BEFORE, Projects Galore in My Old Schoolhouse

Moving...quite the chore, isn't it?  I haven't moved for 12 years and in that time we have acquired some stuff.  So while we still weed through things, get rid of stuff, pack and move, I thought I would share some before pictures of our new place.  

Why are these labeled BEFORE pictures?  Because we have lots of projects ahead of us in our future.  Thankfully, most of them are cosmetic, i.e., we can live with them for now.  

Honestly, there are so many things I want to do, I am having a although time prioritizing.  Maybe I should let you all vote!

I have lots of pictures, so this is going to be a several day event.  Feel free to share any input and ideas and I will let you know what mine are. 

In my project planning I am thinking industrial farmhouse style, Fixer Upper style with a bit more color than Joanna uses.  

Welcome to my new home...

Our address is an even 100, I like that!  This is the original school entrance.  The windows here tot he right were the library area (and still are) and the ones to the left were the coat closet, now our dressing room/closet.  We want to make a walkway from the front door to the driveway on the right of this picture. 

This is the original 60 foot flagpole.  We raised the American flag and Montana flag on the 4th and plan to continue to do so on most days.

An iron gate to the back/side yard.  I am not sure if it is original, but it does appear old.  Not picket fence, per my business name, but I do like the iron gate )Beyond The Iron Gate?? Um, no!)

These are the front double doors that I love.  I think the light is original and while it isn't a sit and enjoy the view kind of porch, I do like it.  There are two large propane tanks on the porch--one is hooked up to a propane fireplace and one is extra.  Do not like that and not sure how to change it, but will work on covering it up some how. 

When you walk through the double doors, there is an enclosed entry with a door into the house.  This is the area where I plan on getting a little schoolhouse "themey". Currently there is a huge flag that does cover an attic door.  I do like the flag so will sit with it for awhile.  My other idea for this wall is a large chalkboard.  On the right here there is room for a bench and a row of coat hooks for guests.  I also plan on putting an old school desk in the entry.  I was left with about 30 decorative flags that are not my style and will be going.

Here is the view from the great room door, into the entry, out the front doors.

On the right hand side of the house and front door is a breezeway connecting the mudroom and garage.  This little porch I will decorate (this is my loveseat and table) and sit on and enjoy the views. The curly willow was left--there is a curly willow bush in the back.

This is the door from the breezeway into the mudroom.  I am taking the photo from the landing area a few steps up, near the laundry room.  We put our "garage fridge" in here to the right of the door.  This fridge was bought 26 years ago when we bought our first home and is a champ. I am sure it will be happy being indoors--it has been in the garage for 12 years where I am certain there where winter days it had to work to stay warm, rather than cool.  To the left door, I put a bench and will put cot hooks for us.  There is also a closet tot he right of the fridge space and a half bath.  

This half bath might be the first place I decorate, because it is so small.  I want the carpeting out of here!

This is the landing area.  It has a little sink and the carpeted floor area is a movable floor on rollers.  Why?  Because there is a lift system above that the school used to get coal to the basement.  We will use to lower wood to the wood burning stove that is down there.

Here is the view into the laundry room from the landing.  That is the original door and we think there is wood flooring under that pink carpeting.  Regardless, the carpeting will be going.  

There is ton of shelving and cupboards in the laundry room.  I am standing near the washer and dryer that are to the right of the door.  I plan on keeping all my crafty things in here--fabric, sewing machine, photos and paper crafts.  I have been told NO PAINT by the family (apparently they have an issue with paint in every room of the house).

To the left of the landing and laundry room is a door into the kitchen.  There is a cute little area to decorate there left of the door.  

That is the end of the tour today--we only covered entrances!  I would love to hear your thoughts.  Off to pack up the kitchen.  I put dishes in a laundry basket with a towel and put them directly into the cupboard--so much easier than wrapping them up.