Brian and I have never had a home with a dedicated guest bedroom. The place for overnight guests has either been a couch (sorry friends and family), or our tiny office/guest bedroom in the Brooklyn House. So, it is very excited to have a whole entire room to create an inviting space for out of town visitors. Luckily, I already have most of the needed items for this room (you're welcome, Brian :) so all there is left to do is buy some small decor items. The old guest bedroom was utlra girly (pink, aqua, and flowery) and I always felt kind of bad for Brian's college friends and my little brother when they stayed the night. This design is a little more gender neutral... well, a little at least. :)
New Wheels | Life
It is a date that will go down in history as both the greatest day ever and the most overdue thing ever. We finally got a truck! Brian found his new ride a few days ago and we took it up to the Myrtle House to get it acquainted with the local landfill as it will be making quite a few trips here in the coming weeks.
We have literally been rattling off ideas of things we can haul like a pair of giddy school girls. Flea markets (and my wallet) better watch out! My furniture purchases are no longer limited to what I can fit into a compact sedan. :)
Hardware | Sea Spray Condo
My parents had the cabinets in their condo recently painted white and I can't wait to see it! With this step done, we can move on to other fun things like picking out hardware.
I came across D. LAWLESS HARDWARE through a blog, and was equally impressed with the unique designs and amazing prices. I especially love their Antique Restoration Hardware collection. Such a better selection than the box stores for antique pieces and old houses. Plus, if you order $50 or more (which is easily done with a kitchen), shipping is free.
My parents already have a lot of satin nickel accents, so when I stumbled upon these simple, yet fresh knobs, I was sold. You can't beat the price of only $1.00! We also decided to go with a clean drawer pull, also for a steal at $1.99 each. I ended up ordering hardware for the Myrtle House too (even though we are WAYS away from getting close to needing them) and got hardware for two kitchens for $50. Boom.
Here are my favorites from the hardware site. Please note that two of these gems are only 75 cents!! Also, if you decide to order, coupon code "prettyhandy" will take off 10%. Happy shopping. :)
More Details | Myrtle House
While cleaning out the Myrtle House was not quite a walk in the park, it was kind of fun to dig through everything and discover Brian's grandmother's treasures. We found her silver serving trays that were a wedding gift, handmade quilts, blue mason jars, and her algebra book from the 1920s.
And some pretty little details in the architecture...
And perhaps spring is finally on the way?
Needed Support | Myrtle House
Every time Brian and I head for the Myrtle House, my first comment is, "I hope it is still standing." Dramatic sounding? Definitely. A valid concern? Unfortunately, yes. You see, the back of the house has been teetering on a pile of about five corroding bricks. There is a support column that is holding on by a thread. If it fell and was not properly supported, it could literally take down the back of the house - roof and all. So, as you can imagine, getting this post was one of my top priorities! Brian searched for a video on the proper way to create a temporary support (how did we learn anything before YouTube?!) and then he got to work.
Hardwood Floors | Myrtle House
Shag carpet covering original hardwood floors? This is like finding gold. Now throw in the fact that said carpet was never stapled into the hardwood and is just LAYING on top? Now that is like finding diamonds, my friends. While some of the floors are a little/lot wonky and warped, two of the rooms with fairly level floors have gorgeous hardwoods that are very well preserved (living and dining room). I literally dream about taking a sander to them. Can't.freaking.wait. Here are a few photos of what I am talking about.
With the 1970s slowly exiting the building, I can start to see the real potential in this place!