug?!?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hi Laura! All of our sources can be found here Hope that helps!
Anna says
You guys! This looks so amazing! Can’t wait to see what you do with it. You’re so close.
Cindy says
The Shack in the Back
ashley @ the handmade home says
Haha! So funny!
Brie says
Awesome progress! Love the fun ceiling.
And no – nothing you’ve shared is boring! I’ve so enjoyed all your witty and creative posts!!! 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thank you so much Brie ;}
Julie Stark-John says
LOVE SHACK! HEHEHE
ashley @ the handmade home says
oh my gosh hilarious!
Giftbasketworldwide says
Sound so innovative!! It’s so mesmerizing to read this