My "OTHER" Rehab Project

There's no such thing as too much of a good thing! In my life good thing means rehab. Whether it's furniture that someone has left at the curb or homes or apartments that have been vacant or unloved for years, if it's a challenge, then I'm up for it! I'm a die-hard DIY'er...a compulsive refurbisher...yeah, I'm probably certifiable.

The photos that you see here are the before photos of my OTHER current rehab project: My Oldest Son's Apartment! It's an "L" shaped efficiency on the second floor of a commercial building and it is a mess!  He has chosen a mix of contemporary and industrial for the style and we're doing it on a very limited budget which means we're sourcing things from the ReStore, Home Depot and Ikea as well as garage sales and flea markets.  We started the cleanout and painting last weekend.

 
In addition to painting, we're replacing carpet, flooring, cabinets, lighting and bathroom fixtures. My son and I are working on this project in the very early morning and the evening after I finish work but before dinner. The good news is that the work at the farmhouse is in the hands of the pro's right now so I can focus on the apartment. We're hopeful to have the apartment complete within the 3-4 weeks if all goes well.

I'll share photos as we get this project progresses and we find solutions for storage and living in a very small space on a tight budget. I'm really excited because this apartment will be a completely different style than the farmhouse and I've always wanted to try my hand at a little "contemporary/industrial"!

There's plaster and paint on top of wallpaper, the flooring is peeling and the whole place is filthy. In other words, it's right up my alley! So, this is where I"m spending my free time...you know...in case you were wondering. Oh...and if you know anyone in my area who has unloved furniture that needs painting or a room that they  need help rehabbing, please tell them not to tell me....

                                                                                                 at least not for a few weeks...

....because you know I'd say yes. 

Blue and White Outdoor Summer Urn Patio Planters

 
 Summer has finally arrived in the Midwest and after a cold and seemingly endless winter it has been so much fun to be able to fill my urns and planters with colorful annuals and not have to worry (too much) that I'll be running out every night to cover them to protect them from frost.  This year, my color scheme consists of cool colors: blue, purple and white.

Easy DIY Chalkboard Door Art

Sometimes, it's the little things.  Like chalkboard door art that reminds me to be thankful for the day. As you have probably guessed, now that I'm in the middle of demolition at the French Farmhouse my opportunities to create something pretty are limited to artwork on my chalkboard door and, when I can get to the sewing machine, a canvas drop cloth pillow or two.

Monogrammed Reusable Market Tote Bags

I've been using reusable market tote bags for several years but I've never really liked them. Oh, don't get me wrong, I love the idea of not using plastic bags.  My main objection to the market bags that I've found is that they're usually ugly and most have advertising on them.

How To Make An Easy DIY Tea Towel Pillow

Looking for a last minute DIY Mother's Day gift or a quick pick me up for your porch or patio that's both cheap and easy? Well, you're in luck! I made these pillows from two cotton tea towels that I purchased at Ikea for $4.99 for the pair. I've also seen them at Target, JoAnn Fabrics and just about any store that carries kitchen items. Making the two of them took ten minutes....literally.