Our House Plans and Design

Months ago we began researching on whether or not our dream for a complete house rebuild was even an option. We started by talking to several people we know in construction and getting some feedback on options. One particular friend of ours was determined to make this whole thing happen and helped to really support and push us in the right direction. His guidance and encouragement really is what sparked us to jump all in. We are so grateful for that help.  With his guidance we found an amazing team to work with in the pre-planning stage.

 

At first we weren't sure which direction to go. Do we save part of the house? Can we? What kind of condition is our foundation in? (Our house was built in 1961). Should we just bulldoze it all down and start from complete scratch? We needed major help. 

Our first goal was to determine what we were working with as far as our foundation goes. We found an amazing Structural Engineer who came over to do an assessment and help us know our options. Like most older homes, we had some foundation issues but thankfully nothing that was not fixable and also something we could add a second story to. After talking with him we decided our best course of action was to move forward with trying to save our foundation and anything else that made sense. This would save us on total cost which is a top priority for us. Additionally, we really like the idea of using part of our old house for the new.

Next up was meeting our architect (part of the structural team) and letting him know our hopes and dreams. Honestly, I think we were both kind of surprised at this point that all of this was actually moving forward but after living somewhere for 11 years you know what you would like. 

Dreams - a second story, a front porch and a screen porch on the back (we love being outside), open floor plan downstairs with more space to entertain, a downstairs owners suite, fireplace, laundry room, upstairs loft area, a bedroom and bathroom just for Silas, an office for Justin and spare room for guests.  Oh- and a pantry! We have never had one. Our current house square footage is right under 1000 square feet. Its small but worked for us for a long time. We learned how to use every square inch well and hosted many many parties, meetings and all sorts of gatherings there. 

We thought a lot about adding extra square footage to the footprint on the main level - something doable. But honestly we just didn't see the need for it. We've lived in a small space for so long - this was going to feel huge for us. We have a small section of foundation being added at the front of the house but that was it. And with the right design - your space can really work well for you.

Literally blown away the first time I saw this!

I was honestly skeptical of what could actually be accomplished and what I had kind of pictured in my head ended up being nothing what was presented to us - and I'm so glad because they gave us something even better. We are absolutely in love with our floor plans.  Somehow they turned that little house into a beautiful thoughtful space with every single item on our wishlist. They also captured our exterior exactly the way we wanted, even though I don't think we even said what we exactly wanted, lol. I'm pretty sure I said- I like old houses and big porches. That was the only thing I gave him.

I absolutely loved the design process of this project. Our engineer and architect were amazing, listened well and delivered a beautiful product. I cannot wait to see this come together in real life. 

Once we settled on our final plans it was time to get a loan and get to work on figuring out the best way to repair our foundation. It feels like we have been in the planing stage forever but we want to get this part right. It's important our plans are done well, our foundation is correct and all of our permitting is in order. So in the meantime, I dream of our new home that's waiting to be built. 

More on the process of becoming our own General Contractors next! Some of you have already reached out and said this was something you are considering. This was a hard decision but one we are happy about! I'l try and give some info on how that works here in NC, so stay tuned! 

So much of this has been surreal. We have always been thankful for the little home God provided for us 11 years ago. To have a safe and cozy place for us to learn how to be hospitable and use what we were given well. We pray this new space will be the same. We want our home to be a place always where people feel welcomed and loved. A place for laughter and tears and for God's word to be shared and enjoyed. Good meals and gatherings, celebrations and prayer. Expectant for what comes next.

A New Begining

I started this blog 11 years ago. Silas had just been born and my life felt so different. We had bought a house that needed a lot of TLC and I was looking for a creative outlet while I adjusted to being a stay at home mom.  So this space was created as a way for me to document our new little journey as a family of 3. 

Fast forward and here I sit with another turn of seasons. We are currently in a temporary home, we started a new church a year ago, I opened a shop selling my handmade jewelry and goods and Silas is about to be a middle schooler. Sometimes I feel like I have blinked and other days it seems like the days have crept along. Life is so amazing that way.

Since we are embarking on a major home renovation I felt like this was a really great moment to open this space back up and document this crazy journey of rebuilding a house. Honestly, If I'm the only one who looks at this blog anymore I'm good with that. I want to remember this season and celebrate the good things that are currently taking place. It's a very full year for us and at times overwhelming. There are so many decisions being made daily, things are moving more slowly than expected and we are learning so much about what it takes to get through a major remodel together.

I'll be sharing more specific things about our home remodel soon. Honestly, it's hard to even know where to start. I'll begin by saying this project is not typical. It's been a slow plan, one step at a time thing for us. We have had some great, more educated people help us with the pre-planning phase. We had an amazing lender who worked through the best financing for our budget. And, we have had so many talented people in the construction world come alongside of us to get this house built. We are seriously humbled by the support and help offered our way, even in the early stages. 

Most people will think we are crazy. But I think we are used to that by now. I feel like we haven't always gone by the book in life. We love an adventure and this feels like a big one. So without any more intro: Here is a little overview of where we are right now with our house plans-

Our little old house (which we truly love so much) was really in need of some major repairs. We prayed and talked through the best approach for handling the situation. What we came to, was realizing that this was a great moment for us to go all in. We could spend a lot of money patching and repairing. Or we could just take it down to the foundation and build something that would be a good place for our family to grow in for the years to come. This is our home and we love our neighborhood - and let's face it...where are we going to find anything we can afford right now in the Triangle area?  So we began the search for someone who could design something that fits our needs, wants and budget. And wow, were we blown away at the creativity and beautiful plans they came up with!

Our architect and structural Engineer really worked with us to give us a house that used the footprint we already had really well. Everything we asked for they managed to make happen. I would strongly recommend them to anyone in the area looking at home renovations or new builds.

When we settled on the final designs we got all approved for our loan, moved out and began the demo work.

After talking with several General Contractors we came to the conclusion that we were going to do this ourselves. Justin is the GC for our house project. Crazy, we know. But also, not for us. It puts a lot of the decisions in our hands and gives us total freedom on how to do the work.  We can use our own subcontractors and choose which parts of the project to do ourselves to save money. It's taking a little bit longer to go this route but for us it's worth it. How cool is it going to be when we move in and know we did this ourselves? 

The plan for our house is to take it pretty much down to the foundation (save a few exterior walls) and build it back up. We are keeping the exact footprint - with a small extra foundation being added to the front and also adding a second floor. All of the current electric, plumbing and hvac are being removed and completely redone and the current floorpan is completely refigured. Where you see the eat in kitchen area below...that will be our laundry/mud room.  Silas' bedroom and our living room is now our Primary bedroom suite and the kitchen is being moved to where our old bedroom, laundry and spare room was. It's completely different and brand new.

So many people ask us what our timeline is....y'all I wish I had an answer. Right now we are trying to do it as quickly as we can. We have to wait for subcontractor availability, things like windows are taking a long time to get. It's all dependent on so many factors. But...we do know it will be done and it will be amazing.

We took those first few pics of us in our house right before we moved out. Literally we had boxes all over the place the other side of the camera. We saved that little space to grab our last moments together in our home. There are so many memories we will cherish. And it's also weird bc our house is still going to be our house - just different? So, it's bittersweet but exciting and all the feelings.

Below is the most current picture of the house. It's almost gutted. Justin does this in his spare time, weekends, nights, etc. In a couple of weeks we have an abatement company coming to remove our lovely asbestos we discovered and then it's go time. Foundation repairs, foundation extension, roof removal....it's going to get crazy.

Because starting a new home Reno isn't enough I also had the opportunity to start a new business and open up my own little shop in Cary. This was also a crazy whirlwind of events but it truly has been a blessing for us so far. Remodeled has evolved and become something so sweet for me. Now, it's taking on a new adventure as making a brand for itself. 

Sources (Affiliate Links): Gold Sconce Lights

Hand Painted Sign

Table is from Hobby Lobby

Jewelry Displays

Industrial Clothing Racks

My space is in the Painted Tree Boutiques in Crossroads. You can find lots of unique handmade jewelry, tees and hats designed by me and hopefully even more fun things soon.  The whole store is a beautiful way to support local small businesses. I'm so thankful for the support already given. It was kind of scary to do something new and put myself out there. It's one thing to sell on Etsy or at a weekend event..but this is more permanent. It was a major commitment and honestly a dream come true for me. I'm so glad I took the leap and went for it. When I was a kid one of my favorite things to "play" was store. I would completely redo one of the rooms in our house into my own store and make my parents come and buy things from me - haha. Am I the only one?

Something I have noticed - just from taking the time to sit and think through our current life station and write a few things down is how much more appreciative and thankful I am. It's so important to take the time to pause and be thankful. We can so easily get caught up in the daily decisions, current news events or disappointments of the day. It's so essential to stop and see what God is doing around you. If you are feeling overwhelmed I encourage you to take some time and write a few things down. To pray over the specific situations bringing you anxiety and to share your story with others. God is in the details of our life, let's not forget that.

PS- As I am opening this blog back up I have been updating some of the pages here. Our House Tour page is updated with how our house looked right before we left and what we had completed in each space. It's funny now because it's all gone - but I wanted to remember it how it was and how sweet those spaces were for us. As always, thanks fo much for taking the time to stop by and spend a moment with me. I am truly grateful! 

Simple Easter Table

Wow, there has been a lot going on for us this last month! I'm happy to be sitting down to write up a little blog post for today.  Easter is coming tomorrow so I thought I would share a little snapshot of our kitchen and some simple decor ideas anyone can whip up last minute.  I love using things I already have, usually by browsing around the house I can find things to use and then add in a little handmade touch to make it feel new.  

I have always loved dying eggs for easter so I try and sit down to do it with Silas every year.  Also a bonus is how pretty the eggs are for decorating.  This year I didn't buy any extra dye...so we were left with orange, yellow and green.  They still turned out super pretty. 

My favorite part is that Silas has about 5 seconds of wait time for the eggs so they are very pastel....which I like.  So this took like 2 minutes haha.

I just looked around the house for white or light blue colored items to use together and went to the yard to trim some flowers and greenery for the table.  Its always pretty to group various items on the table for your centerpiece.  Mix it up!!

I love all of the light and airy pastel goodness.

Recently I have been reading through Exodus in leading up to Easter.  I have read Exodus several times in my life but for some reason this time I am overwhelmed with the beauty of it.  All I can see is Jesus all over the pages.  Its amazing how much the Bible points to the coming Savior.  

 I hope you can see Jesus all over your life.  He is all we need.  He has come, He has saved and He continues to provide all we need.  

Happy Easter!

DIY Basics - Recovering a Thrift Store Chair

I am a big fan of thrift store shopping...for furniture and things for the house.  I'm not the biggest fan of shopping for clothes at thrift stores only because I get overwhelmed (am I the one one?).  There is something really fun about scoring a great piece at thrift store for next to nothing and seeing the potential it has to be something great.  One of my favorite places to shop for things for the home is Habitat Restore...if you have never been to one you need to check it out.  I have found some really great things there for amazing prices.  There are a few keys to shopping at thrift stores...know when they restock, know when they mark down and go frequently.  

So I came across this chair at the Restore for $10 and loved it..I am a big chair fan.  This one though is in really great shape (it also folds up for storing), sturdy and I decided I didn't even want to paint it (super shocking I know).  All it needed in my opinion was a seat recovering.  

This is actually not the fabric above that was on the chair when I bought it...I had this laying around and covered it really quickly until I got something I liked.  This fabric was not really my favorite and didn't quite work in our space.

After thinking about it I decided I wanted something simple and basic that would go with anything.  This! This check fabric is like my most favorite thing ever.  After I covered the chair I made cafe curtains and a pillow too...with hot glue, haha.  They are still holding up great too...I need to make a post on that.

Ok, so covering a chair seat is really simple.  You need a staple gun (they are inexpensive) and that's pretty much it.  The hardest part is folding the corners in so it sits right.

Honestly I probably do it a little differently each time. I just make sure its really tight and folded in on the corners and then staple like crazy.  This seat just screwed right back in to the chair base, its was simple.

I love the simple and classic look of this chair.  Don't be intimidated by thrift store finds, there is a treasure of good stuff out there waiting for you to make it beautiful again.

How about you guys...are you thrift shopping people?  What are some of your best finds?

PS - Here are some other thrift store makeovers from the blog -

Luggage Rack Redo

Desk Redo

5 Ways to Save on Projects

Super Easy Painted Glass Jars (Dollar Store Craft)

I have spring fever.  I am so ready for warmer days, sunshine and color.  Until then, I am making due with bringing some life inside and adding some spring touches here and there around the house.  I have a super easy diy for you today for adding some color to your homes - using chalk paint on glass!  Have you guys used chalk paint yet?  I absolutely love it..and now there are so many options available.  I know there is sometimes confusion about this...so to clarify this isn't chalkboard paint but chalk paint - two different things.  Chalk paint adheres really well to surfaces without the need of primer and leaves a very matte/flat almost chalky finish.  Recently I came across some craft chalk paint and wanted to give it a try.

At first I was going to use mason jars for this project but then I found these glass milk bottles at the dollar store...yes! --at the dollar store and had to grab them.  If you can't find them at your local dollar store (specifically these were at the Dollar Tree) then I have seen them also at crafts stores like AC Moore or Michaels for a few dollars each.  How cute are these? Honestly I like them even unpainted as well to use for little parties.  Just think of how cute a little paper striped straw would be with these.

Here is the chalk paint I used...I found this at AC Moore for $8...plus a coupon for 50%.  I love those coupons, don't ever enter a craft store without scoping those out first. They have other colors as well..not a huge selection but I think a pretty selection.  If you haven't used chalk paint yet this paint is a great way to try it out without investing $$ on some of the fancier brands and supplies.

When you use chalk paint the best approach is several thin layers.  Your first layer will feel like its not going to cover and will look awful.  I did 3 thin layers on these bottles to get the coverage I liked. I just used a craft sponge brush to apply it...it worked well for this project. And leftover birthday plates :)

After the paint has dried completely you can add some distressing if you want...I waited a good 24 hours before doing this step.  I just lightly sanded with a sanding block to give it a little character. That's really it!  I didn't need to prime or use any kind of sealer on this project. Super easy.

These are so cute for greenery or florals, I love using unexpected things.  And this minty color is one of my favorites..I love the vintage feel of it.

I also used these for candle holders as well!  One thing though I would never use these for drinking out of now that they are painted..just decoration haha. 

Are you guys feeling the spring fever too?  What are some ways you like to add pops of spring to your home?  And...what do you think of chalk paint?  I'd love to hear!

Make something new this week!

DIY Yarn Pom Pom Garland

Do you decorate for the little holidays? I'm a big fan of having at least a little something out to change our home up for a bit.  Valentine's Day is one that I enjoy adding a little color around the house for.  Nothing crazy for fancy.  I made a little yarn pom pom garland to use for Valentine's that I'm sharing with you today...its so so simple anyone can do it and its a fun and easy craft to do with your kids too!

Materials Needed - 

1. Yarn

2. Twine

3. Scissors

4. Hot Glue Gun

4. Some sort of card or cardboard to wrap yarn around

The hardest part about this craft is wrapping your yarn many many times around your card.  The number of times you wrap  will determine the fluffiness of your pom pom.  This is a great craft to do while watching a Disney movie or favorite Disney Vlogger (shout out Tim Tracker).  After you have wrapped your yarn, cut off an extra piece and tie a knot around the middle of the yarn you  just wrapped.  Cut through the looped yarn on both sides.  Finally, you just fluff and trim the edges and that's it!

After you have your yarn pom poms made just line them up along your twine and hot clue them into place. 

Done! Super simple, and really cute.  And also for a fraction of the cost something like this would cost in a store.

The top of this cabinet gets changed up a lot over the year, right now I all about adding pink candles everywhere.  If you like the square boxwood wreath, I made that too! I have an easy diy tutorial on how to make a faux square boxwood wreath, I made this wreath years ago and still use it all of the time.

Let me know what kind of decorating you guys like to do for the little holidays or seasons! I love to hear ideas.  

Don't forget,  Only 6 days left to grab a Remodeled Tee! You can order one here.

Have a great week!

Enjoy The Ordinary

ENJOY.  That is my word of the year this year.  Honestly I haven't always picked out a word, but this year I really felt the need to do so.  God has pressed upon my heart the need for enjoyment in daily life.  I shared a few weeks ago about our last year, one that I am thankful for but - I know I didn't always enjoy the time God blessed me with and allowed fear and anxiety to fill in some gaps.  Through scripture God is showing me that he has created us to find satisfaction and enjoyment in this life on earth now....and even in the ordinary, everyday things.

Ecclesiastes is not a book I have found myself ever really drawn to until this past month.  But I am learning how to cherish every word written.  Ecclesiastes is realistic...life is full of emptiness, futile things, suffering but also teaches us we are supposed to enjoy everyday life.  Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that God gives us time to find satisfaction in our work - whether you are a salaried person or mom at home with the kids...there is joy God intends for us to to experience from that.  

And how do we do this? How do we find real satisfaction in the ordinary? By understanding there is nothing better on this earth than knowing and loving Jesus.  I love the ending of Ecclesiastes - "the conclusion of the whole matter is this, fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man."  When we have a right perspective of God, we can find satisfaction in everyday life.  We can enjoy the mundane moments, we can be content without knowing what our future holds because we trust God, we can appreciate the beauty of his creation like the rain falling and be reminded of his grace.  We can enjoy our toast and eggs we eat every single morning and see them as a gift to be enjoyed because God has provided our daily needs.  Enjoyment in life is found in each fleeting breath.  

We have eternity set in our hearts, that's how we were created.  When we stop and reflect just what this means it really give us a better perspective on life.  We are created beings who have a Creator.  We are not gods and we don't have all of the answers.  We cannot master time nor do we know what the future will hold. There are many things beyond our ability.  So we humble ourselves daily and remember WHO IS.  And in turn we are thankful that we have received this gift of life.  We are thankful we can live it to the full and reflect God's glory to the world around us.  We can find joy in the ordinary things.  

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31