Last week, my time was mostly spent getting ready for the remodelling project. The first step was to haul all of my Rubbermaid tubs out of the garage and give them a bath. Luckily I have plenty of them, every time Home Depot would have a sale and they'd go below $4, I'd buy a few.
I used them for my antique business and for my faux finish/mural biz. These things are great for hauling supplies and paint to jobs, and I never worked on walls in someones home without my open can of paint sitting down inside a tub and my roller pan on the lid. It just gave me a little peace of mind, to know that I wasn't going to spill onto someones floor, since I am ultra clumsy and spilling was a big possibility.
These tubs ended up being the PERFECT amount for my stuff in the kitchen and dining room! Each is full and stacked in the living room now. I've decided that my husband just might have a point, I probably do have too much stuff.
On the other hand, I have the same amount of stuff as a I do tubs. It could be worse.
Right before packing it all up, we had some guests, family came in town to visit for the weekend. This is Grandma Joan, her sis, Ethel with my oldest boy, Ryan.
For some reason, I don't show many pictures of him, do I? I should, he's adorable.
Since I had guests coming, I gave the house a much needed thorough cleaning. I probably wouldn't have bothered if they weren't coming, I'd have told myself that it was all just being ripped up anyway, why bother? But, I'm so glad that I started with a clean house, it made the packing just kind of feel better as I was doing it.
While the company was still here, the contractor sent his guys out for a little excavation under the tile to see if we were going to be able to save the old floors way down under years of layers.
Looks like good news! The floors seem to be there, we'll have to see what they find as they rip out the rest of the layers around the 3 rooms. They think that the dining room is 5" boards, the kitchen is 3" boards and the mud room area is 9" and those head a different direction than the other two.
That didn't bother me, I think it could be very interesting layout. I've got my fingers crossed that all are salvageable.
The ceilings will be covered in un-matching tins, so why should the floor match?
All the tins will be painted the same, and a consistent pattern will be used around the perimeter of the room, with something different in the middle. I think I'll prime them white and glaze them with a cafe au laite color. I like gray, too… they might have a gray wash instead of creamy coffee.
I haven't decided on the floor finish yet. I have to see it all together and sanded down. It might need painted if too much patching happens. I'd prefer just a clear coat with natural wood showing through, but when you have an old house, you have to be prepared for what you want to not be what you get when you start ripping into it.
Along with the floor, this dividing wall will be removed.
I had Sugarwings a couple of days this week, and that big, empty, soon to be trashed wall was just way too tempting for us.
We decided to get out the crayons and chalk and give the wall a good send off.
Soon, we had drawn all over the floor too.
Then, we decided to add texture to our art with a hammer.
But things really got fun when we pulled out the crowbar.
Anybody need a demolition specialist? This one works for pink marshmallows.
I love what you’re doing with your house. I can’t wait to see the steps you go through. And writing on the walls and floor that are to be demolished anyway!!! Brilliant and lots of fun for little ones!!
Karla, My fingers are crossed on those floors!! I’m looking forward to finding out! What a memory for Sugar Wings!! I am going to remember that for our next demolition project!! Looks like fun to me!!
Huggs, Nancy
BTW, I am having a Fun Give Away on my Blog Stop by if you get a chance, coeurdalenegifts.blogspot.com
How fun! Looks like every kids dream to write all over the floors and walls…and smash stuff up! And very exciting, can,t wat to see what it turns into, i kniw it will be amazing!
Looks like a huge project! What fun to follow along!
Jane-Jacksonville
It should take 3 weeks…well I count on 6. That is just how these things go
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The from is going to be wonderful, Im so glad the wall is gone now! Ill have some progress pictures soon.
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Karla, can’t wait to see the finished kitchen. I love that you are removing that dividing wall and opening up that space, it will be great ! Debbie.
Wow, you must be soooo excited about this new space in your beautiful home!! I love the ceiling tiles and know whatever finish you put on them will be lovely. It sure looks like a lot of work, but I know it will be worth it for sure. I’m sure you have thought and planned for this for a very long time and know exactly what you want. Sugarwings looks adorable with the crowbar, what fun memories she will have of her grandma’s kitchen redo. Hope everything goes as smoothly as possible for you. Thanks for sharing.
Well she is scaring my heart with that crow bar!!!
What are you plans for this space Karla? Taking down that wall and having one open room? Are the cabinets going or are you just adding on? I do love a good reno, a fresh start. Good luck and I hope the reno goes fast for you…and I am wishing you lots of terrific takeout till its done!!
I love demo!!
Well, the finished project :))
Can’t wait to see what you create sweet Karla!
xo
Kay Ellen
Okay you got my attention with the title, LOL. What a great post! You had me smiling. I do wish you luck that all your floors turn out to be just as you hope. It’s always a tough call until it’s all uncovered though. I think this is the first time I’ve seen a picture of your son, he is a handsome fellow. So glad you all got to visit with family. Can’t wait to see your remodel! Hugs! And good luck!
Cute post! Looking forward to seeing the process and the finished project!!!
Could you just bring her so I can give my husband an excuse to remodel…”one of my blogger friends brought her granddaughter over and she wreaked the place with her crowbar!” LOL!
Now THAT looks like fun!!
You’re right — he is adorable — we want more Ryan! And loved the wall done so lovingly in crayon! What a job you had cut out for you!
How very exciting to be remodeling your kitchen. It just sounds like you totally have the vision for how you want it to be when finished. My fingers will be crossed for you and those wooden floors. How super fun for you and Sugarwings to create art all over the place. Memories that will last forever…
The title to this post scared the heck out of me!! LOL
LOVE the coloring on the walls. What a blast. You are such a fun, fun, Grams!! Hope the wooden floors turn out, too. And for heaven’s sake don’t hand that child a chainsaw! ;o)
Kathy
There is gold under that tile. Love that you found hardwood floors under them. Sea Witch
Kathy, she only uses a chainsaw out in the woods. Never in the house.
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My heart skipped a beat when I read the title!! Is the wall you drew on the one between the kitchen and the dining room? I remember when I was a kid my mom was remodeling our house and she drew a large Santa head with a wreath around it on the sheetrock! That was over 60 years ago and I still remember so I’m sure Sugarwings will, too. We finally finished moving, it took us 7 whole days to do it all!! I hope your project goes fast and is fabulous! Can’t wait to see the results!
Sandy
I bet Sugarwings had the time of her life drawing all over the walls and flooors. How fun is that? No doubt all of the remodedeling is gonna be fabulous in the end; though the process can be trying at times. Enjoy, breathe and eat chocolate 🙂 !!! Best wishes, Tammy
YOU will be fine because you know how to roll. My kitchen re-do, with no floor plan changes, took a couple weeks, between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I was up and baking by the holidays. Anyhoo, you will be so happy with the end result. And wood floors are the best, IMO. Even if a litte cattywampus. Nothing you can’t gussy-up.