| Author | Message | ||
     Duncan Supporter Username: Duncanrogers Post Number: 3892 Registered: 12-2001  |
Greenie...Starting over??????? | ||
| davidbuckley Citizen Username: Davidbuckley Post Number: 243 Registered: 5-2001 |
SHH: Looks fabulous!! Let's trade visits... Got our first piece from Greg and it's very nice--well made and fits room. Be well, David | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2165 Registered: 5-2001 |
Thanks David, I'm glad you're happy with your cabinet as well. | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2218 Registered: 5-2001 |
Yesterday a 200+ lb. cleaning woman was a little overzealous cleaning my bathroom floor and water started dripping through the kitchen ceiling, where the waste line runs across. I ran upstairs and saw some water on the floor, not too much, I guess it all went through by the time I got there. No damage thank goodness, but I was concerned there was a pipe issue. There was not. Whew. We're in punch list mode and I will have to be very critical. Greg is also going to do built-ins on either side of our fireplace in the living room. On one side a closed up doorway exists. When we did our addition we left the door frame and about a foot depth so we could use it as a closet of sorts. We will build in shelves, and below (at about window sill height) the cabinet will extend out (to a few inches behind the brick so it won't overwhelm the room) to hold a small tv and stereo equip. Everything will have doors. The opposite side has a window and will have an open bookcase below. I can't wait to fill all those shelves. In our dining room, Greg will do a built-in over the radiator that will extend to the wall by the archway to the kitchen. We'll do it at 36" height, and to the right of the rad. there will be about 3 feet of shelves, also behind doors. This unit will function as a buffet. More shelves to fill! Yay! Both pieces will be off white to match the wood trim throughout the house. I am sort of addicted to built-ins, so this could be the start of something really scary. | ||
| Lizziecat Citizen Username: Lizziecat Post Number: 519 Registered: 5-2003 |
What does the cleaning woman's weight have to do with anything? | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 3929 Registered: 5-2001  |
Shh - that's so funny. I'm not a big fan, but we did a window seat and some low window bench/bookcases. OTOH, we ripped out the built-ins in our sunroom that someone put up around the 1930s. Just shows you how different tastes run! I'll be anxious to see the pics, tho. The other stuff you've posted that Greg has done was really nice. We're going to start our upstairs bathroom soon. I want a console sink & a small vanity with drawers for all the stuff that gets shoved under the sink cabinets (which we won't have). I'm going back and forth with my current contractor about built-in, custom built or maybe off the rack. It will have to be a pretty specific piece. | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2224 Registered: 5-2001 |
Lizziecat, I guess nothing unless water happened to be dripping through your brand new kitchen ceiling and you ran upstairs and saw a very large woman standing in your tub. The description was more for visualization, not unlike me saying "my tiny 23 pound two year old crawled under the sink to hide from me." (Never happened, but it does help you visualize the scene.) | ||
| Bobkat Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 7739 Registered: 5-2001 |
Shh, where did you get the paint? Mrs. K has been looking for some along the antique pewter, brushed nickle finish line. | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2234 Registered: 5-2001 |
Hi Bob, The kitchen ceiling paint is from HD. Last I bought it, it's just past some spongy roller kind of things, with some faux finishing stuff. It comes in quart size plastic jars for about $20. The curtain rod/ radiator paint I actually had on hand—it was two kinds of spray paint. The first coat was a shiny, metallic aluminum finish and the second coat was a "hammered" finish by Rustoleum. I bought it a few years ago with the intentions of doing our deck furntiure and never got around to it. Usingboth kinds of spray paint in layers worked great. The hammered finish on it's own is a little too dark and the aluminum is really shiny. The hammered finish (sprayed lightly, not completely covering) mellowed the aluminum perfectly. BTW, I am totally spontaneous when it comes to stuff like that. I was lucky I had what I needed on hand, otherwise it never would have gotten done. If she has any questions, PL me! | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2235 Registered: 5-2001 |
So can we play pick a chair? I love those big white club chairs in the dining room, very comfy but they're not totally practical. I'm constantly having to roll my youngest back to the table. (They're on casters.) I'll sell them if anyone is interested. (Very reasonable.) So... The walls are a light gray with off-white trim. My table is a very yellowed natural maple. We're doing a buffet/rad. cover in off white. The curtains are deep red velvet, and I have some black accents. I was thinking of a black painted chair. Will take lots of abuse. I'd love to do an upholstered seat so I can change the fabric out when the whim strikes me, but that's been a little trickier to find. (So I will settle for a wood seat if necessary.) I want something not too traditional, not too country, not too anything. Would you do Schoolhouse? Ladderback? I like these styles because they are classic but look good in a more eclectic setting. I was even thinking of doing something really modern or retro. I'm very confused. I like a lot of different styles. The trick is putting them together cohesively, or at least so I like it enough until the next change... | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2236 Registered: 5-2001 |
Here is a really bad picture. I took it on the wrong setting. The reds are a little brighter than here.  | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 3937 Registered: 5-2001 |
Ladderbacks look like they'd be a classic in this room. I'd keep the kid, too. She coordinates well with the decor.  | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2239 Registered: 5-2001 |
Thanks G. I do think ladderbacks are a good choice with the table. Not sure if I want to go more eclectic though. I printed out a picture of a ladderback and a schoolhouse chair. We're visiting my parents later— my sister is bringing her new boyfriend. What the hell, I'll ask his opinion too. I'm such a poll taker. | ||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 1155 Registered: 9-2003  |
Don't know what you call them, but there's a tall back, armless, slipcovered chair that Ikea and others sell. I've seen them coordinated in to a variety of decors. The covers come in a variety of colors, and they are often washable. We have some, and as we eat all meals in the dining room (no EIK) they've seen a lot of service. You could get brick red, or charcoal, or a some sort of small print/pattern??? | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2241 Registered: 5-2001 |
A Parson's chair. I love them, but they can get very expensive. Are yours from Ikea and have they held up? If I could get washable slipcovers, that could work too. | ||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 1157 Registered: 9-2003 |
Yep, they're from Ikea. I believe they were and are less than $100 a piece. Had 'em 2 years thus far and going strong -- including standing on them to change lightbulbs. Covers easily remove, and if a person were really crafty, I think you could make your own covers out of whatever you like. The covers are separate at Ikea, and they are around $10/each. Ours are "Gobo red," a kind of dusty brick red. I think Ikea's rap as flimsy is ill-deserved. A lot of there stuff is quite sturdy -- I imagine some is a function of the person putting it together. In any case, at that price, you could try 'em out while saving for chairs of your dreams! | ||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 1158 Registered: 9-2003 |
http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/virtual_catalogue/main2005.html Henriksdal chair is $79/each. Cover on this page is stain resistant, washable "sand." | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2242 Registered: 5-2001 |
Gulp. I did it. Keep your fingers crossed. I found these on Overstock and thought they'd be perfect.  They seem like they might be a little narrow, but we're all kind of small. I bought 6, so if I feel like I need a more substantial chair I can do Host/Hostess chairs at each end of the table. For $80 a piece and free shipping, not bad. Now I have to get rid of my other chairs before my husband kills me. | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2250 Registered: 5-2001 |
Got my new chairs! They look great and were not too bad to put together. I will post a pic. soon. The size is much better than the white chairs so the room seems much bigger. Plus, they're pretty comfy. Tomorrow we have final inspections. Let's hope it goes well. There are still some finishing touches left to do before we say farewell. | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2306 Registered: 5-2001 |
Happy Spring all! Inspections went well. We're just waiting... a few finishing touches still... Now we need to decide what to do about the bedroom shortage.  We want to stay put (we didn't do all this work to sell) so we'll need to decide whether we deal with the attic or yikes, add on. I know, kind of sick isn't it. At least it makes life interesting.  | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 4051 Registered: 5-2001 |
They should make methadone for renovation junkies. That's the problem - the new section looks really good & the old sections start to look crappy in comparison. We were about to start our next project when my mom got sick. First thing once that is under control? The upstairs full bath. Congrats on being done and getting your life back. For now..... | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2307 Registered: 5-2001 |
Unfortunately, it's not done! And I think this IS my life! | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 718 Registered: 8-2003  |
that's only because you are insane! so you never posted a picture of the chairs...? | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2311 Registered: 5-2001 |
Yes, you are 100% right. I know, you'll have to come by to see them. I MUST give you your Pyrex and your punch bowl! Have you heard from M about Sat? | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 721 Registered: 8-2003 |
Holy COW! I need the punchbowl ASAP if I am going to bring rum punch on saturday!!! haven't heard back yet. we need to coordinate our carpooling | ||
| Duncan Supporter Username: Duncanrogers Post Number: 4018 Registered: 12-2001 |
Shh...its the shoelace syndrome.. But new shoelaces and your shoes look old. So you buy new shoes. which make your (dress, suit, slacks) look old. So you buy new dress, suit, slacks which make your tired old briefcase look old. So you buy a new briefcase which makes the car look old, so you buy a new car which makes the house look old, so you buy a new house. I just throw out the shoes and pray for the best. | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2315 Registered: 5-2001 |
It's not even the oldness that bothers me so much. It's my daughters screaming at each other in their shared bedroom. That's more difficult to fix. | ||
| Duncan Supporter Username: Duncanrogers Post Number: 4021 Registered: 12-2001 |
Ah, well, yea, there is that. | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 4058 Registered: 5-2001 |
Wouldn't it be cheaper (and a way to stop the vicious cycle) to use Duncan's method? Just look at the one who screams the loudest as a shoe & throw her out. You know I'm kidding, right? | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2318 Registered: 5-2001 |
In that case I'd be the one out on the street.  (And of course I knew you were kidding.) | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2578 Registered: 5-2001 |
Hey there. We are officially done with the kitchen bath project. All that's left is to give the final payment. Yesterday we met with our architect to discuss the Bedroom Situation. He suggested lofting up from our smallest bedroom, where the attic stairs are, and creating a sleeping loft for the girls up there. I LOVE IT! It was one of the many ideas I had, I just didn't know if it would be feasible. The bedroom is barely usable as it is because it is so small and has so many doors and windows. This would make it a pass through to the loft, the girls could use it as a dressing room or study. Plus, it would open up the space and make it feel larger. Ideally we'd be able to fit 3 "cabins" in the attic for the 3 girls. I don't think the little one would tolerate being left out, even though she's a little young at this point, I know in the future she'd want to be up there. We hope to meet with the architect again and get plans done so we can then look into contractors. I know, crazy. I'm happy this project is finally behind us and here I am thinking of starting up again. Anyone redo an attic with dormers who cares to share some insight? I will post new pics of the kitchen/baths soon. | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 4543 Registered: 5-2001 |
Before you give the final payment, you might want to wait 4 months to see if your bathroom starts falling apart....... My new standard is to wait several months and see if work holds up before I start another project/rehire a contractor. Congrats! We are doing the back yard landscaping in August. I am hoping to reschedule the upstairs bathroom for next spring. I want to do it in good weather so that Gary can work outside as much as possible (it's been 4 months & his rebuilt bathroom is still standing). Can't wait to see the pics! I also can't believe that it has been 13 months since we started ours. People who said you forget the pain pretty quickly are right; the disruption and chaos are a distant memory. Now to finish the legal matter... | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2579 Registered: 5-2001 |
We've been using the bathrooms for ages already! I think since about October, so I think it's ok. I know, it's amazing how quickly we forget. For now, I'm happy to have my time alone! I can shower at 10am and not wonder if someone will come in unannounced! (Not that it ever happened, but when someone has your key you do not want to take that chance.) I am not rushing into the Attic thing, just putting the wheels in motion. First we need to draw up plans, and I guess we'll need to save up a little bit of dough. Not too much has changed since my last pics, but in my house things are always changing anyhow. We have been landscaping every weekend and it looks good and feels good to have an almost presentable front yard. Next I need to tackle the entry hall/ upstairs hall. We need to fix some plaster and repaint. Might try to tackle it on my own. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 8736 Registered: 5-2001 |
Shh, being a nosy parker and having a big mouth I would think long and hard about eliminating the bedroom to gain access to the attic, especially if it is a third, not a fourth bedroom. When you sell you might find resale effected adversely, no matter how nice the attic turns out. | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2611 Registered: 5-2001 |
Hey Bob, I respect your opinion. Unfortnately, the bedroom is SO small and the attic stairs are already in the room, so technically who knows if it could even be considered a real bedroom when we go to sell. As it is, the room is barely 8x10. One entire long wall has three doors (entry, closet, attic stairs) Two other walls have windows. In order to fit a bed, we had to remove the rad. and put in a baseboard unit which doesn't even function well. The room made for a cozy nursery, would be a fine study, but as a bedroom it's a joke. Our Master bedroom (because of our addition from 3.5 years ago) is HUGE for our house. At the time, being pregnant with number 3, I wanted a big huge master suite. I got it. It's definitely oversized for the house, with a cathedral ceiling, etc. We used the back bedroom as the starting point (now our bathroom and walk-in closet) and extended from there. Once I decorate it nicely, it will be an oasis. The second bedroom was our old master BR, maybe 13x14. It will make a nice guest room/library. It would be nice to have a place to read at night on the second floor, without disturbing my husband. So, it's not your typical 3BR house no matter what we do or don't do. I didn't want to give up a master suite to get a 4th bedroom, and since our property is not so big our architect said he didn't think it would work to do an addition. Bottom line is we don't want to give up what we have here! Plus, imagine the fun when our grand kids come to visit and get to stay in the loft! (Ok, maybe in 25 years or so.) | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 1759 Registered: 6-2001  |
I think it's a great idea. Just remember you're losing a large storage space (if you're storing stuff up there). And I think it'd be a good idea to partition off separate spaces for the girls who'll share it. Just a thought. Looking forward to the before/afters! | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2623 Registered: 5-2001 |
Bets, definitely sectioning off spaces for them (cabins I like to think of them!). That's the whole point. As far as losing storage space, it's mostly cr@p up there, so it will be good to lose most of it. One one end of the house, where our addition is, I hope we'll be able to keep a little storage space, if not we'll have to reassign a little of the basement for that purpose. Thanks! | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 1769 Registered: 6-2001 |
Your need for storage will grow exponentially as your children do. Just keep that in mind (and all the stuff they'll want to see when they're grown-ups  ). Sounds like you have a good plan for the attic. As an attic-dweller in my own youth (full 3rd floor), it does have the best view. | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2714 Registered: 5-2001 |
Since the radiator concerns and the boot bench query, I have made some progress in the entryway reno. I spackled the walls and decided to remove the radiator and cover, and my husband graciously complied with my wishes. I designed a boot bench which I hope to either make or have made. I cleaned out the closet, leaving only about 25 pairs of shoes instead of 60. I removed various hooks and shoe pockets to try and eliminate clutter. Breathe, purge, breathe...ahhh... Finally, last night I started to strip paint from the newel post and railing. I waited until everyone was just about asleep, around 10pm. I didn't stop until 2am. A lot of the time was waiting for the stripper to do it's thing, but I really enjoyed scraping the melted away paint. It was really messy. Stupidly, I used the sheets from when I primed the walls, but the goop and melted paint got all over it, so I had to toss everything in the garbage. ALso, I suppose next time I undertake such a task, I have footwear on. Bare feet and chemical strippers probably are not a great combo. Luckily I still have skin left. I started my work without gloves, then put old socks on my hands, finally I found some latex gloves. Preparation is not my strong point. I basically had to apply the stripper and scrape two times, but the second time I realized that if there was still a layer of paint, I could reapply the used goop and it would still work. So, I continued around adding used goop where necessary, and cleared the majority of the paint. Tonight, hopefully my husband will help me with a wire brush so we can clear it all off. It's pretty messy right now. Here is a before shot.  Don't even ask about the bronze paint, it was a Ralph Lauren moment. Never even finished THAT scheme. I intend to lighten and neutralize the paint, remove the carpet from the steps, get a new light fixture, and maybe somewhere down the line put a mosaic tile floor in. The hardwood just doesn't work for us five slobs in a front hall, even with rugs. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 6782 Registered: 4-1997  |
What's up with the bronze paint? |
