Rejuvenation Projects Blog

Just like any other DIY renovator, we’re finding that each project takes a lot of time to get done.  My hub and I both have our day jobs, a year into renovating we now call this Our Other Job.  All that to say, our office is finally starting to come together.

So what has been done?

• Demo’d wall of closets between office and kitchen
• Ripped out old carpet
• Built new wall with pocket door
• Added built-in bookcases
• Rewired throughout, added network wiring
• Repaired walls, painted all walls and trim (and built-in to match!)
• Added new programmable thermostat
• Added new lights throughout (including one that we bought at The Great Glebe Garage Sale and had replated)
• Added wall length bulletin board
• Decorated!

The current state:

Office view from the kitchen

For us, it’s all about having a cosy space to sit and read – with a great view of the front yard from the desk.

Full view of the built-ins

I had to stand on the sofa to get this shot – the office isn’t a huge room but it holds everything we need.

The Reading Chair

When my hub saw this chair, he had to have it.

We hung some art – these posters are from the Women of the Red Cross series launched by the Canadian Red Cross.

The new-old ceiling light fixture.

And finally – our newly replated ceiling light fixture.  This replaced the huge ceiling fan that was here when we bought the house.

Outstanding (read: probably won’t get done for years):

• Paint out trim around bulletin board to match
• Figure out how to weather proof the original windows (they are so drafty, blah)
• Add new air intake vent covers (the size we have requires custom, we may play with the floor a bit to be able to order standard size)
• Refinish floors (they are in seriously sad shape)

Details you may find interesting:

• Woodwork done by Ottawa valley local – Bill Davidson (it’s beautiful and a perfect match to our kitchen cabinets – did I mention how uneven the floors were?) with hardware from Lee Valley.
• Wall Light – although Rejuvenation carries the Bruno series, they don’t have the scissor arm version.  I had to hunt hard for it – I’m hoping to be able to get the floor version to go with my sofa.
• Ceiling light – Replating done locally by Gary’s Custom Cycle.  He did a great job (please note – he really encouraged us to stay with the original yellow finish, it was in perfect condition.  I always admire dedication like that).
• Furniture – Couch via Kijiji Ottawa, Desk was found, Chair via St.Pauls University Annual Rummage Sale, Eames Chair from Mobilia, Rug from Homesense.

In case you can’t tell, I always prefer to shop as close to local as I can – with the exception being Rejuvenation.  I recently got my first order of lights, they are for my dining room/living room area.