Sunday, September 13, 2009

The 'Before' Photos

BEFORE: Hall Closet
BEFORE: Living Room (complete with all of our tools!)

BEFORE: Kitchen (complete with avocado green counter top)

BEFORE: Bathroom

Of course, Douggie was a HUGE help with the unpacking...


Hi everyone! Wow...I can't believe it has been almost two months since my last post. My absence can be explained by one thing, and one thing only....I purchased my first condo two months ago and I have been working tirelessly with my mum and dad since then! I am so fortunate to have two incredibly talented parents who have helped me turn this place from a student's bachelor pad to a show home...or rather, show condo. Everything but the kitchen sink (literally) was pulled out and replaced with more eco-friendly, energy-efficient and updated fixtures, appliances, flooring, and lighting fixtures.


The major challenge of all had to have been the walls. The previous owners had painted every square inch of the place with a dirty roller, leaving behind clumps of paint which required lots of scraping, sanding and cleaning. We ended up painting the walls a colour called "Antique White" which looks clean, fresh and completely changes the aura of the condo...it is so warm and inviting now. Then, it was on to the flooring...think '60s peel-and-stick retro tile underneath '80s blue carpeting...which was ripped up and replaced with dark chocolate brown hardwood flooring throughout. New shelving was placed in the closets, and bamboo blinds were put in (replacing blue venetian and vertical blinds). In the kitchen, a new counter top and faucet were installed, the cabinets were painted, and new drawer and cabinet pulls (purchased from Lee Valley) were attached. I am just awaiting the delivery of my beautiful Frigidaire stove to make my dream kitchen complete!


A few finishing touches have to be made in the bathroom (including new tile on the floor, lighting and a brand new bathroom vanity which looks a lot like the one here) alongside a few pictures and my venetian mirror which have to be hung on the walls, but other than that we are ready for business. I'm glad to have some free time on my hands to get back to posting on my blog, and I hope I never have to stay away that long again! I missed you all and am looking forward to hearing your feedback on the changes, as well as hearing about your summer vacations and plans for the Fall!

P.S. Stay tuned for the 'AFTER' photos...I can't wait to share them with you!

7 comments:

Jeanne said...

Much love and many blessings
Love you
Jeanne♥

Rosemary said...

Congrats on the condo!!
You have lovely parents.
I'm so happy for you.
Thanks so much for the visit.
Chat soon I hope,
Rosemary

Draffin Bears said...

Oh how exciting Kate.
I remember you saying that you had bought your new place.
I look forward to seeing the after photos.
We have missed you here and glad that you are back.
thanks for the visit.

Hugs
Carolyn

Q said...

Dear Kate,
Your home will be wonderful!
I love antique white...all my walls
are painted in antique white!
Looking forward to seeing all the decorating.
Your parents are great!
Sherry

Chrissie said...

Hello, thanks for popping over :-) Good luck with your condo - can't wait to see the after pics :-)

Tutti Chic said...

Can't wait to see the "after" photos Kate! how exciting to be making this space yours! :) chris

Deb said...

Knowing the way it looks now I can hardly believe the way it WAS :-)
You have worked so hard to make it the perfect little French Nest ♥
Mum x0