Home Interior: Countertops

Showing posts with label Countertops. Show all posts

Mainfloor Half Bath: "In Progress"

<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The main floor half bath is another work in progress, but definitely an improvement!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>It is much easier to begin to transform a space in which everything is replaced (see the progress in the guest room half bath <strong><a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/master-bedroom-half-bathroom-before-in.html">here</a></strong></span>.  Deciding to keep the perfectly functioning toilet and the mint condition vanity (read about my reasoning for trying to salvage <strong><a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/diy-re-varnished-cabinet-fronts.html">here</a></strong>. made creating a beautiful space more challenging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  So I welcome suggestions . . . </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zRCrHDjwjwb-gpOo-V-k4_V-SRTbZUb-9m92GVB624aLuEuEPPZhhVGycBtrdA9ZANKkGvmiVnrPIsqKc08QE-rFsH1HvJQc_9RRSuLn0_w-p2sGbHi582HuECjtRWUbGsngBkJAfCY/s1600/P1030158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zRCrHDjwjwb-gpOo-V-k4_V-SRTbZUb-9m92GVB624aLuEuEPPZhhVGycBtrdA9ZANKkGvmiVnrPIsqKc08QE-rFsH1HvJQc_9RRSuLn0_w-p2sGbHi582HuECjtRWUbGsngBkJAfCY/s400/P1030158.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Before"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfF_O6GzVPOWK2tIMQ3MhH4Kyvd3-U_Cul0fhLStfZzCNuHNKClpEvTvvrNAkqDA1npRF-rVQeZulKNSkefSz5idL6mkVWst5JgMccKN7PzKjwFx4VtwD3BqxZGyjWMB8O1cOyjxYw5c/s1600/P1030159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfF_O6GzVPOWK2tIMQ3MhH4Kyvd3-U_Cul0fhLStfZzCNuHNKClpEvTvvrNAkqDA1npRF-rVQeZulKNSkefSz5idL6mkVWst5JgMccKN7PzKjwFx4VtwD3BqxZGyjWMB8O1cOyjxYw5c/s400/P1030159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAsqCEx5i3cuKQ4NTZ0y1lwqJEksOTKv8bsHpLm_f2hnvI3IhNyZjDpSgM1sSe61DFP7CZDn3I2cnwXTHBA0rMVcVGUkfCJIjwsaxsQhJz2jZw8kgvK0C2nelBV83iFPMUT4ZOol5Nts/s1600/P1030160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAsqCEx5i3cuKQ4NTZ0y1lwqJEksOTKv8bsHpLm_f2hnvI3IhNyZjDpSgM1sSe61DFP7CZDn3I2cnwXTHBA0rMVcVGUkfCJIjwsaxsQhJz2jZw8kgvK0C2nelBV83iFPMUT4ZOol5Nts/s400/P1030160.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianYDlFRsJkVho5Ljtg_Wrwq0pYqdf9JtWJAY0S5SpmYjpj8xwosuD2kQWytnlxvq55j-sgnxN0JzEp9LiWqfelozhOVjQzqhue3QHbrS4RwRyj8UtS90XRoP-CpDvH-tFsositxv_Z2Q/s1600/P1030321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianYDlFRsJkVho5Ljtg_Wrwq0pYqdf9JtWJAY0S5SpmYjpj8xwosuD2kQWytnlxvq55j-sgnxN0JzEp9LiWqfelozhOVjQzqhue3QHbrS4RwRyj8UtS90XRoP-CpDvH-tFsositxv_Z2Q/s400/P1030321.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This light fixture needed a photograph of its own</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>First step</strong>: remove wallpaper in a fit of near-hysteria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I just wanted it gone, gone, gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Using a spray-on wallpaper remover helped, but when I ran out and refilled the bottle with water it seemed to work just as effectively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Working slowly, drenching the paper then peeling like crazy seemed to be the best approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvNEkvthyphenhyphen0XdS24X06GVKxoRg1R8RcwAgsQdN5G7iv7yiQaOTABSAgqDOGSl2bl3uL1y7ID1p1G6I9j5xbyQs-XO_4px2BQu6FN2BICVjP63TGwg3SA-qnI5QJ1TvznaPUdfM2jwdh1U/s1600/P1030707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvNEkvthyphenhyphen0XdS24X06GVKxoRg1R8RcwAgsQdN5G7iv7yiQaOTABSAgqDOGSl2bl3uL1y7ID1p1G6I9j5xbyQs-XO_4px2BQu6FN2BICVjP63TGwg3SA-qnI5QJ1TvznaPUdfM2jwdh1U/s400/P1030707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv3zFBDvvBQfM_1MvrNvnx3_JIpf12SZ-Cecm1WJLX3AVF0CSOMXMpF8oeMwFLxEzhyKzGZ_iGF7sDDXBUPsQ8XZwZdW1N62B67GMaEdV72n-QSaOgqTq8mZ7XmWFhHvvsWkpvCutC-0/s1600/P1030705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv3zFBDvvBQfM_1MvrNvnx3_JIpf12SZ-Cecm1WJLX3AVF0CSOMXMpF8oeMwFLxEzhyKzGZ_iGF7sDDXBUPsQ8XZwZdW1N62B67GMaEdV72n-QSaOgqTq8mZ7XmWFhHvvsWkpvCutC-0/s400/P1030705.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is more effective if you rip with dramatic gusto</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-Cwpx7RPTrwx62A4RJzFeU0ZXV7rjTbcONX7CwhurFpPjJZNvpaeWIlmaloX4Z7syYQZxjubrTXxTpPBn-CdwtO0km0UTpKNVZ0EASwxjcpOEI7f1ZOQIM4XppKmU8-pqoRpdH5-7dI/s1600/P1030704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-Cwpx7RPTrwx62A4RJzFeU0ZXV7rjTbcONX7CwhurFpPjJZNvpaeWIlmaloX4Z7syYQZxjubrTXxTpPBn-CdwtO0km0UTpKNVZ0EASwxjcpOEI7f1ZOQIM4XppKmU8-pqoRpdH5-7dI/s400/P1030704.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><strong></strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Second step</strong>: the vanity, walls and even the metal pipe cover were painted a soft, taupe grey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The white used elsewhere would have made the bone coloured toilet stand-out and I wanted it to blend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span><br /><br /><strong>Third step</strong>: details.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>We replaced the light fixture with one that matches the stairwell and upstairs hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>A new mirror, (refurbished) cabinet pulls and new hinges, plus a print by my mom were added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>But it still looked worn out.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69NwMiYiy-qvIEsieyqUazAOcO_35dpy1ka55_AvC39MjPZXrxJLp7i6E3yD0clEXLZMOvddc9X6YsUSeORnQh3791RV6JOHUh8m7ibXWuKp5Qe-bg795TM02QSWpyMqXdCp1BufQXsM/s1600/P1030886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69NwMiYiy-qvIEsieyqUazAOcO_35dpy1ka55_AvC39MjPZXrxJLp7i6E3yD0clEXLZMOvddc9X6YsUSeORnQh3791RV6JOHUh8m7ibXWuKp5Qe-bg795TM02QSWpyMqXdCp1BufQXsM/s400/P1030886.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking better(ish) . . . </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Fourth step</strong>: bigger stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>We replaced the countertop with the same counter used in the kitchen and added a square-ish vessel sink (round sinks looked way too mod for the space) and a new black faucet and drain (which were ridiculously hard to find) and some colourful hand towels.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WMD7yq8jGhc8M0aUhEV15AdBcph-UVoeWiEDIw8RaOxVNaBFudsWBuyNq2-QaivGLCOxJSRcbObvl47DOzMVUXoNaj5oFWl5sSPlN59mQ-GTFATejSuQhM3akUZfURMpobF9mY0yefg/s1600/P1050726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WMD7yq8jGhc8M0aUhEV15AdBcph-UVoeWiEDIw8RaOxVNaBFudsWBuyNq2-QaivGLCOxJSRcbObvl47DOzMVUXoNaj5oFWl5sSPlN59mQ-GTFATejSuQhM3akUZfURMpobF9mY0yefg/s640/P1050726.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spray painted the handles from the guest room half bath black and installed them here!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qSQY39r1vwSw4s0bK-X-puARqFQjIyykE4x8G61jHhEjnV2mpvnGk_F5y8MAN8rKlizRw4PFjj9KtuiTn3Hn7GFJLzn_FqNQYNCHHY6A-NqhcVJ7bMDGy1a44YEtDHU-yGH6kdrtXqM/s1600/P1050731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qSQY39r1vwSw4s0bK-X-puARqFQjIyykE4x8G61jHhEjnV2mpvnGk_F5y8MAN8rKlizRw4PFjj9KtuiTn3Hn7GFJLzn_FqNQYNCHHY6A-NqhcVJ7bMDGy1a44YEtDHU-yGH6kdrtXqM/s400/P1050731.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtSzfOkCOnMkRq-uQfJhlpKlKG0bXyLl6Ls2FUkkFFYZtODUGE0OxHOTdtJe_CwQBFx97z_rkt_5OxBuMSwZnzBv4knmJ2q2uBuziWSo_vUFQFsfmg9dVDLKgPkQQh0O6abEc-W9Jh9A/s1600/P1050733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtSzfOkCOnMkRq-uQfJhlpKlKG0bXyLl6Ls2FUkkFFYZtODUGE0OxHOTdtJe_CwQBFx97z_rkt_5OxBuMSwZnzBv4knmJ2q2uBuziWSo_vUFQFsfmg9dVDLKgPkQQh0O6abEc-W9Jh9A/s640/P1050733.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcrAil59aMqCIpIyHQRs0z3n9rnzur3YdEEZCgARHsSaEm_Zz0-EqDdg0_uAQ2DPboF4MWUZLVEV_joZNe7kePZe3wXYxtVTJG55NwwpZk28t1m2rDu2DetaZZH_g6pu_hO1oq0o7bQc/s1600/P1060435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcrAil59aMqCIpIyHQRs0z3n9rnzur3YdEEZCgARHsSaEm_Zz0-EqDdg0_uAQ2DPboF4MWUZLVEV_joZNe7kePZe3wXYxtVTJG55NwwpZk28t1m2rDu2DetaZZH_g6pu_hO1oq0o7bQc/s400/P1060435.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">This bathroom isn’t anything super special (yet), but it is definitely better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I still need to change the towel bar, paint </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">the radiator (is that possible?) and add some more artwork/accessories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Any suggestions for a great towel bar?</span>

Mainfloor Half Bath: "In Progress"

The main floor half bath is another work in progress, but definitely an improvement! It is much easier to begin to transform a space in wh...

4:52 AM

Inspiration: Hotel Bathroom

<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe we just don’t stay in fancy enough hotels when we travel because I am rarely inspired by a hotel bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Surprisingly, during a recent trip to Boston, MA I discovered that our room at the <strong><a href="http://www.radisson.com/boston-hotel-ma-02116/maboston">Radisson Hotel</a></strong> had such a lovely bathroom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I took a few pictures for ogling purposes.  </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It has the crisp, all white look I love but it was done with a mix of classic and super modern styles in various shades and textures.  The picture doesn't do the countertop justice--I think it was Corian and it had an amazing luminescent quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Plus, the designers really splurged on fixtures (a luxury we couldn’t afford) and it made all the difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The tub (not pictured) was a soaker tub and had a gorgeous showerhead (you can kinda see it in the mirror).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The only downfall was that the floor tiles were SUPER slick which was especially dangerous in such a teeny tiny bathroom.  Am I the only one that has this issue?  It seems a lot of my design preferences are based on my falling down a lot or dropping things . . . <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsuMM8YYINWobdnTyQSVOO_NJp2TnPhLnP9EX0tnnJyuWuCbUaLbLhCnhhNLDVzYGimW68qSzwypfYDu4dmKSzTImzVnN6NZGt_cMD902l6S66qxA-LwMfNPjo3IfXkCEoXpxyWoVnDI/s1600/P1050747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsuMM8YYINWobdnTyQSVOO_NJp2TnPhLnP9EX0tnnJyuWuCbUaLbLhCnhhNLDVzYGimW68qSzwypfYDu4dmKSzTImzVnN6NZGt_cMD902l6S66qxA-LwMfNPjo3IfXkCEoXpxyWoVnDI/s640/P1050747.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7wW3w5uNM0h0zEvyWWJFgNCpfRhq89U-IeFz-VyBH3X_ug21OPsnBswrkC3tu4hsjlSRI-HOZr2DpDMx2ZhMHocMvIOqzR_pPPLevkZwNTQ3MomTnH0hxpKOK4Gy8T2L6RbGrhgFn4A/s1600/P1050744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7wW3w5uNM0h0zEvyWWJFgNCpfRhq89U-IeFz-VyBH3X_ug21OPsnBswrkC3tu4hsjlSRI-HOZr2DpDMx2ZhMHocMvIOqzR_pPPLevkZwNTQ3MomTnH0hxpKOK4Gy8T2L6RbGrhgFn4A/s400/P1050744.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1E1Ogyc3AFbkKdVS_KvvjFV4oOmrlNd6NHEC0_Rc3MXFv_r415kvQUYK6LUUpsqzAVn2QyC9tvhxPEuthyx43AvfT1_rwvEf_Zgrv8NgRXFpMN4iDMSXDFS-h6Os8XQkTzpvJsq32aM/s1600/P1050746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1E1Ogyc3AFbkKdVS_KvvjFV4oOmrlNd6NHEC0_Rc3MXFv_r415kvQUYK6LUUpsqzAVn2QyC9tvhxPEuthyx43AvfT1_rwvEf_Zgrv8NgRXFpMN4iDMSXDFS-h6Os8XQkTzpvJsq32aM/s640/P1050746.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JvcEu6Vjt0sljSmgvy_u5ih-L7IJXo5k6NJOG0yny7PMaMiqem2v24CeqSzeTqNzw8iqpjcEmOnqeuZAHzbJrr5Tzw2kfAQvNgD5Iu0WrpCiXOrRZavtwYoRZtbo5xULlfUo-YKgL-U/s1600/P1050748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JvcEu6Vjt0sljSmgvy_u5ih-L7IJXo5k6NJOG0yny7PMaMiqem2v24CeqSzeTqNzw8iqpjcEmOnqeuZAHzbJrr5Tzw2kfAQvNgD5Iu0WrpCiXOrRZavtwYoRZtbo5xULlfUo-YKgL-U/s640/P1050748.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>

Inspiration: Hotel Bathroom

Maybe we just don’t stay in fancy enough hotels when we travel because I am rarely inspired by a hotel bathroom. Surprisingly, during a re...

4:35 PM

Master Bedroom Half Bath: "Before & In Progress"

<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We started with this:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSsC2FsHq6XtVMZni5LORm2-RfE72vAqx1VH5N2w44wZ17j99tXdryQYNGEKuFAeku-_-FfAqdHhSZqQOWKdON0OGKKuKfuabCA_dyaqh7ragDbziOG7c5EGZoniRpfqu-a_1pKA8ZCg/s1600/P1030260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSsC2FsHq6XtVMZni5LORm2-RfE72vAqx1VH5N2w44wZ17j99tXdryQYNGEKuFAeku-_-FfAqdHhSZqQOWKdON0OGKKuKfuabCA_dyaqh7ragDbziOG7c5EGZoniRpfqu-a_1pKA8ZCg/s320/P1030260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrnHkaxWGZl6yFsB_Nf4g4O3itKIiJ9QGygYo2Yz7uZbj2tNgrNrWci0w5bBSdj8eMcuL5rwFe7N9MBQBbK_hueagGWk5SFxLYU8VGmBhe9RGfzgeVlV6UOMGsnYQvsJdXqxrr9u2HxQ/s1600/P1030256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrnHkaxWGZl6yFsB_Nf4g4O3itKIiJ9QGygYo2Yz7uZbj2tNgrNrWci0w5bBSdj8eMcuL5rwFe7N9MBQBbK_hueagGWk5SFxLYU8VGmBhe9RGfzgeVlV6UOMGsnYQvsJdXqxrr9u2HxQ/s320/P1030256.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make note of these handles, you will see them again!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAAATBJ5CDLk3lxHJLn-1e_OO6qkTIsbGHg5jvrZk1XwiHT7wtt6xB4rDnuXzIRiPTZ3gAwGQhVZLe2veFy_oR5zLlqyK_4xSFOjq8RmBBoxJVpmQFmPQcAhMDk87eG3VqyxF1lVpwgA/s1600/P1030169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAAATBJ5CDLk3lxHJLn-1e_OO6qkTIsbGHg5jvrZk1XwiHT7wtt6xB4rDnuXzIRiPTZ3gAwGQhVZLe2veFy_oR5zLlqyK_4xSFOjq8RmBBoxJVpmQFmPQcAhMDk87eG3VqyxF1lVpwgA/s320/P1030169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And we currently have this:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSmVkDsSGgqS22il6PiqFAPjbwfo7XAEShmpnpPLDa1eJDFsc47nOtz6EJZlzBhISYUoalEicLjSNSX0vo3MLzWtGEWy9KHimeu3lEArYsvdQ7j-hg0oSwlPyQS9thc-7L9LaNhQutZU/s1600/P1060112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSmVkDsSGgqS22il6PiqFAPjbwfo7XAEShmpnpPLDa1eJDFsc47nOtz6EJZlzBhISYUoalEicLjSNSX0vo3MLzWtGEWy9KHimeu3lEArYsvdQ7j-hg0oSwlPyQS9thc-7L9LaNhQutZU/s640/P1060112.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The bones are in: new vanity, marble countertop, sink and faucet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The floor, toilet, mirror and even towel bar (not pictured) are also all new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  The marble countertop was affordable because it was an option offered by Home Depot for the (modular) vanity.  Because it isn't a custom piece (it came in a few standard sizes) it fit into our budget.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtapH-FXbKfpcJmtP8iZJelk957QUWINF6PT3NYvFc0IfUFK-VZ2qk4sa0dldU-01MhIfsRRV7wGJWUwpdxpxzYlJW1Ie2DqxfTDVgp_c-k1Vo4LwCwf0FgCrw3nDS1Y1l9bCQ0nB7yho/s1600/P1060121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtapH-FXbKfpcJmtP8iZJelk957QUWINF6PT3NYvFc0IfUFK-VZ2qk4sa0dldU-01MhIfsRRV7wGJWUwpdxpxzYlJW1Ie2DqxfTDVgp_c-k1Vo4LwCwf0FgCrw3nDS1Y1l9bCQ0nB7yho/s640/P1060121.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I chose a vinyl flooring because ceramic can be slippery when wet and can chip very easily (I drop everything).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Stone is, of course, gorgeous but we splurged on new hardwood floors for the whole second level, so I wanted something affordable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I love, love this flooring because it looks so Scandinavian and is a cinch to install (and keep clean) plus it is very affordable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  Be sure to choose the right transition for the job when installing different types of flooring!  This was our second try . . . </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7udn3YmIhFbz-OMu6WiCDpdnV7IbK5mCNPUWDCppXEz_h5OmO4ZlN6FPjffxaYB2bVj_sp_V3oAJrx7jyrdZzZSuEfbjYh1X3gu9kZjE6biSD_LfJOseocKHgnhmhoY2szt2A-4L1syk/s1600/P1060113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7udn3YmIhFbz-OMu6WiCDpdnV7IbK5mCNPUWDCppXEz_h5OmO4ZlN6FPjffxaYB2bVj_sp_V3oAJrx7jyrdZzZSuEfbjYh1X3gu9kZjE6biSD_LfJOseocKHgnhmhoY2szt2A-4L1syk/s640/P1060113.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What I need to do now is decorate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>My soap dish is a $1.00 yard sale find: it is actually a salesman's sample for a German china pattern from 1969.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The pottery bowl is from an estate sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The pink patterned paper (third picture) is a sample of a mid-century Parisian store's signature wrapping paper that we purchased at a flea market in Paris, France this spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I can’t decide how to frame it: use a rather large black frame we already have and just have a mat cut, or frame it really large with white mat and white frame, or find a nice large floating frame, or create a collage of black and white photos from the trip and include this paper . . . <strong>thoughts</strong>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>This bathroom is immediately off the bedroom (technically the "master bedroom," but used by us as a guest room) so whatever I do, I don’t want it to compete with the bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfueYcpx5aRvHrSOwZ1J2zSA-OUvI-YGdCQJqbyNSA2NhzM5usG6NUjnA6xr4QT-MACVx4Rz6pgFFYZYyAn_03XKEDc0zNju4deywSP1f6rlBWz-kMu_MS6zoizTpUJBRzOOHZrHT1KSM/s1600/P1060123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfueYcpx5aRvHrSOwZ1J2zSA-OUvI-YGdCQJqbyNSA2NhzM5usG6NUjnA6xr4QT-MACVx4Rz6pgFFYZYyAn_03XKEDc0zNju4deywSP1f6rlBWz-kMu_MS6zoizTpUJBRzOOHZrHT1KSM/s400/P1060123.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-p0ejK6nNelNHEwdGRZQOcViKO8xEcSjxeasUlMRw5wQSnEEZQoOkrHErPOMyCQEs6oGi8y06xU62dioQbitTZh6WrF9jztjrkNPbO4R3QoEkRO9R6udxyArBHB6rrv31EZ6q0iE9yA/s1600/P1060115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-p0ejK6nNelNHEwdGRZQOcViKO8xEcSjxeasUlMRw5wQSnEEZQoOkrHErPOMyCQEs6oGi8y06xU62dioQbitTZh6WrF9jztjrkNPbO4R3QoEkRO9R6udxyArBHB6rrv31EZ6q0iE9yA/s320/P1060115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf2FTr54oe8waNB5E6arY4gyq0yAFeKF8sFIS0cjWLdLNHSk8i7jUE93fThOOtE7t9zQqSDMRio7IvfxUKEfrluFQmoqB0wd2K4cJNc3pchdVDZLwoyE08JCyiVaM-e6l581ZScbrOXA/s1600/P1060124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf2FTr54oe8waNB5E6arY4gyq0yAFeKF8sFIS0cjWLdLNHSk8i7jUE93fThOOtE7t9zQqSDMRio7IvfxUKEfrluFQmoqB0wd2K4cJNc3pchdVDZLwoyE08JCyiVaM-e6l581ZScbrOXA/s640/P1060124.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How to frame this?</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Also on our to-do list: replace this wonky light fixture.  In a time crunch, I replaced the main bathroom light fixture with one I don't 100% love, so I thought of seeing if it will fit nicely here, and then buying something I love for the main bath (because I stare at that one a lot more than this one).</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRnB1s_-VWt5zJBCaZrEWwYpKbol2VQE4dJs9qo_bubZV7aIZ1abqNnrMgGO2J8DNEwuXKXnvhqpE_5bpTwsdO-vEdS4_gkYYAXnj046PnICh7U4ZjxF63xliUDpcwVD0arHeR8hqIkg/s1600/P1060120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRnB1s_-VWt5zJBCaZrEWwYpKbol2VQE4dJs9qo_bubZV7aIZ1abqNnrMgGO2J8DNEwuXKXnvhqpE_5bpTwsdO-vEdS4_gkYYAXnj046PnICh7U4ZjxF63xliUDpcwVD0arHeR8hqIkg/s320/P1060120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So ugly I sometimes don't notice it isn't centred</td></tr></tbody></table>

Master Bedroom Half Bath: "Before & In Progress"

We started with this: Make note of these handles, you will see them again! And we currently have this: The bones are in: new vanity, marble ...

10:19 AM

Kitchen: "Before & After"

<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Start with this . . . </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(see more "before" pics <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/kitchen-before.html"><strong>here</strong></a>):</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkmGAKLZ-5G3C0d1X8AjysS-nvEejZ4-eT4QanikvlZll_i99DBntCpAqeHQQxQufTqPDGa-mkAviMPiQWt6eXa2hip4wZn7anadfgVt7lbTn6lDxKzlB_WeGTlWStwNic9WRUgAcpEI/s1600/P1030211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkmGAKLZ-5G3C0d1X8AjysS-nvEejZ4-eT4QanikvlZll_i99DBntCpAqeHQQxQufTqPDGa-mkAviMPiQWt6eXa2hip4wZn7anadfgVt7lbTn6lDxKzlB_WeGTlWStwNic9WRUgAcpEI/s400/P1030211.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLUbrejHX_e4BYl54negWgk4dxHAF5LvjepRauWlQqkRRybWDGVbmPBLA2GRXDC_5OVlbGxYcPnMj5O-qNSTm9kzMwBdMnjCbz61sb_uWQaO5IBlJ32IPzdjjnKY1KLNmhuods1Ltu88/s1600/P1030213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLUbrejHX_e4BYl54negWgk4dxHAF5LvjepRauWlQqkRRybWDGVbmPBLA2GRXDC_5OVlbGxYcPnMj5O-qNSTm9kzMwBdMnjCbz61sb_uWQaO5IBlJ32IPzdjjnKY1KLNmhuods1Ltu88/s400/P1030213.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad, faded cabinet fronts: where did your varnish go?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add a little of this:</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtm2MLtH7SmLM16ZRfIK9q5uhM61rg4MRm3dzKCz8jBJk_jdIeNRymi0E6mVuGBRzKrgC6uP4h_Jw1a9nfPmwVEvAkdUqZbxaIhSpjKkurWc8O6fRcTkV7HtRDKZnxeueHagE7epIfaE/s1600/P1050577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtm2MLtH7SmLM16ZRfIK9q5uhM61rg4MRm3dzKCz8jBJk_jdIeNRymi0E6mVuGBRzKrgC6uP4h_Jw1a9nfPmwVEvAkdUqZbxaIhSpjKkurWc8O6fRcTkV7HtRDKZnxeueHagE7epIfaE/s400/P1050577.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooo, at this point the cabinet fronts were already <br />stripped and re-varnished--so glossy!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4GlzR8n-fpWukMKInUogCEaUHBH7-wJfPYAC6zBSi72Z2xncX5ZByg5QjCtCv4y9qgDyj5RAtXyTNexeK9ego2433VxTbWmPzj-dYU8pvTL_4NIVdpelay53zgYeyBScU9j45bVAAkA/s1600/P1050581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4GlzR8n-fpWukMKInUogCEaUHBH7-wJfPYAC6zBSi72Z2xncX5ZByg5QjCtCv4y9qgDyj5RAtXyTNexeK9ego2433VxTbWmPzj-dYU8pvTL_4NIVdpelay53zgYeyBScU9j45bVAAkA/s400/P1050581.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWP_SYrxfSG5DUW2pGYdP8xjHvmXA5DVvjHP4DUyv2_bNmGh_SwEWm2BBtY1osGPO5BrFiCjLW-VCxdBxMoMdS7tUZdaFWnTGHgf46u18bQ_7SW2sEkRFrzRmkOWc6UlJhqUzZ9NNqaQ/s1600/P1050618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWP_SYrxfSG5DUW2pGYdP8xjHvmXA5DVvjHP4DUyv2_bNmGh_SwEWm2BBtY1osGPO5BrFiCjLW-VCxdBxMoMdS7tUZdaFWnTGHgf46u18bQ_7SW2sEkRFrzRmkOWc6UlJhqUzZ9NNqaQ/s400/P1050618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">We removed the old tile and removed much of the wall at the same time, so we replaced the drywall and then installed subway tile in a herringbone pattern for visual interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  We worked in very small sections until we got the hang of it.  </span>We opted for brushed silver edging that matches the NEW brushed silver hardware and NEW light fixtures.  This pattern required LOTS of measuring, cutting, swearing, re-measuring, cutting . . .  We also installed the new countertops ourselves (it is laminate, but I think it looks like concrete--I love it!).  We did a lot of research and it turned out to be a pretty easy task, which saved us $400 of labour.  We did opt for delivery though because we have a small car.  (CORRECTION: Husband says, "we don't have a small car, we have a Nissan Versa.  You can't post lies."  Our beloved Charlie is up on blocks while we save up money to race him.  No joke.)</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC2NpIF4Jh4d9q7piegWx_kwW19VUu8cOT0kIyTFl68aXpqkdJYk01OOWtgK4aSxpEgHXDBRVBZsHFz7ge5WFPilV8WAY5bo-gfPNPovCs5pUMzAj5ryXZLwDeJ3178v2UIhZFCWinsc/s1600/P1050621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC2NpIF4Jh4d9q7piegWx_kwW19VUu8cOT0kIyTFl68aXpqkdJYk01OOWtgK4aSxpEgHXDBRVBZsHFz7ge5WFPilV8WAY5bo-gfPNPovCs5pUMzAj5ryXZLwDeJ3178v2UIhZFCWinsc/s400/P1050621.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoMp3nhsJwuPf18NKSGkJghj3-BhkpOxJzHwgbTjhie4YLQNx-HqgIkaByM4tlaPzS9WruUx5lNfSoahHKlAGLvap1-RdjfrT9r7lWK1SaE-Frl0IxOZxh9ZygvIbgvMY_oLak1wztaY/s1600/P1050626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoMp3nhsJwuPf18NKSGkJghj3-BhkpOxJzHwgbTjhie4YLQNx-HqgIkaByM4tlaPzS9WruUx5lNfSoahHKlAGLvap1-RdjfrT9r7lWK1SaE-Frl0IxOZxh9ZygvIbgvMY_oLak1wztaY/s400/P1050626.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now we have this:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1a6y1mV4347HDI4wjqzccedT-N_p0W_GEHTGk0ue22EFPoDb_55q4thciIwkYLGjFcXcU3KNcASgBgFJ_StfN7_Padim2n1zlWgil9m1JB7fy82IEwehJswvcy0AYjVrAxfnJoNC7Cc/s1600/P1060046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1a6y1mV4347HDI4wjqzccedT-N_p0W_GEHTGk0ue22EFPoDb_55q4thciIwkYLGjFcXcU3KNcASgBgFJ_StfN7_Padim2n1zlWgil9m1JB7fy82IEwehJswvcy0AYjVrAxfnJoNC7Cc/s640/P1060046.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We tried to do a very inexpensive makeover on the kitchen—what I called the “spit and polish”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>We kept the ceramic tile floor, appliances (except for range hood), cabinets and faucet (which rocks--you can pull it out to fill buckets or water plants).  Because my kitchenware, such as dishes, place settings and even my blender, are so colourful (lots of vintage turquoise, green, and pink) I kept the colour scheme in the kitchen pretty tame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I usually favor vintage tea towels (I have a collection Martha Stewart would envy—but only if she has fewer than 30!) but I just bought these Marimekko ones in Boston, MA recently and I am love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I heart Marimekko (I think I have to--I’m Finnish & Hungarian).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The print above the sink was made by my mom and it is based on a still life she set up in her kitchen. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT1J18CzzxxahVsv74nflMFCZiZ8SPMcoEFR0dQoH5mctcAj58w9XLRKUZjyHIbkDQqNN5L9CdjatyW-NYeZCUlp05AOPA4bpCbf7LO5RQBW0fg9IQeIqoEd3vLe8wbyL1URpj-OLC9E/s1600/P1060039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT1J18CzzxxahVsv74nflMFCZiZ8SPMcoEFR0dQoH5mctcAj58w9XLRKUZjyHIbkDQqNN5L9CdjatyW-NYeZCUlp05AOPA4bpCbf7LO5RQBW0fg9IQeIqoEd3vLe8wbyL1URpj-OLC9E/s640/P1060039.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPR9qnQF09s8vYPRr7LyrUzIoN1QON5okVJkGiHIlOM1s8ZVPnTZR1tsHLkgPFWY1d76QU2rlU-AKGFhP0YNKbFTZYzSOYumDlblsxhueDGZugk50BA0M0fJ9gUmPMQlqEAFAZzLLq6U/s1600/P1060028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPR9qnQF09s8vYPRr7LyrUzIoN1QON5okVJkGiHIlOM1s8ZVPnTZR1tsHLkgPFWY1d76QU2rlU-AKGFhP0YNKbFTZYzSOYumDlblsxhueDGZugk50BA0M0fJ9gUmPMQlqEAFAZzLLq6U/s640/P1060028.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We stripped and re-varnished the cabinet fronts and then painted the inside of the cabinets white to freshen them up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>We used a chemical stripper because the cabinet fronts are veneer and we didn’t want a belt sander to strip below the veneer.  I love the look of the painted cabinetry, but the cabinet fronts had some really nice grain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I just couldn’t cover them, but the next owner could easily paint to suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjd0o7L9N8_H86tIVBE1IBesNcGs84yBqyWe1iLA2SMuzQIo7KHmMS0S2S67mh2KW-g-OfvUrt_tIH8dkCS5cn0aZPm-QGRmky_DhMNHrtyUg64P6ZQS-K8X-Aig2pcaAbeuvQmnyY5cA/s1600/P1060054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjd0o7L9N8_H86tIVBE1IBesNcGs84yBqyWe1iLA2SMuzQIo7KHmMS0S2S67mh2KW-g-OfvUrt_tIH8dkCS5cn0aZPm-QGRmky_DhMNHrtyUg64P6ZQS-K8X-Aig2pcaAbeuvQmnyY5cA/s640/P1060054.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">We posted a want add on an online classifieds looking for a mid-century teak dining table.  A lovely couple replied and we purchased the set below.  The table is actually in the dining room and we purchased another round teak table to pair with these chairs in the kitchen.  We reupholstered the chairs with a black and white houndstooth.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9O14VBhcpPuLZb8aha45QGfNLZ25PquSKQ_sCdn2u_hvpg_7r99vEa0LtNhLsWgaKmsuHs7yGJ-Iw19u0joI2rdW-JQcmr53L3Lukjrc3g7Puo6lgNF_-qaEnNIvFCBACIfSYfAM2DU/s1600/P1020969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9O14VBhcpPuLZb8aha45QGfNLZ25PquSKQ_sCdn2u_hvpg_7r99vEa0LtNhLsWgaKmsuHs7yGJ-Iw19u0joI2rdW-JQcmr53L3Lukjrc3g7Puo6lgNF_-qaEnNIvFCBACIfSYfAM2DU/s320/P1020969.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRA5bmZ4ROlI3l9ZAX9-1EtuE_mLlzVtjIQ4P0TnVpNn9PoXRkcHoJfhL_2ptehqKZlX_dBnXrdzPbGlFPcYPJkp10w8ccPNaMXSs_51XngDEN_84QFllYgJG-p_WCPea0uXXOTm22Te0/s1600/P1060030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRA5bmZ4ROlI3l9ZAX9-1EtuE_mLlzVtjIQ4P0TnVpNn9PoXRkcHoJfhL_2ptehqKZlX_dBnXrdzPbGlFPcYPJkp10w8ccPNaMXSs_51XngDEN_84QFllYgJG-p_WCPea0uXXOTm22Te0/s640/P1060030.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't worry, empty wall, I will dress you up soon . . . </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9YWfT3WpqR-GEyWTR-Y2Ze0ge791lrl-ABy52D_zMog3HWobh6DE1xcMCvKopjLKS13UGKkvGmNmKhvARKJ3DDN1ajZ7jZs2sYE_1EyTa-TL2zFAu7YOqiCXdHUAPowUwA7KiyCelqI/s1600/P1060036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9YWfT3WpqR-GEyWTR-Y2Ze0ge791lrl-ABy52D_zMog3HWobh6DE1xcMCvKopjLKS13UGKkvGmNmKhvARKJ3DDN1ajZ7jZs2sYE_1EyTa-TL2zFAu7YOqiCXdHUAPowUwA7KiyCelqI/s640/P1060036.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Kitchen: "Before & After"

Start with this . . . (see more "before" pics here ): Sad, faded cabinet fronts: where did your varnish go? Add a little of...

2:46 PM