The first day we looked at the old house, January 2015, not knowing that one day we would actually own the nasty, disgusting crack house, we stepped into this room.

It was a small room. The windows were covered with dark blue sheets. There was a red couch sitting up again the windows and a woman smoking a cigarette glared at us as we entered. Intimidated would be an understatement. Maybe even scared.  However we keep walking.

There are not a lot of pre-purchase pictures of the downstairs, because truthfully we were fearful and I didn’t want to hang out there for long periods of time.

This room is immediately inside the front door.

Prior to renovation, there was wall which you will see below which held the fireplace. To the left of the fireplace was a doorway and to the right a blank wall. This room has 3 windows.

This pictures shows the lovely tile that was covering up my be-u-tiful brick fireplace. It also shows the giant hole I made when I discovered the brick chimney behind the wall. This was a happy day. I definitely did a happy dance.

The ceiling was covered with at least an inch of plaster. Steve climbed up on a ladder and for DAYS and DAYS and DAYS stripped the plaster off the ceiling. He pulled 1000 nails and exposed the most amazing beadboard ceilings.

There were holes in the floor which will be repaired with new wood and where the new air conditioner vents will soon live.

From the porch, these windows look into the new dining room.

Plaster walls were removed, lathe pulled off piece by piece. All that was left was the wood structure. Bible verses were written on the walls by our small group. This house, as bad as it was is now encased with love. Insulation was installed and drywall hung, walls textured and painted.

Prior reno, the staircase ran the opposite way and there was a wall on either side of the stairs. This wall was in the old Living room/now dining room. There is no longer a wall.

The fireplace was exposed and is one of the best surprises during the whole renovation. Look at the space opening up that wall created? Good grief Charlie Brown. Check out the recessed lighting that will shine on the fireplace!

The big wall covering the stairs was removed.

The stairs were relocated to go the other way

Wait until you see the stairs done. Oh my word, they are beautiful.

My cute chandelier sat on a box for months. I didn’t care because I needed to see it put together and she did not disappoint.

The floors. Oh the floors. One board at a time. My poor back. Totally worth it.

I give you…….our dining room. She is not finished but it’s a great start.

I bought this farm table at a consignment store at least 9 months ago. It sat in storage waiting for its spot in the old house. It’s perfect.

The stairs are still in progress too. Check out the blue tape!!!

The front door makes me smile every time.

I was able to get curtain rods and curtains at Ikea a couple of weekends ago. The windows are being painted as I write and curtains will soon be hung.

My dining chairs were hand me downs from somewhere. White denim was purchased. Mom helped (mostly did) recovered them and put those nail heads in one by one. She is amazing. They sat in her house for a year covered up with sheets. Who has white dining chairs…….me I guess 🙂

I have so many plans for this room.

We have already had many friends and family sit around this table eating and playing cards or games, laughing and making memories. It will be a favorite room.

2 rooms down, many to go. Stay tuned.

Thanks for checking in!

Love,

Charma Dawn