Jules and Sarin’s Urban Oasis: Weekly Updates
Weeks of Oct 15 - November 6, 2022
These two weeks have been focused on final touches! We are rounding the end of the budget with an additional $150 left in expenses allocated to the mosquito-proofing net and the paint for the bedroom (details below).
Outside of the budget, I’ve painted the two kitchen cabinets a gorgeous color of Redend Point (Sherwin Williams’ color of the year) and I’m adding cabinet pulls as well to elevate the ikea furniture and bring a cohesiveness to the kitchen as a whole.
Outdoor Balcony Update (99% complete)
Completed Tasks:
Installation of added concrete support for windy days.
Outstanding Tasks:
Installation of a mosquito-proof ceiling net for upcoming seasons.
Studio and Guest Bedroom Update (90% complete)
In my quest to find of the perfect wallpaper for the room, I’ve realized that my ideal options are not renter friendly (non-pasted).
With this in mind, I’d love to incorporate the warmer tone of terracotta that can balance out the deep green and dusty rose currently in the room . I’d love to bring this color to the bottom half of the cabinet wall which can be carried to other walls as well, depending on your preference. The ideal shade is Benjamin Moores’ Baked Terracotta.
Completed Tasks:
Installation of rattan-style weaving to cover the glass on both cabinets.
Curation and purchase of photography/prints for art wall below the air conditioner.
Purchase of small side table to the left of the couch.
Outstanding Tasks:
Purchase and paint of terracotta in the bedroom.
Weeks of Oct 1 - Oct 14, 2022
Due to starting my new full-time job on October 1st, I’ve worked on research for the final purchases and installations. I’ve also evaluated with Sarin of what has been completed and added additional storage solutions in the bedroom. I’ve had time to see how the weather affects the balcony and added support to the posts and added small features that emphasize ease of use and storage for curtains and decor outdoors.
Outdoor Balcony Update (98% complete)
Completed Tasks:
Added magnets to the middle and bottom of all sheer curtains to prevent frequent blowing during windy days.
Added velcro tiebacks to all posts for sheer curtains.
Added support wiring to the outdoor lightbulbs to prevent falls during windy days.
Outstanding Tasks:
Installation of a mosquito-proof ceiling net for upcoming seasons.
Installation of added wooden support for windy days to two vertical posts closest to the exterior walls.
Studio and Guest Bedroom Update (85% complete)
Completed Tasks:
Purchased (Ruggable) area rug with pile low enough to allow the bedroom door to open and close easily
Delivery date expected Sunday, October 16th.
If this rug is not the desired look, we can exchange for another option for a full refund/exchange.
Purchased and installed blackout/room darkening curtains to match the color scheme.
Installation of bathroom shelving.
Purchase of a blue screen projector screen for self-tapes.
Research of dark green and gold colored tropical-themed peel and stick wallpaper for behind the storage cabinets.
Outstanding Tasks:
Purchase of second filing cabinet (to be stacked above the first and specifically for Jules) that can be used as a desk when the sofa bed is folded up.
Installation of rattan-style weaving to cover the glass on both cabinets (delivery date expected on Monday, October 17th)
Purchase of dark green and gold colored tropical-themed peel and stick wallpaper for behind the storage cabinets.
Curation and purchase of photography/prints for art wall below the air conditioner.
Weeks of Sept 18 - Sept 30, 2022
As requested, these updates will not include photos to allow an HGTV-style surprise for Jules for her arrival in early November! An itemized list of updates is below.
Additionally, since Sarin is present in the home, many verbal conversations about small adjustments are being made in real time and if anything needs to be changed or updated, I am doing so in real time and will be updating you both here in the weekly updates.
Outdoor Balcony Update (95% complete)
Completed Tasks:
Added all 2x4’s as the top frame to the 4x4 posts securing them with L brackets. This will create a sturdy frame for windy weather and all seasons. Due to not screwing anything into exterior walls, the structure will sway a bit in the wind but is solidly constructed and will not fall.
Purchased and brought in the balcony lounge seating with cushions. This a very comfy seating area and also has a bit of extra storage space below the couch, if needed, in the future.
Added curtain rods underneath all 2x4’s and hung sheer curtain panels.
Purchased and brought in the bar top table and stools. The back of the bar top table will hold ample storage for the sofa cushions and can offer places to put drinks and extra food for outdoor entertaining as well.
Purchased and double checked for ample waterproof storage for outdoor cushions (currently behind the bar top table).
Purchased and installed outdoor lights. The extension cord is also weather/waterproof so it can stay outdoors all year round.
Outstanding Tasks include:
Adding magnets to the bottom of all sheer curtains to prevent frequent blowing during windy days.
Adding tiebacks to all posts for sheer curtains.
Adding support wiring to the outdoor lightbulbs to prevent falls during windy days.
Adding a mosquito-proof ceiling net for upcoming seasons.
Studio and Guest Bedroom Update (65% complete)
Due to the change in color of the sofa bed, I have adjusted the overall color palette to incorporate rose/blush into the scheme.
This has resulted in lessening the influence of orange/terracotta tones that was presented in the initial proposal and bumping up olive and deep greens to balance out the boldness of the rose-colored couch.
In order to accomplish this, I aim to purchase room darkening dark green curtains and a multicolored rug to tie all colors together.
Completed Tasks:
Received the delivery of and placing the sofa bed in the space! She’s currently underneath the windows and she fits perfectly in the space.
Purchased and installed storage cubes in the corner for books and decor.
Purchased and installed a structured Lack shelf under the air conditioner for decor.
Purchased bed pillow storage that is located to the side of the sofa bed.
Purchased accent lighting for above cabinet light and lighting for self tapes.
Purchase of rattan-style storage cubes (4) above the cabinets and (3) inside the storage cabinets.
Purchased one of two small file cabinet for paper storage. Spray painted the handles gold.
Relocation/removal of Kayla’s white desk. The top of the desk is currently located behind the blue living room couch. If desired, this white panel can be used to create a desk with the two filing cabinets.
Research of drawer solutions for cabinet storage, if possible.
Research of rattan/cane style cabinet coverage to fit inside the scope of the budget.
Research of wallpaper for the wall behind the storage cabinets.
Outstanding Tasks Include:
Installation of bathroom shelving.
Purchase of second filing cabinet (to be stacked above the first and specifically for Jules) that can be used as a desk when the sofa bed is folded up.
Continued research, purchase and installation of projector for self-tapes.
Purchase of area rug with pile low enough to allow the bedroom door to open and close easily.
Purchase of blackout/room darkening curtains to match the color scheme.
Purchase of either paint or wallpaper for behind the storage cabinets. Wallpaper behind the cabinets will only be used if the cabinets are a solid color.
Curation and purchase of photography/prints for art wall below the air conditioner.
Week of Sept 11 - Sept 17, 2022
Please note that for this week’s updates, I am using photos taken from David’s phone (as I am out of town). For future weeks, you’ll see more detailed photo selections.
Balcony with planters set up in the early morning sun!
Outdoor Balcony Update:
This week, I worked on creating a solid base for the planters that will hold the sheer curtains and light bulbs for evening enjoyment. I ensured that they are level, transportable and sturdy. Additionally, I will add 2x4’s as a top frame to both connect the posts and add the curtain rods for the drapery.
The wood is pressure treated, meaning that this will last for years in harsh weather environments. I plan on staining the wood in about 1 month (how long it takes pressure-treated wood to fully dry) to match the color of the floor tiles.
Last cuts on the artificial turf before setting the deck tiles!
The setting of the planter posts in progress!
Studio and Guest Bedroom Update
The bed is on the way and due to be delivered around September 26th (delivery time pending confirmation call from Wayfair’s shipment company).
In the meantime, I have:
purchased throw pillows for the sofa bed that will bring the color scheme together (currently located in the living room)
purchased a three tier shelf for bathroom storage that will be built and assembled next week
added a higher curtain rod for the 96” curtains (currently the gray ones) to fully close to keep the drapery from pooling too much on the floor
researched and priced out storage solutions for bedding materials for the sofa bed when not in use (HomeGoods has so many wonderful baskets for this). I will wait to purchase until the sofa bed arrives.
researched and sought instructions from a mentor (my father, a true master builder) on the best way to maximize storage space for the wall cabinets. More details to come with the second Spoak proposal (anticipated presentation on Saturday, September 24, 2022).
researched and priced out shelving from Ikea (Lack shelves) for elegant and sturdy storage below the air conditioner. The current white shelf is very similar but purchased on Amazon and not as sturdy as I want it to be for daily use.
Immediate future work includes:
purchasing of the items I researched above
sale and delivery of the Peloton (Sarin selling)
sale and relocation of my desk (I am currently researching space saving methods to have this in David and I’s bedroom, namely a vertical dresser and a compact desk)
relocation of all items currently belonging to David and I that are in the white cabinets.
Storage Solutions Update:
I sold one of the two dressers (the second is in use in David and I’s room) in order to make room for more vertical space in the entryway. I purchased a billy bookcase from OfferUp and added your library to the visible shelves. In the concealed shelves below are all vitamins/supplements, small tools/hardware, and extra water bottles. I also bought 5 handy storage bins from HomeGoods to ensure organization, easy access and the ability to transfer out materials for years to come.
Additionally, the shoe cabinet arrived last week (my expense - not added to your budget)! This cabinet will hold up to 12 pairs of shoes (6 in each pull out drawer). The top drawer I am currently using for keys, masks, etc.
Next week, I will mount these two items to the wall to ensure safety and I’ll research and purchase a vertical coat rack which will be placed either between the bookcase and shoe cabinet or next to the door.