Victorian House Renovation in Bloomingdale, DC
Yesterday, after 4 long months of waiting it finally happened. We got a DC RiverSmart audit! The DC government program basically allocates $1200 per property to alleviate issues connected with storm water run-off via rain barrels, water gardens, shade trees and permeable patios.
We definitely needed it. We noted the issue with flooding almost as soon as we moved in. Well today’s rain looks even worse, our backyard is a mess of standing water.… Read the rest
As I mentioned, part of my excitement for the Baltimore trip this past weekend was definitely the salvage stores.
I have already talked about Loading Dock on this blog. We got lucky again with hardware, picking up a whole bunch of drawer pulls , whose new home is tbd. And found an outdoor light for just $1!
I think Loading Dock is my winner for low prices award.… Read the rest
Sergey decided that instead of delivery, we would go get our dryer – money wise wasn’t that much of a difference, so I was surprised when he insisted. Something about how stories happen when you go do stuff, instead of sit around and wait for it to be delivered. (I suspect he also really, really wanted a dryer, but whatever).
(apologies for the blurry pictures, I was super tired and a little anious over the whole get-this-thing-down-the-stairs-myself)
Well, the dryer is here.… Read the rest
Several months back, Sergey got me tickets to see the Arcade Fire in Baltimore, so we decided to make a weekend of it going around to salvage stores, and doing some touristy stuff. Let me just say, Baltimore was fantastic!
I loved all the old buildings and rowhouses. Baltimore did not feel like DC at all – to me it seemed bigger and maybe grittier?
On a non-VIB topic, can I just say that the national aquarium is totally worth the money, as long as you get the tickets to the dolphin show.… Read the rest
I was super proud of Sergey when he was asked to design posters for the annual Climate Rally concert on the mall. So I got three of his posters framed (I think the plan is to rotate the three different prints in this spot above the kitchen table).
Even those the posters were standard 11 X 17, apparently there are no mattes and frames that are pre-made.
My next thought was getting a custom frame, which would have been a very nice way to show Sergey that he is awesome.… Read the rest
Yes, I know its been awhile. And no, there has been no progress on the drywall. We have had so many things going on that I don’t think there will be anything of substance done until September. I do have a few small things to share.
First up, if you remember I talked about shoe storage contraption. Well, this is what I planned to do — and unfortunately it didn’t work out.… Read the rest
We made it! its been all cool over here at VIB for the last 2 days (and hopefully for good). I am happy to report that the fridge is also working very well.
Here’s a re-cap of how it went. We used Argent –out of 5 estimates, only Argent and one other firm pointed out the need for a hot air intake upstairs. Sure, we spent extra to put that in, but what’s the point of CAC if it doesn’t work upstairs where you sleep?… Read the rest
A/C unit has been delivered. that means its HAPPENING. cool air is coming.
today the unit is supposed to start functioning, tomorrow will be construction of an intake valve to suck the in the hot air upstairs. happy happy.
i am lucky to have job where i can take days to work from home, so i am supervising (and writing this up during a quick break) and will be writing up about the experience.… Read the rest
Anyone who has been in D.C. for at least a few years must have noticed the change in national profile of the city – from MTV to Bravo, everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. Well, home design world is also in on the love-fest. AT released an updated shop directory a few weeks ago, and now design sponge too!
Also, 31 July will be the design blogger tag sale – guess where??… Read the rest
The VIB is pretty lucky to have the original cast iron stairs at the entrance.
Unfortunately, the iron is looking pretty rough in spots (worse yet, eroded at parts) and I wouldn’t be surprised if it hasn’t been touched since 1897. To prevent further damage, the rust has to be stripped and new anti-rust primer and paint reapplied.
Without further ado, here’s what we spent a good amount of time during 4th of july weekend doing:
1) remove rust by scrubbing spots with a wire brush – we used wire brush attachments for an electric hand-held drill.… Read the rest