Friday, January 17, 2014

RENOVATION UPDATE #2

Let me just start by saying, renovations are a series of ups and downs and this week it's been exactly that.  Many of you know that I get bored with my homes and my decor very easily.  I've moved 28 times in my life and I don't get attached to houses emotionally at all.  
Just a little over 1 month into this renovation and I had to admit, I'm bored with it already.  Somehow, the thrill was gone.  I quit cruising pinterest and Houzz for big ideas.  I quit shopping Wayfair and my other favorite online places for awesome stuff.  I began to worry that something was wrong with me.  
Then....stuff started happening and little by little my interest was renewed and my boredom is gone.
I was dreading dealing with that big black refrigerator.   Oh how I hated it.  I couldn't justify buying a new one because it was only a year old.  All of the big black kitchen appliances were only a year old and I was going to have to live with them.  Then something wonderful happened.  When I met with my friend Mark, who is building my cabinets, he noticed my black refrigerator.  He also happens to own a lot of investment property and he had a need for a refrigerator that size.  He had a bigger, stainless one to trade and would I be interested?  Um...yes please.  So....I went from this..
....to this.....
Oh happy day!  Thank you Mark!  We went on about the business of figuring out my cabinets and came up with a design that I liked that wouldn't break the bank.  I love Mark, he's a great guy.  He's also a wonderful cabinet maker and of course, could not understand why I wanted to have beautiful, new cabinets built and then paint them.  He tried to talk me out of it and then gave up.  This is Mark....
He's a funny guy.  He tried to be all serious for a picture, but then he cracked up.  So, my cabinets were on their way to being built and I quit thinking about them and moved on.
The new windows arrived and were installed.  I have put new windows in a lot of the houses I have lived in and I don't love it, but it's often a necessary evil.  In this case it was $3,300.00 necessary evil.  They look lovely, but the view is still the same.  It's hard not to think of the major changes you could make by spending that money somewhere else.  You might remember this lovely window in the master bedroom...
It was a lovely window, but, I wasn't spending the money it was going to take to replace it.  So...I got rid of the arch.  Now it looks like this....
Much less expensive and I got rid of those panels that obstruct my view.  I'm not a fan of window panels as you will soon find out.  I do love my new front window.  It's a slider and slides both ways.
So I got new windows and the heating guys showed up and put in all of the new vents and ducts I wanted as well as moved the return air out of the middle of the hallway floor, which was a terrible place for it.
Do you remember when I told you that I wanted to try a Danish Modern style in my new family room?  Well, I found a couch I wanted for it and agonized over it for a couple of weeks.  I decided to buy it and they were kind enough to hold it for me for a little bit.  I picked it up yesterday.  I think I'm going to like it....
It's convertible,  the chaise part actually can be switched to just an ottoman.  Yes, it's white and no, it's not leather.  It's leather-like.  I have big plans for that room and most of them involve funky white furniture and bright accent colors like these inspiration photos....
So...I've got the funky white sofa....now what??? I need to pick an accent color and I'm open to suggestions.  When I met my husband, Sam at the store to pick up the sofa, he gave me some bad news.  There was a problem.  Famous phrase in renovation projects.  That phrase always equates to spending money we hadn't planned on, which always means some other portion of my dream is about to die.  We were going to need to buy a new front door.  Totally not in the budget.  But, we loaded the couch and headed to Lowes to buy a new front door.  *sigh*
I looked at a lot of front doors.  Problem was, all of the lovely ones were special order and I needed a front door by the end of the day.  I gave myself a big ol' renovation pacifier by choosing a door that had a nice window with a blind built in-between the glass.  (I hate dusting blinds.)  This is the door I chose...
I'll have to think about what color to paint it all later.  The problem that led to needing a new door was, we needed to raise the floor by the front door and these guys worked very hard on it....
However, by the time the entry way floor was raised enough to make it level, the door frame cracked.  Of course, it was almost the end of the day and I couldn't very well leave my house wide open overnight, so....$307.00 later, new door.
Now for some good news.  After we unloaded the door, we unloaded the couch and put it in the garage.  When I opened the garage door, this is what I saw....
My new kitchen cabinets were sitting there all sanded and ready for prime and paint!  Now that was a pleasant surprise!  Woo-hoo!  So, suddenly, I'm over my boredom and back to cruising pinterest and Houzz for paint ideas.  Here are a few inspiration pictures for color schemes that I'm considering....
What do you think about uppers and lowers being different colors?
What do you think about a marble-ish backsplash?
Maybe lighter cabinets and darker walls?  (I did have my soffits removed and intend to paint the wall above the cabinets.)
How about a lighter grey?  I guess I'd better reign my thoughts in soon and develop a plan because before you know it, I'll be painting and then I know I'll see big changes!  
Next update, I'll tell you about some awesome inspiration I got from another blogger that is coming to fruition as well as show you some things we did outside of the house.  Until then, I'm back to daydreaming and being glad that I'm not bored anymore!  (Thanks for your patience...I know this was a long post.)

 

39 comments:

  1. Are you kidding me?! I didn't even realize it was a long post! I was having SO MUCH fun seeing all the changes. I can't wait to see what you do next. In our first home we had all black appliances. I am on a white kick now. Your cabinets white with the stainless would look good.
    Oh this is so exciting to watch!!!

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  2. oooh I love #1 and #4!!! Too bad you had to lose the arched window - so beautiful but maybe you can hang it on the wall?

    Have a great weekend Danni!

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  3. Hmmm...since I know that you will change your mind a few more times I'm not suggesting anything! Whatever you decide on will be beautiful. I'm really interested to see what you do with the white couch- that's going to be a fun room. The cabinets look great. Mark did a great job. Please send him my way to make me a wall of cabinets for linen storage. I do love the look of dark cabinets on the bottom and light for the uppers.

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  4. I agree with Tina - dark gray cabinets below and light on top. No marble backsplash, please. What kind of counter top? I forgot. Glad you got rid of the arched window - somehow they never go with the furniture in the room. I have windows without dividers also - the view is a must. Mark might lose his humor if he saw my kitchen cabinets. Does he know a guy in Aiken?

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  5. oh my...never a dull moment , is there? I am so excited to follow your progress...you probably don't want to hear that when you continue to shell out money that wasn't in the budget, well I am not excited to hear about that, just happy to see your new couch, what cabinet color you pick out and everything else that is going to look fabulous.
    PS- i love the idea of different color upper and lower cabinets. In fact, guess who else is doing that!!!

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  6. I'm in love with gray these days. I know it's the "in" color (it's so unlike me to actually be on-trend). I used to hate gray. I like the 2nd 2 pics the best. I love that lighter gray on the lower cabs (as opposed to the first pic with the darker gray on the bottom and white on the top). The awesome thing about starting out with painted cabs is that if you hate it, you can repaint it! Not to make light of how much work it is...I just mean there's no guilt involved. =D Can't wait to see what you decide!!

    xoxo
    -andi

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  7. Hello my dear! I absolutely like the window better now! And love the funky chic sofa - it's going to be so much fun to decorate around! You picked a great door - sorry you had to buy it, but it looks to me like you have a great crew and tons of progress happening. Glad you got your mojo back...

    2 color cabinets sounds really cool, I say yes (or at least a DEFINITE maybe).

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  8. My goodness I do wish I did not get attached to houses. Really you are remarkable. I like great cabinets. The sofa is beautiful. I am glad your momentary boredom passed. Olive

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  9. I really love different colored uppers and lowers. If we were to do it all over again, I think I would go with that. Stunning inspiration pics! Hang in there. :)

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  10. I am so in love with your new sofa!! Excellent choice! As for the cabinets, mine are darker on bottom than on top and even though I worried and fussed about it, I love them that way. Your post makes me want to go remodel something!! ;-) -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  11. Love the couch it's going to be a beautiful room sucks about the door :(. I'd paint them white because then you can swap out accessories anytime you like :)

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  12. You have been busy.

    I love the couch and would love to have one with a chaise attached.

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  13. I'm a terrible blog-friend. How did I miss Renovation #1? I'm looking for it as soon as I leave here.

    Okay - I love that you got a new fridge! Well done, lady!

    I love the couch - great choice!

    I love the idea of different-coloured cupboards - top vs. bottoms or I really like white cupboards with a dark island. That blue colour is nice, too!

    How exciting, Danni! Can't wait to see more!

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  14. Well, you have accomplished a LOT! In my humble opinion...whatever your accent color is in your living area (with your white couch)--carry it into the kitchen! Either white cabinets with that accent color as your wall color, or paint the cabinet doors whatever color you like, but maybe the lower door frames that accent color. I guess it depends on the color you choose. I like the modern look of all white...not for my house, which is a cottage, but for yours, it would be great.

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  15. First off....good score on the fridge!! Secondly: Those cabinets will be great with whatever color you choose and your couch is awesome. Thirdly....look at you go. I love the new windows. I'm not a big arched window fan so to me your window is a big improvement. The arches are just so darned awkward for curtains.

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  16. It's looking beautiful Danni, can't wait to see it finished. callmepmc@gmail.com Paula

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  17. First off congrats on the new fridge, new couch, new cabinets, new windows, and new door!!! Did I miss anything? You have A LOT going on at once, no wonder you weren't feeling it, you don't know which aspect to get excited about first. It is all coming together so nicely. Bumps in the road are sure to happen but it sounds like you all are taking them in stride. Looks like you have very able guys to help you along. Love the idea of two cabinet colors. I've been considering that myself but my kitchen is so small, not sure if mine would end up looking like a black hole on the lower part. I've even considered doing it in grey, so I love your inspiration photos that much more. Hope you are taking a break for the weekend!!!!

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  18. Danni! Oh my gosh girl! I am so excited for you. I love love the convertible couch. It's going to be so versatile with throws and pillows..it'll pretty much match all of your ever changing decor and so fresh looking. I'm not even sure what color to paint my cabinets.... the reason they are still oak... I look forward to seeing what you do. So sorry about your front door... I think you will like the one you picked out especially the blinds between the glass. Your house renovation is coming right along, looks like you're making some great decisions, I love it all.... hang in there girl!

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  19. Danni, wow, I cannot believe your luck in switching out refrigerators! Mark is fabulous!! I like both painted and wood cabinets...I really don't know how you are making all these decisions at once. I would be so lost.
    I like your grey and white kitchen ideas. My fave is the lighter cabinets, darker walls. I'm not sure I would like upper and lower cabinets being different colors. I'm easy on backsplashes, I pretty much love all that I look at. Probably another unmade decision, if it were me, ha!
    Love your Danish Modern living room. Wouldn't it be fun going with some retro colors to match? Trouble being, of course, that some of those colors back in the day were absolutely hideous! Haha. Good luck my friend:)

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  20. I have to say that I love kitchen #3 with the white cupboards and the dark walls, but I'm a bit of a traditionalist. I don't like the marbly back splash much because it's too busy for me. I prefer a back splash to complement rather than be a focal point, but that's just me. I'm sure whatever you choose will look great in your space. Great score on the SS fridge, and I like the new window without the panels. Everything is really coming along great!!

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  21. I'm glad you're over the boredom bit, it all sounds so exciting, albeit costly and exciting.
    Love the idea of the funky white couch, with bright accent colours. The kitchen inspiration pictures are also gorgeous, and the whites and greys will go great with the new fridge.
    I wasn't bored either, it's fab to see the progress of a whole house makeover !

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  22. you have a lot going on! I feel tired just thinking about all that :) I personally think it's exciting...but I have not moved 28 times...in fact I really dislike moving

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  23. I'm glad you aren't bored anymore. I'm sure the whole roller coaster thing will deter any long term boredom! I am a bit fan of the two-tone kitchen. I can't believe you aren't going to use green - or maybe you were thinking of it. A beautiful muted sage on the bottom and white on the top???? Your cabinets are gorgeous and they will be beautiful no matter what color you use. Just make sure you use really good paint. I'm never met a man who understands the whole painting wood thing. Seems like they are just as protective of wood as they are of their own "wood"... 3,300 doesn't seem to bad for all new windows. Seems like you will save that much in just a couple of years of heat and air bills. And cleaning new windows is soooo easy. I think your family room is going to be enviable. Isn't your current guest bed couch mid-century style? Are you going to use it in there?

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  24. My kitchen cupboards are grey on the lowers and white on the uppers. I will e-mail you a photo as soon as I do the dishes.
    Mark is a hunk.

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  25. I like all your kitchen inspiration photos. I'm sure what ever you do will be lovely because it's all new and fresh. Can't wait for the next post.

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  26. oooh Danni - I am so jealous! okay not really - maybe more extremely excited for you! I love that sofa - wow!!!
    Of course my accent colours would be aqua, turquoise and grey lol. But the sky is your limit really. I cant wait to see what you decide to do with the kitchen - and yay on the new fridge - score! xxxx

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  27. Oh wow you have a lot going on Danni. The new windows are nice. Your new sofa is very pretty. I love your new kitchen cabinets. The fun has just begun :)

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  28. So much progress, Danni! How lucky to be able to swap out that biog black fridge with your friend, Mark. Major score!!! Love your new couch! The new windows will pay you back in the long run - so worth the investment. Stinks you had to get a new door...but I really like the one you guys picked out. As for the kitchen...I love all the options you shared!!! I can't wait to see what paint colors you choose for everything! How fun!!!

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  29. I think we all get in a funk. You have done so much. I love the couch. You and Suzan are having a ball. So many decisions! The best part of reno is seeing your decisions come to life with a beautiful transformation. Can't wait to see it all!

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  30. WOW! Danni, I am so glad to read you are back to cruising the internet for decorating ideas. I can't wait to see the next phase. I love the sofa. I chuckled when I read that Mark couldn't understand why you would want to paint your cabinets and I laughed hard when I read that he finally gave up trying to convince you otherwise :). Your little house is changing fast. I can't wait until update #3.

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  31. WOW - what a day you had girlfriend !!!
    First of all I love all your choices and CANNOT wait to see this place finished!
    Bottom grey - uppers white - I had that 2 houses ago - and everyone loved them ( including myself )
    I still don't get why you couldn't have painted the ones that were there - but that's just me lol - your place is going to be gorgeous ( loving that couch too ! )
    XOXO

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  32. I admire you for even tackling a project like this. It's so hard to stick to any kind of budget too. I like the white cabinets with the darker walls. They are really fresh looking.

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  33. It's too bad about the door, but I LOVE the blinds in between the windows! I bet you'll be happy with it. Your couch is gorgeous, not sure I could have white...my husband works dirty and doesn't think about where he sits in his work clothes (good thing he spends most of his time in his workshop/games room building!!), not to mention our cats. I'm in the middle of debating my cabinet colours, too, and I'm really leaning toward light on top & darker on the bottom. I love your first inspiration picture...but then again, the second one has gorgeous cupboards! Ok, off to search more...
    Debbie :)

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  34. Wow, you have so many options! I bet your brain is going crazy with all the wonderful ideas :) I know you will make it look incredible. And let me just say, you are so brave to get a white sofa! Not me...my little 5 year old would get Dorito powder all over it :)

    Hugs to you, friend! And by the way, so glad you were able to exchange your refrigerator - what a blessing! :)

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  35. What a huge undertaking. Hang in there! Love the new fridge :)

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  36. Wow, Danni, what a week you've had. I must admit that I too get easily bored with renovations.......especially when I have to put money into things like windows, plumbing, roofing, etc....all those things that I can't really see "improvements" or changes. I LOVE the new fridge and your sofa is amazing! I can't wait to see more!

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  37. Funny how things work out! I'm glad you got the new fridge. Love your inspiration pictures.

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  38. The changes look fantastic. I really love the new fridge. It looks awesome!

    Heidi’s Wanderings

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  39. Hi Danni,
    Long time no "see". I am excited for you. I think you're going to be happy with the results. I can't wait to see.
    Blessings,
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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