The house really came along in week 43. Lots of progress made, which means this is a long and picture-heavy post. Forgive me?
Kitchen
Look who rolled into town this week – Papa Bear and Arizona Lainey. Two of our favorite renovation partners-in-crime.
We’re so happy to have them back from Arizona. And not only because they help with the renovation and mow the lawn and make us supper and buy us dinner and spot me a few dollars (or more) when I don’t have my wallet and keep us company and walk our dogs. Mostly we are happy they are back because they are just plain awesome and we love them. Everything else is just really yummy icing on the cake.
Papa Bear got straight to work on those IKEA cabinets I may have mentioned. I don’t think he truly understood the work that was ahead of him, but I knew he could handle it.
He and Ryan began by organizing the boxes. Unfortunately, they were reading the wrong numbers, so the organizing didn’t really work.
Reason #16,548 that I love my father. He smiles for every picture I take, even when my husband will not.
Warning: IKEA cabinetry instructions are about as clear as mud. Unless you read hieroglyphics, in which case YOU ARE GOLDEN.
Oh… and as an aside. We got this huge downpour on Saturday morning and when we went out to the garage, the back door had been cracked open and everything was wet. EVERYTHING.
Including all the IKEA cabinets.
We got to work quickly, getting the wet boxes off, getting everything up on boards… Luckily, we caught it pretty quickly. I would have been livid if something would have been destroyed because we were careless about getting the door closed.
Also last weekend, we got the call that the last two cabinets were in (they were not in stock before), so mom and I made the trip to Chicago again to pick them up. I’m really glad we did because one cabinet we were waiting on was the first one that needed to be hung.
Ryan and Papa Bear got to work.
In addition to assembling the cabinets, there’s also a challenge in that our house is old and 100 percent UNlevel. So, they are working on getting everything as level as possible.
Within a few days, the kitchen was beginning to resemble, well, a kitchen.
As long as you close one eye and squint a little bit.
And drink a glass of wine. I’ve found that it can help the visualization process.
I’m really, really obsessed with the cabinets. Love them. We decided on the off-white Adel doors. They look really nice in person and everything seems really sturdy. I’ll try to remember to do a more in-depth post about the cabinetry when we are done and I have more time to think. So, plan on the year 2020. ๐
Floors
In addition to kitchen work – there was more floor work for Ryan this week. He’s working on stripping the floors in the living room and dining room.
These are narrower boards and they are really thin, so he didn’t want to do major sanding on them.
So, he’s stripping them by hand. He’ll lightly sand them this weekend (if all goes as planned).
The original oak boards are seriously pretty.
There are some areas with water damage (we believe the radiator leaked at some point and made its way under the ceramic floors that were here), but overall the floors look good.
In addition to the dining room, Ryan also set his signs on the stairs. Including finishing stripping, scraping, staining and poly-ing the stair treads.
I’m really digging the stairway now. Really.
Ceiling
Finally, this week I worked on painting the ceiling in the living room.
It was finished with a board and batten treatment, which I really like. I think it blends super well with the original crown moulding. That was a pleasant surprise.
The wood soaked up several coats of paint (but I was thrilled to discover that Behr Ultra Premium Plus now has a ceiling paint). It was definitely more labor-intensive than a normal ceiling (a lot of it couldn’t be covered by a simple roller), and my shoulders still hurt from painting the 9+ foot ceilings. But it’s all worth it in the end.
I really like the look.
And Ryan also installed the new ceiling fan. (Gasp!? A ceiling fan!)
I like the room better without the overhead light on, but that’s okay because we normally use the lamps in the living room anyhow. But, the fan works really well and keeps the room cool, so I’m a fan of the fan.
And, that’s the week in a small novel.
What do you think?
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Karen McFadden says
Kevin and I live in far south NSW, Australia, renovating an old Bungalow…. We absolutely love your renovation! Your ceiling has given us some great ideas, with the board and batten, what are the sizes you are using? Looking forward to the finished product.
Paula says
Wow. I am super impressed with everything you did here. I love seeing the stairs come to life. I have a stairway that I absolutely NEED to rip the carpet off of. Something underneath smells bad, and I am afraid it’s not nice hardwood. Sigh. I don’t know what I’m going to do with whatever is under the carpet, but I have to do it soon (the joys of moving into an old house). There is a wall enclosing the stars in the basement, and I think it is going to come down. All the space under the stairs is wasted right now, since the wall encloses the whole thing, so I think that will become a reading nook or desk.
Katie @ On the Banks of Squaw Creek says
okay…I’ve been trying really hard NOT to follow any new blogs, but I’m following yours!
Our house was built in 1907 and we are renovating, too! But much more slowly than you.
Quick question…was your trim already painted white or did you make the decision to paint it?
Karen At Home says
Wow, this is probably my most favorite ceiling ever!! Great job!
yeoldesandwichshoppeva says
Trim. Stairs. To die for. Love them all! Your progress is astounding as always! Keep up the good work guys!
Lisa says
Wow! What a lot of work in one week. Your dad is very cute and very helpful. How lucky are you? I love everything you’ve done. I was wondering, though about using the oil-based primer. Do you always use oil-base as primer or does it depend on the project? I’m wondering because I’m going to be painting my living room soon.
Jenny @ Anything Pretty says
Wow…you officially have a kitchen. I am loving those cabinets and even though I unfortunately have to abstain from the wine, I can totally see it. And all the trim….swoon. It is a.ma.zing and I bet you will be so happy to never see a bucket of white paint again.
KellyMichelle says
Looks like you’re doing a great job! Found your blog over at IGTBH, I’ll have to catch up on your renovation from the beginning.
DecorandtheDog says
I love, love, love your living room ceiling. I’m trying to figure out where I can do this in our house.
I am no longer a fan hater. I just have a short memory. Summer has arrived and I was the one to turn the fan on. It hurts to be wrong.
I also love your choice of kitchen cabinets! I’m just glad I’m not the one who has to put them together. ๐
Comeca Jones says
Wow so far so good you guys are moving right along!
Jenn says
Your house is really coming along – you must be so thrilled! Everything looks so nice and fresh with the white paint. It’s going to be so beautiful!!
Dancy says
Uhmazing. I’m loving those cabinets already. Can’t wait to see the kitchen all done & your review on the cabinets.
Also lurrve the ceiling. The house we’re hoping to get has coffered ceilings in the LR to DR I’m loving yours & dreading the idea of painting them myself.
Leslie says
love love LOVE the ceiling!!! Come to my house please! ๐
christi says
KIM!! WOW! It looks awesome!! WAY TO GO!
Joi says
It just keeps getting better and better, K! LOVE those ceilings!
jen @ homeinthecountry says
Amazing. Seriously! Those cabinets look great, as do the ceilings & stairway. How do you get so much done in one week!?! I am exhausted just reading about your adventures… ๐
Wendy says
We’re a fan of the fan, too! It is coming along awesome! I love all the wood work and detail! Can’t wait to see the cabinets all in, it is going to be beautiful. I have to go back a few posts and read the color of your kitchen…love it ๐
Sara @ Russet Street Reno says
HELLS YES! I love the ceiling, the cabinets, and I just know your floors will be fabulous. That stairway is to DIE for, seriously.
lyndsay @ Mr and Mrs says
your house is seriously amazing, seriously. I don’t know where to begin! The ceiling and the staircase are breathtaking. I cannot wait for your in-depth post about the cabinets. They are beautiful and I would love to know the nitty gritty details, cost, etc.
Emily says
It looks amazaing!!
Chelsea Talks Smack says
I renovated last year with my man and ooooffffff, it is tough! It’s looking great!
Tyler and Emily Forrest says
Amazing as always. I am not sure how you have that much time in the day!
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
I can’t believe it’s been 43 weeks!! You all have such a beautiful vision for this home. The progress is nothing short of amazing. ๐
Lauren says
Wow! I love the board and batten treatment on the ceiling and in the hall way. And your kitchen is going to look amazing. I can’t wait to see the final product!! ๐
LizzieBeth says
Ding dang it girl, you guys got a lot of work done!
I think it looks fantastic! Love the kitchen cabinets– and that’s not just beacuse they are the same as ours ๐
CANNOT wait to see the house all moved in. Any ETA on a moving day?
LB
Ches says
Your new house is looking wonderful, I love all the wainscoating and your floors are really nice.
Kristen says
it looks beautiful! I hope that you get it appraised once you’re done so we can see how much your hard work paid off! I’m always curious about that!
Emily says
Oh Kim! I love the cabinets and the trim and the floors! Everything is coming together so beautifully – it’s so fun to see!
Amanda says
Your house is looking great! I love following the renovation process.
KatiePerk says
Whoa. You guys have been busy. I love the ceilings! And that staircase is great!
*claire* says
kim! it’s looking absolutely gorgeous!!! you should be so proud of what you’ve done! the real treat will be getting to live in it after all of your hard work.
the cabinets look great! i don’t see why it’s so difficult to use words on instructions…. the little man makes me angry anytime i put something together… are they the slow close ones? i always have fun playing with those in ikea.
anyway, looks fantastic!
Michelle @ Ten June says
Wow! The cabinets look TOUGH to install but probably worth it on the $$ end- they look great so far! And the board/batten ceilings are fabulous too. Coming along well!!!
PS. I read Little Bee last month and LOVVEEEEEEEEEEED it. Like, a lot. Best book I’ve read in awhile.
Cindy @The Flipping Couple says
It totally looks like a kitchen. Even without a glass of wine. Although, I could go for a glass of wine.
Can.not.wait. to see the rest of the kitchen come together!! The board and batten looks amazing and I can’t believe how much painting ya’ll have been doing. You need a gold star in painting. Or something. Because seriously.
Rita/Fighting Off Frumpy says
I looooooove your house. Seriously. Love. It. It’s just magical to see it transforming – and I can’t even fathom how much effort and love you guys are pouring into it! It definitely shows!!
Liz @ It's Great To Be Home says
You two seriously rock my world – I just cannot imagine how you do it all. And you have major skills, too! The house is looking amazing with all sorts of charming details. Love it!
Mrs. Adventure says
Oh man everything looks awesome! I can’t believe the rain tried to rain on your parade – good thing nothing got messed up that would have sucked big time!
I am serioulsy in LOVE with your dining room. It makes me a little sad that we will be building a hobbit hole instead of buying a 100 year old house now ๐ oh and 100% white on the stairs I totally agree!
Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst says
Oh and P.S., your baby is three weeks overdue. ๐
Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst says
Wow. It all looks gorgeous. I can almost see the finish line! ๐ Well done guys!
Meredith says
Wow wow wow! You guys have what it takes!!! I LOVED seeing that old floor emerge and all the board and batten treatments you’ve done! Your kitchen is going to look amazing when it’s finished. Great work you guys!
SarahKL says
Kim – it’s looking fabulous! The kitchen is going to be absolutely beautiful! Silver sage again, right? I love that color…
Jordan@the2seasons says
Great progress I can’t wait to see the finished kitchen. I am loving the cabinets this is so exciting to see the progress on our end!
Biz says
You 2 are amazing!
I don’t know if I have it in me to do that much work on a house.
It really is coming together and I know you will cherish it for years to come!
P.S. My husband calls his Dad Papa Bear!
Biz
Mrs. 5C says
YAY PROGRESS!!!! ๐ ๐ ๐
Your house is looking SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I’m loving the white trim everywhere! (and to think I was in the “don’t paint the ceiling!” camp. I was wrong!!)
Deb says
Wow!!!