Farmhouse Restoration | Episode 18

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[@SupremeChii]

I'm curious why you guys kept the old fireplaces closed off? Why not open them up but seal the tops? Cute alcove like that are great for decorations, candles, etc and add to the charm.

[@donnaj69]

Yes!

[@Lily_1010]

Or to be able to have the fireplaces work in the living room and master bedroom would be so nice, add value to the home as well.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

I love that kind of stuff but my dad insists that with some of the bricks cracking/crumbling it’ll release dust & make messes. So I’ll just have to do my best to make them look cute until I can pay to have them fully rebuilt.

[@zombiecow1909]

Life of Laura Yes, get those fireplaces working at some point❤

[@SAHamel_]

Dad is right... mine always said Fireplaces suck the heat right out of a house. Google it and he is right: > The reality is, most homeowners don't use their fireplace on a regular basis. ... Wood-burning fireplaces are quite inefficient as a heating source since most of the warm air is flowing up and out the chimney. And it's not just the warmth of the fire being pulled out of your home, so is the heat from other rooms.

[@hiccupbilly]

Door hardware can be cleaned by soaking for 8 hours in a old crock pot in hot water. All the paint will fall off.

[@deannamarie4149]

Also a microfiber cloth works amazing with just water!!! 🕊

[@dhannaradloff4660]

try using a small size steam cleaner -- if it's latex it will lift right off.

[@shandelebroyles1099]

I have never used one But maybe a Mr Clean eraser??💚

[@rondaweber5773]

Really use a crock pot !!! splash some vinegar in the water to make it extra easy!

[@Pipsquacky]

With the paint on the walls the rooms feel so sunny. So exciting to see it progressing nicely!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you! I’m so glad! I will have allllllll the houseplants 😂😂😍😍

[@TheMalcomT]

Laura, the best way I have found to get paint off hardware is simmering it in a crock pot of water. The metal will get hot and the paint comes of easy with no chance of damaging the hardware. The farm is looking fantastic, can't wait to see more.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you ♥️♥️

[@deannamarie4149]

Thank you for not using Gray. Seems like that is a choice most are making today. I agree that paint is fairly inexpensive to purchase, but I assure you. When a house is occupied it is labor intensive to paint because you tire of the color. Much easier to change rugs from room to room and throw some new curtains up...

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

I’m terrified of the grey colors!!! Hahah a lot of the time I see them with awful undertones. I am hoping to not have to change the colors and just decorate like you said! Although a bright dining room would be fun.... we’ll see!

[@deannamarie4149]

Some people can't differentiate "undertones"... A bright dining room?. No problem... Table dressing is an awesome way to achieve that!!! Lol My Grandma changed her curtains and window dressing as a regular occurrence. Of course she would sew them and she was of the era of SAHM... 😊

[@deannamarie4149]

@H no SAHM Stay At Home Mom

[@jojoply]

I am so sick of the gray. Everyone is using it.

[@shandelebroyles1099]

@@LifeofLauraVideos I want to do a bedroom in an icey blue. NOT a baby blue. But a blue that's like the ocean. Between a blue/greenish. Tone. With silver fixtures and glass lamps. And mirrored night stand. Not a blue and brown. I love those colors together but not what I'm wanting. What finish did you use. I hope not flat. I had a whole house remodeled before like your color but it was called country white anyways.... The carpenter's suggested a flat finish. AND I HAD KIDS!!! Needless to say I ended up repainting alot with a satin. WASHABLE!!! BUT also with colors I ended up painting my hallway a different color. And painted one of my son's bedroom. But I LOVE YOUR COLOR AND HOUSE💚

[@timothymobley7920]

To clean old hardware, put in an old crockpot with water and dawn dish washing soap. Let soak over night. Good luck,love what you have done to your house.

[@traceybradshaw]

Looking fabulous. The white trims just brighten everything up so much.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!!! Yes & they used the extra wide trim around them so they feel even bigger!

[@christine1373]

It looks as if the ceiling is the same color as the walls. Smart move! It always make the room look bigger. It's what I did in my home and I love it!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Yes! That’s what we did!

[@nicoles7550]

Looking wonderful Laura! Really coming together now. Looking forward to the flooring video, the wood is going to look stunning with that paint choice! So happy for you! X

[@butwereallsombdyspecial]

The fireplaces all should of been restored for us- having a fireplace like that in each room is what Byers are seeking

[@nocount1]

The plain, simple paneled kitchen cabinets are a really nice choice. I also love the old schoolhouse style glass light fixture.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!!! I’m trying to choose wisely!

[@flamflam6652]

Agreed. Even looks awesome without handles. Very clean.

[@johnamstutz]

Just think how much fun furnishing and decorating is going to be!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Yes!!! Thank you!

[@karenquick8737]

So beautiful and so much labor full of love. One can sure tell that the workers loved doing it. Fantastic work and I love the color paint. Bring on the color!!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!! ♥️

[@lindabullock742]

Oh my word Laura...it’s really coming on now...everything looks fabulous. Can’t wait to see how the floors look when all sanded and finished...😍😘🇦🇺

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!!! It’s pretty crazy! Me either, that’ll be happening in just a few days 😍😍

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Thanks for the tour, Laura! So much has happened in the last little while. I can’t wait to see how you put your stamp on the blank slate you have now. I’m sure your decor will really liven it up and add a lot of your personality to the spaces! It feels like a really nice family home. I know you will love living here.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you ♥️ I’m excited to share all that with you guys.

[@brendajohnson6910]

Oh my gosh Laura! It is so wonderful to see your vision of this beautiful old home place coming to life!! Love the wall color you selected. It reminds me of a very popular paint color named "Sugar Cookie". Great showcase color for anything. You must be giddy with excitement at this point!!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!!! I am so excited

[@beasleyben9191]

Hi Laura, the farm house is looking great! Love the color on the walls... so done with grey tones. Cannot wait to see it all done!

[@shelleymccrory-martines9906]

Congratulations. Things are moving so quick now. Everything looks just Beautiful. I would take an old rag, wet it with hot hot water, wring it out and wrap it around the doorknob. Put a rubber band over it to secure and leave it for a while. Every few minutes go and rub the rag. It will loosen the paint naturally and without chemicals. You don't want to damage those marble doorknobs.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

That is brilliant!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 I will try it! Now I just need to find a way to clean up the metal brackets below the handles.

[@carolynmarie5585]

When I caught your channel last week and saw the start date and number of videos I thought "Cool, can the watch the whole restoration in one afternoon."... Alas...love this house

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!!

[@Monica-fd3ig]

It looks amazing so far Laura! 💜I love old farmhouses being restored to their former glory, it just makes my heart smile. Great job 👍🏽👌🏽😍 can’t wait to see the finished product!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you Monica ♥️

[@TheGoldensaddlebred]

Yes, sad to see another restoration with blocked fireplaces. I thought you were sticking with two wood or pellet stoves. Did you sell the antique stoves I fully understand having to wait for more cash flow, dont wait too long it costs more, sadly most end up saying, "it's fine like it is" and by the time the next family's arrive it much more of a structural issue.

[@Mallard5plus1Farmhouse]

Your house is so bright and warming inside and out!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thanks friend! 👌🏻🎨🥰

[@hishuhishi]

This is beautiful, your family's workmanship is amazing! I love this beauty, it's a work of art.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!!!

[@hishuhishi]

@@LifeofLauraVideos you're welcome! :)

[@stude1953]

Another nice update. It's amazing to see what that house has become! Your father should be proud. I betcha when it's all done your Dad will grab himself an ice tea, find an old tree to sit under, pitch a chair, and just stare at what all he has done, with a BIG smile on his face!!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!! I could totally see him doing that, if he’s sit still long enough! Lol

[@dianeconti7602]

What a fantastic transformation! It really makes my heart glad to see the love put back into this house and property. I can see it all finished in my mind's eye now. You are so blessed Laura.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you so much!!! ♥️♥️

[@newenglandparis1866]

The home is beautiful. You should do a before & now video to show the change & hard work.

[@joyfor3ver]

Love it! Sorry it's almost over. But really hope we can be apart of the decorating stage. Thanks for sharing.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you ♥️ we definitely will be!

[@cjhernandez9758]

The house is coming along great. Love the wall paint. The fireplaces are two plain. Needs some different color of paint or have some painted decals on them. Thanks for sharing.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you! Once they’re decorated it’ll be fine!

[@goodtogo3]

beautiful house coming to life again...only thing I would have done differently is a quieter more in keeping with the house kitchen and entry tiles. all the natural light is amazing.

[@marycarter8302]

Was interested in the restoration looks like a fresh built house.

[@lisapertzborn2185]

Love that you did white woodwork.

[@ShelKim1991]

Beautiful place, but if you can't leave the fireplaces open for at least decorative purposes, then just remove the entire mantel and make the wall flat. At least then is more space for built-ins or cupboards or something useful or more options for arranging furniture. As-is just leaves a wall with one shelf that you can't put anything up against.

[@anitatucker8812]

All those beautiful fireplaces to decorate for Christmas. Loving each step along the way.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Yes!! I can’t wait! Thank you 🥰

[@vickieneiswonger1098]

I use TSP (not the substitute) use very warm water, Wring the rag out so that it does not drip. Let it soak for a little while then wipe away the paint with a clean wet cloth..if any paint remains then do it again. Once usually does it though. I wear rubber gloves to keep my hands pretty. I used this to strip the paint from my front door and used hardware from used kitchen cabinets, that we put in our cottage kitchen. They were a mess but TSP cleaned them right up. I use this for anything that would normally need allot of work, but TSP turns it into easy work. If you decide to try it, you will want to keep it in your 'bag of tricks' eternally . Best of luck my dear! You are doing a FANTASTIC job, the house is beautiful !!!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!! ♥️🥰

[@vickieneiswonger1098]

@@LifeofLauraVideos You are so very welcome !

[@genevievedurham567]

Vineger and baking soda to clean the hardware. If your not worried and keeping the patina then you could use citrastrip.

[@janiceschultz3481]

I love the clean crisp white woodwork!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!!

[@dawnmassas7658]

Coming out beautifully love it can't wait to see the decor inside once it's done! Hope you will be putting up those videos xoxo God bless the house!!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

I will be ♥️

[@joannbrewer6046]

I saw a restoration of an 17?? Mannor house where they had finished off the door nobs (all the nob hardware) with white or the same door color. It was so clean and beautiful. The metal pa rrc ts were low gloss looking. You might try one to see. Love you. Mrs.job

[@ourfloridagarden4191]

Great job Laura and the team. It does the heart good to see an old home get the love and attention it has been waiting for.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

thank you! Yes! And this one is well deserving.

[@glenbo2464]

Looks so nice and clean and fresh inside !

[@myhappynest6125]

Thanks for sharing Laura. Wow, you’ve certainly come a long way. It’s a beautiful home.

[@lindaraterink6451]

If paint doesn't come of with water, put some mineral turpentine (turp)on an old cloth and rub it off. I'd advice you to open the window when applying the smell is quite strong.

[@leeluv96]

I learned about Citristrip a few years ago and now that's the only paint stripping gel I use. It smells yummy like citrus not chemical fumes but I still ventilated. It cuts through paint like a champ. The longer it's left on the surface the more layers it eats through. Plop it on medium thick and leave it. Come back with gloves, a tarp and a pail to put the goop in, scoop up the goopy paint, and your done. It even gets fine crevices well.

[@valerieloeffler6174]

Wow! So full of light. Beautiful!

[@barbarap6851]

That looks amazing, Laura! You have a lot of mantels to decorate!!!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you! I’m so excited about that!

[@kathrinekerns8398]

What a beautiful transformation. The house has a new life.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!! Yes she does!

[@valeriecollins8780]

The house is beautiful. You must be so excited!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you ♥️ yes I’m super excited!!!

[@valeriecollins8780]

Oh, and it's all your fault I ended up on 1806 Stonehouse. Yes, I did that the day you plugged them. Took so much time to catch up while back. Now addicted. All your fault!!!!

[@dmdavis8]

Soak the door hinges and door knobs in a crockpot and turn it on and it will basically boil it clean .

[@stephanielake71]

Loving all the little details....to bad the fireplaces couldn't be restored

[@leannaestep3066]

I can''t believe the progress y'all have made. It's an amazing transformation, and I know you must be very proud. After the house, you'll have to move on to the yard so we can still follow along. I love your house, and thank you for sharing.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!!! I’m hoping to do decorating and farm videos 😊

[@janambrose4917]

Beautiful. I love the cove moldings, so elegant. Nice job on the video. Hope you're feeling better. Thanks for the labels on what rooms we were seeing. I love the pantry window, so nice and bright. Keep up the good work! Thanks for sharing. :)

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!! I’m feeling much better. At the end of a work day I’m feeling pretty fatigued but other than that feeling close to normal!

[@susanadams290]

Use Murphy’s wood oil soap and just wipe it on and let it set. Be careful not to get it on the paint. The paint will just wipe off.

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

Helloooooooooooooo Laura, Did I happen to mention how of da chain all the Crown mldg., door casings, & base boards are in da house!!! And very period appropriate too. Really, really, really, genuinely happy and excited for you. And I know I've already mentioned it, but sooooooo looking forward to the decorating series for each room. Until the next one, mad Love & Respect form Dirty Jersey!!!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!!! That means a lot!!

[@jodollman8136]

Beautiful! I love seeing these updates. Absolutely in love with this house.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!

[@TLMarzewski]

I am loving all the windows and glass panel doors! Looks lovely, Laura!

[@katieblakely8764]

Love the colors and though the fire places aren’t safe for wood , in time you could change them to gas :) Regardless though what you decide they are so pretty as they are . You’ve picked out some great colors for the walls and trim , can’t wait to see it when you move in .

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!!

[@judyrosey]

To clean paint off of any hardware...remove the hardware and place in a sauce pan filled with just plain white vinegar. Simmer for a few minutes and the paint will magically be removed in minutes.

[@judyrosey]

A lovely home btw

[@clararaffindemarchi6752]

It looks beautiful! You should show us the floor plan of the house so we can understand better where all the rooms and doors are 😊

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

I will soon! It’s on my Instagram now

[@SAHamel_]

Beautiful, simply beautiful and my compliments on the color of paint chosen; excellent paint choice. Using same color though out is so very classy. So glad to see dark colors were not used. :-)

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Something I loved about the rooms is how big they feel with the nice tall ceilings, and dark colors would just close the rooms down. We can’t have that!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I have one room that I painted dark and it feels really warm and cozy, especially with the wood fire going in the fireplace. My niece says this room feels like a hug. But, I’m sure it’s not for everyone.

[@flamflam6652]

It's turning out beautifully! I love the millwork and the fireplace frames would make cool headboards 👌 Not sure if I like the vinyl design but everything else is 😍

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Ooooo that’s a neat idea!! Thank you!

[@emmaemma9406]

Laura the vinyl is hideous. But you guys have done such a thorough and respectful renovation. 😊

[@terri1603]

It's coming along fast! Looking forward to seeing it decorated!!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!! I’m so excited to begin!

[@freyallarganswald4746]

You are doing a fantastic job, the house looks so light, airy and well appointed now. It will make you a beautiful home 🤗💕🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you 🥰♥️

[@Miss-zk1dk]

You can get the paint off the hardware with CitriStrip. It’s doesn’t have a harsh smell at all and removes paint with out damaging whatever it is you’re removing paint from. You can find it on amazon or even Walmart. You can use it indoors because the it has a pleasant smell and it works fast. I love it and I use it all the time!

[@jaynemar1]

Wow! The paint really brings out the trim features! Next.... Refinishing the floor!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Exactly!

[@katywi4534]

Crockpot with hot water, soak hardware over night, scrub with brush the next morning

[@ettahyde5605]

Krud Cutter from Tractor Supply will clean up those doorknobs.

[@gregpaulin4493]

Colors r perfect. Just wish u. Could use the fire places that would make the hole house. But it is just awsum cant wait 2 c it all done. Just luv old houses

[@juancampos1635]

What a beautiful home coming along excellent you have such great taste

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!!

[@arlenesharpe7807]

Put the hardware for doors window in a crockpot for several.hours it will peel off with out damaging the hardwafe.

[@beckyjoy4180]

So pretty!!!! I wish the kitchen could have more windows/light 😩 like above the sink! That’s just me

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you! Me too! But the wall that the sink is on is next to the breezeway from the house to the back section. Basically anything on that wall would overlook a dark concrete area.

[@beckyjoy4180]

Life of Laura gotcha!!

[@Leglag724]

If you don't want to remove the hardware you can use a choreboy brass scrubber. No water needed just a soft cloth to wipe after using the scrubber.

[@sarawoods7874]

I clean rentals and remodels. Windex should take the paint right off with a scrubbing sponge

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Sweet!!! Thank you ♥️

[@sarahcolbath6571]

Lemon essential oil to remove paint off the hardware. It works like a charm and smells great too! I’ve even used it on clothing

[@nicolethijs5428]

Such a bright and wonderful home!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!

[@kathyderouchey8221]

I've not read all the comments, but get an old slow cooker/crockpot, fill it with soapy water and soak the paint off any of your hardware. It will just peel off.

[@funkeyjournals3674]

Your home is shaping up beautifully! TFS❤️

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you ♥️

[@codyleeser392]

I love the color you chose. It would have been nice to have a window over the kitchen sink but maybe that wall doesn't face the outside.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!! Yes I agree, but it would overlook the breezeway between the house & back section, which would just be dark anyway.

[@saturdayschild376]

Love it, it's beautiful. It is so fresh looking and position of the stairs looks really nice, would be a lovely spot for a Christmas tree at the holidays.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you ♥️ Oh my gosh! You’re right! I hadn’t even thought about that!

[@amanda0678]

There’s so many doors in such tiny rooms. I would’ve closed some to have more wall space. Why does there need to be a door from the laundry room into the master bedroom? And two entrances into the living room? I don’t know. I think there maybe could’ve been some changes there for better flow. Just my opinion. It’s a beautiful house.

[@vkpruitt]

This is beautiful. I’m curious to know the renovation total cost. I’m considering tackling a similar old 1900 home.

[@judyfarmer2962]

Love your channel about the restoration.

[@lorineidtinytoadplot744]

💜💜💜 Absolutely Beautiful ❤️ love the paint color. .💜💜💜 I would have done more black trim, that's what I remember the most about an old farm house and always loved it. 💜💜💜 Shiney black base boards and door trim, love the banister 💜💜💜

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you! You know I didn’t even think of other colors, only because I’ve only ever seen this house with white trim.

[@vabr61]

Wonderful restoration!! Hello from Rio de Janeiro Brazil

[@ruthsheffield8448]

Laura, Your house is turning out beautifully. So bright and pretty. I love it.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰

[@mariechrisman3957]

So glad to see your channel growing,and the house is coming along nicely, thanks for the video

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you Marie!

[@sokanon2906]

Careful with vinyl flooring. We have it throughout our house and anywhere anything rubs on it it has bubbled up or ripped. Under our kitchen chairs, by the front door, under the computer chair, under appliances... It's a nice easy floor but it is so soft and fragile.

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Yeah hopefully it won’t be too troublesome being in rooms without a lot of furniture... but in the long run it’s not too outrageous to replace if we have issues.

[@juliestam]

House is looking fine! I recommend damp microfiber cloth or windex or both but very carefully so that you don't damage the shine on them. Might pay to put some tape around and over them so they don't get marked again when you're doing the floors.

[@jennym4127]

Looks great! Was it impossible to restore functionality to the fireplaces?

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

It will be some day. We decided they need to be rebuilt to be functional. One of them had been recently lined, but the bricks (structurally) I just wouldn’t trust to stress them so we’re just going to leave them alone for now.

[@zombiecow1909]

how many fireplaces? I lost count!

[@susansolloway6262]

It's looking great. The ceiling fans you chose are perfect. Would turpentine be too harsh to remove the paint.

[@pattyprovost6516]

Susan Solloway fans are very nice and not to be negative but for me I think they’re look to modern for this house. Love what your doing. So much hard work and love

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

No worries!! I appreciate the opinions, especially when they’re kind! I think fans in general will make it feel modern, but being a metal roof in an open field I think they’ll be necessary. I tried to choose as plain of ones as I could, I figured stuff hanging off it or decorative pieces would make it stick out too much. ♥️

[@beaner2907]

This video really let's you appreciate all of the time and hard work that's gone into this gorgeous old house since the first video. Fantastic!!!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you ♥️

[@dangoodall-williams4200]

Try windex, or just really hot water, to get that paint off. I'm assuming you used latex paint so it should come off without too much difficulty. Place is looking great. Can't wait to see the floors!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!!!

[@bethcervenka1813]

I know this all already done and I’m just watching it now, but I see so many missed opportunities and wasted space - two foyers, pick one and make it work probably the side one make a bigger front porch on it. The master bedroom should have been the pink room and used tiny room to make a master bath and closet. What you have as master bedroom should have been family room open to the kitchen. Some walls should have been taken down to make the house much more livable. If you weren’t going to fix the fireplaces, take some out because they take up a lot of room in those bedrooms. Could have put in the mantles again but you would have gained so much space. I really think a designer should have been consulted.

[@francesahrens1578]

Amazing progress!

[@triciawasko7496]

Lots of progress, looks amazing!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you!

[@donnakkasper6634]

Really looking great!

[@txJoJo55]

Oh my gosh it is looking fabulous. better then I had pictured in my mind

[@brianwhitten7970]

The house is coming along nicely and looks beautiful also

[@sandystidham2554]

Put the hardware in a crockpot and boil it. The paint will come right off.

[@chrisanderson9856]

Laura are the hardwood floors getting refinished in the house? As for the white paint on the door hardware you can try to use hot water and hold a wet rag over the paint and it will loosen it. Are all the rooms painted the same way? Its looking good I can't wait to see the finished product!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Yes! The floors will be done in just a few days! Thank you for the tip! The rooms are all painted the same.

[@d.hoffman6448]

Coming along nicely! Love it!

[@LifeofLauraVideos]

Thank you! 😊