Keep being busy for now on your house. When your house is all perfect, then help other people get their houseEs perfect. You can consult and make really good money part time. Then you aren't investing anything but you are helping other people which is something you love to do.

Hugs, WuD. You'll get there one of these days.

I agree with Blair. I’d love to hire a “design consultant” to help guide me with my choices. I don’t want to hire a designer, per se. but somebody to look over and tweak my choices, give me input and “guide from the side”

Especially since my design style is a little specific and tricky and budget is limited, which means no ripping out cabinets etc, but I AM going to replace flooring and possibly countertops/backsplash. So I know I can make a big impact. I can’t be the only person who feels this way and is going through something like this (the cabinets SO don’t fit the style of the house imo)

Opinions are free, here, friend.
I know all the tricks.
Right now, Facebook marketplace has great deals on MCM everything. If my house was this era, I’d have complete new dining/living room

It’s not furnishings I’m struggling with. I’m not to that point. I’m trying to figure out how to fix the kitchen! It’s got these darker wood cabinets, which are pretty new. I can’t really afford to replace them, and I’m not a huge fan of painted cabinets. I definitely will replace the vinyl flooring. Might replace the hideous backsplash. Probably will replace the laminate countertops. I’m trying to figure out how to make it all work, and be less “brown” and less dark. The kitchen is SERIOUSLY tiny (10’ x 10.5’).

So essentially I’m trying to pick tile and countertops and I’m just stymied. I don’t want to spend ridiculous amounts of money. But I want it to look nice.

Tiny is a good thing in budget renovation.
When you get in and start. Or before you close and house is empty...... map out everything. Even rooms you are not going to Reno
. Mark registers, cupboards, shelves, switches, doors and vents. Pay attention to heights. Take close up photos, many times I found salvage/for sale/ clearance items that I could buy (or leave behind) because I had the entire house diagrams right with me. Saved me thousands over custom ordering.

I would go shopping for a sink, but buy tile/flooring because I could easily find all my drawings and check.

Habitat for humanity had 8 red oak, extra tall cabinets for $250- total. Since I had “the book” in my car, I found it could easily work in my kitchen - I pulled the stickers off right then and RAN to buy them - while two other ladies were on their phones getting measurements. One lady was trying to pull off MY hold/sold signs when I left.
> insert road runner beep,beep right here,< that saved $3,500 from the Home Depot design.. and I got upgraded cabinets.

Spend a bigger portion of the $$ on countertops, cut corners on lesser impact design items. Counters will dictate the colors, floor and cabinets.
Second would be backsplash.

The flooring planks by Armstrong are easy and look fantastic. I got mine by buying a “custom order returned” for 75% off. With only one “extra” box in the order.

I got $5k of Granite for $500 on Craigslist. Luckily, I had it loaded by people / trades tearing it out * for free —at home my trades guy ($25/hr) and I cut it down ourselves. There are a lot of retired/ part time / weekend warrior trades online. Find a good one. They are priceless.

You can strip dark cabinets/ restrain (if they are real wood ). Or, you can hand sand then pickle and re varnish. That is a 70’s thing.... This is a permanent change, more durable than paint - but time consuming.
A friend wiped thinned oil paint over dark oak paneling - it looks fantastic.

Can you afford stone tops? If that is a question. Check out the fantastic epoxy “stone countertops “ at a fraction.
Let me get the video
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b1dbRz7LI2g

You really have to look twice to see they are not real stone. I would do this myself, but there are people who will come in and kill it for a few hundred.

I’ve been looking at some quartz. I can swing it in my tiny kitchen. I don’t think I’m up to refinishing cabinets. It just seems like too big a job. I was thinking more of trying to “style around” them. If I change the hardware, backsplash, countertops sink and flooring it’ll make a HUGE impact.

I’ve looked at some floor tile on wayfair, but then I realized, in such a small space, a pattern would probably get overwhelming on the floor really easily. I’m hoping to find a quartz countertops that has a white marble look with gray AND beige veining. Then go with brushed nickel or chrome hardware, and on the floors something white/gray/beige patterned or mottled. I’m leaning towards mottled then doing a patterned backsplash because I think it would be easier to stand in the small space.

I have laminate white planks Trafficmaster by Armstrong. Granite counters and marble backsplash, painted cupboards. The light floor looks fantastic, easy to clean, and does not scratch- even with big dog.. new planks have One step installation.

I’m worried about laminate in the kitchen. If the dishwasher leaks or something, it’ll be ruined. That’s why I was gonna go with tile. Otherwise I’d just do my grayed oak that I’m doing everywhere else.

Next gen floors are watertight.
I like tile, got sick of the installation, tho.

Keep us posted.

Huzzah! I shall be RenFen ing it next week. Got a call back for henna for at least part of the season. Yeah! Could use the entertainment.

Really upset an associate just found out her longtime spouse is having affair. Trying to get her to at least read around sites for help. There is so much good information and genuine concern and help available.

It reminded me of how truly alone a BS can be after bomb drop. You can’t tell, you can’t forget, act out or really have any control to fix it. The humiliation in her words -and anger and fear were like daggers. I hope things turn out for her. . I remember those days. Her pain may be just starting, i’m afraid.

Hope everyone here is doing well.

She may feel alone, but she is truly not alone. What a relief you are there to help.

Spent entire day repainting main room, yes, I know this was to be next summers task... but because I located a sofa for house I had to make descisions. More appropriate in scale and design for 1920.

I was going to pass, being red leather, but this gent sold a Hancock & Moore Chippendale for $120. The furniture maker signs each piece made. It is in outstanding shape.
So, earlier bought red leather chippendale seats, now matching red leather sofa. Either the wall paint (khaki/green) or the leather needs a color change.......I’m not living 12 months with that clash.....

Painting walls Eastern Lighthouse grey, leaving wide white wood trim, repainted ceiling (these old houses soak up the paint!).
Crazy, I had all the paint left over from kitchen remodel, just continuing color scheme throughout, owning a small house has some benefits. Light grey and white room with oxblood/expresso colored seating, other dark wood accents. Going to look stunning, or like clown college around here.
For realz, the furniture (six chairs, sofa) was probably just under $10k new, I paid $1,320. Even if I include $319 rentals/delivery * I’m having my current sofa delivered to my sisters house to boot, that’s a good find.

Little elbow grease, zero extra cabbage to have entire dining/living area changed. Still have to figure out curtains.

Fingers crossed for positive outcome.

The design sounds amazing with the fresh colors and original period furniture.

Thank you, Blair.

Really liking the way the house is looking during this settling in phase. Actually running out of “to do” list items. Yeah! Moved up dealing with the decking to next summer. Fingers crossed living here will become downright boring. Live like most people....

Just. Like that...

Oh, Lordy, just got the call - I moved up to full time 7 week RenFen position. Extremely happy, could really use the extra $$ for DD 21’s tuition. If I play it right should be able to cover all promised bases and pull a bit for padded savings.

Now to figure out what to do about puppy. Can’t leave her alone that long. Getting friends to babysit weekends. Nice with a Corgi, everyone likes the breed, easy to get help.

G’d eve, My lords and ladies. Sleep beckons me, I shan’t refuse a resting. Orsomethinglikethat.

Another time I wished I lived closer so I could puppy sit.... I'm sure your friends will love it. Enjoy the Faire.

Huzzah! Fine fellows and ladies. Ye henna applying going well!

Going forward with school starting tomorrow with staff only this week, students next.
Tonight Arts council meeting, Tuesday drawing henna on the children at the homeless shelter, Weds, My City Arts council board meeting and the Democratic Party is requesting help.

All fine, except someone help me not get too upset Tuesday.

Hope you are all having a great day.

Henna with your fine art skills is a great idea. You are always busy and involved in community. How thoughtful to help the kids at the shelter too. With their henna tattoos, they will get to be one of the "cool kids" too. Hugs, WuD. You are doing good things. Maybe ice your feet when it's allover??

They called to say there were other artists to go. I’m relieved to not have to drive the hour each way.
As far as volunteering ***
I have to decide where my efforts will best be utilized. The fair is another 5 weekends, I’m not likely to be called back next year. But living in the present, I’m doing just fine.

I’m volunteering at a group that wants to increase public Fine Arts in my community. I have been encouraged to sit on the board of directors of the community arts center.. a related group. I’ll know more tomorrow.
Then the Democratic Party is drumming up members for next cycle. I’ll have to choose carefully.

School today. Kids next week. All in all not a bad summer.

What a relief to not have to spend hours driving both ways.

Participation on an Arts committee sounds fantastic! I think you would really enjoy it.

How are you doing, WuD?

WuD, I want to thank you for your inspiration. The celtic rope stenciling on the borders of my mage robes made a bid difference. I got several compliments, including from a couple of the performers. And one of the vendors really liked my necklace of Norse runes on a silver chain. Which reminds me that I need to add a couple of rings before the next fair in October.

Oh, hey, Blair and Hold. RenFaire has had terribly low numbers this year.. feast or famine.
I left early ( had a conversation with Mer-man ). Slow for the vendors.

Glad the costume turned out, Hold. From the people side, everyone seems to be having fun!

Now volunteering as a board member for local Arts Council. Seems like a good thing to do. Another group, looking to have more public art, is another group I’m involved with. many of the same people involved.
Coming up with a community fundraiser for the Arts Council.. will be huge or an embarrassment. More on that later.

New school year, Homecoming, open house, RenFen screwing up weekends ( only 3 more to go) - life is busy.

So much of my day is procedure, procedures, procedures. Today a special needs kid threatened to “shoot up” the class.... they arrested him on the spot. I felt terrible to report him, it was anger and immaturity more than danger.
There is no wiggle room in that situation.

Then the Democratic Party....

So, tonight I’m doing light cleaning and rest. Have not seen my puppers in so long she looks like a new dog to me.

Such is life...

Sounds like you are busy as always. Take time to smell the roses and rest too.

You guys remind me to take it easy after fair. I really can’t afford (nor do I want to keep pouring money) into this place. The work I did this year was the long term plan for two years!
Going to have to scrimp to get the kid tuition this week. Even with the fun extra job, I will have to borrow from my savings to cover the last few thousand.
Last. Tuition. Payment- ever! Youngest kid, last semester, things should get better for everyone.

Daughter bought a house on the big island last week, I mean inspections went really well.
. Happy for her but sad at the permanence, kinda.

Rainy, so I left fair without working today (economy, anyone?) drove to Dtwoit to see sister in hospital, then brother who lives close. I went into CVS to get gossip magazines and diet pop for sis, two men rotated their heads agog.
WUD? Giving the stink eye right back until I look down.... still wearing costume. Getting so used to it.

So I stated laughing. Not at them, myself. I bet they thought I had a screw loose.