Sunday, February 27, 2011

After The Dust Has Settled–Part 1

We have our house back!  Woo hoo! 

All the work was completed on Friday as promised except for the reinstallation of the sink in the upstairs bathroom.  That was completed yesterday because one of the bolts that was connected to one of the original faucets was so corroded that they couldn’t get it off.  To make a long story short, one of Jody’s workers who specializes in plumbing took the sink home on Friday night and worked his magic on it there.  Now it’s sitting pretty right back where it belongs…but I’ll save those photos for another day. 

Today, I’m including some photos of the downstairs area of our house.  I’ve spent the last two days cleaning almost non stop and I’m still not finished.  We’ve hung a few things but that is going to be a huge job in itself and we’re not going to rush it.

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One of the things that I fell in love with when we first looked at our house was the kitchen and the original farm house sink.  As long as we own this house, it will always remain a part of it.

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Although you can’t see it in this photo, when we’re sitting at our kitchen table, we look out onto the Annapolis Basin which is a part of the Bay of Fundy.

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Our house was built in 1835 and the addition which includes the kitchen, pantry and enclosed entrance/porch downstairs and the master bedroom and Mr. Painted Quilt’s office upstairs was added in 1917.

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Mac was a real trooper throughout the renovations.  After he got his morning hugs from Jody and his crew, he stayed close to our sides the rest of the time.   I know it was a very stressful time for him as well…but he did take full advantage of the extra treats.  *wink*

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I liked the pantry before but I L-O-V-E it now!

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I can’t wait to unpack all my ‘treasures’ to display on the shelves.

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It’s starting to finally come together.  Notice the herring bone pattern where the two sides meet in the corner?  Cool, huh?  Jody used 2” x 4” clear pine planks which he screwed down onto the existing surface which raised the counter top to a perfect 34” height.  People were much shorter when this was originally built.

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The sitting room is almost done.  I just have to hang some pictures, a grandmother clock and add a few ‘chochkies’.  This is where Mac and Mr. PQ hang out in the evenings.

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The dining room beyond is also starting to take shape.  I have to find my ‘good’ dishes and set them up in the freshly painted china cabinet.  This room still remains a ‘catch all’ room for things still looking for a home.

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Notice the pile of wrapped pictures and a shelf perched on top of the tea wagon in the corner?   We’ll be hanging those in the next little while along with the larger ones that are currently stored in our living room. 

And I can’t wait to unpack all my yellowware bowls to display in our pine cupboard.

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The downstairs bathroom turned out even better than my wildest expectations.

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There is still lots to be added to it as well but it’s now sparkling clean and a pleasure to spend time in.  *wink*

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Rather than have a linen closet built, we decided to use the sideboard that we already had on hand.  The bathroom is quite large and easily accommodates the piece with lots of room to spare.

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And last but not least, a part of our living room that abuts the three season enclosed sun porch that spans the front of the original structure.  You can just make out the boxes that are still stored out there waiting to be unpacked.

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Every square inch of our humble abode has been repainted and looks wonderfully clean and fresh.  The floors of my studio and Mr. PQ’s office still have to be painted and that’s what we’ll be concentrating on this week.  Once they’re done, we can then move everything that’s now piled and crammed into the spare bedroom back to where it belongs and resume living again.

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Having said that, I’m afraid that my FFF (First Friday Freebie) for March will be postponed until April.  Not only did I not have the time nor energy to work on it…but I couldn’t find it amidst the ‘rubble’.  Please accept my humble apologies ahead of time but I’m sure you understand.

And now…it’s back to dusting.

Kaarensm

86 comments:

Susan Torrens said...

Your house is shaping up into a beautiful home. I'm sure everyone will be understanding about the postponement of FFF. The only renovations that DH and I have done were on an empty house before move-in day. You are much more brave than I am.......

Anonymous said...

Your house looks very beautiful

Gra said...

Kaaren, your house looks BEAUTIFUL!!!!! It is not a house anymore, it is HOME!!! Congratulations!!

Deb said...

Kaaren - your house is shaping up wonderfully! I know how much effort goes into all those renovations, etc. I can't wait to see more pictures, but even as it is, it looks wonderful.

Sandi said...

Whohoo!! Kaaren it is looking amazing! I can't believe how quickly they made progress and your redecorating behind them!

Soon you will wonder how you managed to do it all in such a short time.

Just think of all the great times you will be having there soon and wonderful memories that will come!

Congratulations!

By Hoki Quilts said...

Honey, what on earth are you apologising for?? You are human and have done super human things since you packed up and moved. Your house has become a home and is slowly taking on 'your' touch, it will take time and the FFF can surely wait until you have been able to catch up with yourself, Mr PQ and Mac.
hugs
Miche'le

Anonymous said...

SO well worth all that hassle, tears, frustrations and wait! It is simply gorgeous!

Larkrise garden girl said...

What a beautiful house. Thank you for posting your pictures. It gave some great ideas on shelving.I love the way you decorate.Cheri

Darlene said...

Oh Kaaren, it's all beautiful - I can't wait to see more.

Janet said...

Your home is looking beautiful. It was nice to have the mess all at once and over with. Don't worry about the FFF. I'm amazed you have had time to do anything with all this work. Now you can sit back and enjoy alittle time for yourselves.

WoolenSails said...

I just love your new home and all the renovations you did. It is what I would have, if I didn't own an ugly raised ranch, lol. Since we are stuck with square walls, working it in a shaker style with wainscoting to prim it up.

Debbie

Anonymous said...

Wow, your home looks lovely; I know you will be able to enjoy it for many joyous years.

Blessings, Connie

marina said...

Wooo Hoo!! All the renovations look magnificent and you survived it all lol. the picutres are just amazing. It looks like a house out of a magazine. Well done to Jody and his crew.

Kim Brackett said...

What an amazing house! Everything is so beautiful. I love the kitchen sink, too!

Farm Girl said...

You guys are amazing. I can believe how much work you have done in such a short time. I know it seems a long time to you in the midst of it, but really you moved in November and it is still Feb. Wow, It looks beautiful. I think for a while you should just enjoy your house and rest once you are finished with the floor.
It is a lovely house.

Janet said...

Hi Kaaren: amazing that all that work only took a week - you were so fortunate to find men who are as good as their word and who did such a great job for you. it may have semed that the upheaval was never-ending, but in the great scheme of things - one week more or less is nothing. Been there, done that and it took much longer!!!
Your house is starting to look great - now on to the outside as spring is on its way!

Anne said...

Wonderful! I love that original farmhouse sink. It's to die for. How fun to see the whole house taking shape. Sounds like you got a great contractor and that can make a world of difference.

gracie said...

Wow...it looks wonderful....

Sue said...

Your home looks wonderful!

edyB said...

Congrats ~ you made it! Your home looks beautiful and as you settle in it will really become "your home". We've lived "in" while remodeling and I KNOW what it does to the stress level ~ off the chart. Now you can breathe and go about the "pretty" part.

Diane H said...

Congratulations, Kaaren you are almost there. The house looks fabulous.

Marsha B said...

Everything looks wonderful and it really was finished so quickly! Enjoy your new home.

Marit Johanne said...

Your home is becoming so beautiful! When all is ready and you can enjoy I am sure you will feel it was all worth it. You are making a wonderful home, and thank you for sharing it with us nosy blogging friends :)

Joy said...

I'm really enjoying watching the transformation of your gawjus new home!!! Keep the piccies coming :o).
By the way, that's a pretty fancy loo lid too ;o)!!
Hugs,
Joy :o)

Red Heads said...

Kaaren, Everything is just soo beautiful. I am really, really happy for you both(no 3). Soo homey and very special. Blessings in your new abode. Dianne.

Tudy said...

Love the house. Everything looks great. Enjoy it once you get things on the wall the way you want them.

Will be looking forward to the FFF in April.

Sue said...

Kaaren, your home is looking wonderful and I have to admit to being just a little bit envious of that lovely pine cupboard.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Kaaren, everything looks lovely and frankly I'm amazed at what you got accomplished in a relatively short period of tis
me.

Terry said...

Everything looks wonderful! I told you it would be worth all the mess! And is that a lighthouse on your toilet lid? I love it! LOL

Ronda said...

Kaaren watching your home take shape has been so much fun I feel like I need drive up and help you unpack. I am so excited for you!!! cant wait to see it all fluffed up.

Sandy said...

Wow, it is finally done! How sweet for you and hubby. You can take your time with the finishes and then sit back and enjoy. I love the colors. It is gorgeous.

Lori said...

Your furniture and decor is going to be perfect with your new house!! I love your floors!! What a gold mine you found in Jody and crew!

onlymehere said...

Oh Kaaren! Your renovations are just perfect for the home and the period in which it was built. I'm still loving that pantry and that herringbone top in the corner is so unique and fun. I'm glad it's really feeling like home now. Moves always take time so just enjoy the moment and get it all how you want. :) It makes me anxious for when we downsize in a couple of years.

Valspierssews said...

It all looks lovely Kaaren.

Karen said...

Wow! Love what I see of your home. I think your workers did a beautiful job and fairly quickly.

You have a Hoosier cabinet. I am jealous. I have wanted one for years but really don't have any place to put one.

Hands Sew Full said...

Oh my! your house is looking just wonderful! I loved it before you renovated but now......! I look forward to the rest of the tour!

Kathy said...

What a beautiful home! I can't wait to see how you decorate with your quilts and and other handmades...and now your new hooked rugs! Adding those will make your home true to it's heritage! Congratulations!

Deb said...

Kaaren, it is looking absolutely fabulous. Nothing nicer than that clean fresh feeling, enjoy every bit of it.

Mary said...

Your house is gorgeous. I love what you have done.

HelôZanardi said...

Hi Kaaren,
Gradually things take their course. The bathroom is beautiful, very beautiful.
All the best to you,
A big hug from south of Brasil,
Heloisa

Lindah said...

It looks so nice! And doesn't freshly painted/floored give a nice feeling?!

Carol said...

Everything looks fabulous and came together so quickly. With all the hard work of the move and renovations I don't think anyone will mind not having a FFF for the moment :)

Candace said...

You must be so relieved to have the house back - and what a remarkable change! I love the kitchen color - I grew up in a house with nearly an identical kitchen sink and it is so nice to see one like it looking so lovely! Now is when I know you're going to look at the work ahead as fun and not work! Congratulations on getting the house back, Kaaren!
Cheers!

nanboudreau said...

What a beautiful makeover Kaaren, you will be so haapy living in your"new " home.hugs
Nan

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Your home is lovely....enjoy.

Billie in TX

pinsandneedles said...

The results are just beautiful! Everything is new, fresh and bright. I love all the storage cupboards and the pantry is wonderful. I do love the farmhouse sink, too!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

You are amazing Kaaren - to survive the remodel and then to have so much of it sparkling clean so soon!! It looks just lovely and the view must be spectacular!

Carrie P. said...

Wow, those guys were fast and looks like they did a great job. YOu have a beautiful home.
I think the toilet seat cover is pretty unique.
Now you can relax and enjoy.
We understand completely about the FFf. No need to apologize.

Anonymous said...

Your house is beautiful and inspiring! Would you be willing to share the paint colors you used on the walls and cabinets? I am planning on painting and loved the look you chose. thanks,
Rina

robnrina@centurytel.net

Jocelyn said...

So glad to see that things are starting to look like home. I love the warmth of your home already. Can't wait to see your special touches.

BubzRugz said...

It is looking stunning Kaaren... you must be so pleased.
Hugz

Silvia LGD (Little Green Doll) said...

Congratulations! It looks great!! :)

Abby and Stephanie said...

I couldn't pick a favorite spot in your gorgeous home if I had to. I know you're thrilled to be back to normal. It's all gorgeous, warm, and inviting. Your workers appear to be master craftsmen. Congratulations!!!

Janet said...

I think your home is not so humble now, it's looking amazing and you must be so happy with the work and that it was done as promised.Happy days.

Elyte said...

Looks great Kaaren, the end is in sight and you sound so much happier.

Sydney said...

Your home is truly lovely!! We have an 1865 house that is still in the "renovs" stage! Congrats and happiness in your new home!!!!

Mumbly52 said...

Wonderful! So warm and welcoming!

Pat said...

Your house looks great! We certainly understand about the FFF!

Marie said...

It's lovely - such a change. It's beginning to look like it belongs to you.

Hugs - Marie

Anonymous said...

Every thing looks like it is coming along great. The house looks sparkling. They did a great job. I know you will be very glad when you get all the cleaning done and all the pictures hung. It will be a blessing when you can sit down in you studio and just say this is finished like a great quilt.Done is Done Toddy in Florida

Anonymous said...

Wonderful house, I would love to have it. Don't worry about FFF, we will survive! Beth from Northern Alberta.

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Kaaren, the work that ya have done, boy it looks beautiful, needs to be in a magazine. Would you like to travel down south and do mine? Sending spring weather your way.

julieQ said...

Wow, Kaaren! I have been watching, and waiting for the dust to settle...how very gorgeous your gracious home is!! I am so glad for you...and thank you for the last three blocks of Raggedy!!

Sue said...

looking gorgeous Kaaren... don't know how you managed to actually stop and post pictures but lovely to see.

Susan said...

Kaaren, your home is lovely and everything you are doing just enhances its beauty. I used to dream of houses like yours but I don't know if I could handle the restoration mess...good for you and thanks for sharing.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh Kaaren, Home Sweet Home!! It looks wonderful! and they really did a great job and quickly (I know it seemed longer)! You are now "Home"

Allie said...

I am truly astounded at the amount of things they got done! Your home looks so beautiful, so welcoming...a very calm and peaceful place! I imagine your every breath is a sigh of relief, lol. Don't you DARE worry about FFF - my goodness, I think you have enough to do, Kaaren! It's a real pleasure to see how gorgeous your home is!

Patty said...

Kaaren you home looks wonderful. It is really coming along, I know it seemed like a long time i n coming but it looks like it was well worth the chaos. I'm happy for all of you.

Shelley said...

glad to see its all working out great!

Rumi said...

Beautiful! I'm sure you are so happy to have it done! I must say I am very impressed with your contractors. Not very often is the work done when they say it will be done!

Linda said...

Hi Kaaren, Boy everything looks great. Love the colours. It was sure worth the wait and the hasstle.

Gloria J W said...

Oooh Kaaren I've been watching your reno's from the start and WOW just WOW is all I can say. How beautiful you have now made your home! Soon.... we will be doing something similar, only starting from scratch and what an adventure that will be!! I hope I'm able to keep sane.
Hugs Gloria

GeeGee said...

Your renovations look great, I know you are glad they are finished. No need to apologize for the FFF, I'm still working on one from last year and the Raggedy Ann quilt. Busy! Busy! Busy! Now relax and enjoy your beautiful home!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kaaren,

Everything looks great. I really do love the counter tops and your sink. We all do understand about FFF. We will just look forward to April for it.
Dianne

Deb said...

Absolutely beautiful and I'm sure you'll be so pleased with everything once it's in it's place and you can resume a normal life. Lucky you!

Waytogojb said...

It has been so fun to watch your home come together. I love seeing your beautiful projects too.

Anonymous said...

it is fantastically beautiful with you love Kaaren, words fail me, all tastefully decorated and charming and
I liked to April on the new small block you have to wait some time off earned best wishes for the family of Christine from Germany

Susannah said...

Gorgeous, Karen....Gorgeous. I love your new home!

Michele said...

Thanks for the tour of your lovely renovations! Enjoy the results.....it's beautiful!

Teresa said...

It all looks just beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful. I'm sure it makes all the inconveniences of remodeling well worth it. Love your decorating style.

deb-bee said...

WOW!!!...just beautiful. Your house is now your home. Jodi and his staff did a wonderful job. Congratulations.

suz said...

Seriously? You won't have time or inclination for a March FFF? I have no idea where you found either over the last couple of months! Your house is looking wonderful and having gone thur something similar, I'm amazed that you've done them for January & February and got your rug completed. I'm really impressed! Look forward to April and if that's a problem, I doubt any of us will mind waiting until May (well we'll miss them, but we will certainly undertand!).

Sew Create It - Jane said...

So glad to hear the dust is settling and that you are settling into your new home!

Siobhán said...

WOW!!! I had to scroll back to the top a few times to look at the pictures again. You must be SO thrilled with how everything looks! Gorgeous--and so homey and comfortable looking--a home, not a house. Great job!

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Be still my heart Kaaren! Everything is coming together so nicely!! Love those counters! Love the pantry - what a dream to have space like that!! Love the view!! Another dream for you too!! I am so glad the dust is settling and I hope soon it is all settled and cleaned up and everything put in their new homes in time for you to start enjoying the spring temps and nice weather.

And your rug came out great - it's just perfect for your new home. Looking forward to seeing the dining room come together for you.

Warm hugs!!