Sayonara sauna!

Happy New Year! With our trip in December and the holidays it has been quite a while since I've posted. Unfortunately with all of this going on not a lot has happened in our house since the last update. However, with things getting back into a regular routine work has started once again.

First, we have a new fireplace. Literally the morning we returned from Florida our fireplace man called and told us our new unit was in and asked if he could come the next morning to install it! Yikes! While Mike had removed the old propane stove he still had to smash out the old brick hearth and build a platform for the new insert.

We now have a fantastic new propane fireplace. We still don't have the surround or mantle built, but here is a peek at what we've got so far.

Pre move-in.

Tear out.

Prep work.

New fire box.

We still need to build the surround which will be clad in this cultured stone. It is very close in look to the actual beach stone that was dug out from under our house.

The mantle will be built from an old barn beam that we have acquired. Unfortunately it is currently wrapped in plastic and not available for public viewing. You'll all just have to wait for the final reveal!

The other project in progress is the family room. In a previous life it was actually a hot tub room! The walls and ceiling are completely lined with tongue and groove cedar boards. Except for the fireplace the room looks like a glorified sauna. We absolutely cannot stand it any more so I have begun the tedious job of painting it out.

Since we are going for a cottage/beach house look the planking is perfect. The room just needs a lot of cosmetic help.

Because of the grooves in the planks and the primer I need to use I am having to brush on the paint and can't use a roller. It has taken me two days to do just the first coat and this is excluding the fireplace and the ceiling. Fortunately Mike has started to help paint the ceiling. Since I'm not the tallest person this is an enormous help and a great relief to my aching back!

Even at this early stage the difference is dramatic. I can't wait for the finished product. There will be hardwood floors, garden doors in place of the dated slider, new lighting and a refacing of the fireplace.