Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The Homestretch…Reveal #1

It’s been another long and exhausting week, moving furniture, painting the floors in my studio, Mr. Painted Quilt’s office and the upstairs hallway and moving furniture again.

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Each room and the hallway had to be done in stages.  We moved all the furniture that was in each of the rooms into the center after which I applied the primer to the floors and then waited 24 hours before applying the topcoat.  The paint we used was remarkable and covered beautifully with one coat on top of the tinted primer.  What a blessing that was because I was sure that we would have to apply two coats.

The next day we moved all the furniture to the perimeter of the room and then repeated the process in the center.  We tackled Mr. PQ’s office first and then we did my studio which I just finished setting up about an hour ago.  I’m thrilled and exhausted at the same time.

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My studio…the REVEAL.

The hooking corner…

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And proceeding counter-clockwise around the room, my sewing station in the corner and the cutting table in the center of the room.

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The Hoosier cupboard which holds some fabric and miscellaneous sewing items.  The little table displays my scissor collection and gifted pincushions on the shelf above it.  To the right of the Hoosier is my computer desk but I’ve been using it at the kitchen table during the renovations.

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Here’s the view of the same corner as you enter the room.

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The left side, just as you step into the room.

Note to Shelley:  Did you notice that I finally found your giveaway gift?  There it is lying on my cutting table.  I’ll have it in the mail to you by the end of the week.  Bet you thought I forgot, huh?  *wink*

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The area just behind the door  and to the right of the new fabric cupboard that was built.  I didn’t take a photo because I still have to make curtains for the front of it.

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So that’s my studio.  I absolutely love how it turned out with it’s freshly painted walls, ceiling and floor.  Now whatever dirt happens is going to be all mine!

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Remember this?

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And this?

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Well, here’s our upstairs bathroom now!

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Quite a difference, huh?

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We can now soak in water rather than sawdust.  *wink*

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Our contractor informed us that the date imbedded in the porcelain of the sink is 1917.  We changed the faucets because the original ones had seen better days.

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Although there are things still to hang on the walls, for the most part, the two rooms that I’ve shown you today are finished.  At last count, there are 18 boxes remaining to unpack which are mostly labeled ‘decorating stuff’.  I wish I had done a better job with labeling the boxes.  *sigh*

I figure another week and I should be finished unpacking…and just in time for…

S-P-R-I-N-G!

Three days ago we still had four foot high snow banks and snow piled everywhere.  It’s amazing what above freezing temperatures, sunny skies and a little bit of rain will do.

Here’s our backyard this afternoon.

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And the back yard panning right…

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The front yard overlooking the ocean across the road.  I’m sure that what’s left of the snow will be gone by the weekend.

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Not only is spring in the air but there is definitely a spring in my step now as well.  The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter with each passing day.

Stay tuned as there are more reveals to come!

Kaarenheartname

67 comments:

Anonymous said...

Karen, Great job and it does make you feel better when you can see the end. Yes the weather the last couple of days does say spring. Jus think of what you will be creating in your spare time after the job is done.

Sheila

edyB said...

Aren't you happy to have your studio set up! It looks wonderful and I'm sure you'll be inspired to make a ton of beauties. We'll be watching for those.
Wish I had that ocean view. After living in CA for 35 years ~ always near the ocean ~ I miss that. No ocean views here in New Mexico, but we do have the BIG sky.
Enjoy ...
edyB oh PS~the bathroom looks great, too!

Varga Györgyi said...

Your home is just amazing! Very nice results after renovation :O)

Fee said...

It's been such a long road for you but look at it now - Gorgeous !! Well Done and am looking forward to seeing more.

Hugs - Fee X

Stina Blomgren said...

Ahhh... That is what I call a makeover... :0)
Your new house is turning to be just wonderful... Love everything! Well done to the both of you!!!!

marina said...

How wonderful!
You must really starting to breath easy. The promise of sunshine and warmer weather must be good too.

Wanda said...

You did it, Hooray!!! I love, love, love it. You (and Mr.PQ) did an awesome job. Now can you come help me?!?!?

Wanda
http://wandas-quilts-crafts.blogspot.com/

Marie said...

It's lovely and looks like you. You did a great job with it (and I love the bathroom).

No matter how thorough you are labelling boxes - it's never careful enough.

Hugs - Marie

Maria McCabe said...

Just gorgeous! Thank goodness it has come to an end and now the fun can begin with using your studio!
Maria

Sew Create It - Jane said...

I've really enjoyed the tour...your place looks so comfortable and the surrounding gardens are so spacious! Enjoy!!!

2ne said...

I like your studio :-) Great place to sew.

Sandy said...

Thank you for the tour. I bet it is so nice to stand back and look at the beauty of it all.

Larkrise garden girl said...

Your Home looks so inviting!
I just wondered I am painting my floors. What color did you use? I was going to use a grey blue but. Your colors of your floor is perfect for primitives. Did you use a shiny top coat or a slight sheen? It looks great!!!Cheri

Jocelyn said...

Oh Kaaren I LOVE your studio! It is SO warm and cozy. I know you will love working in there. And the bathroom is wonderful! I know you can't wait til you have days you can sit and enjoy your new home.

Gwargedd said...

Way ylour studio looks amazing I am very jealous. I hope to one day set up one of the rooms in my house as a craft room but that will be awhile off. You also have done an amazing job on the bathroom. I remember renovating ours i thought it would never end.

Lori said...

I think it was worth all of the mess, hassle, and noise. Your sewing room is beautiful and the bathroom is lovely!
I like that you say you have a spring in your step now!! FANTASTIC!

Needled Mom said...

Oh Kaaren, it looks fabulous. What a difference a few weeks can make - both inside and out!!!!

Karen said...

I especially enjoyed seeing your studio. A good set up. I like the little quilt that looks like it is over a short door....maybe a little cubby hole.

Robin at The Primitive Hutch said...

Wow! Everything looks awesome!
I wish my studio/craft room looked like that. What a wonderful job you did. I'm jealous about the snow though ~ snowed here again today.
Prim Blessings! Robin

Sheila said...

I would have to have a nice chair out front to enjoy the view. Thanks for the tour. Have a great week!

Annette said...

Your space is wonderful! I'm so happy that it is finally all put together so you can relax and enjoy it.

MoeWest said...

Looking good! :-)
It must feel so good to have your studio back and be almost unpacked. I miss Nova Scotia *sigh*. Keep those photos coming.

Pat said...

Looking good Kaaren.

Patty said...

Your floor came out great! It must feel so good to see light at the end of the tunnel. Your sewing room looks wonderful, what a lovely place to create. I must admit I'm a bit jealous, you have no snow in you yard we still have plenty, although we can see a bit of lawn here and there. Enjoy you new space.

paulette said...

Love your new digs and what you are doing with it!! The before and after pics are incredible!! A miracle what $$ and hard work can do!! Your sewing room looks awesome- specially with all your lovely quilts!!
Now take a load off and relax!! Paulette

WoolenSails said...

Love your sewing room, nice and cozy, lots of space and functional. What a difference a tear out can make, lol. Love the wainscoting, maybe I will do that in ours, does make a difference and our walls are plain after we took out the tiles.

Debbie

Wendy said...

Your sewing room is soooo sweet and organized. The bathroom is absolutely stunning. I enjoyed seeing all the little details.

Janet said...

It was a marathon but wow it looks amazing now. Your space is very inviting. I love that you made a hooking corner.

Susannah said...

Beautiful home - beautiful floors...I love the doors and oh, that bathroom looks so clean and wonderful. I have been waiting to hear how you are doing. Thought maybe you would post today. I know you are going to have so much fun when you get out the boxes for decorating.

My best to you and Mr. PQ.

Susannah

ann said...

That sure is nice to be by the ocean. Will you get a nice breeze in the summertime? You did a great job on your studio and bath.

Sandi said...

Kaaren, you house is turning into a lovely home. I have to ask, how high is the ceiling in your studio? It looks short but very cosy.

You decorating is coming along nicely, how lovely to be able to date your sink! Imagine it is almost 95 years old!

Have fun, glad to see that your are getting some green instead white on your lawns. Soon the buds will be bursting forth on the apple trees, what a site that will be.

Elzaan said...

Great to see some finishes - although not quilts :) - and to hear you are in a happier mood. Your studio looks fantastic, and the bathroom as well. Those people did an amazing job.
Now you can start relaxing a bit more, with the end in site! Enjoy the finial unpacking and enjoy decorating your dream house!
Elzaan

Unknown said...

LOVE your studio! It looks so crisp and organized but in a comfy cozy way. I bet you love spending time in it. And what an inspiring place to create!

Marijke said...

What a nice sewing room you have. Surely there will be lots of beautifull creations born in this room. I'm looking forward to see them....
Have a nice day,
Marijke

Cattinka said...

You can be proud, you have accomplished so much. Your sewing room looks devine!
KATRIN W.

Melody said...

It is just magical where you live.

Elyte said...

Aaaah, things are definitely looking up. Your studio looks so inviting, you are to be commended for your patience.

Jenny's Place Online said...

Glad to see the two most important rooms are finished...so long as you have somewhere to boil the kettle...lol... It's all looking lovely. Happy crafting, Jenny :)

Abby and Stephanie said...

All so neat and fresh. Beautiful. Once you get everything all back to normal you're due for some serious sewing and hooking in your gorgeous studio. Looks like Mother Nature rewarded you with a pretty day after all of your hard work.

DebbieM said...

Karen, your studio is absolutely wonderful. I love how everything is right there where you need it. After moving into our new home 4 years ago, I finally have a sewing area, and I love it. I still need a little more organization, but I'm getting there. Enjoy your life in your new home!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kaaren,
Everything looks just wonderful. You have been so busy this last week. I hope you were able to get some rest too. I love to see all your pictures. There is always some inspiration and ideas for our own homes.
We have lost a lot of snow too, what with the rain and sun we have been having in southern Ontario, but I don't think it is quite over for us here. Have a great day.
Dianne

ranette said...

Kaaren....Everything looks wonderful!
Enjoy creating in your wonderful studio!

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful...I already feel comfy cozy there.

Theresa said...

Your studio looks so awesome!!! And what a difference the up stairs bathroom is!!! Your hard work really paid off!!!

Judy C said...

It looks wonderfull, just as I knew it would. Now we will have to wait and see what you create in that wonderfull space you have created. We are to get heavy rain the next two days and hopefully no flooding and sunny days after will allow us to feel that spring is in the air as well. Happy creating Karen.

Sherri said...

Your studio is beautiful Kaaren! It's so fun to see after what must have been so hard to have everything all boxed up for awhile!

Janet said...

It's amazing what being a hundred miles further up the shore and a mile or so back from the the Bay can mean - I still have a foot or more of snow on my land, but at least the driveway and steps down to it are more or less clear of ice now. A gradual melt is good though for keeping rivers and broks from overflowing.
Your house is looking better and better each day, and I'm sure you are feeling more and more settled too!
Have a lovely weekend.

Kathy H said...

Kaaren, your house looks so nice now. You must feel right at home. Enjoy your sewing and everything else. Looking forward to some spring weather myself.

deb-bee said...

Wonderful tour of your home, I just love it. I also love all of your antiques around your home. Now it's for you and Mr.PQ to enjoy. ;-)

Kathryn said...

Congratulations on another milestone. I hope you have muny years of sewing and hooking in your lovely studio. Kathie L in Allentown

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Oh, Kaaren, everything is just gorgeous! And what a great idea to use those antique glass frogs for scissor holders! I have some of those. I'll have to look for them. So glad it's all coming together so well for you. I know it's a relief. And what a great start to your new life there!

Jeanne said...

Love your new studio! It has a welcoming feeling and loads of charm.

Sandra said...

Wow, I have a whole load of snow in Western NB that I can send you if you're missing the white stuff!!
I know Shelley; maybe I could have her gift, I would give it to her (eventually) Ha Ha.
Your studio looks awesome. Springtime and house finished~so much done in such a short time!

Gloria J W said...

Oooh Kaaren the rooms look great!! What a thrill!!! I've got a move to make very, very soon. Our farm is sold and I will be on the move after 40 odd years here!! You can imagine the stuff I will have to pack and like you I bet I get to the stage of putting - decorating stuff - as well. I will try to label clearly. Maybe I should blog about it too??
Hugs Gloria

Sandy said...

Very nice finishes, Kaaren!! What a great couple of rooms...yeah for your studio! We have had gobs of rain in Ohio and now we are to get up to 8 inches of snow overnight. I don't think Spring will ever get here. I have a quilt retreat coming up in a week and am soooo looking forward to it!

Rumi said...

Everything looks so fresh and lovely! I'm sure you are thrilled with your wonderful "new" old house!

Jane said...

Kaaren the place looks GREAT!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing!!

Linda said...

All I can say is WOW! You, your husband, and your contractor have done amazing work!

AnnieO said...

Oh, what a wonderful feeling to have finished rooms that only need decorating! How hard you and Mr. PQ have worked these past several months and what a great reward. 18 boxes left--that is terrific :) Enjoy!

Red Heads said...

Kaaren, It must be such a joy for you & hubby to look BEHINE you now & realise all the hard work you both have done. Your home looks soo very inviting. A terrific job you have done. I can imagine you going in your front door and giving a big sigh & a thankfull smile at all your hard work. Blessings: Dianne

Nancy said...

What a lovely sewing room. Must be a joy to work there!

Valspierssews said...

The studio! Just what everyone has been waiting for. It looks fantastic. You must feel more settled now.

Siobhán said...

Oh my gosh, everything looks amazing, Kaaren!! Your house looks so nice and cozy. Beautiful!

Darlene said...

Oh, Kaaren, everything looks beautiful and fabulous. Your studio is wonderful - I hope you'll take time to enjoy it very soon. :-)

Jantine said...

Looks like a very happy room to be creative! And the bathroom... I wouldn't mind to have a soak there every now and then!

onlymehere said...

Love the built-in cabinet by the tub/shower. It looks awesome and perfect for the age of the home. Your sewing studio is fantastic! I love the furniture and how roomy it is. Now you can sit and do your hooking and truly enjoy the fact of it being done! Good for you. You have less snow than I have on my yard in Utah....sigh...I wish it gone.

Candace said...

Fantastic transformations, Kaaren! I'm so happy that you're finally seeing a dent in all the updating! Now you can take your time and relish the changes! You new home looks like a bright and happy place!
Cheers!