I’ve drafted this post in my head about six times over, about six weeks ago, and tried to sit down to write about six times now. LIfe gets in the way.
The good news is that our renovated space is being well loved. It’s been nearly impossible for me to find a moment to photograph the “after” shots since, at any given moment, the house just isn’t up to the standards required. There’s any combination of newspapers, dishes, toys, homework, hockey equipment, knitting needles or Lego laying about. Real life does not make for good photography.
I realized the trick was to invite guests into our home. Knowing someone is about to appear at my front door makes me clean the house. I know this about myself and am coming clean about it right here (no pun intended!).
House guests = a clean house = the perfect moment to take some photos.
Although they had no idea of my ulterior motives, our old friends came by and we had a great evening. With all the photographs taken and “in the can” before they arrived, I was content having killed two birds with one stone. Life stepped right out of the way and gave me a nice, sunshine filled day for some good shots…
(If it helps, take a peek at the layouts that I posted a few months ago. And remember, the before shots are truly just that – taken before we had possession of the house; just after we signed the papers.)

BEFORE - the living room, including 2 out of 3 crazy kids.

AFTER - the new living room. No major structural changes, but new windows, insulation and in-wall speaker system (in the ceiling).

BEFORE - the dining room.

AFTER - dining room is now the new office. Includes a pass-thru to the kitchen with extended cabinetry, and larger entryways with no bulkheads from living room and hallway. (Tall photo is placed where Leighton is sitting in the "before" shot.)

BEFORE - bathroom. This is actually a shot of the 2nd floor bathroom as I don't have one of the main floor. They were identical in every way except for colour. And yes, this is what we currently have upstairs. Thank goodness we now have...

AFTER - new bathroom. We decreased the size by removing the bathtub and replaced it with a shower stall. The old bathtub area is a separate room now: our new walk-in pantry (not shown).

AFTER - the before shot of the kitchen was posted previously, but here's an update: walls were removed; island installed with sink, dishwasher and beverage fridge; new appliances; new barstools purchased as a xmas gift to ourselves.

BEFORE - TV room. There's a backyard behind those curtains.

AFTER - new dining room. Lots of changes here including complete removal of walls, rejigged duct work, upper and lower cabinetry added, and of course, nearly 18 feet of sliding glass doors.

BEFORE - den/exercise room.

AFTER - new TV room. This room was enlarged by taking the floor space of the old pantry (which sat just to the left of the stairs), walls were removed, windows replaced, and again, the new sliding doors give us great sunlight.
That’s it for now folks. If you noticed, we still haven’t picked up a paintbrush. The ceiling needs a second coat, the walls only have primer on them, and all the woodwork needs painting, including the interior doors. A bucket load of work, and frankly, I’m trying to gear up for it.
Life gets in the way – extremely easily – when there’s painting to be done… and when there’s gratuitous kitten shots to be taken…

Fuzzy salad, anyone?!