It's nice to have so much of the house back the way it was 'before'. Rooms look the same, but better. No more popcorns on the ceilings! That is a subtle, happy change. 

The floors make a statement throughout the house. People come in, look down, and they smile. I look down and smile with them! This is not a look that would work in every house – I am grateful that it works here. If it hadn't I would not have been able to change it. 

We are not putting rugs back in either the dining or breakfast room. These rooms look finished without rugs. The orange rug that used to be in the dining room is now in the living room…

The brick hearth in front of the fireplace is gone, and we don't miss it. The tile in front of the fireplace is level with the floor and, because it doesn't stick up, walking through this area is smoother.

One of the things I did myself was to change the door hinges and knobs throughout the house. No more old stained brass. Steve helped me with the cabinet hinges.

This was not a big expense and it was easier than I thought it would be. I am happy every time I turn a knob.

Both bathrooms have new Ceasarstone countertops. My old soap dispensers didn't look good on them so I bought simple white ones. The little green vase I used to have my makeup brushes in no longer worked so I am now using Jeff's (youngest son) pewter baby cup! 

I put a glass vase inside it to hold the brushes better. I tried to give Jeff his cup years ago and he didn't have room for it. I suppose if he ever finds a place for it, I'll give it to him – but right now I'm enjoying it.

In the next photo, notice the low triangular shelf in the corner. That's where I rest my toes when shaving my legs! Rick (the contractor) suggested it.

On the down-side, our oldest cat, Emma, has decided that our shower floor is enough like outside that she wants to pee on it. It must be the rock floor. I suppose it could be worse – at least the shower is easy to clean. But still, Steve and I would like her to quit.

A friend, Jacquie, suggested that we put smells in the bathroom that Emma won't love: mint, eucalyptus, lemon. That's why there are cotton balls at the edge of the shower. It worked at first, but Emma has learned to tolerate the scents. I bought a bottle of Nature's Miracle No More Marking today. I hope it works!

I think that covers the highlights of the remodel project. I hope that some of what I've shared with you comes in handy when you work on your own homes. Now I am going to get back to work, in a house that is clean and tidy and not full of workmen. Oh happy, happy day!