Mudroom & Powder Room Remodel

April 20, 2018 Allison Ducharme

It brings me much joy to have my mudroom and powder room remodel completed! I have been working on this project for awhile now and here is an outline of the phases that took place along with some helpful tips, and of course before and after pictures!

Phase One - consisted of re-locating the washer/dryer from the powder room to first floor master bathroom, on the other end of the house (master bath remodel coming Fall 2018). The washer/dryer in the powder room took up the majority of the room creating a crowded and unwelcoming feeling and moving it to the master bathroom was a more practical move.

Before - Coat Closet and Hall to Garage, Powder Room on Right

Before - Powder Room, showing washer/dryer behind the door

Phase Two - demolition, demolition, demolition! Walls came down in order to really open up and create more space in the mudroom and powder room. The drywall was also removed from the ceilings and outside walls so that we could re-insulate this space for improved energy efficiency.

Phase Three was to have spray foam insulation installed by professionals to create a more stabilized climate.

Phase Four was having the drywall installed by our contractor.

Phase Five was installing the new flooring. I chose tile for a couple of reasons:

Tile is the most durable material (in my opinion) to use in a mudroom where it's going to have a lot of foot-traffic along with water, dirt, mud, etc. tracked in throughout the year
Since the mudroom and powder room are essentially in the same space, I wanted the flooring to be the same which allows for a seamless flow room-to-room
Since this space is next to the kitchen, which is bright white with the dark brown floors, I wanted a tile that would transition nicely from a visual standpoint, which meant it had to be dark so that it blended in. For example, if I picked a lighter tile (light gray, beige, white, etc.) off of the dark wood floor there would be a visual interruption of the spaces. The dark tile allowed for a continuous flow and makes the space feel bigger and undivided
Tile has a timeless and simple look however there are so many designs and looks which still allows for you to pick out a tile that still has a unique and personal look which fits your design aesthetic. Tip: Tile also comes in different patterns i.e. herringbone (which is what I did) to allow for an additional and different design element

Tile Complete with Plastered Walls, Paint and Baseboard

The final phase was adding white cabinetry and a bench that coordinates with the adjacent kitchen. This replaced the coat closet and pantry closet that we took out during demolition and allowed for much needed storage for household items and a coat rack. Below are pictures of the final look.

As always, please ask any questions and/or comment below!

KITCHEN Before & After

February 1, 2018 Allison Ducharme

Here are photos from the way beginning, to show the entire process of our kitchen renovation.

I ordered our cabinets from Norfolk Kitchen & Bath in Salem, NH. We used the Showplace Cabinets line for full customization, which is how I was able to design my island and have them create exactly what was envisioned.

Sketch I provided to my kitchen cabinet designer to determine a layout.

Progress - Upper cabinets removed and new flooring is being installed

Flooring complete and ready to be sanded

Framing out the new fridge location - previously a pantry closet

We had new moisture/mold/mildew resistant drywall put up since there was previous water damage. New electrical for the range hood, gas stove and under cabinet lighting was installed as well as new PEX pipe for the sink.

Cabinets are in and hardware is installed!

8' x 30" Kitchen Island - Custom Designed to look like a piece of furniture

After Kitchen Renovation & Sunroom - Pelham, NH

After Kitchen & Dining Space Renovation - Pelham, NH

After Kitchen/Dining Space/Sunroom - Pelham, NH

Kitchen Sneak Peak!

January 8, 2017 Allison Ducharme

I know it's been a while since my last post; however you'll see what I've been working on in an updated blog post coming your way soon!

Here is a sneak peak and a look at what my blog post will be about...

Kitchen Cabinet Delivery

November 21, 2016 Allison Ducharme

Our kitchen cabinets have been delivered and will be installed over the next 4 days.

We have been without a kitchen for 2 months now so this is a very exciting day!

I will be posting pictures once it all comes together!

Out with the old (carpet + laminate), in with the new (hardwood floors)!

October 14, 2016 Allison Ducharme

Our upstairs flooring is finally installed!

When picking out what type of wood you want for flooring, it’s important to do your research and make a list of what qualities you want as many people might not realize how many options there are.

Knowing that durability, natural graining and a moderate price point were my three key factors, solid Red Oak was the right choice. We decided on 3.25" for a more modern look.

Another key component about Red Oak, is that this type of wood soaks up stain really well, which allows for more options as to what shade you can create (pictures included below are not of stained wood…stay on the edge of your seat as those are coming soon!).

PROCESS:

It took about 3-4 days for the installers to demo, tighten the floor boards and lay the wood down (the new wood baseboard will be installed after the staining and poly are applied)
The floors are sanded for a nice smooth finish
They sanded the stair's railing to prep for the new stain, which took a few hours in itself
In order to install the wood stair treads they had to remove the balusters
The treads are also red oak and come prefabricated with a bull-nose attached
The new risers are applied consecutively as the treads are being installed
The new balusters, similar to the previous style, will be installed after the staining and poly are applied

BEFORE - Entry Stairs with carpeting and light oak railing

PROGRESS - Entry Stairs with carpeting, pad and balusters removed

PROGRESS - Entry Stairs They started the wood here

PROGRESS - Entry Stairs railing sanded for refinishing

PROGRESS - Entry Stairs with sanded railing and new red oak flooring installed (unstained)

PROGRESS - Entry Stairs new red oak treads and risers installed (unstained)

PROGRESS - Entry Stairs closeup of red oak boards (unstained)

PROGRESS - TV room with carpeting removed + screwing the subfloor to the floor joists to eliminate squeaking

PROGRESS - TV room with new red oak flooring being installed (unstained)

PROGRESS - TV room with new red oak flooring being cut down to fill in the gaps

AFTER - TV room with new red oak flooring installed (unstained)

AFTER - hall with new red oak flooring installed (unstained)

AFTER - Office with new red oak flooring installed (unstained)

AFTER - Bedroom and closet with new red oak flooring installed (unstained)

AFTER - Bedroom with new red oak flooring installed (unstained)

A Fresh Coat of Paint!

September 15, 2016 Allison Ducharme

In my 10 years of being an Interior Designer, the main commonality that occurs is the need and/or desire to have a “quick fix” to a room or house, which can easily be fulfilled by a simple change of paint color. Changing the color on walls can determine what type of tone/mood you want to set for the room and for most people a fresh coat of paint can cause instant gratification. The best part is that a new fresh color can pack a big punch visually, but not financially!

I started to visualize what colors I wanted throughout the house and took my time to do research (it is my passion and profession after all!) and it is important you have fun with this and not let it stress you out too much about picking the “perfect” color as it can easily be changed.

PICTURES BELOW!

I decided to remodel the top floor first, so it would be ready for out-of-town visitors, so below are the before and after pictures as well as paint colors listed out. When it comes to the best quality, I find Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams to be quite comparable so I color matched them the best I could for your convenience.

Let me know what you think and stay tuned for new wood flooring pics...!

Doors + Windows + Trim is Benjamin Moore Interior Latex Semi-Gloss White 276-01

TV ROOM - PROGRESS PAINT & REMOVAL OF BASEBOARDS + CARPETING

TV ROOM - AFTER PAINTED WALLS + PAINTED CEILINGS + CARPETING REMOVED
- I chose a soft gray for the TV room because I wanted a very light gray that would coordinate with my existing charcoal sectional and black and white rug but contrast with the dark wood floor stain. Pictures to come with the room furnished

BEDROOM 2 - AFTER PAINT + NEW HARD WOOD FLOORING IN (UNSTAINED)
*FORGIVE THE BAD LIGHTING*
- I repeated the same color here as the TV room because I wanted a consistent flow from room to room on the top floor

BEDROOM 1 - BEFORE PAINT + WITH LAMINATE FLOORING

BEDROOM 1 - AFTER PAINT + WITH NEW FLOORING + STAIN + BASEBOARD (SPOILER!)

OFFICE - AFTER PAINT + NEW HARD WOOD FLOORING IN (UNSTAINED)
- For my office I matched an off-white paint with the off-white in my existing office area rug, so it will blend nicely
- Originally I was thinking to go a little bold with the paint, but because you can see this from the bottom of the stairs and entry I decided to go very neutral and then go more bold with the future window treatment

STAIRWELL - AFTER PAINT
- I wanted something a little more dramatic for the foyer so I went with a darker warm gray, so that it felt richer but still welcoming. I am able to envision the 'end result' in my head so these colors will work perfectly!

Soot be gone!

August 16, 2016 Allison Ducharme

I have started narrowing down DIY projects around the house as there are many projects going on where professionals are needed, so I figured I would start tackling jobs around the house which I can handle myself. The first DIY job on the (what seems to be a never ending) “to do” list, was to remove build-up soot on the stone fireplace. I noticed in the real estate photos and during inspection this needed to be done, so I researched cleaning products early on that were non-toxic and effective which lead me to Quick 'n Brite.

The fireplace is a two-sided/see-through fieldstone, which is hands-down one of my favorite things about the house. One modification that was made was removing a pellet stove insert on the side facing the living room as I felt it took away from the beauty of the fireplace altogether. The duct insert/liner in our chimney remained untouched for the time being (which you can see coming down the center); however, this will be removed before temperatures call for a real wood burning fires (bring it on Winter!)

With the following product list (and some good ol’ fashioned elbow grease) I was able to successfully remove the soot for a “good as new” look:

Quick 'n Brite Paste
Plastic Measuring Cup (Dollar Store)
Spray Bottle (Dollar Store)
Rubber Gloves (Dollar Store)
Large Scrub Brush (Dollar Store)
Old Toothbrush
White Rag/Cloth
Paper Towels (Dollar Store)

My Process:
1 Use a large plastic measuring cup to mix the Quick 'n Brite paste with the hot water as directed, to melt the paste
2 Pour the mixture into the spray bottle
3 Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from soot
4 Spray the mixture onto the surfaces and let sit for 1 minute
5 Use a hand scrub brush for an 'all over' clean and a toothbrush to get in between the stones
6 Add fresh hot water to the measuring cup to clean off the brushes as you go
7 Use paper towels to get most of the water + soot off and use the white rag to blot dry

*This is a repetitive process and takes several trips to the sink for clean water refills

BEFORE - Fireplace in Kitchen - Photo Taken During Home Inspection

AFTER - Fireplace in Kitchen - Pellet Stove Insert Removed - Soot Removed

BEFORE - Kitchen Hearth - bottom right side

AFTER - Kitchen Hearth - bottom right side

BEFORE - Fireplace in Living Room with Pellet Insert

AFTER - Fireplace in Living Room - Pellet Stove Insert Removed - Soot Removed - Trim Painted

Coming Soon... More pictures as we remove the duct insert and stain the kitchen mantle to match the new flooring!

First thing’s first…A New Front Door.

July 18, 2016 Allison Ducharme

When looking at homes, many people don’t generally envision what their “dream front door” looks like, I often did, and was beyond anxious and eager to research and find the perfect front door for our new home.

The previous front door had to be replaced mostly due to the sill (aka the piece of wood or stone that forms the bottom of a doorway and offers support when passing through a doorway) being completely rotted, and in addition, did not fit the overall style of our home. Generally, a front door is not something new home-owners tend to replace immediately; however it was uncovered during inspection so my word of advice would be to check this when looking at homes. There was bounce to the sill and to the floor when we first entered the house, like it was soggy.

Below you’ll see a before picture of the door (and house), as well as pictures showing the replacement of a few joists and plywood boards before the new door was installed (due to the discovery of carpenter ants living rent-free - oh the joys of owning a home!). Last but not least, you’ll see a picture showcasing our new door, sidelights & hardware…what do you think?

LINKS

Door - Jeld-wen Smooth-Pro Fiberglass All Panel Exterior Door - 2 Panel Square Top

Sidelight - Jeld-wen Smooth-Pro Fiberglass - Sidelight Full View - Clear (no decorative glass)

I custom-ordered the door and sidelight combo from Friend Lumber in Hudson, NH.

Exterior Handleset - Schlage F58CEN622 Century Single Cylinder Exterior Entrance Handleset from the F-Series in Matte Black

You will need to configure this with an interior handle

Interior Handle - Schlage F59-LAT Latitude Single Cylinder Interior Pack in Matte Black

New plywood flooring and flashing tape to protect area by door opening

New plywood boards - exterior view under the siding

AFTER - new door and sidelights installed!

My Home Renovation

July 12, 2016 Allison Ducharme

You are invited to join me on my exciting journey as I completely renovate my new home in charming Pelham, NH. I decided to start this blog to share my experiences (the good, the bad, and yes - even the ugly!) so homeowners who might also be embarking on this non-stop adventure themselves can learn tips & tricks, be inspired, and see first-hand experience into my personal world and vision of interior design.

My husband and I bought our first home in February, moving from city loft-living to a suburban cape-style home in the matter of only two weeks as our condo sold in only four days (due to my professional staging), and with the closing in six short weeks, we were off to the races in finding our new humble abode.

The vision my husband and I had was a classic home with character that we could utilize our expertise in design and renovation and combine our own finishes and style preferences. Due to the housing market not allowing for multiple options that met our needs, we quickly moved on a house with “good bones” in a quaint neighborhood that we would be able to make our home.

It’s an exciting time for me as I have always dreamt about designing a home based on the personal style of my husband and I, as I am fortunate to do everyday for clients, I am now able to fully explore my personal design style and allow creativity to get the best of me.

I will be posting pictures with detailed updates as the transition from “old” to “new” takes place across the interior, exterior, and yes…even landscaping changes! Please post any questions and/or comments you have along the way as I am eager to hear what you think!