Category Archives: House Projects

Front porch early spring 2012.

March 15, 2012

Due to the beautiful weather, I thought it was time to finally take down our beyond dry pine wreaths and other winter decorations and bust out some more spring appropriate porch accessories.

I replaced pine, holly, and sumac with dried hydrangea and twine. This will tide me over until it’s fresh flower season. I can’t wait to introduce some color with planted pots and hanging baskets!

Now that that’s done, I just have to find some inspiration to re-vamp my accessories inside. I am waiting for a burst of creative energy otherwise I’m afraid they won’t turn out as well. Hopefully sometime next week … especially since I’m getting a little tired of looking at the pine trees and reindeer on my mantle.

- Kayls.

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Virtual Home Tour + Wine/Cheese Party Set Up.

January 22, 2012

Last night Kai and I hosted a housewarming open house for our friends and family. We had a blast
getting everyone together and sharing our new home with them. Party planning is something
I love to do and everyone seemed to have a great time! Round II might be in order because we have a
ton of leftover cheese and wine. I think I might need a few days before I am ready to drink wine again,
though. Which is actually perfect timing since it’s my birthday on Friday!

Before the party began Kai and I walked through the house and made a video to share – and Kai also
took some still pictures of the party set up.

Welcome to Heather Lane!

Just some general information on our house: It’s one of the oldest homes in Grand Rapids. We were
originally told it was built in 1869 but after some research we found it was built in 1855, which adds
credibility to rumors that it was a part of the underground railroad. It was originally a farm, and
at one point, also served as a stagecoach stop. Kai and I love our house and will likely be here forever.

For pictures of what the house looked like before, you can check out this post.

Tour:

Party time!

We had six different cheese/wine stations throughout the main floor, as well as some small snack foods.

I hope you all had wonderful weekends! I spent the morning resting and cleaning. My wonderful mother
came over to help me clean dishes because I cut my finger pretty bad yesterday while prepping
for the party and shouldn’t get the bandage wet. Also, thanks to those who stayed late last night
and helped clean up a bit. Now my house is all spick and span! On to the next project … we will
never be done.

- Kayls.

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The Master.

December 16, 2011

Next up on the tour of our house re-decoration … the master bedroom!

Before (with previous owners’ furniture):

After:

The only thing left to do (for now) is swap that ceiling fan for a chandelier.

We didn’t have enough room for side tables so instead we put books on brackets to act as little
shelves (thanks, Pinterest). They are small, but hold the bedtime essentials. Cell phone, water, and a
catch all on my side for chapstick and bobby pins.

Yes, that’s an air conditioning unit. We weren’t about to live without AC since Kai works from home,
but putting in central air wasn’t really possible for a reasonable fee since the house is so old. Wall
units weren’t my first choice, but about the only choice.

My new jewelry display! It’s so much easier to see all of my options now, and the dresser is cleared off
which makes dusting a little less awful.

There it is! Someday we anticipate getting a wardrobe for more hanging space, but for now, this is
working well enough. I’m so glad that I can finally post some “after” photos. It’s making me feel so
accomplished!

- Kayls.

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