Tuesday, April 5, 2011

What were they thinking??....:)

That's exactly what I said to myself the day we bought this house! It was love at first sight believe it or not. But during the entire restoration process I often thought of what all the people who had added their "personal touch" to the house were thinking! I thought maybe it went something like this: Ooooh Larry! Look at that beauty! I know it's a 1916 bungalow, but I'm thinking with my brains, and your cool set of tools we could hack away and turn this thing into the Victorianesque looking house of my dreams!!

Yeah Carol, we could "enclose" that wrap around porch ( I mean, what a waste of space!) and make it into your laundry room!
After :)


After :)
Oh Carol! Your choice of color is just spot on!! It's like Christmastime....all year long!!
After :)
Hun? I'm thinking we should rip out that old original kitchen and put in that u shaped, highly functional, never been seen before kitchen you designed? Oooh Larry, YES!!
After :)
And hey Larry? Could you build me that wine rack I've been wanting for my Charles Shaw collection? I've got the perfect shade of aubergine in mind...
After :)
Ooooh, and over here? We could bust out the wall (load bearing? who cares!) to that bedroom, remove the original staircase and I could have my dream dining room!! Oh Carol! You're a genius!
After :)
And the master bedroom....Larry? Could you add some massive structure to the front of the house so I could have a balcony where I could relax on our old couch from 20 years ago?
After :)

Carol, you really know your stuff! Honey oak, brass and emerald green and white tile! Oh well thank you Larry! And thank you for reminding me to put CARPET in the entire bathroom!
After :)
Hey Larry? Since you work alone, I'm thinking plastic columns would be so much easier on your back.

After :)
Carol? Since we already relocated the original staircase and have it so elegantly cascading into the dining room, I'm thinking we should relocate the original fireplace too! Oooh Larry! That sounds fantastic! Then I could use that pink tile I've been dying over!!
After :)
I know how much you love yourself some skylight Carol, so I thought I'll just tear into the wall above the bathroom!
After :)
Carol, your color choice for this front bedroom is sooo soothing, sooo inviting! And hey Larry my love? Could you please replace that original diamond shaped glass in the window for some pink plastic instead? Thanks!
After :)
I'm thinking if we "enclose" that back porch Larry, you could build us a massive brick fireplace that would come in handy for, you know, all those chilly Arizona winter nights!!
After :)
Oh Carol!! Come see!! I've totally disguised that chimney to look like your favorite- a Christmas tree! Oh Larry! Think how excited all the neighbors will be when I decorate it with lights this year!!
After :)
I just picked up the disc with all the before pics from our architect last week, and was reminded of the horrendous state my sweet old house was in! I only wish that Willy Wonka really did invent smellovision. It would have really made those kitchen before pics come to life!!!


"There's nothing half so pleasant as coming home again." ~ Margaret Elizabeth Sangster



Linking up to the before and after party at Thrifty Decor Chick!

And Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch !

60 comments:

  1. what a beautiful home and the transformations you did are awesome.

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  2. Dorie - I didn't realize that THAT house was your home. I've always loved the charm of that neighborhood so I've often slowly cruised through because the bungalows are so cute. While on my cruise I often said to myself what were those people thinking?! Thankfully you scooped her up and turned her into a beauty.

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  3. This post was hilarious!! I loved hearing the story of the before's and afters. Your after is much better! I wonder if the old people ever go past your house and notice all the changes you made.

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  4. Dorie,
    I was laughing out loud at this post! First off I am so glad to see pictures of the whole house (your pictures that is) absolutely gorgeous. I love everything.
    Now on to "Larry and Carol"...what in the world were they thinking! The kitchen?? I am still scratching my head. Love the part where Larry goes for the plastic columns...makes sense since he works alone ha! Some really boneheaded things they did to that house. I am amazed that you had all of that vision!
    You and your hubby and architect did a great job turning it back into the beauty that it formerly was and then some!!
    xo
    Ashlyn

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  5. I really enjoyed looking at the before and after pics. What a difference. everytime I drive by your home Im mesmerized!!! Did you add square footage? How big is the space?

    THanks

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  6. WOW! You have done an excellent job. This is beautiful!

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  7. Aileen,
    We actually tore down square footage, there were some hideous add ons I tell ya! We ended up with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and about 2700 sq. ft. :)

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  8. Oh my word... that bathtub and shower are AMAZING!!! Your kitchen is pretty much perfection too. I adore your house so much.

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  9. I love..love ..love your house. You did an awesome job! My hubby and I are looking to buy something in AZ. would love to be in the historic district, making a trip in two weeks to look at the area and some properties...thanks for the great inspiration!

    Joy

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  10. Dorie, you did a great job with your remodel and recent library redo...you have inspired me! I have a classic case of "Cobbler's kids with no shoes"! Sadly, my house looks more like your "before" than I'd like to admit. Happily, I probably have enough "stuff" in my garage to do a makeover without spending a cent. Now, where did I put my energy?

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  11. Amazing! I love the master bath vanity, very cool! Your writing cracked me up too! Happy to be your newest follower!

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  12. that cracked me up! Nice job on the reno! Love your style!!
    -m

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  13. This made me laugh so much! Your vision was much clearer!!! I love it ALL!

    LaKeta

    1luckeegirl.blogspot.com

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  14. omg so amazing!!! Such great before and afters!

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  15. Coming over from Better After. I am your newest follower and I just have to say you are a miracle worker! Great job! Can't wait to see more :)

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  16. My house!? Whhhaaaaa! I'm heartbroken...all my improvements...gone...a lifetime of love....GONE!!!

    Kidding...I'm not that Carol. I couldn't resist.

    Beautiful house, I totally approve!

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  17. Gorgeous home! Found you on Better After, love it all, your style and the decor are fabulous. Enjoy your "new" dream home :)

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  18. I saw your blog from Better After, and totally had to say WOW! I love what you did! It is SO beautiful!

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  19. Wow, that is so beautiful. You have done a marvelous job on transforming your home. Simply sensational!

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  20. WOW! Awesome renovation! Saw your pics on Better After! Amazing....stunning....ask your architect if he wants to move to Atlanta. And would you come too?! ;)

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  21. Great job what a wonderful home. I too cam eover from Better After...

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  22. I am OBSESSED with this house...(found you on Better After)...can't get over it!! I am showing everyone I know :)

    You have GREAT style...the house looks show-stopping!!!

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  23. A gal after my own heart. Thank you for returning your home to its former glory. You and your husband have done a fabulous job!

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  24. Beautiful! I'm in love with your bathroom vanity! So inspiring. Check out my blog sometime. We've got similar styles:)
    htt://beeinteriors.blogspot.com

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  25. your house reminds me of a little girl that i went to school with that was a really sweet girl on the inside, but bless her heart, dressed hideously and never had the right haircut. then one day, she married a doctor and started getting the latest hairstyles, louboutins, and started carrying the latest balenciaga bags....not to mention several, um, physicial alterations she obviously went under the knife for......she transformed from ugly duckling to envy of the PTA. (True story, i saw her at our reunion a couple of years ago!)

    so yeah, that's what your digs remind me of.

    stunning transformation, i just love it!

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  26. You have done a fabulous job on your rennovation. I am so inspired. I've got to say, your bathroom vanity is stunning!! If you don't mind me asking, did you purchase it commercially, or was it custom made?

    Thanks for sharing all your hard work with us!

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  27. Hilarious post, Dorie! I love the before and afters. You guys did a phenomenal job.

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  28. Good golly, what a difference! It's so beautiful now! I'm sure the house is so happy to have you as its owners because you obviously love it. What an amazing transformation.

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  29. Found you via Hooked on Houses!! Gorgeous!! I love ever color on the walls, furniture and accessories!! Oh and the kitchen. I'm in love!! Could you please list the paint colors you used? I love greens too!!
    Jeri

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  30. every inch is perfect! found you from julia. so glad:) i was wondering where you found your lights for above the kitchen island and the dining room?? great choices. we are moving into a new house and lighting makes all the difference.

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  31. Love, Love, LOVE your house! I stopped over from Hooked on Houses, the color in your kitchen is beautiful, I love the combination! PS- I'm your newest follower :)

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  32. I jumped over from Hooked on Houses. Your home has to be my very favorite of all houses Julia has found for her blog. I love (!) your kitchen!!!Green is my favorite color. I would never ever get tired of the cabinets. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home with us!

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  33. Simply beautiful! great job. I'm now your newest follower. Can't wait to learn more about your home.

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  34. Just gorgeous! Thanks to Julia for pointing me in your direction!!

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  35. Saw your home at Hooked on Houses today. Thank you on behalf of all bungalow lovers out there for restoring the house to its deserved beauty. You have excellent taste and did a magnificent job of retaining the period charm while including modern amenities. We couldn't find an available bungalow in the suburban/rural area we wanted to live, so we bought land and built our own. Next time around we'd love to tackle a restoration.

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  36. Just found your blog. I love the before (not so much) and after (very much) pictures you shared and your sense of humor. I'm putting this in my favorites, so I can catch up on all the great stuff you have shared. Thank you very much!

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  37. Loved it! You're hilarious & you've got waaaaaay better style than the former occupants. We are have some "WTF did you people do" moments with our backyard so it's great to know there is hope for it.

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  38. I just stumbled onto your blog from Better After. I don't normally say omg but I'll make an exception. OMG!!! Your home looks absolutely beautiful! Simply Stunning!

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  39. Hi Dorie,
    I adore your beautiful home! I found your blog from the domestic bliss blog. I was wondering if you have any planks of wood left that you used for your shelves in your laundry room? I would like to purchase some if you have any left... Please call me @ 227-5461 My name is Jennie...
    Thanks

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  40. I used to drive by this home all of the time when I lived in Mesa! I am so glad someone gave it the love it deserved!!

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  41. Just found your site. Love the redo. Beautiful. I love the green color of your wicker chairs. What color did you use?

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  42. Speachless! Love,love,love!
    Deanna

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  43. Wow, what a transformation. You really brought back the beauty of your bungalow. I chuckled at your writing. Who knows what people think when they "renovate" or "make improvements." Your kitchen is gorgeous, and I love the detail over the windows in several of the rooms. The sink in your bathroom is also amazing. Nicely done!
    Claudia

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  44. You are hysterical!!!!! This is my new favorite blog!! Your house is gorgeous!!!!!

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  45. another satisfied reader! amazing job and nicely written!

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  46. Hi I just found your blog and everything looks awesome...can I ask just one question? Why is the stove in the middle of the room in the before kitchen? I mean of all the what where they thinking moments that has got to be in the top ten ..Cheers Frances

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  47. Your home is positively gorgeous and I just loved your witty tour. Your bathroom is my favaorite -- or maybe it's the kitchen -- no it has to be your porch and that lovely painted wicker furniture. You've done your vintage home proud :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  48. I.
    Love.
    Your.
    Home!

    every single room is breathtaking!
    you have wonderful style and taste in decorating!!!

    xx
    becky

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  49. Ha-ha-ha Dorie!!! I love your imaginative story. Even more you and your husbands vision and know-how to turn it into the beauty you have. It's fantastic! I just pinned your bath cabinet @ http://pinterest.com/tracysuz. After finding you at Layla's this morning I'm now a new follower of your blog.

    Hugs…Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute

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  50. your home is one of the most unbelievable transformations I have ever seen! I just found you through Layla, and can't wait to search your blog more.
    Thanks for the eye candy.
    d e n i s e

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  51. Your home is beautiful! I am planning a reno and LOVE your bathroom vanity. Are you able to share where you found it? Thanks!

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  52. I'd like to know about the bathroom vanity too. LOVE IT!!!!

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  53. amazing designs , i like it so much and your states

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  54. I have always LOVED this house. Back before you bought it I used to drive by with my husband and wish that exact house was located in Chandler were we live but alas no. You did an AMAZING job with this house. BTW - where did you get the light fixture over your dining room table. I have been looking for something like that for months. Thanks!!!!

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  55. I can't believe the HORROR of what they did to that house! So glad you fixed it!!! It is beautiful!

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