Day 1 - Thoughts

So, I have decided to shift my focus to making over a 1960s drab apartment. After moving back to Kansas from Georgia I was very disappointed I couldn't find a genuinely NEWER apartment complex that was halfway decent. I realize College Hill was built in 2008, but taking into consideration the surrounding neighborhoods I have no desire to live there. I have never been impressed by their presentation, but that is a tangent I will avoid all together. After commuting 30 miles one way for a year and a half I know living in Lawrence is not a feasible or reasonable option for me. A co-worker suggested a complex for me to look at, which I previously didn't consider because the buildings are so old.  I checked them out and ended up signing a lease. I can't really complain, they are a nice size, seem to be in a decent area, and are a decent price… The only draw back is no laundry in the unit.

To my surprise the landlord has said I can do some things to make the space genuinely my own… including painting the woodwork. So, I have decided to record my journey from making this dark and drab 60s apartment into a swanky chic apartment. On a budget. After seeing the apartment twice I asked the landlord if I could see it again and they kindly let me walk through and take pictures, so I could see what I have to work with.

The biggest challenge will be the kitchen. Because what can I do? I'm certainly no contractor. I am afraid, I don't want to take on way more than I can handle or worse more than I can finish. But I have a few ideas…

White cabinets - these wood cabinets actually have cute paneling detail. Painting can't be too hard, right? From what I have read it takes sanding, priming, washing, unscrewing hardware… taking drawers out… EEK.

Replace the ugly brass hardware - this is easy enough! But it may not be cheap. My mom is beating it in my head not to put a lot of money into a rental. Yeah, I know but can I put a price on my own happiness?

Laying down new vinyl flooring - not sure how difficult this will be. Financially or skill wise. I mean I can pull paper off of a tile and stick it to the floor…but will it look okay? More research needed. I stopped by Menards today and it looks like sticky vinyl flooring runs between $2-4 a square foot, the kitchen is not that big. I would include the small entry way as well.

-Hang mirrors on the folding doors to resemble this

- paint sliding doors with chalkboard paint, see example


Photo courtesy of C. Scharton



Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 23, 2014 at 5:26 PM

    I love the idea behind your blog! It is unique and fun. I love DIY projects and I am excited to see the progress you make on your apartment!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJuly 24, 2014 at 8:14 PM

    I'm dealing with old drab woodwork in my apt as well, it really makes the whole place feel dark and depressing. I wish I had the freedom to paint some of it and lighten it up, what other personal touches have you added besides the paint?

    ReplyDelete
  3. cschartonJuly 25, 2014 at 4:07 PM

    I do a lot of pictures! Art of the walls can definitely brighten it up. I got wild and took down my vertical blinds and put up curtains instead. I think it makes my apartment look much more chic, however, I don't know how the apartment office will feel about me ditching them, but whatever, I just threw them in storage! I have found that Googling or Pinteresting whatever problem I have seems to offer creative solutions!

    ReplyDelete

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