Still Woods Farmhouse

If you have ears, you have heard the term shiplap.  A few years ago, I would have thought it was the distance required for a ship to leave harbor.  Now we hear the term in everyday conversation. Friend-       "I'm going to shiplap our entire house!!" Me-            "Really??" Friend-        "Yes! Where have you been?  It's the IN thing" Me-            "I know, but don't you think you might get tired of it after awhile?" Friend-        "Well, I haven't really thought about it.  I just love the way it looks" Me-             "So do I... (sigh)" (Photo Credit: Fixer Upper The Gorman Story Season 1)  I do love the way it looks.  Geez Louise..I have a farmhouse!  It would look perfect here, but do I want to embark on the shiplap frenzy?  Could it be the horizontal equivalent of the paneling...

Our youngest son recently purchased his first home.  He has a "just starting out budget" and we knew improvements would be required.  Our son lives four hours north of here.  Since I am now officially retired, I am excited to be able to lend a helping hand.  Our son closed on his home a few days before his dad had knee replacement surgery.  We had one weekend to move him in and get as much done as possible prior to surgery! With the help of a friend and her two daughters, we tackled the kitchen.  Pulling out previous shelf paper, giving every inch a thorough cleaning, putting in new shelf paper, and setting up the kitchen was my priority.   This mama wanted her boy to have a clean kitchen, clean bedroom, and clean master bath before heading home. Mission accomplished!  Now let's take a closer look at what updating is needed on a shoestring budget. First thing my guys did was to take down the "faux whatever" above the counter to the left. Noti...