We Did It!
It took a little over a year for this project to get underway. Mike and I are novices when it comes to remodeling our home in Santa Barbara. Through so many trials and tears (mine), we finally picked the right contractor, started the work in late August, and on the Fourth of July, the project was complete.
She’s 70 Years Old
This home has been in our hands since 1988 and was built in the early 1950s. We have always used it as a rental. While our son Mikos was attending Westmont College, this was his home. He, along with two roommates and several dogs, occupied the house. Needless to say, it was well lived-in and much neglected.
The Fire
During the time Mikos was living there, the most unthinkable thing happened — the house caught on fire. Soon after, the worst rainstorm Santa Barbara had experienced in 50 years swept through. We filed two insurance claims, and this became our one opportunity to do a cosmetic remodel. Some of the windows were replaced and a new roof was added.
You can read about the fire in this blog: “The Santa Barbara House Fire.”
Eighteen-Year Tenants
For the last 18 years, a family had called our home their own. A family of four, they had long since outgrown the two-bedroom, one-bath cottage. When they graciously gave their notice, we knew it was time to do some remodeling.
To the Bones
What we did not realize was how quickly the project would take on a life of its own. Stripping the cottage down to the studs revealed her age — she desperately needed all-new electrical wiring, which was never in the budget. The Little Yellow House also needed a new roof. It was a Pandora’s box of surprises. The plumbing added yet another layer of unexpected expense. At every turn, we could hear cha-ching! We were not prepared for this adventure.
Kathy and Sean
Our contractors were a godsend. They are the owners of 805 Flooring in Santa Barbara and, together, knew exactly what we envisioned — guiding us every step of the way. More than anything, I wanted yellow kitchen cabinets, but custom-built cabinetry made that option out of reach. So Kathy and I decided instead to paint the French doors a butter yellow. From there, I also wanted a Dutch door — and again, Kathy had the perfect solution: customize the existing front door and paint it to match. Our original front door, easily 20-something years old, got a major facelift. It was sawed in half and transformed into a beautiful yellow Dutch door.
Kathy helped with so many details — lighting, bathroom sinks, mirrors, and tile for both bathrooms. She wears many hats, and one added bonus is her natural eye for design. Logistically, it was nearly impossible for us to weigh in on every decision from a distance, so we trusted Kathy to curate the options. My only directive was to keep it feeling like a cottage by the sea — colors that echoed the sun and the water.
The Second Bathroom
This was my top priority — something I fought for every step of the way. I cannot tell you how many prayers went up for this to be accomplished. Mike wanted it too, but struggled with fitting it into the budget. In the end, we reached a happy compromise and were able to add it to phase two of the project.
The Furniture
It pays to be a hoarder. Back in the 1980s, we purchased a beautiful brass bed. When we eventually upgraded to a new bed, I asked Mike to store the brass one in the garage — where it sat for over 25 years. We cleaned it up, and it found new life as the centerpiece of one of the guest bedrooms.
An antique dresser from my home in Orange now sits alongside the brass bed, and together they make for a cozy, welcoming space.
We did purchase all new mattresses as well. Nightstands were ordered from Amazon — which Mike had to assemble — along with the coffee table and bar stools. This past weekend, however, I ordered what I believed to be a tall, slender cabinet. The photo on Amazon showed it styled with rolled bath towels and large bottles of hair shampoo. I was very wrong. It is so tiny it could fit in a dollhouse. Next time, check the measurements first!
The Drives
The road to Santa Barbara always started the same way: with a prayer. There is no counting how many trips we made to Santa Barbara during this time. All that can be said is that it was a genuine sacrifice. Getting up at 4:30 a.m. to beat the L.A. traffic was no small thing — though, if truth be told, it was easier for me than for poor Mike, who drove the entire way up and back. Shamefully, I did my share of complaining: I’m so tired. I’m hungry. I need to use the restroom. Mike, on the other hand, was as gracious as could be — but he had one rule.
The Restroom Rule
Mike’s rule was simple: one stop only, and it could not be in Los Angeles. Why? Because no one in that city will let you use their facilities. If nature called before we cleared the city, it had to wait until Calabasas. And he was absolutely right. The restrooms in Los Angeles are a battle in themselves — attendants are unhelpful and will turn you away with lame excuses like out of order. Needless to say, that lesson was learned the hard way.
The Celebration
When we arrived on Friday, we got straight to work preparing the house. Every pillow received a protective covering, and the last bedroom was made up — you guessed it — with a butter yellow bedspread from Amazon. A few repurposed pillows later, it was done. The sofa was finally delivered, and it was time to celebrate.
Of course, Mike made dinner reservations. To be clear, it is not that thoughtfulness is beyond reach — it simply is not a natural gift.
Chuck’s of Hawaii turned out to be one of the best meals we have had in Santa Barbara. A cocktail of choice is usually a screwdriver, but this was a Hawaiian restaurant — so a Mai Tai seemed only right. There must be something in the water in this town, because between Joe’s Café and Chuck’s of Hawaii, the drinks have a way of catching you off guard. One was all it took. From there, the evening was pure joy, the food rich with the bold flavors of Hawaii. Let’s just say that when it comes to alcohol, one drink is more than enough!
My Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for being part of every step of this project. Without You in our daily lives, there is no telling where we would be. Through all the tears and disagreements, we made it — and we are forever grateful. Grant us wisdom in how to care for our Little Yellow House. Amen.
