2013 – Page 16

Busted Bathroom

Published on July 3, 2013July 3, 2013 by Our Humble Abode15 Comments

Let’s talk about our master bathroom, shall we? What to say about this space. Well, it’s dated. The 70’s called, it wants our bathroom back. Orangey oak cabinets aren’t the worst offenders, but they’re not doing anything to help, either. And because of the sink placement, only one top drawer opens.

But the cabinets aren’t the real problem. Oh no, the tile is. Not only in the looks department, but the shape they’re in. At the base of the shower, the tiles are separating from the wall.

Which means…water leakage. We all know that’s a bad situation. Of course we could fix just the problem areas, but where’s the fun in that? I mean, the whole bathroom needs an update. Super hot weather means we’re better off working indoors. So, tackling the master bathroom has been bumped up our to do list. Shower, get ready for a makeover.

Walls, prepare for a facelift.

And vanity mirror, you’ve gotta go. And finally we’ll get some paint around the light fixture.

Most exciting to me is adding the old clawfoot tub from the main bathroom below the window.

To accommodate the tub, we’ll shorten the vanity to one sink (two is unnecessary for us). And convert the swinging door to a pocket door.

We’re still in the early planning stages, but we’re discussing changing the layout of the shower. In my ideal world, we’d make this a full glass wall:

But it’s not realistic; where would we put our switches? And I’ve heard full glass showers are a pain in the arse to clean. Not to mention, spendy. We’re excitedly discussing plans and looking for materials.

What prompts you to start a remodel? Damage that needs fixing? Just sick of using/looking at a space? If you could choose one feature for your bathroom, what would it be? I’m most excited for a separate tub and shower. Especially because that tub is a clawfoot.

And to all US residents, Happy Independence Day! Hope you enjoy your long weekend!

Boy Bedroom Mood Board

Published on July 1, 2013July 1, 2013 by Our Humble Abode17 Comments

Scraping the popcorn off the boys’ bedroom ceiling started a whole room revamp. Well, revamp implies we did something in there before. Which we didn’t. Other than hanging curtains and adding furniture, this room was untouched. And super boring. Now we’re working on making it a fun and happy place for our two rowdy boys.

1. Anjou Pear: Surprise, I’ve already painted the walls. And the color is brighter than the swatch looks.

2. Drexel Dresser: This dresser just makes me happy. Perfect for now and can easily transition to adult furniture.

3. Gray and White Stripe Curtains: Add a fun large pattern and the neutral colors keep the bold walls in check.

4. Magical Thinking Triangle Chain Rug: Another fun pattern in neutrals to balance the walls.

5. Fjellse Bed: Not having an Ikea near by means we won’t actually have these beds, but they’re the inspiration for a DIY version.

6. Fun fabric found on clearance at least a year ago: For another pop of color, I’m pulling this fabric out storage. The green-yellow is nearly identical to the walls.

7. Microfleece Blanket: For sophisticated color, I’m using navy accents, blanket. Actually, not this blanket because I found super soft throws at Costco for $9.99 each.

8. Threshold Down Alternative blanket: Ivory quilts are a soft backdrop for any bedding we want to use. I’m thinking of it as a blank canvas to add splashes of color and pattern on.

9. Gray Grid sheets: Apparently extra long twin sheets are rare. Target saves the day with their dorm bedding.

10. Modern Kids Movie Posters: Though it’s tough to decide. This Batman one is awesome and Ev is obsessed with Batman. Modern movie posters seem like a happy middle ground. Favorite movies and characters of the boys’, modern to seem less commercial.

11. Constellation Embroidery: Another navy accent. Bonus, it’s educational.

Gimme a Giveaway Winner & Top Twelve: Tools

Published on June 28, 2013June 28, 2013 by Our Humble Abode6 Comments

Happy, happy Friday! I can’t believe we’re almost in July. But I’m so fraking excited to watch fireworks on the fourth. What are you doing this year to celebrate?

Okay, how about I tell you the winner of the Super Sweet Life and Williams Sonoma gift card? It’s Kristin! Congrats! I’ve been working on the boys’ bedroom revamp (mood board coming at ya Monday), including building plans. Which got me thinking about the most used tools in our proverbial belts. So here they are:

1. Screwdriver and tape measure. We have several Kobalt 6-piece screwdrivers because they’re so handy. One screwdriver for large or small flat/phillips screws.

2. Utility knife, Basic or Kobalt Quick Release. The quick release feature is really nice, changing dull blades without a screwdriver. And it folds into a pocket knife.

3. Pipe cutter and wire stripper. ‘Nuff said.

4. Stud finder. Easily locate studs, perfect whether you’re hanging a heavy mirror or installing new trim.

5. Staple gun. Perfect for upholstery and attaching insulation bats.

6. Hammer, pry bar, nail set. Useful for installing or removing trim.

7. Air nailer and compressor. Ben loves Porter Cable, and we’ve got a set similar to this one. For starters, a 16 gauge nailer is widely usable.

8. Random orbit sander. This is what I use for all furniture stripping, and I love it.

9. Cordless drill. Sure, an electric drill can do the job, but a battery-powered drill is far more portable.

10. Shop vac. Clean up any mess you wouldn’t want to use a normal vacuüm for. Big chunks, fine dust, or wet messes.

11. Miter saw. A base grade saw works for most jobs, but for more intricate cuts (ah-hem, crown moulding) try a sliding compound miter saw.

12. Quality paint brushes and rollers. The Wooster Shortcut is my pick for painting trim, but an angled Purdy brush is ideal for ceilings.

Grow Inspired

Published on June 26, 2013June 25, 2013 by Our Humble Abode3 Comments

I’ve mentioned before we’re working on landscaping our yard. Right now, that includes tons and tons and tons (quite literally) of rock. Rock is perfect for us because so much of our property is steep, hard-to-mow hill and sun-baked southern exposure. Oh, and we’re way too cheap to pay hundreds of dollars a month just to keep grass green. Hooray for saving water and money! While the rock has many benefits for us, it still isn’t green. And let’s face it, green = life.

Although, I did transplant a few creeping evergreens up on our back hillside. A touch of green, but we’ve got a long way to go.

The plan is to add plants after spreading all the rock (so we don’t crush our plants in the process). Sadly, that may have to wait until next spring when a greater variety of plants is available. Until then, I’m using Sprout It to help plan our attack. Sprout It is a new, free iTunes app that helps find the best plants to use based on space, lifestyle, weather conditions, and growing difficulty. Basically, it takes the guess-work out of choosing plants.

Even more exciting, Sprout It is giving fans a chance to win a backyard revamp! Everyone has a space in their yard that needs some help. I’ve really got my eye on this spot:

Big ole pile of dirt, just waiting to get plowed over, rocked, and planted. I’m thinking a variety of shade plants like hostas, bleeding hearts, ferns, and lily of the valley. But really, our whole yard could count. Do you have a needs help spot, too? Well, the Sprout It Backyard Takeover contest is a super fun way for you to get involved.

Anytime between now and July 2, upload a picture to Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #GrowInspired, then visit the Sprout It page to claim your photo and officially enter the contest. One grand prize winner, to be announced on July 10, will receive a free backyard design from Chris Loves Julia and a $1,000 Lowe’s or Home Depot gift card to make it happen. Sign me up!

Obviously this yard can use a plan and plants. Because this is the greenest place in the yard:

Something needs to change, stat.

I know this seems like a sponsored post, but I’m not being paid to share this info. Just think it’s a fun contest and want to spread the word. What are you waiting for? Hop on Instagram to add your photo and get in on the action.

Walnut Saves the Day

Published on June 24, 2013June 24, 2013 by Our Humble Abode12 Comments

I really love my kids, I do, but sometimes they do things that I don’t understand. Sometimes cute, like having conversations only they understand. Others, not so cute. Like coloring on the couch. Or using a nail file to scratch the backs of our dining chairs. Exhibit A:

Seriously, what the heck?! Of course I was irritated, but I remembered a trick I’d heard, but never tried. Use a raw walnut to cover the scratches. Luckily, I had a bag of trail mix with a few walnuts left, so I used those. Here’s the same chair after rubbing the nut over the scratches on the right: