DIYers

I wanted to share with you a few people that have been busy at work on projects of their own, which I find to be inspiring. When I learn about friends of mine who are tackling major projects, I am compelled to share their projects:

Here are a few people who are excellent DIYers and are also in mid renovations.

Carly and Mike

A winter shot of their boat house- these two love birds go up almost every weekend to renovate their cottage

BIG Props to them for renovating their cottage themselves. They have been heading up every weekend for the past year or more doing it themselves! I am so impressed!



Leah and David



Tons of metal studding at this major renovation site

Hallway of a multi unit office in downtown Toronto 

Working together on a major office renovation. With her vision and his skill, it will sure to be an amazing success.
 

Shoshana

 

This is one quarter of four famous paintings on a set of cabinet doors

This girl can do anything from install bookshelves, to fix a drainpipe to design a new coffee table concept.

Getting Dirty

This week, I decided to take part in my renovation. I felt it was important to actually get my hands dirty.

After just a few days of helping out on the job, I have a totally new respect for all trades people. I cannot believe a simple D.I.Y. project could be so labour intensive. My left shoulder is in a lot of pain right now from so much over the head work ( + neck, back and hips ).

I salute all labourers and trades people! David my contractor - still my hero- working with him is like a dream.

Here is a photo of one of my contributions:

Yup- that is my pink screwdriver acting as the water shut off!

Another exciting development is that my kitchen cabinets were installed today. Custom made, wooden beauties which will be featured once the entire kitchen is complete. Thank you Oliver!

Here are some of my major kitchen inspirations:

Love the chandelier in the kitchen and the chalkboard paint

Love the glass front cabinet doors

I decided not to be an open concept kitchen - I had one in my rental condo. totally overrated. This is more in tune with what my finish product will look like. A Gally-
ish, L shape style. 

All of the stainless is covered with white fronts- nice touch

This is so pretty- note that there is no upper cabinets- its like a restaurant kitchen.

This is what my kitchen looked like when I bought it ( just a little reminder)

This is what it looked like this morning.

And this...

All of these pictures are part of my vision board- a technique designers use to get a sense of one's style and taste. If you are considering a redesign, I would suggest looking through mags and websites to compile a folder of what you like.

Back to getting dirty - Every inch of my body is sore right now - I have paint in my hair and on my skin as well as mud all over my jeans and shoes. It was a total blast and gave me a new sense of pride in my condo.

Next time you work with a person in the industry, be sure to treat them with the utmost respect. Treat your contractor well on a daily basis- I have David hooked on Aroma Coffee and the little chocolates. I have brought him one every single day. I suggest spoiling your contractor with a simple gesture- it makes all the difference in a day's work.