More DIY home improvement, design and decorating – coming soon!

For a few years now, I’ve toyed with the idea of a studio, somewhere to stage my DIY projects, somewhere to hold some DIY workshops and of course some wellness meetings and classes too. May as well throw in a studio apartment for fun to spoil out of town guests.  Periodically, I’d check local real estate for sale or call a number when I’d see a ‘for rent’ sign on Main Street. I wasn’t aggressive in my search, there was no pressure or stress. I just put it in God’s hands and told myself, if it was meant to be, He’d lead the way. Well, I’m excited to announce that I’m the proud owner of a new space! This 1890 beauty is mine…

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

and all of my fears, nervousness and worries and hesitation disappeared when I opened that door for the first time. My excitement grew, my mind instantly went to work on plans for every room, every square inch now that I was able to really take it all in as I walked from room to room. Someone pinch me. Is it really mine? 

So I know you’re curious! Let’s look at the “before” stages! These are the photos from FIRST time seeing it as the new owner, so previous owner’s belongings and the exact “before” condition. Can you see potential?

I see it! I can’t wait to dig in!

The entry way could use a little sprucing up. A new light fixture. I share more about the stairs below. The door needs a little weather-proofing and oh, I have to patch some plaster (grrrrr….no fun!). And I’m considering a pretty wallpaper too. We’ll see! And oh my gosh – that door beside the stairs? If you’re over 5 1/2 feet tall, you’re gonna have to duck! 

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

The first room will be a comfortable sitting area for casual meetings. Sort of a living room type space with comfortable seating arrangements for conversations and comfort. I won’t be touching the original pine floors to start. They’ll get a good sanding and staining down the road. Maybe. It’s one of those projects you really should do before moving in but I’m going to hold off for now. 

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

There will be much painting happening. I’m actually headed today to pick out some color swatches. Update: As of yesterday, bye bye blue! New color? Sherwin Williams HGTV Home “Passive”. 

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

Ugh. Those tiled ceilings. Another project for another day! 

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

Max capacity is 49 (this is a commercial space) but that feels crowded to me! However, there will be a small studio for DIY type workshops…the windows provide so much natural lighting!

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

How about the barn wood walls? ::drool:: 

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

And new light fixtures! Gonna need ’em. The lighting is pretty dim in the evenings.

A half bath update. This bathroom is half of what was the original kitchen back in 1890, thus the floor to ceiling built in cabinets (aren’t they wonderful?!) There is no kitchen in this ‘house’ currently. 

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

Carpet. In a bathroom. That is gonna have to go! DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff

Oh man – can’t wait for new flooring to replace the blue carpet. It extends into the mudroom area just outside the half bathroom and all of upstairs. 

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

Moving on! I’d love to turn the upstairs into a small apartment. I don’t plan to become a landlord but I might be open to an air-bnb-type arrangement down the road. Out of town guests are going to be spoiled rotten!

Plus we’re located one block from our hometown Main Street with restaurants, brew pubs, shopping, festivals and parades. 

OHMYHEAVENS! These stairs! LOVE the detail of this split stair case and the railing! I’d love to swap out the blue rug for a beautiful rug runner.DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoffDIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff

A fresh new space would be nice, wouldn’t it? MOVE IN ready! haha! But every time – I’m a sucker for old. I love seeing past the tired and outdated to the character and potential. DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff

This landing area at the top of the stairs will be the entry outside the apartment front door. A great place for shoe storage, a place to put on shoes and to hang coats, etc. 

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

The future apartment living room is the first room inside of the apartment. I’d like to add a small kitchenette in one corner on 1-2 of the walls. Open concept in a small space. 

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff 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 there is a bedroom, which is a nice size. It’s definitely big enough to maybe add a desk too or seating area. 

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

But first on the agenda was a serious roof repair. YIKES! 

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

And then a complete full bathroom gut and remodel. Exciting! This is the one room that gives me the most anxiety! ha! 

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

Bathroom demo – next on the to-do list!DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff

But it’s such a good size (actually bigger than any of the bathrooms in our home!) so it’s going to be awesome! And definitely tile instead of blue carpet.

I know it’s just a small apartment but I certainly wouldn’t mind adding a little luxury with a soaker tub AND shower. 

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

Then there’s a tiny little stair case that leads back to the stair well. So cute! 

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

So, what do you think? Isn’t it adorable? Anything pop out at you when it came to looking over the rooms? Can you see my vision? What do you envision? I’m working on some design boards now so stay tuned! First up: Roof fix (check), bathroom demo (next) and then…Shaw Floors! Not only is this place going to be a beautiful studio, it’s a dream come true! 

It looks like a little red school house! I’m actually still brainstorming creative names. Any ideas? (DIY/craft classes, essential oils/wellness, small event center). 

Follow along as I work on making some changes! I’d love to hear your thoughts! Thanks for sharing in my excitement! 

 

House Makeover Part One: Exterior Before

House Makeover Part One: Ever wonder where I get my love of DIY and decorating? It’s from my mom! Like the saying goes, ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree’ and I am SO SUPER excited that my mom and her husband (who is extra super handy with tools, the type of guy who can do just about everything home improvement related, by the way) are rescuing this old home. The property is BEAUTIFUL. The home? Uh…not so much in it’s current condition. I am just itching to get in there and get started! 

House Makeover Before - Exterior

There’s an entire house in there somewhere! 

I’ll journal some before and after and some tutorials along the way. Love DIY? Follow along and watch the transformation, the huge project they’re about to undertake. I look around and I see POTENTIAL! I LOVE LOVE LOVE old fixer uppers! It’s going to be better than it ever was!

In an effort to get the ‘before’ pictures organized and all in one place, let’s take a tour. Today I’m sharing Part 1, the home’s exterior. Overgrown, hidden. There’s a treasure in there somewhere!

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Exciting, right?! Don’t you love a good makeover story? Me too! You’re going to want to stay tuned as this home is transformed from hidden eyesore to beautiful country retreat. A labor of love, an amazing rehab. I can’t wait!