Friday, July 27, 2012

Kitchen Re-Do

Most of you know that
MyHero and I have re-habbed 
14 houses since we got
married.
What a job!
Most were done with a 
houseful of brats kids.

We decided to stay in
this house and live here
at least until we both retire...
then...
well, we'll see.

However,
I LOVE re-doing a house.
I LOVE
picking out colors~
and flooring~
and cabinetry~
I LOVE
 pulling a room together.

So, when my friend, Jan,
called me she
 screamed HELP
wondered if I would help
her with some choices.
Now, she is one smart gal,
BUT, she has never done 
this before.
They have a sweet, 
cottage style house
with wonderful gardens
where they raised their 
family.

When we had our window,
siding and door company
we did their siding and 
replaced their windows
with energy efficient ones.

NOW, FINALLY,
Jan has made the move
to UPGRADE the interior.
I didn't get shots of
the BEFORE before.
I did get shots of the
IN PROGRESS.
What a mess, huh?
I thought her hubby would
cry like a baby when I told
him that the fan/fixture
HAD TO GO!

Where the area is blocked in
(behind the ladder)
there used to be glass block
behind the stove.
That has been filled in
and will house the new
microwave/vent combo.

There was a half wall
with wrought iron railing
separating the dinette
and the living room.
(It ain't never gonna be
1960 again, folks)

Here is her new choice of
flooring/cabinets/wall color.
True colors are really not this yellow-
stupid camera-
stupid photographer
(wait-that would be ME)
 She really likes the warm
soothing colors and so does
her hubby.
Her hubby is MyHero's best friend.
They like to whine to each other
about Jan and me...pfffffft....
they plan to get a room together
in the old age home with a sign
on the door that says
No girls allowed..
especially Jan & Diana....pffffftt.

Anyway~
The kitchen, dinette,
living room all flow together.
So, that means there is lots
of co-ordinating to do
to make the rooms cohesive.
She has dark khaki furniture
and her new color choices look good
with what is already in place.

There are hardwood floors
under the  living room carpeting
and she picked out a carpet
with some bold graphics to
anchor the room
(a very bold choice for Jan!;>)
I am proud of her!

Did I mention that most of
my friend's hubbies do a 
LOT OF EYE ROLLING
when I come over to 
"suggest" something?
Hmmmm...they are 
SUCH spoil sports...
what do you mean you
don't want to take out that wall?;>)

So, I will keep you updated
as we go along, unless Jan's 
husband kills me on one
of my visits.
And I will 
STILL COME BACK
to haunt him.
And THAT'S a  threat promise!

update :  different flooring and
paint colors coming soon~
your photo name

42 comments:

Tete said...

14 houses and you're still married? Amazing. Ok- you can come and help with mine.
I want more photos and you know the kind with all the little cute things in it, so start practicing with that camera or let your friend take them.
Up early, no food or drink except water- blood tests early this morning. Then back home for breakfast and a nap. Been up since 4.
NO rain at all yesterday. Went all around us and just kept missing us by a teeny little bit.
Next chance is Sunday.
So glad you got some!

Debby said...

How fun to have such a big project to work on. I am ready for a total remake of our powder room but now that I have a bum foot I relize we need to go all out and enlarge it for a tub/shower area for our old age. Hubby is gonna have a fit!!

Musings from Kim K. said...

Wow. I'm impressed. 14 houses!! That some serious experience. My husband has painting 3 rooms on his to-do list before he starts back up the end of August at his schools. We're having quite the debate on colors right now.

Can't wait to see more pics.

Sweetwater Style said...

This is a wonderful project...the husband will come around when he sees the finished project...this I say as we are still living with the bright forest green carpet in the den....go figure!

Anonymous said...

14 houses, I think that must be a world record somewhere, you missed your calling, you should have been a decorator , you made me laugh today, you silly woman you, oh how i love to visit you every morning,

Patty Patterson said...

WOW! 14 houses. And I just live in them like they are and plan my changes. I seldom even get around to painting. *LOL*

Jettie said...

Just 14, what did you do with the rest of your time? Oh yea, you had brats, eeerr children to raise.

Those men deserve each other, send them on to the retirement room now.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

How exciting, Diana! I love to see pictures of a good house makeover. I thought we were done with all that with this move. I don't think my hubby will ever not take on some kind of project! Case in point is the wood floors we just did.

P.S. You were right! I missed an email change! Fixed it and everything should be right with the world now. : ) Thank you!

Japolina said...

You and your hero must really be meant for each other. I know lots of couples who don't make it through one renovation.

Mark said...

This is so exciting! I can't wait to see the updates. Seriously, I love this stuff! Don't leave me hanging too long. And you know what, I miss the 60s. I mean, it will be years until I can sit around in a diaper all day again and have someone bath me.
m.
p.s. You look hot in wings!

Maria Elena said...

What an awesome project! This is going to be a lot of work, but worth it at the end! I can't wait to see the updates! Diana, 14 houses!!! And you lived to tell the story! LOL That is something to be very proud of!

Anonymous said...

What a fun project! Can't wait to see the changes. Have a super weekend.

Beth said...

14 houses! What an awesome record, I will be waiting to see how this latest venture goes.

Cristina Garay said...

Wow Diana! With all that experience I might say you're a pro! Take more pics, please!!

The enchanted home said...

Diana!! 14 houses??? WOW! I am impressed and you are a bonafide pro in my book, here I was all smug thinking because I had worked on three, it was a big deal...I am a novice:)
Shes in good hands..look forward to the big reveal.
Happy weekend to you.

Amber ~ The French Pressed Home said...

You are a pistol, Diana! I was giggling while reading this. :) I love re-doing houses too. Since my hubby is a Contractor, we both look at things as a blank slate. Even the junkiest houses. It worked well (for both of us) when I was a RE Agent. My clients minds would be boggled! :) Can't wait to see more!!

Gina said...

You are a good troublemaker to have around! One of my sisters is just like you...the husbands always cringe when she suggests something because it always means more money! LOL

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I loved Marks comment.lol I can't wait to see more pics of Jan's home, it's going to be just fab! You sound like me, I know my son-in-law and my bff's husband cringe when I come thur the door:)
Have a great day!

Debbie said...

Are you related to Martha Stewart?
xo

Maureen Wyatt said...

I'm lol over this one! I once had a decorating client's husband come up to me in the grocery store and say, "When my wife asks if something is possible, you always say it's no problem. I'm telling you, it always is!". Spoil sports! ~ Maureen

Susie said...

We did a hugh renevation when my girls were small. I have done many re-do's and we just live in the whole of it. the older I get the longer some of these jobs are taking. I will be helping paint/decorate my daughter's new home and the landscaping too. Good luck Diana and please take lots of photos. Smiles, Susie

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Look forward to seeing the finished product. We've done some rehabbing, but nothing like 14 houses. You have a lot of energy!

Jan said...

Diana, YOU are a life saver. What would I do without your hand holding and energy. love jan

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

Yikes! I've been working on mine for 15 years & it's still not done!

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

that's too funny!
you are definitely a pro with 14 houses behind your back! I feel like I am getting to the pro level with just 1!

Unknown said...

Hahahaha!!! I love your sense of humor and all of these cross outs! Too funny. My parents have been renovating homes for years as well - they are 75 and STILL GOING at it! They are probably right around your number so I am impressed because I KNOW how hard and strenuous that is! Good for you and your Hero (love that you call him that too ... so cute.)

Holly said...

I can't wait to see it!! You obviously have "the touch". One of my highly gifted friends in decorating said that the words her husband feared most was, "I have an idea." =0)
Have a wonderful weekend, Diana!
xo
Holly

Ron said...

Looking forward to updates! xo, Ron

Ruth Kelly said...

I pained one room in my house. I've been prepping the 2nd room now for about 6 months. Actually, it's ready for a bit of sanding and then choosing the paint color. Maybe, just maybe I may get it pained before Christmas. I'd like to see Jan's finished project.

andrea@townandprairie said...

Diana you are the best! I love coming to your site. You are hilarious and a great new friend who I find encouraging! As for your 14 homes, and our possibility of moving again (we've moved 3 times) my husband says- this is what we do! Move and re-do! You are right about listening to my head...I need to stay rational at all times so I don't get taken advantage of again. xo back to you, andrea

joanne said...

how fun would it be to have you help me shop for my new kitchen...I mean really, we would clear out the place!! You're a doll...have a great weekend.

My Dream Canvas said...

Thank you so much for doing this :) Have a lovely weekend. You are the best :)

Heaven's Walk said...

lol! You are nothin' but trouble, girl! lol! And that's why I love you so!

hehehe!

xoxo laurie

Donna said...

What a great friend you are to help with the redo! I am so glad to hear the iron railing is out! Who knows, maybe some day it'll be back in style, I sure hope not! That and those icky tile mirrors that everyone used to put on their walls, yuck! Now you just need to come over and help me!!

Little Miss Maggie said...

What a huge undertaking. Is that last picture a picture of you, Diana? I can't imagine how these husbands can say no to you.

Simple Pleasures said...

Hi Di,
Boy they really lucked out with you as an adviser! I bet it will be awesome. Please make sure to keep us posted with lots of photos. I bet you have lots of before and after photos with 14 homes under your belt.
Have a great weekend.
xoxo

Pamela said...

What a hilarious post Diana!
Fourteen houses? You have to meet my Aunt Joan...just like you she is!
I can't wait to see the results it sounds like it is going to be fabulous!
Pamela xo

Diana LaMarre said...

I really enjoy seeing home makeovers. It will be fun to see how Jan's remodel turns out!

I can't imagine staying married through 14 remodels! LOL.

Pam Kessler said...

Diana, my husband and I can't even install a wallpaper border without a few choice words to each other. I can't imagine rehabing whole houses together (there's power tools involved and that might not end up well for one of us). I'm excited to see how Jan's house progresses. Just getting rid of the wrought iron railing must have made a huge difference.

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I didn't know you were serial rehabbers...Wow, he has as much energy as you! Can't wait to see, you all must be getting pretty darn good at this!

Carol

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

I would be in the pokey if I had the experiences you've had, D! Magoo would be buried out under the garden pavillion. LOL

Anonymous said...

I thought I would just literally die laughing at this post. You are such a good friend and I know you made things go much smoother with your friend's remodel. I can't wait to see how it all turns out. Maybe Mr. Bird Nest will want to get a room near your men.