In case you missed the lower lever, here is Part I and Part II.
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday break! It was nice to spend a little less time behind a screen and a little more time with loved ones and stuck between the sheets (getting at least 8 hours most nights has been heaven). I wanted to finish up the tour of our new home today and also get your thoughts on something, so even if you’re skimming this post I’d love if you could take a minute to answer a question I have at the end. These answers will greatly influence how I blog about our home in 2015.
Let’s head upstairs. The second floor is rather typical for a two-story home with a few exceptions.
Milly’s room is in good shape, but definitely a space I have ideas for (other than the obvious ceiling scraping and fan replacing). It’s spacious and I’m happy to report she has slept great in here since night 1.
Xander’s room is the attic space above the garage. I love the shape of the ceiling there’s no popcorn! and it’s a blank space to start with. It’s the only room on the main levels that has carpet which is fine except…
…they put it in the bathroom too. Yuck. This space was a later renovation, and it’s obvious by this bathroom. The shower walls are FRP, the material you find on fast-food restaurant walls, and other elements aren’t up to code or are head-scratchers. Xander loves having his own toilet and place to wash his hands, but he won’t be showering in there until we can remodel.
The hall bath isn’t bad at first glance, but like most of the spaces in this house, at a closer look there are some dated elements like shell-shaped sinks and soffits. I’m guessing the tile step-up to the tub is to try and keep water off of the wood floors, but it’s not working for me.
Next we come to the master. Prepare yourself for A LOT of blue.
In between the bedroom and the bathroom is this really strange space. In talking to the neighbor, it seems like this may have been the bathroom at one time.
And that what is now bathroom used to be a sitting room. I’ve never in my life thought wood floors should be removed, but they don’t make sense in any of these bathrooms. And the current solutions to try and keep water off of the wood are neither esthetically pleasing or practical. Don’t be too jealous of our 80’s lighting. I now know why makeup in the 80’s was so severe – they couldn’t see what they were doing! If mine is terrible for the next year or two, you’ll know it’s because we haven’t renovated our bathroom yet.
There is a good-sized closet off of the bathroom, but through some french doors in the bedroom is the fourth bedroom turned into a second master closet. At first I didn’t really like this. We wanted a 4th bedroom upstairs in the likelihood of having another child. But once we realized how easily it could be converted back (the door to the hall is still there) we decided it wasn’t a deal breaker or anything. And I have to say, I absolutely love this room now. I haven’t had all of my clothing in one space since I was a kid – it feels like a total luxury to get ready in here.
Through the other set of french doors is the upper sunroom. This will be where I create and blog. It’s perfect because it’s right above the playroom, so I can hear everything that goes on down there (the stairwell only amplifies it) and holler accordingly. Kidding. Kind of.
This is one of the rooms that I haven’t had a clear design vision of yet, but I’m hoping that will happen sooner than later, as I am certainly more motivated in a space that inspires. But I know I’ll need to work around this window.
So that’s the majority of the house. Now as we get to work on it, I’d appreciate your thoughts on how you’d like me to document it. I know that some of my favorite blogs share the renovation process with you – taking you step by step with them – and I love that because I think it gives you more information on how someone thinks and works. But there is also something so great about a full blown reveal. A total surprise: where you may have gotten a few sneak peeks, but were pretty much unaware until the end. Do you have a preference? And if you have problems commenting you can email me too: themakerista(at)gmail(dot)com.
Stephanie says
I would love to follow along with your step-by-step process!
Catherine Bixler says
I think I prefer step-by-step and sharing the details of your thought process, showing items you're deciding between (and asking for feedback), etc. I've really enjoyed Centsational Girl's Las Vegas house renovation so far, if that helps. It looks like you have a great space to work with, and a lot of work to be done! You have to wonder what was going through some people's heads when they make these decisions, like carpet in the bathroom. So gross!!!
Sonal Pujji says
I think that you could combine both ideas. Why settle for one over the other? I know it may be easier said than done, but here is what I was thinking. Take a step-by-step approach for the renovation and remodeling portion, sharing tips/tricks, lessons learned, and project ideas. Then for the design elements you put into the space go with the sneak peek method leading up to the final reveal. Happy remodeling!! 🙂
Hannah says
While I love a full blown reveal, I've noticed that once I've seen it already, I'm bored with the follow-up tutorial posts because it is now "old news." I pay attention and get more out of it when I see the steps that are leading up to something. Yes – of course the reveal loses a bit of its pizazz, but I think that is ok.
Emily Kuhlman says
Agree with Hannah! I am SO excited to see what you do with all of this!
Emily Maupin says
I think the step by step method works out better for readers and bloggers because if bloggers wait for the big reveal then afterwards they end up kind of documenting backwards on why they did what they did and where they got everything from. But I do like Sonal's idea of doing step by step on the renovations and leaving a big reveal for the fully styled room. Can't wait to see what you start with!
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
How fun! I love looking at houses and I know you will make this all so fab. My advice about how to share it, is just do it how you want to do it. People read your blog because it's you. Tell and share in a way that is organic and feels right to you and you can't go wrong 🙂
homeon129acres says
I'm a brand new reader, and I'm loving your blog. My vote is the step-by-step. I agree with everything people have said about about the process and the space. I also think step-by-step is more real. Sometimes things will drag on for a long time, but it's authentic. A pretty reveal at the very end leaves out a lot of the process and how you experience it. I think you can still do a post celebrating the final product. It's almost more rewarding for your readers if we've been along on the journey with you.
ryan says
step-by-step for SURE! i love all the nitty gritty!
kelsey williams says
step by step!!! 🙂
Marley says
I enjoy step by step explanations and thought processes also;) We are getting ready to remodel our Master Bath and I decided to document it step by step. I think it helps DIY'ers like us feel like we are not so alone in our decision making;)
Maggie Fieger says
I really enjoy your blog and would probably not like to wait for a full reveal. The process would be awesome.
Angelina Lynn says
Real time posts with whatever photos then pretty photos once stuff is done.
Julia Konya says
Carpet in bathrooms always cracks me up, what was the thought process when they decided to do that?!?!
Can't wait to follow along with the transformation.
Audrey // Oh So Lovely Blog says
i love all of the wood flooring throughout, and you have some unique and fun spaces to work with. I like to follow along step-by-step/room project at a time, but i'll always be following your progress, so it doesn't matter 🙂 xo
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
I think I kind of like the along the way documenting. But I am so bad at doing that! Lots of potential here, and wow, were you right about the dose of blue. We can be bad makeup sisters this year – I just put LED bulbs in our master bath which helped but I still look like the bride of Frankenstein in that lighting no matter what I do. I also suspect my eyebrows are wildly overgrown.
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
I was thinking the little nook between the bedroom and bathroom would be a great closet, but then I saw that you already have abundant closet space. I wonder how hard it would be to add a washer/ dryer in there… wouldn't that be fantastic to have the laundry right there with the bedrooms? I like seeing the step by step in a remodel, but maybe hold a few things back for a surprise ending!
Ashley Brown says
For sure step by step! Can't wait to see what you do with everything!
Florie Daire says
Step by step of course !! 🙂
Cheynna Sutherland says
I really love reading about the actual process because it seems more real. Remodels don't happen overnight and I enjoy reading about the positive and negative along the way. I look forward to seeing you transform this new house!
sarah m. dorsey says
Oh my goodness, so much potential, it is going to be fabulous!! I've been struggling with how to document our reno .. I think I'll probably do a mix sharing tutorials along the way, but saving some details and all the finishing touches for the final reveal.
Alison Troutwine says
I also love reading about the process. Can't wait to follow along…it is going to be great!
ali says
I would love to see progress as you go…step by step through the process. Congrats on the beautiful home!
Haley says
I prefer step-by-step because then I get to realistically see how much work was put in and focus on the details. When bloggers do a full blown reveal at the beginning and then go through it, I never appreciate the work and reveal quite as much because there is too much new stuff being revealed.
I can't wait to see what you do with this house!
rsquaredinteriors.com says
I love the step by step posts, which is how I roll over at R Squared Interiors. But sometimes it's nice to keep a detail to yourself until the final reveal. That way there is still an element of surprise!
SnuggleMom says
Love the step-by-step process, especially when it's done by bloggers with whom I share similar tastes (like you!) Excited to see what you do with your lovely new house!
Emily McCauley says
Step-by-step, totally. I love a before and after but it's so much more exciting to see each step of the process beforehand, then bam! Everything together. Just how it goes in real life.
katie gavigan says
Love hearing about the thought process behind the decisions… the practical and creative planning, scheming, inspirations, mistakes, changed minds, etc. Great question – love your down-to-earth, approachable style.
Sarah Just The Bee's Knees says
I love sharing the journey with you! Step-by Step on the major details would be great, and you can always hold off on the finishing touches and accessorizing for the reveal:) But I do agree with Kristin, do what feels natural to you and it will all fall into place. Congrats on the new home! It looks like it has some great bones….just needs a little facelift. I've never in my life seen bathroom flooring the way they laid out the wood and the tile together! That would drive me bonkers. As well as the giant light. Thats got to be the first thing to go! I'm jealous of your new blowguns space too…looks so bright and peaceful! Best of luck to you!
Sherri says
I also like the step-by-step process. Which room are you going to tackle first? I know that anything you do will be amazing. You have such style and design savvy ,so it will be a treat to follow along with you!
Sandra Pace says
I'm so glad your in your new house… I love the step by step but hold back all the last finishing touches so you can keep blowing our minds with you final reveals. Can't wait!
Leigh Drury says
I'd love step by step progress and your thinking during the process. A full reveal with the styling at the end would be cherry on the sundae!
Emily Palmier says
While I love the drama of a full-blown reveal, I feel like the little details can be lost.. I love seeing step by step progress b/c the readers get more insight on your vision and your process!
Erika says
Step by step! Will you be doing some of it yourself or contracting out?
themakerista@gmail.com says
Erika, we'll be doing a lot of the work ourselves, but some things that we know others can do much better we'll be hiring out. Thanks for following along!
angela | the painted house says
Thank you for the tour, Gwen! Your master bedroom has so much great space to work with…and every girl needs a big closet. 🙂 If you can swing it, in-progress posts are fun. All the best to you and your family in 2015!
ChooseJoy says
Definitely, definitely step-by-step! I think that way we get to eventually see the full reveal in all it's glory, but have an appreciation for each tiny detail (pulls, colors, that you removed popcorn, etc.). At least for me, getting to see your design process and have you take us through all of the steps would be really exciting. I can see beautiful rooms in magazines – I want to see a renovation/design plan in it's process!! But, at the end of the day this is YOUR blog and you should do what you feel happy with. 🙂