Farmhouse Exterior Makeover

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Hello, DIYShowOff friends! If you’ve been a DIYShowOff follower, you’ll remember our farmhouse from back in the day. Ready for a farmhouse before & after exterior update and makeover? It’s undergone the biggest before and after exterior makeover to date. It’s hard to believe it’s the same farmhouse. Of course there are still projects on the list (porch railing, landscaping, etc.) but our property has never looked better! The exterior is so pretty and the yard is now an oasis, our personal retreat.

diyshowoff exterior farmhouse makeover

Farmhouse Before

Before…old windows, faded siding, back doors with awnings, sidewalks and a lack of landscaping. An old dilapidated grape arbor.

BEFORE:

farmhouse before

We definitely got the side eye when purchasing this fixer upper but my Mr. DIY and I saw the potential.

After: French doors, new windows, new siding, a new metal roof, concrete patio, concrete stairs and a stamped stained concrete pool deck and walkways were added, grape arbor rebuild. Years in the making!

AFTER:

farmhouse exterior makeover

Early Makeover Projects

One of the first projects was installing French doors where the single back doors were and removing the awning. Then came a patio and some landscaping.

back exterior farmhouse before

And a grape arbor gazebo makeover. Here’s the before:

grape arbor before

Pool Party

Then last year…a major update starting with an in-ground pool installation, stained & stamped concrete pool deck and patio. Check out our complete in-ground pool installation!

in-ground fiberglass pool patio

Welcome guests!

We have a new front door and porch! Our home didn’t have a front door (original was enclosed to create a ‘sun porch’) which we opened up into a home office when we got new windows. Original front door is in the wood sided addition shown below…

farmhouse addition

Here it is inside…

DIY fall autumn dreamcatcher door decor wreath @diyshowoff

Other side of the front yard…

farmhouse before makeover

BEFORE:

exterior door install

So we added a new front entry door and front porch leading into our family room. It’s still a work in progress with the need for railing and extending the sidewalk from bottom of stairs to the driveway but looking good!

dark home exterior front door

New Siding

Then new board and batten, cedar shake and ledge-stone (vinyl) siding for an amazing transformation for the biggest “wow”.

BEFORE:

exterior siding makeover before

AFTER:

board and batten siding

Siding is from CVS. Board and Batten color: Carbon Designer. Trim: Linen. Ledge stone siding is Arizona Sandstone and cedar shakes: Rustic Cedar Designer.

BEFORE AND AFTER different view:

carbon color board and batten siding before and after

Metal Roof

And a new metal roof on additions (keeping the original slate which is still in good condition in a copper color.

After (the transformation)

So, it’s been a minute. Okay, it’s been way longer. But I’m back! I’ve missed our connection. It’s so easy to get lost in the everyday, especially with how blogging has changed over the years and with losing my Facebook page to a hacker leaving me feeling defeated with the disappearance of years of hard work. Time to get back on the horse, ya know?! Time to catch up! I have so much more to share!

 
 
 
 
 
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What do you think? Big change, right?

Meditation Room Makeover

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Happy Winter Solstice!

Thyme & Mint Meditation Room Makeover

Oh you guys, I enjoy hosting at our short term rental, Suite Thyme, here in my small hometown so much! It’s such a joy to make someone’s visit to Butler a memorable experience and to share what I love about where I grew up. The apartment is tiny but big on character and guests love the trendy luxury design and comfortable atmosphere. I really love pampering guests and making them feel so welcomed and special, much as a guest in our own home. I enjoy developing friendships with many of our guests – even if we’ve never met face to face. Although sometimes I’m available for a quick meet and greet, especially if they’ve added services to to their stay. More on that below.

Butler Suite Thyme airbnb

 

The apartment is located upstairs. There is a wellness studio on the main floor for my office and a place where we hold essential oil classes. We also collaborate with several small business owners and wellness practitioners to offer a “create your own personal wellness retreat” with a la carte menu services in a self care package we refer to as “Thyme & Mint”. Services include yoga from Ambur Waves (Yoga.Movement.Sound), Evangeline (reiki master) from The Lunar Fae Shop and Becca from The Wandering Bramble, Dorothy’s Herb Shop and Herbal Apothecary. We also offer essential oils education, Aroma Freedom and iTovi scans from Wellness Inspired Living. Guests can purchase herbal bath soaks, crystals and essential oils (packaged with their choice of intention collection) in advance and have them ready upon arrival.

The update:

 

 

As a member of Butler County Tourism, Suite Thyme recently had the opportunity to put together a proposal for a grant that would enhance Butler visitors’ experiences. I love a creative challenge! The room that is utilized for reiki, sound baths and guided meditation was a bit of a mish mash and in need of some TLC. I designed a medication room with purpose. I submitted by design and plan  and was awarded a small grant to make it happen!

meditation room mood board

Ready for some meditation room eye candy? Let’s go!

The space went from looking like a living room with a sofa and chairs with a small crystal retail area and shelves filled with essential oils and accessories (a DIY essential oil bar) to a tranquil space dedicated to reiki, sound baths, crystal healing, private yoga and meditation There’s even a cute spot at the window with a desk for journaling. Shelves are lined with crystals, plants and self care books. There’s a small library nook with comfy floor cushions, an area for yoga with a basket of yoga mats. I added a daybed for relaxation, a tv for meditation/yoga videos or relaxing music with a bluetooth speaker, a white noise machine with northern lights projector. There are crystal singing bowls for sound healing, a mini waterfall for blocking out small city traffic noise, black out blinds for closing out the busy street. It wasn’t part of the grant, but we invested in new windows for the property as well this year.

meditation room ruggable meditation space sun moon fireplacesound healing space diyshowoff meditation room meditation space meditation decorblack door and trim shungite sphereboho rattan daybed meditation spot room decorself care library meditation decor reiki room indoor water fall

Additional purpose and function of the space:

The apartment is small and at times a bride books the apartment for her special day. Things are tight to say the least as the space is a better fit for 2-4 people! Now, this extra room can be added on for an extra fee to act as overflow space and more square footage for bridal party prep. Or if a guest is staying with family but requires a quiet separate area for work, they have the option to add on a separate private ‘office’ and quiet workspace.

meditation decor

The room is now so magical and peaceful…an experience of a calming energy the minute you step through the doorway.

Butler PA Suite Thyme lodging airbnb

Suite Thyme

The second story of this updated 1880s home boasts a trendy newly renovated efficiency apartment loaded with charm. It’s located just steps from the main thoroughfare of downtown Butler’s best eateries, antique shops, breweries and more. Perfect for festival-goers and travelers looking to enjoy a small town vibe. 

This 2nd floor eclectic space located above a quiet by appointment only wellness studio is loaded with personality and beautiful style. Sleeping arrangements include 2 queen beds in the bedroom + a queen sleeper sofa in the living room for peaceful night’s rest and sweet dreams. There is a beautiful fully equipped modern kitchen area tucked into a combined living room/kitchen/dining area. Bathroom includes a clawfoot tub for soaking away tension. Plus, it’s just a short stroll to Butler’s historic Main Street district.

Traveling to the western PA area? Looking to book a self care getaway? I love showing off my hometown pride! Book Suite Thyme HERE. Now booking!

Wishing you a year filled with wellness, peace and happiness!

Gratitude:

A HUGE thank you to Butler County Tourism for the generous funds to create a special space as well as all they offer to promote Butler County and small business owners. So much appreciation for all you do! See more at VisitButlerCounty.com.

Butler County Tourism

A special thank you to my Mr. DIY for his assistance and support. Thank you to my dear friend Shelby for encouragement and brainstorming with this project. To contractor Troy Douthett for his help, thank you! Thank you to Evangeline at The Lunar Fae for her knowledge and input too! So much appreciation for all of the attention and assistance in making this magical transformation a reality! xo

In-Ground Swimming Pool Installation: Our Story

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With a halt on our traveling these last few years, we decided to create our own little resort at home by installing an in-ground pool. It’s not the same as vacationing to our favorite tropical locations but we’re now swimming pool owners and enjoying playtime and our backyard paradise more than ever!
Before…
backyard transformation
After…
backyard oasis
(still a little work to do on re-installing the brick pavers they removed)

 

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Decision time:

To be honest, it took me a little while to warm up to the idea of being a swimming pool owner. I knew they came with a hefty price tag and require maintenance. However, after looking at options, my Mr. DIY’s ability to influence and inspire me to get on board (thanks, honey!), our daydreams and designs, I quickly got on board with visions of family fun and pool parties and changing up our outdoor living spaces.

Add to that, a future son-in-law who’s family is in the pool business. We thank you, Steve at Country Pools and Spas! I am so grateful for his patience, reassurance, and answers to probably way too many texts!

I’ve never owned a swimming pool and didn’t grow up with one so I didn’t know what to expect. It seemed overwhelming and very involved for someone who has no clue. But when all is said and done, I feel like most of our choices made for an easier experience over the long term. We’ve spent more time together. We enjoy using it for relaxing. Crank up the heat and we enjoy it as therapy!

Our pool install story:

If you’re like me with no idea what it all means, you may have a better idea going in. I’ve included a few affiliate links for some of our favorite finds too. Let’s go.

(Of course, this is just me reporting all that I witnessed at this point, my words on the process…not meant for a tutorial or instructions. I’m no expert! Your experience may be completely different!)

Time frame:

When the company says they can install in 1 day…that doesn’t mean you have a completed finished ‘Better Homes & Gardens’ magazine worthy swimming pool and backyard oasis the next day, week or even month. Get four months into your head to be on the safe side.
You will preferably want to decide the year before installation to get on the schedule. Because we’re practically family, we were able to be squeezed in but that’s not always the case. Most likely, the pool company you choose is already scheduling into next year (western PA outdoor construction season is shorter than warmer climates).

Budget:

It’s probably different when it comes to cost too. There may not be one price that’s all inclusive. There may be a few areas you’ll want to consider in your total budget. Here is a collection of where a budget was required in our experience:

  • Permit
  • Pool itself (included pool, excavating/transport/crane, basic equipment)
  • Add ons/accessories – heater, salt system, lights, solar or auto cover, winter cover
  • Fencing or auto-cover
  • Electrical
  • Gas line for heater if needed (our gas meter was at the front of the house, so they had to dig a trench/run the line from front yard to back yard)
  • Tree branch trimming if required
  • Water (our pool size took 1 tanker truck + additional from our outside hose)
  • Concrete company (additional fee for a pump truck)
  • Landscaping
  • Pool accessories (spot vacuum or robot, etc.)
  • Lighting for backyard
  • Shed (you may want to house in your pool equipment and create storage for pool accessories and pool floats and toys

Permit:

Check with your local area. Our township requires a pool permit in advance. This was our responsibility. The process was pretty easy – fill out a form, draw up a sketch, have the pool company fill out a portion of it and submit for review. Then throughout the installation process, keeping the permit officer in the loop to inspect things along the way (electrical). Our township also requires a fence or a locking auto-cover for safety. We chose an auto-cover to avoid blocking backyard views.

backyard idea

Pool options:

We had two choices, a steel walled pool with a liner or a fiberglass shell. We preferred the low maintenance and durability of fiberglass. It costs a little more but we weighed the slight increase in price against the maintenance of replacing liners, etc. Fortunately, Country Pools and Spas had several in stock and once we saw the beautiful sparkly pearl white finish on one in just the right size, I fell in love. A sun deck, stairs and swim up seats. A sparkly shimmery glitter finish (it’s gorgeous in the sunshine!).

We went with a 12×25 for our backyard spot. We considered that most of the time, it would only be the two of us, plus our grandsons. And if entertaining with a larger group, that mostly likely all guests wouldn’t be in at the same time. After the fact, there’s been plenty of room for us, guests and family.

fiberglass pool shell

Size and placement:

12 x 25 also fit our space best. Remember to consider pool decking and patio will fill the yard too. Once we decided the best location in our backyard, we had a few things to take care of in advance to prepare.

Preparation:

For us that included tree trimming. We have a huge oak tree with branches extending over top of the backyard where the pool was going in and had to have them cut back. This required renting a lift as well as paying someone with some experience recommended by the pool company. I recommend calling a tree trimming service directly. We didn’t know. So I believe we paid more than what directly contacting a service would have been.

tree trimming

Overhead wires from our house to our barn were in a path hanging above the pool area. This required hiring an electrician to run wiring underground. Speaking of electricity, he was also the one we paid to run wiring and plumbing to the pool and pool equipment including the pool pump, lighting, sump pump, switch for our auto-cover.

moving electrical wires

Add ons:

In addition to the fiberglass shell and pool auto-cover, we opted for a gas heater and salt system. We’re located in PA, so a heater is a luxury I didn’t want to go without. And once we had our “pool school”, the salt system has proven to be an awesome low maintenance chemical free option. We recommend it! We also added two lights to the pool. (Pssst. It’s October and yes, we’ve tested that heater! Worth every single penny!)

In-ground Swimming Pool installation:

After those things were decided and underway, the pool company scheduled and performed the excavation. Amazing how fast they can dig a giant hole!

excavating inground pool

Once the excavation was done, they had a load of gravel delivered, a crane showed up, the fiberglass shell arrived on a flatbed (they scheduled these things and acquired the transportation permit).

They added the gravel and made sure the spot was level. They lifted and put the pool in place (on the first try…mentioned that’s rare). They then connected the plumbing and lighting and wiring for the pool pump/filter and heater. Next they backfilled with gravel and placed ground wiring too.

Then the water arrived! Our pool took one truckload + some additional from the hose/our outdoor water spigot. I keep meaning to look at our paperwork for how many gallons.

inground pool installation

The actual placement went pretty fast! One day!

Concrete:

The next step was concrete. We liked the look of stained/stamped concrete so we hired a separate company for the concrete pool coping (the edge where concrete sets over top of the edge of the pool), pool deck, walkways and integrating stairs to our existing concrete patio.

Made in America Concrete

stained stamped concrete stairspouring concrete pool deckinstalling concrete pool copingThe concrete workers had to get into the water. Of course it was a cold summer day and the heater wasn’t connected yet. Brrr!

In addition to lining up each contractor for a seamless install, concrete was the most time consuming. They excavate, frame, add gravel and rebar, then pour and stamp. It’s weather dependent so rainy days set things back. Then they return another day after concrete is set and dry to stain. Add at least one day or more if it’s the weekend or rain is in the forecast. Then another day to seal. Our project wasn’t small and they did it in 3 parts (stairs, then half of the concrete patio/1 walkway, then the pool deck/pool coping, then the rest of a walkway, pad for a shed and surrounding the pool equipment).

Stain by DecoCrete. Color: weathered oak. It’s recommended that stained concrete is sealed every year. Can also be re-stained as needed. It dried to a nice natural looking taupe-color.

Learning experience: If overspray from stain gets into your pool water (can happen even if pool is covered with plastic), metallic ingredients in the stain may react to chlorine (even salt water chlorine) and turn your pool water green. This will require a trip to your pool store with a sample of pool water for instructions and a bottle of metal remover. Ask us how we know. ::freaked out!:: But don’t panic, it’s then back to normal after 24 hours.

stained stamped concrete patio

Security: Fence or Auto Cover

We chose the auto pool cover. When the pool was installed, they also took final measurements for the auto-pool cover (made to order). That took about 10 weeks to arrive. The pool company installed it for us (included in the price) once it arrived in September.

auto star pool cover

Landscaping:

Once all of that was done, our yard was quite a mess. I didn’t really consider that they don’t drop a pool in and leave the yard the way they found it. Haha! So, figure in landscaping into your budget. The machinery tears up the lawn so it’ll require grading, top soil and grass or plants and mulch. Thanks to Orloski Landscaping! We have grass and mulch and the start of a beautiful landscape!

Budget friendly tips: We were able to re-plant several costa and bushes and that were removed prior to the pool installation as well as some stones that came with our property. We also made a few trips to Lowe’s after the landscaping was completed for clearance perennial flowers, grasses and plants and planted those ourselves. Mr. DIY did the hard labor intensive part of digging holes. I mostly supervised and leant a hand in deciding placement and pushing mulch back into place. And since its fall, I did put in some spring bulbs.

fiberglass pool

Misc:

Of note, I also found a cantilever umbrella anchor and had them place that (requires a hole and gravel and concrete to set in place so level with the patio). So smart! I love that it’s super anchored and it doesn’t require the big “x” base and sandbags (tripping hazard and it very aesthetically pleasing).

Cantilever umbrellaUmbrella anchor

With an auto-pool cover, draining off rain water is a task! A pool cover pump was provided but hooking up the hose is inconvenient and takes a while. The pool company recommended this little tool. This small spout is powerful, easy to connect (game changer) and shoots water 25 ft. The hose connection is a slower process. This spout is fast!

automatic pool cover pump

CoverBlast pool cover pump

I was also suckered into a Facebook ad for a Skim-Around. All good reviews, including ours! Love the whirlpool it creates and it does seem to keep the surface cleaner quicker!

Skim-Around

Also worth mentioning, once the auto-cover was installed, the pool didn’t require a lot of vacuuming … just a little. And connecting the hose and sweeper to the pump/skimmer is time consuming. I love this small rechargeable handheld vacuum for a quick vacuuming job!

Similar to this rechargeable handheld pool vacuum

Let’s swim!

diyshowoff inground pool

Check out our fun pool party reel on Instagram! 

 

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We were able to swim before the concrete job. And we did! But once the concrete was poured, we had to stay out to avoid salt water on the concrete until sealed. But before you know it, what felt like a project was dragging out all summer long, will be complete. Just in time to close it up for the season! Actually – we are able to fit in some swims when the sun is shining and the heater makes that possible. Also of note: the first pool closing is included in the cost.

Closing thoughts:

Our driveway is simply limestone. It was also torn up during the process and we’ll need to spread more limestone (another cost to consider when looking at your own property and the route to pool and concrete placement/surrounding area).

Was the entire investment worth it? YES! We’ve lived in this house for 15 years and consider it our forever home so it’s worth it to us and we’ll enjoy many summers making memories! It hasn’t been long since it was finished up and now we’ll be closing it soon for the season but next year, we will enjoy it every day all summer long right from the get go!

So … yes! It was, is and will be. We love that our girls and grandsons, family and friends can visit for swim days! We love that we spend time together in the evenings relaxing in the pool. It’s been a great way to unwind and bond. And our 7 year old grandson gets a lot of exercise when he visits weekly. And the little one is acclimating to pool life (that sun deck is perfect for little ones) too.

Despite not having a full pool season, the older one has already improved his swimming skills. No fear, no hesitation. He’s worked his way up to braving the deep end and swimming under water. He wakes up Saturday mornings, changes from pajamas to swimming trunks, grabs his towel, fins, mask and bluetooth speaker (beach music is a must) and waits for me to accompany him to the backyard. That big smile on his face? Priceless!

  • Are you a swimming pool owner?
  • Was your experience similar?
  • Do you have anything to add?
  • Any favorite tips or tricks for pool care or anything a pool newbie should know?
  • Or are you thinking of installing an in-ground pool?

Every job and budget is different but I hope our experience helps you feel a little more prepared on what to consider and expect.