Back To The Condo

Yesterday, I headed over to the condo.  I didn’t go to do any work.  I simply went to take inventory — to make a list — of all of the unfinished projects that I still need to finish before we get the condo on the market.

Oh my.  My list is much longer than I had anticipated.  Several of the things are just small things, like paint touch ups and such.  But there are also a couple of big projects.  One in particular is building the closets on either side of the bed in one of the bedrooms.

I had started this project a VERY long time ago (2010 to be exact), and then never finished them.

And now that I look at them, I’m very dissatisfied with the work I did on them anyway.  I’m planning on just starting over.  Let’s just say that I’ve learned quite a bit about building since then, and this is one project that I never, ever should have used MDF and MDF boards on.  I’ll be starting over with plywood and real wood lumber.

This room needs the hanging storage because I converted the closet into shelves and drawers.

And I’d rather add more storage rather than convert the original closet back to its original configuration with a hanging clothes bar.  More storage is always a bonus when trying to sell a tiny condo!

And as much as I love the grasscloth, I’ll be removing it, as well as the chair rail, and painting the walls all one solid color.  Yes, probably neutral.  I just know that grasscloth is one of those things that people either love or hate.  And people with severe allergies generally see it as a dust magnet.  So it needs to go.

That’s really all of the “neutralizing” I’m going to do in this condo.  The rest of it — my turquoise cabinets, yellow walls, green chandelier, and everything else — will stay, and I’ll just hope and pray that a buyer comes along who loves what I’ve done. Considering that most of the condos in the building still look like this…

…and ours looks like this…

…and most of them have eating areas that look like this…

…while ours looks like this…

…I’m hoping it will really catch someone’s eye!

Plus, there’s all of the extra storage that I added in the living room…

I can say with absolute assurance that no other condo in this condo complex has anything like that.  🙂

But you can see that I never finished the trim along the bottom, and I never repaired the wainscoting on the side walls.  Those things are on my very long list of things to finish.

There’s a lot to be done — lots of little finishing projects, and one or two bigger ones — but I’m hoping for a good outcome once it’s all finished.  It’ll definitely take a special buyer to come along and see this place for the jewel it is.  I can’t imagine an investor looking for a rental property being interested at all.  He or she would only see all of the colors, and everything that needs to be “neutralized” to make it appealing to the masses.

But I can certainly see a Baylor girl whose parents have offered to buy her a condo coming along and falling in love with it.

And even though it’s taken a year for me to get my stuff together and finally get started on this, I can’t help but think that it might turn out for the better that I took so long.  Now that the new Baylor stadium is finished and in use, and Baylor is growing so fast that they can’t seem to build housing fast enough, it seems like property values and interest in Baylor properties are soaring.  And our condo is located within walking distance to Baylor campus.

So I’m hoping and praying that it all works out, and that I can get this finished quickly and we can sell it quickly.  But none of that will happen if I don’t actually get started.  🙂

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81 Comments

  1. I really love your updates & additions to the kitchen, especially the color of the cabinets and the wall decor. It seems that more and more people are tending to gravitate toward color – it’ll make a nice find for someone!

  2. I seriously love that condo.

    I know you said you weren’t going to reuse anything from the condo in your house, but I was wondering, after going back there after all of this time, if you might have seen something that you now feel compelled to bring over.

  3. Hope the right BU student comes along for you. When I worked in the freshman hall, it seems like the students started looking for their new home in January and February.

      1. If Our family wasn’t so big and it wasn’t so far, I would love to live there, it is gorgeous! I love Condos!

      2. Oh my, as a Californian, I almost spit out my drink at that price. I may need to move to Texas. I see why parents would buy a condo for their kids for college–it’s probably cheaper than renting! Personally, I wouldn’t change a thing in that condo, except for finishing up anything that’s undone. Are you selling it furnished?

        1. I’m in Los Angeles – my first thought was that she left a 0 out. Things are truly different on the West Coast.

  4. Your kitchen and dining areas are wonderful! Considering the clientele that will be drawn to your condo, if it were me I would leave the grass cloth and see how it goes…

    I was wondering if you happened to do a blog post on making those built ins. I would love to do that in my living room…

      1. That’s exactly what I was thinking – if the rest of the house caters to a particular taste, why change the bedroom?

        Also, a comment on yesterday’s post: have you thought of making the ottoman seat into the mud room’s back instead of seat? You wouldn’t need to resize it then (and I just love tufted backs personally)!

        1. I love that idea! I’m gonna do it! I’ll want to get more of that fabric so that I can do a simple (as in, not tufted) seat cushion to go with it, but using the tufted one as the back will really show it off better. Great idea!

    1. You could just offer to remove the grass cloth as a condition of the sale if the buyer so chose. Then you might be able to get out of doing it all together and it might actually help to sell it ‘if’ the right buyer comes along. I would give it 30 days and get some feedback. If people aren’t liking it you could also just go ahead at that point and remove it. The less you have to do to move it the better, especially if it’s a sellers market.

  5. I wouldn’t change a d*** thing in there… it is gorgeous..!! Places sell looking way worse then yours,as a matter of fact look how it was when you bought it, just saying…!!! I can’t believe you have sat on that place for so long when you could have so more “play” money for your current house… I hope you show all of it when it is finished… I’d LOVE to have it for myself…!!!

    1. Tammy, I concur. It is absolutely charming!!! I LOVE the bright happy colors! If I were looking in your area, I would put an offer in for sure!

      How many square feet is this gem?

      The hanging storage issue in the bedroom needs resolution tho.

      Maybe a bed with drawers on the bottom would be advisable for this room if it is as small as you say it is.

      Deb

  6. I love what you have done to the condo – I think you have excellent taste – wish you could help me decorate my home.

  7. I wouldn’t worry about those little things, or even consider changing the bedroom. It looks so great, besides the fact that other touch-ups might just be up the new purchaser’s alley. They will be able to see the potential beyond the little things that are needed. It’s a Baylor students dream condo! OK, if you must, finish your closet project because storage is always a plus, but the wallpaper, paint touch-ups, trim, can be done by the new owner. They will see it as a small thing compared to all the beautiful additions already in the space. Just my opinion. I would save all my creative energy towards the new house.

    1. Funny, I just thought the other way round: Don’t go to any length building anything new, but finish all the little touch-ups and things such as missing baseboards in order for the condo to look in top condition!
      Anyway, it’s nice to see the pictures again after following you thorugh that space for such a long time, and even though your house is a gerat new play field I still have to say how much I admire that condo!! Happy person who is going to fall in love with it 🙂

      1. As a Realtor, of course I have to stick my nose in this. Definitely finish the touch-ups. Buyers always look at unfinished projects and wonder what else is not done that they can’t see. And they will try to negotiate a lower price (“well, now, I’d have to do more work on it than I wanted to, so…”). Best to remove any objections right off the bat.

        Personally, I wouldn’t remove the wallpaper or paint any of the walls. They look great as they are.

    2. absolutely, finish the storage and bit of trim, touch up the paint and move on, your condo is outstanding the way it is compared to the others around you, a true jewel. A prospective buyer will love that the condo is unique and stylish compared to the others. Oh and leave the grass cloth on the walls it is an expensive, class act. 🙂
      Most of what you do will in all probabilty be undone by new owner anyway, I spent 70k updating my former home and when I sold the first thing the new owners did was tear out all the new carpet restain the hardwoods and changed out over a 100 foot of railing and bannisters, oh and changed the stairs direction, they did not tear out the new kitchen cabinets guess all that granite and tile was too big a job LOL.

  8. Dear Kristi, I never comment on your posts (LOVE them all), but I feel I need to plead with you here. Your condo is amazing! I know you want to broaden your buyer pool buy neutralizing things like the grass cloth and colors in your bedroom, but please know that there are many MANY buyers out there the would LOVE that added character! Most people wouldn’t think about allergies that could potentially come along with the wallpaper (I have terrible allergies, and I sure didn’t think of that!). If a buyer is willing to accept the awesome teal kitchen cabinets and all your other beautiful touches, they will love the grasscloth and chair rail and colors in your bedroom! Poo on “neutral”! Keep it amazing! You will find the right buyer, and I believe, very quickly! Just finish those closets out and be proud of the work you did in there (and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with MDF, personally). Not just someONE, but many people will appreciate it! I know I would! With much love and admiration I say this to you! 🙂

    1. Hmmm…you have me rethinking the grasscloth now. 🙂

      MDF is generally fine to build with, and I’ve done many projects using it. In fact, when the finish product is going to be painted, it’s generally my material of choice because it’s so smooth, and cheaper than plywood. But in this case, I’m just concerned about the fact that these are supposed to have hanging bars in them that presumably will hold lots of clothes, which can be very heavy. I’d feel much better about it if those bars were attached to plywood rather than MDF. 🙂

      1. I would def not take the grass cloth down. It’s beautiful and add value in this case. If, and only if, there was negative feedback on it would I take it down.

      2. From the pics it looks like you’ve used 3/4″ MDF. That should be plenty strong and stable enough to support short rods for hanging clothes.

        I would just finish painting and trimming those units out and be done with it. As others have pointed out – you can’t anticipate the wants and needs of every potential buyer. As long as what you’ve got is well built and finished it should be fine.

      3. IMHO, rather than tear out the closets beside the bed, just reinforce the hanging bars with a length of wood going all the way up then paint them the same color as the inside of the closet. You could even add several support notches up and down to make the rods adjustable, you know, for tall guys and short gals! 😉

        Your condo is far and away better than others in the same area, with tons of extra storage and loads of character. The built-ins will be a terrific selling feature.

      4. I agree with the others, leave the grass cloth. Realtors tell ya all the time to neutralize and then people go in and add all kinds of color anyway. I’d leave it and list as “personally decorated by designer Kristi Linauer” and I’m seriously not kidding on that.
        As for the closet MDF, why not switch back to the original closet and make the MDF closets the storage? Put shelves in, a few open next to the bed and some closed. They’ll still get the storage, have a full closet and you won’t be living there so it doesn’t matter if you’d have liked it better the other way right? Its all about offering storage and it would save you all the work of ripping it out and starting over and It would get it on the market faster. It’d be best if it was on the market at the same time as the one next door. Just a thought…

      5. if they keep it. if it where me i would convert the original closet back and then i would have more room for my bed and tables.

      6. Hi Kristi,
        Long time lurker here, but I HAD to comment on the MDF for a closet and hanging rod. We built a 24″ wide set 10 years ago and installed a hanging rod that my husband added blocks of wood at the ends to mount to for long screws. It has held up all this time – no sagging, etc. You could certainly “dress” those blocks up. The MDF hasn’t bowed from the weight or anything – it looks the same as the day we finished. We plan to build another wardrobe system in the new renovation we are doing. And the smooth finish is beautiful, as you already know.
        Love your blog and projects.

    2. Kristie, I agree with Angie, the walls are beautiful. If someone wants to change them after its sold fine, but i think the walls add character!! I think its a plus if you leave them.

    3. I third this motion. If the rest of the place was on the bland side I would say yes do it. But it’s not, and I completely agree that someone that is going to fall in love with the other upgrades you have made will appreciate the work in the bedroom as well. Finish up the closet business and leave the grasscloth and paint as is. It’s really very lovely.

  9. I want to buy the condo. Too bad We live in Utah. With 4 kids. 🙂 It will be snatched right up. And if it isn’t, then it is probably just a wonky time in the market.

  10. Yeah- I wouldn’t worry about the grasscloth- save your time and energy. Your unit is NOT decrepit or in poor repair and is as turn-key and designer as it gets. If you find you can’t sell it- then reconsider because if it’s not “neutral” enough with the paint- you’ll have more work on your hands if you have to neutralize that awesome kitchen. :/ I think the demographic you will be targeting won’t care for the most part- and if they do- it’s their paint choice, time and energy. Just finish the un-done stuff and be done. Yours already stands out above all the other cookie cutter units. Anything else is negotiable. I understand replacing the closet shelving because it probably will hold a lot. When we sold our house we were willing to put in a carpet stipend and the money for the one window in the kitchen we didn’t replace. Our awesome agent said- NO! If they have issue with it- they will ask for it. If it’s not broken don’t fix it. We had the carpet cleaned (as in renting one and doing it ourself) and replaced the screen on the window. No issues. 😀 But we were ready to be done and out of there. Whoever buys your condo is already getting a awesome place. 😀

  11. I personally like the bedroom walls and would leave them as is but I would reverse the closet and cabinets. I’d put shelves behind doors next to the bed and put hanging poles back in the closet with a closet door. Every time I see a draped closet I think “teenager”.

    1. I too think “teenager” BUT I think that closet is just beautifully done. I’d just remove the drapery and let it stand alone.

      Ditto the others too on leaving the grasscloth of all the “non-neutral” elements in your condo it made me laugh that THAT’S the one you choose to neutralize. 🙂

  12. I agree that the grasscloth adds value and I’d like to see it stay. Personally, I’m not a fan of the closets beside the bed. However, remembering back eons ago to my college years, the additional storage shelves in the redone closet and built-ins in the living room and dining room would absolutely sell me on the unit. I think the redone bedroom closet is so pretty. If I were buying the condo, the first thing I would do is remove that curtain and go back to your post where you trimmed out the doorways in the house and use it as a guide to trim out the door frame to that closet. What a lovely focal point that would be. Is that weird, to want to focus on a closet? Oh well, a decorator I am not, but I know what I like and I really like that closet! 🙂

  13. I love it! I’m certain you’ll get a great price for it. I love all the extra storage. Something I’m seriously lacking in my home. I love the colors, it’s very pretty, and updated. Good luck!

  14. I agree with most of these posts. Do the finishing touches, clean really well, stage it with a college girly girl in mind. (Baylor mascot somewhere in the entertaining area, party bucket in team colors on the counter, throw across the sofa or bed) you get the picture… Look into reinforcing the area only where the rods will hang in the closets, nice doors on them (similar to your design on your barn doors or something simpler?) pipe for rods & a flange to attach across bed & wall to wall, add lights over bed incorporated into pipe, girls always read in bed) touch up paint, seal the grass cloth if you’re concerned about dust & allergies. A think like a college girl & target that demographic. I might even ask a student for their ideas. Try to market if without any major changes & only make changes that buyers seem necessary. Good luck & don’t sweat the small stuff. Love everything you do!

  15. I’ve always LOVED your condo! 1. Leave the grasscloth- they can always remove it or seal it, 2. There are lots of MDF closet systems out there- and these aren’t so wide that there will be tons of clothes hanging- just anchor your rod into the wall really well, paint and add some trim, 3. Do finish the LR trim and wainscoting otherwise it will look like an unfinished DIY project when it’s really an awesome project giving more much-needed storage, 4. Make sure you provide some of your pics to the realtor (not all realtors are great at taking pictures or bother to hire someone) to use in the listing so that your projects are highlighted! Good luck… I’m sure it will sell quickly! 🙂

  16. Are the built ins by the bed at your condo so close to the bed that it is difficult to change the bedding? Wasn’t sure, but it looks like it from the picture. If someone moves in with a different size bed (larger?) than what you had, it “could” be a game changer. I agree with the others who advise only doing your finishing touch ups and leave the remainder the wonderful way it is. You are so good at putting up with those of us who add our two cents worth when you haven’t even asked for our opinions. Look forward every day for your posts!

  17. I have to agree with, well, pretty much everyone’s comments! Loved Alta’s idea to reinforce MDF with say a 2×4 for the clothes rods and yes! Leave the grass paper on – it is high end! Finish the actual repairs/missing trim/paint touch ups and be done with it! Me thinks you are over-thinking things – buyers will ALWAYS choose to change something no matter how great that “something” is. Let them do/pay for it!

  18. I forwarded your blog link to a friend and he asked me for an address. Do you mind giving it to me? Love your work so much! Thanks!

  19. Please, please, please do NOT take down that grasscloth!! Sure, if it sits on the market for weeks with no offers and the feedback is that many potential buyers aren’t making an offer because of it (which I highly doubt!) then consider taking it down. Other than that, just finish unfinished projects, clean, and get it on the market asap! I have a daughter at a large university and right NOW is when the apartment complexes are getting the kids to sign leases for next August. You want it out there as an option for parents considering the buying option before signing a lease for their student..

  20. Maybe if you changed the color of the paint below the Grasscloth to a shade closer to it. You would get a more neutral look.

    1. That’s EXACTLY what I was thinking… But I’d only paint / ‘neutralize’ if it didn’t sell and that was feedback from realtor!
      Do the bits and get it sold. You could spend months on it getting it ‘perfect’ for you… But really don’t

      1. Half my comment disappeared…

        Remember how excited you were to put your own stamp on your very first place??
        Love all you do!
        Claire x

  21. I think with you college buyers market you are going to find that the young people will love your colorful condo. And the grass cloth walls. Will you leave the dining table and chairs? It finishes the kitchen so well. I agree finish the closet and touch up the paint and stage for college girls. It will sell and soon. Then you will have money to Kristin your house!

  22. I changed my whole house to greys when I listed it an it sold within days but now I’m having fun painting our new fixer upper. You inspired me to use a blue teal in my dining room. May still change it to a dark charcoal but will live with it through Christmas. Lol

  23. If I were you I would complete all the finishing work and leave the rest as is..If the closets are prevenging a buyer from purchasing the unit you can offer them a credit of make the changes before the coe.

  24. Most likely you’ll not recover the extra $ and time you put into those changes. A young couple or college student will be thrilled to get what you’ve already done.

  25. I wouldn’t touch a THING that you’ve done! Finding a place so beautifully decorated is as rare as chicken’s teeth! I think there are a LOT of people like me who would LOVE this condo, but don’t have the time, money or inclination to do it themselves. Just finish what you’ve started so it shows to its best advantage. If the realtor gets negative feedback after showings, then consider “neutering” your cute little condo!

  26. I think your condo is darling and will be snapped up in no time! I love the grasscloth in the bedroom, and the way you have your closet set up. I agree with previous posters that your MDF closet sides will be plenty sturdy. Most of the $1000+ each Pottery Barn closets are made from MDF, and those modular closet systems are made from MDF. And I’ll bet none of them are as well-built as what you already have done! I’m sure it’ll turn out gorgeous! You may end up with a bidding war! 🙂

  27. Your condo is adorable! I have a question about the closets beside the bed that you built… Why no MDF?? Will it warp? Too heavy? I’m just curious -I’d love to tear out the closet in my son’s room and use that floor space to put a desk and chair. I want to do closets on either side of his bed, too, to replace the clothing storage I tear out. I certainly won’t use MDF if it’s bad for some reason. What ever Kristi does, I will do! 🙂

  28. Leave the glass cloth & paint colors. Unless you have walls painted black or red leave as is. You have great taste. Just finish the wainscot & closets & any other trim. People usually expect to paint even if it’s plain white they will repaint in colors. I was at a clients home the other day that they had just bought for $400,000 & she had just taken down what she called ugly wallpaper. I didn’t see it but it appeared that it wasn’t a deal breaker. Just fix anything that’s broken. Your condo will be based on the comps in the area anyway. It’s the added things that make your home sell faster & you’ve upgraded the kitchen & baths which is the main things people look at. Your realtor will tell you if there is anything that has to be changed. Don’t kill yourself or your wallet.

  29. My first house (bought on my own) was a condo, not nearly as cute as yours. Now married I live in a 3 bedroom ranch with too much storage and too much stuff. I miss my simple condo life and will really miss it this weekend when I am raking leaves. I love your condo and the colors, and those dreamy wood counters. Best of luck on a quick sale.

  30. Hi, absolutely love your condo, and l do agree with some comments about leaving the grasscloth, it looks great..!! Can you come to Kenya and do my house? I painted my living and dining area ‘burnt orange’ and now its chocking me…:)

  31. I love what you did with the kitchen! It’s small details that make all the difference (lighting, carpet – huge fan of striped rugs).

    BTW. Are those cats alive?

  32. Can’t imagine the condo would not sell in a NY minute. It is adorable. Possibly for a new professor or even a young assistant coach and wife. So many options when you are close to a University. You are also right, I am sure there are plenty of well to do families that have more than one kid going to their Alma Mater. It could be a real investment for someone who has just two kids matriculating. Much cheaper than rent, I would imagine, and also, a whole lot nicer. Does the building offer any amenities? Blessings

  33. My husband is a realtor and we both flip houses. DO NOT remove the grass cloth just add the hanging closet space. Your unit is probably much better than anything else on the market in your complex so it should sell quickly because of your upgrades. Love your work by the way!

  34. Your condo is great and with those last minute ‘fixes’ it should sell easily. You have maximum storage and it has a great eating/kitchen area. Well done and good luck in selling it.

  35. I agree with the others who said they would not change a thing. Just finish the unfinished projects and go for it! With its lovely fresh decor, your condo is like walking into a model home. After probably seeing condos that are outdated, dirty, or simply all white yours will seem like a dream. With all you have on your plate at your house, I would leave it just as it is (gorgeous), finish the unfinished, and use your time elsewhere.If the area is mostly students or young singles or couples, they may just love having a perfectly decorated home to move into especially as it was done by a professional interiors decorator. (But they will love showing it off to friends and family. While it may necessary to “neutralize” most condos before selling, your does not fall into that category.

  36. When I sold my first house it had a red kitchen, green living room, blue bedrooms and yellow bathroom! The young couple that bought it loved all the color and that the painting and flooring was done. Finish things that are undone and be prepared for a bidding war! Think of all that extra cash to put towards house projects!!

  37. I think you’ll be surprised how many people will be happy to have a place with the color already in it! I love it! It is so beautiful! And if you don’t bring things to the new house…I’d gladly drive down from Dallas and pay you some cash for that fish scale art from your kitchen. I keep trying to reproduce something close….and for what I spend in supplies…..

  38. It would be so ironic if that annoying student neighbor who complained about your daytime power tool sounds bought it. If you see her coming, raise the price.

  39. This is such a great condo. You did a beautiful job. I so wish I had a reason to own it and come visit Texas… I’m hoping you manage to sell it before you put it on the market!