Thursday, December 30, 2010

Update

Finally, we have found a reputable contractor who has agreed to undertake some of the immediate work that needs to be done to our ‘new’ old home before we can really start to settle in.   He was recommended to us by a local primitive shop owner and we’re thrilled to know that things will finally start to come together.

One of the downfalls of older homes is the dire lack of closets.  For the past month, Mr. Painted Quilt and I have essentially been living out of boxes because there is no where to hang our clothes.  Of course we were aware of this before we bought the house and the two bedrooms where we want to add the closets are large enough to accommodate them without detracting from the general appearance, size and ambiance of the rooms.  And an added bonus is that our contractor specializes in older houses so he knows what to recommend and how to go about it!  He’s coming over tomorrow to finalize plans and to give us a start date…and if the price is right, we might also give him some of the painting to do as well. 

Now I’m really getting excited! 

Home Sweet Home

Because we want to paint the house from top to bottom, we decided not to unpack anything except for the necessities and the kitchen and bathroom stuff.  As a result, there are still mountains of boxes stacked in the sun porch and  spare bedroom.

One side of the sun porch…

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And the other side.  You don’t want to see the spare bedroom…really.

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The one exception we made to the unpacking rule was my studio.  I couldn’t live without my stuff and was experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms…honestly!  Even though this room is destined to be painted as well, it is ‘liveable’ as is so I went ahead and unpacked and found a home for about two-thirds of my stuff.  Keep in mind that these are VERY preliminary pictures and things will certainly change as soon as I become more comfortable with my new surroundings.

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Although all my ‘stuff’ is familiar,  it is going to take me a while to get used to things.  The ugly office chair will be replaced with a comfortable wing chair as soon as I find the ‘perfect’ one.  This is my designated hooking and stitching area.

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The physical size of the room is smaller than my last studio but I have the added advantage of two storage spaces under the dormers on either side of the room.  Notice the door?

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Here is what’s behind it…

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The storage area extends approximately 6” on either side of the opening and on both sides of the room.

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I would like to add a custom storage cabinet or two sometime in the future specifically for my fabric stash but I have to keep on reminding myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day.  *sigh*

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As you can see, I’m still trying to find places for everything and much more tweaking and rearranging will take place over the next little while.

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There are still several more boxes to be unpacked but I think I’ll leave them for now until I get a better feel for my new space.

Girl-Vintage-Postcard-New-Year

I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year, and one with many finishes too!

See you in 2011!

Kaaren ♥

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

You house is slowly become your home. I looks very cozy, your room.

Linda said...

Wondered where you were... I know that feeling of I want it done now... Glad your studio is getting there. I know how much you love sewing,quilting, rughooking......Happy New Year to you and DH as well. Don't forget Mac.

Kim D. said...

Happy New Year to you Kaaren! Your house looks like it's slowly becoming a home sweet home. I imagine it will be wonderful once the contractor finishes the closets and painting. What a lovely sewing studio and those dormer closets are so perfect for storage.

Loris said...

Wonderful start to your new home.I love the storage areas. Those will be quite useful and kind of tucked out of site.
How fun to be able to add closets and new paint colors too. Hope the new contractor works out well. Mac will surely supervise :-)
Happy New Year to you too!

Cindy said...

What's that song ..."It's Only Just Begun"...I think by Karen Carpenter?

Nothing but time ahead of you.

Take time for Hot Cocoa.

Oh Sew Addicted said...

Your room looks like a very nice space that you can "grow" into! I just moved as well and it will be some time before my sewing space is exactly as I would like it to be! It is a process, isn't it?
Have fun!

Sandi said...

Your studio is coming along nicely Kaaren. What a blessing to have those storage areas so handy!

I love the birch trees off your sun room, it will be lovely in the 4 season to see the leaves come into bud and change colours. Birch trees in the snow look so wonderful.

I can't wait to see what you create in that inspirational space.

I hope the recent storms have not caused you too many problems.

Have a glorious New Year with Mr. PQ and Mac

Annette said...

I love your new sewing room. Just think of all the wonderful projects that will be created there. Your bonus storage rooms are awesome!

Shakerwood said...

As long as you have the important stuff at your fingertips . . starting with the sewing room LOL, the rest can wait! Looks like a wonderful space. I just love little cubbyholes and nooks.

Anonymous said...

We live in an older house and I fully sympathise about the lack of storage space - we have free standing wardrobes but goodness how I wish we had the built in cupboards that most of my friends houses have. So cool that your studio is taking shape and that you have somewhere you can go when you feel like it - I'm sure you will have it tweaked to perfection in a short time. How is little Mac enjoying his new home?

Hope that the contractor works out - best wishes for 2011 :0)

Shell x

Anonymous said...

Hi Kaaren,

Looks like eveything is coming together. I went to a smaller sewing room and no closet in that room, so your storage areas look like to die for. My husband is always accusing me of taking over one of our guest rooms too. Glad you have found someone local to help you with experience with older homes. That is so important.
Happy New Year's to you all.
Dianne

Karen said...

When we moved into our house, I unpacked and loaded the sewing room up. Intended to paint the walls later on but later on never came. Still blue like when we moved in. I just can't face moving everything to do the paint job. And I can't paint anyhow because of my poor back.
You have a lot going on with your house. Enjoy even though you have boxes facing you!
Karen

WoolenSails said...

Wonderful sewing room, love the dormers.
We had lots of cubbies like that where I grew up, it was an old farm house, so the storage was all under the dormers.

Debbie

AnnieO said...

I'd be having withdrawals too! How great to have found someone who understands the needs of older homes and is willing to work with their quirks and character. Hope you get to some painting really soon. Wonderful also to have all that storage attached to your studio so you don't have to look at a lot of plastic boxes! I hide mine in my Hoosier cabinet. Happy New Year to you too :)

Sharon said...

Oh it all looks so cozy. Your studio space has amazing floors! and yes, those storage areas are terrific. Happy New year to you and yours, what a lovely journey you sparked for 2011. Best wishes

Lori said...

Of course you are having withdrawals! A girl can only hold out so long!!
The dormers in the studio have wonderful possibilities, which I'm sure you will utilize when the time is right.
Happy 2011!!

Abby and Stephanie said...

We must have closets to hide, I mean store, our stuff. New paint makes everything so fresh. You have lots of work ahead of you but it'll be so worth it in the end. Stitching relieves stress. :o) Happy New Year.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

What a wonderful bunch of storage you have in your new studio! I know you're glad to see things starting to come together.

Marie said...

Looks like you are finally settling in even if you have so many boxes. Just keep reminding yourself how great it will look when you are finished.

Hugs - Marie

Janet said...

It's nice to see you getting settled in Kaaren: take care, enjoy these slower days of winter - in spring you'll wonder what became of your time!!
A very happy and productive New Year to you and yours.
Janet

Cathi said...

What great storage you have in your studio with those spaces under the dormers!
Happy New Year to you too!

Elyte said...

This is a very exciting time for you, lots of work but think of the end result. The New Year will be a wonderful one for you all. Best wishes.

Jota said...

Kaaren Thanks for your kindness and for showing your new "old"home is wonderful. Thank you for your designs, and for your friendship in the distance. From Toledo, Spain, HAPPY NEW YEAR. (sorry for the language, I have to translate with google)

Allie said...

So glad you found a good contractor, that's important. Take it slow and get it right. You don't want to have to go back and re-do anything! You've got a very fun year coming up, where your home turns into a dream home.

Tudy said...

Looks like some things are coming together for you. I know there is lots yet to do, but enjoy doing it. Happy New Year to you too.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh Kaaren, This is so exciting, I cannot wait to see the pictures of your construction.
I love your sewing area, how neat is all that great storage, where you can actually close the door and not see it! I love that. and it is starting to look like a new home for you and Mr.Painted Quilt. Happy New Year to you too!

Jocelyn said...

So glad to see you have your studio up and running. At least you have a little corner of your world to find peace and rest from the construction :-)

Ozjane said...

Best wishes as you paint and relocate all that is in the fun pile of boxes.
May it be a time of joy and very happy nesting.

LuAnn said...

What a great house. Your photos - especially one of the old door -give a nice idea of what your home will look like. Glad you have your sewing area set up so you can do some stitching. A Happy New Year to you!!!

Crowing Moon said...

Nice to see you have your priorities right and the sewing room was set up first ;) Dont over do it...it will all come together :) Have a happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

I love my Kaaren just say - everything is good - a happy new year all the best for 2011 Christine from Germany

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh good luck with the closets. It isn't uncommon is it for old houses not to have closets. I would want some too! But OH! Do I love the storage off your sewing room under the dormers!

Janet said...

You have made tremendous leaps in putting your home together. Good luck with your closets and I'm glad you found a contractor you feel comfortable with. There's nothing like closets and space to put our clothes and important project stuff.

Ter'e said...

You are truly "WONDER WOMAN". Your little studio is wonderful. I have been dying to "see" and "feel" your new home. I love the little dormer closets! How very cool to "hide" all those out of sight items. I love that big long arm light. Very neat! And I see that wonderful CROW --- I'll pretend that that is me, watching over you! I, too, luv your floors. Oh Kaaren!!!!! How beautiful.
I hope the contractor is an ace of a guy and builds you wonderful closets.
Happy New Year to you, Mr. PQ and dear Mac. What blessings this new home will bestow on you!

Annelies said...

I wish you a very happy, healthy and creative 2011 !

Janet said...

At least with your sewing able to be acessed, you can have those quiet moments to draw breath. It takes a lot of patience but you'll be so happy to have it just how you want. It's going to be a wonderful year ahead for you and your husband.

Heidi said...

I so know where you are right now. Jos and I finally made strides this week in doing lots of little things still needing done. Now I am also working on taking down some Christmas decorations to make way for me winter tree and decorations. It will all come together in the end.

I love the closet door in your studio! That handle is beautiful on it. How wonderful to have that space. In Holland, there are no built in closets. We have to buy wardrobes and armoires for our things. I had to buy cupboards for all my stash in my studio.

Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year dear Kaaren!

Hugs from Holland ~
Heidi

Ulla said...

How exciting to settle in a new home and get everything done for your own taste.
Happy New Year!

quiltingnana said...

must be exciting..may 2011 bring you joy in your new home

Karen said...

Just remember, all good things come with time! You are making your new house your home. It will be lovely and a real reflection of you both when it is finished.
Now as for your studio space- just keep tweeking, lol! I've done it every year for the past umpteen and still don't have a plan that makes me completely happy!! I've found some photos that have given me hope that I will have a space that accomodates all my needs- as long as I am realistic and start downsizing the embarrassing amount of "stuff" I have! Happy stitching, Kaaren. I am sending you happy new year wishes- I know 2011 will be full of adventures for you and DH!
Karen

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Looks like you are settling in nicely. Your room looks great with great storage!

Happy New Years!

Stitched With Prayer said...

Kaaren, I'm so glad you have found a contractor you have confidence in. Your home is going to be so lovely when you have everything just the way you want it. We have been delighted with the 'finish carpenter'
that our General Contractor sent to do our woodwork and new banister and stair railing. He is a total perfectionist and his work is impeccable. Our 35 year old 'cookie cutter' home, is looking better by the minute. We aren't having a lot done, just a little 'face lift' but oh what a difference it has made. We are almost out of our mess, another few weeks. Though I know yours is just beginning, watching the progress is going to be so exciting. I'm so glad you got your studio set up. I'm looking forward to a much more productive 2011 now that I have my own sewing room. Well, I've rambled on when what I really stopped by for was to wish you a very Blessed and Happy New Year. I also want to thank you for the wonderful treasures you have shared this year and I look forward to following along with your new adventure through 2011. Hugs...

Sparky said...

It is looking like HOME..and very you in sew many diff't lovely ways.

Bunny said...

Thanks for sharing your new old home it really is wonderful and I am sure when you have it all fixed you will be so happy. I always love to move and have new homes to play with. I especially love old homes we had a wonderful one when we lived in NY. I still miss it after being back in Canada for 30 years. Happy New Year to you and your family. Hugs

Karen said...

Watching this process of you packing, moving and now settling in makes me tired, lol. But your new home is becoming you and Mr. Painted Quilt. Although I'm sure it's frustrating to be living with just a few things and everything you love tucked away - it won't be long and your remodeling will be done with and everything will have it's place. At least you have your sewing room functional - that will help soothe your soul when it starts to wear you down :).

Hugs and Happy New Year - karen

Patty said...

Looks like you're making progress however slowly it seems to you. Do things right and you'll be very happy with the end result. Happy New Year to you may you wishes for the new home come true in 2011.

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy you found someone who can do what you want. I hope he works fast! I love your studio. My inlaws have a dormer closet like that, too. I am jealous!

Siobhán said...

Irish homes aren't built with closets, for some reason... we have ONE linen closet in the hallway which holds our (too small for the house) hot water tank and a small walk in closet in the master bedroom. The other bedrooms had to have wardrobes purchasd for them. I feel your pain! It is a pain to have the boxes around but I know you'll enjoy making your house your own.

Happy new year to you, Mr PQ & Mac!

Carrie P. said...

Slow but sure it is becoming your home. Looks like a great place to sew.
Happy New Year and may you enjoy every day in your new home.

Shari said...

It will all come together - enjoy the process! Glad to hear you are settling in.