So, this is a bit of a departure from the norm here, but don’t worry – there will still be puppies!

After years of renting, we finally made the plunge and purchased our first home.  We wanted something open and modern with lots of natural light.  Thanks to our HGTV-watching experience, we had a good handle on what to look for versus things we could change ourselves.  When we came across a semi-neglected house in foreclosure, it had all the “must-haves” for us and we went for it.  This house was actually by far the least expensive of the ones we saw, allowing us to make some pretty big changes.

Although the before images don’t convey this too well, the kitchen/dining area was dirty, tired, and needed a lot of help.  Cola (I think?) was spattered on the walls, the carpet was disgusting (and had a minor flea infestation), and most of the tiles in the kitchen were cracked.  Jeff and I salvaged and donated what we could and took a sledgehammer to the rest.  We did as much as we could ourselves (and with the help of family) and called in the pros when it was truly necessary (installing the 600 pounds of structural beam, running a gas line to the stove, etc.).  We have learned so much… and more!

Here are some pictures from before the chaos construction began:

Let the demo begin!

Are you ready for the after?  Me too!

Oh, Henry.  He is always in the kitchen when we’re cooking!

And because I really like them, here are (somewhat) similar angles before-and-after, posted right next to each other:

The end!

 

We couldn’t have done it without…

Our friend and wonderful realtor, Ryan Haagenson.

Our friend and wonderful architect, Bob Near.

And our families for helping us tear things out and put them back in!

 

Sources (in case you are wondering):

Countertop: Hanstone

Backsplash: The Tile Shop

Sink: Kohler

Faucet: Delta

Lights and stools: West Elm

Dining table: DIY (with legs from Ikea)

Dining chairs: Overstock.com

Rug: FLOR (Fedora tiles in Flannel and Charcoal)

 

Up next: two bathrooms, a laundry room, and a basement!  The projects keep on coming.