Warning: this may be my ugliest post in almost 4 years of blogging. It’s OK though, because it’s leading up to something awesome.
Have you seen the TV shows about flipping homes and thought, “Those people must be crazy to want to take on that project!”? Well, they probably are, and now, so am I.
If you’re not familiar with the term “house flip” it means to buy a home that needs a lot of work, put the work in, then sell it at (hopefully) a profit. It’s something the decorator in me has always wanted to do, but as you can probably imagine, a lot of details must to come together for it to be done well. And lucky for me, all those things have finally come together! My dearest friend and business partner, along with her husband, have decided to take the plunge and flip a home. Somehow I convinced them that they needed a partner, so here we are, flipping our first house. And since you have so graciously and patiently followed along with me through all my other creative endeavors, I thought I’d share our experience with you here on the blog.
Right now we’re in the part of the process that I like to call “It Has to Get Worse Before it Gets Better” so let’s revel in some messy photos, shall we?
“Before” Photos
This is the entrance to the house. Needs a little trimming, wouldn’t you say?
When you walk in, you’re immediately greeted by a narrow dark hallway. We’re opening it up to catch that light at the end of the tunnel.
The bedrooms need a little updating…
And maybe some new light fixtures.
You can’t fault them for not having enough color in their house. You should have seen all the multi-colored carpet we pulled out already!
The master bathroom leaves a little something to be desired… Unless you’re a fan of sunken blue-tiled tubs, and runaway vines growing on a slider (?!) door.
The hall bath just needs a little touch-up.
But the living spaces are, well, spacious.
It’s filled with one-of-a-kind touches like this lovely chandelier in the dining room.
(Pay no attention to the giant pile of dirt that came from a stone half-wall planter which I’m sure was all the rage in 1971.)
At least we aren’t alone in the house.
Let’s move into the kitchen, where plenty of opportunity awaits.
We’ve already opened up the space into the lovely den, which was the picture of 70’s style with dark wood paneling throughout and a period-appropriate brass fireplace cover.
As you can see, all the house needs is a little attention, some TLC, and oh just maybe a complete overhaul. Although I’m a die-hard DIYer, this is going to be a job for the professionals so that we can hand over the house to its new owners, knowing that every detail has been carefully corrected. Also, we’re hoping to put it on the market in 6 weeks, which means this is not a project for weekend warriors and amateur DIYers like me. So no DIY tutorials here, just hopefully some design inspiration and a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of what it’s really like to flip a house.
This flip started out bad, went straight to ugly, and eventually we’ll make it good. Join me for the journey along the way!
Rachel Beac says
Congratulations on taking the plunge! I have thought about this but my own house takes up enough of my time, haha. The beams are beautiful but, along with the lighting, really gives a gothic vibe. The bright orange kitchen is also a winner, lol. I can only imagine what it was originally like. I can’t wait to see what you do with it. I know it will be stunning. Good luck!
Meredith says
Thanks Rachel! I’m definitely questioning my sanity, and my own house is suffering as I spend all my time on the flip, so you’re wise to be cautious! But I just couldn’t pass up this chance to help make it beautiful and useful for someone.
Susan cooper says
I love those house flipping shows. It always looks like so much fun, until you start doing the work I’m sure. The first few pictures I thought well that’s not so bad. ..until I got to the blue sunken tub. Lol. Good luck with this. Can’t wait to see what your talent does to this fixer upper.
Meredith says
I love those shows too Susan! I blame them for getting me into this! But it’s really a lot of fun to see it coming together. I’ll have new photos to share next week…
Anita C. Lee says
The kitchen was ORANGE??? Yikes!
Meredith says
I know! And not just any orange, but the brightest shade on the color wheel!
Sandey says
What a fun adventure! Can’t wait to see the “after”! I know it will be beautiful. Lucky house!
Meredith says
Thank you Sandey, for the vote of confidence!
Connie Slingsby says
I’ve always thought it would be fun to do.. You’ve got the talent and the guts- Go for it!
Meredith says
Thank you Connie! I think the guts might be more important than the talent at this point! 😉
Carlye Daugird says
Wow! I am so excited for you. This sounds great! Can’t wait…
Meredith says
Thanks Carlye! Wish you could be here for a tour…
jacquiegum says
I think this project is right up you alley, Meredith. I’m sure you’ll make this a shining gem and I can’t wait to see all the blog posts as you take us along for the ride. Bet that spider was happy you showed up… must have been lonely:)
Meredith says
Thanks Jacquie! I think we should make the spider our mascot!
Jeri Walker (@JeriWB) says
Wow, that looks like a complete mess! Haha. I know it will be fabulous by the time you and your partners are done with the flip. I’ve always been intrigued by the idea, but would need to up my know-how game in order to really ever think of pulling it off. There’s something so appealing about the process.
Meredith says
I agree Jeri, there’s something really appealing about taking something so broken and fixing it up to make it useful and beautiful again. The bigger the mess, the better the ending!
heyitsfitzy says
Am I crazy if I say…this looks amazing!!! I love this kind of project and can’t wait to see the transformation!!!
Meredith says
No, you’re not crazy, at least not any crazier than I am! 🙂 Glad to know I’m not the only one who sees it that way!
Angie Smith Morris says
This is going to be amazing, I’m sure! Are you putting Blake to work? ?
Meredith says
Thank you Angie! I totally would have, but Jana already had a GC lined up. Blake’s the best!
Andy says
Much better a spider than ants or termites – any sign of the latter?
Meredith says
Yes, I’ll make friends with a spider any day over either termites or ants. Fortunately there’s no sign of either!
Raquel says
We just did some renovating recently and I could barely stand it. I can’t imagine doing an entire house, but I LOVE watching those flipping shows.
Meredith says
Hi Raquel! Renovating is so hard, especially if you’re living in the house during the project. It’s so much easier to do a whole house when you don’t have to be doing laundry and making dinner in the same space!
Johanna says
My first thought was “Oh, I wish I was still in town so I could tag along!” But I guess if you’re handing it over to the professionals, I don’t have to be quite so sad. 🙂 Can’t wait to see the progress!!
Meredith says
That’s the beautiful thing about the internet – you can tag along virtually! 🙂 Miss you my friend!