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.
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
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
That is impressive, good job.
Good for you- It looks adorable.
So inspiring
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.
Very nice! I wish there were more pictures, though :(
Lovely! More pictures please!!
Brava!
I've asked Julie to consider a house tour...hopefully she'll be willing!
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.
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
www.thebitterfoodie.blogspot.com
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?
wow!!! great job!
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.