We are pretty happy with the work that we've done to our home- although some things could still use more attention. As mentioned before we lost our 'before' pictures along the way. We're on our 4th computer since we've moved in, so needless to say construction wasn't too good for our tech stuff and transfering all our files from one unit to the next, something inherently goes missing. About 8 months ago we actually moved in (stuff out of boxes and now comfortable), and to our suprise, we found the 'before' pics- that was a good day! So, while we'd like to show progress pics, we gave up on picture taking when we realized the pics were gone. So instead, all you get are very contrasted BEFORE & AFTER's. Enjoy.
BEFORE: This is our living room the day we moved in. The carpet was pulled up before we took possession, but what you don’t see still stuck to the wood floor are the tack strips and staples where they connected the carpet at the carpet seams, hmmm. Notice the closet door and the half wall.
AFTER: We like it better this way. The walls are texured now, the floors sanded and re-finished, new base & crown, warmer color, the front closet now serves as a bedroom closet on the other side of the wall and the railing/banister opens the space up. Same ceiling fan- crazy, huh?
BEFORE: This basement was classified as 'finished' on the MLS! Tack strip everywhere, a hideous - uh, 'closet' at the bottom of the stairs (hidden), outlets at 4', and some vintage 70's 'decorative' milwork. The existing paint job left something to be desired. 
AFTER: This was taken from a different angle, but you can see we made the most of the old arches. It took us forever to figure out what to do with this space. Can't see it here, but we eliminated the 'closet' and opened up the wall to the stairs. Added wainscot details and some accent lighting. Sarah hates this pic because it shows Garrett's lame excuse for a coffee table- but we're happy to report that it has since been broken (Isaac fell through it- somehow unharmed and we'll save that story for another post) and a new one is on the shopping list.
BEFORE: Ok, the kitchen. What do you do with this layout? This was one of our first projects because we litterally had to eat! That dark thing is an appliance, called a sink [a totally mobile, metal unit]- yep it was totally bought at Montgomery Ward (if you don't know what that is, ask your parents). It sucked using it even temporarily because it had no garbage disposal. We figured a different layout was in order. We had a stainless steel fridge delivered the next day- it was SO out of place! But we worked around her, got her some friends and made it just a bit nicer.
AFTER: We aren't too impressed with the 'build-a-bear' cabinets, but they sure are easy on the eyes. Don't be fooled, the kitchen only looked this clean from this angle. All the counter 'junk' is hidden behind the fridge! This new layout give the kitchen way more flexibility and size as well as provide the adjacent bedroom with a larger closet- I love a good win/win. Sarah demanded that she get credit for the idea to go with the U-shaped layout!
