Cliff May Restovation

Sometimes it's fun to look at the things that previous owners did -- little modifications to suit the idiosynrasies of their lifestyles. Then there are things which prompt a quizzical stare, throwing one's arms in the air, and yelling to no one in particular, "Why? Why? Why?"

Actually, I'm being a bit melodramatic. But why they put the holders for the pool nets, vacuum, etc in plain view when just around the corner there's a perfectly secluded location for them? That, and they also had these awful painted-over towel bars.

BEFORE

AFTER

Functionally speaking, I didn't have a problem with the towel bars. Next to the pool (especially by the steps) is a great place to hang towels, robes, etc. But these things were actually painted over towel bars with an inch of dirt. I'm looking for some cool hooks to hold towels / robes. Something in satin steel or aluminum. Any ideas?

Actually, I can't stand to eat at Quizno's. Ever since they played those commercials with the post-mortem, tone-deaf rats. However, it sure has been hot here, something that reduces one's will to be outside in the sun on a ladder all weekend. I've also been part of a sizable wedding and been doing a bunch of odds and ends. I think I should get to some more meaningful stuff this weekend.

Anyhow, I did finish painting the interior beams in the living. I'm really happy with how the space feels. I got it just done before the appraiser came. Anyhow, I took a couple of cool shots:

From the Courtyard:

From Inside:

The bigger versions are available here.

Yes, I know they're under exposed -- sue me.

Okay, so I just forget to add something...

Many of my friends know that I consider myself a solidly competent photographer. As a result, I take a lot of ribbing for the quality of the photos I take for this blog. Frankly, I'm usually just in a hurry to get things posted and I don't have the energy or time to do anything up to my usual standards. In fact, it's all direct from camera with no post-processing.

Tonight I got the itch to do something more artistic and since the house is finally starting to come together (I see the light at the end of my paint-brush tunnel) I thought it might be fun to do some stuff where I at least spend 5 minutes instead of the usual 5 seconds.

Image One

And yes, I know the anniversary-edition Eames Lounge Chair would look great in place of my elderly (the cushion was originally black) Ikea Poang. Full-size image.

Image Two

I just like how the light "spills" out of the house. Full-size image.

I might take some day-time ones next week.

...a fascia board party! A milestone has been reached. All of the fascia boards on my house are now the same color -- and it's even a color I like! When I moved in my house had a near rainbow of colors: white, pwoder blue, medium blue, dark blue, and "peeley" (not really a color, but worthy of its own distinction). And now I have that nice satin-silver. Here's the final stretch:

BEFORE

AFTER

These things take a while if you want to to them right. First you have to scrape any loose paint (my ears are still bleeding). Next, you have to remove any hooks or other superfluous hardware and fill any holes (my house has a lot of them). Then you get to prime (thanks again, previous owners for the smurfey blue). Finally, you get to paint. Fun fun fun.

GARAGE DONE (ish)

I don't know what to do about the windows. Originally, the house came with the clerestory windows just like on the front. Some idiot garage door installer decided he (or she -- I'm a gender-equal h8ter) needed wood in the middle for some piece of the garage doors and they now have these terrible wood things with plexiglass. Estimate to return to original $2000 for front and back of garage.

COURTYARD PAINTING DONE, TOO

I've been delaying and hemming, and hawing but I finally finished painting that last window. One of the things I also learned is that clean glass is important in completing the glass-house effect. My neighbor's thought I was crazy when I told them the windows and doors would be the same color as the body of the house. Now, one has already defected and started to paint her house the same way. With the courtyard painting done it finally completes the look and the house seems so much sleeker and fits in better to its surroundings. I'm truly amazed at what a difference it makes visually.

I also discovered something very important: there are many different types of spackle and it's important to use the right one. About a week ago I discovered "light weight" spackle. This stuff is light and fluffy. It's 10x better than regular spackle for smoothing wood surfaces. It gets into small crevices and "stick" so much better. It's also sands away easier too. Highly recommended as a "go-to" spackle and only use the heavier stuff for heavier duty jobs.

At least that's what it feels like. I'm thinking of refinancing my house. It's odd, my company does this among other things so I know the drill on appraisals and yet I'm actually getting a bit emotional. It's like having a stranger (even though the appraiser is someone I know) come in and evaluate my worth. Oh well...big numbers, big numbers!

With the arrival of Sharon to tell me how much I, er -- the house, is worth, I've been going on an unfinished project bender. I don't usually hangout where my garage is (back corner of the property) but I was out there the other day and noticed that my garage doors have tons of unpainted wood trim (yikes!). Not only that, the fascia board (and some of the siding) was peeling. In short, pretty much anyone driving down Red Hill Avenue could see the eyesore.

BEFORE

DURING

I've still got to finish the doors themselves (body color tan so they'll blend in), paint the beam ends, and decide about the light.

I actually like the light. It's a mercury vapor lamp and I've actually always wanted one since seeing them on farm in Minnesota as a little kid. Unfortunately, stick it on the beam ends tends to ruin the look. Any ideas on where else I can mount it?