Redecorating

[Jade Erhard]

Our NH is now 12 years old and has been well used by our family and its first owners.

I still love the oak cabinets. Need to sand and repoly. Hardware needs more "Brasso" work. On other decor, I'm ready for updates and some changes.

So, I'm looking for input, ideas, stories of what others have achieved in this arena. If you have some things to avoid as well that would be fine.

Thus far I've purchased some material to redo the cushions for the dinette area. The booth style works for me and I do not want to remove it. However, I'm thinking of using nufoam instead of the current traditional foam.

My husband and mother would like a different couch and we're looking at fold down into a bed styles. Any recommendations?

As far as the walls are concerned, there is lots to be done: holes need filling; where the vinyl pulled around windows (during installation?-whatever) and where the seam tape has pulled away we need some cutting, sanding, spackling; and then a decision on paint or wallpaper (new vinyl).

[wufe]

Jade, I don't have any suggestions but will offer support and interest for what it's worth. We're the 4th owner of ours and, while it's in remarkably good shape, it will need some work sooner or later. Projects I'm in or planning for soon: fabricating (in matching oak) & installing a low-profile fold-up computer work station w/26-inch LCD TV/monitor that'll clear the living room slide as it comes in; replacing the stained oval plastic vanity sink with a deeper rectangular stainless; and (just thinking) replacing the well-used livingroom and bedroom carpet with wood laminate (like "Pergo"). I did recently replace the original toilet with a new upgraded one but that frankly was more a matter of pressing emergency than "redecorating." Please post news of your progress and photos if you can. I'd be real interested in seeing what & how you're doing. John & Laura