Hello friends! I am a day late and more than a dollar short. But here is an update on the Kitchen Renovation Week 5 German Schmear.
Need to catch up?
Here is Week 1 , Week 2 , Week 3 , and Week 4.
Limping Along
In an age of instantaneous makeovers on Tik Tok and rapid Instagram Reels I think the general public is now accustomed to thinking that everything happens overnight.
But I prefer to give DTA readers an honest review of the makeover process.
Last week was HARD!
If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen that this past weekend my daughter moved her household goods over from a storage facility into a new apartment loft. It was an exercise in patience and perseverance to be sure.
Keep in mind her new home is on the 5th floor of a turn of the century building. The elevator only goes to the 4th floor.
- First: the movers she hired did not show up.
- Second: the stairwell light was burnt out leaving about a 10% visibility.
- Third: Mr. Decor and I both have bad knees.
When we opened the door for the first time my nose told me that the loft had not been cleaned between renters.
We are still currently cleaning. It will be at least another 4 days before she can even begin to unpack.
Because some readers have weak stomachs I will only show you one light switch. But that level of grime is EVERYWHERE.
Kitchen Renovation Week 5 German Schmear
So in between moving woes the project I was most looking forward got done! The ginormous hearth was given a German Schmear treatment. I’ve been wanting to do it for over 7 years. Truth be told Mr. Decor was a little… resistant. He finally agreed after I wrote about the process last year.
The preparation process was possibly the worst part.
The firebox itself is gas. So the ceramic logs and a portion of the grate were removed outside to be cleaned.
Then all the brick was scrubbed. An entire worn bedsheet was torn up and used as cleaning rags.
You can also see in the lower left that brown paper was taped down to protect the floors.
There are a million how to videos on Google and YouTube.
But basically you create a mortar.
The mixing process of combining Versabond with water should be done outside.
The consistency is THICK!
A mortar trowel is used to apply a think layer onto the brick. Then the mixture is pushed in to fill all the existing mortar (grout) lines.
Next, a wet sponge removes the excess.
Once the mortar dries it’s time to scrape and sand to reveal the brick to a level of your choosing. Some people use a light hand. I wanted it to look like the exposed brick you see in old French villages.
Not lying: this is a messy and time consuming process!
On the living room side all of the furniture was pushed pack and covered with sheets and drop cloths.
Fair warning: there will be dust EVERYWHERE.
Your washing machine will be working overtime.
But…
Let The Light Shine
It is totally worth it!
The living room, which once felt like a dark cave, is now so cheerful and bright.
The reluctant Mr. Decor loves it!
The cupboard doors on the left and mantle (which attaches in the two empty areas) are also being painted.
I am hoping for another update next week but this week is proving to be rather challenging. A few key workers are sick and some materials are still backordered.
Most of my time is being spent at the Fashionista’s apartment chiseling off the grime.
But you guys, when we are done that will be an amazing makeover as well!
So yes, I am doing two makeovers. While living with a puppy. I am indeed crazy.
Let’s leave you with something cute.
It took awhile, but Gracie and Pony are now completely devoted to one another.
I will be back on Friday. (Fingers crossed.)
Laura
Awww, the dog picture is adorable! Your fireplace will be fabulous once the job is completed and will make a big difference in the overall lightness of the room. As for the grime in the Fashionista’s new loft…oh vey. I would hate to think what the kitchen and bathroom look like. xoxo
Hello my dear! Love your blog today and every time! Inspiring! And very interesting and informative. It’s a joy.
Wishing you all good success!
Pam
What we can see of the fireplace remake looks really good! I much prefer a lighter colored fireplace to a dark one.
I am amazed that the owner of fashionista’s building didn’t have the place cleaned between renters.
Laura,
I have seen this process in makeover shows and this is fascinating to read the process. What a beautiful transformation this will be.
Shame on the landlords! If previous tenants don’t clean, they should use the deposit from them to clean and spiff up since I’m sure it wasn’t refunded. I hope she settles in and enjoys her new place. Does this mean Pony will not be with Gracie?What a precious picture.
Ann❤️
Thank goodness you haven’t gotten sick! Those are HUGE undertakings, Laura. Sometimes I don’t think our kids think we ever age. That apartment/loft – I would be asking the landlord for a return on any deposit for what the prior tenants left behind for you to have to deal with. Your work at the cottage is looking amazing. Again, major undertaking!
I love the German Schmear look! But doubt I’d want to take on that task by myself. A lot of work that is so worth it in the end. Cute pups! Two of our rescues are bonded and sleep that way. The Basset Hound is uppity and no one has told him yet that’s he’s a dog.
Good luck – A lot of work in front of you! Hope you take a well-deserved rest afterwards.
Laura, this is so beautiful – even half-finished! I love how bright and cheerful this is becoming. Very time-consuming work and you deserve a medal!
I hope Lou will be very happy in her new loft – can’t believe it was left that way! That photo of the dogs could win a prize — soooo cute!
What a week! Two makeovers and a puppy — all three are enormous. I can’t believe all the work on your kitchen. I hope you two will treat yourself to a wonderful celebration when all is done!
First of, bless you with patience and tons of cleaner.
The light switch speaks volumes. How do people live?
Your fireplace is looking amazing. I enjoy reality better than false perfection.
I can’t wait to see more.
The picture of Pony an Gracie, priceless
So much work, but, it’s going to be gorgeous! Agree that the landlord should be reimbursing you for your work and supplies, but….
The difference in your home with the bright and cheerful brick is amazing. It is the next best thing to knocking the whole wall down and re building! lol
I am glad Mr D realizes you know your stuff and follows your plans. Makes life so much easier for those of us who have a vision. 😀
At least all the spring cleaning will be done at the apartment and it will be fresh for your daughter. I agree that the landlord should have had it properly cleaned first.
Thank-you for sharing your reno experiences. I get so involved I forget to take before and after pics but you have been capturing all the changes and challenges every step of the way so we can learn and understand more of what goes into all the work you are doing. Just don’t over do and work your selves into exhaustion!