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kojodesigns

the new house, stage 1 (and a $100 Amex card giveaway from Bagster!)

October 17, 2012

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I think that remodeling is a little bit like childbirth- because you only see the beautiful result of your toils, you forget what it took to get there.

From the middle of the mess, I am here with a reminder that remodeling is WORK. Lots of hours of work. Not that fun work. And TONS of demolition. In fact, we’ve mostly been tearing things apart so far. Isn’t it funny how long it takes just to get back to ground zero?

This is what we’ve been working on-

1. Tearing out the old (very green) kitchen.

2. Taking out the wall between the kitchen an the living room.

3. Tearing out the old fireplace (to expose the original fireplace).

4. Chipping out the tile in the kitchen and the master.

5. Tearing down the ceiling on the entire first floor (it was covered in those little foam ceiling tiles? Yuck!).

6. Removing layers of old flooring in the breakfast nook.

7. Chipping away the plaster from the main wall in the living room (to expose the brick).

8. Ripping out all of the old carpet (and plucking out the demon-carpet-staples that held that stuff in place).

9. Sanding the orange-y oak wood floors.

10. Removing the old drywall in the kitchen, part of the living room, and breakfast nook.

I need more synonyms for ‘removing,’ that’s for sure.

We’ve filled five (yes, FIVE) Bagsters with bricks, plaster, old drywall, old flooring, carpet pad, unsalvage-able insulation and other debris. The funny thing about those five Bagsters is that when they originally offered to let me try their dumpster-in-a-bag earlier this summer, I thought I was going to use it to clean out my craft room.

Fast forward a few months and these giant, super sturdy trash removal “Bagsters” have been a huge bonus during our demo. The biggest perk is that we haven’t had to rent a dumpster (which 1- Requires a permit in Denver, 2- Won’t fit in our front yard without tearing up our landscaping, and 3- Won’t fit in back because our alley is too narrow). We’ve done a TON of demo and can’t believe it’s all fit in five Bagsters (for more info, visit Bagster’s site, their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter).

Which brings me to the best news of today- you get to benefit from our house demo without having to pluck one single carpet staple. Yep, Bagster is giving one lucky kojo reader a $100 Amex gift card to spend on whatever your little heart desires!

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment answering this question-

What is your dream source for home decor (or leave me your whole list of faves)?

*US residents only. Giveaway ends on October 20th at midnight.

 

 

 

home 99 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jessica says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:06 am

    Um, pinterest rocks. That way I can look around at a million ideas without having to drag the kids to the store!

    Reply
  2. amanda says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:18 am

    I love the flash sale sites- One Kings Lane for example. But, I never order anything ’cause what if I hate it and I can’t take it back???

    Reply
  3. Emily says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:18 am

    I LOVE Uncommon Goods. Everything is unique and it’s wonderful for the environment

    Reply
  4. Jen H. says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:20 am

    Ikea! Cute stuff and affordable.

    Reply
  5. Cathy says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:37 am

    crate and barrel. i was drooling over their x-mas catalog yesterday.

    Reply
  6. kt says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:48 am

    i love restoration hardware! with some amish-made craftsman pieces thrown in

    Reply
  7. Lacey says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:52 am

    Dream source: thrifting or second hand stores. Ours are sadly crowded with junky stuff around my neck of the woods, but through blogs, I see beautiful pieces pulled from flea markets and thrift stores all the time. And wool sweaters. Middle Georgians don’t have much use for wool sweaters and seem to hang on to their good stuff. ๐Ÿ˜€ You never know when you might need it again. haha

    Reply
  8. kate says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:53 am

    haha, I love the childbirth analogy!

    i love west elm and anthro!

    Reply
  9. Rebekah Stockton says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:55 am

    Anthropologie

    Reply
  10. Pattij says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:59 am

    I too, love Crate and Barrel. Wish I could afford the whole house in this!

    Reply
  11. Nicole says

    October 17, 2012 at 7:29 am

    I love Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware. Room & Board and West Elm, too!

    Reply
  12. Lindsay Gaines says

    October 17, 2012 at 7:43 am

    I love Crate and Barrel and Anthropologie. I just wish I could afford them more. My current style is a little more “collected” due to budget, but I love it!

    Reply
  13. Leah says

    October 17, 2012 at 7:58 am

    I’d have to say Antrhopologie and Restoration Hardware. Too bad I can’t afford much from either! That Amex gift card would sure be helpful ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  14. Chelli Jones says

    October 17, 2012 at 8:31 am

    Love Ballard Design

    Reply
  15. Allison B says

    October 17, 2012 at 8:49 am

    I love Restoration Hardware, and Pottery Barn, and Crate and Barrel, and West Elm, oh Anthro too.

    Reply
  16. Ellen Gauthier says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:12 am

    I love Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel, but love the little stuff from stores like Home Goods.

    Reply
  17. Kedran K says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:20 am

    We just got a Home Goods in Omaha… I’m hoping that it will become a favorite….. Otherwise I like Gordmans (with a coupon) …

    Reply
  18. Lindsay ekins says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:25 am

    DIY with the help of pinterest, homedepot and lowes

    Reply
  19. Chris says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:38 am

    I found lots of great things via ebay…including most of the light fixtures in our home. One of my favorite sellers had several great kicheler light fixters, brand new in box, for a fraction of the regular price.

    Reply
  20. Mandy @ Sugar Bee Crafts says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:42 am

    I love looking around Pinterest for ideas and then tweaking them for my style…

    Reply
  21. alicia @ la famille says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:45 am

    your new house is going to be soooo awesome!!! i’m a little disappointed the foam tiles are going…they are making a comeback, just you wait ๐Ÿ˜‰ and i’m sorry, did you say BRICK WALL in the living room?? that. is. amahzing!! cannot wait to see this process!!

    Reply
  22. Ana says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:47 am

    I totally have a weakness for hgtv and diy network… things like Bath Crashers and Home Design Star. So awesome.

    Reply
  23. mandy houle says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:58 am

    can’t wait to see this house come together. maybe dave and i can arrange child care and come help ya’ll with some of that demo sometime soon? and my dream source for home decor? kirstin gentry, hands down. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  24. Nicole H. says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:04 am

    I do love Ballard Design…and am so impressed with all your work. We’ve been amazed at how long it is taking to fix up our new place and it really didn’t need that much work!

    Reply
  25. Tonia Jeffery says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:09 am

    I get a lot of inspiration from pinterest and then most of our home improvement involves paint.

    Reply
  26. Jessie C. says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:27 am

    I love Restoration Hardware and Ikea!

    Reply
  27. Carina says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:29 am

    restoration hardware, thrift stores, pinterest

    Reply
  28. Heidi says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:43 am

    Pottery Barn! I love looking at their magazine. I’m always ripping out pages for inspiration. GREAT giveaway!! Hope I win!

    Reply
  29. Dayna says

    October 17, 2012 at 11:03 am

    Crate & Barrel! My love affair goes back to way before I registered with them for our wedding.

    Reply
  30. Holly says

    October 17, 2012 at 11:18 am

    I’m a Crate & Barrel fan at heart. As a born and raised Chicagoan, I fell in love with C&B on Michigan Avenue. Thanks!

    Reply
  31. laura says

    October 17, 2012 at 11:18 am

    I really love Target because it is right nearby and carries up to date accessories! I also love Home Goods because I feel like I am getting a “find”!

    Reply
  32. Amanda H. says

    October 17, 2012 at 11:56 am

    restoration hardware and pottery barn, with lots of wooden and glass antiques thrown in the mix.

    Reply
  33. Amy Looney says

    October 17, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    My dream source for home decor is Target. Gosh, I love their stuff! I recently redid my bedroom with a London theme, and I found some neat framed prints there. I’m going to pair one that’s a picture of a bulldog with the Union Jack in the background with a framed photograph of Winston Churchill. I think it will look great together!

    Reply
  34. Barb says

    October 17, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, antique stores… The list could go on and on! I have champagne tastes on a beer budget.

    Reply
  35. kathryn says

    October 17, 2012 at 12:22 pm

    I love crate and barrel’s CB2 catalogs, unfortunately my house doesn’t fit their style.

    Reply
  36. Christine C says

    October 17, 2012 at 12:29 pm

    I already have one of my dream sources! It’s my mother-in-law and sister’s in-law. They all have excellent taste and are very creative. My husband’s pretty good too when he has time!
    Otherwise, I love browsing blogs, decorating magazines and going into stores like Ikea, Ethan Allen, small boutique and resale shops too.

    Reply
  37. Tara H says

    October 17, 2012 at 12:35 pm

    I like Pottery Barn and I love all the inside accessories that DaySpring has to offer.

    Reply
  38. Courtney @ Journey of a Dreamer says

    October 17, 2012 at 12:48 pm

    Oh man I love making our house a home! Pinterest is always great – but I’m in love with Ikea. Can they just make my house their model?

    Reply
  39. Ann says

    October 17, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    I love Luminaire showrooms – (in Miami and Chicago) for beautiful modern and mostly Italian designs. Their website is not as inspirational and alas, I cannot afford anything they sell anyway.

    Reply
  40. Katy D. says

    October 17, 2012 at 12:56 pm

    Many days I dream of handing someone a blog post from House of Turquoise and saying, “Make this for me to live in.”

    Reply
  41. Tanya M says

    October 17, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    IKEA and Home Goods.

    Reply
  42. Stephanie says

    October 17, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    I love pinterest for DIY versions of the great styles I find in crate and barrel or pottery barn!

    Reply
  43. Andrea D. says

    October 17, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    I love Bed, Bath and Beyond or Crate and Barrel. Thanks for the chance to enter.

    Reply
  44. Heather says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:42 pm

    Ikea!

    Reply
  45. Scott says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    I really kinda like Crate & Barrel.

    Reply
  46. Luke says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    I like flea markets personally. You just never know what you will find. Garage sales rock too.

    Reply
  47. Jill says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel and Homegoods would have to be my list, with some local stores thrown in there too ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  48. Molli says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    I could spend entire days going through thrift shops coming up with ideas!

    Reply
  49. angie says

    October 17, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    i love the inspiration found in pottery barn, restoration hardware, crate and barrel… but realistically i only end up buying from world market, target, homegoods, ikea, urban outfitters, flea markets, and garage sales ๐Ÿ™‚ anthropologie, of course, is the one store i walk into that just transforms my mood; i am constantly drawn to their drinking glasses and hardware each time i visit

    Reply
  50. campblsoupgrl says

    October 17, 2012 at 3:41 pm

    Man that’s a tough one! I drool over the Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, and Restoration Hardware catalogues but probably Crate & Barrel the most.

    Reply
  51. Carol says

    October 17, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    Pinterest for that one day when I will have enough money to buy a house in Hawaii (where I live) and remodel to my heart’s content!

    Reply
  52. Kimberly Mueller says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    I’ll admit it. I’m a thrift store junky. Those and Habitat for Humanity ReStore. I love to take old, unloved junk and make it awesome! I also like TJ Maxx for baskets and organizational stuff. Though of course, for just straight up inspiration, pinterest can’t be beat!

    Reply
  53. Jessica Cepek says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:17 pm

    HomeGoods!! Honestly, I probably should buy stock in that company. Good luck with the demo! xoxojess

    Reply
  54. Lauren says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    Craigslist. You just never know what you’re going to find.

    Reply
  55. Katie says

    October 17, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    I would have to say love looking at ideas at pottery barn. Usually end up buying fabric at places like Calico Corners and using the fabric for decorating. Target and Home Goods are also fun to pick up items for the home.

    Reply
  56. Trish says

    October 17, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    I really like pottery barn but most of the shopping for our home is from our families houses! When they are getting new things we’ve been so fortunate to get their ” old” stuff. Thankfully they have great taste!

    Reply
  57. Julie says

    October 17, 2012 at 8:12 pm

    I have the best time shopping at Ikea thanks

    Reply
  58. Mary says

    October 17, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    Favorite source has always been garage sales and thrift stores! I find all kinds of name brand items but waaaaayyy less! Ross and TJ Max are good too.

    Lots of work done!! You are going to so enjoy your home when it is all through! You will have to have an open house so all of us in Colorado can come see it in person!

    bee blessed
    mary

    Reply
  59. Camiele says

    October 17, 2012 at 8:48 pm

    I like place like Home Goods to get inspiration, and then find stuff where ever to make it happen.

    Reply
  60. Jill says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:51 pm

    I love thrift stores and Craigslist, but a really amazing estate sale is probably my dream source!

    Reply
  61. Liz cannon says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:27 pm

    Anthro, c&b, west elm, pb, Ballard designs, thriving, & antiquing ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  62. kristin says

    October 17, 2012 at 11:22 pm

    West Elm, Anthro, thrift stores, Design within Reach! House is looking good, keep those updates coming!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  63. Summer Hansen says

    October 17, 2012 at 11:43 pm

    I would choose HomeGoods!

    Reply
  64. Christy Phillips says

    October 18, 2012 at 6:15 am

    I Love Pottery Barn and shopping for antiques and salvage items.

    Reply
  65. Sarah says

    October 18, 2012 at 6:20 am

    I would love to be able to go wild at IKEA. I am always so inspired to change everything while I’m there.

    Reply
  66. Kellie Pringle says

    October 18, 2012 at 6:42 am

    If I could buy all of the things I had to buy from Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrell and then thrift those things that I didn’t have to buy, that would be a dream come true! I love to create things, but some things are better to buy. Or if you just can’t find them thrifted….but as we are talking about “dream sources” then everything would be a perfect mix of thrifted and new. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  67. Debbie says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:26 am

    My “style” is rather loosely described as craftsman//traditional/eclectic! I quilt, so I love displaying my own handiwork, but I love checking out where others go for great finds. And the clerk in the paint department at Home Depot loves to see me coming! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  68. christina says

    October 18, 2012 at 9:31 am

    My dream yet can’t-afford source in Anthropologie. I also love Etsy and Pinterest for home decor inspiration/drooling.

    Reply
  69. Susan Stahley says

    October 18, 2012 at 9:48 am

    When I am redoing my house, it seems that Home Depot was my dream source. For decor, I opted for JoAnn Fabrics and Walmart.

    Reply
  70. Sarah says

    October 18, 2012 at 10:18 am

    Estate sales for sure. You really can find some gems. Can’t wait to see the finished product!

    Reply
  71. ptc says

    October 18, 2012 at 10:20 am

    This is your greatest post !

    Reply
  72. Sarah says

    October 18, 2012 at 10:20 am

    Estate sales for sure. You really can find some gems. Can’t wait to see more updates!

    Reply
  73. Lindsey says

    October 18, 2012 at 10:39 am

    I love Pottery Barn and IKEA. It’s great to mix and match!

    Reply
  74. Melissa Fuller says

    October 18, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    i love anything from the Paris St. Market…too bad I have to wait another 6 months before the flea market returns!

    Reply
  75. nathania says

    October 18, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    Hmm…I love walking around World Market for inspiration and just recently because of your blog got inspired by that Knotty Bed spread! Now I have to shop Ikea for some king size bed sheets to do that project!

    So I’d go to Ikea and World Market to redecorate our room!

    Reply
  76. grace says

    October 18, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    Lowe’s … we love it! Did our kitchen renovation 4 yrs ago, cut our budget way down that way. We shared with them our budget, they listened and most of the time gave us discount. Also online .. I searched getting our faucet and cabinet hardwares online and got them almost half from local stores.

    Reply
  77. Deanne H. says

    October 18, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    It’s gotta be all the magazines and home shows that are my inspiration.

    Reply
  78. Kara says

    October 18, 2012 at 2:33 pm

    I love unique vintage-y pieces, but since we’ve been on the grad student budget for so long, family hand-me-downs & Ikea have been our staples. I can’t wait to see how awesome your house turns out!

    Reply
  79. Jo Ann says

    October 18, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    I’d probably have to go with Ikea.

    Reply
  80. Robin Elgard says

    October 18, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    Hmmm… I think I could do some pretty decent damage with stops at Ikea, Anthropology, and Target! We’re in the midst of some remodeling too… I feel your pain ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  81. Lindsey says

    October 18, 2012 at 5:16 pm

    I heart Ikea! It’s one stop shopping. But I haven’t tried it with my new baby yet…

    Reply
  82. Rena says

    October 18, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    restoration hardware, pottery barn, and serena and lily

    Reply
  83. Jennifer Snook says

    October 18, 2012 at 6:43 pm

    I just started reading your blog and I really enjoy it! I would love to re-do my whole house from Ballard Designs…I also enjoy digging around Goodwill and resale shoppes.

    Reply
  84. Esther L. says

    October 18, 2012 at 6:54 pm

    I LOVE Pottery Barn, but my budget doesn’t! The end result is Ikea–cute stuff and great prices. It’s a win-win!

    Reply
  85. Victoria says

    October 18, 2012 at 7:35 pm

    I get tons of inspiration from pinterest!

    Reply
  86. Jessica F says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    Love Crate & Barrel stuff… so hard to leave there empty handed ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  87. amy says

    October 18, 2012 at 11:32 pm

    I like going to local shops that use reclaimed materials. There is always so much character and history in everything

    Reply
  88. claudia davis says

    October 19, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    I am a true minimalist. The less clutter the better. Give me a modern, clean look and I am set.

    Reply
  89. Sheridan says

    October 19, 2012 at 6:53 pm

    Pottery Barn, World Market and Crate and Barrel. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  90. Norma says

    October 19, 2012 at 9:48 pm

    I love Home Goods!

    Reply
  91. LAMusing says

    October 19, 2012 at 9:51 pm

    I’m a big fan of small local shops and flea markets – both offer something unique. For basics I like Home Goods and Target.

    Reply
  92. paula says

    October 20, 2012 at 5:57 am

    we’ve been in this house since 05 and have replaced the roof & water softener. expensive things that aren’t “fun. we live in a 1905 house that was refinished but needs paint, carpets ripped up, floors sanded, new kitchen counters…i could go on! yeah $100 wouldn’t even be a drop in the bucket but alas…it’s fun to dream!

    Reply
  93. Tiffany Winner says

    October 20, 2012 at 9:57 am

    Nature is my favorite source of home decor- it’s free and beautiful

    thismomwins@gmail.com

    Reply
  94. Alaine says

    October 20, 2012 at 3:09 pm

    I love West Elm ๐Ÿ™‚
    family74014 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  95. emily says

    October 20, 2012 at 8:49 pm

    IKEA. And pinterest!

    Reply
  96. jennycain says

    October 21, 2012 at 11:28 am

    I’d love to travel to Paris and Morocco to visit flea markets and bring home endless amounts of stuff. Sigh …

    Back to the real world. I love Pier 1, Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Ikea, and thrift stores!

    Reply
  97. Katharine says

    November 1, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    anthropologie!

    Reply
  98. jessica w says

    November 7, 2012 at 10:15 am

    pinterest, west elm, and cb2!~!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. goodbye final bagster, hello light at the end of the tunnel | kojodesigns says:
    December 27, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    […] think the last time I gave you a ‘new house update,’ we were tearing things apart (yep, just re-read the post). Well, then we moved into a […]

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