DIY - The Maiden Voyage
- Erin Gaffney
- Feb 23, 2017
- 3 min read
I have to be honest – I am not a do-it-yourselfer. One might think that with a background in interior design I would be really hands-on, right? I wish that was true!!
I can specify tile and grout with the best of them, but I cannot lay it. I can find and suggest beautiful light fixtures and one-of-a-kind hardware, but don't count on me to install it. And I can draft a space plan calling out walls, doors, etc. but I don't do any framing... That, my friends, is about to change!
Recently I've been working with some long-time friends on updates and improvements to their home in Boise. First we did an overhaul on the kitchen; new paint colors for the walls, a freshening coat of paint on the dated oak cabinets, some reclaimed wood wall accents and new lighting. Still on the list are new kitchen counters and dining furniture.
My friends and I are a team of 3, Natalie gives me ideas for a starting-off point, I offer choices for materials and finishes, and Shawn makes it happen. (Natalie is also the commander in chief!) And this couple does not mess around when a project gets rolling. I recall the night we picked the new wall color, we started painting at 7 p.m. – I mean why not jump right in??!
After receiving a few bids that were way outside of the budget, we discussed the possibility of painting the cabinets ourselves. (Here is where one starts to weigh the pros and cons of DIY projects.) Labor is a huge expense but peace of mind can also go a long way!
(Left - Kitchen Before)
We assessed the steps of re-doing the cabinetry, the time it would take (as Shawn squeezes projects in between work and family time with their 2 darling girls). We also discussed where it made sense to spend more money and areas where we could possibly save a bit to balance out hiring the professional. Peace of mind won this battle! Let's hire the pro and get it done in a timely manner, during the week when the family could vacate and not lose their weekend working – it was definitely the right choice.
(Re-model is underway with the Oak cabinets primed and ready for paint.)
(Above - Reclaimed wood accent wall
and new light fixture)
(Refinished cabinets complete - New countertops
will be our next step.)
The next project we just wrapped up at their home was a bathroom re-model. New tile floor, navy paint on the oak cabinets, new countertops, backsplash, mirrors and hardware. They did everything themselves minus installing the new countertops!
(Bathroom Before Remodel) (Bathroom halfway through Remodel)
(Above and Right - Remodel complete!)
Shawn builds furniture as well – I mean these guys are impressive! I can paint and my husband laid tile in a small area where our washer and dryer now sit – he did a pretty decent job – but that is basically the extent of our hands-on skills.
I have never put myself to the test but my friends have inspired me. Therefore, when my own home addition starts in April (fingers crossed!) or May, I am jumping in! This part of the addition is going to be the new Master bedroom and a play room with plenty of storage. (Little girls accumulate a lot of stuff!)
(Fiona and Aislyn relaxing together under a Surya sheepskin and throw.)
We have hired out the framers, but my hubs will be around when able to help and learn about framing. I too shall see how I can help on this front. Don't worry, the contractor has been warned that I might be hanging around, "helping". He was thrilled (slight exaggeration)!
Dry wall I know we can do, but depending on the timing I may have this done as well. After that, we are going to try and go it alone. We are tiling the floor, and I am going to do a reclaimed wood wall on one side of the divide and tile or a wall covering on the other side. Paint, the only thing I know I can handle, will be easy. As my plan develops, who knows what else I am going to try myself, or realize it is best to bring in the pros!
(Here I am measuring for clothing rods in a custom closet set up for a client in Jackson Hole).
Expanding one's skill set is NEVER a bad idea and this has been a long-time coming –it's something that has always been in the back of my mind. What If I could just do that for a client, or a house flip.....or for my family and friends?!
I also know this: If you never try, you will never know what you are or aren't (mirror cutting, Shawn?) capable of!
Comentarios