Behind the Build: 2004 Odd Job Lane (Store-bought)

(For a complete pictorial chronicle, see the Webshots album listed on the left.)

Strictly speaking, this house has no "behind the build" type of story that my other houses have. The house was a kit with completely finished rooms and came with wonderful furniture. I bought it Christmas 2004 from Odd Job Stores (a discount store) in my town. It was displayed at the entrance of the store and looked so welcoming that even I (who only "roll my own") could not resist. The house just captured my fancy. I make no excuses! I had to have it! It is a front-opening, six-room house, and is made of 3/8" MDF.

Soon, I was at home putting it together. It was a very easy build -- the pieces just slid into one another. The doors had to be hinged but all hardware was supplied and pilot holes were already drilled.

I like all the wallpaper patterns but I do not like that the wallpaper is glossy. (Perhaps I should spray it with a clear matt spray.) The floors are paper covered, also. These papers are usually damaged when I move something put in place with "sticky wax". So far, I am living with those drawbacks. The other thing is that while the dining room and kitchen are a nice size (11 1/2" x 13"), the other rooms are only about 11 1/2" by 11". The walls are 10" high.

Dorothea and Edmond (Ned) Rumford live in this Queen Anne style townhouse located in Alexandria, Virginia.

I did make some changes to the house as directed by the new home owners:
1. I replaced original dark wood kitchen cabinets with white.....
2. I changed the dining room solid door to a French door.....
3. I removed the doors from the living room and den and added faux, open pocket doors since the rooms are small.
4. I added a fireplace in the living room and den. I cut through the walls to make a slight firebox for them.
5. I kept the living room furniture but added some nice pieces including a vintage piece by Fantastic Miniatures, a pre-Bespaq company........
6. The den was originally a nursery. I added all new furniture including some nice Shackman pieces.....
7. The bedroom furniture was replaced by wonderful Sonia Messer pieces.....
8. The bathroom set was perfect and included a separate shower.....
9. The stairs were painted white. I repainted the treads and banister a wood-tone brown.....
10. I hung curtains, added rugs, curios, pictures, etc.

At one point, I considered making the living room and den deeper but decided against it. I think the house has considerable charm as is. I may add crown moulding, though.

I am planning to put some landscaping around the house. Since it is a townhouse and quite close to its neighbors, I will do something charming but small. I have a lovely white (wire) gazebo for their yard.

Well, that is about it for the "build"!