We started it back in September following a 2 week binge when we thought of and completed several little DIY projects around the house. It took us so long to post it because every time we thought about doing it, we wanted to wait for just one last update here and there.
We've been highlighting several projects in the last year or so. Yes - it has been a year! And in celebration of the past year, we are excited to invite you into our home (the first floor anyway)! It's been quite a ride and while we are only just beginning several projects, we thought now was as good of a time as any, to finally give a virtual tour of our home and some of the hard work we have completed during this time.
And what about all those projects we have yet to share with the blogosphere? Well, take note of anything you see that you hadn't seen before, because we'll be detailing them one by one in the coming weeks, as well as adding additional rooms to the tour with the Second Floor Virtual Tour and the beginning of our 3rd/guest floor renovation.
For now, we welcome you to 26 East: The First Floor Virtual Tour:
The Entryway & Landing Zone
BEFORE
BEFORE
The view into the entryway and dining room from the living room. This photograph was taking on one of the many times we visited the house, prior to officially deciding to make it ours. As Evan documented each room with multiple photos and a few videos (which we later obsessed over from afar, trying to determine any magic we could work), I sat at the dining room table trying to picture myself in this house and trying to decide if I was up for the challenge.
AFTER
Don't mind our halloween decor in this pic. It was left over from a baby shower we hosted.
(UPDATE: this room is now black! See below)
Just one year later, the view from the living room is much brighter. And although the actual front door is pictured to the right in the top photograph, 90% of our guests enter through the side doors, off the living room, so this is usually the first glance at our home. We've added an area to drop belongings, such as hats, backpacks and keys and we've brightened up the space with a new front door that allows for a ton of natural light. Currently you can find a slew of muddy boots and snow covered caps in this area, so we're happy we took many of these shots back when it was warmer and therefore a lot less messy!
The Kitchen & Breakfast Nook
BEFORE
What can we say about the kitchen that we haven't already said before? Not much. It was gross, smelly and very outdated. We jumped right in tackling project after project in the room that underwent the biggest and most labor-intensive makeover in the house.
AFTER
We always loved the amount of space we had to work with in this room, and although the original layout had a few less than perfect details, we kept much of the original concept in mind and added several of our own touches. We have since removed the orange rug --- What was I thinking with that anyway??? :) You'll also notice the light fixture has changed. Although we loved our $3 Habitat Restore chandelier that we spray-painted tangerine dream, it was no match for the Ikea Maskros that really improved the look of the entire space. And those shadows? Love! Time for us to update these pictures....coming soon.
BEFORE
Pulling out the cabinets, peeling off wallpaper, chipping away at a tile back splash, removing old flooring down to the bare bones, building counter tops, refinishing an absurd amount of doors, cabinets and drawers and reconfiguring a puzzling layout of cabinetry, were just a few of the many tasks we jumped into before actually moving into the house.
AFTER
As of today, we have really brightened up this space and devised a more practical layout of cabinets, added a center island that comes in handy for everything from dinner prep to party feasts, and of course completed one of our most favorite additions - the Boulevard Beer tap!
BEFORE
AFTER
We (Evan) cut out two of the door panels and added glass for a clear view into the cabinet space which currently houses everything from drink ware and beverages to my Jonathan Adler butter dish and a painted ceramic dragon, courtesy of our resident artist. :)
The Dining Room, Wine Bar & Art Fun
BEFORE
This room had gobs of potential! The second room I totally fell in love with and knew we could transform. With great natural light and no awkward window placement, this was the easiest room to convert, by far!
AFTER
With the addition of some pretty awesome finds on Craigslist (see: chairs, chairs & table) and an incredible new light fixture, this room was a piece of cake and it still ranks among my favorites.
BEFORE
AFTER
The Living Room & Bar Area
BEFORE
Ah....the living room. Truth be told this was one of the most promising rooms in the house at first glance. Even though it was so dark and had several outdated features (brass fireplace screen anyone?), it was one of the rooms we knew right from the get-go we could totally revamp with some paint, an area rug and a little love for those sad little built-ins.
AFTER
A much brighter and much more livable space. We spend a good majority of our time in this room and with its two separate areas for dining and reality t.v. watching/relaxing, it's a great place for our friends and family to gather when they visit.
BEFORE
AFTER
It's amazing what a little paint and some fine craftsmanship can do! Here we took out the existing shelves and created a more sturdy and purposeful built-in unit. The credit for this handy work goes to the dynamic father-son duo for taking my cryptic explanations of what it could look like and making it a reality! Add in a couple dream-team chairs, which officially have been named the 2010 Craigslist Find of the Year, and Voila! A living room worth living in!
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
What was once blocked off as an entrance/exit, due to high pile royal blue carpet and a massive piano, now serves as the entrance/exit most frequented by guests. It's also the access point to our outdoor dining area, and a great place for sharing a cocktail on a cool evening.
AFTER
Some fresh paint and plans to eventually update the doors, this spot is great for mixing up said cocktails or enjoying breakfast with a side of Sponge Bob Square Pants.
Next, this little corner where our Wild Rabbit found a home.... also our wild kitty Meatball makes a surprise appearance.
BEFORE
AFTER
Half Bath
BEFORE
All we could really say about this room was: Yuck. As the last room on the first floor to see a major change, the half bath went from a dirty, wallpapered nightmare into a functional and oh-so-cool dream.
AFTER
If you want to check out the complete bathroom gut/remodel, you can check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 for Evan's play-by-play.
And that just about covers the entire first floor! Next up, we'll be starting on the 3rd floor, though it may be some time before we blog about it. For now, we hope you enjoyed the before & after shots and we'll be back soon!
UPDATE: see our dining room as it looks today: with BLACK walls!
And that just about covers the entire first floor! Next up, we'll be starting on the 3rd floor, though it may be some time before we blog about it. For now, we hope you enjoyed the before & after shots and we'll be back soon! UPDATE: see our dining room as it looks today: with BLACK walls!
