I Heart My House

I'm obsessed, it's true.  I'll admit it.

I wish it was my job to be involved with all this retro, mid century marvelousness (I know, it's not a word).  I need to win some money so I can buy up all the run down mid century homes and turn them into pieces of art.  I can't think of anything better.  It fulfills some deep seeded need I have to rescue and beautify.
I just helped my daughter clean up after their move into a mid century split level just a block away and even though it's not my house, I'd like to rip that baby apart and bring it to life again.  But alas, that is their journey of which I'm sure they will do a great job!  How can they go wrong when they already have a cool original mid century door complete with a 50's icon door knob plate.

I've been playing with some ideas for my garage makeover.  I entered a contest on line for a new garage door (up to $10,000.00)  and yes, that includes glass garage doors, thank goodness.  I've also figured a plan of IKEA cabinets along one wall of my garage.  I think it will look great..hmmm...come on bank account, you can do it...grow damn it!  This cheap garage reno is turning into a money grabber.  I also snapped a few pictures of the back of my house a few nights ago which led me to think I may want more glass inserts from Crestview for my garage entry door at the back.  Speaking of Crestview Doors, they are going to be doing a case study of my reno on their website which I'm quite excited about.  They had also told me that Atomic Ranch magazine should do a spread on my house in their magazine.  Funny they should say that because that is a real dream of mine.  The book Atomic Ranch is what got me started with all this post and beam mid century stuff in the first place, God Bless em!...and since that time I haven't missed a copy of their magazine.  It's pure bliss when I find that peeking out the top of my mailbox.

Spring is here and so is a Grandson and a new you tube link

Well, spring has sprung, it's just too bad the sun hasn't.  I'm wondering whether it would be more practical to sell my MCM and build an Ark.  Here on the lower mainland we are all wondering if we are going to be getting a summer or whether the rain has decided to stay forever.  I shouldn't complain.  The flowers are here and everything is bright green and healthy looking.  I've planted some of my flower pots and for Mom's day I received two hanging baskets....not to mention I also received the gift of a new little Grand baby.   He made his entrance here on Mother's day as a matter of fact.  I'd like to say the stork delivered him but I think my daughter would have a couple of words to say on that matter.  He's perfect in every way and not that he really cares.... except for eating, sleeping and pooping....he is well on his way to being brought up in a MCM home a block away from me.  I can hardly wait!

I've spent the whole weekend making a YOU TUBE movie about my house renovation.  It was so much fun.  Here is the link.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmlnwDOPkSk

VIEW MY BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60175349@N05/5495029477/
copy and paste into your address bar. To the right there are before and after pix. Click to enlarge.

Craigslist Again

Even though I'm trying to save money for my garage re-do I've had the itch to swarm over the postings on Craigslist again. The reason?, I've also wanted to get my old computer set up in my spare bedroom now that my daughter has moved out. The computer has been packed up since the move and I'm dying to be able to play some computer games, as I don't have any for my main computer which is a Mac. To get to the point...I need a desk to put it on. Not any desk will do however. I was looking for a cado danish wall unit but the one I found on CL was snatched up in a hurry. I did find a cute little mid century teak secretary with a pull out desk that has worked beautifully. It was pricey (the most I've paid for any piece of furniture off CL) but I'm allowed to splurge once in a while. I'd rather treat myself to something for my house than going to the spa or buying a new pair of shoes. I'm now in search of a shag area rug for the spare room.

Picture is attached.

Snowy wonderland

It's been a while since I've posted and although the main reno is done I still have my garage to deal with. I've decided to start the reno of the garage in October. In the beginning I really didn't care what the inside of the garage looked like but on further thought I have decided it's important. This will also be my storage area as well as a place to park my four wheels. I'd like to put a counter and sink in for garden cleanup. Hopefully this is possible without too much extra cost. I'm still planning on having a glass garage door. This will be a major expense but will have huge impact on the front of the house.
I have also been thinking of switching up my existing outdoor shed for a contemporary looking one to match the mid century modern look. This was not an expense I was planning on so if it's too much money I will forgo it. I'm waiting for my quote.
It's hard to think of summer at the moment. Even though I live in a part of Canada that is mild we did have our last blast (hopefully) of winter mayhem. It typically snows hard then proceeds to melt within hours. It was hard to believe that the snow drops (flowers) and crocuses where under this. The snow was basically gone 24 hours later but I got to catch the beauty in the wee hours of the morning.

More Pix

Well, a quick update. I made my headboard for my bed from the teak coffee table. I was quite proud of myself putting it up all by my lonesome. I think women with power drills are dangerous. I still need to go and get some stain to tint the base of my bed frame to match the headboard but it still looks fabulous. I'm going to pick it up today and most likely do that as a project tomorrow.

I've posted some pictures of my back splash but the camera just doesn't do it justice. I've also added some new pictures to show more progress.

IT PASSED

Well, it's been quite the week. Last Sunday Josh came and started my tiled back splash in the the kitchen. I of course ended up helping. I was delegated the task of cutting the wee bits of tile to fill in the little spots and of course my favorite pastime...ughhh...grouting. By the way, I am now a professional at caulking (Another big deal with the building dept!). I am still working on the computer area tile but the kitchen backsplash is finished! My goal really was to get my final inspection passed. Long story short it passed yesterday but not, of course, without trial. This is the third time I've tried to pass my final and like they say, third time's the charm. Some of the stuff they made me do was pretty trivial. I do believe that sometimes they are just justifying their jobs. Example Fail: because I didn't have my house numbers attached to my house (they were totally visible in my front garden)....Come On!!! First inspector said nothing about this but the second did.
When I finish my computer area tile I will post pictures of the whole thing. It is fabulous really and quite cost effective. Installation was free and the tile was about a $100.

Of course I'm still Craigslisting...I'm addicted. My newest find....a 5' solid teak coffee table. Price....FREE! Now, I knew I couldn't use this as a coffee table because it was just too long for the style of my sectional but...I knew I could either re-sell it on CL or take it apart and use the solid tabletop as a headboard for my bed. I googled the table and found the exact same one for $295. I opted to take it apart and make a headboard since that would make me most happy. I took the legs off and leaned it against the head of my bed...WOW! Looks great. Now I just need to figure out how to mount it. A trivial detail I know I can overcome!

My Atomic Ranch Magazine came yesterday and to my surprise someone from Maple Ridge wrote in about not being able to find a MCM home in the lower mainland...or if they did find one it needs too much repair or is in the wrong place. They said when they retire they are going to build one. I can't tell you how blessed I felt that I snagged this house. I feel like contacting them. Come to think of it I think I'll try. I feel some kind of strange connection to people interested in these homes. I think in 2012 I'll make my way to Palm Springs for Mid Century Week. Ahhh, Palm Springs.....Grand daddy of all MCM locations. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin...martinis by the pool.

Today is my last day of work for the Christmas holidays. Two glorious weeks of freedom. My shopping is almost done and I'm going to enjoy my second MCM Christmas in my FINISHED MCM abode.