Potential New Digs - House Crashing the Main Level

When last we left you, we had offered on House #5.

The inspection came through, and had some issues.  We are working through them with the current owners and hopefully we can come to an agreement by the 10th (the end of our due diligence period).

Some of the issues we were most concerned about were: the condition of the stucco exterior, some moisture present behind this stucco, the condition and age of the HVAC system and ducting, and some considerable issues with the crawlspace that need to be addressed asap.  

And some pest problems (rodents, bugs).

That aside, let's house crash our potential new digs.  (No outside pics for the short term since it ain't ours and we don't want to invade privacy of the current owners).

So firstly, it's GINORMOUS.  Like wow, look at that main floor and all the rooms!  How the heck am I going to keep all that clean??

It's certainly a traditional layout - I like bits of open plan, but clutter doesn't co-exist with open plan, and both Craig and I really prefer how trads work with our lifestyle and family (close the door to the room full of junk and toys).

Bonus:  Downstairs Bedroom for Mom and Dad!  And a full bathroom on the main floor too. Saa-weet.

Bonus #2: BACK STAIRS!  EEeeeeeeEEeeee

The Foyer - light, bright, not too big that you feel like it's a waste of space.  The floors are in beautiful condition.  The paint color in here is a taupey grey that I quite enjoy so we don't have to worry about painting this in the short term.

Plans: Buy a bench or antique halltree?  Look for a larger entry rug.  Eventually stain the bannister and stair molding a darker, richer shade.

The Living/Office - This is a really good size room, the current owners have a full furniture suite in here and it still feels spacious.  The super tall baseboard moldings are my jam too.

Plans:  Paint a cooler tone, likely some shade of blue or grey, switch out the draperies, install wall-to-wall bookcases for a library feel, build a custom desk

The Dining - Quite spacious (that's the theme of the day I think), though a little ho-hum at the moment.  Great moldings and light fixture is OK for the present.

Plans - go dramatic with a dark paint color on top (graphite? blackboard paint?) or stencil a neat graphic and paint out bottom trim in bright white or charcoal? 

The Kitchen & Breakfast Nook - Although not exactly our taste, this kitchen is pretty good for us and could serve our needs for the next few years while we save up for a re-do.  The cabinets are plentiful and the appliances all look newer and in good shape.  The counter has been recently switched out to granite.  Its has a good work triangle too and a gas cooktop (bonus).  We've been pretty spoiled in the kitchen department, but I think we can certainly work with this.

Plans - detexture the ceiling, remove older trash compactor with open storage, restain cabinets (short term), eventually replace or reface lowers upgrade uppers to 36" tall, change out granite and backsplash.

Or maybe paint the cabinets out in a lighter tone to brighten up this room and call it a day?

Like so:

The Playroom & Sunroom - These are totally unexpected BONUS spaces for us.  I honestly have no earthly clue what we might do with them yet.  But the playroom leads into the sunroom, which leads into the Great Room so I'm sure Celeste already has plans for how she wants to use the space.  We could potentially see her playing from both the kitchen and the great room.

Plans: Do a happy dance

The Great Room - HUGE.  And Vaulted.  And pretty judge's paneling everywhere.  Which is very pretty, but oh.so.DARK.  I have a few reference pictures that I think I might like to try, I'll just have to work myself (and my husband) up to painting over such beautiful wood.  The great room is at the back of the house, and the back stairs lead out/up here.  Overall I really love this room.  We might need more furniture to fill it up in fact.  :) And I think there might be hardwood beneath the carpet.

Plans - live with it for short term to see just how dark it is, MAYBE paint the paneling, MAYBE whitewash the brick.  Stain the mantle darker, new draperies.

The Outside (Rear-style) - 2 tier deck that isn't hanging out over a mountain!  The upper deck is maybe 6 feet off the ground.  Not a lot (read: any) grass back here, just leaves and more leaves.  There are quite a few trees, some of which may need to be looked at - but the backyard is fairly flat.
Plans: Think about sodding the yard, maybe get a playset for the kiddos?

That's a lot of pictures and only the first floor!!!

Up next: the upper level and a decision on whether this is our new home.