House Renovation: Beam Install

Beam Day

Because we wanted an open floor plan, and because we didn't really want our roof to cave in on top of us, we knocked out a wall and put up a beam instead.  

Since we are hippie naturalists, we went with an open beam to show off the beauty of the wood and use it as both a functional piece and a decorative piece.  (ok slightly kidding on the naturalists/hippie thing...but only slightly)  Chris and I debated over color, and decided to go with a dark wood theme.  Eventually, the shelves in the kitchen will be stained to match the beam - which should be happening soon(ish)!

The prep for the beam was not as exciting or fun.  Because of the old electrical in the house, many of the wires had to be discovered and re-routed...yeah or something like that, I don't actually even really know to be honest.  All I know is it took forrrrrever. Luckily, we had some experts join us for the day to help figure out the electric riddle.

                 

Someone else besides me is also not super patient ;-)

6 hours later the moment finally came!  The beam went into position and the roof did not cave in - super success!

Daaaaaang look at those muscles!  Good job mom :-)

 Living room to kitchen view

Me being annoyed because I want to be the one taking the pictures...

Ta-da! Kitchen to living room view

Flip-Flop - Linen closet to Kitchen Pantry...

let's be real food is more important

 The master plan of things is to knock out those terrible cabinets above the counter and do wood beam, open concept shelving.  This means that those ugly kitchen appliances cannot be hidden anymore and everything has gotta look kewt!  Since we took out storage to fit the fridge against the wall, we decided to scrap the linen closet and turn it into a kitchen pantry.  

Besides, linen closets are for grown-ups anyway.  

There was debate on leaving it open - you know for those moments when you are just really hungry and can't go around.  

Sorry Chris, you will have to go around. 

Sheetrock shenanigans

Wrapping the beam

The final touch for the beam project was to wrap the 2x6's that were supporting it in pine stained in the same color.  Turned out great!

Now to decide paint colors......ahhhhh

We took a break for a few weeks to catch our breath - but this weekend we will be back at it with some cabinet demolition!  Hammer is ready for those ugly things!