We're getting ready to move into our little house on the property with the horses. Very exciting!
Sadly, we've had a bit of a nightmare with tenants and there will need to be a bit of work done. I know there are whole lot of you out there with great design sense and I'm hoping you can point me in the direction of some inspiration. If you're just here for the horses, sorry, I've gone way off course in this post. Stay and have a little tour of my house circa 2010-ish? ;)
I don't have the heart at the moment to post what the place currently looks like. I'm so sad and honestly I'm in a place mentally where all I can see is what's 'wrong' and can only get as far in my thought process as how to make it look like it did, when in fact it's been almost 20 years and I'd like some updated choices. It's a 1920's cottage type house that I completely gutted and redid in 2005-ish.
Here are a few pictures from a few years ago to give you a basic idea what I'm working with and what the original paint choices and style looked like (furnishings and decor are a previous tenants). I'm mostly sure the floors can be refinished and won't be replaced, but most everything else is up for replacement - appliances, kitchen cabinetry, even some interior doors will need replacing. Basement is getting completely gutted, with master bed and bath plus a TV room being added there. Loft isn't full height (maybe 6' at center) so it's more for storage and I'm not too concerned about the damage done up there. Exterior paint colors are the only thing I know I have sorted - the non shingled part is going to be stained bluey-green to match the barn ;)
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| Front door into living room |
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| also living room. Would green be a good color choice? |
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Dining room. We never eat at a table, so future office if we put the french doors back on this opening? Definitely not liking the grey anymore, would like something beachy or warmer feeling.
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| Kitchen. Red tile is dated? Or do we keep it? If we can save the wood countertops we will. Layout likely remains the same, it's functional for a smaller kitchen. |
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| Actually my favorite room because there's another window on the wall to the left that looks out over the horses :) It's on the small side, maybe a 12'x12' and has no closet space, so will be a spare/guest bedroom with a queen size bed. |
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| OK, I'm actually a fan of the tub looking over the horses, this bathroom might have to just be redone the same. (Means the basement bathroom will have a tiled shower because clawfoot tub showers are awkward at best lol) |
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| The front porch stays as is, just needs a stain choice for the underside of the roof and some major cutting back of shrubberies that have taken it over since this picture. |
So, favorite resources for home design and inspiration? I'm kind of wanting to walk the line between respecting the house's age but also making it look fresh.
No suggestions for design resources, but I think that cottage is charming! In the kitchen, I wonder if you could keep the red tile and paint the walls and/or cabinets a dark color for maximum coziness?
ReplyDeleteI'm pondering that! Turns out the entire kitchen needs a redo, the tiles are the only thing in good shape...and my husband really likes them. So, we design an entire new kitchen around old tiles? lol
DeleteWhat a darling little cottage! Even though it sounds like some work needs to be done, I think you are right to look at it as a great opportunity to update and refresh everything. Get thee to Pinterest and look up bungalow chic and cottage decor. Start boards for each room with looks you like and Pinterest will start putting similar things in your Pinterest feed. For example search red kitchen tile and see what comes up.
ReplyDeleteOr bungalow style 2022. Or paint trends 2023.
So much about the space and layout is already darling and love the white trim and wood floors!
That pinterest suggestion...I can't thank you enough! I've found so much good inspiration (probably too much!)
DeleteTenants are the worst! We've had to redo our rental twice in the past 8 years due to damage from tenants. Personally, I would not keep the red tiles in the kitchen, I do think it's dated. Also, how often do you actually have overnight guests. I took over the prime guest room for my home office because I can see the horses from the window. And I have ZERO regrets. I spend 40+ hours a week in it and I adore being able to look out and see my creatures versus guest being comfortable in it once or twice a year.
ReplyDeleteI've had a few days now to go over everything...and yeah...everything is trashed. Tenant sublet to a bunch of people and they didn't want to tell us when or if things were broken or damaged because they didn't want us in the house or to find out she wasn't living there anymore, I'm guessing. Even the furnace was broken and no one thought to say anything or get it fixed...so now we have frozen pipe damage too. On the plus side, the need for an entire new kitchen means I can likely push for new tile...smalll potatoes when we need appliances, cabinets, sink and countertops.
DeleteNot gonna lie, I love your home. It’s cozy and adorable. I would paint the porch ceiling. I think it would be pretty. Once you’ve cleaned up and repainted you’ll likely feel better about things
ReplyDeleteI already feel better just having a plan...but the damage is almost laughably extensive.
DeleteI love your home. Pinterest is a great resource for ideas. I love the wood countertops in the kitchen, but think you should part with the red tiles. I love a good long soak in a tub, and where yours is located is perfect!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that the tenants have been rough & unkind to the house. That seems to be a common trend in renting. What happened to being proud of where you live? First you have to move mountains to evict (if needed) and then you have to do extensive repairs. It makes investing in real estate not as attractive as it once was.
Turns out the countertops and kitchen as a whole isn't salvageable, so I have my opportunity to say goodbye to the tiles (hopefully, my husband really likes them!) Thank you for the pinterest recommendation - I've found so much inspiration! Sadly, the tub is also needing replacing, but I think I can fit an even bigger one in the space :) I did a spreadsheet once of how much the rentals cost vs what they bring in and it was super discouraging. We're attempting to play the long game and get income from the eventual real estate sales themselves.
DeleteYou had me at "an even bigger tub". :-) Kitchens & kitchen appliances have come a long way. Have fun with the planning & design. I have seen some under the counter drawer fridges that look totally cool. You do have a point that the value of a property upon sale will justify the costs/wear & tear of renters. Its just sad that it has to be looked at it that way. Is this property going to be the property you will retire to or do you have other plans?
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