basement planning and primping around the house

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnCWkbqWt56_5Bp4ccH5bJ8vZ8mh_TAAvOuM7-tXSWOF70zcnqxUfBB6XMiBFrif56s1p0z7BLG3IB0rKHL3zUgjkjCf7Hci1DeR37XhEI4CARzPZZg8XMFisRudPrtAzAWUaa8d4ajnZ/s1600/2015-03-24+17.50.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnCWkbqWt56_5Bp4ccH5bJ8vZ8mh_TAAvOuM7-tXSWOF70zcnqxUfBB6XMiBFrif56s1p0z7BLG3IB0rKHL3zUgjkjCf7Hci1DeR37XhEI4CARzPZZg8XMFisRudPrtAzAWUaa8d4ajnZ/s1600/2015-03-24+17.50.01.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> Things have been pretty quiet at home lately...we just hung around for spring break...I use the term spring break very loosely because it still feels like winter this year.<br /> Now that the kids are back in school I am trying to get the house back in shape. I came across this table on a classifieds app the other day for just $60 but I couldn't for the life of me figure out where it could go, we are pretty full as far as furniture goes...but we are starting to think about finishing our basement and I figured it could go down there when the time is right...but I gave it try up on the main floor first... turns out it looks pretty great right by the front door with a few adjustments...I just shopped the house and it all came together with a little time and effort $0 besides the table. It will look great when I finally get that wainscoting complete, hopefully really soon.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvO3YXRjbqSB9rl30EP4E-HevjcUpXx3qWu4l0x1wrsYgJrRtlhOt1aGdQbthUZkMx9bQ67nCtt7JdRG_5NGt24osYg9T0qhLwbFnIfSQpsGcc3e-1aJ3NBwxqVaShLrP6n2me3LT5v7M/s1600/2015-03-24+13.24.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvO3YXRjbqSB9rl30EP4E-HevjcUpXx3qWu4l0x1wrsYgJrRtlhOt1aGdQbthUZkMx9bQ67nCtt7JdRG_5NGt24osYg9T0qhLwbFnIfSQpsGcc3e-1aJ3NBwxqVaShLrP6n2me3LT5v7M/s1600/2015-03-24+13.24.45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWGLSrVH0QH1rsQwjgoDKW0uveqYDSLXgmwgR8l5WfK4hdZsS3puy14TnS7Xj6DRO43R3stSc4tYPGmmHMoawSKMaQv4oZmnPk2f2GAu9cyKgW35_FdJjhtarAPseYPuqzHJ04RJuseG-/s1600/2015-03-24+14.09.51-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWGLSrVH0QH1rsQwjgoDKW0uveqYDSLXgmwgR8l5WfK4hdZsS3puy14TnS7Xj6DRO43R3stSc4tYPGmmHMoawSKMaQv4oZmnPk2f2GAu9cyKgW35_FdJjhtarAPseYPuqzHJ04RJuseG-/s1600/2015-03-24+14.09.51-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> It sure is easy to go back to my beachy ways with all the accessories I have around the house.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJ6vr5pQ-AYFXhbwh3tE4N_8y_rDnzHxFmEF_SdLDJ6MfCb-bBEegVmA7TUXcHQOiRv792oI_G2HxfcijoAHqRmfesKJMQIO1u2h8bVRp6BsDV6h4y62ovQoaMeYtrllQqiHJbQXS06o5/s1600/2015-03-17+16.43.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJ6vr5pQ-AYFXhbwh3tE4N_8y_rDnzHxFmEF_SdLDJ6MfCb-bBEegVmA7TUXcHQOiRv792oI_G2HxfcijoAHqRmfesKJMQIO1u2h8bVRp6BsDV6h4y62ovQoaMeYtrllQqiHJbQXS06o5/s1600/2015-03-17+16.43.50.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After saving up I finally dragged my butt out to Ikea and bought the white ottoman I have been wanting for some time...so happy with my purchase. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQi81_OphX_u_IbK1i4gKws2jx2UNx976Sn1YIv5b6LbWVTtZf4WOoexpHji9-pEPw1or25DnXPyCFoc13w3OOpN5ajI-yhSgX3loRK2l6Xn9RquKCJ_3iCeiLcY239-fTJVXlDtuPgPb/s1600/2015-03-16+10.55.48-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQi81_OphX_u_IbK1i4gKws2jx2UNx976Sn1YIv5b6LbWVTtZf4WOoexpHji9-pEPw1or25DnXPyCFoc13w3OOpN5ajI-yhSgX3loRK2l6Xn9RquKCJ_3iCeiLcY239-fTJVXlDtuPgPb/s1600/2015-03-16+10.55.48-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>While I was at Ikea I saw some of the new kitchen line, I was in love with this huge island with all the drawers...it was dreamy. Although I truly love my kitchen it's hard not to get sucked in when you see another amazing kitchen...I think that's one of the problems when you truly love interior design...there is always something new or different to fall in love with.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrqoV2ZdoOMhYoUaKORXDxD76OIrJwWyRpgWJmyRfvvHAAJSkiSXT1761C-UngMyD85zPwTewST82xXMCeYZ7LTOd422awG_gCwzyLwhWOfeegwRubIn2MitGtZyeIeizNjolVNHZ8LhG/s1600/2015-03-24+14.33.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrqoV2ZdoOMhYoUaKORXDxD76OIrJwWyRpgWJmyRfvvHAAJSkiSXT1761C-UngMyD85zPwTewST82xXMCeYZ7LTOd422awG_gCwzyLwhWOfeegwRubIn2MitGtZyeIeizNjolVNHZ8LhG/s1600/2015-03-24+14.33.54.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> After my little furniture re-arrangement I was inspired to map out this paneling today...this spot really needs some attention, this poor wall gets so beaten up. It's almost warm enough to get out to the garage and rip some MDF down to size and get some projects underway.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BMLGzPCleMJu21aGZ8LXeyy_rY0vp9uaRXuunYrzHcCTbMi3S_MufNJT6vPeL1hi9V3V_7URDGBurBxuszzBy4AmJ4aTcF2gPorKysigTfKE12wRrecJErS_RmdaaoB_WbitpcCv22XP/s1600/2015-03-24+17.02.24b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BMLGzPCleMJu21aGZ8LXeyy_rY0vp9uaRXuunYrzHcCTbMi3S_MufNJT6vPeL1hi9V3V_7URDGBurBxuszzBy4AmJ4aTcF2gPorKysigTfKE12wRrecJErS_RmdaaoB_WbitpcCv22XP/s1600/2015-03-24+17.02.24b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Like I mentioned we have been thinking it would be nice to have a completed third level...we could use a media room, a small bar with a small fridge and a microwave, a washroom and a gym space as well as enclosed shop and furnace room for function and storage...here is what I have come up with just a quick sketch. I am envisioning this area to be kind of industrial contemporary with a traditional touch. Lots and lots of pot lights for sure.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFl92JoE8VVZFtwouyjr8hHpAdPMFR7kTRo6dYc5v1hZOFzgBAiaZgOqkuWrsUfTwLy5XtFkGp7ELSC6T9NDCoN3nvRlYOQgFYTEdkowGgnNom7WMif5ua04KXUo1zX9uuuse68kliXPeD/s1600/834bdf42876042dda91efa93dd57a2c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFl92JoE8VVZFtwouyjr8hHpAdPMFR7kTRo6dYc5v1hZOFzgBAiaZgOqkuWrsUfTwLy5XtFkGp7ELSC6T9NDCoN3nvRlYOQgFYTEdkowGgnNom7WMif5ua04KXUo1zX9uuuse68kliXPeD/s1600/834bdf42876042dda91efa93dd57a2c7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">inspiration photo</span></div>Wish list chair...we love a nest chair and it would be perfect for a media room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgom_sI86f39xlppexlvoGka_jYfB76EzjmO9VAhtrAniqB2831jFk-t-LbJ9Hpahf75PvoSJQjhHJ9gl9uEv1Vi2KryjDg1yFYl5ktVzzoH3PgMcjjW1IEQoTDmaMG2A6xLr1I32M_UUK/s1600/2015-03-24+10.03.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgom_sI86f39xlppexlvoGka_jYfB76EzjmO9VAhtrAniqB2831jFk-t-LbJ9Hpahf75PvoSJQjhHJ9gl9uEv1Vi2KryjDg1yFYl5ktVzzoH3PgMcjjW1IEQoTDmaMG2A6xLr1I32M_UUK/s1600/2015-03-24+10.03.41.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">inspiration photo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiT2aJJGWjLcZPSilfoXU1ngkybUkEoRSuUilK2gdV3bx8IzGwT8HksQyGZVhJpmuwHLGLGVn8UUe4p6qkXKsXBmLsJ3wWk9yzVXs9ZxInsgSnyrngApvZnqVpStASfuqR0qr4AXBe0OfE/s1600/d6f5e18a56648397183ffe0d924528b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiT2aJJGWjLcZPSilfoXU1ngkybUkEoRSuUilK2gdV3bx8IzGwT8HksQyGZVhJpmuwHLGLGVn8UUe4p6qkXKsXBmLsJ3wWk9yzVXs9ZxInsgSnyrngApvZnqVpStASfuqR0qr4AXBe0OfE/s1600/d6f5e18a56648397183ffe0d924528b2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">inspiration photo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> I love the idea of leaving the floors concrete and finishing them with a stain or etching finish...I would like to get a nice area rug for the media area but the rest of the space makes sense to keep concrete. I want the basement hard wearing and not precious, we have teens so...that makes sense.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WbVK96_flT1ugkk3uPlou0Y9luF2axLORcjQhRvSmKQGEQqgcZWRdFoEYTKiOf0yfL1ujifu9AeEEAcDBx-cBwLEv6-wmdEXOWf1yHNgAgssnE6Tmh5ABgQ4Ki3RT6FIfPPB1gxWho7Z/s1600/19e8bd2eddcbe9a66feb60dd524a6f4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WbVK96_flT1ugkk3uPlou0Y9luF2axLORcjQhRvSmKQGEQqgcZWRdFoEYTKiOf0yfL1ujifu9AeEEAcDBx-cBwLEv6-wmdEXOWf1yHNgAgssnE6Tmh5ABgQ4Ki3RT6FIfPPB1gxWho7Z/s1600/19e8bd2eddcbe9a66feb60dd524a6f4b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">inspiration photo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What do you think of a dark sprayed ceiling...I think this is actually a really reasonable option. I hate to lose any height so just painting it out black is a great option... but we'll see, at least we can spray it and if we need to add some insulation and close say the ceiling above the media room in we can always do that later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbFPBiCNfVpqzAuZL1nZVKhW9B3BELLdfe4e16i5scRHzJPXij6yliYSaHFBq5ivWTKqTtS8DGsRgOgrBWSrOOZ0GXqU_15C9PdRu0I_6aJw8-VNhBtEGs8Yqp12MjWsEhHPkZMSBWc9W/s1600/6201579cf31ccae25986bd8014b30034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbFPBiCNfVpqzAuZL1nZVKhW9B3BELLdfe4e16i5scRHzJPXij6yliYSaHFBq5ivWTKqTtS8DGsRgOgrBWSrOOZ0GXqU_15C9PdRu0I_6aJw8-VNhBtEGs8Yqp12MjWsEhHPkZMSBWc9W/s1600/6201579cf31ccae25986bd8014b30034.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">inspiration photo</span></div> I like these two small bar/kitchenette areas...I have some veneer brick I will be incorporating somewhere and I want some shiplap or planking for sure.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRdgxDpDk7SOynD8fyNSPJGms6zcHUOr6TZzqkqR1jazrldiWgrMRb7rUbGBCT1VW6VbJOP_uaU4f0nDVeepv9-im5sjysSIBBkftvRdYPgOLIgFmP1YfiC6Xo5LGCrgK2M7Fm5OadApu/s1600/756085f6d790a2113d060140927a83e1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRdgxDpDk7SOynD8fyNSPJGms6zcHUOr6TZzqkqR1jazrldiWgrMRb7rUbGBCT1VW6VbJOP_uaU4f0nDVeepv9-im5sjysSIBBkftvRdYPgOLIgFmP1YfiC6Xo5LGCrgK2M7Fm5OadApu/s1600/756085f6d790a2113d060140927a83e1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">inspiration photo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I am going to see how much of the basement I can do myself I think we can handle some framing and finish trim the built ins and cabinetry as well as some tiling and perhaps some plumbing installations like sink faucet and maybe the toilet....but the rest I will leave to the professionals. Not to sure when this will get started but it is officially on the list now.<br />Should be interesting...although we would love to have an amazing backyard to enjoy it makes more sense to put some money and effort into finishing the basement as it can be used year round and honestly our yard can be used about 5-6 months a year...as well as for equity I think this is a safe bet to add another bathroom and two spaces that with little effort can become two additional bedrooms (the gym and the shop) which would could make this house a 6 bedroom 4.5 bath house.<br /><br />We have never had a finished basement so this sounds like a fun project to me...a little scary too...

basement planning and primping around the house

 Things have been pretty quiet at home lately...we just hung around for spring break...I use the term spring break very loosely because it s...

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Dutch door DIY plus basic tutorial

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-Kdbn-ewLmd0yEs2oq6yo5r4ZnkGSNxr9ZcU8ytHDExdaepNU_CW3CxQbOgG2XfKlq-UqxlMG02yHPQKN_KTHH05_OBSlrKC4nSqsC2QtOgl51evRwwIa2Ct1AwLEgh_rHl1Ws-swtFP/s1600/2015-03-19+09.02.40-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-Kdbn-ewLmd0yEs2oq6yo5r4ZnkGSNxr9ZcU8ytHDExdaepNU_CW3CxQbOgG2XfKlq-UqxlMG02yHPQKN_KTHH05_OBSlrKC4nSqsC2QtOgl51evRwwIa2Ct1AwLEgh_rHl1Ws-swtFP/s1600/2015-03-19+09.02.40-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I finally took the plunge and tackled some uncharted territory...DIYing dutch door.<br />We have always wanted a dutch door just because they are charming, but it became obvious that a dutch door would be the perfect solution for our laundry room. We need to separate our dogs during feedings and we have been using a gate for a little over a year and it worked but the gate was always in the way...being beside a door we would have to actually tie the gate to the door knob which was less than ideal.<br />I had had enough with the gate being in the way so I listed the gate for sale so that I would <i>have</i> to make the existing door into a Dutch door, it sold within the day and then I was off tackling this DIY project.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijB24Mfyy6vdNFE3E2vHj-2bZK4W0o2tHawDuBQBVKOtJuKy9PzGfYYQd-_tpI2lBxoVho-lf2ZIkJN_UOQmecSL4RxqclRXqy57VWbFEeYVIXf7muonX1_2FCHJorY5CECYdPTuEkyDoo/s1600/2015-03-19+08.59.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijB24Mfyy6vdNFE3E2vHj-2bZK4W0o2tHawDuBQBVKOtJuKy9PzGfYYQd-_tpI2lBxoVho-lf2ZIkJN_UOQmecSL4RxqclRXqy57VWbFEeYVIXf7muonX1_2FCHJorY5CECYdPTuEkyDoo/s1600/2015-03-19+08.59.30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Dang, it looks legit.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV22ecKj3oyi6j3Z0aMyfnQZRhue9NL9f1fy_nlBCUX4MOBqAbUUCHj-lDI2v9NVO4z43B5_NxTZfyxZkKFLXj3NblyxuWqID48tin40xgXWNKvmfgA4ueI_78lRzn56ImoF5BtG15pWx/s1600/2015-03-19+08.59.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV22ecKj3oyi6j3Z0aMyfnQZRhue9NL9f1fy_nlBCUX4MOBqAbUUCHj-lDI2v9NVO4z43B5_NxTZfyxZkKFLXj3NblyxuWqID48tin40xgXWNKvmfgA4ueI_78lRzn56ImoF5BtG15pWx/s1600/2015-03-19+08.59.57.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5Eb9sC3x5z8JIyclESx4WU1TFYSZ7SloO468PdoZrii2jEC4H-OGGsaMMLn_qVfhKiDLqiB6lV9SFHhbSV8FcAsvJ_qUnNiUqpfswCbbbnr60lOrd0yW8QOImMWxprS6X0ghO_ie1zK2/s1600/2015-03-19+09.00.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5Eb9sC3x5z8JIyclESx4WU1TFYSZ7SloO468PdoZrii2jEC4H-OGGsaMMLn_qVfhKiDLqiB6lV9SFHhbSV8FcAsvJ_qUnNiUqpfswCbbbnr60lOrd0yW8QOImMWxprS6X0ghO_ie1zK2/s1600/2015-03-19+09.00.59.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvQWDa8F9ml02d6TfCCR534k6LPd-UueDbyg2Af01_CA85mgpAQbhZCwYOLY9GJXri2vLjMR7-lnJsbaCd85rDRGqc8zl6yh8KE7tXLnx31feNPOpyYuVmp7jpR9_xGwDbFV90KyYWAnW/s1600/2015-03-19+09.55.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvQWDa8F9ml02d6TfCCR534k6LPd-UueDbyg2Af01_CA85mgpAQbhZCwYOLY9GJXri2vLjMR7-lnJsbaCd85rDRGqc8zl6yh8KE7tXLnx31feNPOpyYuVmp7jpR9_xGwDbFV90KyYWAnW/s1600/2015-03-19+09.55.25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> One thing that held me back for a while was the issue of the door knob, well it was on the upper portion so what could I do about that? when I found this pocket door insert and it fit the knob hole perfectly I knew it would all come together.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc8n7g-dbGjZoV3iWBgJ52_c9-EaY0qMiggYMfMbjtyrYWUYdo9ofg2ezqH6JGUuQTnn_9ZWBwSZMz3VSVMkWmWtpmVV7atTD0Sac2tLX5WSGrizkP_whCwnSZqGrE4Cd9YiZRHFHL5vS/s1600/2015-03-19+09.55.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc8n7g-dbGjZoV3iWBgJ52_c9-EaY0qMiggYMfMbjtyrYWUYdo9ofg2ezqH6JGUuQTnn_9ZWBwSZMz3VSVMkWmWtpmVV7atTD0Sac2tLX5WSGrizkP_whCwnSZqGrE4Cd9YiZRHFHL5vS/s1600/2015-03-19+09.55.02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxEdxWijaiLlLVPiLKFPbNOUJ5zwaSPl3G6hH5tJb1Ibv5pP-qeulqPO8oSi3_KgE_ONbfx3dNHJXYPXaLaOQIpRnIwu4jLDdYu5_GlCH3gd1j0Qup4K1Bpv85UPWGxQUxeccszbL_dTk/s1600/2015-03-19+09.53.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxEdxWijaiLlLVPiLKFPbNOUJ5zwaSPl3G6hH5tJb1Ibv5pP-qeulqPO8oSi3_KgE_ONbfx3dNHJXYPXaLaOQIpRnIwu4jLDdYu5_GlCH3gd1j0Qup4K1Bpv85UPWGxQUxeccszbL_dTk/s1600/2015-03-19+09.53.44.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clearly the dutch door is so much better than this gate <i>solution</i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsfrzeWfGmqU44Rk5T1pFwT-Gdh_nBeQFYqFj3jrEVvu-NERFb2VKE5KvHduFC1V4-nqRM9iEXG3REQMR7aNIwgqqkTtCpZrVYGoOXSqCc4PNNXHishTQW3uAs7Pah-mWpZg2QV5sdhyphenhyphen0/s1600/2015-03-13+14.35.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsfrzeWfGmqU44Rk5T1pFwT-Gdh_nBeQFYqFj3jrEVvu-NERFb2VKE5KvHduFC1V4-nqRM9iEXG3REQMR7aNIwgqqkTtCpZrVYGoOXSqCc4PNNXHishTQW3uAs7Pah-mWpZg2QV5sdhyphenhyphen0/s1600/2015-03-13+14.35.38.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> We also use the gate when we go out to put our older dog in the laundry room to keep the two dogs from having a fight while we aren't here and to prevent any accidents as he is a senior and accidents can happen, better safe than sorry.<br />Having a dutch door will allow us to keep the dogs in or out and will not block the light from making it's way into the house, I am all about the light.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm0PqR40FederKEV0snX3ofkQmRUgeYb5GqvRFxM8yXnH5dilgNpVpOh2Ct4GNentdS2x56PqTO-qgZAC0Mh_gyCvMsWMx0liEQoHQyXQbbK15WLVS81rUHcni4hzs-u6acznAYZAwUfS/s1600/2015-03-13+16.36.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm0PqR40FederKEV0snX3ofkQmRUgeYb5GqvRFxM8yXnH5dilgNpVpOh2Ct4GNentdS2x56PqTO-qgZAC0Mh_gyCvMsWMx0liEQoHQyXQbbK15WLVS81rUHcni4hzs-u6acznAYZAwUfS/s1600/2015-03-13+16.36.18.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> I marked out where the cuts would go on the door while it was still hanging so I could see how it would look. You need to cut out enough space for the wood ledge that will sit on top of the bottom section of the door and a gap so the door will properly swing open and close without rubbing on the bottom section.<br />Before you take the door down to cut it make sure you mark where the new hinge(s) will go on the bottom section of the door. Our door had three hinges because it is 8 ft tall but for 7ft doors you may only have two hinges so you will have to add 2 more hinges, you will want to mark those out with pencil on the door and jam while it is still hanging and then notch those out while the door is down.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9fa0uB57t-M0ET5OZd5Csa-j4-UwyttiquPMKqMsQCHfY-GGhwtpwVjA7QBROue6Ypw-Y08fNt_PjYn1aPuKnmhhG29hCRDk_wFePsuCGY0zatCusTYPMla7kNnPBy5B9HevxeRROTkS/s1600/2015-03-15+13.22.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9fa0uB57t-M0ET5OZd5Csa-j4-UwyttiquPMKqMsQCHfY-GGhwtpwVjA7QBROue6Ypw-Y08fNt_PjYn1aPuKnmhhG29hCRDk_wFePsuCGY0zatCusTYPMla7kNnPBy5B9HevxeRROTkS/s1600/2015-03-15+13.22.14.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Even hollow core doors are heavy especially 8ft doors so I asked my husband to carry it out to the garage so I could make the cuts and adjustments I needed to make. I used a straight edge and clamps to help guide the circular saw I was using to make the cuts.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdL8LfzLumciZM1UAVF9wDmrEnEF7_EgKZSe6UdB6w70MKDK4Lrqm3-zpqrV2uFjOsB_hyphenhyphenUFMXats8R4X4e7x7WMWgDlX1-horOcexIkNwwwU-IxisOzwxHJZydSBW7dJB71GJPO10RLEy/s1600/2015-03-15+13.22.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdL8LfzLumciZM1UAVF9wDmrEnEF7_EgKZSe6UdB6w70MKDK4Lrqm3-zpqrV2uFjOsB_hyphenhyphenUFMXats8R4X4e7x7WMWgDlX1-horOcexIkNwwwU-IxisOzwxHJZydSBW7dJB71GJPO10RLEy/s1600/2015-03-15+13.22.21.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59MnhjabvVeWLHx8QTvzPq2oj5x9wLJox18a2U1BbxnrPWjXIomTMBs5PaE7NPz7aaurhflDzKvw10iBmj_pVY5J-EZ7ikEVtlc_-azjbrZepiTtwKcoGZwkCaMMjJLuSbQgeeHr8YudN/s1600/2015-03-15+13.27.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59MnhjabvVeWLHx8QTvzPq2oj5x9wLJox18a2U1BbxnrPWjXIomTMBs5PaE7NPz7aaurhflDzKvw10iBmj_pVY5J-EZ7ikEVtlc_-azjbrZepiTtwKcoGZwkCaMMjJLuSbQgeeHr8YudN/s1600/2015-03-15+13.27.05.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswc8HlT7Ud5jf06q1LES97JBr9KXuJQz9jDC-QbcXXszkA1fTOXCJVvar_vyxaFEVbU2s3a16ow-vAkqhrAGQZU3MeuPBVOEyO6Pxxi7leIyCqEBdAxzfQulnh6JGr51snchhvfzeJFsJ/s1600/2015-03-15+13.32.02-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswc8HlT7Ud5jf06q1LES97JBr9KXuJQz9jDC-QbcXXszkA1fTOXCJVvar_vyxaFEVbU2s3a16ow-vAkqhrAGQZU3MeuPBVOEyO6Pxxi7leIyCqEBdAxzfQulnh6JGr51snchhvfzeJFsJ/s1600/2015-03-15+13.32.02-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> It cuts very easily. I was left was the hollow cavity that I needed to fill. I  just marked out the width I needed on some scrap pine I had in the scrap pile and I used the table saw to cut the filler pieces, I held them in place with the clamps and nailed it through the door from either side with my brad nailer.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXy2srymIcNlyejfVONOSzCltRDJVlLFg5DJzmvSWoMWLnHQq9k8Ksb02GjBDQBhnLxs6qjNUvsSbd3DCR_DUoERwsSwCA1mp-NhqovqomXhDs5kO4vya7G8scQmNV65XM9OL1sAaN0vU/s1600/2015-03-15+13.42.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXy2srymIcNlyejfVONOSzCltRDJVlLFg5DJzmvSWoMWLnHQq9k8Ksb02GjBDQBhnLxs6qjNUvsSbd3DCR_DUoERwsSwCA1mp-NhqovqomXhDs5kO4vya7G8scQmNV65XM9OL1sAaN0vU/s1600/2015-03-15+13.42.49.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAe-29MeGTeLFDfOiK0zsiagv3CCRvZ89W8qYRYIggPKA7PyEUrL3MFSpjSgO4O_faUSeUNBikBGb7L4WYfElkVFe6VH_cOBEujmVlDPsY2GXxk2r_QEUHB2-ngxnS7YtYYP4ojLXLfYq/s1600/2015-03-15+15.51.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAe-29MeGTeLFDfOiK0zsiagv3CCRvZ89W8qYRYIggPKA7PyEUrL3MFSpjSgO4O_faUSeUNBikBGb7L4WYfElkVFe6VH_cOBEujmVlDPsY2GXxk2r_QEUHB2-ngxnS7YtYYP4ojLXLfYq/s1600/2015-03-15+15.51.45.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I picked up a piece of 1x3" pine board to use as the ledge to sit on top of the bottom door section.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It needs to be the same width as the door...I cut off the side that is near the knob on a bit of an angle and sanded the whole piece until it was nice and smooth. I glued and nailed it to the top of the bottom door and caulked under the wood where it meets the door. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdjL-GRZeU-Nh2TdyqwigNgFExhDcTqrcVHktPvRbxeqIwZArad752NYcMuxVTr9yfRBKDiFexSpF0pzW7s_YM5wZ_hIZcI7kmXdzxkhgod9-Wb2QwRv9rvE1Rh_E_43Wade2lbryVd7x/s1600/2015-03-15+12.19.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdjL-GRZeU-Nh2TdyqwigNgFExhDcTqrcVHktPvRbxeqIwZArad752NYcMuxVTr9yfRBKDiFexSpF0pzW7s_YM5wZ_hIZcI7kmXdzxkhgod9-Wb2QwRv9rvE1Rh_E_43Wade2lbryVd7x/s1600/2015-03-15+12.19.53.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The 1x3"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvQWDa8F9ml02d6TfCCR534k6LPd-UueDbyg2Af01_CA85mgpAQbhZCwYOLY9GJXri2vLjMR7-lnJsbaCd85rDRGqc8zl6yh8KE7tXLnx31feNPOpyYuVmp7jpR9_xGwDbFV90KyYWAnW/s1600/2015-03-19+09.55.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvQWDa8F9ml02d6TfCCR534k6LPd-UueDbyg2Af01_CA85mgpAQbhZCwYOLY9GJXri2vLjMR7-lnJsbaCd85rDRGqc8zl6yh8KE7tXLnx31feNPOpyYuVmp7jpR9_xGwDbFV90KyYWAnW/s1600/2015-03-19+09.55.25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the ledge was installed I then filled in the hole where the door knob was with this bronze metal plate, I glued it in place and drilled new holes for the knob to be installed below the ledge and re-installed the strike plate lower on the door jam which left me with a big hole to fill which I did with spackle. No big deal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdbKUnUuN0CqVwm4Sd032SNg-KCtPfpFvEwtkQdodI9FHN3lD-N6SeIJpGVS05HIQPbF-2NaeDV9841tVr5yPVHzVzeVsoXCDHSIi7EC0eYfnQE-rnb3i90P5ytYDvA-7Lzt1NKehG5er/s1600/2015-03-19+09.01.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdbKUnUuN0CqVwm4Sd032SNg-KCtPfpFvEwtkQdodI9FHN3lD-N6SeIJpGVS05HIQPbF-2NaeDV9841tVr5yPVHzVzeVsoXCDHSIi7EC0eYfnQE-rnb3i90P5ytYDvA-7Lzt1NKehG5er/s1600/2015-03-19+09.01.32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> I needed to cut the jams so that the ledge would clear and so that the door could close. I used a japanese saw, you can use a multi tool or a trim saw.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuKd3qnM4iYoivQDqstAFjdb16fVMx_fzbnE7Hk4PBNrM8UCkMFTm4GdP_rDbgzpiEAvSRkJsu0jQn-qP79rzmsftoXyozyAyp-CQbrf8zvZ7W7b60nK2ZkZSdjLHpU-i39abex5U8bG8/s1600/2015-03-19+09.00.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuKd3qnM4iYoivQDqstAFjdb16fVMx_fzbnE7Hk4PBNrM8UCkMFTm4GdP_rDbgzpiEAvSRkJsu0jQn-qP79rzmsftoXyozyAyp-CQbrf8zvZ7W7b60nK2ZkZSdjLHpU-i39abex5U8bG8/s1600/2015-03-19+09.00.59.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> I also had to install a locking sliding latch to attach the upper and lower portions together for when the door will be closed.<br />I will admit I had a little issue or trouble when we re-installed the upper door, it wasn't sitting square and in fact it wouldn't close, so I added a third hinge to the upper door thinking it would help but it turned out the top hinge which I didn't install was off. I had to notch more material out to bring the hinge closer to the door stop to straighten out the door...but then my screw holes were all wrong. I took some sawdust and wood glue and mixed it together and filled all the hinge screw holes on the jam with this mixture and let it dry overnight and it worked perfectly to allow me to then drill the new holes I needed for the hinges and the second time we installed the upper door section it worked perfectly. Happiness.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPdWTaRLVyK-Bg2j6WXcR-9Bj1sCe-vgBD0wVM8zX2_kaK5r5GY9DNXM8axzLS-ii7ynnWYb09XjfO1RFqQxX37qUvMNtoufczxdhr_lCfRx3r-lMfSyAAS491zz0nQger79lOjZ1DWOZ/s1600/2015-03-18+18.23.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPdWTaRLVyK-Bg2j6WXcR-9Bj1sCe-vgBD0wVM8zX2_kaK5r5GY9DNXM8axzLS-ii7ynnWYb09XjfO1RFqQxX37qUvMNtoufczxdhr_lCfRx3r-lMfSyAAS491zz0nQger79lOjZ1DWOZ/s1600/2015-03-18+18.23.52.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One more last detail I didn't think of, how do you keep the upper part from swinging out into the room and stop it from hitting the wall behind the door??? I honestly couldn't come up with anything until brain storming with an associate at Home Depot we were both stumped....but then on my final visual scan of the hardware lock section and I saw it....this magnetic door stop...that is it...the solution.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFktr5L5mtGjBa-dEkwipi7kIJZGi7dPfqKGoiXWhX-Kd6cdFIGcN5ooangfDXQih5VejpoplutVt29-2GYT-wYBYs3UodghAlAT7WQBvZhubAZ8yqHndMaPHkYaDRYmrNxxgjEJau4Izs/s1600/2015-03-18+20.44.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFktr5L5mtGjBa-dEkwipi7kIJZGi7dPfqKGoiXWhX-Kd6cdFIGcN5ooangfDXQih5VejpoplutVt29-2GYT-wYBYs3UodghAlAT7WQBvZhubAZ8yqHndMaPHkYaDRYmrNxxgjEJau4Izs/s1600/2015-03-18+20.44.25.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAreq8quRfDd5Zqsp94_stlI-5nd5Af0nh7nPdF_y5e4wa4jnpPgPDqwN8GjUDM_NwmnvaqJVfzFXWY4Z5HEdo_hSQT_iaZBHnxSIoSitUuVT0Mxk8nHzWCbt4rY01eIcbZM4Vq60kH-c/s1600/2015-03-19+09.02.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAreq8quRfDd5Zqsp94_stlI-5nd5Af0nh7nPdF_y5e4wa4jnpPgPDqwN8GjUDM_NwmnvaqJVfzFXWY4Z5HEdo_hSQT_iaZBHnxSIoSitUuVT0Mxk8nHzWCbt4rY01eIcbZM4Vq60kH-c/s1600/2015-03-19+09.02.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l8bg1qYDDtFCaVvL5_-ZZelsRW8Uukdn3JnIWO8zOq7XOVTslfL4cz_Rmw3q3IASsY1_5BlPWcco_qXuNRxxAdnZab07KE_TWnR0ezGvLbzT7tomIBRYkDOmJ5uLi9utkTIG_8qP7oGE/s1600/2015-03-19+08.58.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l8bg1qYDDtFCaVvL5_-ZZelsRW8Uukdn3JnIWO8zOq7XOVTslfL4cz_Rmw3q3IASsY1_5BlPWcco_qXuNRxxAdnZab07KE_TWnR0ezGvLbzT7tomIBRYkDOmJ5uLi9utkTIG_8qP7oGE/s1600/2015-03-19+08.58.35.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So there we have it...I gave it a try and lucky for me it turned out fabulously....I can't express how happy I/we are with this new/old door... Let's hear it for Dutch Doors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cost around $30...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Who is with me...who is making a dutch door this weeked?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Dutch door DIY plus basic tutorial

I finally took the plunge and tackled some uncharted territory...DIYing dutch door. We have always wanted a dutch door just because they are...

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linen closet organization

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vCfnuZPBgD2BQQDXcNh3qkrhIoJvCVeNajNXVTIk6gsyK4MmIIdRgGTdFeBDvVzyRbiaxhd5IHOmRYMO9lNwpw_hfeOIcQogKPOcOBxqqk-gjQ7L1otcfcBcKWxivCKiYur_ZZ18BD1D/s1600/2015-02-06+21.30.00-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vCfnuZPBgD2BQQDXcNh3qkrhIoJvCVeNajNXVTIk6gsyK4MmIIdRgGTdFeBDvVzyRbiaxhd5IHOmRYMO9lNwpw_hfeOIcQogKPOcOBxqqk-gjQ7L1otcfcBcKWxivCKiYur_ZZ18BD1D/s1600/2015-02-06+21.30.00-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> This is the first house we have bought that has a linen closet...I can't blame anyone for that because I had them removed at the building stage to create more room in the bedrooms in both of our first two homes. But this home had a real spot for a linen closet a big linen closet compared to the usual one skinny door closet.<br />I recently wanted to get a second vacuum, I mean I love my Dyson but it is heavy for me to carry up and down the stairs especially since my ankle sprains so I looked for a cordless vacuum. I tried one for just over a year but it didn't stand up nor could it replace my Dyson so I started to research other options. I really wanted another Dyson but I found a Hoover Air cordless vacuum that had really long battery power and it seemed to have the features I was looking for. I wanted this new vacuum for our main floor that is mostly wood floors. I found the Hoover Air cordless at Lowes for a really great price about $200 less than the Dyson so I figured it was worth a try so I bought it. So far so good but I still wonder how I would like the Dyson cordless stick vac.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbxi5VTBTjrnFgbGwDEDlvDdAUJSF683Ulg_Iu4qHXcvTGV9Akxz-HrgIRJPJIwq1s_nSijlOaLpk9csEv-siNifdQq2EYY1yC4LoD42WYBCNjC_bSjo7EeqV6UqtyjBvwsiD2ZQV-SMc/s1600/2015-02-06+18.31.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbxi5VTBTjrnFgbGwDEDlvDdAUJSF683Ulg_Iu4qHXcvTGV9Akxz-HrgIRJPJIwq1s_nSijlOaLpk9csEv-siNifdQq2EYY1yC4LoD42WYBCNjC_bSjo7EeqV6UqtyjBvwsiD2ZQV-SMc/s1600/2015-02-06+18.31.34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />There was more than enough room for the new smaller vacuum in the main floor pantry closet as it was, but I had to make space in the upstairs linen closet to keep the Dyson because there was no way to fit it in there.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBR_KFXB-xOKNSF62wbGJx-ZrQz6agdVQ-mBD8u_fepXvAJOyB_usApbxWZC1upBw1xcucvSewwAGQegOFs4Tb9PvCbm3RYQaaHPTCznUoy8oHiCyocWZ0Lh-8SiUsEUkO3J2-R1soCws/s1600/2015-01-22+14.03.20-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBR_KFXB-xOKNSF62wbGJx-ZrQz6agdVQ-mBD8u_fepXvAJOyB_usApbxWZC1upBw1xcucvSewwAGQegOFs4Tb9PvCbm3RYQaaHPTCznUoy8oHiCyocWZ0Lh-8SiUsEUkO3J2-R1soCws/s1600/2015-01-22+14.03.20-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Truthfully my linen closet was a massive mess, so many unused linens and things I didn't even know were in there. I was ruthless and cleaned it out. Somehow I can keep the rest of the house tidy but give me a closet and it will be a mess.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Notice my sad 20 year old ironing board...don't you like the blue paint tape floor protection DIY...so sad. I went into Target and found a nicer newer ironing board, it was about time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ-5ogBBAR3QTndWXXamX5rY5BxrfNQd_uo419eqsOYHyTuP6c0BREgzylKALkjWOGLRiYIu6fIpfxSGGhlzadwKWwN8DQAVaYFEfWFGGYYTGCqvPyB0vnEv_L9ty5PWi4vd8Pnu9XkmU/s1600/2015-02-08+19.28.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ-5ogBBAR3QTndWXXamX5rY5BxrfNQd_uo419eqsOYHyTuP6c0BREgzylKALkjWOGLRiYIu6fIpfxSGGhlzadwKWwN8DQAVaYFEfWFGGYYTGCqvPyB0vnEv_L9ty5PWi4vd8Pnu9XkmU/s1600/2015-02-08+19.28.09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVbtoC2vZSg2v5sizWDEDS3TPejhsld7ZFudPislvtABL4KxpvvfYTXcrzu7bxlfUV_romfrqcA1d0oc8_siPex6IeXECMGiDFUJqXkAWRsQQZzCl_6kD2tBKRE2Fzi1Un9HQBj8xa8w5/s1600/2015-02-04+16.20.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVbtoC2vZSg2v5sizWDEDS3TPejhsld7ZFudPislvtABL4KxpvvfYTXcrzu7bxlfUV_romfrqcA1d0oc8_siPex6IeXECMGiDFUJqXkAWRsQQZzCl_6kD2tBKRE2Fzi1Un9HQBj8xa8w5/s1600/2015-02-04+16.20.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Here is how this space looked when we moved in. Yes that's right, subfloor, raw railings and no doors on the closet.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlnB4WgjjhofgXrhQA8S0inQFgzGeeJ9jv-Nt84LHgbQlnfpcy2EXsAdEijVcAub9PithGba5c2EDyYPNVPSMPEu5latr8V4-iUhD0sl5fEHOIrJ0JYXde68I0yQkEmYFBv5Slj9JVi0x/s1600/2015-02-04+15.32.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlnB4WgjjhofgXrhQA8S0inQFgzGeeJ9jv-Nt84LHgbQlnfpcy2EXsAdEijVcAub9PithGba5c2EDyYPNVPSMPEu5latr8V4-iUhD0sl5fEHOIrJ0JYXde68I0yQkEmYFBv5Slj9JVi0x/s1600/2015-02-04+15.32.51.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking better with some flooring these things take time... to be truthful I still need to do a sanding and another top coat up here...I sure am dragging my feet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBRs3TLou1BJx_YBBpmUcu_QfkDuBGEP4VOb3cZ742HipNkJKEzLA_MgHJbYebcRPuSF83kRUIvD1d-7aB8mA7Ux5adK7LaNPKZjJD4uLgT_mk2ftP8LQibLfDwspQ29ZEC56CZHbBSUL/s1600/2015-02-04+15.33.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBRs3TLou1BJx_YBBpmUcu_QfkDuBGEP4VOb3cZ742HipNkJKEzLA_MgHJbYebcRPuSF83kRUIvD1d-7aB8mA7Ux5adK7LaNPKZjJD4uLgT_mk2ftP8LQibLfDwspQ29ZEC56CZHbBSUL/s1600/2015-02-04+15.33.52.jpg" width="298" /></a></div> Stained floors, finished railings. I think adding doors to this closet was going to be $300 through the builder and as a DIY project it was only $100 with hardware and trim. Stay tuned because in the spring I have plans for that little hallway that leads to my kids rooms.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoob44jG9Q_GRlEGCLfojkJNPjLf3IBv-HgI1yl8ui05SjFnnrZu-7_xB91AjJX_uXfG-kpSgmTstEbFKvh7e0RBgMcKDfCLkWFJEh4v_dpaXskGZqEA62J2OR2VJHEQczMe0VDX7EXWS/s1600/2015-02-12+10.19.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoob44jG9Q_GRlEGCLfojkJNPjLf3IBv-HgI1yl8ui05SjFnnrZu-7_xB91AjJX_uXfG-kpSgmTstEbFKvh7e0RBgMcKDfCLkWFJEh4v_dpaXskGZqEA62J2OR2VJHEQczMe0VDX7EXWS/s1600/2015-02-12+10.19.56.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>So much prettier, in fact I love this upstairs hall.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZ66o-mRpwqXDINlP4RasuJ-cTZPsQHx35Wk3KLJhed5HYZWjmL9F9uVHmV6xHTladIn584u2rXTSCIPYHU74TzZWnid9U03yqjCQkkOzF5Vx0cwCACEDFE46mIMfHwf-S9JnExi98Eh1/s1600/2015-02-04+12.36.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZ66o-mRpwqXDINlP4RasuJ-cTZPsQHx35Wk3KLJhed5HYZWjmL9F9uVHmV6xHTladIn584u2rXTSCIPYHU74TzZWnid9U03yqjCQkkOzF5Vx0cwCACEDFE46mIMfHwf-S9JnExi98Eh1/s1600/2015-02-04+12.36.51.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Here is how I adjusted/customized the closet to fit our Dyson.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm_lDkzSV3_Zxlp80tuebRFVRpkeI_Utf9u1F5KHePGLEjjsFZkmwEzsX_5DTNDv4WwEU6M74t-TW1TJohbfo3AW9LeW5AN2sZRLqSzP27rwx1Tm-EmdLq86JnUA__3zGGcL02VxNmlfJ/s1600/2015-02-04+14.00.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm_lDkzSV3_Zxlp80tuebRFVRpkeI_Utf9u1F5KHePGLEjjsFZkmwEzsX_5DTNDv4WwEU6M74t-TW1TJohbfo3AW9LeW5AN2sZRLqSzP27rwx1Tm-EmdLq86JnUA__3zGGcL02VxNmlfJ/s1600/2015-02-04+14.00.18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> I trimmed down the shelves and added this end piece with pocket holes, this was made so easy with those corner clamps I simply used a multi saw to trim off the excess shelf braces and filled all the damage.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb-qRgsY-Vlgbq8HgerwwFKVSyP6NcLJ8_-Ly7Q2idVTI6VFRBI5Dy4e6sPKiAEN8ccTf-eg8QsoGjZdp3GX0eBBpwmv5JZ8wSWKrTfrxcf0fNHDnY8Cc2DfbcbdOwZnxGGtQ0E9tqccs/s1600/2015-02-04+13.48.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb-qRgsY-Vlgbq8HgerwwFKVSyP6NcLJ8_-Ly7Q2idVTI6VFRBI5Dy4e6sPKiAEN8ccTf-eg8QsoGjZdp3GX0eBBpwmv5JZ8wSWKrTfrxcf0fNHDnY8Cc2DfbcbdOwZnxGGtQ0E9tqccs/s1600/2015-02-04+13.48.44.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I thought it was worth switching out the metal brackets to these nice Ikea brackets I actually had laying around. The metal ones were functional but adding pretty brackets is an easy way to up the design appeal.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXDhbc8paIRuxb1rOs1J4F7u5xq2ofyLrqHX3A5r3AOjiCCAJYqDtcAaJJ2jDcabmINwIPdey0v7X3Bw3XKT-UXLPpXuaX_qrCNeEVkyKjuQI8dP4xyA2CgKwjZ1HRgznHN6ChdzRrxph/s1600/2015-02-04+13.55.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXDhbc8paIRuxb1rOs1J4F7u5xq2ofyLrqHX3A5r3AOjiCCAJYqDtcAaJJ2jDcabmINwIPdey0v7X3Bw3XKT-UXLPpXuaX_qrCNeEVkyKjuQI8dP4xyA2CgKwjZ1HRgznHN6ChdzRrxph/s1600/2015-02-04+13.55.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpB3B8vlJrS9kw19tjbDxpx0hC9bOpTNieuwkJ_he71wJfftokKUS4pG9fbQWs32keqDc6SlKC7jq5KMn8-8yxR5OmO5joJ06X1Trd1wQIsCh6_o9PHuMdKeUCODH40gTIfm6rAxEITAE/s1600/2015-02-04+15.23.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpB3B8vlJrS9kw19tjbDxpx0hC9bOpTNieuwkJ_he71wJfftokKUS4pG9fbQWs32keqDc6SlKC7jq5KMn8-8yxR5OmO5joJ06X1Trd1wQIsCh6_o9PHuMdKeUCODH40gTIfm6rAxEITAE/s1600/2015-02-04+15.23.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I edged all the shelves with cheap pine, this cost about $20 and makes this closet look much more finished and substantial and it adds another 1/2" of shelf depth.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBy7LeT1uybuCNJ7n3CuLs1vI2Kpv60uII1OPXLELCyzlVZgEUzSlanQGmrsnKG_dxtPAdpwBLMGy_zNzdOPf_IWaHSPITtSNDrysH7FiF9BYyXmYhvjobjAnGbo390hsX0aJ-0vcCMkz/s1600/2015-02-06+12.29.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBy7LeT1uybuCNJ7n3CuLs1vI2Kpv60uII1OPXLELCyzlVZgEUzSlanQGmrsnKG_dxtPAdpwBLMGy_zNzdOPf_IWaHSPITtSNDrysH7FiF9BYyXmYhvjobjAnGbo390hsX0aJ-0vcCMkz/s1600/2015-02-06+12.29.06.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Everything got a fresh prime and paint.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqEyrED4V1N_mcLn40cxFz5cwsSXI_NShlaQ4b5I6oeYAQ6eRefOk9M5mbFeuoIDA2CUIfsMZ19riE0Y3uLJkhh2RocAXUjo0Hy1LoYn2A6hLA3xJloduXjTitn6LuuyxBvMb2VtMcgsx/s1600/2015-02-04+17.40.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqEyrED4V1N_mcLn40cxFz5cwsSXI_NShlaQ4b5I6oeYAQ6eRefOk9M5mbFeuoIDA2CUIfsMZ19riE0Y3uLJkhh2RocAXUjo0Hy1LoYn2A6hLA3xJloduXjTitn6LuuyxBvMb2VtMcgsx/s1600/2015-02-04+17.40.40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzn05qlxapzQYQRWLZ8L6LPLo6mKWixDg0xYFGaVCu_3Rt7QBXH8qGsfCbQ6vroARj7nj1GIB6XCPRezMEhwgOtZ_kyPsnKKF31N9zxS5yMIrnfOHc4aR7PJJhKX8CjV8p8x4Msjb5eqiE/s1600/2015-02-06+21.53.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzn05qlxapzQYQRWLZ8L6LPLo6mKWixDg0xYFGaVCu_3Rt7QBXH8qGsfCbQ6vroARj7nj1GIB6XCPRezMEhwgOtZ_kyPsnKKF31N9zxS5yMIrnfOHc4aR7PJJhKX8CjV8p8x4Msjb5eqiE/s1600/2015-02-06+21.53.43.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span id="goog_1202930727"></span><span id="goog_1202930728"></span>I love it when I finally get to finishing a space even a space as over looked as the linen closet.

linen closet organization

 This is the first house we have bought that has a linen closet...I can't blame anyone for that because I had them removed at the buildi...

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