Monday, December 5, 2011

Things to Do in Our Apartment

We've been in our place for almost 10 years now, and there are some updates I'd like to make. 

Probably most importantly is repainting.  I mostly like the colors we originally chose, although I think I'd choose something different for our bedroom now.  But everything needs to be refreshed and since my kids were toddlers when we moved in, there is obvious wear in tear in areas on the molding where they rode their big wheels, etc.

Here's a room by room list of what I'd like to do:

Foyer:
  1. Replace rug (possibilities include: http://www.rugs-direct.com/ShopDetail/Details/152019/LoloiRugs/Maple/MP41/NavyRedhttp://www.rugs-direct.com/ShopDetail/Details/114522/Nourison/Nourison2000/2015/Navyhttp://www.rugs-direct.com/ShopDetail/Details/152905/DynamicRugs/Charisma/1403/BlueIvory500; http://www.rugs-direct.com/ShopDetail/Details/137341/Safavieh/OldWorld/OW122/BlueLightGoldA  and http://www.frontgate.com/phoenix-hand-hooked-wool-area-rugs/159421?listIndex=1,  http://www.frontgate.com/aubrey-hook-wool-area-rug/indoor-decor-furnishings/155558?isCrossSell=true&strategy=24, http://www.frontgate.com/larkspur-total-performance-area-rug/407612?listIndex=0.  Or the Eleanor rug from grandinroad.com
  2. Polish marble floor.
  3. I've long wanted a chair or two in the foyer - but they need to be small.  Maybe the bird bistro chairs from grandinroad.com?  (I also like the little bird occasional table, the bird barrel table, the bird tray folding table and the twig coat rack.)
Kitchen:
  1. Replace countertops and tabletop (or resurface, see: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/innovative-products-awards-2012?src=nl&mag=ghk&list=nl_gga_pro_non_011912_innovative-product-awards&kw=ist#slide-8).  Or at the very least, redo some of the cauking.  According to Good Housekeeping, I can "Remove the old caulk with a scraper (with any luck, it'll peel right off), then wash and dry surfaces. Mind your "45s": Snip the tube's tip at a 45-degree angle, then apply to seams at a 45-degree angle. GE Silicone II Kitchen and Bath caulk ($6, caulk yourhome.com) sets in three hours and has a five-year no-mold guarantee."

    Read more: DIY Bathroom Renovations - Bathroom Upgrades - Good Housekeeping
  2. Reface cabinets (but configuration and insides of cabinets is fine other than maybe adding a wine cabinet over the stove; maybe repaint as shown here).
  3. Update stove, microwave and dishwasher to stainless steel.
  4. Repair chips in floor or replace.
Living Room/Dining Room:
  1. Polish marble floor.
  2. Hang new art work on living room wall.
  3. Replace dining room chairs.  Possibilities include: http://www.grandinroad.com/set-of-two-valencia-chairs/indoor-furniture/chairs/leather-chairs/16389, http://www.potterybarn.com/products/grayson-chair/?pkey=e%7Cgrayson%2Bchair%7C2%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-, http://www.potterybarn.com/products/napa-chair-slipcovers/?pkey=e%7Cnapa%2Bseating%7C12%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_- and http://www.crateandbarrel.com/furniture/dining-chairs/lowe-red-leather-side-chair/s168851
  4. Fix/replace overhead track lighting.
  5. Buy new chandelier.
Hallway:
  1. Update photos.
  2. Maybe add new rug, at least 2.5' x 12'.  Possibilities include: http://www.rugs-direct.com/ShopDetail/Details/114522/Nourison/Nourison2000/2015/Navy; http://www.rugs-direct.com/ShopDetail/Details/137341/Safavieh/OldWorld/OW122/BlueLightGoldA; http://www.rugs-direct.com/ShopDetail/Details/156480/DynamicRugs/Brilliant/72284/Blue920
Master Bedroom:
  1. Rethink art work.
  2. Buy new lampshades.
  3. Buy jewelry organizer and hang on closet door (http://www.ross-simons.com/products/522594.html).
Master Bathroom:
  1. Fix or replace track lighting.
Kids:
There is stuff to be done in the kids' rooms, too, but beyond the new mattress and window treatments that each has said they want, I am reluctant to go too far in planning their spaces.

That being said, Kenny needs a bedside table.  Possibilities include: http://www.levenger.com/PAGETEMPLATES/PRODUCT/Product.asp?Params=Category=5-22|Level=2-3|PageID=8069

And Bobby wants a new chest of drawers in his closet.

Maybe they could ease the acrylic stacking chairs from grandinroad.com.  And perhaps they need more attractive laundry baskets.

Overall:

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