Master Ensuite Renovation Continues...Week 1

Apparently we are right on schedule with this Master Ensuite reno.  

Here's an update:

The new windows went in on Monday and took the WHOLE day.

Here's the BEFORE for these windows.

What an improvement!

But we can see our neighbour's house now thru the big clear window (used to be glass block) and I'm sure they can see us.  

I really don't want them to see me going in and out of the bath and shower so I'm meeting with the "blind" lady this afternoon to go over window covering options.  

The Electrical is all done.  While the electrician was here he added an extra outlet in our bedroom (shared wall with bathroom) and added a timer for the fan in the kids bathroom.

The Plumbing is prepped for drains and fixture hookups.  So 1/2 done!

Next up is drywalling (being done as I type) and then floor heat and then prep for tiling.

Until next time...
Marie

Renovating Again!

We are renovating again - this time we are doing the master bathroom. YAY!!

Our house was built in 1986 so it's 30 years old this year!

We've been in this house for 18 years now and over the years we have eliminated a lot of the 80's decor.  But we still have a lot of BRASS - ALL the doorknobs and in the Master Bathroom taps and shower frame.

The doorknobs will have to wait (they are not a priority for me) but the bathroom has had a few small leaks and I'm sick of the all the brown tile so we decided to make it our next reno.

Here is what it looks like now - I actually remembered to take BEFORE photos!!!

Here is what I plan to use in this bathroom.

The porcelain wood plank is going on the floor, the pebbles on the shower floor, the 3x6 antique white ceramic will be our field tile for the shower and the hex antique white mosaic will be an accent (not sure where but maybe inside the shower niche?).

We've taken out the Jacuzzi tub and will replace it with a freestanding rectangular tub like this

The cabinet is being custom built - more expensive than I wanted but the space is 1 inch short for stock cabinetry - so I'm getting it painted BM Iron Mountain 

and the countertop will be Caesarstone Ice Snow quartz.  

For the sink I've opted to go with this top mount sink from Kohler.

For the walls I'm thinking of BM Revere Pewter 

or BM Tweed Coat

Here are some DURING photos - aside from a bit of water damage to the pony wall between shower and tub - there wasn't any other water damage which I found very surprising!!

These two windows will be replaced on Monday.

Stay tuned for more pics to come as the project progresses.

ps After this we JUST have the kitchen and the front of house to do!  There's always another reno...

Until next time...
Marie

Should I paint my brick??

I need help.  The painters are supposed to start painting my exterior soon (weather permitting) and I have yet to finalize my colours.  And now I'm thinking of painting my brick!

Should I paint it and if so what colour?  Same as the house or lighter?  Not white though!!

I think I'm settled on repainting my house the same colour it is now - BM Raccoon Fur - because of existing elements - rock work, fireplace, and decks - already in my backyard.

I know the front needs to be redone - new rock work, light posts and change brick arches to columns - but all we can afford to do this year is paint (it needs painting).

I like the look of BM Wrought Iron too for my siding and maybe paint the brick BM Hazy Skies or another grey similar to rock we may use in the future?

Any suggestions?

HAT SALE!!!

If you're interested in picking up some great Holiday gifts and decor you should check out Elaine's CHRISTMAS SOIREE AND GOODBYE SALE!

I'm also going to be at Elaine's selling my crochet hats.

I've added a few new styles and colours and right now I've got lots of men's, women's, boys' and girls' styles and sizes in stock for this winter season.

Here are the details:

Location  

Elaine’s House – 5634 Eagle Harbour Road, West Vancouver

Dates and Times

Thursday November 20th 5 – 9pm       

Friday November 21st 11 – 4pm     

Craft Fair Season Begins!

Monday, Sept 29, 2014

Craft Fair Holiday Season will be starting for me this coming weekend.

I'll be selling my crochet at the West Vancouver Community Centre Pumpkin Fest Artisan Market this coming Sunday, Oct 5 from 10 am to 3 pm.

I've been working all year - crocheting a little at a time - to prepare for this.

If you bought some of my crochet in the past - hats, scarves, gloves, headbands, boot toppers - or if you missed out please stop by and say Hi!

You might find the perfect handmade gift for someone or something you love!

I'll have more of the same and this year I'm adding a different patterned scarf and some beards!

Yes you read that correctly - crochet BEARDS!!

Here's my brother-in-law Mark wearing his.  It looks so natural on him doesn't it?

These are fun for dress up, halloween, or make great face warmers.

See you there!

House Front Reno - Front Doors

Friday, August 15, 2014

BEFORE Photos of the front of my house and my double front doors. 

In this photo you can see the ugly red clay tiles in the under cover front porch (is it a porch?)

Here are some ideas for replacing our front doors - the black ones are my favourite right now.

House Front Reno Ideas - Stone Work & Columns

Thursday, August 14, 2014

I get a lot of ideas from the internet - particularly HOUZZ and PINTEREST.  

It's amazing what you can find when you are searching for inspiration.  

If you have other site suggestions please share them in the comments.

Some BEFORE Photos of our house front with the red clay brick facing.

I'd like to replace the brick with natural stone like we used in the backyard reno years ago.

Below are some photos of the back of our house.

I'd like the front of the house to have the same rock.  

In this photo it was used under the siding to cover the house foundation

This is Basalt rock and we used it to make a low level wall that wraps around the patio and acts as a fireplace hearth in the corner.  

It's great as extra seating when needed.

Here are some ideas I've found to replace the front brick with stone and replace the arches with columns.
I'd also like to replace the aggregate rock steps and planter.