Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Top Projects of 2009

Did you get alot of projects completed in 2009?
Do you have alot of projects planned for 2010? I do!
Rhoda from Southern Hospitality is letting us all showcase our top projects for 2009.
I'm sure by looking at what others completed it will inspire us for our own projects this year!


2009 was filled with a finishing a project that we started in 2008, a few other smaller projects and some unexpected projects. Have any clue what I'm talking about?

The project that we FINALLY completed in 2009 that was started in 2008 was our kitchen.
Here is the before:



And after many months of us working on it off & on...the after:







If you would like to see the whole story on the kitchen makeover, click Here


I wanted a large chalkboard for one of the walls in my kitchen, so I went searching the thrift stores & garage sales for the perfect piece I could transform and this is what I found.





After some handy dandy spray paint and taking the mirror out, replacing it with mdf painted with chalkboard paint...it went from YUCK to this.......






After all our hard work on our kitchen, we left for a 1 week vacation to Myrtle Beach,SC. Guess what we returned home to??? Well, it wasn't a "welcome home" sign..unfortunately. It was a flooded house and mainly the NEW kitchen. Only 1 month after we finished the kitchen..insert tears!





Not only was the kitchen damaged, but the whole house other than the upstairs had to be gutted. We ended up having $20,000 worth of water damage all because a pipe fitting for the kitchen faucet broke. Lesson: DO NOT USE PLASTIC FITTINGS AND TURN OFF YOUR MAIN WATER WHEN GOING ON VACATION!

So we had to move out for 2 months while house was fixed. This allowed us to make a few upgrades, ah some more projects.....
Awe pretty new hardwood floors...a blessing out of the flood.




Oh and we decided that since the house was torn up that it was the perfect time to have the popcorn (acoustic) stuff scraped off the ceilings. Yeah to no more popcorn ceilings!
We also updated a few paint colors and replaced bath/shower unit while we were at it. I won't bore you with photos of our ceilings and paint colors.

So hmmm, I thought what can I do while moved out of my home for 2 months?? I know, I can refinish our oak dining room table. I always liked the table, but really didn't like the golden country oak color. Oh and I bought new chairs.





Ok so that was the big projects that we did in 2009. Now if you will excuse me, I have to get busy on the projects for 2010. Wanna come help?
Darlene

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

O how terrible to have all your hard work ruined- and so soon after having completed such an awesome project!!

My hubby turns off the water to the washer as we have had a flood do to it but the main valve sounds like a good idea after seeing your damage!

Sounds like you took it like a champ and just got going again!

blessings
mary

Unknown said...

wow- that kitchen is TO DIE FOR!!!

Tina said...

How wonderful that beautiful blessings came from your flood. It reminded me that there may be crying for a night but joy comes in the morning. I've enjoyed finding your blog this past year and I'm looking forward to more inspiration and great projects in 2010.
Blessings
T

Recaptured Charm said...

Terrific redo for the kitchen! I am just about to start my own kitchen makeover... chomping at the bit to get started actually! The funny thing is, I've always loved the base cupboards on feet, and here you have created that so simply! I just may borrow that idea if you don't mind.
Wonderful job!
~Lisa

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, Darlene, I can't believe that water damage you had right after finishing your kitchen. That was so awful for you! But, I'm happy to see those beautiful new hardwoods, so that is a blessing. Love, love your projects & the new table look gorgeous. Thanks for joining the party. It's been a fun year & I look forward to lots more in 2010.

Rue said...

I'm so sorry you had to go through that! At least you were able to add something you loved to your home because of it. Your kitchen is beautiful :)

rue

Marianne said...

Wishing you a very dry 2010! Ow what a story. Glad you found the silver lining in that one. But your house looks wonderful, the hard work paid of.

Unknown said...

My heart just dropped when a read about the water damage but was happy you did get wood floors! Your home is beautiful. Love the table and chairs. Oh...I'll be looking for your cheesy chili chicken

LA said...

I couldn't help but gasp for air when I saw the water damage and the price tag that came with it. My heart goes out to you. Can you elaborate on how plastic pipe fittings caused so much damage. I can't even make sense of it. How do I know if I have plastic pipe fittings? A friend recently had a pipe from the washing machine burst and they had some drywall/flooring damage but not to this degree. They were home and turned the water off immediately. Do know of other prevention ideas other than turning off the main valve when on vacation?

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Love the kitchen.....great blog...
have two hours to blog hop tonight and am loving it. Love finding new blogs.....enjoyed reading yours tonight.. Happy New Year
http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com/
http://grammyababychangeseverything.blogspot.com

Destination Seaborn said...

I'm coming over from Rhoda's party. Sorry to hear about your kitchen, but it looks like your well on your way! Those wood floors are BEAUTIFUL! Lisa

Plastic Pipe Fittings said...

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