Changes in Some Rooms in Our House
We’ve been wanting to make a few changes in our house lately. Check out which rooms we’re thinking of giving some minor renovations!
Lately, I’ve been thinking of ways I want to change things up around the house. Some are things that have been bothering me for some time, some are more ‘dreams’ and not necessary to change but just things that I want to do and might not ever get done. I thought this could be helpful sharing with you if you are in the process of renovating or wanting new design ideas.
Let me show you the rooms that we are wanting some changes in.
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Garage Transformation to Workshop/Studio
We’re in the process of converting our one car garage into a workshop/studio space which means all my paints and tools will soon be able to go from the basement to the new studio space. We cannot wait!
Currently this is what it looks like:
Our garage is very small and even when I’ve parked my vehicle in here, the doors hit the walls each time. I really love having a garage for parking cars but it’s just not big enough. A two car garage plus workshop/studio space would be ideal! We’re finally letting go of needing to park our car here and using this space for:
tool st orage- paint storage
- shoe storage
- workbench
- studio for filming YouTube videos
- video equipment storage (light boxes and boom mic)
- place to do DIY projects
I’ve always painted furniture and done all my DIY projects in the space between the dining room and kitchen (not ideal) and tools are always laying around on the dining room table. It will be so nice to have dedicated space for tools, paints and projects!
Dining Room
1. I’d like to remove this bookshelf/cabinet (it was left in this house when I moved in!) and move down in the basement for prop storage now that I’ll have more space down there! With the paint and tools moved to the new workshop/studio space, there will be a whole new area for prop storage! Right now it’s a horrible mess of stuff stacked on more stuff. I don’t have a ton of prop items but I do need to have some for styling photo shoots.
2. We’re going to put the updated trumeau mirror where the bookshelf is and then add picture frame
We’ll even add picture frame moulding to the wall behind the mora clock.
I considered changing this light fixture too but I think I love it too much still.
(Similar Aidan Gray light fixtures here)
3. I’ve been thinking it would be nice to change out our dining table to something a bit more modern. I bought this table and chairs as a set from a local shop (I found a similar table at Wayfair along with similar chairs here) and I still love the chairs but the table is a bit wonky. It’s made to look distressed and so the boards on the top or a bit bumpy. When you are eating dinner, a plate doesn’t sit completely flat on it so it kinda rocks back and forth when you are cutting food. It’s a bit annoying.
I would love one of these tables:
Kitchen
1.I still love my kitchen but this dishwasher has always bothered me. I initially wanted two cabinets flanking either side of the sink because it would look so pretty aesthetically speaking but not practical. I replaced the stove and fridge but this Bosch dishwasher came with the house and it’s still in good shape. What I would love is a white panelled dishwasher so I’m trying to think of ways that would look nice to DIY it white.
Wouldn’t this white matte one from Cafe Appliances be amazing? I love how the dishwasher would just blend in and the brass hardware would match the light fixtures.
2. I have a mug rack on the far left corner of the counter that I’d love to get rid of. If we could add another shelf to the middle wall then it would give us more space for cups and mugs. That’s the only problem with all these beautiful windows in the kitchen – not enough cupboard/shelf space!
3. Another crazy idea I had was to paint the island black. Crazy because I’d want to spray it so there would be a huge amount of prep work involved.
4. Also, I’d love to paint this range hood black too. Wouldn’t it look gorgeous?
5. We’ve also been thinking of changing the cabinet in this corner too. We usually have a toaster oven on the counter in the left corner and it would be amazing to have a cabinet that came all the way down to the countertop to hide the appliance. We also might have to move it or have a new one installed that goes on the same wall as the range hood.
Again, this one is not something that is necessary but more of a storage issue.
Hamster Cage
I don’t think I’ve shown this area on my blog before, the hamster cage. Meet Crackers the hamster!
Crackers has an excessively large cage because after we brought him home we thought it would be nice for him to have a buddy so we bought another cage then went back to adopt another hamster and that’s when they informed us that once they are removed from their litter, they need to live alone or they will fight. So Crackers has a sleeping cage with a tunnel over to his exercise cage. What a lucky hamster!
Crackers
I know the two things we want to do right away is the garage transformation and picture frame moulding in the dining room. I can’t wait to show you the process!
After those are done, we will see if we should tackle the kitchen projects.
As for Crackers, we’ll enjoy his sweet, cuddly company for as long as possible!
Make sure to pin it for later!
Jamie, first, congratulations! You did it! Can’t wait to see the photos.
Second, on the dining tables. I made a 6+ person dining table from 2″ black steel pipe and I put a 1.5″ piece of quartz on the top. I made this for my daughter. I said it fits 6+ because I wasn’t counting the chairs that could be added to each end. She has the seating with three chairs on one side and a banquet bench on the other. Of course, the quartz wasn’t cheap, but I got a piece that was left from another project at a steal. I built it in less than a day. I wish I had a photo to send but I accidentally deleted the photos. I used quartz because I have quartz counters in my kitchen. I wouldn’t use anything else, it looks like marble, but as you probably know, marble can be very unforgiving when it comes to stain removal. Anyway, it is a lot cheaper than most of the tables on your blog. My vote would be for the Alfie if you do not want to make one for yourself. Best wishes to you! Claudia
Thanks for this, Claudia! I’ve thought about putting quartz on a dresser top and looked into it before and it was so much money but a tabletop might be worth it! This is a great idea, thanks!
Hugs, Jamie
You have so many projects on the go. I would be all over the place and accomplish very little. But that’s just me.
I think the island would look great painted black, as well as the range hood. Gold banding along the bottom would be a nice touch. I saw a picture of a kitchen with big black cone like lights that were gold inside over the island. That would be amazing!
Following along!
~Joanna
Hi Joanna,
Well we have lots of ideas but we try to tackle them one at a time, it’s hard though! I love the gold banding idea too! I’ve thought of something similar but trying to figure out how that can be made. I know exactly what light fixtures you’re talking about too, those are awesome!
Hugs, Jamie
Congratulations!!! Be as happy as you can be and enjoy your life together.
Thanks so much, Chara!
Hugs, Jamie
Love the idea of reclaiming your garage as studio space! Also love the mirror idea for the dining room. To me your kitchen is lovely as is, I’m trying to desperately get rid of the black in my kitchen. Even though the rest is white, the black just really drags it down. But you have a lot of light, so maybe it won’t be the same for you. Good luck and although I already said it, congrats again!! You two are adorable together… 🙂
Thanks Lory! How was your trip? It looked amazing!
The only room that has lots of light is in my kitchen so it might just work.
Hugs, Jamie
I knew you would find happiness! Congratulations!
Aww thanks Kim!
Hugs, Jamie
Congratulations to you both! Best wishes for many, many happy years to come. Love your blog and all the beautiful, creative ideas you not only envision but actually accomplish. Wish I could get my creative juices flowing….lol
Thanks so much, Lisa! I so appreciate that. And yes, my brain never stops thinking about the endless amount of projects that I want to create, haha.
Hugs, Jamie
Congratulations on your marriage. Wishing you both a life time of happiness. Your projects sound great. Will be following.
Thanks so much, Debra! And thanks for following along.
Hugs, Jamie
Best wishes for a wonderful happy and healthy long life together. You were such a beautiful bride, Jamie!
Came sooooooooooo close to ordering the Cafe stuff the other day – funny you showed it today! Looks soooo French and so amazing. But hubs wants S/S and it’s what I have wanted. Wish I could buy your Bosch from you! : – ) I think we’re actually leaning towards Bosch. Do you like it? Pls send me an email letting me know your thoughts. I am frugal and don’t like to spend our money, haha.
Love your house and your new ideas!
Thank you so much, Michele! That’s so kind of you!
I actually love the Bosch dishwasher. I kind wish it would just break down lol. Isn’t that bad? It came with the house when I bought it and it’s the only thing in the house that never was replaced and it still works amazing. My contractor also said that Bosch dishwashers are great. I agree, the Cafe appliances look so French, right!?
Hugs, Jamie
Congrats!!! You are really busy!!
Question: How do I hang a mirror that is 40 lbs.? I know, very carefully….. What is the best way to hang a heavy mirror?
Thanks,
Gail
Thanks Gail! Yes I’ve been busy 😉
We’re going to have to hang it by a French cleat! I’m not sure if we’re going to be leaning it against the wall but if we hang it, we’ll do a French cleat and a DIY tutorial on it. I’ve seem videos on YouTube about it.
Hugs, Jamie
It’s going to be exciting to follow as your make your changes!
Thanks for showing Cracker’s cage! It gave me a smile!
Hi Amber, I’m so glad you enjoyed visiting Crackers!
Hugs, Jamie
Love your kitchen and dining room, flooring is great also. We have a mfg. home so no dining area at all, we eat in living room. Not preferred arrangement but it is what it is. Where we live, Western CO, few miles west of Grand Junction out in rural area)real estate here is so expensive, comparable to southern CA, OUCH. We lived in San Diego areas for 21 yrs. before we moved to MT (7 yrs.) then KY for 5 yrs. ,then here in western CO since 2004. our 2 YOUNGEST KIDS live in area. 2 oldest still live in San Diego area. We have 1/2 acre with 8 chickens, dog and cat. Very quiet out here, incredible views. Most people out here have horses. Internet service is expensive and horrible service. No cable out here.
Always enjoy your posts and learn from your tutorials. We make some furniture but not like we used to as hubs wants to make it his way and I have my own ideas. Our visions just don’t match, lol. Don’t seem to do nearly as much crafting as I used to. We live on our SS but it’s so darned expensive here is hard to live. I get disgusted with prices here, so high. We have so many months with 5 weeks between paydays which makes it so much harder. Used to work but have health concerns so makes it harder to get job, most jobs don’t pay much either. Am partially deaf also.
It’s finally supposed to start cooling off, has been so hot, in high 90’s and over 100, phew.
Hope you have great week. Will now go to read YOUR ENTIRE POST. Thanks for leaves, have done little Fall decorating but not as much as would like as hubs grumbles about too much, have to wait til early Oct. to really make it Fallish around here, love Fall colors.
Happy daze.
Hi Jane,
I understand how it feels to leave in an expensive area, the area I live in is one of the most expensive areas in all of Canada.
We’re just starting to get some fall colors in the leaves right now and it looks so pretty.
Hugs, Jamie
Jamie,
I should have looked to see if anyone else has already suggested this first but;
Almost every appliance manufacture has replaceable door covers. Or, you can make one simply. While you continue to use that dishwasher, change out the front panel from stainless steel to white. A simple fix until you are needing a new washer!
Oooh I’ll have to link into this, thanks Glenda!
Hugs, Jamie