birds!

hung two Eva Solo glass birdfeeders just outside the kitchen window.

 

 

they haven't disappointed!

Dining area, taking shape

We finally have a place to sit and eat dinner (that isn't the couch)...how exciting!

 

The screen wall (with translucent plastic inserts) is original to the house and we liked it so much we decided to keep it.  I am however, considering removing the colored plastic inserts. hmmm, I know what you're thinking....get rid of them, right?

 

I have done alot of online shopping here...

This is the Possini White Flower ceiling lamp that I purchased online at www.lampsplus.com

 

 

the wood blinds that I purchased at www.theshadestore.com

 

 

They offer free wood samples so I was able to match the wood of the blind to the wood of the kitchen cabinets...it turned out to be a great match!

 

I purchased the black walnut tabletop unfinished from www.tablelegs.com

I finished it (top and bottom) with five coats of satin polyurethane (and sanded with 220 grit sandpaper between each coat).  I loved that I could specify the exact size and detailing for the tabletop at tablelegs.com.  It took a while to receive the order, but it was well worth the wait!

 

 

 

for the table base, I used an assemblage of black iron plumbing pipe- I had seen similar table bases on higher end urban-style tables, and when trying to figure out if I could make my own I came across this DIY project on marybicycles.com  http://www.marybicycles.com/diy-scavenged-butcher-block-tabletop-on-cast-iron-pipe-base/ 

 

 

I borrowed the basic approach from marybicycles, but I needed to adjust the design for a larger table...and I used 1/2" diameter pipe instead of 3/4".  After cleaning the pipe (it sure was greasy), and removing all of the stickers/labels, I spray painted it with Rustoleum Satin Black paint.

 

 

The parts were all just hand tightened- no special tools were needed.

 

 

 

we are very happy with the results- and i especially love having a place to rest my feet!

 

 

oh, and I almost forgot...the rug was purchased at www.o.co

Backsplash Tile: A work in progress

Yes, a work in progress.  I started installing the backsplash tile three weeks ago- whenever I get a chance (which typically means for just a few hours over the weekend)

 

We selected a glass mosaic tile with 1"x4" tiles set in a running bond pattern.

 

We ordered the tile from www.glasstilestore.com

 

 

I needed to live with it for a while before I installed it...just to make sure that we made the right choice.  So I draped it from the window sill and scrutinized it for days (okay, weeks!)

 

 

Once I mustered the courage to begin, I laid out the tile along the length of the countertop to find out how the tiles were going to land in the space between the windows...I was trying to get the tile to be centered (or close to centered) on those posts.

 

 

We installed adjustable electrical boxes along the backsplash.  With a turn of a screw the entire box moves inward or outward, to adjust for the thickness of the tile.  This is such a great invention...we never have the tile selected when we are rough wiring.  Another benefit- we have been living without a backsplash for the past few months (because we just couldnt decide), so we were able to adjust the boxes to be flush with the drywall until we were ready.

 

 

 

The installation has been pretty smooth.  I was concerned about cutting the glass tile (because I hadnt ever done it), but I found that it cut easily on the wet saw with a brand new blade.  I found when cutting the mosaic sheets that it was better to tape the back of the tile along the cut line to keep the tiles from shifting about.

 

 

Individual tiles cut easily, and cleanly- at least in the beginning.  The saw blade needed to be changed again  once the tiles started splintering alon the cut.

 

 

I am saving the small piecework (between the windows) for last.

 

 

 

so, I still have some tile to install, and then of course I will need to grout everything...just give me about 3 more weeks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pantry

 

We have a long list of projects that we are chipping away at whenever we get a chance, and it is finally time to install the barn door to the Pantry!

 

We bought a reeded glass door panel online at Home Depot and had it delivered.

 



 

It sat in our Kitchen for weeks...(but I'm not complaining)

 

 

I was able to find this stainless steel barn door hardware on Ebay.  It was only $265 for the kit, a great find!

 

 

It was relatively simple to install; starting with the wall anchors...

then the rail.

 

The rollers attached to the top edge of the door- the entire installation was relatively painless.

 

 

 

Most of the time, the door will be in the open position

and closed when we have guests.

'

 

because the view is starting to get messy!  This pantry filled up fast!

 

This is where we store the under counter freezer (because we bought a full height refrigerator), the liquor cabinet, beer fridge, microwave, toaster oven, bar glasses, cookbooks, oh and dry foods!

I love having a pantry and really enjoy incoporating traditional spaces into modern layouts.

 

We installed an IKEA butcherblock countertop that we coated several times with satin polyurethane.

 

We still have several items on the Pantry Punchlist, but its nice to be able cross one off the list! 

 



The Back Wall...A Pictorial History

Before:

Siding Removed:

More Demo:

Reframing the entire wall:

New plywood sheathing and the first two Pella windows to be installed:

Windows and Doors installed; Pine Shiplap Siding stained and installed:

Infill panels of primed MDO installed between windows...Light Fixture Installed:

Plywood Soffit installed:

A glimpse of the future:  a very quick photoshop rendering that was done before we started ...we will most likely paint the windows, door and infill panels a dark grey or dark bronze color.

this rendering also demonstrates the idea that the future deck will be a continuation of the new wood wall.

Pool Opens: Renovation comes to a screeching halt!

The installation of the pebble plaster was quite the production!

we selected "persian blue" pebble plaster. It has a mix of black, light blue, and white pebbles and when filled, the water will be a deep teal color.

it only took a day...then the next day, the plaster was washed

the light was installed

and then, the following day...the water truck arrived carrying 9000 gallons of treated water

9000 gallons did not fill the pool, but we didnt care....we set up a hose to "top off" the pool and then we didnt hesitate to jump on in!

it took about a day to fill up using the garden hose..

pool has been open 24 hours, and we just can't get enough of it (and it's been in the 90's here...perfect pool weather)- ah well, so much for the house reno!

how about a couple of "Before" pictures, because it's so easy to forget!

ugh!