It’s happening friends, I am finally, finally, getting to the house project blog posts.  A few of them are coming up on their one year anniversary. I thought it may be time to get my butt in gear and show y’all some of the transformations we’ve made.

Sweet Sunroom

The sunroom.  The outdated appliances, water stains on the ceiling, peeling wallpaper and blue-tiled bathrooms all became irrelevant when we got to the sunroom.  A sprawling 600 square feet that can be accessed through doors leading off the office space and our kitchen.  

Phase I

In April 2019, we were gearing up for our [first] Derby party. Taylor and I, the truest procrastinators you’ll ever know, decided to take on Phase I remodel of the sunroom.  For all intents in purpose – the house is in Phase I in every room. Phase I is equivalent to “that’ll do for now” while we stock away pennies for the real overhaul in Phase II whenever our Money Tree leaves start falling down.  

• 

• 

Having spent a majority of April removing and painting cabinets, adding some faux brick paneling to a kitchen wall and refinishing a king-size bed, our plans for the sunroom were relatively simple – remove the disgusting carpet. Sure, like it could be that easy.

Taylor was busy with pantry doors and other things that involve math and a saw…so I took hold of a carpet corner and then Could. Not. Stop. 

• 

• 

What you should know about carpet removal: it’s really easy to get started and deceivingly labor-intensive to finish.  Within minutes, I had lifted half of the carpeting. I took a carpet cutter and started breaking it down into smaller portions for disposal.  After the carpet and padding had been rolled out, I made my way up and down the room, removing all the staples with needle-nose pliers.

What Lies Beneath

The subfloor was comprised of plywood sheets.  We knew there would be some damaged sheets based on our “inspection” report.  The plan of attack was to replace the damaged plywood. However, the number of damaged areas was more than we anticipated.  After a few “oh sh*t”’s and several texts to our exterior contractor we regrouped. The stains were not damp and no other evidence of a current leak was found. Onward.

At the bitter hour of the evening, Taylor ripped up a sheet of plywood – and then another, and another. As we began to remove more of the subfloor, the clouds parted and angels sang.  The exposed wood beams hidden beneath mauve carpet and wood-rotted plywood were gorgeous.  After a quick confirmation from our contractor that no little buggies would be crawling through the seams, we decided to go for it.  

Best Laid Plan[k]s

It was zero dark thirty when we finally pulled out the last nail and staple.  The fact that we are not permanent hunchbacks is of awe and wonder after that brutal process, but alas we were on the other side.

• 

• 

We sanded out what we could from the water damage stains and opted to paint the floors white using Sherwin Williams floor and deck paint. 

Now, let’s all keep in mind – we live in Kentucky, the time is spring, and the rain is imminent. We had exactly 24 hours to double coat the wood planks before the rain set in. T-36 hours before our party with the looming possibility of muddy feet trampling all over the floors.

We worked quickly, shifting from paint rollers with an extended handle to a deck staining pad, but I was reached my max out after the first coat. Taylor swooped to save the day and knocked out the second coat.

For 24 hours, the room was off-limits . We took the day off and went to the track for a local tradition, Thurby.  Somewhere between my breaking point and mild refreshment, I decided to push one more project out.  

Just One More Wouldn’t Hurt

Above the brick and windows is just the tiniest bit of wall space, how hard would it be to throw up some bright white paint and refresh that brick wall?  Not.

LIES.  All LIES.  Hurt like hell and took forever. Technically, it could use a third coat because #ispypaleyellow spots in a lot of nooks and crannies.  

• 

• 

With less than a day to go before we were to host 30+ people, we moved in our purchases from Green Front Furniture.  With an unroll of the rug, assembly of our beautiful table and matching bench, and little touches here and there, the room was officially “ready” for primetime.

Searching for Purpose

We’ve enjoyed this space in so many ways.  Aside from the dining table, the rest of the room has gone through a few transitions as it’s still trying to find its purpose. My kids and pups have been up to that task, often leaving their trail of toys, blankets, empty bowls, and bookbags all over the spacious room.  

• 

• 

When I finally tackle the mess, bust out the mop and arrange the furniture “just so”, I still am in awe of how far it has come.  

What do you all think?  Got any suggestions for how we can maximize the space?  If you were to take on Phase II, what would you do? Drop it in the comments below!

Xo,

---

---

Pin It! Share It! Save It!

---