Archives For OUR HOME

Garden & Porch Update

May 25, 2011

4'x3' Bluestone Landing in progress (it looks so small in this picture)

Arbor w/ fresh mulch

Arbor with our old adirondack chairs

Huge Bearded Irises w/ Verbascum nigrum

Spiderwort (Tradescantia) (I love the tropical looking flowers w/ the bamboo, but it is actually a native prairie plant)

Things have been moving along in the garden and porch, partially thanks to Mother Nature and partially by manual labor. Yesterday I managed to dig out for the bluestone landing at the bottom of the new stairs. I just need to pick up the sand and level. I also managed to adjust the stepping stones to the new arbor and put in some mulch.  In the garden, things are really starting to bloom. It is interesting now that I take more photos of the garden, how many purple flowered perennials I have. Purple is my favorite color, but I didn’t realize how much I favored it. hmmmm…

In -Porch, GARDENING & PLANTS
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The Making of our TINY Half Bath

May 18, 2011

Back in 2005 (before we started the kitchen renovation)

If you look closely you can see that there was some kind of built-in previously installed on this wall. Although the base molding was still original.

View from the kitchen (when it was the dining room)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our half bath was originally an awkward closet under the front stairs. We used it for coats and storage but it wasn’t as useful as it could be. So we decided that it would be best used as a half bath (reluctantly loosing the only closet on the first floor). Back in 2005 (before we started the kitchen renovation) we decided to take the wall down between the closet/future half bath and the hallway (so that we could close off the door to the future kitchen). The space sat like this for 2 years (while we redid the kitchen, dining room, back desk and had a baby). The half bath wasn’t a priority until after the arrival of our son and we started to have more visitors to our house (and the idea of a second toilet started to become an issue). We gave ourselves the deadline of Thanksgiving and put ourselves to work.

The back of the drywall from the kitchen

New studs for the back wall and storage shelf

New 2x3 studs for the wall/paneling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had already done most of the demo. First we needed to carefully remove the baseboard (for cutting and reinstallation). Then we decided to take out the old studs (which were a non-standard size and not very plumb) and replace them with 2x3s. We were very tight on space and had to make the new paneling fit behind the original location of the baseboard (by using 1/2″ plywood and 3/4″ deep trim). We also wanted to fit a mirror we already had which was a very tight fit.
Also we needed to access the space below the stairs to install a new duct for the dryer below (and add some insulation for good measure). Then we had the pluming roughed in so we could decide where the wall between the dead space and the half bath would go. In the end that wall moved back about 10″ to allow for the toilet waste pipe to sit in between 2 floor joists and give us enough floor space in front.

Mr S. Installing the drywall

The dark gap shows the difference between the old wall and new wall behind the toilet.

Mr S. testing out the toilet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next we installed the drywall to the inside, spackled and painted. Then we had the plumber come and hook everything up. We used an extra tiny sink (15″x11″) and a round bowled kohler memoirs toilet. When looking for toilets in a small space make sure to check the total depth (the memoirs is about 28 1/2″ deep).

Wall before paneling

Wall after the wood veneer plywood back was installed.

Wall as we are starting to construct the door.

Door installed (staining not complete)

Finally came the new wood paneling and door. I had the lumberyard rip down some oak veneer plywood to the proper widths. Then I cut them to the right lengths with a jigsaw (the edges were going to get covered with trim so I didnt’ need to be too precise). Then I stained them outside and installed. Next I installed the vertical and horizontal trim (with a chamfer reveal). I worked out the pattern ahead of time to make equal widths that would work with the door opening. Finally we constructed the door out of the same plywood and thicker wood pieces and installed matching trim on the front. The door is not quite as sturdy as I would like. One of these days I will get around to reinforcing it some more. We did manage to finish it on Thanksgiving morning (just in time).

Take a look at yesterday’s post to see how the inside came out. You will also see that I still haven’t patched the plaster in between this wall and the kitchen doorway. Hmmm….one more thing to add to the list.

Finished Door (looking from Kitchen)

Finished door looking from front door.

In -Half Bath, -Victorian, OUR HOME
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Our TINY Half Bath: A $50 and One Hour Challenge

May 17, 2011

Sink Before

Toilet Before

We added a half bath on the first floor of our house a few years ago (carved out from under our staircase). Originally the space was a really awkward closet off of the old dining room (now kitchen). It didn’t function very well and we wanted to remove the old door and add valuable wall space in the new kitchen. We did a little testing (i.e. can a guy stand at the toilet and not hit his head) and determined that with a VERY small sink you could fit a half bath in the space. We put off finishing this because it wasn’t a necessity (like the kitchen) and we were busy in babyland. Well we managed to finish it back in 2007 with Sam in a bouncy seat (it feels like forever ago) but we never spent much time putting the finishing touches on the space. I will have to do a separate post on actually making the room and paneling.

Anyway, back to my story. The room is now very well used thanks to a potty trained child and lots of visits from grandparents. It was looking a little bare and ugly. Also we have some storage issues (i.e. lack of storage) So I gave myself a $50, 1 hour challenge. What could I do to improve the space in little time with only a little bit of cash.

Pretty New Products

Sink After

Toilet After

Sink with "new" Picture

Here is what I did today:

-Changed out the towel ring for a chrome version  (for some reason I originally bought an oil rubbed bronze finish even though the faucet is chrome) Corbin Towel Ring from Target $9.99

-Changed out the toilet paper holder (originally I bought a “vintage” looking one really cheap, but the finish didn’t match anything and it was a pain to replace the toilet paper). I specifically chose one that would be easy for little hands to change the toilet paper. Corbin Toilet Paper Holder $12.99

-Changed out the garbage can for one with a lid and matching chrome top. Target $24.99

-Added already owned artwork (C.J. Groth photo from Havana)

-Added baskets to back shelf (I already owned 1 but bought 2 more) Target Paper Rope CD Basket 2 @ $6.99

Total Spent: $61.95 (a little over but not too bad)

Still to Do:

-Find a prettier soap dispenser that make “foam” (kids preference).

-Find a couple of pretty towels. hmmm….I have some Orla Kiely kitchen towels that I might have to look at using.

-Patch the walls from the old towel rack and toilet paper holder

-Patch some flooring that didn’t get finished when we did the room the first time

-Once the kids get a little older add a fabric skirt to the bottom of the sink.

So, not perfect and glamorous, but a little bit prettier! What do you think?

In -Half Bath, -Victorian, OUR HOME
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Front Porch Progress: Painting Complete

May 12, 2011

The guys (aka Kent Kowalski and Crew) have finished installing the new steps, patching the floor and rails and priming and repainting the floor and rails. Yeah! I also managed to get the hanging baskets up.

Items Left to Finish:

-Install the bluestone pavers at the bottom of the stairs
-Paint the Porch Swing
-Paint the shelf for the plants
-Pick up the Applaro storage bench at Ikea (Thanks for the tip Jen!) and get new recycling bins to fit
-Measure an order a new glass cover for the light fixture (currently hiding under the bag)
-Pick out and order new cushions for the swing

Front Steps

New Steps!

Applaro Storage Bench from Ikea, $129

 

In -Porch, -Victorian, OUR HOME
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Porch Furniture and Storage Bench Options

May 10, 2011

Porch in Progress, Porch Swing to go somewhere in this area

 

Mr. S and I were talking last night about what should and shouldn’t go back on the front porch. It has a habit of collecting things. We want it to look inviting but not cluttered. Also the original location of the porch swing will be in the way of the new traffic pattern on the porch.

Items that Should to go back on the Porch:

1. Porch Swing (although in a different location and in a different color)

2. Recycling bins for paper & cans/bottles (although these could be concealed in a storage bench)

3. Welcome Milk Jug

Items that may or may not come back to the Porch:

1. Adirondack chairs and table (I am thinking that these might stay in the backyard since they don’t get a lot of use on the porch)

2. Shelves for plants (these could also go somewhere else)

New Items:

1. Storage Bench for recycling bins

2. I am considering a small outdoor rug for in front of the porch swing

3. New pillows for the swing

Option 1: Wood Storage Bench, Overstock $302

Wood Storage Bench, Walmart $148

Plastic (simulated wood) Storage Bench, Sam's Club $99

Storage Bench Options:

I did a quick search for suitable storage benches last night. Here are the current options. Any suggestions? I also have to do some measuring of the current recycling bins and the space to see what might be the best fit.

1. Wood (w/ open design to allow for ventilation)
Pros: Looks nice and more in keeping with house
Cons: It could get gross with the recycling inside

2. Plastic (sealed)
Pros: Less expensive, can be hosed off
Cons: Appearance, it could start to smell inside

Option 1: Eucalyptus Wood Portoreal Chest from Overstock, $302 (49x24x21)

Option 2: Eucalyptus Wood Storage Bench from Walmart, $148 (47x17x17)

Option 3: Plastic (simulated wood) Storage  Bench from Sam’s Club, $99 (60x28x24)

 

In -Porch, -Victorian, OUR HOME
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Cleaning the Porch Ceiling & Porch Progress

May 9, 2011

The guys are busy working on the porch again. If all goes well they should be done tomorrow. As you can see they are working their way from the front to the back. In the meantime, Mr. S cleaned the porch ceiling and walls yesterday. Both had a lot of dirt (thanks to the siding project and the road being redone). There was also some mildew in the higher areas of the ceiling.  Mr. S developed an interesting technique for cleaning the ceiling. We used stuff we already had on hand so the project was basically free.

Technique for Cleaning the Porch Ceiling

1. Purchase a deck cleaner or something similar that will remove dirt as well as mildew. Also purchase some foam bath cleaner that works on mildew (we used some scrubbing bubbles that we already had on hand).

2. Clear off porch.

3. Get hose ready with a nozzle that has a jet setting (we could have rented a pressure washer but I was concerned that it would hurt the pine beadboard)

4. Use a large broom that can attach to an extendable paint handle & large tub that will fit the broom

5. Mix deck cleaner in large tub

6. Wet down ceiling.

6. Use big muscles (this also works better if you are tall like Mr. S) and scrub the cleaner onto the ceiling with large brush

7. Rinse

8. Scrub again, this time leave cleaner on ceiling for a little while

9. Rinse.

10. For the areas that still have mildew, spray foam bathroom cleaner on brush. Then brush on and let sit.

11. Rinse. Remaining Spot should dry lighter.

12. Dry. Now our front porch smells like a freshly clean bathroom ; )

In -Porch, -Victorian, OUR HOME
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Front Porch Progress, The Back Fence & Porch Floor Paint Options

May 6, 2011

New Steps (ready for primer)

Fence Reinstalled!

Porch Looking towards Kitchen Door from Front of House

Bluestone for the Stair Landing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is a busy day here at the Sentivan household (which I why it has taken me so long to post)! Our carpenter/neighbor and his son are working hard on the front porch and the fence guys finally showed up to replace the post and reinstall the fence and gate. Both sets of steps and the replacement wood will get a primer coat today and paint next week! I also picked up new porch floor paint and bluestone for landing at the bottom of the new stairs this morning (with my 2 little helpers, one sporting a hardhat).

Porch Floor Paint Options

Our porch faces southwest and gets beat on by the sun! The porch flooring is pine tongue and groove. We have tried several different porch floor paint options over the last 11 years. Nothing has held up very well. So we are going to try again with something new.

Original Finish: When we bought the house we had a latex primer and latex paint on the porch (in darkred). The board were only a couple of years old but the paint peeled up after only a year or so of living here. They had also primed the underside.

Mr S. sanding the floor in 2002 (look at that yucky old siding)!

Applying the oil based porch floor paint

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Try #1: After researching online, I decided to go more old school and use an oil based porch floor paint by Benjamin Moore. We completely sanded the floor back to the wood with a giant sander. Then we thinned down the oil paint with paint thinner and installed 2 coats (to help it absorb into the wood) followed by 2 regular coats. This held up for another 3 years or so.

Installing the Front Railings in 2006

Primed Porch Railings in 2006

Try #2: Next we sanded and scraped lightly and put on another coat of the oil paint.This lasted another year or so before starting to peel again. Also when we bought this paint the second time we had to buy it in quarts because the VOCs were so strong they were not allowed to sell it in larger quantities (at least according to the local Benjamin Moore store).

Try #3: It has been about 4 years since we have done anything and in addition to major paint peeling we have had a fair amount of rot. So we thought with the developments in latex paint it was time to give some another try. This time we are going with a Sherwin Williams product designed for high traffic floors called ArmorSeal Tread-Plex.  As I understand it, it is typically used on concrete floors, but was recommended by a number of painters for porch floors. It was kind of pricey but not any more than a Benjamin Moore product. This time, the porch will be patched, scraped, sanded and primed with an oil primer (to ensure adhesion to the oil paint).  Then 2 coats of the ArmorSeal will be installed. Fingers crossed we will get a longer life out of this paint!

In -Porch, -Victorian, GARDENING & PLANTS, OUR HOME
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New Porch Steps!

May 5, 2011

The kids watching the carpenter work

View looking towards front of the house. New Steps partially complete (concrete is still setting).

View from porch looking back towards the patio

View from side gate (near the patio) towards the front of the house

Our front porch is in need of a little love but fortunately our carpenter has come to the rescue!

The poor L-shaped porch sits out there and bakes in the southwest corner of the house. The pine floor board typically need to be painted every other year (which we are behind on) and the railings are falling in a couple of places. In addition, we really wanted to add a second set of steps to the side yard. One of the weird things about our porch/yard is that there is no easy access to this part of the yard and the porch dead ends on the kitchen door. This work has been on our list for over 2 years, so we finally broke down and hired someone else to do most of it. In the past we added handrails to the main steps and did some minor patching.

For the new stairs, they have to fit in a tight space because of the steep hill down to the street but I realized that we could just fit them and a small paved spot at the bottom. I still haven’t quite decided which material to use at the bottom. I’ve gone back and forth between brick, pavers that look like stone and using slate (similar to our patio). The stairs should make it easier to get from the kitchen to the back patio without going through the dining room and deck. I would also like to add a small kitchen garden to the one side of the steps, since it will no longer be feasible to get the lawn mover over there.

In -Porch, GARDENING & PLANTS, OUR HOME
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The King Post

April 18, 2011

King Post Before: Rotted Horizontal Member

Replacement piece being installed

Restored King Post!

 

I should start out by saying that a King Post is a decorative truss. In our case we have two and they are located in the eaves of the roof.  When we bought the house I didn’t know what to call them (they don’t teach you this kind of stuff in Architectural School). Anyway, both of the King Posts on our house are rotting. There are no two ways around it. When we had the house re-sided and painted 5 years ago we had them patch it up as best as possible. However after less than 2 years they really started to deteriorate. Unfortunately, getting to them is VERY difficult. So last week, I was surprised when the chimney contractors showed me that you could get to one of the King Posts via the crane. Fortunately, the stars aligned and my neighbor/carpenter agreed to come over and fix it right away. He also miraculously happened to have a piece of wood that was a full 2″x4″x8′ to work from. A modern 2×4 is only 1 /2″ x 3 1/2″. It is pretty difficult these days to get good dimension lumber! So he showed up in the morning, went up on the lift with the chimney guys and took down the rotted horizontal piece. Later that day he came back with a new piece cut, chamfered  and already primed piece. He then went up and installed it and painted it. He even added a nice little detail in the middle (to help hold the whole thing together).

The second King Post on the front of the house will be more difficult to get to (because of the slope of the ground and the bay window). Our carpenter is going to see if he get there with a ladder. Otherwise we will have to devise some kind of scaffolding to get up there. He is also going to work on my front porch (lots of little repairs to do) and add some steps to the side. Very exciting!

In -Carpentry, -Victorian, OUR HOME
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The Crane is Gone and Other Ramblings

April 18, 2011

The ruts in the lawn from the crane.

Sam spending some time with his favorite thing!

 

The crane is gone! It left at 8 am sharp this morning. The guys will be back tomorrow to try and help repair some of the ruts to the lawn  and replace the 2 broken pieces of flagstone (from the weight of the crane). They are still trying to coordinate putting back in the fence & fence post (hopefully this week). Then they should be all finished! Sam is sad that the crane is leaving us and has requested one of his own for his birthday. We also got to enjoy the new gas fireplace on Saturday evening (while it was POURING outside).

We are a little discombobulated here today. Maisie is under the weather and is home with me today and school is closing early today and will be closed tomorrow.  But I have an exciting day tomorrow! I am meeting up with some old colleagues and Bob Venturi (my old boss and mentor) is going to take us on a tour of the Vanna Venturi House (aka Mother’s House). The house is a famous post-modern masterpiece designed that Bob designed for his mother in Chestnut Hill in the early 1960s. I have been there before (many years ago) but never with Bob. I will try and post the tour on Wednesday.

 

In -Chimney, -Victorian, GARDENING & PLANTS, OUR HOME
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