Apartment Therapy San Francisco | Sweating It Out The Oregonian: 09.24.08

Sweating It Out
The Oregonian: 09.24.08

When Julie Almquist bought her SE Portland cottage in 2003, people weren't afraid to call it a dump. Five years and thousands of dollars of sweat equity later, the "comfortable retreat" inspires neighbors to stop by and say that they love what she's done.

10-13-08 sweat 4.jpg From demolition to drywall, Almquist did much of the work herself, saving anywhere from $13,000 to $21,000 on improvements. House framer and younger brother Mike came for two visits; one to extend the bathroom and one to build the enclosed front porch, the biggest and most impressive part of the renovation.

Aside from the new entry hall, another unusual feature is Almquist's bedroom trompe l'oeil, that looks like a wall upholstered in velvet. According to the article, following a diamond template, she painted a light color on top and a deeper color at the bottom of the diamonds, blending with a medium blue between. She used a circle stencil and metallic pearl-color paint for the buttons.

Says Almquist, "I had the idea that I could make this into something. I felt this house needed some TLC."

Images: Marv Bondarowicz

Comments (13)

That is impressive, good job.

posted by LoriSF on October 13th 2008 at 7:25am
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Good for you- It looks adorable.

posted by wendi_c on October 13th 2008 at 7:35am
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So inspiring

posted by Erin K. on October 13th 2008 at 7:36am
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That little entry vestibule is not only a great use of space - but it will help keep the house warm in the winter by providing an air-lock which will help prevent the heated indoor air from escaping.

posted by bepsf on October 13th 2008 at 7:44am
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Very nice! I wish there were more pictures, though :(

posted by oakland on October 13th 2008 at 7:59am
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Lovely! More pictures please!!

posted by hollandstudio on October 13th 2008 at 8:14am
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Brava!

posted by moptop on October 13th 2008 at 8:19am
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I've asked Julie to consider a house tour...hopefully she'll be willing!

posted by liseah on October 13th 2008 at 9:09am
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For more pics and info on the house go to:

http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/2008/09/_headline_sweating_it_out.html

for anyone who has ever DIY yourself you will enjoy this tidbit in the article, "Almquist needed ice packs, ibuprofen and a visit to the chiropractor afterward. (The cost of the chiropractor wasn't included in her building expenses.)" when discussing hanging her own drywall.

posted by dragonphly on October 13th 2008 at 9:47am
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Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

www.thebitterfoodie.blogspot.com

posted by thebitterfoodie on October 13th 2008 at 9:51am
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you have to be so proud!
very impressive and would also like to see more of the home.i didnt see the kitchen mentioned in the list of expenses, or dont think i did, any way, does that mean the kitchen needed very little done to it or is it in the future?

posted by sassydo on October 13th 2008 at 1:03pm
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wow!!! great job!

posted by maike on October 13th 2008 at 1:22pm
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LOVELY! A determined woman can do anything.

Dragon, I can definitely relate to the ice packs, ibuprofen and chiropractor visits. I've done so much physical damage to myself in fumbled DIY efforts that I've given up. The medical costs were astronomical, even with insurance, and broken bones and stitches ain't fun.

posted by madampince on October 15th 2008 at 7:09pm
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