My Home Renovation: Hello Lovely Fixer Upper {week 12}

I’m back with an update, and our biggest news
right now is we will be moving all of our stuff
into the cottage in two days!

I have had no time for leisurely reading design books

or for booze as the above photo suggests.

Instead, my mornings have been devoted to

the spiritual formation studies I’m enrolled in

and afternoons find me shopping/cleaning/painting.

We finally mowed the property after almost 3 months!

While we haven’t tackled any exterior projects yet,

we have made progress on flooring (everything

is done except for the master bath and some carpeted

areas), trim, and the kitchen.

Some of the cabinetry is in, and we now have
a vent for the stainless exhaust hood.
I chose a modern European style.

Above you can see the refrigerator wall will be
ceiling to floor built-ins. In the corner will be
a tall cabinet that sits on top of the countertop.

Where you see the hammer and masking tape?
That will be a gas cooktop.
Not certain how we will finish the
wall…maybe polished marble subway tile
or horizontal tongue and groove painted pine.
What I’m leaning toward is installing a tile
backsplash above the cooktop and then deciding
whether I want that treatment for the whole wall.

As of today, I still have not chosen a quartz or marble.
My quotes are in so maybe tomorrow.
Above is LG quartz in Minuet which my sister
used throughout her new home and is gorgeous
and pure white.

I also like this LG quartz in Cirrus, which has a softer
feel in terms of veining but is more creamy in color.

And I still like Silestone quartz in Lagoon–it has a
nice translucency but is definitely a light grey rather
than white…I think all three would be great choices.

Lessons Learned in Week 12:
*Always allow more time for jobs that will be sub-contracted.
Life happens, and there are always delays and surprise
schtuff…our kitchen cabinetry for example cannot
be installed in a day since some of it has to wait
until countertops are in (and our installer!).

*If you at any point wondered “Who in their
right mind enrolls in a university’s year long
spiritual formation program at the beginning of
a whole house reno?” I hear you.
However, the timing was SPOT ON.
The soul work I’m doing and the partnering
with the DIVINE MASTER ARCHITECT
is sort of saving my life and sanity,
and I am so grateful I didn’t put this off.

*The cottage makeover is so much more than
simply a creative project for our family since it
represents major changes in lifestyle.
Purging half of our stuff.
Leaving behind a beloved but high maintenance home.
Sacrificing a social life for 6 months (and counting).
Living very very modestly in a rental (bet you
would giggle if you saw my surroundings
at this moment).
The lesson learned is big:
we are not what we do,
we are not what other people say we are,
and we are not what we own.
We are loved, chosen, and broken but beautiful.

Wish me luck with the move, and when I have
internet I will keep you posted.

Thank you for following, friends.

Please come join me
in this DIY adventure by
clicking here for all my fixer upper update posts!

Coming soon:
MOVE IN
FINISH THAT KITCHEN!
GET STARTED ON MASTER BATH

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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19 Comments

  1. September 30, 2015 / 11:56 pm

    It's so much fun watching this beautiful space take shape under your talented and guiding hands, Michele! It's definitely a reflection of your heart and soul. I love the look and feel of it all. You are truly an amazing designer/stylist!!!

    xoxo laurie

    • October 1, 2015 / 12:38 am

      what a kind thing to say! thank you, laurie. xox

  2. October 1, 2015 / 12:05 am

    Yay!! So exciting!! LG Quartz is very nice and is a wonderful alternative to marble. Your kitchen looks so pretty and love the cabinets!

    • October 1, 2015 / 12:40 am

      thanks, leslie. i hope it comes together eventually! if it's okay with you, when we're done i think we'll sell and move to seattle. i'll blog from your beautiful kitchen and will stay out of your way, okay?

  3. October 1, 2015 / 2:55 am

    Oh my goodness, two days! How exciting and I know a bit daunting at the same time. Living in your home will give you an even better feel for your choices that have to be made, I do believe houses will tell us what they need, we just have to observe and listen, Yes, I am a house whisperer. I have so loved following along with you. I love the LG choices of quartz. We got Arizona tiles quartz called Lyskamm and I must say it is a soft quiet look with subtle veining a bit quieter than marble, but the same feel, I love it and am so happy with the decision. The Lyra is too gray I saw it in person a whole slab so I would go with the lighter choices. You will choose wisely with your heat and it will be beautiful. I am totally impressed with all the work you have accomplished. Kudos to you, my lovely friend.

    • October 1, 2015 / 4:33 pm

      great advice from someone in the trenches with me! xox

  4. October 1, 2015 / 12:12 pm

    Good Luck my friend……once all is in it's place I know you will be smiling:)

    • October 1, 2015 / 4:34 pm

      thx, sherry! i think i will be too since i am never after perfection. what i desire is a good fit. 🙂

  5. October 2, 2015 / 12:30 pm

    Its well worth it when its all done! You should feel so proud of all the great choices!! I know its a lot of work from someone who has just finished my own!! xo Leslie

  6. October 2, 2015 / 1:26 pm

    thanks for the support, leslie. oh how i'd love to grab a glass of wine with you and pick your brain and let YOU make these choices since your talents are legendary. 🙂

  7. October 3, 2015 / 8:24 pm

    Hi Michele, when I was researching Quartzite and quartz, I released that the Quartz was a smaller slab than the Quartzite. Even though the Quartzite was more expensive a slab it was larger and it would of cost me the same amount because I would of needed more slabs in the Quartz….I ended up with the real deal and was glad I did.

    • October 4, 2015 / 1:19 am

      wow. that's a great tip, julie. i looked at some beautiful marble, and even though i would commit to treating it carefully, i'm not so sure my guys who like to cook now will commit!

  8. October 5, 2015 / 2:51 am

    Hello, friend! Well you've made good progress! The kitchen cabinetry looks great. I love the simplicity of the Shaker style doors. And I spy a farmhouse sink 🙂 Can't wait to see more. I hope the move went went. Stay fabulous! xoxo

  9. October 6, 2015 / 1:45 pm

    merci, loi. you should be styling this kitchen and making these decisions while i leisurely flip swedish pancakes and serve you champagne. that is how it all goes down on planet michele in daydream mode! hugs.

  10. October 6, 2015 / 4:46 pm

    Hey Michelle, just trying to catch up on you. Finally, you're moving in! Exciting! I can't imagine all the choices you are having to make right now. I would be obsessed over each one and driving myself and everyone around me insane. Kinda cool though to get to start over with all you know now…

    Cindy

  11. Christina
    December 9, 2019 / 7:18 am

    Hi Michele!
    In the picture above with the set table, wine glasses and orange napkins – is that the Cirrus quartz?

    Thanks so much in advance!

    • Michele
      Author
      December 9, 2019 / 9:07 am

      It is. 🙂

  12. Christina
    December 9, 2019 / 7:36 am

    Hi Michele!

    Apologies if this posts twice, my computer just got kind of glitchy and I wasn’t sure if I properly was able to submit my last question/comment.

    I was wondering if you could clarify for me – in the picture above with the set table, wine glasses, orange napkins, etc. – is that the Cirrus quartz?

    Thanks in advance!!!

    • Michele
      Author
      December 9, 2019 / 9:07 am

      Yes, it is Cirrus, Christina. Thanks for reading. 🙂

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing