Living room renovation: getting it done and choices

Because this was our second large DIY renovation project (after the basement bathroom) we needed some help along the way. We were still new to the game. Luckily my father was still willing to help and teach us along the way. The project took a full 6 months to complete. This was because Tony and I were both working full-time, I was working on my Ph.D, and we were also planning out big Italian/Portuguese wedding. We were busy, busy bees!

My daddy and I hard at work! The first step was to put up the ceiling. 2"x4"s were used to help hold up the gyp. This isn't the smartest of ideas since the gyp was heavy! But, we were new to this. We used 5/8" gyp for both the ceiling and the walls.

We then installed the gyp on the walls. Even at this primitive point in the renovation I think the room looks better than the original. One thing I must say is that we didn't insulate the walls in this room. You can see in the previous image that there was some, although very inadequate, insulation. We were tight with the budget. Also, we figured that since many older homes in our area didn't have insulation, we didn't have to add it. This is one of our biggest regrets because the room is much colder in the winter than the other rooms we did insulate. Live and learn! 

You can see that there is a gap above the fireplace. This is where we removed the boxes hiding the old water heater pipes. We had to create a decorative molding to mask this gap.

My daddy working hard!

My daddy working hard again! I also enrolled my sister as a volunteer renovator. How nice of her to participate! Funny, both my father and sister stopped calling and coming over. I wonder why? Just kidding:)

The biggest impact in the room was the installation of wood floors. We choose a 2 1/4 inch wide American cherry. I know that large planks are in style but we loved the look of the very thin planks reminiscent of wood floors in older homes.

The arrival of tons of wood!

Installing the wood floors. We had such a hard time getting a company to install the floors. Because the planks are so thin, there was much more work involved. Some companies just refused while others wanted up to $5000 for the installation! Crazy! We called Montreal Parquetery, the store where we purchase the floors, requesting to return the floors. They recommended a company that gave us a great price and service. We are happy we didn't return it because the end result is gorgeous.

You can see how small the pieces are.

Installation complete! This is before the floors were varnished, which changes the color significantly.

We installed large 5 1/4 inch crown molding. Makes a big difference in the room.

The decorative items:

We wanted to keep a coffee bar area in the room so we purchased this bar from Hooker Furniture.

The coffee table and console are the Pavillion collection from Bombay Company

I purchased this clock years before we bought the house and just kept it in the box. It's large so you need tall ceilings but it's definitely a show stopper.

That's it for now!
Later in the week I'll show off the final product. Check back soon:)


Nancy

10 Pretty Bathroom Features

  Now that my bathroom has been featured on Remodelaholic and Inside-Out Design- it's famous!! 
Just kidding:)
I've received a lot of questions about the decorative items and paint colors. So I've decided to write this post about the finishing touches- the pretty stuff.


1: The art.

This is leftover Piero Fornesseti wallpaper from our walk-in closet. It was very pricey so I wanted to be sure to make use of every last piece. I simple wallpapered a masonite/hard board (it's the same material as pegboard but with no holes) purchased at Reno Depot for $8. Then added the trim which is the same trim used on the walls (approximately $15). We nailed (using finishing nails) the whole thing to the wall so that it's tight against the wall. 

2. The light switch cover:

The light switch cover was collected from a friend's renovation. It was goldish in color and I sprayed it black.

3. The soap dish:

I couldn't find a soap dish I felt would pop in the room- and they were wall so pricey! And then I thought of using these sushi dishes. I purchased them in Montreal's Chinatown for about $3 each.

4. Useful little cups:

There are the matching saki cups. I use them for q-tips and cotton pads.

5. The light fixture:

This is the best find yet! I rented a dumpster to empty out the shed- which was a hoarder's paradise. I looked through a box and found some of our home's original light fixtures. Again, it was gold and I sprayed it black. My husband and I love chandelier medallions. This one is so pretty and simple. 

6. The Kleenex box:

This was an original feature of the bathroom and we kept it. It was the only thing that made it back into the bathroom. Again, I sprayed it black.

7. The sconce:

From a friend's renovation. Also, sprayed black.  A black spray can is like a little black dress. Always have one on hand:)

 8. Towel storage basket:

This black leather basket holds the extra towels. It was purchase at Home Sense for $20.

9. The storage cabinet:

Purchased at Home Sense for $100. The drawers are actually clear but I didn't like that the mess was visible (visible in the next image). So I purchased some dressy paper, cut it to size and slipped it behind the glass. Much prettier.

10. The mirrors:

The mirrors are from a store called Zone located on St. Denis boul. in Montreal. They were pricey $150 each. But they make the room shine!

Also, many have asked about the wall color. It's called Silver Strand from Behr. The ceiling and trim is painted Little Dipper from Behr.


Check out a previous post about the larger bathroom items (sinks, tub, tile, etc.).

Please don't hesitate to comment and ask questions!


Smiles,
Nancy

Doilies reinterpreted

Doilies were prized possessions in my mothers home. She is from the Azores and women there would (pr-1960s) make these by hand  and sell them to earn some money. At my mother's house we had them placed on all the tables and consoles. When I got married I inherited some of these little beauties but I honestly can't see myself placing them on tables.

So for years they've been in a drawer in my dinning room, which is a total shame. Last week I decide to create a wall art piece that would show off some of my dollies.

Pretty doilies make great wall art.

How to do this:


1. I purchased a 30"x40" framed canvas at Omer Deserre (any other art store should also sell these) for $15.

2. I purchase 1.5 meters of fabric (I picked a royal blue fabric)

3. Lay the frame down on the fabric and cut the fabric so that it raps around the frame by about 2 inches on each side. At this point iron your fabric.

4. Staple the fabric tightly around the frame. Remember to fold the corners as you would a gift to minimize bunching.

5. Decide on the pacement of your doilies and pin them in place.

6. Using a needle and threat the same color as your doilies sew the edges of the doilies in place. This takes a little bit of patience.

Looks like snowflakes, don't they?

My doilies are now sitting pretty in our home office. Haven't made up my mind if I should hang it vertically or horizontally.

Smiles,
Nancy


This project was included in the DIY project parade features on DIY Showoff. Thanks!


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