How Things are Coming Along part I

The end of February will mark six months since we moved to Jackson.  Crazy.  We have definitely gotten a lot done around here but we still have TONS on our to do list. Good design evolves over time, right?  That's what I've been telling my impatient self anyway.  I do find that if I rush into a purchase or a project, I usually end up changing my mind, disliking it, and redoing it later.  I'm trying to slow down, gather inspiration from the world wide web (does anyone call it that anymore? no? well, i'm bringin' it back), and purchase furniture as we can afford it.  So far, so good.  Since we're hitting the six month milestone soon, I thought it might be nice to show you guys the progress we've made throughout the house.  Without further ado, here are some pics and a behind the scenes look at our to do list.  Warning - despite being divided, this is still a very long post.  If needed, walk away, drink some coffee, and come back later.  I know I did when I wrote it.

Exterior (front)

We haven't done a whole lot out front yet.  In August we were focused on getting settled into the house, clearing paths through the boxes, figuring out which box the extra TP was in...ya know.  Now it's winter (albeit not that cold) and therefore not the time for outdoor painting or planting.  Obviously, the before shot is much greener since it was summer.

So far, we have:

• purchased a new outdoor rug
• purchased a large doormat (the normal 2' x 3' size looked dinky)
• set up our outdoor furniture

Still to do:

• replace or at least repaint our shutters (I'm thinking something like this except painted and something other than the current dark green color)
• paint the front door a fun color
• change out front door hardware including the house numbers (anyone notice how off center they are?!? please don't bring it up in front of Seth)
• replace or somehow frame out the wrought iron columns (we like more of a boxy craftsman look)
• consider a new mailbox
• figure out a landscaping plan (I'm thinking we need hydrangeas somewhere)

Before we go inside, let me remind you of our floor plan (with our paint colors thrown in for good measure).

Entryway

We've done a decent amount of work here so far and I would say that we are about 70% done. 

We have:

• painted the walls (Valspar's Polar Star)
• replaced the overhead light fixture
• replaced the sconces
• replaced the plugs, switches, and their covers (they were all cream and Seth is working on replacing them throughout the entire house - he is awesome!)
• stenciled a feature wall
• hung some art
• added an area rug (we chose Flor tiles in order to make sure our "rug" was the exact size we wanted)
• hung some white cubbies

Still on the list:

• paint the console table (I bought the paint over a month ago, I just haven't tackled the project yet)
• style the console table
• style the white cubbies
• paint the trim and closet door white
• paint the inside of the front door (white?)
• purchase a small doormat for just inside the front door
• DIY some art for the spot across from the coat closet (I have some ideas)

Dining Room 

(previously the formal living room)

The dining room has turned into a dumping ground of sorts for our boxes of wall decor. Yikes!  After painting and repainting this room, I am without a doubt absolutely in love with the Wedgewood Gray (Benjamin Moore).  I estimate that we are 50% done in here. 

We have:

• painted the walls (too many times)
• purchased a large (9' x 12') area rug
• added an overhead light fixture (We hired an electrician to come out since this room previously had no overhead fixture.  Seth is super comfortable changing out lights where there are already wires but neither of us has experience running wires down from the attic and cutting holes in ceilings.)
• replaced all of the plugs, switches, and their covers
• created a "cat feeding station" with pet storage using two Ikea malm chests (The cats have to eat elevated so Amos cannot reach their bowls or we would have one FAT chihuahua on our hands and I absolutely refuse to have a fat chihuahua - I have seen too many at work.  The good news is that their bowls really don't have to be that high to be out of Amos' reach.)
• dressed our windows with bamboo blinds and curtains (I'm waiting until the trim is white to decide if I like the tan color of the curtains or not.  I originally purchased them for the master bedroom but I didn't like them in there so they ended up in the dining room.  Time will tell if they stay here.) 
• purchased and DIYed some art for the space

Still to do:

• paint the trim white
• find the perfect end chairs (which I think will sit on either side of the wooden buffet/hutch when not in use)
• DIY a riddling rack (like this)
• add more artwork around Robbie the rhino
• add art above the cat feeding station (I already have a long skinny frame)
• hang baskets above the buffet (I had them grouped on the wall like this in our old dining room)
• switch out the cheap Ikea floor lamp for something else

Office

(previously the dining room)

I would put this room at about 75% done.  We have completed most of the "major" tasks. 

We have:

• painted the walls (Benjamin Moore Sesame)
• repurposed our old living room rug (which I think works perfectly in its new home)
• set up our paper organization area
• replaced the overhead light fixture (we chose a smaller version of our dining room pendant for a bit of continuity)
• replaced all of the plugs, switches and their covers
• hung some art and small shelves
• created a small Auburn printable
• DIYed a cork board for collecting inspiration
• dressed our window with bamboo blinds and a pair of nice white curtains

Still on our list:

• paint the trim white
• finish filling the upper shelf above my desk
• hang a small piece of art to the left of the window?
• unpack the boxes under Seth's desk
• purchase a nice brown leather desk chair for Seth (his current one is my old one from college and it's black; in case you couldn't tell his desk and the Ikea storage unit are both dark brown)
• paint the filing cabinet (it is distressed and cream right now - neither are really my thing)
• stock/organize/style the bookcase
• figure out a solution for the plug (check out the first pic - there is not a plug on the back wall where our desks are and it is an exterior wall which means mo' money than we're willing to spend right now for an electrician to run wires and install one - boo) 

Kitchen

Pop quiz, hot shot - how many sample squares of paint did you spy on my cabinets?  (Who knows what movie that's from before clicking on the link?)  I went a little crazy in there but I believe I have finally made a decision (well, technically I've only decided on the color family, not the specific shade).  You'll just have to wait until spring when it warms up and we decide to tackle painting the cabinets to find out what that color is.  We are still in love with our chalkboard wall and use it all the time to jot down notes to one another, write reminders to include certain items on our weekly grocery list when we notice we're running low, and to greet our house guests with welcoming messages.  

We are probably only 30% done in here.  Remember, as much as we would love to gut the kitchen and reconfigure everything, we can't afford a full kitchen reno right now (which would likely be $20K+).  We are going to try to spruce things up for around $3000 including the price of our new dishwasher and our hopefully soon-to-be-found new fridge (not including the new washer and dryer since they aren't normally involved in a kitchen remodel).  Even if we were expert DIYers I think it would take $8-10K for our kitchen reno so I'm willing to put in a bit of money now to be happy for the next 4-5 years until we can save up enough for a full reno.  

So far, we have:

• painted the walls (Valspar's Clean White WV31001; a Waverly color)
• created a giant chalkboard wall
• replaced the light over the eat-in area
• removed the fluorescent light over the sink and replaced it with a pendant
• purchased a new washer and dryer
• purchased a new dishwasher
• removed the scallop trim above the sink (visible in the first before pic above and missing in the progress pic just below it)
• purchased and installed a coat rack

Still to do:

• paint the trim white
• add blinds and/or curtains to the windows (I like the simplicity of this)
• p...a...i...n...t    t...h...e    c...a...b...i...n...e...t...s  (had to say that slowly so I wouldn't get overwhelmed - I am dreading this job)
• replace the cabinet hinges and hardware
• fix the area above the sink where Seth removed the scallop trim (there is an opening into the bulkhead right now)
• figure out a way to store shoes at the back door (like this? but high enough to be out of Amos' reach)
• figure out how to enlarge the space for a new fridge without losing too much of our pantry storage
• install a backsplash? (I'm pretty sold on white subway tile with gray grout - it's cheap and classy)
• purchase new countertops? (cheap options include laminate or possibly Ikea butcher block)
• install a new floor (likely cheap-o peel and stick for now)
• purchase a table and chairs for the eat in area (I may have just blown the $3K budget)
• create a coffee station (like this)
• decorate!

Living Room

We spend most of our waking hours in our living room (when we're not at work) so I definitely want it to feel fun and represent our personalities well.  Similar to the dining room, I had a difficult time choosing a paint color for this room (you can read about that here).  I do like the color that I chose (Benjamin Moore's Woodlawn Blue) but some days I wish it were a bit more saturated.  It's fine for now and I think once the room is more complete I'll like it more.  This room is probably 40% complete.

We have:

• painted the walls
• painted the fireplace
• removed the top piece of wood on the far left built-in so that they are all the same height (the cream piece visible in the before photo above)
• sanded and primed the built-ins (but it needs to be redone because while I was sleeping Seth used the wrong primer and it scratches right off - sad day)
• created a gallery wall around the television
• purchased a new area rug
• purchased a new floor lamp
• purchased a new sofa
• purchased some new pillow covers and inserts for the sofa
• framed and hung Fred the moose (and then redecorated him here)
• replaced the outdated fan (visible in one of the pics above) with our dining room chandelier that we spray painted (I'm thinking it may end up in a guest bedroom one of these days)
• organized our broom cupboard
• replaced the switches, plugs, and covers
• replaced the knobs on the built-in doors

Yet to do:

• purchase new seating (definitely a couple of chairs and maybe a chaise)
• purchase end tables (I've been searching with no luck thus far)
• purchase a new coffee table (again - can't find what we want, in the height we need, in our budget yet)
• wall decor for above the sofa (I've already purchased something but it needs some attention first)
• plan for the empty corner next to the television including the wall to the left of the fireplace (we have some ideas)
• re-prime built-ins and paint
• fill and style built-ins
• paint or replace knobs on built-ins
• dress windows with curtains +/- blinds
• install fireplace mantel
• style fireplace mantel

Whew.  We have definitely accomplished a lot, but still have so much left to do.  I am proud of the fact that I am taking things one day at a time with this house.  With our first house, I rushed to get everything just the way I thought I wanted it (I'm sure I will always be tweaking something) and didn't really stop to enjoy the process.  I'm trying to remedy that this time around and it seems to be working.  Stay tuned for part two of this update.

What do you guys think of our progress?  Do you get impatient with home improvement/decorating projects or do you let them slowly evolve and savor every moment?

There's a New Dishwasher in Town

And it's not Seth.  :)  We I have been diligently searching online for stainless steel dishwashers and refrigerators for months.  We were in the market for both, but were not desperate and therefore, had the luxury of time on our side.  We like being able to wait until we find a good deal to pull the trigger.  Well, as far as the dishwasher goes, that day came, baby.  

Let me start by saying that the dishwasher that we inherited with the house worked well. The main problem with it is that the bottom rack is rusting out.  (And let's not forget that it is an ugly cream color.)  

I will confess that when it comes to stainless steel appliances I am picky.  Picky about something that you might find inconsequential, but that I find of considerable importance. Have you noticed the "stainless steel" appliances look like  this, this, or this?  I'm sorry but I am NOT going to pay for a stainless appliance with a big area of black plastic on it.  That will not fly in my house.  Maybe I'm weird, but I just don't see the point in purchasing stainless if it has some cheap-looking black plastic thrown in.  It honestly makes me angry that they are even manufactured like that.  I guess you can still get the "stainless look" but the mixed material models are just not as clean and sleek looking as the all stainless models.  I apologize if I've offended anyone.  It's just one of those things that I am weirdly opinionated and passionate about.  I've gotten myself all flustered just typing this.  <Deep breaths>  :)

One day when I was checking the online sales at Lowe's, Home Depot, Best Buy, and Sears, I spotted this Whirlpool Gold dishwasher for a little over 30% off at Lowe's.  It was too good to pass up.  It's stainless steel, the Whirlpool dishwashers consistently got the best reviews online, and it was on sale for $404.10 (originally $599).  If you've ever shopped for a stainless steel dishwasher (one without black plastic on the front, anyway) you know that finding one under $500 is pretty good.  The higher end ones are $700-800!  The only negative thing for me about this dishwasher is that the tub is plastic and not stainless steel.  The model with the stainless tub was $200 more (even though it was also on sale). We decided that since this is not our forever dream home, we were not willing to spend the extra $200  for the stainless tub (sorry future homeowners).  I headed out to Lowe's and found the dishwasher at the store was on sale for $449.  It was strange to me that the sale price in the store did not match the online price.  I like giving my business to the local store though (okay...Lowe's is not really struggling, but this helps make our local store's sales records look good and keeps them in business).  Not to fear - I had added the dishwasher to my online cart and printed off a copy showing the online sales price before I left the house.  I was a Girl Scout after all (we have the same motto as the Boy Scouts - not sure who copied who).

I asked if the store would match the online sales price and they did.  Wahoo!  Then I handed them a 10% off coupon.  I just love saving money!  Here's the breakdown:

 original price -  $599

store sale price - $449

 online sale price - $404.10

my price w/coupon - $363.69!

That's around 40% off the original price.  Not too shabby.  After adding the installation charge (cause Seth and I just aren't that DIY experienced yet) and the price for a new hose, the total shot back up to $489.97, but we just won't focus on that.  We were going to have to pay for those things no matter what the cost of the dishwasher.

Then, the installer came and things went downhill a bit.  Turns out the pipes under our sink (that I never pay any attention to) were the original copper ones.  Someone had already replaced the cold and hot water lines running to our sink but not the water line running to the dishwasher.  Apparently, the connecting piece on the hoses of new dishwashers works fine with new pipes but not with the old copper ones.  So, the install guy left the dishwasher and we cancelled the installation.  Lowe's refunded our install money and we asked around for a plumber recommendation.  

The next day, a plumber came out, fixed the pipes, and installed our new dishwasher (for twice what the Lowe's install was going to cost - stupid old pipes!).  

The new dishwasher has "hidden controls" and a lot more space in the tub (especially the lower rack - we have a big stock pot that now easily fits in the dishwasher).

So far, we are pretty happy with her performance.  There have been a few dishes that have not come completely clean which is annoying to me, but I think once we figure out the best detergent, required amount of pre-rinsing, and proper dish placement, we will hopefully be ok.  I love saving energy but less water use seems to come at a price (ie the dishes not getting blasted with enough water to come completely clean).  Time will tell. Her look is definitely an improvement though.  Mmmmm...there is nothing like the clean, shiny exterior of stainless steel (well, these could compete in my book - check out the dishwashers on the left side of the pic) and I think she fits in well with our stainless steel hood and trash can.  Now back to the fridge hunt.

Does anyone else have any weird opinions about appliances?  I hope I'm not the only quirky one out there.

Going Digital

A few weeks ago, Seth and I purchased a digital, programmable thermostat.  I was very excited because we bought one that will switch over between heat and air conditioning as needed.  No having to think and flip a switch.  I love not thinking.  I do too much thinking and if I can eliminate some, that is always helpful.  We had one like this in our house in Illinois and it was amazing.  It's the simple things in life that make me happy.

It was pretty simple to install.  First, Seth removed the old one which looked something like this...

It was sometimes a struggle to get the exact temperature I wanted with that little dial.  I like how you can set the digital thermostat to exactly what temperature you want.  I also like that it is programmable.  I work nights and Seth works days so we haven't come up with our programs yet, but we'll figure it out soon.  I'm interested to see if we start noticing a change in our power bills.  

Installation was pretty straightforward.  We got lucky in that whoever wired our house actually used colored wires.  Our neighbors were not so lucky and had to guess at which wire was which when installing their new thermostat. 

The back of the new thermostat has initials corresponding to the colors of the wires.  In the photo below the initials are partially covered by the wires but there is a "G" for green, a "Y" for yellow, and so on (approximately where the blue circles are).  So it's as easy peasy as inserting the appropriate colored wire into the corresponding spot and using a small screwdriver to tighten the screws down onto the wire to make a connection.  

Then you just use a couple of screws placed through the holes in the backplate to secure it to the wall.  

The cover just snaps on over the backplate and you're done!  And then your brand spankin' new thermostat informs you that your house is not wired so that it can switch automatically between heat and air conditioning even though you spent the extra money for the thermostat that could do this.  Shucks!

Now I have big plans to disguise this thing after all of Seth's hard work (sorry, honey).  I'm thinking of either a canvas with hinges to completely cover it or a frame hung around it to help it blend in with the other frames in the gallery wall I'm planning.  I was leaning toward the hinged canvas until I read that it might affect the temperature readings on the thermostat.  So...the solution is still to be determined.  I'll keep you posted of course.  I took pictures of every room in the house today to update you guys on our progress and I plan to start working on that post on Monday.  It's going to be a long one though so it may take me a few days.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

MIA?

I just wanted to let you guys know that I am still blogging and working on projects, I've just been a bit busy with other things lately.  I hit the big 3-0 last week and focused on having some fun with friends instead of working on projects for the house.  Yay for some "me time".  The sun is supposed to be out later this week (FINALLY! It has been rainy and freezing cold here with an ice storm thrown in) so I plan to take pictures of the whole house to give you guys an idea of what progress we've made since day 1.  I'm also working on some other projects including more art for the dining room and some for the hallway.  And here is a picture to give you a taste of another project in the works.

Hope everyone is having a great 2013!