Now that this real estate deal is 99% buttoned up (everyone signed the deal, bank just needs to clear the loan before the deadline)…I’ve been finding myself obsessively fantasizing about and pinning little remodels and updates that we can potentially do to the home.  I’ll premise this post by saying that I don’t think anything in the home is currently hideous, or in need of repair, which is thrilling…but my taste is a little different and my ‘Jones’ blood is boiling for some power tools and for a crack at DIYing built ins, hanging up crown molding, installing skylights (hire out for that), and a million other things! [For those unaware, my Dad built his own house, and my brothers are all contractors...and I've been obsessively watching HGTV since it's inception about 15 years ago - so yeah, 'Jones' blood - this is very much a reality!]

Off the bat, there are a few things that we discussed with the inspector about potential upgrades.  We don’t have beach front property, but we do have ocean views, and he excitedly explained to us that a wrap around porch on the second level would not only add square footage, but it would really maximize enjoyment of views (also property value).  So, we’ll be saving our pennies for that upgrade!  We also want to install french doors to the deck, and new skylights in both upstairs bedrooms.  We also want to bump out the fake ceiling in the upstairs bedrooms and expose the true A-frame architecture, and at least visually open up the space.  It would also be wise to switch out the old oil-heat unit with a gas operating component, which would eliminate about 12 square feet of unnecessary tanks and filters in the basement, and give us a chance to knock out the also unnecessary chimney on one of the second floor bedrooms.  After that, we can work on finishing the basement!

And because pictures explain so much better than words, here are some examples of what I specifically want to see transform.

Dining Space (current)

For this space, I am envisioning a window seat bench, flanked by bookshelves or cabinets on either side (for broom/vacuum and additional storage).  Also, I really like this kitchen table and chairs.  This also would help disguise the awkward downward slant of the ceiling.

(with a kitchen table like this)

(and chairs like this) 

The Kitchen (current)

The pros of this kitchen: high quality cabinets, great layout maximizing space, beautiful large window, new appliances.

The cons of the kitchen: not a ton of storage, one side of the cabinets have crown molding, one side doesn’t, laminate countertops, not a lot of counterspace.

Overall, I am really excited about the kitchen not needing replacement cabinets, but those countertops need to go.  Since there is just a little bit of space above the cabinets, I really like the idea of building them up to the ceiling and adding crown molding.  I also love the idea of painting them white, and adding a nice stone countertop (there is so little counter space that it would not be very expensive), and adding a nice tile backsplash (I’m thinking a subtle aqua subway tile).  We also plan to build a kitchen island (repurposing the random spare cabinet currently residing in the mudroom/hallway-to-nowhere).

(I also think adding a barn board ceiling would add a  ton of ‘beachy’ character to the space)

(here is the tutorial so far that I have found the most useful)

Main Floor Living Space (current)

Pros of the living space: hardwood floors, nice size, skylight, large windows, built in A/C

Cons of the living space: the baseboard molding is sloppy, some of the molding is white, some is wood toned, all different shapes/styles; semi awkward layout.

My first item of decorating business would be to rip out all the inconsistent door framing and baseboard molding.  I am also going to paint every door in this house white.  Then, I am going to add board and batten EVERYWHERE!!!

(and here is what I plan to do with the stairs – ish)

Upstairs Bedrooms (current)

We have big plans for these bedrooms.  For starters, where you see windows, picture doors instead – leading out to a wonderful deck with stunning views!  Also, those awkward closets need to be updated with built-ins, or at least something more functional than accordion doors and cubby space.  I also want to lay a new floor on top of the original parquet flooring (I don’t love them, but keeping them intact is valuable so adding a new floor on top is the way to go.)  Also, bumping out the ceiling to the A-frame structure, adding skylights, and then barn board to finish off the ceiling.  New baseboard molding, possibly board and batten, and those paint colors are getting a facelift as well.

That’s it for now!

-Jones