What’s next on my DIY agenda may surprise you. It surprises me a bit, but it makes sense. Although the kitchen needs to be redone, it’s the only project in the house that will require me to hire in some major help. So, I’m putting it off for now. I want to make sure I REALLY WANT to tear out a load bearing wall and reconfigure everything before I fork over the $$$ for the hired labor!
You know what I mean?
The main part of the house feels really small because it’s chopped up into a whole bunch of small, separate rooms: formal living room, formal dining room, another dining room, small hallway, two small bedrooms, small living room, big kitchen but closed off to the world…
I think if I open things up, even if it’s just raising or widening a doorway here and there, it will make a HUGE difference.
So, I’m tackling the entrance hallway and living room first. Here’s my plan!
(I think this coat closet was a complete afterthought. It’s deep and doesn’t have a light inside so you can’t SEE. You just have to reach in and grab…and hope whatever you’re holding will fit!)
I do plan my projects ahead of time but so much of remodeling is “FEEL” that I anticipate my “plan” will change mid project and end up looking more like this!
We’ll call this Plan B.
WINK!!!
Lynn R says
Yeeha! Time to get the gloves, goggles and sledgehammer back out! 😉 I can’t wait to watch from my deck in Chicago, at 76 degrees, sipping my (unsweetened) tea! Go Sandra!
Maybe I’ll start planning my backyard renovation while I watch.
Sandra says
LOL Can you plan MY backyard renovation while you’re at it? It needs major help too!
Sandy says
Love it! Can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Fong says
Hope you’ve got a bunch of that matching hardwood floor handy. Of all the stuff you’re doing, I can see getting the floor to cover the stuff you’ve uncovered, look like it was always there, may be the biggest anticipated pain in your side.
Good luck!
Sandra says
Not worried about matching the floor as we will be refinishing the main floor when we do the kitchen remodel (whenever that actually happens.) Must tear out the tile that is slightly higher than the wood so you stub your toe on every transition…and it is ugly.
Amanda says
Looks great! Started following your projects after your AWESOME master closet got some well-deserved attention, and I’m excited to see what you come up with next. I think I saw on your plan that you’re thinking about moving the cold air return??? How about just making a cabinet for the bottom of the built-in with a mesh door of some sort and shelving only on the right side? The door would need to be cleaned fairly often as the return will suck in dirt/dust bunnies as well as air, but it would be easier/less expensive than moving the duct work … Just a thought.
Sandra says
I will do something creative with it where ever it goes. The reason I want it off that wall is so I can open up a door into the dining room right there. (Maybe.) Thanks for the suggestion.
Kimberly says
I was wondering about that awkward closet of yours. lol When all of the work is done your house is going to function 100x better. It’s going to be AWESOME! I’m excited!
Sandra says
It is awkward isn’t it? I’m not sure if I filled Wes in on that particular part of the plan or not. :-S (Better hurry up and get it out today!)
katie says
You look like your going to be busy! I can’t wait to watch all this unfold. You always yield such amazing results. And yes, your timeline might be ambitious, but you have to start some where! 🙂
Beckie says
Ambitious job ahead. Will be watching your progress. BTW, my way of solving the closet issue would have been to install a light! But of course, I am a sewing fanatic, not remodeling.
Sandra says
Well, the fact that there was no light merely solidified my suspicion that the closet was an afterthought. I really need somewhere to put a Christmas tree. That’s the real reason that closet has to go. LOL
Linda @ My Crafty Home Life says
I’m trying to follow your plan. What are you putting in or taking out with the bookcase? I get everything except the blue and yellow?
Sandra says
I might put a door into the dining room on the wall that now has the bookcase and there is an air return under the bookcase. If I put a doorway there, the air return probably has to be moved.
Orange = air return. Yellow = bookcase. Blue = new door that might possibly go in.
😀
Liz VanKirk says
Can’t wait to see the plan in action! Building something is always exciting! Keep us updated with lots of photos.
Brandy Miller says
DAMN GIRL! Git er done! You are amazing with your insight and motivation. I can’t wait to watch your progress!
Kim (The Money Pit) says
Wow! That is a lot of little changes that is going to leave a big impact! I can’t wait to watch it evolve!
Ann Rourke says
NO FEAR!!!