What's the next chapter in our Old House Renovation Story? The Mudroom   It's not a very glamorous topic, I don't suppose, but the addition of the Mudroom to our old house was actually inspired – if I do say so myself.   The conversation began because the house was built in 1907, and in the 99 years thereafter, no covered parking was ever added. As much as my Renaissance Man travels, he wanted an attached garage to add another layer of peace of mind for himself and Yours Truly. I really appreciated that – and staying out of the rain and cold!   Fortunately, there was plenty of room at the back of the house to add a 2-car garage.   It sounds like an easy enough project, but what I've never told you is ... Keep Reading...

Welcome to My Place to Yours™ and the continuation of our Old House Renovation Story. We've already seen the downstairs rooms and the mid-level bathroom. If you missed any of those parts of the story, the links are added below this post. Today we're headed the rest of the way upstairs.   In reality, I'm listening to the roar of the surf and sitting in front of a fire at the most wonderful villa in Puerto Varas, Chile! More about that soon; just wanted to mention it now so Mom and Dad will know we actually did make our flight out of Bogota'!   When I first laid eyes on the upstairs landing, it was wrapped in very old flocked wallpaper. Renaissance Man said it looked like a bordello and should go. But I loved it – ... Keep Reading...

As we pick up our ongoing Old House Renovation Story, we're once again standing in the Living Room near the front door. Renaissance Man's Study is to your right. Across the room, to the left of the stairs, is the Master Bedroom. The Master Bedroom Even in these poor excuses for pictures, you can tell: This room was a mess! I'm not exactly sure the original function of the space, but it contains the house's only existing fireplace – and it's still coal-burning. We don't use it. The (too) dark wood fireplace surround with its stained glass doors would not have been added in 1907 when the house was built, but it is quite old.   The floral wallpapered ceiling, 1970s paneling, and cheap "Tiffany" lamp left a lot to be desired ... Keep Reading...

It's said the kitchen is the heart of the home.   When I first saw my old house, she needed a heart transplant... and Renaissance Man and I were blessed to provide it.     In fact, the Kitchen was the first room we tackled. Have I ever told you demolition is perhaps my favorite part of a renovation? Why? Because only then do I know the project is really going to happen. Love it!   As for the surgery...   We couldn't clear out the mess fast enough to suit us! The horrid old cabinets and countertops The five layers of old vinyl and linoleum – with water puddled between each layer The rotted floor and subfloor The drop-down ceiling with its translucent panels and fluorescent lighting The ... Keep Reading...