Chalk Lines

Step 3: use a tape measure and chalk line where your walls will go (use your plans/blueprints). Our chalk seemed to get dumped out so we have a great big red mess--be careful that the chalk doesn't get tracked upstairs--it can be permanent or semi-permanent!

By the way, framing before plumbers come is way easier! We have a few big pipes that we are having to problem solve some solutions to work around. We also decided last minute that we might as well add a fireplace in the corner (gas). Better to do it now than have to rip things out. If you have any clever ideas of how to work around this pipe, let me know!

Bathroom/bedroom closet wall (with tub box on top).

Prepping for more framing

Step 2 on the basement project: take down all the insulation so we can build the walls. Wow was there a lot of insulation. Reminder: insulation is not comfortable near your nose, eyes, or skin! After we are done framing we will have to cut the insulation into strips and place it between each stud.

Back to Construction

We planned from the beginning to finish our basement as soon as we could. After taking a longer break than we anticipated and finishing projects outside, we finally got started. Step number one was to finish the HVAC, which husband and dad-in-law were able to successfully complete themselves. It turned out great and I even helped fill in the gaps so no air leaked. I am simply amazing! And hurray for DIY projects that save money!

Mystery

What do people do with the space above their kitchen cabinets? It looks so plain and dull, but I also do not want to make it look cluttery, either. I bought a few vases that coordinated perfectly with my color scheme for a few bucks each at Thai Pan and threw them above my fridge. But now what?

Oh, and what about plant shelves? I only have ideas for Christmas decorations--garland and statues of Santa, maybe?

Plates

I knew all along I wanted to put a plate rack in the kitchen, but didn't know what plates to use. I acquired the retro apple pie plate from Russell's grandmother, made use of a Christmas gift card previously unused to Thai Pan where I picked up the rack and the blue plate, and found the yellow at Wal-mart. I like how all of the plates have the tan/brown complement.

This is how much I love you all--posting a terrible photo of myself because I am sure you are all dying to know how big my belly has become. Maybe my excuse is with all of this decorating and sewing I am worn out--look how tired I look! This is me and baby at 23 weeks.

Painting

I went back and forth about hanging this painting in the kitchen. It just doesn't seem like anyone ever has a large painting in their kitchen, but after deciding on my curtains, I thought it coordinated too well. Plus, it matches my cabinets and I didn't know where else to put it and I really like it (or maybe that it IS so big).

Husband did a great job hanging it for me. It was challenging because the studs were not centered (obviously) but I think it looks pretty good. The frame got a little scraped up in the move, so I need to either use some leftover stain from the table or a wood marker to touch up the scrapes.

Kitchen Curtains

I need to get sewing again--I have to finish my nursery set. But, I was determined to finish the curtains I planned to make in the kitchen first. I needed some inspiration to know what color scene to commit to for the rest of the decor and I figured fabrics were a great place to start.

I was originally going to go with some pinks to compliment my green paint (I was surprised at this plan myself as I'm not really THAT into pink). But, we came across some tasteful designs with a different scheme. Husband ended up consulting me and we ended up with some fabrics I absolutely love! I am happy that I managed to match stripes with a pattern--that's usually totally out of my comprehension (or maybe husband did the matching!).

I couldn't decide between just loops or knots. I couldn't commit so I went with both.

I didn't originally plan to make the laundry room valence, but had extra fabric and decided to go for it. I like how it coordinates, but has more stripes than the rest of the kitchen to add a little contrast. I totally made up this pattern myself by observing features from a few store bought curtains and valences I already have. I have plans to get blinds soon. After I made these curtains, I decided to surprise husband and hang them myself. I was a little apprehensive but figured I built almost entire houses, I could manage. Not so. I ended up making a useless hole because I forgot about the metal around the window. Plus, when husband hung them for me, he followed my lines which we decided I placed too low. Oh well!

By the way, what do you think of the golden naked baby? I got it as a hand-me-down and swore I'd trash it, but maybe it's retro enough to get away with? At least for a laundry room?

I know most people make these door curtains out of sheer, but I wanted to add a little color. Both the tie back thing and the actual curtain are reversible so I can change to stripes if I need a change. I like how it still lets in some light but offers more privacy. BTW, I started to follow a pattern on this from the web, but ended up with my own creation. And the curtain rods are magnetic. Totally cool!

Window shade for the kitchen window over the sink. As you can see, it is adjustable. It works well for me, but husband has requested I add more buttons so he can see out the window better. Hmm. . . I guess I am a little ego-centric and didn't even think of that when I made it!