Subway Tile With Ann Arbor Style

As some of you know, our daughter Sara was married last year to Michael and they have since bought a home in Ann Arbor. Like the saying goes, "New House New Ba, Ba, Ba, Bathroom?" Yes, Steve and I traveled downstate earlier this year to complete a bathroom remodel at their new house. I thought it would be fun to share our
Ann Arbor Adventure!

This is Sara and Michael
(I couldn't help myself)

Anyway, their  house was built in the mid 1950's and the bathroom , for the most part, had been untouched. As cute as it was, the space just felt cramped and difficult to use. Sara and Mike decided that the bathroom would be their first project as homeowners.
Here are a few 'before' pictures of the bathroom.

Many ideas were pitched and a game plan was made. The bathroom would be enlarged by moving a wall 1 foot over and by removing the chimney that ran up the wall to the right of the pedestal sink. We would also be removing the double hung window and replacing it with a fixed window.

 Let the tear-out begin!!!!!

 

Mike had the task of taking down the chimney from roof to basement!

(Sorry Santa)

Talk about family fun!! This was day #1 and we were really getting things done. Mind you that we also had our two English Setters, Max and Hank along for the project and they were not having as much fun as we were.

We have now just removed the only full bath in the house-hmmmmmmm........

Let's get this thing put back together!

Whew! That's a lot of tile! Subway's on 2 walls, 1" hex's on the shower floor and 8" hex's on the main floor. By the way, we have all become real professionals at bathing in a deep sink

 (no pictures included, you're welcome!)

We completed the grouting, painting, set the plumbing fixtures, lighting, vanity and stool. Other things behind the scenes were moving of the water heater, new h.v.a.c. run, installing and venting a bath fan, re-siding and painting the exterior where the window was removed and a trip to Zingerman's Deli and Washtenaw Dairy.
(Yum)

 3 WEEKS LATER

Sara and Mike did a great job with product selection, design and long hours!
(and having mom and dad live with them)
The bathroom is lovely!
Rays of sunshine greet you in the morning through the shower window and dimmed lights soothe you at the end of the day.  Let's check this one off the list........Done......
 It was time to leave- we loaded up and pulled the SweetWater Contracting Trailer back up to Leelanau County to continue more exciting projects up north.

Stay tuned.........

And Always Remember

 "There's No Place Like Home" 

Wood Paneling:Yes, You Can Paint It!

Leelanau County, MI  is scattered with cottages waiting for family, friends and visitors! We have several customers that have cottages that are getting a little 'tired' and 'outdated'.

Major remodeling is not always an option, so we work together with clients to come up with alternative, more affordable options for giving their homes new life.

We see many cottages that have the quintessential wall and ceiling paneling with an orange hue.

The question: Can we paint this?

The answer: Yes!

Here is an example of the difference a good paint job makes.

We cleaned the paneling with denatured alcohol and then applied an oil based stain block primer. Top coat with 2 coats of a good latex paint.  If you don't properly prep the paneling the wood tone will bleed through. The end result is a crisp, clean, cozy up north cottage that will continue to be loved for years and years!

TAKE A LOOK AT SOME BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS 

Notice in the photo below that we removed the kitchen cabinet doors. We brought those back to our shop and put a fresh coat of paint on them. We also painted the interior doors.

You'll see the results in the after pictures.

Note to the younger crowd: That box on the floor in the picture below is a T.V. 

(Yes the whole thing is a T.V.)

Protecting The Floors and Bricks

Cutting-in the oil stain blocker. Make sure there is proper ventilation and wear a mask!

The ceilings and beams were left unpainted to keep the cabin/cottage feel. An awesome accent color was chosen for the fireplace. The walls were painted with a creamy pale yellow.

Interior doors and trim work were painted white.

The paint color gave new life to the decor that was previously lost in the paneled room.

Oh, our dog Max was with us at the job site and I'm sure he is hoping to test out one of the couches!

Below is a nice shot of the whole room with a peek at the view outside!

The items on the mantle seem to make a statement with this new color.

Below is a finished picture of the kitchen cabinets with the fresh coat of pale blue paint we applied with a paint sprayer back at the shop.

We had the pleasure of staying at the cabin during this remodel. We worked long days, but always made sure not to miss the sunset out the back door each night!

Here's a couple of my favorite guys! 

We are so fortunate that our customers give us the opportunity to be a part of their projects.

It truly is a rewarding way to make a living and good friends all at the same time!

Do what you love and love what you do
and always remember
"THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME"

PORCH DREAMS

At SweetWater Contracting we have had a few calls this month inquiring about porches. One customer wants a back screen porch addition, one would like to remodel an existing porch and one would like to enclose a front covered porch. These are common inquires, but what I find interesting is that all of these customers want this extra space for guests. Yes, the comeback of the sleeping porch! I have to admit that I have a fondness for sleeping porches. I love the laid-back, unfussy look of a porch that can be used as a social gathering space and a guest room combined.With the revolving door of guests we receive in Leelanau County, Michigan, we need all the extra beds we can get!

Here are some examples of how to layout your space:

Use large pillows on a daybed so it can be used as a couch. Bedside lamps allow for reading. Hang curtains for guest privacy.

This is a great application for a back porch-everyone gets their own bed .
 There is a group conversation area for morning coffee.

This is a perfect example for a small space on a front porch.
It's welcoming and cozy!

Again, here is an example of why the 'sleeping porch' isn't just for the back of the house anymore. Don't be afraid to use the front porch.

Mix wicker with plaid, floral and fabulous pillows!

Love, Love, Love......

Simply, Simple.....

Hanging beds are very popular on porches. Add a round table and chairs to this area for brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks and it works perfectly as a multi-use room.

My favorite looks for the sleeping porch tend to stay on the simple, old school, grandma's hand-me-down type furnishings. Buy a few statement pieces, but try to be thrifty with the rest. Decorate with cherished family items. This is a space that everyone will want to be.

Maybe you're thinking of creating your own sleeping porch, but be warned-excessive afternoon napping may occur!

As Always, Remember, 

'There's No Place Like Home"