Lived in Space

So a lot has gone on since I last posted. We have settled into our space on the first floor. There are still things needing to be done but the large scale stuff is tamped down for now. First, lets take a look at the kitchen project. Just a recap-the room was gutted to the studs, wall removed and ceiling raised. The sink was moved across the room resulting in some plumbing work. Two windows went in. New floor, counters, counter top, tile. Appliances. Instant-hot.

 So the house was prep'd for painting late last fall. First it was power washed and then scraped. The painters thought more old paint would come off with the power washer than really did.  I was hoping more would come off resulting in a better base layer but hey...

So here is are the new colors. Unfortunately the weather turned cold so we still have trim and the stairs to be finished when spring comes.  Also, you can see our updated yard landscaping which will forever be an ongoing project.  Frankly, I love it and there is no grass to mow out front.

Eventually I plan to replace that upper window and put in something smaller and far more efficient.

 With cooler weather I turned my attention to the trim work.

So I hated the old beat up baseboard heat cover in the pantry area so I removed it and decided to build my own cover.  Thus the uncovered pipe and fins at the right. I got some decorative metal sheet metal at Home Depot to use as the vents and then framed the rest.

















Getting the primer on.

So here it is installed. It still needs the trim paint applied but that's Elizabeth's job usually.

Then it started to snow...and snow, and snow. We are only mid February and who knows we'll probably get more.  The skiing has been excellent though.  I would prefer that most of the snow stay in the mountains however.  So, after spending most weekends playing during the early winter I decided to get back to it and start in on the pantry.  First we salvaged an old set of shelves from our future tear down garage.  A little paint and some surface distressing and we were in business.

Then I had to start building the lower shelves.  I have never really built shelves by myself but it wasn't all that difficult, especially since I have the right tools now.  I did have Windsor Plywood rip down my birch plywood though so it was more manageable on my little table saw at home.

In the future I will probably invest in a pocket hole jig for doing screws because I will need to make book shelves for next to the fireplace.

So here are the shelves installed with a piece of rough cut Doug fir with the live edge left on.  I stained the wood with concentrated coffee and then applied 2 layers of Tung Oil.  The shelves are distressed with the coffee stain as well. I used it to pick up the areas where the paint is sanded off.

Still trying to get it organized but it works out pretty well.  Space for large appliances, tall bottles, the step stool, recycle bin.  Plus I can leave my bread machine set up and ready to go.  Now I just pull the baking tin and mix everything then pop it back into the machine.  The far wall will be getting a book shelf for cook books and a chalk board.  Now I just need to figure out something for the re-usable shopping bags.

So here are some shots of the kitchen in use.  The same Doug fir planks were used to make shelves in the kitchen.  Lives edges are left on and I used 3/4 steel pipe to make the brackets.  Gives it a nice mix of industrial and nature.

Above the kitchen we put in 18 inches of blown insulation.  The space is quit warm with the replacement doors and windows though we still loose a lot through old drafty windows that eventually we will replace.

Lastly I thought I would show in a shot of the light Elizabeth and I made to go above the dining table. She spotted this old bird cage at an antique place.  I did a little re-wiring and we coiled 2 strings of lights inside.  It lends real character to the space now.

OK, well that seems like a good spot to stop.  We have lots to do in the basement this year so maybe that will be the next post.