The Shelter

Here is the canvas:

We bought it this spring in Washington, DC.  We were originally on the market for a smaller townhouse in a hipper part of town.  But after losing out on several bids, we changed our strategy and started looking for larger fixer-uppers near good schools.  Figured we'd just stretch for now and look for a place we can stay in longer and take our time building up.  We may not be going anywhere, but it is a journey nonetheless. 

This place is a piece of work.  It needs a lot of work.  :)  Here are some of the biggest challenges: 

1. As you can see, it's pink.

2. To start from the bottom, the basement looks like a miniature golf course.

3. The first floor rooms are spacious but bland.

Dining Room

Living Room

Kitchen

Family Room

4. The bedrooms are occupied with the most oppressive built-ins:

5. Teeeensy tinsy bathrooms need updating.

6. Strange layout in one bedroom will require some wall moving.

7. We have a hot tub room!!!!  But as you can see it's a hot tub time machine that brings you back to the 70's.  With candle wax stained carpet and all.

8. The roof will need replacing soon.

9. It turns out the neighbor that we share a driveway is as unpleasant as can be.  She yelled at us on our first meeting, and then yelled at our contractor, the Verizon guy, and various friends.  Hope she moves away soon.  

10. The biggest challenge will be my husband, who is a nesting obstructionist.   He feels the need to complain about and "veto" almost any design decision I make.  Because he has such great taste that when I first moved into his condo I lived in a place with all white walls, a southwestern print futon, early 90's glass top coffee table, and folding chairs.  It's a struggle, but when I finally get my way, it always turns out looking good!

The opportunities (think strategically!):

1. LOVE the attic space.  Potential for building a master suite/library/sanctuary/tree-top patio.

2. I LOVE a nice garden.

3. The screened in porch has been my favorite room all summer.

4.  I know it needs a lot of work, but come on!  HOT TUB ROOM!!!

5. I love design, so this will be fun.  :)