the space between

upcycle, repurpose and reinvent your space

our aruban apartment – the before

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Well, if things are going as planned we’ve been in Aruba a few days and we’re still settling into the groove of things and getting used to calling a new place home. But, look what I did for you. After Joel first saw the apartment, when I was still in Key West, he texted me these grainy cell phone pics and I want to share this first view with you! These are the first I’ve seen of this new place we’ll be calling home. So many questions, so much potential, so many unanswered questions.

But I’m going to let you do what I did … just stare at the pictures and dream about what you would do to update the space.

Main Living Area

living-room-dining-room-before-2

I love those lamps, this is essentially one large living space where the far end will serve as a dining room that opens into the kitchen behind it, the center section will be living room and the near section is a bit of a hallway that opens into the space so maybe room for a desk and maybe a wall shelf unit or some large art?

living-room-dining-room-before

View From Main Living Area

view-from-living-room-before

Kitchen

kitchen-before-blurry

I replied to Joel “The kitchen is funny … in the bad kind of funny way.” But there’s a dishwasher, and this girl who hasn’t had one for the last 6 is looking at the bright side. 🙂

kitchen-from-dining-room-before

kitchen-weird-corner-beforeBedroom

bedroom-before

Second Bedroom

guest-bedroom-before

Closets

closet-2

closet-before

Laundry Room

laundry-room-before

Porch

porch

View

view-close-up

So, uh, I see some projects in there. Like everything but the view. 🙂

And here’s the deal. This place is owned by my husband’s employer and they know it needs updating and it’s actually cheaper for them to give us a budget for upgrades and furniture than it is for them to pay to ship all of our own things down there. Crazy, right?!?!

Crazy exciting as I have a million different ideas running through my head. Ideas that keep me awake at night and get me more and more excited to just get there already. And, if  you’re reading this, I am down there and will check in soon.

But let’s hear what you would do. Assume anything can change and the budget is unlimited. Neither is true, I actually have no idea what the budget is yet and I don’t know if things like flooring and curtains can be replaced or plumbing can be moved. Did you see that weird kitchen corner where the dishwasher is under the cook top?

Tell me what ideas immediately pop into your head. What would you change first? What doesn’t really seem so bad? Other than the view.

Go!

And if you want to see what’s been catching my eye follow my new Pinterest board, for Aruba.

Comments

  1. Can’t get over that amazing view. I am excited yo see what you do.

  2. The vertical blinds are killing me! The carpet too, but mostly the blinds. I am all about the view so I think finding a gorgeous fabric to frame those lovely windows would be first on my list. Then paint and accent colors would follow. Those coastal neutrals and blues always catch my eye so that would probably be my color scheme. Paint color, accents and furniture are going to make a huge difference in that open space. I can’t wait to see what you do!

    • OMG those vertical blinds … I feel the exact same way. There are a few windows I don’t think we need anything on, why cover the view … and others, you are so right, some pretty curtains to frame the glass and block the bright sun when needed. I have learned that the carpet needs to stay … so that will be a fun challenge. 🙂

      • At least the carpet isn’t an awful, awful color. Imagine if it’d been something like purple!

        • OMG, I know! I’ve been searching for color schemes that incorporate brown/tan and it does look nice with blues and aquas so I’m hoping to find a way to make it stand out less. 🙂

    • Funny enough, I don’t hate the tile as much in person, it is clear glass tile with a blue back.

    • Yes! I’m hoping to hide all kinds of storage in that room, it is also our hall bath, Joel failed to include the toilet in the photo, that is right beside the washing machine. #awesome 😉

  5. With that view – I could live with anything! Open shelves in the kitchen on the blue tile wall would look amazing! Then of course there’s that guest room – which needs to be personalized with my monogram over a king size bed. Hopefully, that will be your first project! Oh, and a rattan swing chair on that balcony with a place to hold the wine.

  6. If the toilet is beside the washing machine, I think Joel may not have wanted you to see that until you got there otherwise it might have been a deal breaker for you. LOL Joel is a smart guy. I think you should rest for a week or two and let it all soak in, however, I have noticed you tackle everything right away. I don’t like carpeting because of my dogs. One of my dogs thinks anything fabric on the floor is a puppy pad. I would go with a tile throughout because carpets tend to hold cruddy stuff from previous people, too. You can always put pretty rugs down on top of tile. I really like the apartment and the view. This is going to be fun watching and seeing what you do. Your dogs are coming, too, aren’t they? Is there a dog park in the area? Love you!

    • I’m actually planning to take this one slowly, Nancy! We’ll see how that goes. 🙂 But with someone else’s money comes a longer approval process so I’m going to have to test my patience a bit. And yes, the girls are here and we have the opposite take on carpet, Mico loves it because it’s easier for her to walk on than tile, and it’s almost new so I need to find a way to make it work. It should be quite the process!

  7. Wow, what a blank slate. I must admit, I’ve never seen a jagged kitchen counter quite like that one. I’m also surprised that it’s carpeted. Looking forward to seeing updates. Lovely view by the way.

    • That weird kitchen cabinet set up is like nothing I’ve ever seen. Must be custom, in the bad kind of custom way. 🙂 And I agree about the carpet, but we’re actually happy about that because Mico prefers carpet to tile, just with her old legs, I think she gets better grip on the carpet.

  8. Sarah you’ve hit the jackpot both with your view and project potential! That’s a lot of blue tile to come off those walls but it will be so worth it and I can’t wait to follow along. Best of luck.

  9. So basically, who cares about the rest, you have a dishwasher and that view. lol!!!!!! The kitchen tile would be fine, if there wasn’t so much of it. Too bad they didn’t put cabinets up top. It looks great and your going to have a blast figuring it all out. I told Vic he needs to do whatever it is that Joel does. lol. Enjoy your time there & look forward to seeing it all & getting ideas. Bet you’ll find some great shells! So jealous. Such a theme with me & you. 🙂

    • Ha, all the best relationships are built on jealousy … or something. 🙂 And yes dishwasher + view = happiness. The rest will come.

      • If ain’t broke, don’t fix it. lol!! I am sure that you will fulfill your part of making me jealous during your time down there. You are so creative & this must be so exciting for you. Look at all that you can do. Hopefully, you can get some nice wood flooring, that would make such a huge difference, especially with that view. Big white cushy furniture. Oh yes, the green monster is emerging. 🙂 All I need is too see conch shells & that will put me over the edge. Ha!

  10. The view is amazing! First up, nice patio furniture so you have one awesome space to enjoy 🙂 Then, get rid of all those blinds, stat! I would be replacing the green bedroom curtains asap as well. It looks like the carpet might be sisal or something similar, that can be lived with (re-stretched maybe?). That kitchen is the biggie though…If they will let you, I would be replacing counter tops and rearranging cabinets into something that makes more sense. I would also yank the oven (that should be a range) and the cook top, replacing it with what was there before…a range, duh! The blue tile could probably be worked with. Maybe cabinets around the micro and open shelving on the rest? A fresh coat of crisp white paint should round out the rest of the spaces well and you will be ready for the fun part!

    • Great points, Teresa! Yes about restretching (I didn’t even know that was thing, but they’e doing it) the carpet and YES about the kitchen. So weird about the wall oven used as a base oven with the cook top in a separate spot. I’m hoping to be able to make some great changes in there!

      • Maybe the strange kitchen arrangement has to do with the plumbing and electric supply lines? Or maybe it was done by a clueless person (male, no doubt) who had no idea how a kitchen operates?
        Aside from that, have you looked at any other kitchens in the building? Maybe there’s an island reason for such an arrangement. But if you compare with some others, at least you might get some clues as to why—and it should help you put the pieces together in your vision. This is going to be so interesting to watch…..onward and upward…..!!!!!

        • (male, no doubt) hahaha We did uncover some weird finds that do explain things a bit. Plumbing pipes and cable wires. Luckily both were relocatable!!

  11. What does the bathroom look like? I hate grody carpet in 2nd b’room. Hate verticals blinds. Can you ditch the blue tile in kitchen?

    • I need to get better pics of the bedrooms because I didn’t even have one of the ours, but didn’t realize it at the time. The bathrooms aren’t bad, basic, tan tile … all over, but in decent shape. More pics to come. 🙂

  12. I’ve seen worse kitchens! At least that one has plenty of space and updated appliances. The 3 things that would annoy me are: 1) the tile – so much! so blue! 2) the odd cutouts/indents in the counters, and 3) the lack of upper storage. 3 wouldn’t even bother me that much if 1 and 2 could be fixed.

    Living room/dining – furnish that puppy, new window treatments, put up your art with your skill and eye, and voila – done! Ditto bedrooms, maybe some paint.

    FABULOUS closet sizes, and you have a large laundry! That’s so rare in places like that. I lived on South Beach on Miami for a few years, so I know how space of any kind is a commodity in homes on the beach.

    YOUR VIEW. ZOMG. I would put up with a LOT to have that view!

    Oh, you’re going to have fun. I really see the kitchen being the biggest project.

    • Ha … just focus on the view. 🙂 And I agree on all points, that cabinet set up is so weird! Some furniture, accessories and fresh paint should make a huge difference. I think lightening the baseboards, too. Dark brown in the Caribbean?!?!

  13. I think they picked Joel for the job in Aruba so they could secretly get you to come revamp the apartment. 🙂 You will have so much fun! Can’t wait to see your progress!

  14. I think open shelving in the kitchen will help the tile not be the focus of the room. View is fantastic. Can’t wait to see what you do!

    • I agree about that! I also need to figure out a way to make the colors in the dining room work with what we do in the kitchen. Right now it’s a bit off. 🙂

  15. I see a complete beachy/coastal theme going on. i actually dig the blue tile. i think the mircrowave hanging there makes it look a bit wonky. we can talk later when we are sitting on the porch having a cocktail.

  16. You are so right about the odd configuration in the kitchen and I wonder if we need any sort of drapes/blinds/etc. They would only be to block late afternoon sun, but might not be needed at all. 🙂

    • Surely you know how glaring and uncomfortable can be the late afternoon sun streaming into your living space ????Not to mention HOT!

      Do you not feel the need for privacy in your home? Maybe not draperies, but surely some sort of blind for some personal activities…….?

      I’d appreciate your thinking on this, as I have never lived so close to the sea in any age, never mind the modern age. But I’ve sure had that afternoon sun coming in………and if I ever win the lottery, it will help to have your perspective as i chose my Eden……LOL

      Wishing you all good things……

      • Hi mjhooper2013! Our apartment is on the 5th floor and privacy isn’t an issue. We have tested it from all available angles and times of day, you just can’t see in here from the beach. But, we have installed solar blinds in the living room behind the TV and we love them, they block a lot of heat and UV rays and make TV watching glare free. We plan to install a few more of those, and will be installing black out curtains in the master bedroom over time.

  17. Been chipping ice off my driveway for the last two hours since its 19 and sunny today in Iowa, this was a welcome edition to my inbox! So thanks for that!!

    The space really is great. I think paint and pretty drapes are always quick and easy solution for anything and everything. I really like the Aruba board you have created. International House hunters would have had this kitchen for lunch. I actually like the tile but there is alot of it. Even if you cant move elec and water, there are still significant improvements you can make to the design. If the support beam is load bearing I would wrap in wood and whitewash. Open shelves with wood running the length of the space and replace counter with butcher block. I would remove bar and create an island of sorts, maybe with cooktop. I would pick up the oven off the floor and remove the microwave. It hurts my eyes.

    The light is amazing. I know you will love it! How soon can you start on it?

    • That oven/microwave set up is an interesting one, isn’t it?!?! Things will take probably longer than I hope, with island time and all, but we have our first meeting next week to brainstorm ideas and at least try to get the ball rolling. I actually like the tile more in person, but there is way too much of it and with other changes, like dismounting the microwave I think it’s going to have to go. And I’d love to incorporate some wood details, hopefully they go for that, it’s not common down here. But I can be convincing. 🙂

  18. Really Karah???? Your stupid team wins AND you get to live there???? So totally not fair!

  19. What would I do if I had an unlimited budget ? GUT THE KITCHEN !!! It desperately needs it anyway and will only add to the value so they might as well let you do it.The rest is a piece of cake for you. Your clean fresh seashore decorating style will make it amazing. I can already see the crisp whites, soft blues and coastal decore.

    • That’s so nice to say, Pat. I see the same in terms of color and decor, hopefully the kitchen gut job is in the cards!

  20. Well if you wind up taking out the bedroom drapes, I’ll give you $20 to send them to me! They would be awesome in my living room!

    • Hahaha, I wish that would work, they are in really good shape, but would cost more to ship them than they’re worth. 🙁

  22. Keep the lamps. Definitely. The dishwasher is where it is because there is no room on the sink side of the kitchen. You’ll probably just have to live with that. The size of everything seems really nice. And there is the view… That carpet looks like wall to wall sisal and doesn’t seem too bad to me. Most dogs that I have known prefer carpet. I’ve known some that wouldn’t even go down wooden stairs. I was thinking about how wonderful that laundry room was – then I got the part about it being in the bathroom. Bummer. Another thing you will learn to live with! Which might not be too tough – just open the curtains and get back to the view as soon as possible…

    • Get back to the view, it’s nice that’s it’s pretty much around every corner. 🙂 The bathroom-laundry room has become a family joke since when I got here I was like “why would anyone use that toilet”, but it’s right by the living room. Maybe some shelves around the washer/dryer can help tie it all together. And Mico is all about the carpet, we actually added runners to the tiled hallways just for her. 🙂

  24. Hey Karah..Congratulations on moving to Paradise! Kitchen is my big one…and I too like the blue tiles…but there’s may be too much of a good thing..is that possible? I would for sure put up some open white shelving on the big wall with the microwave (can that come down?) For some reason I can’t stop looking at that tiles post. Not sure what you could do with it…box it in with some crisp white trim and maybe a decorative feature..too much? Depending on what’s under the carpet..maybe one of the cool new wood look laminates to keep with the easy clean island theme…and keep costs down…maybe a weathered grey? I’d put hidden rollup blinds on the windows for when I ABSOLUTELY had to cover them…and maybe a light breezy white sheer curtain just so it can blow in the breeze:) Seriously I have to give this some more thought…but I LOVE it…I could see myself visiting and making the laundry my quarters with en suite….I’d even do your laundry for you 🙂 I think you do need to live in it for a bit to see what works and what doesn’t…you may even have to lay on the beach for days mulling it over….
    That being said, I’m sure I’m gonna love whatever you do…and I can’t wait to see it!!!
    Take care,
    Wendy

    • Hahahah, I think you are so right, a few days on the beach to bull it over would do me good. 🙂 And, yes the tile is too much of a good thing, the microwave has to be relocated and open shelving is a must I think. I’ve learned the carpet needs to stay, but it’s in great shape and Mico loves it so I’m not going to complain about that. Maybe some large jute or sisal area rugs to define spaces will tone it down if it’s in the budget. Time will tell, thanks for following along!

  25. the view….oh, the view….a chair on the porch is all I need….
    you have my permission to do whatever inside…i trust your choices…
    enjoy and can’t wait to see what you do!

    • hahaha Donna! Thank you for the carte blanche, I’ll continue to ponder while gazing at the view. 🙂

  26. I am new here but thinking move the stove top to the left and a corner sink? Then move the dishwasher to the other side of the sink and you may have enough room for everything. What a beautiful place!

    • Hi Karen! Welcome! And thanks for the input, I have debated the corner sink idea, I’ve never had one and wonder about wasted space behind it? But yes, I can’t really complain. 🙂

  27. I love that view!! Wow! Hooray for a dishwasher. Can’t wait to see what you do.

  29. The first thing I’d do is pull that carpet up! And then I’d go hang out on the balcony with a drink and enjoy that fabulous view! Cheers, Karah! Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
    xo Heidi