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Field Trip Friday With Design Dreams By Anne

August 23, 2013 By Meegan 45 Comments

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Hello my friends!!  I am super excited for this Field Trip Friday with Design Dreams by Anne.  You will love, love, love her home tour!  So without any further adieu let’s get started!!

Hi!  I’m Anne from DesignDreams by Anne.  Welcome to my home!

Three years ago, almost to the day, I bought a 1930s fixer-upper cottage. I was recently separated and wanted a project to focus on to help me pass the time. When I first moved in, I had thought I would be handling mostly cosmetic changes – I was wrong…

The longer I lived in the house, the more I realized there was much more to be dealt with than what appeared on the surface and it would be costly to deal with.  I took to scrounging materials, picking up roadside items, dumpster diving, yard sale’ing, horse-trading and swapping all sorts of things to get the look I wanted. Instead of hiring contractors, I invested in a starter set of power tools and took on the projects myself. It’s been a lot of work and a lot of fun, too.  The satisfaction of having done it all myself and on a small budget is HUGE.  Here is my journey.

First up was my kitchen.  It needed a big overhaul so I used the Home Depot “12 Months No Interest” plan and bought cabinets, counters, sink, faucet, plumbing materials and lights and I got to work.  I also placed my sideboard in the kitchen and put a shelf over it for some free additional storage space.   This is an Ikea sideboard that I painted with a home made paint to give it an antique look.

I found a pot rack at a yard sale for $3 and hung it on the wall beside the stove for easy access.  That bump out wall is the original chimney.  Some day I’ll tear all the drywall off it and make it into a feature…  some day… 

 

The previous owners had an addition built onto the original footprint and now this kitchen has no windows – UGH!  So I carved two holes between the studs over the kitchen sink to give myself a view into the next space that DOES have windows.

I built some shelves from reclaimed wood and brackets I bought from Ikea.

I built a pantry cabinet.  I needed a custom size to fit the space I had, so building was my only option.  I still have to finish the shelves and add a door to the bottom half, but it’s so handy!
I gave my bedroom a huge makeover. I painted EVERYTHING – walls, furniture, trim, closet doors, and more! I built a headboard from a 100 year old door I got at a yard sale for $5.
A new bedspread and shams complete the makeover.

  
Then I tackled my spare bedroom, making curtains and shams from tea towels I got in a clearance bin.

I added a shelf desk and painted some grain sack stripes on it to dress it up.

I had an enclosed porch at the back of the house with nothing in it except washer/dryer connections, so I made it into a laundry/mudroom with lots of storage. I moved the existing dryer vent and bought a stackable washer & dryer to save space.
I used an old potting bench for a counter and hung seed catalog covers on my dryer to doll it up a bit.  My curtains are another clearance bin find – a twin sheet that I folded in half and attached to a rod with clips.
My biggest challenge so far was tearing apart the original 1930s bathroom and rebuilding the whole thing from scratch.

Every room in the house has been painted in either tan or off-white.  I buckled down and painted all the ugly orange wood trim in the house.  It looks amazing now!  I’ve also painted most of the furniture so it all coordinates better.  Painting it was the best idea, the furniture went from looking old and tired to fresh and new again.


For a dining room hutch, I bought a 2nd hand Baker’s Rack for $25 and gave it a makeover.  I added wood shelves and a new wood top and stained/painted the whole thing.

Then I refinished my dining room table to match the new industrial style that I’m falling in love with:

I gave my master bathroom a makeover based on a table cloth I found in a clearance bin (gotta love those clearance bins!!!)  I used the tablecloth as a shower curtain.  I have a fabric liner as well, but the tablecloth is indoor/outdoor fabric – perfect for a bathroom!!

I’m still working on finding ways to brighten my kitchen and I plan to add a window over my laundry tub and widen the opening into my dining room, but mostly the big projects indoors are done!  Hooray!  Next year’s focus will be on landscaping, decks and patios.

Hope you enjoyed the tour. I have lots more photos and how-to details on my blog – come over and visit some time!  For more photos on the room tours, click on the links:

Kitchen
Guest Bedroom
Bathroom
Laundry
Master Bedroom 
Living Room
Sideboard Makeover
Dining Room
Didn’t I say you would love, love, love it??
Thanks so much Anne for taking the time for a Field Trip Friday with Design Dreams By Anne.  I am inspired by all that you have done in your home, and I know my readers are, too!
Join me again next week for:
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and another fabulous field trip!!
Before you leave today, don’t forget to link up with:
Tickled Pink Times Two
The party is live until Monday evening.  Woo Woo!
Make it a field trip Friday.

signoff

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Filed Under: Field Trip Friday Tagged With: Field Trip Friday

Comments

  1. Anne@DesignDreams says

    August 23, 2013 at 1:04 PM

    Thanks so much for visiting my house this week Meegan! Have a happy weekend xox

    Reply
    • Meegan says

      August 23, 2013 at 1:30 PM

      You have inspired me, Anne. I love your home. Thanks for sharing on Field Trip Friday. xoxo

      Reply
  2. My Little Home and Garden says

    August 23, 2013 at 4:05 PM

    Your transformations are incredible, Anne!

    Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 1:18 AM

      You are always so sweet to me! Thank you so much Karen xox

      Reply
  3. Christine says

    August 23, 2013 at 5:39 PM

    I want to move in with Anne….Love her house

    Reply
    • Meegan says

      August 26, 2013 at 11:25 PM

      You and me, too Christine :) Thx for the visit. Come back again soon, ok??

      Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 1:18 AM

      Thanks Christine! You’re welcome anytime ;)

      Reply
  4. Amy @ StowandTellU says

    August 23, 2013 at 11:01 PM

    Anne is so talented. I love everything about her home, and she never stops! She is doing something different all the time. Great share, Meegan!

    Reply
    • Meegan says

      August 26, 2013 at 11:23 PM

      Wasn’t this such a fun field trip, Amy? Thanks for your visit, and I hope to see you here again real soon!
      xoxo

      Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 1:47 AM

      Thanks Amy!!

      Reply
  5. Brenda Young says

    August 23, 2013 at 11:03 PM

    Wow, Anne sure is one handy Gal! Wonderful field trip, I do so love home tours especially peeking behind the doors of new friends. You really develop a personal connection when you see how someone feathers their nest ! Nice job Anne, you have a lovely sense of style ! Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Meegan says

      August 26, 2013 at 11:22 PM

      I know what you mean, Brenda. I wish I was that handy! Thanks for stopping in for a visit. Come back every week for Field Trip Friday!! It is always fun :)

      Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 1:19 AM

      Thanks so much Brenda!

      Reply
  6. Crystal says

    August 24, 2013 at 1:01 AM

    Your house is too cute!! I love the colors you chose…especially your bathroom! Love the curtain with blue framed mirror. Love your desk too! Thanks for sharing your home :)

    Reply
    • Meegan says

      August 26, 2013 at 11:21 PM

      Thanks Crystal! It was a really fun post to share!

      Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 1:48 AM

      So glad you visited Crystal!

      Reply
  7. Kelly@mysoulfulhome says

    August 25, 2013 at 3:16 AM

    Just lovely & so impressive that u did it ALL yourself! Thanks for sharing!
    Kelly

    Reply
    • Meegan says

      August 26, 2013 at 11:19 PM

      Of course, Kelly. Anne is inspiring isn’t she? I am so happy to have you visit my blog.

      Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 1:57 AM

      Hey Kelly! Thank you so much. I’m glad you came along for the tour!

      Reply
  8. Anne Boykin says

    August 25, 2013 at 1:07 PM

    Hi Meegan & Anne, Thanks for such a lovely visit. I love your house, Anne, and love to follow you through your decorating adventures.

    Reply
    • Meegan says

      August 26, 2013 at 11:17 PM

      Hi Anne! I am so excited you came over for the field trip today! It’s fun to see Anne’s progress, isn’t it? Come back again real soon, ok?

      Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 1:56 AM

      Thank you Anne! You have certainly stuck by me and I appreciate it so much!!

      Reply
  9. Rosalie says

    August 25, 2013 at 1:11 PM

    What a fabulous job/look. Congratulations -the elbow power and cleaver uses of materials made your place into a lovely home. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
    • Meegan says

      August 26, 2013 at 11:16 PM

      Rosalie,
      Isn’t it fabulous?? Anne sure is talented, and I am enjoying her progress as well. It was fun having you here!!

      Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 1:55 AM

      Thank you Rosalie. It’s been a lot of work but so rewarding!

      Reply
  10. Danni@SiloHillFarm says

    August 25, 2013 at 1:12 PM

    Meegan, you couldn’t have chosen a better field trip! I love Anne and her prowess with power tools always leaves me in amazement. She is my DIY hero!

    Reply
    • Meegan says

      August 26, 2013 at 11:14 PM

      I know exactly what you mean Danni! She is one of my many heroes :)

      Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 2:00 AM

      Danni, you are my number one fan. Thank you so very much for all your support!!

      Reply
  11. Cynthia says

    August 25, 2013 at 2:06 PM

    Anne knows that I think she is such a talent and I love all the things she creates. One creative lady for sure!!

    Cynthia

    Reply
    • Meegan says

      August 26, 2013 at 11:13 PM

      I absolutely agree with you, Cynthia. It was nice to have you here for a visit. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 2:04 AM

      I think you’re amazing too Cynthia! Thank you for your sweet comments xox

      Reply
  12. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says

    August 25, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    It’s always a pleasure to take a tour in Anne’s home!

    Reply
    • Meegan says

      August 26, 2013 at 11:11 PM

      Thanks for stopping by Magali. I know you enjoy Anne’s talent and vision. I hope you visit my blog again, soon!

      Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 2:03 AM

      You’re a darling to follow me Magali!

      Reply
  13. Inspire Me Heather says

    August 25, 2013 at 2:26 PM

    Thanks for the tour around Anne, you’ve done a lovely job!!

    Reply
    • Meegan says

      August 26, 2013 at 11:09 PM

      Thanks for stopping by Heather. I am so happy to have you here. Come back again, ok?

      Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 1:54 AM

      Heather, you’re a doll to keep taking my house tour. Love ya!

      Reply
  14. Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} says

    August 25, 2013 at 4:07 PM

    Anne has done a fantastic job renovating and decorating her space! It’s so inspiring that she has done all of it herself! Way to go, Anne! :)
    Julie

    Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 1:52 AM

      Thanks Julie – I have to keep saying that to myself all the time. It keeps me going. LOL!

      Reply
  15. laurie says

    August 26, 2013 at 4:07 AM

    Anne amazes me! She is so brave to dive in and figure out how to make her home wonderful and to also do it on a budget. I always love seeing photos of her home and her creations. Thank you for sharing this. laurie

    Reply
    • Meegan says

      August 26, 2013 at 11:08 PM

      I am so impressed with her sense of style and keeping on a budget, as weel. Those don’t always go together. Thanks for stopping by, Julie.

      Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 1:51 AM

      Thanks Laurie! You’re a sweetie!

      Reply
  16. Bliss says

    August 26, 2013 at 1:02 PM

    I have stalked Anne’s home tour before, but I do believe this is the first time I have seen her clever idea to give herself a window over her sink.

    Reply
    • Meegan says

      August 26, 2013 at 11:07 PM

      I know, isn’t Anne amazing?? I am blown away by her talent and vision. Thanks for stopping by! I LOVE having you here. Come back again, ok?

      Reply
    • Anne@DesignDreams says

      August 27, 2013 at 1:51 AM

      Hey Bliss, I can’t reveal everything all at once you know. ;) Thanks for taking the tour… again.

      Reply

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