Porch conversion idea

As I make my way through what feels like my neverending list of projects I have been obsessing about fencing the yard, remodeling the bathroom/ laundry room and I have added a new obsession--

an enclosed front porch!

I dislike how my main entry opens to the dining room and always believed I needed some type of vestibule. The it dawned on me--for a smart person, sometimes I am a little slow on the uptake--that my current porch really is useless as a porch due to it diminutive dimensions but would make a wonderful enclosure. We truly seldom use the front porch, so why not try to reclaim it as usable living space?

Now I have absolutely no idea as to the feasibility of this project--zoning, permits and cost--but it hasn't stopped me from procrastinating...um...researching such things. Hello Google and Pinterest, ha.

This is my porch from 2012 and not much has changed except the plants have gotten bigger.

My idea would be to shorten the porch so as not to cover the living room window. 

 I found this posted on Old House Web forum. It gives a good visual as to how my addition could look with  the entry offset and  a small scale enclosure. 

Old House Web Forum

My porch dimensions currently are 5 feet depth by 24 feet length and  if I were to have my enclosure the dimensions would be 5 feet by 18 feet (shorten the length so as to not cover the window. That seems like a lot of good space!

There would be a larger space on the left (5x 9)--I envision low bookcases under the windows with plants lining the outside wall with possibly a club chair and ottoman and to the the right (5 x 5) would be a coat/ boot bench--sort of the "mud room" area of the vestibule.

Project wish list 
Remove all the current siding within the vestibule.
Insulate and drywall
Add a few outlets
Move the exterior light fixture from wall to ceiling
Slate tile for the flooring but would settle for a faux painted and stained concrete.
Full pane horizontal sliders, so as not to block the view--even if it is of my neighbors house.(The dimensions would allow for 4-5 nice sized  windows)
Bamboo blinds for privacy.
Main entry door would be 2/3 glass but etched/ frosted for privacy.
A transom with our house numbers!
Expand the entry into the dining room  from a 36 inch opening to 42-46  inches if possible. I would like to frame it in nice thick molding and casing and no interior door. Wide open space. How lovely. 

Can you picture it?

Forgive my poor artistic skills but these are my mock ups and they aren't to scale...

Of course this is a "down the road aways" project and would need to take place around the siding and roofing phase. But a girl can dream...

Making my list and checkng it twice

Downstairs Bathroom and Laundry Project ideas

Well, I must admit I am just itching to demolish this room. Waiting while we finish other things and manage the budget is truly an exercise is self control for me. Huh, I must growing as a person or something...HA!

What is even more amazing to me is I posted these  floor plans for this remodel in 2013!!

Current layout


Original proposed layout


In living color

Pocket door instead of swing in door

No door for laundry room, open to the kitchen

So I have been going over my list and we have quite a few of the materials needed for the renovation which is ALWAYS good news!

Materials on hand for the bathroom portion of the remodel..

1. The toilet is only a few years old and works just fine, so that will be reused.
2. light fixture, towel bar, tp holder
3. a vanity cabinet
4. sink
5. I have a countertop we can cut down if needed but would prefer not to do so
6. floor tile but I would like to install linoleum that matches the laundry room portion 
7. backsplash tile
8. I have lots of paint and accessories to decorate

To do list, materials and services needed for the bathroom/ laundry room remodel/ gut job

1. 2x4's
2. plywood
3. pocket door, pocket door framing kit and pocket door hardware for bathroom
4. New window?
5. New wiring, outlets and switches (including moving them to the correct locations)
6. Services of the electrician we used from our kitchen remodel--expand the panel and dedicated breaker for laundry room
7. insulation...Considering some sound/ thermal rated insulation--still researching options
8. drywall, drywall mud , drywall screws and seam tape
9. Molding, trim and baseboards
10. Build a wall recessed  cubby (between the studs) storage for the plunger, etc...
11. Build a wall recessed cubby (between the studs) for broom, mop, swiffer, etc
12. Build/ install a wall recessed cubby  (between the studs) ironing board storage
13. new plumbing pipes and connections to move the sink and toilet
14. services of a certified plumber to move waste line and tap into the stack, the hubbs can do the rest
15. new plumbing to move the washer connection
16. new dryer vent
17. new wall mounted dryer plug
18. utility sink--maybe...the smallest I could find is 18 inch width. I hope to fit it in the plan. Possible DIY instead of the plastic utility tub??
19. Cabinet and countertop for the "laundry  folding" area...Maybe a DIY pallet project?  I have a super cool idea for the countertop!
20. I have a DIY project for a folding, wall mounted drying rack
21. Install repurposed or upcycled chandelier--'cause if I am going to do laundry I am going to do it in style!
22. DIY some funky laundry art

My Inspiration Gallery

Recessed built-ins

fold out laundry rack

Utility sinks

Laundry room decor

I don't know about y'all, but I find this pretty exciting! I love having future projects to work towards. Now, if only all those unfinished projects would be finished AND crossed off the list.

The last of the shiny stuff and other random things

Or what I like to call the oopsie edition.

I am down to the last 3 totes of kitchen stuff, so... hooray for that! But I do have some perplexing things that I just can't explain. When unpacking my brand new dishes that I had purchased in July last year-which had been unpacked, wrapped in towels and stored in a rubbermaid tote--you know, to keep them safe--I noticed I didn't have any broken dishes. I had a missing dessert plate! How does that happen? I have no ideal. I have gone through all the remaining totes at this point and it is not to be found. I am also missing 1 area area rug, a box of my miscellaneous coffee mugs (or muglies as my kid would call them), and 2 of my cast iron skillets.  It isn't like I have a ginormous house or garage but this stuff is just...gone. Weird, huh?

So all the shiny stuff has been installed...all the cabinet hardware and the light fixture. Yay!!

There was a MAJOR oopsie when the hubbs was installing a cabinet knob. He began drilling in the wrong spot. I damn near had an apoplectic fit. The door had to be flipped upside down and hinges moved to the opposite side...Siiighhh.

Fortunately a little wood putty and some matching paint will take care of it. We still need to adjust the door a little bit, or I should say the hubbs needs to because I have absolutely NO patience for it.

Unlike my waistline, my kitchen remodel list is shrinking, yahoo! The majority on the list is either on hold due to budget or waiting for Spring weather. My window treatment had to be redone because I didn't like the fabric I had selected after all. No worries the fabric I purchased  can be repurposed for quilting. My DIY art project is coming along nicely. It is not difficult or time consuming but I have only had a few minutes intermittently to work on it.  It is mostly all about the pretty stuff and accessorizing. The good thing is I can shop my hoard stash chatchkes and bric-a-brac-- so no additional cost  is involved.

To see the original list  click here 

• REPAIR THE EXTERIOR WALL FROM INSTALLING A SMALLER WINDOW--IN PROGRESS On hold due to budget and weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Install sink (part of the counter top fabrication) DONE!!
• Plumbing! DONE!!
• Install garbage disposal DONE!!
• Paint and install the new entry door On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Purchase door hardware--DONE!!
• Install door hardware, including kick plate On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Add a peephole to the door since it is windowless On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Trim work (doors, the window, baseboards, crown molding and cabinet toe molding) On hold due to budget
• Purchase  additional tile for back splash--expanded project (aka scope creep), now need to tile sink aside and food prep/ cook side On hold due to budget
• Install tile back splash On hold due to budget
• Purchase shelves for open shelving storage between wall cabinet and pantry, as well as, above the sink. DONE!
• Install shelves DONE!
• Install the refrigerator DONE!
• Install the stove DONE!
• Purchase end panel for dishwasher installation--DONE!!
• Purchase and install a dishwasher--DONE!
• Purchase and install cabinet hardware----DONE!
• Purchase ceiling medallion--DONE!
• Install the ceiling medallion and chandelier--DONE!
• Decide on window treatment--DONE!!
• Order and SEW fabric for window valance/ curtains/ shade--IN PROGRESS
• Paint  mobile island/ cart and purchase/ DIY 1 or 2 kitchen stools Sadly there will be no island or bar stools due to space constraints
• DIY some wall art --IN PROGRESS
• Accessorize--IN PROGRESS
• Cook, bake and ENJOY the finished kitchen!

So...what is next??

The next project on the list is the dining room. I know I said we were gonna wait  but there will be (hopefully) minimal cost. The biggest cost will be leveling the floor and installing the vinyl flooring. I know it isn't a typical choice for a dining room but it is also the main entry to my house and there is a lot of traffic, so I want something easy to clean. I am going to repaint the entire room. I have a new light fixture which was FREE and it is GORGEOUS!  There is a repurposed furniture project planned for the dining room, I may try to make slipcovers for my 2 parson's chairs and I need to reupholster the 2 arm chairs. Oh and paint the table base. And organize the storage closet in the dining room. HAHA--so lots of things to keep me busy.

What is on your to-do list?

My Cozy Kitchen

When I last posted, we had installed the stove. I have the functional part of the kitchen finished. Now it is time for the finish details and make it pretty!

 I have a corner that is looking pretty darn good. My beautiful Chicago Cutlery knives/ block and bamboo cutting board are not only functional but they look nice too! I have  a command hook mounted on the side of the cabinet (above the knife block) to hang this cutting board when not in use, since it is rather large. I used the 5 lb heavy duty hook and it holding just fine. 

We still need to touch up the wall-meets-ceiling paint, add the painted trim around the window and finish installing the cabinet hardware. But this little corner? I LOVE it!

The shelves turned out better than I had envisioned. Of course, I am certain I will probably rearrange stuff a few (dozen) or more times, until I find just the right look.  Ha   

I had just enough space above the cabinets to display a few favorite things...It is interesting to see a vintage (large jar) Ball blue jar next to the reproduction (small jar); My thrift store find wooden dough tray; The rusty metal basket with vintage and reproduction milk bottles, as well as,  the stoneware crock.

The wooden recipe box was the hubb's woodshop project when he was in 6th grade. The birdcage "recipe" holder is actually a repurposed memo/ picture holder. I think I may give this a light rub of teal or vintage green paint for added interest. And I am super excited to have my glass jars out for storage. Functional and pretty!

The one new accessory is the cookbook holder. I bought it at Tractor Supply almost 2 years ago. It is a chicken wire mesh and with a wooden rolling pin on the front.

I even managed to tuck in my bakers rack next to the pantry cabinet. Then hung some artwork on the side of the pantry. No more big, blank expanse of white. I ended up swapping the artwork out for the Coffee and Tea canvas prints. I am telling y'all, command hooks are the best invention ever!


This weekend the hardware goes in, the paint gets touched up and fingers crossed the center light fixture will be installed.

Oh Yeah, I almost forgot to mention but I am working on my DIY art project and it is sooo cute! It involves scrapbook paper and modge-podge. Here is a sneak peek of the patterns/ colors.


What are you working on?

To see the original list  click here 

• REPAIR THE EXTERIOR WALL FROM INSTALLING A SMALLER WINDOW--IN PROGRESS On hold due to budget and weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Install sink (part of the counter top fabrication) DONE!!
• Plumbing! DONE!!
• Install garbage disposal DONE!!
• Paint and install the new entry door On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Purchase door hardware--DONE!!
• Install door hardware, including kick plate On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Add a peephole to the door since it is windowless On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Trim work (doors, the window, baseboards, crown molding and cabinet toe molding)
• Purchase  additional tile for back splash--expanded project (aka scope creep), now need to tile sink aside and food prep/ cook side On hold due to budget
• Purchase shelves for open shelving storage between wall cabinet and pantry, as well as, above the sink. DONE!
• Install tile back splash On hold 
• Install shelves DONE!
• Install the refrigerator DONE!
• Install the stove DONE!
• Purchase end panel for dishwasher installation--DONE!!
• Purchase and install a dishwasher--DONE!
• Purchase and install cabinet hardware--IN PROGRESS
• Purchase ceiling medallion--DONE!
• Install the ceiling medallion and chandelier
• Decide on window treatment--DONE!!
• Order and SEW fabric for window valance/ curtains/ shade--IN PROGRESS
• Paint  mobile island/ cart and purchase/ DIY 1 or 2 kitchen stools Sadly there will be no island or bar stools due to space constraints
• DIY some wall art --IN PROGRESS
• Accessorize--IN PROGRESS
• Cook, bake and ENJOY the finished kitchen!

Now you're cooking!

Well actually, I am cooking with electric, not gas. That is ok because NO MORE single burner hotplate!

When I posted the last update on the kitchen remodel- I was waiting on the hubbs to install the stove.  I wasn't home when the hubbs drilled through my floor and ran the line for the stove. My daughter harassed me into going shopping. I am pretty sure this was a diversionary tactic to control my neurotic impulses regarding this project. Either that or the hubbs bribed the kid to keep me away from making him crazy, haha!

There is hole in my new vinyl flooring...sniffle

The hubbs scrubbed the stove inside and out for me prior to moving it back in the house. Hello, my old friend how I have missed you...

Would it be weird if I hugged my stove?

My stove is  oooollldddd!  It was used when it became "new to us" 5 years ago. Based on the serial number/ id plate it was manufactured in 1998.  We know we need to update it sooner vs. later because the storage drawer is rusting out, the enamel is chipped in a few spots  and definitely shows it's age. Fortunately I have the hubbs to replace oven elements, terminal blocks, and stovetop burners to keep it going.

As you can see there is a black and white appliance mish mash. While I am not overly fond of it, the overall effect isn't horrible.

When the microwave needs to be replaced it will be changed to white. Also when we upgrade the stove, fridge and dishwasher those will be white as well. I know, I know--I am probably one of only a  handful of people that doesn't like stainless steel appliances. But I do like-no-LOVE the Whirlpool Ice Collection, which is white with stainless steel accents/ handles. Seeexxxyyy!

This is what I hope to upgrade to by the end of 2015.

Whirlpool White Ice Collection

Still moving forward and checking items off the list. How about you? Do you have any lists you are slowly checking items off?

To see the original list  click here 

• REPAIR THE EXTERIOR WALL FROM INSTALLING A SMALLER WINDOW--IN PROGRESS On hold due to budget and weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Install sink (part of the counter top fabrication) DONE!!
• Plumbing! DONE!!
• Install garbage disposal DONE!!
• Paint and install the new entry door On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Purchase door hardware--DONE!!
• Install door hardware, including kick plate On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Add a peephole to the door since it is windowless On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Trim work (doors, the window, baseboards, crown molding and cabinet toe molding)
• Purchase  additional tile for back splash--expanded project (aka scope creep), now need to tile sink aside and food prep/ cook side On hold due to budget
• Purchase shelves for open shelving storage between wall cabinet and pantry, as well as, above the sink. DONE!
• Install tile back splash On hold 
• Install shelves
• Install the refrigerator DONE!
• Install the stove DONE!
• Purchase end panel for dishwasher installation--DONE!!
• Purchase and install a dishwasher--DONE!
• Purchase and install cabinet hardware--IN PROGRESS
• Purchase ceiling medallion--DONE!
• Install the ceiling medallion and chandelier
• Decide on window treatment--DONE!!
• Order and SEW fabric for window valance/ curtains/ shade--IN PROGRESS
• Paint  mobile island/ cart and purchase/ DIY 1 or 2 kitchen stools Sadly there will be no island or bar stools due to space constraints
• DIY some wall art
• Accessorize
• Cook, bake and ENJOY the finished kitchen!

450 days

That is the sum total of days between the beginning of the kitchen remodel to the point at which my kitchen was functional (although not completely finished). I wanted to finish EVERYTHING and post all the pretty, shiny pictures. Guess what? It is not gonna happen. We still need to install the baseboard and crown molding but it can wait. We need to install the fancy light fixture but it can wait. We need to tile the back splash but it too can wait along with all the other little projects on the list. Why? Because y'all I am just plumb tuckered out.


All these other projects can be managed with me having a functional kitchen. For now, we ran a bead of caulk around the back edge of the counters. I have a few tiny places to fix on the walls from scuffs and gouges due to the counter top install. The hubbs asked me what I wanted hooked up first. The stove or the sink?  I said sink. I am sick of washing dishes in the bathtub.  

 We--and by we, I mean the hubbs-- had to do a little revised plumbing work to move the drain, as well as, extend the lines for the sink and dishwasher. Why? Because of the "false wall" behind the sink. The false wall was the only way to have the walls to be true to square, level and plumb in order to install the cabinetry. I am so thankful he knows how to do this type of work. Eventually an additional water line will ran when we upgrade our fridge (for the ice maker), The nice thing is the access is relatively easy from the cellar/ dungeon/basement stairs. Well easy for the hubbs because I am certainly not spending anytime in that space...shudders...

He has to demolish some plaster and lathe to make room for the new pipes. The plumbing came through the floor previously. The hubbs extended the pipes, came up and through the wall.

Making the pilots holes for the water lines and shut off valves. There are 3 shuts off valves for the kitchen sink. 1 for each water line (cold and hot) then the main line under the floor. 

Fitting the pipe

The bigger hole around the pipe will be covered with a spring clasp escutcheons. Um yeah, I was a scientist and I can't pronounce that. I think it may also be called a smitty plate. THAT I can pronounce.  Depending on the diameter and metal these vary in price from $2-$6 each.

I was freaking out the entire time he was soldering. I was worried he was going to catch something on fire. I may have been a tad annoying as I stood by with the fire extinguisher at the ready...

All I can say is the flux and soldering stinks!

What a mess!

I am not sure if anyone recalls the original post when I selected the sink but it is acrylic. It is 10 inches deep, which is deep enough for canning pots. My favorite moment is having the sink (and dishwasher). Having running water in the kitchen. Having all (well most all--still not sure where few totes of stuff stored in the garage are in that mess) of my stuff in the kitchen. Having the ease  and CONVENIENCE of everything at hand. It is truly a relief. I am still really bummed about the whole missing cabinet fiasco, which you can read about here.  I will say my sink didn't look quite so big in the store. It looks positively ginormous installed. This is further illustrated by the whopping 3 inches of counter space on the right side of sink (where the fridge will be installed). siiigghh. 

Snafu's aside, running water is a beautiful thing!

At least there is plenty of counter space to the left, which now houses the dishwasher. So no more washing the dishes in the tub or even the sink. I haven't had a dishwasher for at least 10 years or more! All I know is the dishwasher is gonna get a workout for days to come as I unpack and wash all the dishes in storage from the last 450 days. The best part is this dishwasher was FREE! Yep-- you read that correctly-FREE!! A friend of a friend was upgrading from this 2012 model. It was all black but the hubbs swapped the  black panel for a white panel from an old dishwasher his work was going to scrap. While I am not overly fond of the black/white look of the dishwasher it does match my stove which is also black/white and of course my white refrigerator. So until we have the money to upgrade this will be perfectly fine.

We moved the fridge tonight.  The kitchen suddenly feels much smaller now. Ignore the mess, I haven't had time to pretty things up.

We left room for a future upgrade to a counter depth french door refrigerator. So SOMEDAY it will look like this

My cabinets ARE level, I just took a crappy picture--sorry!

The  stove will be installed later this weekend. The hubbs still needs to drill a hole in the floor (which makes me cringe thinking about deliberately cutting the vinyl floor) and pull the line through to hook to a new 220 plug.

So there you have it. My almost finished--but functional--kitchen. I know it seems almost anti-climatic given the all the issues. There will be more posts about the kitchen as we finish the list (see below).  Phew, almost there!

To see the original list  click here 

• REPAIR THE EXTERIOR WALL FROM INSTALLING A SMALLER WINDOW--IN PROGRESS On hold due to budget and weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Install sink (part of the counter top fabrication) DONE!!
• Plumbing! DONE!!
• Install garbage disposal DONE!!
• Paint and install the new entry door On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Purchase door hardware--DONE!!
• Install door hardware, including kick plate On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Add a peephole to the door since it is windowless On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Trim work (doors, the window, baseboards, crown molding and cabinet toe molding)
• Purchase  additional tile for back splash--expanded project (aka scope creep), now need to tile sink aside and food prep/ cook side On hold due to budget
• Purchase shelves for open shelving storage between wall cabinet and pantry, as well as, above the sink. DONE!
• Install tile back splash On hold 
• Install shelves
• Install the refrigerator DONE!
• Install the stove
• Purchase end panel for dishwasher installation--DONE!!
• Purchase and install a dishwasher--DONE!
• Purchase and install cabinet hardware--IN PROGRESS
• Purchase ceiling medallion--DONE!
• Install the ceiling medallion and chandelier
• Decide on window treatment--DONE!!
• Order and SEW fabric for window valance/ curtains/ shade--IN PROGRESS
• Paint  mobile island/ cart and purchase/ DIY 1 or 2 kitchen stools Sadly there will be no island or stools due to space constraints
• DIY some wall art
• Accessorize
• Cook, bake and ENJOY the finished kitchen!

My dog is a jerk

...and maybe the hubbs too. Why you ask?

THIS!!

I told the hubbs, "Please keep the baby gate up so Frazzle doesn't tear anything up in the kitchen." The hubbs did NOT put up the gate and Frazzle DID tear something up.  Fortunately, the toe molding won't be noticeable (unless you are lying on the floor staring at it) but the filler strip needs to be removed and replaced. UGH!

The conversation went like this...

Me:WHO DID THIS?!

"I admit to nothing. Maybe Tovah did it? Hmmm?"

"Uh-uh! It wasn't me!"

"Ok mom--it was Sam-Sam the sneaky cat!"

"Really?!"

"Really? Are you kidding me?!"

Me: "Frazzle--you are naughty and I am very disappointed!"

"(sniffle)...Sorry  Mom..."

I love him but he is still a jerk! And the same goes for the dog! 

I have extra filler strip and I have some paint to touch up the corner of the toe molding. They are the reasons I can't have nice things. Siiighhh.

How about you? Any do-over projects because of jerk animals...or maybe jerk husbands? LOL