Laurier, Pretty Much Done

So this is the part I do this all for. The final comparison is always the most incredible to really get the full impact of all we managed to do over the course of a flip, and like all things that take time you always forget just *how* different things are from when you start.

The one thing I LOVE so much about this flip in particular are the people I've had the pleasure of working with. Many of them are old faces to me over the course of my projects but many are new as well. While I love sharing the pretty photos here, the true experience is soooo so hard to capture. And even though I couldn't explain the ups and downs adequately in just one blog post, or even 10 or 100 for that matter, the joy of experiencing them with people you genuinely care about and enjoy being with make my job a real dream job if there ever was one. We are like a little mini-renovation family of a team.

But enough of the sappy, lovey dove-y stuff. Let's talk before and after.

The one area we are actually still working on extensively is the exterior. But regardless it has come so far!

Here it was

Here it is today. We are switching to a board and batten vertical siding on the lower portion still, as well as a new roof and eaves, but the current improvements like trees removed, new paint, doors, sod and paved walk ways make a big difference.

Inside we had a lot of wood panelling, some of which I would have loved to save but damage over the years made it hard.

So we just went light and bright by opening up any non-structural walls.

The main level was divided up into kitchen/living/entry/dining but we went for an open layout since the house is a split level which tend to feel pieces anyway.

I think this is my favourite shot in the house because it summarizes about 80% of our efforts!

I had my heart set on these CB2 lights and they have been polarizing to say the least. Plus a real headache when they arrived and I discovered they were not nearly short enough to hang in anything less than 10 foot ceilings... so I had to get crafty and learn some highly intricate knots before the electricians came through to hang them!

The sun had a hard time penetrating the kitchen before...

But now it is bright! We still have to install the vent and cover for the hood fan but the kitchen is exactly what I envisioned.

The entry also got a lot brighter.

But my absolute favourite change has been opening up the upstairs to the main level.

On the lower level the media room needed very little other than some cosmetic work.

I am bummed that I don't have a before of the upstairs bathroom!! It is now floor to ceiling tile in the vanity alcove and half way up in the rest of the bathroom. The Ikea mirror and vanity look so clean and minimalist, I just love them together.

Another room I don't have a before of is the laundry room, mainly because it was just a hall before, but we opened up a couple closets to allow for large, bright room! Now there is cabinetry and counter space across from the washer and dryer. A big thanks to Wall Paper Direct for bringing some much needed charm with Marimekko's Iltavilli cow wallpaper by graciously providing it for us. I am actually thinking I need this in my own bedroom now too....

We still have work to do, and our other projects are on going as well, but I am so thrilled with how this project came together and how much love and support I've gotten for it on Instagram and on here. 

THANKS for all the love as always guys!!

xoxo

Laurier, almost there!

The last week is always a bit hectic but it is amazing to see how things can still look really rough only a few days from completion.

Yesterday was our big 'cleaning day', meaning I removed all debris and scrubbed everything down, despite knowing that there will be more cleaning to do with a few trades still finishing up. But I always thing that is the biggest part towards bringing to life.

So here are some progress shots off my phone, of how a house looks just a day or two before we list (and why I work until 10 or 11 most nights in this phase of a project!)

Our new, high gloss brick fire place. Still needs the mantle stained and hearth tiled though.

Our kitchen has an endless list of small things to be done but it is looking exactly like I envisioned it.

I took that photo yesterday, and this one below on Friday, that's how fast it comes together sometimes (not every time though...)

Again, just two days before...

The house is a four level split and most of the first lower level is done in this incredible 12x24 grey tile that I adore. 

All our new closet doors! 

And my project for today, install this awesome Merimekko wall paper in the laundry room, courtesy of Wallpaper Direct.

I will take the big camera over this week and share the final shots!! Thanks so much for all your awesome comments (and patience while I have been a slow updater)

Have a great weekend!

Laurier Update

Happy Friday! I know it's been quite some time since our last Laurier Heights up date, and so much has happened since so I wanted to do a full update post all while showing some of the old befores again since it's been so long.

You may recall this being what we started with.

The first things we tackled were the demolition, inside and out, by having  a tree service take down our overgrown and kind of dangerous old trees. This made such a difference in brightening up the inside of the house now that sun can get in!

Next, we had all our sidewalks and driveway chipped up and removed...

And just this week our new, giant slab steps were poured. I LOVE them!

Inside, the lower level media room was the room that needed the least amount of work, just new trim and paint really.

And I am loving how it is looking! Just need the wall sconces in and then carpet and this room will be done.

The kitchen was a dungeon like dark space.

And to open it all up we decided this wall needed to go.

I couldn't get a full shot yet with everyone hard at work, but we now have an open, bright, modern space!

Our new Super White Dolomite island (which is actually grey, but whatever) went in yesterday, with the exception of the waterfall edge which will be added once wood flooring is in next week.

The wall cabinetry all got a solid white Quartz counter top and a square undermount sink.

Now tiling can start and this is our beautiful grey backsplash that will be from counter to ceiling.

Our Bertazzoni range and Blomberg fridge are going to look spectacular!

The biggest change for me is the entry and stairway. Here is the before:

And the new, bright, open landing! Just need flooring.

So there ya have it, a lot of progress in just a few photos, but I have a few other big changes to show you next time like our laundry room and master suite! It always blows my mind how so much work seems so small when it boils down to a couple photos.

And today is another big day because we got the keys to our next project: Quesnell Heights!

It is already shaping up to be my favourite yet.

Great bones, right? It just needs a little love.