Monday, November 16, 2009

We've been busy...

I figured I would start off with a pretty picture because the rest are....well....not so pretty. In addition to the powder room, we're now working on the kitchen too. I asked my husband to finally take up the vinyl floor in the kitchen that has been driving me mad for two years now. Lucky for me he happily obliged.



We knew there was wood to be had underneath, we took a peek behind the basement door about a month ago. See it under the green paint?

Two layers of vinyl, a layer of plywood and a ton of staples, all of it had to go. My hand is blistered from taking up staples, ouch!



But after all that work, we sanded a small spot and look what is there! Beautiful yellow pine! Just like getting to the center of a Tootsie Roll pop, we found the prize.....



The black is all old adhesive that luckily comes off with a bit of sanding.




Soon the kitchen floor will match the dining room and it will all be beautiful. I can't wait! It will definitely have more "character" than the other floors in the house but that's okay. I'm just thrilled we found it all intact after being covered for so long.



So since the floor is being done, I decided why not do the whole kitchen?! As of today the cabinet doors are all off, sanding done and priming started. I'll be changing the look of the kitchen with a lot of elbow grease and paint. While I do that, hubby will continue working on the bathroom.


We're determined to have all this done by Christmas. Hopefully in enough time to do all my regular holiday decorating. I'm not sure what I was thinking starting a project like this so close to the holidays but I'm excited....blisters and all. Still excited.


Please forgive me if I don't get around to visit you for a bit, doing two rooms at once is taking time away from blogging right now. I need to hurry up and finish so I don't come down with blogger withdrawal!


Did I mention I was having Thanksgiving here? Yikes!

36 comments:

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

Isn't that the best to find wood underneath! We're hoping to find the same under our kitchen tile but I have to wait until after the holidays. You'll get it done - it always happens faster when there's a deadline. And we are known for starting projects right before the holidays.

cindy said...

How exciting! I would love wood floors, but living in an 80's ranch means concrete slab under berber carpet. *sigh* Can't wait to see everything you do!

Darlene said...

You have started a big project but with the holiday's coming up you will definitely be motivated to get it done! That floor is going to be gorgeous and how neat that the vinyl had protected it! I look forward to seeing the "new" kitchen.♥

Kim said...

You go girl. I'm notorious for doing large projects right before the holidays. It's always a challenge, but a fun challenge. Good luck! Kim

Kathleen Grace said...

I admire your spunk! Taking on the kitchen alone would be daunting but the holiday deadline will spur you on! The floor will be beautiful and I know the cabinets will make you so happy! Kind of a Christmas gift for yourself to have a new kitchen!

Dawn said...

Wow! You guys have been busy little bees!!!

I just know your kitchen and bath will turn out beautiful... as all of your projects always do!

Hugs,
Dawn

Gone said...

WOW!! I hope you're having Thanksgiving catered or brought in!! LOL!!

Quite the undertaking - 2 rooms at once...and need I say...2 IMPORTANT rooms at once?

Great "find" in the wood floors!

~Blessings,
Jan

Janean said...

It will be absolutely beautiful. It's a crazy time of year to remodel, but "strike while the iron's hot" is our motto! Can't wait to see the results!

Olivia @ Swan White Curtain said...

Wow, you are ambitious! You have a big project ahead, but I'm sure it will be rewarding. Good luck!

jamie said...

It is going to be wonderful! We dealt with that layer of black adhesive on most of our hard wood floors too. My father in law offered to sand it all off and I will be forever grateful to him for doing it!
I can't wait to see your kitchen all finished!

Susan said...

Wow you are adventurous. I am sure the end results will be well worth it. Can't wait to see how it all looks. We have carpet hiding I'm sure beautiful wood floors in our living/dining room. I am still working on convincing my hubby we should just go for it and pull it all up. We'll see.
Good Luck!

southerninspiration said...

Oh, you lucky girl...of course it requires ALL THE WORk, but it's going to be fabulous to have all of that done! I can't wait to see!

Suzanne

june@craftyniche said...

Oh my goodness, can't wait to see the afters of the kitchen and powder room!

Claudia said...

Lots of work, indeed, but well worth the effort! Can't wait to see the end result!

Eileen said...

'So nice you struck gold with the kitchen floor!
I'm sure all the hard work will pay off handsomely!

Best of luck with this project! It's a big one! I hope it's all done in time for Christmas! That will be so nice for you!
All the best,
Eileen

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Oh I can't wait to see what your going to do in the kitchen!!
Good luck(;
Hugs~Kelly

Leigh Ann said...

Beautiful floors! I'm tackling my bathroom right now. It's good for me to do things before the holidays, makes me get it done!
Blessings~
Leigh Ann

Victoria said...

That is awesome to have good hardwoods in your kitchen! What I wouldn't give for that. :) My house has original hardwoods everywhere but the kitchen. :(

Katy said...

WOW, you are busy girl!! I finally got a little decorating done today amongst the chaos and it feels so good.
I love that you found those pretty wood floors, yippee!!

Rue said...

wow. You really ARE more crazy than we are LOL Two projects before the holidays??? And here I am worried about getting this little fireplace project done ;)

You can do it. I have complete faith. Just don't worry about blogging right now or that really will be insane LOL

xo,
rue

Jennifer@Pieces of Me said...

OMW! Its going to look just lovely! I cant wait to see the finished pic of both rooms. Luckily you have a handy man at your side to help! Please keep us updated on the process of your floors and what you do and use.. Im a beginner and LOVE to follow along, just incase I ever need to do something like it! Thanks for sharing!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

I don't feel alone now...I'm working on my kitchen too...need to have it done before we leave for the hoildays next week...wish me luck! I'm looking forward to seeing your projects when all is done.

Blessings,
Linda

Ticking and Toile said...

That is so exciting!! It is going to be gorgeous!! Can't wait to see what you do w/ the cabinets too!

Shellagh

xinex said...

Good luck on all your projects! I can't wait to see the end result but I am sure it will all be very pretty...Christine

Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine State said...

They will look great when you're finished!

I HATE linoleum! We have it in the kitchen, but I dont think there is anything good underneath, even though the rest of the house is wood.

Old Centennial Farmhouse said...

LUCKY YOU! We will be doing a similar floor investigation in the spring...I just can't take this old carpet any longer! Hehe! You are a brave woman and an ambitious couple. GOOD FOR YOU! I know with us, having a deadline makes us get it done! I know I can't wait to see the results...
XOXO
Joni

Jennifer said...

I can't wait to see what u do with your kitchen.I love how it looked before.Those floors will look wonderful refinished.Jen

The Flying Bee said...

Hi!

I just had to tell you that I found your blog doing a google search for old quilt milk glass! I can't believe that I have never come across your blog before since we have some of the same followers. I just did a post for White Wednesday on my milk glass collection. It looks like we like a lot of the same things and I love all the songs on your playlist! I have got to sign up as a follower!

Have a great night!

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Oh my goodness, you must be exhausted!! I am really looking forward to seeing the finished product!

Jen Kershner said...

You're a little bit crazy. I like crazy. What an exciting project and I know you are going to be so excited with the final results. And character is good.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

How exciting to find that wonderful pine floor under the vinyl! And I personally love wood floors with a bit of character! I know exactly what you are going through at the moment. I am trying desperately to at least the rest of the first floor done before the holdiays. Decorating doesn't like too much fun with unpacked boxes everywhere.
Hugs,
Penny

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

Wow - nothing like hosting something to get you going on projects!

Kristen said...

Well, now I know why I haven't heard from you. Katharine told me the other day she needs a Hailey/Ella fix. We have been in the midst of our own endless renovation. At least we are no longer sleeping in the living room! Miss you guys!

Melissa Miller said...

Ooooohhhh Michelle! I can't wait to see it all revealed. It's going to be stunning.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your precious family. :)

Sue said...

Ooo~ I am so excited for you...It is going to be SO beautiful when you are done! Keep us posted!
Blessings~LillySue

Katy said...

hope your projecting is going well...come check out my 'after' pics.