home renovations, part 1

this week we started on a home renovation project that we hope will make more of the space we have in our apartment.  there will be a couple of phases to this project, the first being the 'front porch.'  it's actually an enclosed balcony, which we've enjoyed spending time on in the warmer months, since it wasn't insulated.  one thing i've always wanted for, with the entertaining i like to do, is a dining room.  so we decided to convert the porch into a year-round room and use it as a dining room.  it's not finished yet, but check out the progress!

the before shots:

ikea table & chairs, bamboo shade, recycling bin, gorgeous green turf 

(installed by ben, pre-katie living here, going for the tiki-room look)

ugly heater over the door that made you feel like you were getting a sunburn if you sat too close.  circular burn mark in the floor from ben burning old papers in a garbage tin (didn't think about the plastic carpet underneath).  ben's cement besiktas eagle (behind door), his soccer team's mascot, which had outlived it's welcome.  yeah, it was time for a change.

the during shots:

yeah... so ben pretty much never left the dude's side.  he loves this stuff.

the first step was laying some sheet rock in front of the smaller windows, to create more 'wall space,' and better insulation.

at one point the poor guy suggested ben sit so he could rest up for the long day ahead of them.  i think he could actually feel ben's breath on his neck.

they insulated the ceiling and floor as well.

then plastered over the insulation and existing textured walls, for a smoother look.

the floor guy was supposed to come over the weekend, but called ben yesterday to say he'd be there in the afternoon.  i had a dinner with some friends after work, and couldn't believe when i came home last night and found the hardwood flooring was finished, and doors removed!  i'm not sure that the pictures give it justice, but it is a HUGE a difference from before.  bright, airy, spacious.

knocking down the door has really opened up the living room, and if you stand in the middle you get a panoramic view of the city.  love it!

can't wait to put this room to use!

next up: putting in new, insulated windows & painting the dining room, selecting & installing light fixtures & dining room table, installing the new wardrobe (being built this week) in our bedroom, and relocating the closet from the third bedroom to the back balcony.  

a fun weekend lies ahead (sarcasm detected?) - stay tuned!