Well, the house is done and we’re ready to move in.
Psych!
That just never gets old.
In all reality, I am kinda totally wishing I were Liz right now and had a complete home that looked as amazing as her flip does. Seriously, have you seen it?
I’ll forgive you if you go over there now and never come back. Actually, no I won’t. I need you more than she does, because she’s just darn awesome on her own. By coming back to NewlyWoodwards, you are helping the needy.
Doesn’t it feel good to give back? 😉
Anyhoo, house progress continues. This week, Ryan finished up nearly all of the lighting. What a process! We now have working fixtures in our living room, porch and entry.
This photo doesn’t really show much does it? Well, if I’d have taken it a week ago, it would have been BLACK because there were no lights. And I really love the door and having an entry area.
Speaking of an entry area, we have finally decided how we are going to use the space. Ryan took out the closet that was there originally (it was in terrible shape) and really didn’t want to put another one in. I wanted something with a rod for coats.
So we were at a crossroads. However, we’ve finally agreed on an armoire instead of building a closet. This will meet both our needs. And it may look prettier, too. And cover less of the tile that I love.
I actually saw one recently at an antique store so I just have to go back with a measuring tape and figure out if it will fit. Cross your fingers.
The other side will look identical to this.
😉 Nothing like realistic expectations, right?
As I’m sure you can gather, Ryan and I don’t always agree on renovation decisions. In fact, nearly every week something comes up that we have differing opinions about. Sometimes they are easily resolved. Other times, it takes a while. It always works out in the end, though. We just do a lot of talking through it.
Not always pretty but ends up working out. (So far, knock on wood.) And I think healthy debate makes everything better.
The other project this week was the future built-in shelves in the living room. This was another project that had some healthy debate. From the moment we walked in, I wanted built-in shelves next to the fireplace. Then, when the heating vent went it, it had to go right next to the fireplace. This changed the plans a little.
We decided to mimic the vent space on the other side of the wall as well, and used this space to run a laundry chute from the upstairs linen closet to the basement. Then, the cabinets will be built in the middle area.
We’ll eventually re-install the crown moulding at the top and the baseboard at the bottom so it really looks built-in.
(Do I have to tell you that I use “we” liberally?)
So, that’s this week. Lots more projects are in the works, and we both really feel good about how everything is going.
What do you think?
House checklist is here.
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Oonafey says
Ugh… I wish our house had an entryway… Our front door opens directly into our living room and the Mister tracks dirt, leaves, and bark all over when ever he brings in firewood. It drives me batty!
Sounds like things are moving along well!
Leigh says
Oh my god, I am so jealous!!! I grew up in a house with a chute and for a long time assumed every house had one…..so not the case. This week I’ve finally had it with lugging oversized laundry baskets through our old-house narrow doors and 2 flights of stairs, I’ve been bugging John all week about putting in a chute. What do I have to do get Ryan to make me one?
Erin @ Domestic Adventure says
I am so behind in my Google Reader that I actually just about fell for your first line…it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if you had the house done!
Everything is looking good and I am loving that entryway inspiration picture!
Tara @ Tara Being Tara says
You are cracking me up today!! You do NOT want this house to be finished, because then you’re going to have to get another one and start over!!
kim says
Looking great! I would LoooooooVE to have one of those bench seat/boot bench/entry landing pad setups! All of our entryways are so crammed. Next house, next house. 🙂
Lucky Girl says
What great progress you guys have made over the holidays! And seriously, I totally understand the disagreements you and Ryan likely have. Lucas and I can’t agree on anything at first try. Its always a series of compromises (and trying to remember for next time if you were the one who gave in the most … well, that’s me… and its not likely the best approach 🙂
jennaseverythingblog says
The entry tile is beautiful! And congratulations on having working light fixtures. Wow–that house has so much potential! I hope you guys enjoy your journey fixing it up.
Jen@Notes From the Heartland says
The updates are like crack to me….you are a LUCKY girl!!! I luuuvvv to see the progress…progress is progress, right?! And those little hex tiles in the entry!!?? I’m dyin’ over here. Have you shown those before? Was I on another planet at the time? Keep that door locked girly…I’m headed over to pluck each one out for myself. 😉
Heather says
Love all these updates. Glad everything is coming along. I love that BH&G bench.
Whenever we get a bigger house I totally need you to come over and decorate.
I actually helped with a remodel in our townhouse and I admire you guys. I was done with remodeling after we tore our floor up in the living room. Check my blog out for our floor remodel 🙂
Can’t wait to see everything else you guys are doing.
I should totally talk George into a chute when we get a house. Wish I could have a chute that would fold them too 🙂
Emily says
I seriously live for Thursdays! You crack me up lady. The armoire is teh perfect solution – and please please please, once you build that perfect BHG bench in your house come to CO and build mine?
Liz @ It's Great To Be Home says
Kim, you are hilarious! Um, I would totally kill to have the DIY skills AND the drive that you guys have – it’s amazing!! (But thanks for the shout out, you totally made my day!!!)
I’m loving your entryway tile and I’m jealous that you have a place for an armoire or a piece of furniture – our entryway is ALL doors so we can’t really dress it up (or at least I can’t figure out how). And how genius or you to add a laundry chute?!? I’m excited about your built-ins, they’re going to rock.
Deb says
I’m so glad you’re keeping the entry tile!
Leigh @ Kesler Expressler says
Lookin’ good Kim (and Ryan!). I love me a good built in. And I think an armoire will look stunning in the entryway.
*claire* says
wow. i didn’t realize it had that awesome entryway! i’m soooo jealous! that’s something i really wish we had. i love built ins too – glad you won that argument!
um, and laundry chute?? the stuff of my dreams! (although, ours would have to go horizontally, since we are one story!) 🙂
Michael - Innkeeper says
weird…
so i was just over at jcp.com and saw this little storage bench…
http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=18aebde&DeptID=73298&CatID=73837&PCatID=73298&SO=0&CatSel=4294944174%7c70%25+off+or+more&Ne=4294957900+5+586+8+580+1031+838+1019+877+1008+18+904&CatTyp=RLE&Dep=CLEARANCe&N=4294944174&Pcat=CLEARANCe&Cat=furniture&Nao=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=73298|73837
the cushion could use a touch of kim but at that price it could be cute in your entryway…
just thought i’d share…