Tuesday, January 29, 2013

STAIRWELL BEFORE + AFTER


We have had house guests almost solid since Christmas Day.  So much so that the people in my art class are convinced we are really running a Bed and Breakfast here.  One set of house guests left last Thursday and the next guests arrive this Thursday.  Instead of relaxing this past weekend we tackled a project that has made such a huge difference I thought you might enjoy the results.   

We bought this two-story with an ODD landing on the stairs.  It's something like a plant shelf, but it's a whopping 34" deep by 7 feet long of useless space.   One of the neighbors has a full size carousel horse sitting on hers, it's that spacious!  I prefer function, especially when space and storage are at a premium.  That ledge is too high up to store things and the deep inset on the bottom half is actually a nonfunctioning area on the exterior of the house.  Unable to change the construction (remember HOA?)  I just needed to at least not hate it so much.  I am still not sure what I will put up there...maybe a mattress and dresser for my new Bed and Breakfast.  This is a photo taken before we moved in that clearly looks like one of those typical sad "before" photos.   It's all I could find that showed the $19.99 original light fixture.  Besides, when I told Mini Mcgyver my thoughts he had the ladder out in 2.2, more excited than I was to make the change.

LANDING AFTER
I found a new chandelier that is perfect for a stairwell as it doesn't have glass to keep clean, plus it's easier to dust and change the bulbs.  I think it was from Lowes; but maybe Home Depot.  I'll keep my eyes open for some tall vases in my colors and a variety of shapes and sizes.  Maybe I'll take up sculpturing because I know I'd have a place to display my work.  Wait; maybe even a mattress and dresser for my new Bed and Breakfast.  

Things were very "masgusting" when we took possession (my grandsons baby word that I never want to forget).  We were forced to pull up the carpet on the first floor and stairs when we discovered the previous owners furniture covered many of these stains and after a couple cleanings this is what it looked like.  I know I'm grossing you out but you can imagine how embarrassed I was to let anyone in the door or live like this.  We decided to remove the old tile in the entry and the process was quite messy but I like even flow throughout.

MASGUSTING CARPET
TEARING OUT THE TILE


Everything has a fresh coat of paint, new woodwork and trim.  What remains is how I will finish the handrails and newel posts; probably paint them black with white balusters like I did in our last house.  My dream would be to switch out the wood balusters for wrought iron, but that might be way down the remodeling road.  Right now I'm dreading stripping all the heavily slathered latex paint, but already stripped the newels and love the feel of my hands not sticking anymore. 
   


Here is the entry looking from the stairs, the hallway to the garage and another good after photo of the after.  I used leftover Flor carpet tiles to make custom rugs.  The painting in the entry is something I started and just hung it up unfinished until I can get back to it.  There's a sneak peak of the bookcases that will be another reveal.  My brilliant ideas combined with Tim's construction abilities, elbow grease and enthusiasm have proved once again that we are still a dynamic duo.  While I am keenly aware of resale I'm not concerned at all about the bold stripes since the whole area would take less than a quart of paint to change.  If by any chance you are holding back from going bold on a feature wall let me assure you this is the safest, least expensive move to make.  Tell me your thoughts. 


17 comments:

  1. I like the graphic feel to the wall and the carpets and the colours you choose. I think you definitely made lemonade out of lemons here!

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  2. The striped wall looks amazing (of course)!

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  3. Can you come do my house? I love the way your hubs jumped when you told him how high! Does he give lessons to other hubs? Ha! Everything looks fantastic!

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  4. I think it is gorgeous! Can you come do my house now? The whooooole house!

    Oh and I vote the dresser and mattress for the landing shelf. you can never have too many sleeping spots. How your guests will love to gaze out of that window at night. How you will love to tip toe past them in the morning on your way down to make coffee. I mean after all, everybody looks forward to seeing their friend/family member asleep with drool running out of their open mouth...

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  5. Your home is beautiful and outstandingly fresh and bright! ♥

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  6. LOVE the stripes! Love everything you've done!!!!

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  7. Thanks everyone. It just feels like all the things you said.

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  8. I'm dying. It's so amazing Paula! Any chance you can share the process of making those rugs? xoxo

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  9. Jona, google FLOR. They are squares and come in many colors and textures. I used them in my studio in my last house to make a plaid pattern. They can be cut and some are even indoor/outdoor.

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  10. I love what you do to homes but especially yours! It all looks amazing. I think a curtain across that opening would complete your B&B once you put the bed in because you might want to give them a little privacy. ;)

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  11. Oh Lisa, it's up so high and a huge tree blocks views. The bigger problem is getting people up there.

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  12. Love, love, love - what a great space you have created - I for one am inspired!

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  13. AMAZING!!!! I want my house to look like yours! I also need your husband to teach my husband to do home renovation. He's home all the time, but with no skills (or much interest), fat lot of good it's doing me ;-)

    Love all of your paintings, too! You are so ding dang talented!

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    1. Laura, if I could out my husband for renos then you would not be complimenting me. I'm no ding dang dummy!

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  14. Wow, I love how you painted your stairway and the artwork! I just might have to find a place for bold stripes in my house now. I love how your beautiful painting compliments your stairway too. Great idea with the carpet tile.

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    1. Christine, stripes are a must! And glad you picked up on the artwork (the one still in progress, I assume).

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