A 10′ x 12′ room in the lower level. Nice space to get things done.
I figured ALL the flooring (and made one order) back when we were originally reworking the whole house. The floor was laid throughout the lower level, except–not quite the whole laundry room. Since there were other things to do in there, I figured—“I’ll come back to it later.” Ha-ha-ha!
Hey—it’s later! And here’s what I’ve been doing!
The Ceiling. I’m not a fan, but the room HAD to have a dropped ceiling because there are many [things] running up in there–ie: gas line to fire place, water line to frig, etc, and you have to keep some ready access. I toyed with “dropped ceiling tin,” but just couldn’t justify the cost in that room. I also had to get creative at the awning window–the water line to the frig runs through it. Perfect. Just for fun, I added some vintage wallpaper for an unexpected punctuation!
The Walls. There are two outside walls of cinder block. But you only really see a part of one, so it didn’t seem worth the trouble and expense of firing, insulating, and sheet rocking.
I bought a product that would allow me to re-coat the walls, eliminating some of the cinder block outlining and texture. You trowel it on much like joint compound– but I found it to be disappointing. After two good layers, the coverage was not so great. However, it did smooth things out “enough” to continue with some venetian plaster–3 more layers! And–I waxed it at the end. Yes–the whole process was a lot of work, but it’s beautiful! It looks very old world, and has some natural crackle for added effect (that was exploited in the waxing).
The Cabinets. These were built on site, and would be really tough to tear out, so I worked with ’em.
- I sanded and puttied some bad areas,
- added a small crown-cove at the top and other finish-moldings, and some flea market hardware,
- lowered the doors and shifted them around (the 3rd door is a dummy)
- and, repainted.
And, Those Floors.
I miscalculated.
By ONE. dang. box.
I ran out right in front of the washer/dryer.
But it finally arrived and I finished it. With enough to lay in the electric closet and one other place I will also show you.
I’d like to tell you more about this flooring–pros and cons. So I will save it for the next post. And show you better pictures of the overall, finished room.
btw–This is the same type of flooring that was used in the 1st floor bathroom and living room.
Freddy & Petunia 