Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Monday, April 6, 2015

Before & After #2


Welcome to our home.
Before and After #2,
the tour continues.
~~~~~*****~~~~~
Before:
This is our bathroom when we first got the keys to the house.
It was a mess and had to be fixed and in working order 
before we could move in. 

 This photo was after a week of scrubbing the tub,
it took me about two weeks to get it clean.
Also, when we pulled the walls down behind the tub
we found black mold waiting on us. 
The fun began :)

 

After:






~~~~~*****~~~~~
Before:
This is the only before photo 
that I have of the kitchen.
It was from the real estate photos.
It was also covered in dark brown paneling.

 After:
 I ran out of trim above the cabinets,
and I keep forgetting to buy another piece to finish it, LOL
Funny me :)




  We still have work that we want to do in the kitchen,
but it is okay for now.
Out in the well house I have a new faucet and a range hood still in the boxes.
We want to replace the counter tops 
and raise them up a couple of inches.  
I'm short (5'4") and they are short for me.
We also want to add a new sink. 

~~~~~*****~~~~~
Before:
On to the mudroom.
Same dark paneling :)

After:
I was fortunate to find two new white interior
doors at Habitat for Humanity for 3.25 each.
We used them to cover the water heater :)


Our mud room ceiling is only 7 feet tall.
All that I can think of for a light fixture is a light blub,
or my tall hubby might bump his head.
Does anyone have any suggestions? 


This is the light that was in the house,
but when it burnt out,
I couldn't replace it . . . maybe 
I wouldn't want to anyway, LOL.


   Thanks for visiting.
My next before and after will be photos 
of the things that we have been doing outside.

We feel very blessed to be living
in the country.
We are just outside of town and still close to everything,
but instead of being in a tight neighborhood
 with houses a few feet from each other,
 we now have room to stretch.
Also, instead of other homes across the street as a view, 
we now have an alfalfa field.

We are so happy that we made this move :)

~~~~~*****~~~~~

Please leave a comment,
to let me know what you think,
and share any ideas that you may have.

~~~~~*****~~~~~

Keep Smiling,
Your blogging sister,
Connie :)

 




66 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you. I made them to have that forty or fifty vintage look :)

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  2. I like how you have worked with what you had with a few extra touches. The colors are really nice together. It's all very cute.

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    1. Hi Debbie, you know, it's an old house and that is what was attractive to me. I don't understand buying an old house and then tearing everything out of it to make it new. I like the way vintage makes me feel . . . the memories of my mama's kitchen and my grandma's kitchen . . . I want that in my kitchen. this old house just makes me happy :)

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  3. Wow Connie! You guys have certainly been busy over the past year. Everything looks so great. I love the bright and cheery colors you use in your decor. Your curtains are so cute! Great idea to use the doors to hide the water heater. We have really low ceilings in some of our rooms too. They make some pretty flush mount light fixtures. I have seen several varieties at Lowes and Home Depot. Can't wait to see more before and after pix! Have a great week!

    Hugs, Vicky

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    1. Hi Vicky, I always enjoy reading your comments. I'll have to look at Lowes and see what they have. All the ceilings in the house are 9 foot, but the mudroom is an add on and the ceiling drops two feet in there. The way this home is laid out on the property, most people come to the back door, so I want my mud room looking pretty:)

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  4. I am just astounded by all the work that you and your husband have done in this house in just one short year. And your bathroom and kitchen makeovers are quite dramatic! I love how you painted the top cabinets in the kitchen white and the bottom ones aqua. Just beautiful.

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    1. Hi Melanie, thank you. I debated about using those two colors in the kitchen or going with all white. I like both. I'll probably wait 6 or 7 years and then repaint and do a white kitchen. Paint is the easiest and cheapest way to change a room:) I loved reading your sweet comment . . . you make my day :)

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  5. Hi Connie, Thanks for the second tour! I think I would have said i can't do this when it came to getting that tub cleaned. You have worked so hard but have a lovely cottage now. I was wondering if you use those cut pot holders hanging on the wall or if they are just for looks. What a change in the mudroom!! I love the curtains there too. Did you make those? I love the cheerfulness of your decorating style and the fact that you make so many of the things yourself! I am enjoying the spring banner!!! Nancy

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    1. Hi Nancy, yes I did make those curtains and the pot holders. I don't use these pot holder, I just made them to tie my kitchen together. Someday, I'll get tired of them and make some new ones and then use these. I am so happy that you like your banner. I use the rug mug you made me, I like having one by the computer . . . that is usually where I drink my morning coffee, when blogging:) When I look at it I think of you, it was a very thoughtful gift.
      Hope you has a lovely Easter:)

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    2. Hi again, Wondering what size you made the pot holders? I can't tell if you used a binding or just turned them. They sure are cute. I made one once but it didn't turn out well. Maybe I cut it too small. Did you have a pattern or wing it? Nancy

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    3. Hi Nancy, I wing everything I do . . . I'll try and remember tomorrow and bring a measuring tape in the house so that I can anger your questions :) I'm happy that you like them enough to want to make some :)

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  6. Connie, you have done so much to make that ugly duckling into a beautiful swan, I mean house!

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    1. Hi Marigene, it was a lot of work, and I had many people tell me to get a new tub, because that one would never come clean. I'm so happy that I saved it, because I love that old tub and it has the best recline, so comfortable. I have been a shower person forever, because tubs just were not comfortable. Now, I love soaking in a hot bubble bath after a day of working on our place. This old house makes me so happy:)

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  7. You guys are so cleaver, such great redo's I love and appreciate all of the hard work in every room, but I am most in love with the mudroom, the doors around the heater are genius. What a perfect home you have made. I was glad to hear that you were still close to everything even if though you are in the country.

    Carol

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    1. Hi Carol, we live just outside the city limits and yet we have so much space compared to what we had before. An acre . . . we never dreamed of having this much yard. In our old house we could almost reach out and touch our neighbor's house, LOL. Having an alfalfa field across the road instead of other homes, really gives us a country feel and that hay smells like heaven when they mow it:) It's been good finding ways to stretch our dollars . . . that's when we have to get creative, LOL.

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  8. Connie, your home remodel is just amazing!
    That bathroom, was unbelievable!! Yuck!
    Now it is gorgeous.
    Everything is so clean bright and cheery, you must be in heaven?!
    Are you able to put on a recessed can light on your mud room? You may need more than one though.

    Lovely visit and I look forward to seeing more.
    Debbie

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    1. Hi Debbie, You know I thought about recessed lighting, but like you said we would need more than one, they don't put out a lot of light and you need light in a working room. Besides laundry I have the pantry at the end of the room so light is very useful there. The bathroom was awful. We had our motor-home parked right out side the backdoor for the first 6 weeks, so that we had bathroom and kitchen handy while we worked on the house. We also took our time moving, so we got the keys in April and didn't move in until June . . . but for a couple of weeks we were eating at one house (because our stove and frig were there) but still sleeping at the other house. It felt wonderful when we had the major inside jobs done and we could move in:) So, actually we haven't lived here for a year until June .

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  9. Three of my favorite rooms in your house... starting with that kitchen and mudroom! Love it! You have given me so many ideas of things to do around our home... ! It looks like we're staying for now. (which is fine) ... I'm practicing contentment. ;)
    Now... the little light in your mudroom. Have you thought about using a lamp shade with the little clip on thing ...that slides right on the bulb?
    Or... with your crafty ideas, maybe a chicken wire "basket" to go around the bulb and fixture... OR...combining these two ideas and maybe some cute fabric scraps woven in there some how?
    I BET YOU COME UP WITH SOMETHING ADORABLE!
    -- The other thing I couldn't help but notice? The plug above your sink. I bet some people wouldn't even realize what it's for.
    You should as them...and see what kind of replies you get! It's for an ELECTRIC CLOCK! Wouldn't it be fun to find a vintage electric clock that still worked to go in your already beautiful kitchen?

    Enjoyed the tour-- and I have an appreciation for any woman that could scrub that tub! You deserve some type of award. Or... a good long soak! ;)

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    1. Hi Patricia, I love your ideas about a cover for that light. Now, I'll have to start thinking about it more in a creative way, thanks for the inspiration. I knew that the plug was for a clock, because as a child I remember just about every kitchen having a clock above the sink, But I have been asked that question many times. "What do you suppose that plug in is for?" I guess knowing the answer gives away our age, LOL. I have an old clock in my kitchen that I bought at a yard sale 30 years ago, it is from an old school house, but so heavy and big that it would never fit above the sink. If it ever quits working, I'll look for something smaller. It's just that we have gotten attached to our old schoolhouse clock, LOL. Of course I am not apposed to having two clocks in the kitchen, so that is something to keep and eye out for:) That tub was the very hardest cleaning job that I have ever taken on . . . but I wanted to save it very badly. I'm looking at resurfacing in maybe this summer. I've read that you need a lot of ventilation to do it.

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  10. Your work shown in this post and your previous one has created a true love nest! What a cozy and inviting home you have created.
    The before and after of the bathroom is staggering. And your idea for hiding the water heater is a spectacular fix that looks good and the price was right!

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    1. Hi Melanie, thank you for your kind words. We use the backdoor the most around here and the first thing that you saw when you walked in was that hot water heater, so those doors did the trick . . . much cleaner and prettier than that old heater, LOL. We love our little home, this old place just puts a smile on my face everyday . . . we feel very blessed to be living here:)

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  11. An amazing renovation. The house looks lovely now. I hope you're planning a bit of down time after all that hard work ?

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    1. Hi Jill, well last year we didn't take our boat out even once, nor did we go camping . . . so this year we are already planing a few fun things to do. The major work is done, now we can get down to the normal home owner projects, like one or two a year :) There is always something to do, but I enjoy having projects and staying busy. I've reached an age where if you slow down for too long, you start slowing down permanently . . . that doesn't mean that some of the getting up and going, can't be fun things :)

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  12. The colours in your home are great, I love a splash of colour. The glass fronted cabinets either side of the doorway are a lovely way of displaying pretty china and glassware.

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    1. Hi Pam, thank you . . . I bought those cabinets for our old home. I had one by the front entry way and one in the bedroom, but in this home they fit very nicely in the kitchen. I have teacups in one and my mixing bowls in the other. I'm delighted that you like my color choices. This old house was so dark, it really needed at bit of cheerful color:)

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  13. What a huge difference! Dark paneling was popular when I was growing up and I still like it but you have to have a good light source or it is just too dark. Nice work.

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    1. Hi Kathy, I know that a lot of people want to pull out the old paneling and replace it with sheet-rock.
      I kind of like it painted. I think it adds to the cottage feel :)

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  14. Everything looks great. What about a pot light for the laundry room?

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    1. Hi Sue, that is a great idea. I've been getting a lot of inspiration from my sister bloggers. I am so happy that I asked that question. The more brains working on a solution the better I like it :) Thank you :)

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  15. Such a wonderful job of transforming your home. So sad you found mold in the bathroom, I have heard that is a real headache to get rid of. Like how you closed in your water heater that looks great now and all the paneling gone really lightens it all up!

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    1. Hi Connie, all that paneling is still there it has just been painted. Not an easy task . . . two coats of primer and three coats of paint. I like how it turned out and I think it adds to the cottage feel. You are right, it sure did brighten things up, I think it would have been depressing living with all that dark paneling, Especially in the winter when the skies are grey and we need a little more cheering up. Thanks for your encouraging words . . . it has been a lot of work but well worth very minute. We love our little country home and feel very blessed to be living here:)

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  16. Hi Connie! I am enjoying your 'before and after' posts. You have done a LOT of work. It is all charming. I love the beautiful blue glass on display in your bathroom. Re the light bulb, you can buy one of those small individual lamp shades (I think they are designed for chandeliers) that clip right onto the bulb and might still give your husband clearance for his tall self.

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    1. Hi Sara, thanks for stopping by to visit and thanks for your idea. I love brain storming ideas with other creative women . . . I am getting a lot of feel back and some very cool ideas:)

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  17. I really enjoy following your blog.
    What a change you have made and shows how you love this house. Love the way you have made changes, like the doors to cover the water heater.
    Thanks for sharing with us.

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    1. Hi Karleen thanks for stopping by to visit and yes we do love this old house :)

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  18. What a lovely kitchen-love the turquoise colour, and the mud room is such a great idea.If I had to plan another house I would love to create a space like that.

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    1. Hi Felicity, it is a nice space. Lots of places to hangs coats when guest arrive and the long wall gives me a great place for family photos :)

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  19. Connie,
    Everything looks so charming!
    You guys have done a ton of work, and it shows!! I'm certain that your cottage is happy... happy to have you there, and giving it some badly needed TLC.
    You know, after renovating for over 20 years, it still amazes me that someone else could have lived in that house in the condition that it was in. I felt that way when we bought our homestead. It was in such disgraceful condition... and someone had lived in it that way.
    I am sure that your neighbors are delighted in the changes and improvements that you have made, and continue to make, as well.

    ~K.

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    1. Hi Kerin, we have gotten quite a few thumbs up from neighbors. I just don't know how the former people lived here with only plastic over some of the windows. That and the fact that the heating ducts needed repair, I would have thought they would have frozen to death. I am sure that if this house could talk it would say, "thank you". It was meant to be a little jewel and we are doing what we can to help it along:) We may never get it to the point of being a jewel, but it has become a well loved home.

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  20. Your renovations are awesome. What a transformation to these rooms.

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  21. Look how far you have come, Ann!!! It doesn't even look like the same house. That bathroom transformation is wonderful. Did you have someone refinish the tub for you? It looks like brand new now!
    Your kitchen is not even recognizable. It is just a fun, happy-looking space. You have sure done a lot of work there, Connie.
    Blessings to you- and I am looking forward to seeing the inside.
    xo Diana
    ps. oh- have you seen that new track lighting? It is kind of snake shaped and can be attached down about an inch from the ceiling. It has very small "heads" on it that are super bright and you can move them to shine them anywhere. I just grabbed the first one I could find on the internet that is like what I am talking about. here is the link to it. It is what we put in my daughter's old laundry room so she could have strong area lighting without it hanging down very far. Not this exact one-but similar. http://www.amazon.com/Galaxy-Lighting-755596BN-Halogen-Flexible/dp/B005D86XBE

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    1. Hi Diana, I went on-line and looked at what you are talking about. It might very well be a good solution and it would brighten up that room much better than my little light blub :) Thanks for the idea and link

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  22. You've done an amazing job, Connie! I love that you still have the original light above the kitchen sink and that the colors you chose for your home are so bright and cheerful :)

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    1. Hi Rue, I took that light down and washed it and then spray painted the chrome black . . . it look great so I just put it back up. I like to use what I can from the period that the kitchen was last decorated, probably the forties :) Some of the rooms had seventies and eighties lighting and it just didn't work. Those I've replaced.

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  23. Hi Connie, thanks for stopping by my blog. I think I am going to enjoy yours too! What a lot of work you have done to your house. It looks so bright and inviting.

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  24. Nice job, Connie! I love the changes you made. The hard work paid off.

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    1. Hi Denise, when I look back at all we've done, I actually get tired, LOL.

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  25. You and your husband put a lot of work into your house creating a home. Love all of your colorful updates. Your kitchen cabinet are so fun!

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    1. Hello Brandi, it is nice to hear from you and always a pleasure to have you visit. It has been a lot of work, but we love this old house and property and making it a cozy home to live out the rest of our days in, is a dream come true. We feel so blessed to be living here:)

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  26. every thing looks beautiful..love the kitchen so much..

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    1. Thank you so much! I enjoy my little country vintage kitchen. I feel like Betty Crocker when I'm baking in there, LOL

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  27. I am amazed at the amount you have achieved in such a short space of time. I love it all, we have very similar tastes in home decor. I don't think I could live in a town/city now as I love the peace of the countryside too much. Xxxxx

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    1. Hi Fran, before we lived in a house that was 1/2 of a duplex and the house next door to us . . . well, you could almost touch it, if you stretched out our your arms. We lived there for 33 years. We are loving our new life, our new home and garden space and feel so blessed to be living here. I think that this old house is loving be transformed into a home, too . . . that is if walls could talk, LOL

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  28. Wow! Connie, you have done an amazing transformation on your home! It doesn't even resemble the same place! What a sweet, comfortable space you have created...it is just beautiful!

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    1. Thank you, Debby, We love it here and I think it shows. We are continuously counting our blessings.

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  29. Fabulous remodel Connie, I just finished remodeling out home which only took me two years. It looks lovely.

    Hugs Diane

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    1. Hi Diane thanks for visiting . . . Do you have before and after photos of your remodel in your archives, I would love to see them, I might get some great ideas and besides that I love before and afters:)

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  30. connie, you and your husband are such an inspiration! you've brought charm and coziness to your cottage and so quickly:) my husband retires in 3 yrs and we are moving to the country--cannot wait!

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    1. Hello Lynn, I am tickled to hear that someone else is thinking about moving to the country when they retire. My Steve can retire in two years and we love living here in the country. It is more work, not just all the remodeling, but the yard is must bigger and so mowing is a big job here. Having a garden is more work, but so pleasurable and so rewarding. We had a dry winter, but snow shoveling will be much more work when we have bad winters. Most people think about smaller and less work for their retirement home, but we think that staying busy and having projects keeps you healthier, and enhances life:)

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  31. I love seeing before and after photos.. You two have done a fabulous job creating a beautiful home..Thanks for sharing.

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  32. LOVE your makeover. The bathroom would have me running for the hills! It turned out beautiful; what a job on the tub! Great re-use of the doors to block the hot water heater. I need to visit your first post. Just sneaking in a few visits (I'm at work)...... shhhh.

    Hugs,
    Kay

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  33. Far from being bored, Connie, I have absolutely loved looking at this, and your previous post, about your beautiful home with all the before and after photos. What a transformation! The place is charming and delightful and shows your wonderful flare at every turn. You have turned a house into a home. Thank you for your prayerful support throughout my recent ordeal - your hugs especially appreciated!! I am so happy to be home now, and my convalescence is progressing well, although it's going to take time. My lovely hubby and I are adjusting to our "new normal" with the stoma bag which is already far less freaky than I ever expected. Now that the awful elephant in the room is starting to bow out (we are still awaiting the histology results which will indicate whether or not I need chemo, but it looks unlikely), I can feel my creative juices beginning to flow again, and once my energy returns more to normal levels, I shall be back in my studio again, I just know it!! Lots more lovely messages from my wonderful friends around the world to reply to, and then after that I want to up date my blogs with all news.

    Shoshi x

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