For Sale
October 1, 2009 Kev and I bought our first home. One year and one month later we are selling that home and moving to the bay area. See the listing here and here. I’ve wanted to blog about our remodeling efforts ever since, but never felt that the house was ready for an unveiling. At this point, I can’t do anything else so below are some before and after photos.
As a disclaimer, I have many more ideas for the space (chandelier in the living room, new fixture in dining room, drapes…), but I am saving what’s left of my creative juices for our next dwelling (in the lovely Menlo Park, CA).
Things you can’t see in the pictures are the re-texturing of the walls…they used to be bumpy and now they are smooth (I would never do this again). Also, the removal of the popcorn ceiling. I also painted most walls/ceilings, and replaced the trim (a professional did the baseboards).
Before Living Room
After Living Room
Before Kitchen
After Kitchen
Before Dining Room
After Dining Room
Before Master Bedroom
Before Master Bedroom 2
After Master Bedroom 1
After Master Bedroom 2
After Master Bedroom 3
And for all those who ask me what I do (and where I awkwardly search for the right answer) here are some of my other projects:
1. Dining room table made of solid walnut (many thanks to Tom Taylor in our ward for his time, guidance, and letting me use his equipment).
2. Frames (this was my first woodworking project. Thanks to Hayami at the MIT hobby shop for teaching me to use the tools)
The pictures are ones we took on our travels (Starting from the top left going clockwise: Sahara in Morocco by Kev, Machu Picchu by Cath, Venice by Cath, Ephesus by Kev, Angkor Wat by Kev). (note to self: don't use nice wood for frames you know you want to silver leaf)
3. Lamps (total DIY cost about $80…$2 for the lamps!, plus stripping supplies, clear lacquer spray paint, two sets of chrome lamps parts, two re-wiring kits, two lamp shades) (a serious thank you to my Mom’s incredible eye…she saw these at a tiny thrift store in Michigan. They were different colors and not together, but she saw the pair and the potential…way to go Mom!).
4. Quilt (waiting for mom to send a picture…it lives with my wonderful Mom now 
Happy Birthday!)
For my next projects I want to make a chandelier (hopefully I can join a hobby shop in the bay area with a metal works department), a headboard for our king size bed that I love (we can fit it in our new place…YAY!), an ottoman (this is in the works…pics coming in a month or three knowing me).
kevinjknight
catherineknight
You’ve done lovely work! The home is beautiful and I am sure you will make your next home just as beautiful. Menlo Park is a great choice.
November 15, 2010 at 8:15 am
I had no idea you were so handy with wood! The frames are beautiful! The house looks so beautiful. You did such a wonderful job. I can’t wait to see what you do to the next place!
November 17, 2010 at 6:27 am
Thanks family!! Come visit in CA. I started work on an upholstered ottoman last night.
November 17, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Oh Catherine,
What HAVEN’T you been doing?! What wonderful work. I’m kind of sad that you’ve lived there long enough to make it a home and now you’re leaving. We’d totally be interested in your place. It’s beautiful. Hardwood floors and everything! Good work. I bet you’ve learned a ton.
xoxo,
Andrea
November 17, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Oh, I can’t believe you are moving! Truth be told, I can see you in CA more than I see you in WA. I’m sure it will be a great move for you! Can’t wait to see updates as you arrive there!
Your remodeling and especially your table are gorgeous!
November 23, 2010 at 6:38 am
cath i cant believe you did all that, you made a table? you are so ambitious. i feel so lame now that just buy stuff. how much character it adds that you actually made all these things. i didnt realize you guys went to machu pichu, we went last spring.
December 7, 2010 at 8:52 am