Survey: Costs of Home Renovations in Year 2017

Per survey below as compared to costs of  our 2018 projects: We are long-term homeowners, above the median of $15k, but not in the 90th percentile in spending.

We went over our budget, eeek.
We tried to be careful: prioritizing in repairing/replacing what was most decrepit. At the end we did not have even enough for a new driveway (among the top 5 priority list at the beginning of our renovation journey).  May the Lord God provide in Year 2019!

Instead, we gave preference to renovating our floating-steps staircase. The stairs are the first things seen as the front doors open.  It connects the upstairs to the downstairs, and since much of the first and second floor areas got renovated, well,  you get my (matchy-matchy) drift ...

Click on Houzz link below for the cost survey.

How Much People Spent on Home Renovations in 2017

Every way of a man is right 

in his own eyes: 

but the Lord 

pondereth the hearts.

Proverbs 21:2

Houzz Survey

These Colors Will Increase the Value of Your Home

a penny for your thoughts, kitty kat

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Bathroom Renovation: Blue-Gray Colors

Hoorah. Glad bathrooms #1 & #2 are within range of this designer-favourite colour. 

For Bathrooms

Just like a real spa, the bathroom can feel like a haven for relaxing and pampering with a tranquil and pretty shade of gray on the walls. "In a bathroom, I like the idea of using something fresh and clean, like one of my favorite grays, 'Wedding Band,' - Joanna Gaines (via House Beautiful

pc: House Beautiful

pc: Domino Magazine

Muted tones of sienna or chalky gray/blues are a favourite of Heather Bullard, while New York-based designer Robin Wilson raves about a specific Behr shade called Drizzle. “I have seen it in a lot of properties that are staged for re-sale and it is a great neutral that allows the white to pop,” she says. The muted tone is a tranquil color that will make your space feel decidedly peaceful. - Domino Magazine

our bath # 2

bath #1

What about this type of gray?

Photo by Marengo Morton Architects

pc: Magnolia

Interior Designer Favorite Colors

Joanna Gaines' Fave Colors

Behr Color: Drizzle

Unique Bathroom Designs

8.9.19.18

Renovation: Wooden Floating Stairs

There are very many totally amazing floating stairs in people's homes or outdoor spaces from all over the world. Take a peek at the thousands of pictures on HOUZZ.com alone. Wow. 

Some cool ideas:

Photo by Haven Design Workshop 

Photo by Springhouse Architects, LLC 

Other stairs were downright scary unless you were Spiderman.  Look, ma ... no hand(s)!

Photo by risa boyer architecture

Photo by Houzz.com  

Photo by Fabi Architekten BDA 

Below is our own modest set of floating stairs. Scraped, scuffed, pitted, dark and used for many years. It too got refreshed and renovated with sanding/staining/painting. So happy to see and use daily. 

Before & After photos:

after

finishing touches

Houzz: Floating Staircase Ideas

StairSupplies

Staircase Design Ideas







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Bathroom Renovation: Shower Rod & Color-Blocked Curtain for Free Standing Tub

Other than out-of-the-ordinary tiles, shower curtains draw the eye in an otherwise typical bathroom. I had loved simple, cotton curtains in white or beige for the past few years.  Time for a change!

Here are my 2 inspirations for our recent renovations:

pc: meadow view farm

pc: Domino Magazine

As much as I love my new pair of clear, color-blocked shower curtains, I plan to keep my beautiful cotton shower curtains from Anthro. They're not going to the donation bin just yet.

pc: Anthropologie, Tender Falls shower curtain

Georgina shower curtain via Anthropologie

Shower Curtain


Bed & Breakfast


Funny Hubby





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