Fixer Upper ...

Miniature addition.

I’ve begun a major renovation on my house. An overhaul, if you will.

I’m in the middle of the demolition phase, and I’m happy to report that there weren’t many surprises. The roof was in disrepair, although no moss was present, which, in the Pacific Northwest, is a minor miracle. No dry-rot, no water damage, no termites. Electrical and plumbing were all good (because there is none).

The one surprise was a pile of sunflower seeds—evidence of a mouse that had squatted in the home a few years ago. I should have added video surveillance so I could be more proactive and prevent minor chewing on the siding and … um … feces and urine from damaging the flooring.

No worries, though. I’ve removed the old wallpaper and flooring and I even dug up the lawn. I purchased new wall coverings and tile for the bathroom, as well as wood flooring throughout the rest of the home. I have a roofer scheduled to put on a new roof (me). A contractor lined up for final sanding and wall/floor prep (also me), and another contractor to do other repairs, replace windows, and install the finishes throughout the home (me, again). A landscaper will reseed the lawn and add some interesting yard accouterments (that would also be me).

Before you become too impressed with my perceived abilities, here is the before photo of my home, after removing it from the high shelf in the garage after 25 years of storage. It’s missing shingles, a front door, and a few window panes. (I blame the squatter. I do not remember it being in such a sorry state.)

It is a 1969 colonial—a replica of the home I grew up in, built by my dad for my fourth Christmas. He apparently stayed up until 4 am on Christmas morning to finish it, and I’m so glad he did. I loved it. I played with it ALL THE TIME. I remember my friends and I spending many afternoons dreaming up the lives lived in this dollhouse.

Sometime in the early 70s, my brother squeezed honey in the chimney as little brothers are prone to do. I don’t remember the act, but I remember my outrage and “telling mom.” We cleaned it up, as well as honey deep inside a balsa wood chimney can be cleaned.

When I renovated it in the 90s for my daughters, I removed the chimney and fireplace due to … well … the nearly 30-year-old honey residue situation. I added the wood shingles to the roof (they looked nice at one time), added wallpaper to the painted walls, and changed the original felt carpeting to lush velour fabric. It was splendid once again.

Fast forward to now.

I have found a new home for my beloved dollhouse, and that is why I’m renovating it. I want it to be beautiful for the kids who will play with it. I want it to bring them joy and spark their imagination, as it did for me when I was a little girl.

I’m so excited to start painting, wallpapering, and adding the flooring and new, more realistic grass.

Don’t even get me started on decor. Curtains, paintings for the walls, and furniture (if you know anyone wanting to get rid of dollhouse furniture, I’m in the market to buy—I have no idea what happened to the furniture we used to have—the mouse probably stole it).

I’m obsessed. This project has taken on a life of its own.

And throughout this renovation, I’m thinking of the sweet souls who will get to enjoy it, and I cannot wait to get it done. Stay tuned for more updates!