"Redesigning my home instead of a website," in the Other Home Decorating & Remodeling Projects forum, begins: "Just a little update... The remodeling and design of my apartment is moving forward. My landlord actually suggested that I ..."
Just a little update... The remodeling and design of my apartment is moving forward. My landlord actually suggested that I make a new entry by adding a tiny addition to my apartment. That is what I have worked on for the last 4 or 5 days. I haven't done anything like this for a very long time. Using power tools and swinging a hammer didn't used to be this hard, but I think it's all going to be worth it. The outside is finished except for the painting. The inside still needs sheetrock, trim and a light on the ceiling.
Click images to see full-size.
This adds only 4' wide by 3' deep additional space, but as you can see in the picture, my Segway needs a parking spot that doesn't keep the door from opening all the way. This is just the ticket.
The existing door will come out, along with all the framing and part of the wall on each side so it has a 4' wide opening. I have to replace the header and raise it up some. I found a shorter, but thicker header that is rated the same in his old lumber pile. Now I have to tear out some sheetrock on the inside and make a new perch for the wider header so I don't have those short walls where the old door is.
I've also been trying some different paint patches...
... and have pretty much decided on a blue. The picture doesn't show what it looks like nearly as well as it looks here in the room - and I have 4 different patches around the room to get a good idea what it's going to look like at any given time of the day. 'Course, I may be jumping the gun because the fabric I want to put on the wall to deaden the sound has been changed. I haven't gotten the samples in yet, but it's going to be one of the blue duck cloth samples I hope arrive soon. I'm hoping it will look something like this:
Then the cabinet doors will also get the same fabric - it's a coated fabric and can be wiped clean. To help deaden the sound from the kitchen wall, which is also a common wall with the landlord's bedroom just on the other side, I want to do cork. I mentioned that in a previous post, but I've since changed my color choices:
Some of you may have noticed the banner ad at the very top of the site - Globus Cork. These people manufacture cork flooring, wall and ceiling panels and tiles. Really nice looking stuff, comes in a huge assortment of colors and sizes and they will also custom color for you, as well as custom size their material. They are very nice folks and have agreed to trade me some ad space for the tile I need for my backsplash. I hope you will take a moment to visit their site to see what they have: Natural Cork Flooring - Globus Cork - Colored Cork Floor and Cork Wall Tiles
I'm off to my regular doctor's appointment tomorrow (maybe that's why I'm such an asshole every Tuesday night) and will pick up a few more things for my remodel/design. A little bit here and a little bit there. I think I may try to work out a trade with a couple of other companies/manufacturers. Maybe I can get the ceiling fan/light I want that way, maybe even a nice area rug. It only works with companies that are within our realm of interior remodeling or design - things our members and visitors would also be thinking about while they are thinking about their floors.
I would like to thank a couple of our members, who shall remain nameless for now. They have been working hard at trying to help me come up with some flooring for my apartment. It's very difficult times right now and they have not had much luck so far. But they have tried and it was so very generous of them to even offer to help. Manufacturers and major retailers are very tight right now though. These 2 guys are still on the top of my gratitude list anyway, just for trying so hard. And who knows, it may happen. But if it doesn't, I will know it's because it wasn't meant to at this time. You know who you are - thank you.
Onward and upward. This is really fun for me, even though every little thing seems to take excruciatingly long to do. I get a lot of satisfaction out of doing it. I'm also happy to share it with you. I hope you aren't too awfully bored with it.
............I am gonna seriously question yer choice of color there T.................... and did I miss somethin, what kindda floorin are ya lookin fer.....I got a whole warehouse full of cra....I mean goods..........
What, you think blue is a little out there? I have other stuff that I have to work around and I think blue will be a really welcome change for me. No more beige! Here's my color inspiration:
Click images to enlarge.
I bought an 8-place setting a half dozen years ago. I also have this sofa and chair to deal with (picture from my old house):
I bought that set quite a while back and am not too awfully fond of the color now, but it's what I got and I can't afford to replace them. As you can see in the dish, both yellow and the piping color are present - that's a red/rust color. My casement furniture, buffet, which doubles as my entertainment center, and my desk, which is actually a dining table is in the red tones and goes well with the dinnerware and sofa colors. So, I have a few choices for the wall colors and I pick blue. I think it'll be alright. I hope. Here's a concept drawing of the wall my buffet and the entry and bedroom doors are on - the refer is enclosed in the wall to the left of the bedroom door, right across from where its original position is.
Flooring... My first choice, for ease of installation and durability (it has to be good for my landlord when I'm gone and renters don't take very good care of their units), is Konecto Prestige, either the Sunset or Beach patterns (there might be a couple other patterns that would look good, but I have seen images of those 2 and like the look a lot. I want it to look like real wood as much as possible, mainly because I have wood casement furniture and I need to limit the number of elements so it doesn't look too busy in this tiny space. Tile and carpet are out (although I do want a 6x9 area rug in a modern design using subtle tones of my color scheme). Carpet is too dusty and caring for it is even worse - my lungs can't take it anymore. Tile look is nice, but it would make the space look too busy, even with a very simple style.
So, if you have 260sf (the room is 11'3" by 19') of something that looks like wood flooring, durable and can stand to have a spill sit on it until I have enough energy to get it cleaned up and fits in the color scheme, that would be great. Unfortunately, I think it's too much to ask of anyone. I think it's why it has been so difficult for the other 2 guys I mentioned to find a dealer or manufacturer willing to donate it. They have tried and neither have admitted defeat, but I just think it's both too much to ask and too difficult to find a donor, especially these days.
If I have to rob a bank though, I'll get my floor. I spent some time calling some online retailers, but no luck so far on the floor. I think I will be getting the cork backsplash I mentioned earlier, in exchange for the banner ad at the top of this page. I got a call from a lady that owns a lighting company that may be interested in trading ad space for this ceiling fan:
I'm gonna keep trying. The Konecto would cost about $900.00. I have some things I can sell on eBay and I'll keep saving when I can until I have enough. I can live on bare concrete until then if I have to. I have to tear the carpet out real soon so I can build a surround for the new refrigerator position (same old refer, new location). The landlord wants to use the carpet in another rental, so I can't just cut a chunk out of it.
Part of all of this remodeling/decorating is great therapy for me. I moved in here 3 years ago now and have pretty much closed myself up in this dungeon. I been feelin' sorry for myself because of these damn lungs and more or less just waitin' to die. I know, it sounds morbid, but it's real life and death issue for me. But a couple months ago I had an epiphany or some kind of awakening. I know the inevitable, but I have to live the moments as they come. And I have to work with my hands again as much as possible. I miss that more than anything else (yes, even that). It took about 5 days to frame in that door and install it to what you see in the previous pictures - what would have taken less than half a day before. But I did it (my landlord helped me position the door). I did the window trim and it looks so good to me. I want to install the floor (which is why I need small pieces, so I can rest when I need to and not worry or hurt myself). This makes me feel good and alive and... and... manly.
What, you think blue is a little out there? I have other stuff that I have to work around and I think blue will be a really welcome change for me. No more beige! Here's my color inspiration:
I bought that set quite a while back and am not too awfully fond of the color now, but it's what I got and I can't afford to replace them. As you can see in the dish, both yellow and the piping color are present - that's a red/rust color. My casement furniture, buffet, which doubles as my entertainment center, and my desk, which is actually a dining table is in the red tones and goes well with the dinnerware and sofa colors. So, I have a few choices for the wall colors and I pick blue. I think it'll be alright. I hope. Here's a concept drawing of the wall my buffet and the entry and bedroom doors are on - the refer is enclosed in the wall to the left of the bedroom door, right across from where its original position is.
Flooring... My first choice, for ease of installation and durability (it has to be good for my landlord when I'm gone and renters don't take very good care of their units), is Konecto Prestige, either the Sunset or Beach patterns (there might be a couple other patterns that would look good, but I have seen images of those 2 and like the look a lot. I want it to look like real wood as much as possible, mainly because I have wood casement furniture and I need to limit the number of elements so it doesn't look too busy in this tiny space. Tile and carpet are out (although I do want a 6x9 area rug in a modern design using subtle tones of my color scheme). Carpet is too dusty and caring for it is even worse - my lungs can't take it anymore. Tile look is nice, but it would make the space look too busy, even with a very simple style.
So, if you have 260sf (the room is 11'3" by 19') of something that looks like wood flooring, durable and can stand to have a spill sit on it until I have enough energy to get it cleaned up and fits in the color scheme, that would be great. Unfortunately, I think it's too much to ask of anyone. I think it's why it has been so difficult for the other 2 guys I mentioned to find a dealer or manufacturer willing to donate it. They have tried and neither have admitted defeat, but I just think it's both too much to ask and too difficult to find a donor, especially these days.
If I have to rob a bank though, I'll get my floor. I spent some time calling some online retailers, but no luck so far on the floor. I think I will be getting the cork backsplash I mentioned earlier, in exchange for the banner ad at the top of this page. I got a call from a lady that owns a lighting company that may be interested in trading ad space for this ceiling fan:
I'm gonna keep trying. The Konecto would cost about $900.00. I have some things I can sell on eBay and I'll keep saving when I can until I have enough. I can live on bare concrete until then if I have to. I have to tear the carpet out real soon so I can build a surround for the new refrigerator position (same old refer, new location). The landlord wants to use the carpet in another rental, so I can't just cut a chunk out of it.
Part of all of this remodeling/decorating is great therapy for me. I moved in here 3 years ago now and have pretty much closed myself up in this dungeon. I been feelin' sorry for myself because of these damn lungs and more or less just waitin' to die. I know, it sounds morbid, but it's real life and death issue for me. But a couple months ago I had an epiphany or some kind of awakening. I know the inevitable, but I have to live the moments as they come. And I have to work with my hands again as much as possible. I miss that more than anything else (yes, even that). It took about 5 days to frame in that door and install it to what you see in the previous pictures - what would have taken less than half a day before. But I did it (my landlord helped me position the door). I did the window trim and it looks so good to me. I want to install the floor (which is why I need small pieces, so I can rest when I need to and not worry or hurt myself). This makes me feel good and alive and... and... manly.
Anywayyyyy. Thanks for reading.
Jim
As far as color, I've seen a lot of greens on walls that look really nice too. Most are between the Globus Cork add's green lettering and an olive drab. It really warms up a room. I'm a blue guy, but I like some of those greens a lot.
Kinda neat how creating a decent project helps the mind relax even if it leaves the body tired.
As far as color, I've seen a lot of greens on walls that look really nice too. Most are between the Globus Cork add's green lettering and an olive drab. It really warms up a room. I'm a blue guy, but I like some of those greens a lot.
Kinda neat how creating a decent project helps the mind relax even if it leaves the body tired.
Ya know, I did some experimenting with colors yesterday - the damn rain and thunder storms won't let me go outside to do any work on my project. I hate to admit it, but CP was right. The blue just wasn't cuttin' it. I also like green and tried this on for size (click for full-size):
I like the green better, but it still needs tuning up. It's a little too neon for me right now. I'll visit the local paint store again today and bring home another sampler. The cork company is sending me samples of the tile you see in the picture. I canceled my order for fabric - no more fabric on the wall or the cabinet doors. The landlord was not going to let me do the cloth on the cabinets, but he likes the white trim around the doors.
Thunder, lightening and rain predicted for the rest of the week and into next. Not going to get much done if I can't set up the power tools outside. That means I have to spend more time here at TFP hassling you guys.
I was aiming at a much darker color with more browns, but then you might need to turn on the lights in the daytime.
Oh dear, what have ya done to CP now tellin him he's right.
I hope this doesn't go to his head.
I like that upper-left one, although it's a bit dark. I painted a single coat of my latest choice in a few places to see how it looks. It's just a demo paint, not the real deal, so its coverage isn't as good as the actual paint. It will need one or maybe 2 more coats to give an accurate example. This is after just the first coat and that is over the top of several other trials of other colors:
Getting an accurate color representation on the computer is a big gamble, but this green is not as "minty" as the first green I chose. I'll post another pic after I get the 3rd coat dry.
Jim, if you will take a little advice from a woman, your blue idea is good, but it's too in-your-face, maybe look at the shade of "wedgewood" blue, is more of a faded-demin colour, without the "pop". The green works too, if you lean towards an olive green but not too dark, it sounds like your place is too small for bold colours. Use those bold colours from your dinnerware for accent colours; trim, drapes, pillows, stuff like that. Wish I could afford to send you something to help, but although we are still working, we are slowing down too. It seems like every job we quote supply & install is just a springboard for the customer to launch into "let's made a deal".
Several years ago, we were approached by a guy who has a Canadian home improvement show, he bought a cottage-country lodge for his personal use, and his sponsors donated everything he needed to retrofit the place. We did 14 rooms in sisal (all net measured by the square foot), all different colours. Have you offered free advertising on TFP in exchange for product donation? Forget the retailers, go to the manufacturers.
Glad to hear that this home improvement project has lifted your spirits. We, too, would be willing to lend a hand if we were closer. Spent 2 days last week making a bathroom right for a disabled lady, total take on the job was $310. Deb
Jim, if you will take a little advice from a woman, your blue idea is good, but it's too in-your-face, maybe look at the shade of "wedgewood" blue, is more of a faded-demin colour, without the "pop".
I never shy away from the advice of a woman, but please keep in mind, I have been decorating spaces since I was a teen. I never talked about it back then because I grew up in a redneck town and male decorators had to be queer (my late brother would approve of me using that term - he said I couldn't be because there was only one queer per family allowed and I weren't it ). I fell into flooring after I got back from Vietnam and managed to continue to help my customers and friends with their design and decorating challenges. My problem is that I find it terribly difficult to design for myself. I flip-flop so much it hurts. Anyway, the blue is dead. No blue walls.
The green works too, if you lean towards an olive green but not too dark, it sounds like your place is too small for bold colours. Use those bold colours from your dinnerware for accent colours; trim, drapes, pillows, stuff like that.
You're right, the green is working. I won't know for sure if my latest trial will be the one, but I am liking it better than anything else so far. Although I have also shit-canned the fabric wall idea, I am still going to paint that wall a shade darker than the other walls. The trim and ceiling will be a warm white (you see glimpses of it in the pics). Here's a shot of the color after the 3rd coat, but it's only been on for a couple hours - paint takes about 4 hours to completely dry and gets darker as it does so.
Wish I could afford to send you something to help, but although we are still working, we are slowing down too. It seems like every job we quote supply & install is just a springboard for the customer to launch into "let's made a deal".
It's okay, I understand. The economy is tough for everyone. I got a $50.00 donation a couple days ago from a great guy (great even without the regular donations he sends) and a week or so ago I got a 5.00 donation from another pretty nice guy and his donation came just when I needed it the most. Every dollar helps. But I know all too well how difficult it can be to put just a few of them together for the necessities of life. Your greatest contribution is to just keep participating. It makes me happy.
Have you offered free advertising on TFP in exchange for product donation? Forget the retailers, go to the manufacturers.
Yes, I have been going after vendors and manufacturers and a couple of really wonderful members have been working hard at that as well. Manufacturers are really tight and I haven't had any return my emails or phone calls, except for Globus Cork. I'm waiting on some cork samples now and I think that will work out very well for both of us. I have spoken with some online retailers about a ceiling fan and other big ticket items (big ticket to me, anyway), but nothing concrete yet.
Glad to hear that this home improvement project has lifted your spirits. We, too, would be willing to lend a hand if we were closer. Spent 2 days last week making a bathroom right for a disabled lady, total take on the job was $310. Deb
I am enjoying it. The weather has kept me inside for several days now, which is frustrating. I'm looking forward to finishing the entry door area so I can get to some of the other projects.
LinkBack to this Topic: http://www.thefloorpro.com/community/other-home-decorating-and-remodeling-projects/5569-redesigning-my-home-instead-of-website.html
............I am gonna seriously question yer choice of color there T..........
.......... and did I miss somethin, what kindda floorin are ya lookin fer.....I got a whole warehouse full of cra....I mean goods..........
I have other stuff that I have to work around and I think blue will be a really welcome change for me. No more beige! Here's my color inspiration:
Here's a concept drawing of the wall my buffet and the entry and bedroom doors are on - the refer is enclosed in the wall to the left of the bedroom door, right across from where its original position is.
I have to tear the carpet out real soon so I can build a surround for the new refrigerator position (same old refer, new location). The landlord wants to use the carpet in another rental, so I can't just cut a chunk out of it.
). I fell into flooring after I got back from Vietnam and managed to continue to help my customers and friends with their design and decorating challenges. My problem is that I find it terribly difficult to design for myself. I flip-flop so much it hurts. 
