January 2016 House Overview: Part 1 Downstairs

Since it's the start of a fresh new year I thought I would do a whole house overview; to see where we are and where we want to go in terms of house renovations. This past year moved a little slower in getting things crossed off the list, as a new baby took up a lot of our time. However, we still managed to get some exciting projects completed. So here is an overview of our home, from where we started to now, and where we would like to go in the future. 

Front Yard

Before

After

Nope, you are not imagining it, nothing has changed out here except the seasons. However, we have big plans and hopefully we will be able to start on it this summer!

To Do:

• Get new modern outdoor lights for beside the front door and up on the balcony.
• Completely overhaul the balcony: Wood needs replacing and get a new railing; and I want to paint it a new colour, maybe dark grey.
• Build a low front deck leading up to the entrance. 
• Add a swing in the space beside the front doors: either a baby swing or a bench swing (maybe both).
• Change the front doors and handles to something less gold and more modern.
• Paint the garage door a dark grey.
• Give the garden some TLC.

Done:

• Add Doorbell

Front Entrance

Before

After

We haven't changed too much in here this past year. All the future projects we want to do in this area are low priority right now. Hopefully the front doors we will change out this summer as part of our front yard project. 

To Do:​​

• Widen the closet doors and add french doors.
• Redo inside of closet, by painting and adding more useful shelving (especially for little ones).
• Change front hall tiles, that will extend into the laundry area and bathroom.

Done:

• Paint Walls
• Add Shelves
• Hang Mirror
• Clean Carpet
• Change closet door knob

Entertainment Room (aka now Elara's play room)

Before

After

Toys!

Elara's toys have slowly migrated down here, and after Christmas they exploded! It's the perfect room for her as we can close her in, and there isn't too much she can get into. We have only made a few small changes in here over the past year, and there are very few to do in the near future.

To Do:

• New cover for a cable that's sticking out the wall.
• New Window Coverings

Done:

• Paint Walls
• Change French Door's Knobs
• New Shelves

Laundry

Not much has happened in here, except for adding hooks at the back and putting the throw rug down. I'm hoping to one day separate the furnace from the laundry area. Then build in the laundry with a nice sink and shelving for all our cleaning stuff. I'd also like to add a bench and hooks for the kids to use when coming in from the garage. Future project! Everything from the furnace to the dryer are on it's last legs. We are waiting for everything to die in here before replacing it and renovating. ​

Guest Bathroom

Before

After

We have renovated this bathroom as much as we will for awhile. One day we will rip it all out and change it. But for now it will do, especially once the kids move in. 

To Do:

• New floor tiles and heated floor
• Change everything!

Done:

• Paint Walls
• Add Shelve
• Hang Mirror
• Change door knob
• Add new accessories

Guest Room

Year 1

Before

After

The guest room has gone through a few redecorations over the last couple of years. I'm so happy with how it looks currently. However, there are still some items I would like to add.

To Do:

• Change carpet
• Add bedside tables
• Maybe one day get a new bed
• Put up curtains

Done:

• Paint Walls
• Paint Closet
• Clean Carpet
• Change door knob
• Add new accessories

Office

Before

After

After

This is a temporary room, but for now it houses both of our offices. One day, probably sooner then I think, it will be a kid's room. I'm happy with it for now as an office, and at night it is quite cozy in here. 

To Do: 

• Change carpet
• Make into ultimate awesome kids room!

Done:

• Paint Walls
• Paint Closet
• Clean Carpet
• Change door knob
• Put Up Art

Looking forward to making our plans into reality. ​ Stay tuned for "Part Two: Upstairs" next week.