Because Why Just Have A Mess In One Room?!

New year, new projects. This is just how I like it – keep myself busy with planning and designing, and just plain filling in time until spring when I can work outside.

Truth be told, we still have a bastion of projects to be conquered inside in the 1820. Currently, there’s an AMAZING backsplash tile being installed as I type. But if the kitchen turned upside down isn’t enough, then why not install a rug runner on the front stairs turning the front of the house askew, then designing and building a prototype of a butcher block table, in small form, out of an old Jenga game, making my office look like a wood shop. Because, why just have a mess in one room?

Time For A Sneak Peek!

Well, that’s what I’m doing. I’ve never been the type to just work on one project from beginning to end without having another in the works. I often wonder why that is; I’m not sure if I can chalk it up to being productive, proactive and excited, or just simply prefer to spread myself thinly. Perhaps all of the above, but really, that’s just how I roll, whether I’m all over the place, or taking a minute to look out the window and daydream.

I do tend to work best under pressure.  I like deadlines and I like to keep moving. I do take breaks, though, and plop myself on the couch thumbing through my monthly pile of magazines, and tearing out pages of inspiration for possible future projects and decor ideas. I feed on all this stuff. It’s like my job is my escape with some serious nesting added in. I love it.

We have a master tile guy installing the backsplash, who’s eye for detail may just put everyone else’s to shame. The intricate cuts paired with the fact that absolutely nothing is level around here, seems to be his specialty. Thank goodness for that. The tile is marble, quartz and brass, and it brings such sophistication to our kitchen. I can’t wait to share all of the backsplash deets next week!

I finally said enough is enough with the front stairs. With heavy traffic and two dogs, they not only looked awful, but never stayed clean. Like, ever. So, we’re trying our hand at installing a stair rug runner ourselves. So far, we just have the pads installed and we’re digging. Rug install comes today, and since M & C are hybrid from school today, the compressor will be running between classes.

This brings me to the butcher block table prototype. For years, I’ve wanted an old butcher block table. I’m not sure where I’d put it – maybe the Butler’s pantry – but I just think a 200 year old house needs one. Are you with me?

Thing is, is that the ones that I land on, are either wicked pricey or in terrible shape. Then I start thinking about size and how I would like one in more of a rectangle shape rather than a square. I’ve been mulling around building my own, and before I bite off that project, I thought building a smaller version would be best, making note of the details that need to be tweaked before I build the real deal. This is what happens when I get tired of vacuuming around a life size Jenga game that the kids can’t be bothered with anymore. I might as well put it to use, right??

Every once in a while I like to keep it real with y’all, and share the behind the scenes here at Farmhouse 1820. You know that saying “it always looks worse before it looks better?” With three different projects going on at once, I guess our theory is, why just have a mess in one room? Just the same, it’s only temporary, and then it’ll all look great!