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

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Posted on August 5, 2019 by Roeshel

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!)

Good bye blue carpet.

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

before:

after:

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!

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!

before:

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

before:

after: clean and simple!

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…

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

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

DIY Freestanding Mobile Pipe Coat Rack

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Roeshel

Holiday season! That means some entertaining in our home, get-togethers with families, dinner parties (having a holiday open house today, in fact). Time to get holiday guest ready! Did you ever notice that your own family fills up the coat closet (sometimes to the point of “avalanche!” when opening the door? Or is that just us?!)…and when guests arrive in colder months, coats are stored in the guest bedroom in a pile on a bed? Our solution:

A DIY moveable, mobile coat rack. I am so over the utility types that teeter, lean or fall over when filled up. Know what I mean? This industrial looking DIY coat rack is sturdy, not to mention adds a touch of rustic industrial style.

Materials I used:

(1) 48 inch stair tread (I used red oak but for a more budget friendly option, there was also pine)
Rust-Oleum Ultimate Wood Stain (color is kona and ebony)
foam brush for applying stain, gloves & rags, paint brush for applying polyurethane
Rust-Oleum Polyurethane sealer (finish is satin)
(4) heavy duty casters
(2) 3/4″ flanges
(2) 24″ galvanized steel pipes
(2) 30″ galvanized pipes
(2) 3/4″ tee connectors
(2) 3/4″ nipple connectors
(2) 3/4″ 90 degree elbows
(2) 3/4″ 90 degree street elbows
(2) 3/4″ caps
(1) 36″ galvanized pipe
#12 1 inch hexagon washers (screws)

What I did:

Soak the sticker parts of the galvanized pipes in hot soapy water. (It doesn’t take long.) Remove stickers. Dry pipes and set aside.

Finish the wood. Using the foam brush, I applied the wood stain (brush on in the same direction as the wood grain). Let sit for a few minutes then wipe away the excess with old rags. Unlike pine, the red oak wasn’t absorbing my favorite kona colored stain in as rich of a color so I also applied two coats of ebony in the same way to achieve a darker color. Stain then dries in about an hour.

After the stain was dry, I sealed the wood using a coat of polyurethane. Simply brush on (looks a bit milky when wet but dries clear). I let that dry overnight.

I attached the four casters to the under (unfinished) side using the hexagon screws. Be careful with the screws on the cut side of the wood. Going too close to the edge may cause the wood to crack.

Flip right side up. Set aside the nipple connectors, two street elbows and the caps.

Next I assembled my pipe pieces. Starting with the flanges. Screw 30″ pipes into flanges.

Then add tees to the other end of each 30″ pipe.

Then add the other 30″ pipe sections (one to each tee – you’ll have two poles at this point).

Add a 90 degree elbow to the top of one pole.

Connect the 36″ galvanized pipe (center) piece. Add a 90 degree elbow to the end of the center pipe piece then add the other pole.

Place the pole-contraption onto the wood stair riser (I found the center by using a yard stick). Attach flanges to the wood using the hex screws.

Add nipple connectors to the center tees, then elbows then caps. This creates a space for hanging purses, hats or scarves.

Now when we’re expecting guests, we can simply roll the coat rack near the door for hanging coats. Or use it as extra hanging space in a room without a closet (or one with a packed closet). Handy to have in the laundry room too!

Store it in the basement, a closet, the laundry room, an office or guest room and then move near the door for parties and gatherings. Or if you have room, display near the front door entryway or mudroom area.

I received a Lowe’s gift card to put towards this challenge. Opinion and above idea is 100% my own. More DIY ideas at Lowe’s Creative Ideas or follow Lowe’s on Instagram, Pinterest and sign up for the Creative Ideas magazine and app.

DIY Pipe Fitting Wooden Coat Rack Tutorial

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Roeshel

This little seating area is great for putting on shoes and a quiet pet resting place and I love the vintage mould (I think that’s what the chalkboard is hanging on) but you know what? I was ready for a change. Surprise, surprise! haha!

Time to get creative and since we love pipe and wood projects for a bit of a rustic industrial style (see this), those are the materials I used to create a pipe fitting wooden coat rack.

What I used:

Three 3/8 inch galvanized flanges
Three 3/8 inch 90 degree elbows
Three 3/8 inch black caps
Three 3/8 inch x close steel pipe nipples
Twelve 3/4 inch sheet metal screws (these fit nicely for securing the flanges to wood)
RustOleum Universal Metallic spray paint + primer (oil rubbed bronze)
Scrap 1 x 6 pine board
RustOleum Ultimate wood stain (Kona)
RustOleum Ultimate polyurethane
2 drywall anchors and screws (to secure to wall)

What I did:

1. I connected my pipe fittings in this order: flange, nipple, elbow, nipple, cap.

2. Then I gave them a few light coats of spray paint and let dry.

3. I cut my scrap pine board to 30 inches.

4. Then sanded the edges smooth and wiped clean.

5. Next using a foam paint brush, I applied the wood stain and let it sit for a couple of minutes. You’ll want to wear gloves!

6. Then wiped away the stain with an old rag and let it dry.

7. After about an hour, I brushed on the polyurethane and let it dry according to manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Once everything was dry, I secured the first pipe hook to the center of my wood plank. Then secured the other two.

9. I attached it to the wall using drywall anchors and screws.

Perfect for hanging jackets, the dog’s leash, or my tote bag.

Check back next week to see the tutorial for the dog silhouette wood plank wall art tutorial.

DIY Hanging Organizer (for peg hooks)

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Roeshel

How do you add a fun pop of color to an otherwise neutral room? Try Pantone’s Color of the Year for something you may not normally choose. The Lowe’s Creative Idea March challenge was to use Valspar’s Radiant Orchid. Just a small touch adds elegance to my white and gray space.

Inspired by PB’s Gabrielle system, I created a wooden peg hook organizing caddy from scrap wood.

Materials I used: Most of my wood was purchased at Lowe’s and is left over from previous projects with the exception of the .50 yard sale find piece shown below. Adjust measurements according to your own needs or scrap wood measurements. Inexpensive pine works well for this project.

1″ x 10″ x 18 1/2″ (back)
1″ x 6″ x 18 1/2″ (bottom)
1″ x 2″ x 4″ (sides)
1″ x 2″ x 18 1/2″ (front)
1″ deep (or however thick your peg hook rack is) x 1″ tall x 6″ wide (back stop piece)
Gorilla Wood Glue
1 1/2″ wood screws
Wood filler
Valspar Radiant Orchid

What I did:

Mark the center top of the back piece of wood. Hold up to a peg on your coat rack, lining the center with the center of a peg. On the wood, mark the center of each peg placement.

Decide which hole saw bit is just a little bigger than the pegs.

You’ll want your holes to be near the top end. I used a ruler to measure down about 2″ from the top and a level to make a cross mark to show the center of each hole. Drill tiny pilot holes where the pencil marks meet.

Attach the hole saw bit to your drill and using the pilot hole as a guide for the center drill bit, drill/cut holes. I think our hole saw bit is a little dull so the back side of my wood is splintered. (Thankfully no one will see that side!)

Sand and wipe clean all wood pieces. Hang on pegs to ensure holes line up.

Using wood glue, wood screws and clamps, assemble your caddy and let dry. I attached my screws from the bottom and back so they weren’t seen but you could also countersink screws, fill and sand.

I thought that was it for the construction until I tested it hanging on my peg hooks. Oops, front heavy. Using just wood glue and a clamp, I attached the back stop piece to the center bottom of the back. This ensures that the caddy will hang level.

Using wood filler, fill all seams and cracks. Let dry, sand smooth and wipe clean.

Paint the entire wood caddy. Mine took two coats. Radiant Orchid wouldn’t have been my first choice but it’s growing on me and it’s nice to do something bold and fun for a change. I love the Valspar sample size paint…more than enough and perfect for adding colorful accents. Down the road all it takes is a new coat of a different color to re-freshen things up.

Now I have a shelf/tray for decorative items, toiletries in the bathroom

Great for keys, wallet, sunglasses, change, cell phone near the door in the mudroom or entryway.

My peg hook is located in my bathroom but I’d really love to have something like this near the door as well. How about you?

More DIY ideas at Lowe’s Creative Ideas, follow Lowe’s on Instagram, Pinterest and sign up for the Creative Ideas magazine and app!

*Disclaimer: As a member of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Creators and Influencers network, I received a Lowe’s gift card to complete this challenge. As always, all ideas and opinions are in my own words. The blog post above is what worked for me. Results may vary. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and to take the proper safety precautions.

Stylish Spaces – That DIY Party Highlights

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Roeshel

One of my very favorite sources of DIY eye candy – your room makeovers. Here are some gorgeous room highlights from That DIY Party…

Entryway Style at Circus Berry

Kitchen Makeover at Turtles & Tails

Kitchen makeover at Fisherman’s Wife Furniture

Kitchen makeover at Maggie Overby Studios

Kitchen progress at Nalles House

Hot beverage bar at Creatively Southern

Master Bathroom Makeover at HomeRoad

Family Room Makeover at That’s My Letter

Fall living room at the Happy Housie

Pudel Design studio reveal

Boys bedroom reveal at Little Bit of Paint

Vintage industrial boys’ room makeover at Freckle Face Girl

Coral, Aqua and Navy girl’s room makeover at The Chronicles of Home

Bunkroom at Hunting Creek Homestead

Twin boy nursery at Our Pinteresting Family

Shared girl/boy bedroom with vintage Disney theme at Persia Lou

See more DIY:

Thanks to these talented ladies for linking up their inspiring creativity and hard work!

Cecilia’s beautiful Christmas Tree for the Christmas tree party & contest.

Accent Wall Before and After

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Roeshel

Patti (my youngest sister) is renting but has permission from the landlord to paint…and to be creative about it too. The entryway wall before had peeling paint…

I scraped and sanded until we had a smooth finish. Holes and cracks were patched using DAP’s DryDex (spackling that goes on pink, dries white) and sanded.

The walls got a coat of primer and a base coat in a neutral light gray color.

Using FrogTape Delicate (the yellow painter’s tape with PaintBlock Technology, safe for freshly painted walls) the next day, I created a chevron/zigzag pattern.

Then painted the zigzag stripes alternating a left-over darker gray paint and left-over gray-beige paint (the color under the tape is a lighter gray).

As soon as I were finished painting the second coat (while it was still wet), I removed the FrogTape Delicate.

Next up cleaning the dingy vinyl floor and decorating.

After (paint is still drying):

Patti just happens to work part time for a thrift store so she gets first dibs on all of the eclectic treasures (and has a good eye for what can be transformed). Lucky girl! If it was me, I’d never get out the door with a paycheck. I’d be trading those dollars for thrift store goodies!

Even though the wall now sports a busy pattern in 3 colors, the colors are neutral enough to work in some fun colorful accents and patterns. {All accessories found on Polyvore.}

teal, gold & gray

coral, black & gray

emerald & navy

gray & mustard

Looking forward to seeing what she does, how about you? Which color(s) do you like?

This is a sponsored post brought to you by FrogTape. The opinions are completely my own based on my own experience.

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Category Archives: Entryways

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

Featured

The Reveal

Share your thoughts!

Next up:

More about #helloredreno

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

DIY Freestanding Mobile Pipe Coat Rack

DIY Pipe Fitting Wooden Coat Rack Tutorial

DIY Hanging Organizer (for peg hooks)

Stylish Spaces – That DIY Party Highlights

Accent Wall Before and After