Laundry Day and Look at That Ceiling!
April 16, 2025
I’ve been itching to run another load of laundry. We’ve had many consecutive days of clouds and rain. This morning, as I was reading with my kids I felt the sun peak its beautiful golden rays through the puffy clouds, and enter our large window onto the couch — where we were sitting.
As Michiel was away helping a friend with his house renovations, I sent him a text message asking if today was a good day to run a load.
Michiel had set up a system where he could oversee our solar energy production. He would look on his phone and read the details of how much our solar panel was charging, and at what percentage our battery was being charged. This would tell us just how much electricity we can use in our house at any moment.
I’ve been using a makeshift couch cover for the current large sectional we have in our living room. These IKEA couches are wonderful in the way of keeping clean, as the covers come right off, and it wouldn’t take much fuss to throw them in the laundry machine whenever they needed a good wash.
However, for the last two years, the original covers could not be found. While we were sorting through our storage boxes last week, we stumbled across the covers. Even though we hadn’t found the cushion covers yet, at least we could wash what we did find, and use them in the meantime.
Coloured Walls
Next door, Michiel has diligently continued the demolition work — knocking down the old lath and plaster behind the newer drywalls. It’s incredible to take note of the history of the home — as each layer of wall is removed. We were curious what the colour of the wall was, before it was painted a deep brown.
As Michiel and I took turns guessing, we were pleasantly surprised to find a lilac coloured wall still in great condition.
Imagining the Ceiling
Our curiosity continued as we looked up at the beautiful tin ceiling that is at present the same brown colour as the walls. We couldn’t wait to restore the ceiling as well — what a gem! We imagined what a luxurious room this must have been.
There is a level of grandeur that a tin ceiling in a large room brings forth. We noticed little cracks and paint chips missing.
By gently tapping at the loose paint, little bits started to crackle and fall off — much like potato chips breaking into pieces.
A very light colour began to peek through where the brown paint had fallen off. In the dream-like glow of the evening sun, the light colour revealed to us resembled creamy white pearls recovered from a treasure chest.
It was such a delightful discovery!
Seeing the partial cream white ceiling complement the once-upon-a-time lilac coloured wall brought sparks of inspiration to our vision of this elaborate room! We started brainstorming the process that would need to take place in order to have the paint completely removed.
Perhaps sandblasting would be a good first step.
Another Special Find
While removing the kitchen cabinets, Michiel found an old key hanging on a nail against the wall. He held it up for me to see — with a wide grin on his face. As soon as he showed me his finding, I grabbed the key from his hand; rushed up the small staircase with great excitement; and placed it inside the keyhole of a short; antique door in our unfinished room.
It was a fun surprise to discover antiques inside the home, and where they were placed, further intrigued our imagination as to the likeness of the day-to-day life of the family who once lived here — in their particular era.
It is obvious to Michiel and I, that the home was well taken care of and well preserved. The owner or owners seemed to have taken pride in creating a comfortable and welcoming home.
We hope today’s update has brought you as much excitement for our house renovation adventures as it has brought us! It is a messy process, but well worth it — and rewarding knowing where we are going with it!
Good night and sweet dreams to you all, dear friends and family!
