In case you missed the first part of the tour, you can find that here.
We left off last time in the living room, and right off of that space is a sunroom.
A random sink, you say? Yes, yes, it is. But I do have plans for that thing. A deadly staircase? Uh-huh.
And strangely tiled rows along the walls? We’re not sure about that either. At one time this was a screened in porch – I do know that. There are some interesting traits to this room, but it’s a big space that gets loads of light and is scheduled for a playful update in the near future.
Back out the door, on the other side of the living room is the kitchen. I truly believe this is the number one reason this house sat on the market so long.
First off, the floors are in horrible condition from all of the pool traffic. You can tell where people came in and went straight to the fridge or to eat at the bar top table that used to sit in the bay window, dripping all the way.
And it’s just rather outdated and tired looking.
I’ll probably never touch that Jenn-Air grill, but apparently they were a coveted appliance back in the day. The kitchen size and workflow are really pretty nice, but the small upper cabinets and the tiny pantry located off of the kitchen need to be changed (along with the aesthetics) to make this space shine. And that big square of a soffit must go. I’ve got lots of ideas, and while it will be the largest undertaking in the house, it’s the one that will certainly have the most impact.
The small door on the right is the pantry. The big door on the right goes to the garage, and this outside door on the left seems to be the most popular entrance and exit to the backyard and pool. I know I want to move the pantry to the kitchen itself, and I have several thoughts about this whole back side of the house, but I plan to live with it for a while before nailing down the plans.
That door straight ahead leads to the guest bath.
With not so pretty things, like another soffit…
But pretty things like this stained glass (something I didn’t notice until we moved in – funny how that works). And in a strange turn of layout plans there is another door in the bathroom that leads you to…
the laundry room. Interesting.
There is some good storage in here. I particularly like the built in under the window for grocery bags and cleaning rags, but with the tall ceilings there could certainly be a lot more. And I’m not convinced the layout in this space is the best it could be.
So, a lot of work to be done on this side of the first floor, but it’s all very livable for now. Have any of you seen a laundry room inside a guest bath like this before?
And thanks for your thoughts on the wood-panelled room and popcorn ceilings! You all have affirmed my feelings that one must stay and one must go.
Robin Warzywak says
I first have to say OMG! On the wood, windows, and coffered ceiling from the first half of the tour. This house certainly has great bones. I personally would be tempted to paint some of the wood, but not all of it. Sarah M Dorsey did great mockups on their new house to determine what to paint and what not to paint they helped paint the way to clear decisions.
The kitchen is a doozy! But it isn't awful. It's definitely something that I could live with for a while after I painted the red cabinet 🙂
I would somehow try to move the back door to the pool into the mud room so that water isn't tracked all over the house. I think I would also put a cool beverage center in their to keep dripping kiddos (and adults) from tracking pool water all over the house. Of course, I have not seen a floor plan so I don't know how close the pool is to the mud room.
I can't wait to see what you do first! I would love to hear what your top 3 priorities are in terms of reno and why.
Congrats on your new home!
http://www.designbyrobinsnest.blogspot.com
themakerista@gmail.com says
Yes, that red cabinet. 🙂 It's quite interesting. I guess the old owners had it custom made for the space. It does have great storage, I will say that. So many great ideas, Robin! Thanks for this. I definitely plan to loose the wood in a lot of the rest of the house. I think having one room (and then the wood floors throughout) is plenty. Can't wait to share more!
Julie, Creative Little House says
I'm so glad you got this house, love before and after pictures! They are such a gift to you and the reader, especially the afters. We are thinking about making our laundry room and quest bath one, just to have a bigger feel in the bath, which means I have to keep up with my laundry.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Julie! We are too. 🙂 I've thought about moving the bathroom to the backend so that we could open things up to have a laundry/mudroom by the garage and back doors, but having to keep that area clean when guests come has crossed my mind, too!
Emily Palmier says
The home has such great bones! I'm so exciting to see what you do with it. You have such great taste. I, too, have some annoying soffits (in my kitchen) to deal with – argh!! Good luck with your first projects and Happy Holidays!!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Emily! Hope you had a Merry Christmas!
Tanya from Dans le Townhouse says
Your new home has an insane amount of potential! It's just so stunning with much natural light and such beautiful wood work. Ahhh, I'm so jealous!! Can't wait to see it evolve.
emma willson says
If anyone expecting a comfort from furniture and other home accessories then it`s the end of comfort. Furniture is the right solution that work for you!
Wicker Outdoor Furniture
Sheena says
Gwen, I can't help but think our homes were built by the same person! I have to email you pictures & you will be astonished by the similarities! I truly hope you post as you go, it's so fun and engaging to watch the process and it certainly doesn't take away from the big reveal, if anything it's more surprising! I also hope to gain inspiration on what to do with my home, seriously going to email you pictures!
We even have a Jenn-Air grill, but did you know you can replace the grates with just a glass stove cook top! And tile countertops…I loathe them, food spill and grout=nightmare!
I have to ask, was a previous owner of your home in the spa business? The room that is set to be your office looks like a spa room to me (I am an Esthetican) the cabinets & sinks (also in your now toy room) & separate entrentrances and doors to close off from other areas of the house makes me think that these rooms were in fact used for running a small out of the home spa business of sorts.
Again, i wish you all the luck in your remodeling endeavors and will be anxiously following along!
Keep on making!
Sheena says
And the random tile on the wall in the play room, it is exactly what you would see designating a space for pedicure chairs. I am now dying to know if a small spa operation was being run from these 2 rooms (play room and your future office), i think it will answer a lot of questions about your home.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Oh my gosh, that is hilarious! We thought it was sooo weird, and I never ever would have thought of that. Ha! I have to say, growing up here we never noticed a weird amount of cars or anything, but who knows. I'm dying to know myself now! Thanks for sharing this and please do send me pictures. Maybe it'd be good to invest in something for the Jenn-Air for now and yes, the tile counters are terrible. The tile is also a kind that always look dirty. Convenient when it is I guess? Ha, but just not pretty.
Erin Sharp says
This place looks great. With a lot of elbow grease it will be really special!