The 50 day project

It's been nearly 10 years since I purchased a townhouse; it was brand new, but for the most part, the contractor's 'brass & glass,' original spray-on paint, and large wall-sized bathroom mirrors gave the place a 'so yesterday' kind of feel.  My youngest daughter has been living in there for some time and is getting married here shortly.  To make a long story short, she spent most of the summer in Africa, as part of a lifetime dream that coincides with her education in veterinary medicine.  Her fiance' and I decided that during her absence, we'd keep busy w/ a project to not only update the home, but to also make it more 'Manny friendly' as he likes to say.  Eco-inspired was the theme.  So, what was done?  First of all, over the last 9 years, I've done a few projects in the house every summer.  One time, I added a newer deeper kitchen sink w/ a fabulous faucet.  On another occasion, I replaced the contractor's dishwasher which was failing miserably.  On another occasion, I changed the 'brass and glass' light fixtures in dining room and in a few other places.  On still another, I changed out the fluorescent light panel in the kitchen to a halogen direct-able light fixture which added warmth and appeal.  All in all, the little changes helped, but the overall look of the place was the same--same contractor's flooring throughout, and I must admit, it was pretty skimpy carpeting.


The project has increased the value of the home, but mostly, it was a labor of love for a young woman and her adoring fiance' who will be a great couple in this vast universe.  That's a pretty grandiose statement, but I feel very confident that that two of them will do some amazing things together and many people, animals, and environments will benefit from their passions.  The home is a launching pad for that love story.

                      So, let's begin:

A bamboo floor was selected from Home Depot- my daughter had expressed this interest in a sustainably grown flooring product, but never really thought she'd come home to one. We got a great deal on a FABULOUS product~ Shop top deals at homedepot.com  It was a long road.  We had 56 days, and during that time, a lot happened, including the sudden death of her fiance's grandfather.  It was a tough couple of weeks as he dealt with events and emotions, but he powered through it all w/ grace and dignity.

In a previous blog, I talk about the floor, so I won't go into all of that again.  I am, however, going to go into some of the details that made all the difference.

Here, the flooring is assembled prior to loading to take to the project site.

Carpeting, pad, and tacking was removed and floors vacuumed

Furniture was covered, discarded, given away, or donated

The 'working space' was created OUTSIDE the home!

Underlayment added prior to floor installation

                                                     The floor is the 'groundwork' of the place.....but here are some of the little details that make all of the difference! 

Removing the big flat mirrors and adding framed mirrors in all baths

Add hardware to existing cabinetry really made it look more special

New fixtures were added throughout; shower enclosure added previously

The closet was completely 'gutted' and reorganized

Martha Stewart 'cubes' were added to help separate 'like' items

a special 'wall words' touch added above the bed

A few 'outdoor-in' places to warm it all up

1 bath got cabinets painted black....and new bamboo-look water faucet

Removed 'brass' from fireplace screen with high temp black spray paint

Stainless appliances for a fresh new look...and the microwave was $60.00 from a scratch and dent 'back room' sale @ Home Depot....make sure you're NOT in a hurry when you do these kinds of projects---it PAYS to shop and wait for bargains!

                                                                 

A few little touches on walls and countertops for a fresh look

The dogs' leashes get hung up and out of the way!

The whole house got a fresh coat of paint--protect carpets w/ old sheets, etc.!

Add some soft lighting

New shower curtain and a shelving unit for special things

A few special touches here and there....

Front door gets fresh blinds and a good floor cleaning

Dining area is completely re-done w/ a refinished cabinet that was just taking up space in the garage!

A few new pieces added from Target!

Looking GOOD coming down from upstairs!

I think she liked it....and LOVES him!!

Good Work....Mission Accomplished!
Shop top deals at homedepot.com
And Thank you Home Depot!