Project Diary #15 – Apartment LivingRoom Before & After

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We’re on a roll! Time to reveal the living room area of the #helloredreno #suitethyme series.  This room used to be one of the two upstairs bedrooms. The building is a house from the late 1800s. Upstairs was 2 bedrooms and a full bathroom. Now it’s a beautiful luxury apartment. So let’s get to the good stuff, the before and after!

And oh man, I really need to get some professional photos for the entire reveal. These looked okay at first but as I’m writing this post, I know they could be so much better so I’ll work on that but let’s stay on track for now. A living room before and after transformation. 

Before… plain, boring. Snooze. But potential! 

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff

then some new rustic wide plank flooring from Shaw Floors… (details here)

Shaw Monterrey Grandview hardwood floors Shaw Monterrey Grandview hardwood Shaw Monterrey Grandview wide plank flooring

and a stunning floral wallpaper mural and some resin decorative accents for the fireplace…

helloredreno before helloredreno mural wallpaperdiyshowoff roeshel

After… I can’t even believe this is the same room. There’s a lot going on but to me, it seems so much bigger and it works! 

A breakfast bar with usb pub table. Connect the lap top and work work work. OR grab the remote for the Smart TV and plop on that couch for some relaxation…it’s a getaway retreat, ya know. 😉 

How about that gorgeous wood plank wall feature from Reclaim Arbor and black paint paired with that dramatic floral wall mural for a bold and dramatic statement wall. It’s such a challenge to photograph a black wall but in person, there is so much texture with the rustic distressed wood planks in varying heights and widths (you can see it in pictures further down) and the black fireplace surround is gorgeous. I am so in love! 

airbnb small apartment living room airbnb small apartment living room airbnb small apartment living room airbnb small apartment living room airbnb small apartment living room airbnb small apartment living room

Share your thoughts! 

What do you think? It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Mr. DIY jokes that all I need to do is cover up the wallpaper with more Reclaim Arbor wood planks. That entire wall was a little outside of my comfort zone but I took the opportunity for creative freedom in this space. 

The queen sleeper sofa, glass/brass console table, pub table with USB port with bar stools are all from Wayfair. 

Next up:

The dining area/coffee bar!  

More about #helloredreno

The building has so much historical charm. It’s about one block from our town’s Main Street. The bus stop is literally steps away. There’s a gorgeous Butler, PA Bed & Biscotti across the street called Suite Retreat (how cute is that?!) and an antique shop nearby. There are breweries, the YMCA, shops, restaurants, salons, florists, candy/coffee shop, holiday parades and festivals within walking distance. So fun! If renovation from blah to ahhhhh is your thing, stay tuned!

So subscribe and be reminded of updates as the renovations progress! I’ll share before and after photos, projects underway and updates, plans and design boards, sources and links as they relate as well as fun events going on in and around the downtown area. I’ll be using a specific hashtag on social media to keep things all neat and tidy and organized.

#helloredreno and #suitethyme

I welcome your thoughts and ideas! And as always, thanks for your encouragement and support and for sharing in my joy and vision! 

The #helloredreno project diary:

Project Diary Entry #1 – Hello Red Reno!

Project Diary Entry #2 – Efficiency Apartment

Project Diary Entry #3 Color Passive Paint

Project Diary Entry #4 – Full Bathroom Demo Day

Project Diary Entry #5 – Sealing A Wood Plank / Shiplap Wall

Project Diary Entry #6: Bathroom Flooring

Project Diary Entry #7: Sealing Brick

Project Diary #8: Hardwood Floors

Project Diary #9: Carpeted Stairs

Project Diary #10 Vinyl Floor Tiles

Project Diary #11 – Living Room Before & After

Project Diary #12 – Christmas at the Studio

Project Diary #13 – Wallpaper Mural

Project Diary #14 – Entryway, Stairs & Landing Before & After

Project Diary #15 – Apartment Living Room Before & After Reveal

Project Diary #14 – Entryway, Stairs & Landing Before & After

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I’ve been sharing teasers for so long, it’s ABOUT THYME I got to the good stuff! Right?Time for a reveal, room by room of the project I’ve been working on. The main floor is my wellness studio, the upstairs – finally: A luxury AirBnB apartment I’ve nicknamed “Suite Thyme”. Ready? Let’s go! Here’s the before and after when we walk in the door and up the stairs.

The Reveal

Before when you entered, it was old industrial blue carpet, dirty dingy walls and a 2nd floor landing without personality. Now it’s a welcoming, inviting entryway with a place to sit and remove/put on shoes, doors with keypads for guest self check in and keeping the wellness studio off limits, a bookshelf with information on the services offered by the wellness studio as well as information on local attractions. That back door, we call it the “hobbit door”…seriously watch your head, tall people! It’s locked from the inside (it’s access to the wellness studio/back door). 

before – the banister and railing is original, probably at least 100 years old (beautiful!)

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoffGood bye blue carpet. staircase before carpeting

after – the original pine floors are very scratched, marked up with paint and scuffs too. We’ll add that to the project list for another day and embrace the imperfections for now, okay? It adds character, my friends. lol

entryway airbnb butler pa suite thyme diyshowoffboho entryway

before:

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoffbefore and after carpeting stairs

after:

stairs airbnb butler pa suite thyme diyshowoff

before: It seemed that this space and the entire upstairs was used for storage only in the recent past. It feels SO good to give it new life and purpose! 

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoffcarpeting stairs

after: The stair landing is now an indoor porch area/comfy and relaxing reading nook for guests with a huge cozy egg chair, lots of pillows, a salt lamp and water fountain. The perfect spot to ‘getaway’ with a good book, to catch up on social media with friends or to take a little cat nap. There might even be room for two in that chair. 🙂 The electrical/light switch has since been updated. Oops! Just seeing that I didn’t cut that out of the shot. There’s a new wood beaded flush mount light fixture not shown. It has a very boho vibe and it’s one of my favorite spots in the apartment. Well, to be honest…wait ’til you see the rest. The entire apartment is my favorite spot!

reading nook

before: 

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoffpadding for carpet on stairs

after: so cozy, so fun! A small thrifted basket gallery wall, 

reading nook stair landing airbnb butler pa suite thyme diyshowoff reading nook airbnb butler pa suite thyme diyshowoffreading nook makeover reading nook makeover reading nook makeover

before:

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff 

after: clean and simple!

enjoy every moment airbnb butler pa suite thyme diyshowoff

Share your thoughts! 

What do you think? Notice the wallpaper on the back window wall of the landing?Wallpaper fan? Not your thing? Not your style? Know what I mean when I say I sure loathe the removal? Willing to change your mind and take a risk when you fall in love with a print/pattern and it’s just want you and in mind for adding interest? I felt like this print was less trendy, the design is traditional. How about carpet on the stairs? I partnered with Shaw (see the info HERE) to replace what was there. I love the subtle design and features for it to be a long lasting investment. 

Let’s talk about that chair! It’s the OpalHouse Southport chair from Target. Something I really wanted but outside of the budget. And my entire family knew I wanted that chair. So when Mr. DIY asked what I wanted for Mother’s Day, he immediately knew the answer before I got the words past my lips. lol Then at our Mother’s Day dinner, I said to my girls “guess what I got for Mother’s Day?” and Evangeline “did you get THE chair?”, Alainee: “did he buy you the chair?!” Me: “I got the chair!” It was just like a “He went to Jared’s” tv commercial. Moral of the story: I got the chair. ::love:: And guests renting the AirBnB just might find me hanging out in it! (Just kidding!)

Next up:

One room combination living room/dining area/kitchen with a BIG WOW factor! AHHH! I can’t wait to show you! 

Upstairs apartment door…

apartment suite thyme door

Sneak peek looking the other direction from inside of the apartment:

apartment makeover

More about #helloredreno

The building has so much historical charm. It’s about one block from our town’s Main Street. The bus stop is literally steps away. There’s a gorgeous Butler, PA Bed & Biscotti across the street called Suite Retreat (how cute is that?!) and an antique shop nearby. There are breweries, the YMCA, shops, restaurants, salons, florists, candy/coffee shop, holiday parades and festivals within walking distance. So fun! If renovation from blah to ahhhhh is your thing, stay tuned!

So subscribe and be reminded of updates as the renovations progress! I’ll share before and after photos, projects underway and updates, plans and design boards, sources and links as they relate as well as fun events going on in and around the downtown area. I’ll be using a specific hashtag on social media to keep things all neat and tidy and organized.

#helloredreno and #suitethyme

I welcome your thoughts and ideas! And as always, thanks for your encouragement and support and for sharing in my joy and vision! 

The #helloredreno project diary:

Project Diary Entry #1 – Hello Red Reno!

Project Diary Entry #2 – Efficiency Apartment

Project Diary Entry #3 Color Passive Paint

Project Diary Entry #4 – Full Bathroom Demo Day

Project Diary Entry #5 – Sealing A Wood Plank / Shiplap Wall

Project Diary Entry #6: Bathroom Flooring

Project Diary Entry #7: Sealing Brick

Project Diary #8: Hardwood Floors

Project Diary #9: Carpeted Stairs

Project Diary #10 Vinyl Floor Tiles

Project Diary #11 – Living Room Before & After

Project Diary #12 – Christmas at the Studio

Project Diary #13 – Wallpaper Mural

Project Diary #14 – Entryway, Stairs & Landing Before & After

Project Diary #10 Vinyl Floor Tiles

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Finally! I know. It’s been a while since the last update. Lots of work! There is something to report in the #helloredreno series, a bit of progress that includes beautiful new vinyl floor tiles and walls in a back entry and main floor restroom area for the workshop. I’m still working on final details like getting a sink/vanity installed, trim work, some fun DIY projects and decor but I just can’t wait to show you this beautiful flooring! 

shaw fairmount sweetbriar flooring

Back Story // Before: 

Real quick: the “painted cardboard” walls were removed to reveal very dirty lathe? I’m not sure but it was filthy. Oh and the ceiling tiles are gone as well! We installed some insulation and my sweet Mr. DIY guy put up some fresh new drywall. Side note: It was a very verbally colorful experience since nothing is square in this 100  year old building but thank goodness it’s done! Now Let’s get the the before shots from when it just changed hands from the previous owner to us…

back entryway – everything was so dirty

backroom before

back entryway looking into the main {half} bathroom area

coatroom before

back entryway and what we call the hobbit door (watch your head!) leading to the basement stairs, front door and staircase

back entry before

bathroom before

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff

bathroom before ownership

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff

bathroom before – those cabinets were from the original kitchen over 100 years ago!

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff

Okay, the floor before had blue industrial carpeting (in.a.bathroom!, you guys!). ::gag:: That definitely had to come out!  Good bye flimsy walls. Good bye ceiling tiles. Good bye carpet! Good bye!

Demo day: 

Behind those walls? SO much black sooty dirt. It was everywhere! Fingerprints for months! 

diyshowoff demo day demoday

We kept the original pine floors throughout the rest of the main floor. 

studio renovationlathe before drywall

Product Choice: 

I chose these gorgeous grouted vinyl tiles for their durability, beauty and warmth – a perfect choice for this space. It’s a product from the Shaw Fairmount collection. Design is “Sweetbriar”.  

Fairmount Sweetbriar

fairmount sweetbriar

From the Shaw inspiration gallery: 

Shaw Fairmount Sweetbriar

Fairmount is a 12×24 rectangle vinyl tile. I love the color variation and that it’s super resilient! And boy can we ever attest to that! 

Installation: 

Mike, a subcontractor with A&S Carpet in Allison Park, PA utilized a glue-down installation in a brickwork pattern. The fun part? This product can be installed with or without grout! How cool is that? I went with the grouted installation. 

subfloor bathroom renovation See how the flooring was installed before the walls? When I say this floor is durable, I speak from experience! More on that below. vinyl floor tile installation

Progress // After:

Since it’s not fully completed, I don’t have true reveal photos just yet but here are some sneak peeks. This space is a back entryway which will also house a small beverage station, built in wine storage and a place to hang coats. 

shaw fairmount sweetbriar flooring

view through the back door 

beverage station

back room

fairmount sweetbriar vinyl flooring

And this is the main floor restroom for the studio/office/workshop. I love the durability and warmth of the vinyl tile, especially since we may be working with glass…a harder surface wouldn’t have been as forgiving or functional in that case so this softer surface was a pretty and wise choice. 

fairmount sweetbriar vinyl tile flooring fairmount sweetbriar flooring

So, what do you think? Isn’t it gorgeous? If you’re choosing a vinyl flooring for it’s warmth, durability and beauty, you’re going to want to add this to your list of options for sure!

fairmount sweetbriar flooring shawstyleboard

Stay tuned for a completed reveal of these two spaces! 

Care and Maintenance:

vinyl floor care

How do I know this floor is durable and the right choice? Because of timing, the flooring was installed prior to the walls, so you can just image the mess (drywall mud and dust, caulk, paint, dirty shoes, tools, renovation, etc.). It stood the test of time and workers! All of that grime and dirt, dragging ladders, tools, supplies and drywall, all that comes along with renovating, the behind the scenes not so pretty stuff. And despite my warnings, I didn’t see a drop cloth in sight! 

No worries! When I reached out to Shaw, they provided me with some great vinyl floor cleaning tips: 

Proper care will help protect and maintain the appearance and performance of your Shaw resilient floor!. A care program consists of key areas: 1) Preventive maintenance; 2) routine maintenance; and 3) spot and spill removal.

1) Preventative Maintenance

Always protect floors when moving heavy objects to prevent permanent scratches and tears.
Walk-off mats should be used at all externally facing entrances to absorb soil and moisture.

2) Routine Maintenance:

Daily removal of dirt and dust is important to prevent particles from abrading the surface of resilient floors.

Sweeping, dust mopping and vacuuming are recommendations to remove soil particles that can result in scratches and worn appearances. IMPORTANT: Do not use vacuums with rotating beater bars on hard surfaces.

Periodic wet cleaning will be necessary to help maintain the floors appearance.

3) Spot and Spill Removal

Absorb wet spills as quickly as possible by white paper or cloth towels.

Recommended by Shaw: Use Shaw’s R2X® Hard Surface cleaning products or products formulated for vinyl floor cleaning.

Remember: The most effective part of any floor maintenance program is the simplest: sweep, dust mop, or vacuum your Shaw resilient flooring daily, or more frequently if needed.

Next up on the renovation: 

Baseboards and door trim, a fun door DIY to dress up the cheap hollow bathroom door, light fixtures, sealing brick, a wine cubby and beverage station, decorating and then the reveal! Then we’ll be back in business!

The building has so much historical charm. It’s about one block from our town’s Main Street. The bus stop is literally steps away. There are breweries, the YMCA, shops, restaurants, salons, florists, candy/coffee shop, holiday parades and festivals within walking distance. So fun! If renovation from blah to ahhhhh is your thing, stay tuned!

So subscribe and be reminded of updates as the renovations progress! I’ll share before and after photos, projects underway and updates, plans and design boards, sources and links as they relate as well as fun events going on in and around the downtown area. I’ll be using a specific hashtag on social media to keep things all neat and tidy and organized.

#helloredreno

I welcome your thoughts and ideas! And as always, thanks for your encouragement and support and for sharing in my joy and vision! Watch for #helloredreno!