Friday, October 9, 2009

~it's just a box~



About 5 years ago I was watching an HGTV show where they were featuring a primitive early american style home. 
 It looked completely authentic.....rustic flooring (way rustic), homespun curtains, super primitive shelves and cabinets in the kitchen....
the whole 9 yards...


{very similar to this one}


What was so interesting about this home was the fact that it was built in the late 60's ~ early 70's.  You know when charm and architectural interest was at it's peak.....not!

~*~

The homeowner's husband was an architect, and when they were trying to decide whether or not to buy the house, and the wife balked at the current state of nastiness being all 70's-ish orange and green....


her husband simply said.....

"it's just a box~and you can do whatever you want inside the box" 



 oh how I bet my hubby wished I had never watched that episode!!!
that has completely stuck with me!
 (sorry honey...)


so this post is based on the fact that ~
although many of us probably don't live in the exact era of home we yearn for....

there's hope because....



"it's just a box girls!"

~*~

 
I thought I would share with you some of the components of my 1991 home transformation to the home I yearn for.....



{  f  r  e  e  flooring off craigslist for our room...."fir paneling"...flipped it over
and paneling becomes flooring! }

have I told you my whole house. from chandeliers to floors to pets, {no not my children!} was from Craiglist? 

well the floors in our main level are from craigslist~  but, not sold as flooring....

the listing just said "1x5 fir planks" 

 good enough for me! 

Of course, every flooring person, contractor person, and general public person said "that will not work, fir is too soft..."  yadda yadda yadda. 

I just thought, "too soft?
 it will get dents and dings? 
....perfect then!"


so for $150~
 I bought enough for the whole first floor except our family room.
  We laid it, top nailed it down, sanded it and put a clear finish on it....

 and......... I love it!
 
I have not regretted it one time for the last 5 years!

~*~


You all know the lovely 90's oak cabinets look like right?  If not feast your eyes below...blek...


eww..... I hate even posting that......
 sorry everyone ~ I know it's not eye candy....


 I bought a distressing kit from Lowes...
 and some trim.....
 and no more ugly cabinets!

  phew...what a relief....

{I know the corner trim isn't perfect....that was before I knew about caulking....}


the next casualty was the lovely light blue countertops...
I won't show you the before.....just imagine...light blue laminate....oooooh yummy....
can you see it???

  OK.......





 I found some gorgeous travertine tiles
for $5/ a square foot.....
and much to the tile man's dismay...
shhh don't tell......
put them on my kitchen counters~
{you just don't do that ya' know!}

I love it.....
  they're perfect.....



and I know you must all know what it looks like when builders put in "dropped ceiling kitchens" with the flourescent lights behind the plexiglass panels??
{quite the design statement....}

 you guessed it... I had that too....
 ~tore it out when hubby wasn't looking~


{lighting from IKEA}

I like the utilitarian look mixed in with the rustic



{stainless shelves also from IKEA}


and the upper cabinets....had to go...
....yup hubby at work...poor guy ~ I don't deserve him!



{in case you're wondering, I don't do marriage counseling on the side! ;-) }

and do you remember these?

  they have got to be the most disgusting lighting fixture known to mankind......

our house was filled with them~


not anymore......ahhh much better....



and the powder room ....
this room used to have light pink counters....

this was the first room I remodeled~

{try a little project first to build your confidence!} 


so, if any of my bloggy friends out there are wondering how they can possibly transform their "whatever era" house into the house they want......

you can! 

 {of course while the hubby is at work.... no just kidding.....}

just remember ~ you might have to
think outside the box, and not necessarily "in"
the home improvement store!



Go for it girls!




xo,



Shellagh










49 comments:

Sarah { abeachcottage } said...

wow love what you did with the cabinet!!! that distressing kit worked out great...

Karen Valentine said...

Hi there!!! I just found your blog and I have enjoyed looking around so much!!!!! I love the photos you have posted. Just beautiful! I am adding you to my blog roll so I can enjoy more and more! I would love for you to come over and visit. Maybe you will like what you see too! Unfortunately I am temporarily without a computer at home, but should be back to posting this weekend. Have a fabulous weekend!!

Karen
My Desert Cottage

Blondie's Journal said...

Shellagh,

Just my 2nd visit and I am bowled over again!! You are definitely a 'go getter'!! Your ideas are fantastic. I have to show my husband this post because he has more rules than the Supreme Court. He just has to see it in writing (your photos!)

I love the floor. I am all for dents and dings. My dining room table is hand rubbed pine and I can see every mark made on it in the last 20 years and I love them all. I love the cablinets too. You just never seem to run out of ideas. And the DIY approach in ripping things out w/o hubby...love it. What have I been afraid of?? I am sticking with you, girlfriend!!

Have a great weekend!!

xoxox
Jane

Eileen said...

I love everything you've done! And I love how you think outside the box!
Everything is so unique and no one can ever accuse you of living in a 'cookie cutter' house!
Brilliant!
Beautiful job!
All the best,
Eileen

Stacey said...

You are a genius! I enlarged the pictures to get a closer look and I'm just amazed. Your cabinets, counter tops, and walls are beautiful.

Miss Mustard Seed said...

You've done such a gorgeous job on your home. I can't wait to get my brush on my kitchen cabinets. And I love your floors. That sounds like the kind of thing I would do...why not? And Craig's List is such a great thing. Gotta love Craig.

Stacey said...

I can't take credit for the apple cake recipe. If you click on the name it takes you to The Pioneer Woman's recipe. Have you ever visited her blog? Prepare to stay awhile. Her recipes are fabulous.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/apple-cake-in-an-iron-skillet/

Ticking and Toile said...

thanks for the correction Stacey!! Her blog is amazing....

mysteryhistorymom said...

Stunningly gorgeous! You did an amazing job! I believe we are all inspired now!;) Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comments! I love your blog, too! And the name- Ticking and Toile- perfection! Lori

Phyllis @Around the House said...

wow you have done an amazing transformation, don't you just love it when all the creativity comes together..You should be just thrilled with the progress..thank ;you so much for sharing..I will be back for sure, come visit

vintage girl at heart said...

I am impressed!!!! You have guts and a wonderful eye for making things happen!!! You need your own show on HGTV!!!

rebekahweckerly@gmail.com said...

First of all you had me cracking up!!! You are too funny!!...and BRAVE!!!! I love the fact the you did what others might not have!! And I love it even more that it all has WORKED so well!!!! You have inspired me!!!! Your room look beautiful. I especially love how you added the industrial touches to your kitchen. Beautiful contrast!! - oh...and about doing all this while hubby is at work...well, that is NO joke for me!!! If it were up up him we would have a black lacquered dining room table and a sofa that looked like someone splattered paint on it..oh and probably a few velvet paintings of forest animals!!

Betty said...

Shellagh,

You are a girl after my heart! I start projects and then my husband will pitch in when he see's I'm determined....re-purpose...that's one of my favorite words...

Your ideas are so gooood......

I look forward to many more visits to your blog....and yes, I'm a toile kind of girl....

Betty

Susie~From My Home To Yours said...

Love your flooring! Don't you just love it when 'they' say, "you can't do that"? We laid very similar flooring in our home, and the more dings and wear, the better. We lost our home last year and are now renting...but thank goodness the home has hard wood flooring...the kind from the 40's. It's nice, but I still prefer my old 'planks' better! Now I need to do something with the old 'yellow' laminate countertops in the kitchen, probably as bad as your 'blue'! I'm thinking about laying wood on top of the laminate..I've done that before too! I'm a firm believer, that I can make any 'box' a comfortable home....Love all you do....
Susie

Cindy said...

Amazing transformations! Your kitchen, bath and hall are gorgeous. I love elegant, natural products, wood floors are so warm. Perhaps I will find more as I go through your blog? Hugs, Cindy S.

Kindred Sisters said...

Please come decorate my home...how beautiful!!!

The Stylish House said...

Shellagh,
Thank you for stopping by my site and leaving such sweet comments. I was intrigued when I saw your blog name and blown away when I stepped inside! Love, love, love everything here, and I will definitely add you to my blog roll. I look forward to following and seeing how you break the rules so beautifully.
Cathy

*The Beautiful Life* said...

Perfect timing on this post! I am about to embark on painting my kitchen cabinets and I am SOOOO nervous! Yours turned out so fabulous, though, so new I'm encouraged! :)

Maybe I'll take pics as I go and do a blog post... maybe... ;)

Ruth

time worn interiors said...

I want wood floors so bad, but flooring is so expensive. We have been talking about how we could do it cheaper. I love your idea, I think your floor looks great!
Theothertheresa

Anne Lorys said...

I just wanted to compliment you on your beautiful blog, your photos are to die for, and your style is amazing, you've got a great eye.
Love it all, will be back often.
Anne

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Wow what a great post, you have made so many wonderful changes to your home, I love the cabinets, I also found some new blogs to look at from your previous posts so thank you, you have a great blog here! Hope you don't mind but I am adding you to my fav's (;
Hugs~Kelly

Olde Tyme Marketplace said...

Oh my goodness! I just found your blog and LOVE IT! You have neat-o stuff over here!!!
SMiles,
Beth

Karen said...

Wow, I'm inspired! One of these days I'm going to come out of the closet and show my own home and tell it's story! And I believe I'm going to have to add you to my ever-growing list of blogs that I love lol. Karen

Rust: Vintage Inspired Design said...

Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a sweet comment.....I'm so glad you did as now it has led me to your gorgeous one!!
Happy day.
xojanis

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Hi! First time visiting...love your blog and your style! Will be back again..
Take care, Laura

Julie Marie said...

Hello Shellagh, and thank you so much for visiting my blog! Yours is fabulous! I love all the wonderful things you have shown, my favorite is your powder room! Isn't it amazing what you can accomplish when the guys are at work, asleep, watching tv, gone for a Harley ride, etc, etc, etc... some of my best work is done when I am "alone"! Also, some of my best vintage treasures "arrive" when I am "alone"... I am signing up to follow your blog, I love your style! Bisous... Julie Marie

Ana said...

Hi Shellagh,
What wonderful transformations. A truly inspiring post. I love how your cabinets turned out. Beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing and for inspiring me. Also, I wanted to thank you for dropping by and for your very sweet comment. Thank you. Hope you come back and visit again soon. Have a wonderful evening. Until next time.

Smiles,
♥Ana

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

I want your kitchen.....no,really,I want it!!!!

AuroraSuzette said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
AuroraSuzette said...

OK. I didn't mean to remove my comment! I guess it is the 13th. I love what you did to your cabinets, and your blog. My post today mentioned something that was meant as a temporary fix in my kitchen is still here, 4 years later. Why? because I want to tear out my upper cabinets too, and use shelves just like yours! (Ikea?)

Madisen and Friends said...

WOW~ Shellagh!!! I absolutely love all your comments about doing projects while the hubby's at work! you were cracking me up!

Keep it up girly!

Madisen

The Flying Bee said...

Hi Shellagh!

Thanks for visiting and following my blog! I love your blog and your style. I am lovin all your sidebar pics! Beautiful!

Adrienne

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

I just love this! What an awesome point about transforming our homes into what we'd like them to be. I would never have imagined I'd live in a 1960's split level, having been raised in an 1830's farmhouse, but we bring ourselves into any situation, don't we?

I love what you have done w/ your house and can't wait to read more!

Uncovered Ruby said...

Wow, you are quite the handy girl to have around!! I love what you've done in your home, and to think I actually got to meet you :-). So fun to talk with you at the shop...I'll be following you now! Lisa

Whatever Is Lovely said...

Hi Shellagh! You have a beautiful blog! Very inspirational! & You have done some beautiful transformations in your home! I've added you to my blog roll! Come by & visit sometime! ~ Blessings ~ Teresa

Faded Charm said...

You have been doing wonders with your house. You have a great sense of style. thak you for all your sweet comments on my blog and I'm glad I found yours.

Take care,

Kathleen

blushing rose said...

I had the same vision ... it can be transformed & boy did I transform. Your home is lovely.

Born in Vancouver, WA ... a long time ago.

May your autumn day be beautiful . TTFN ~Marydon

Jill said...

You blog is amazing. I love all the fun things you keep posting. I know it takes a lot of time, but it is so worth it!! I get excited to check it out for new ideas. Keep up the great job!!!

June said...

I'm so glad you came by today. I am enjoying your blog so much. Another Idahoan, I'm so excited! I'm in a tiny town near Hailey/Sun Valley. Thanks for asking. I love what you have done with your box!!!
June

farmhouse wares said...

Now this is what they mean by "thinking outside the box"

Anonymous said...

I love what you've done with your "box"! The way you transformed your cabinets is amazing! Have a great day...
pk @ Room Remix

Recaptured Charm said...

I just saw this post. Don't know how I missed it before. LOVE what you did with the kitchen. Tell me how the travertine worked on the counter? Did you have someone install it for you? I installed some 16x16 travertine in my hallway and that wasn't easy! I'm in the market for a new countertop myself!
Lisa

Sue said...

OMG, I just came over from Kelly's, I agreed with your suggestion for her cute buffet, and love your work. Before I even finished reading your post I copied and pasted the URL into an email to my friend that is trying to figure out what to do with her cupboards that are very similar to your before picture ones. She had an artist paint her wall with a beautiful design buy now needs to do something with the cabinets to help it all flow together. Hope she comes by and takes a look.
I'm off to browse around the rest of your blog. It is very nice to meet you.

The Catnap Cottage said...

Thanks for finding me so I could find you. I LOVE your blog and admire a gal who is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and get at it! Fabulous job on making your box your dream house! I am going to read on!! Take Care!!

awal.ny said...

Alaina said....I just found your blog this week and you had me when you said..while husband was at work....I am one of those fellow woman who does things when husband is at work, and lucky me he goes on week long business trips about once a month. And you can guess the damage any determined woman can do with two helping sisters and a carpenter brother. I very much enjoy your blog and I will definately come back and read more.

Susanne said...

Very impressed with your improved box! My Mr. Wonderful is due to go out of town for a few days, what kinda trouble can I get into?!

Wendy@Once upon a rose haven said...

Hello Shellagh, It is nice to meet you. Love all
the beautiful work you have done. Glad I found you!
Hugs & Blessings ~Wendy

Priscilla said...

I live in an apartment box. I got the best complement this weekend at a party, by an acquaintance who had been to my home. She told her husband that my apartment looked like an English cottage inside. Well, I was quite flattered.
Have you been to the Habitat for Humanity's Restore? Great finds there. http://www.pdxrestore.org/
There is one in Vancouver. I can't believe all the things people donate. Check it out!

Wild Oak Designs said...

I am envious. You are so creative and have great abilities. The floor, wow, wish we could do that, but we have a slab...no nailing there (or gluing).
Everything is gorgeous.
We are physically unable to do much of what we used to...oh well.
We have to hire a contractor to do our bathroom, (starting today!)(watch www.wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com)....
Did you use a ragging method on the walls of the kitchen?? Beautiful!
Nancy

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