Closing next week on our 1st condo purchase!

**Mermaid** · 08-12-2005, 09:16 AM

Hello everyone. The very first time my husband and I ever visited the beaches of South Walton was sixteen years ago, with a six-month old and a two year old, and it was love at first sight! We've just returned to our home in Indianapolis after a glorious week with our now sixteen year old (and friend) and eighteen year old (bringing girlfriend). We all loved it just as much as we ever have.

So much so that we bought a condo while we were down at the beach. It's very modest--a 500 square foot studio at Hidden Beach Villas in Seagrove Beach--but we're very excited about it and happy to get our foot in the door in this little bit of paradise.

We're planning on renting it out because until our youngest goes off to college in two years, the liklihood of our making impromptu trips down to the beach is slim (sigh, sigh).

Our studio is very dated. The couch's colors are teal, pink, and taupe in an exhuberant Florida pattern, just to give you an idea! The recliner is classic Barko-lounger. It's in decent shape, though. My inclination is to toss everything and start fresh, but what with a new mortgage and college tuition, we're going to have to pace ourselves.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to gently (as in gentle on the wallet) bring our condo into the modern world? I am creative and my husband is an engineer who can do anything and build everything. This is what we have planned so far:

- pulling up the old carpet and putting down Pergo
- replacing kitchen and bath faucets and installing new brushed nickel bathroom hardware like towel bars, etc.
- stocking kitchen with good dishes and cutlery, pots and pans
- buying new bed linens and pillows

To give you an idea of what our condo is like, take a look at Garrett Realty's rental site. They have about 15 listings of rentals at Hidden Beach Villas. There are only one or two which look snazzy; the rest are ordinary looking like the one we bought. We want to make our rental stand out from the rest! Any thoughts/advice from all of you experienced beach people? This is a whole new ballgame for us and we want to start out right!

Oh, we plan to paint. Does anyone have a favorite paint store, prefereably one that will help us pick a color that will make our couch "disappear?"

Thanks everyone!

**beachmouse** · 08-12-2005, 10:16 AM

Congrats on your purchase!

For a beach condo, I'd be inclined to go with tile instead of wood or wood laminate flooring. You're going to get a lot of sand, water, suntan lotion, etc. on the floor, and tile is going to be more durable, and will hide small overuse scars better.

For hardware, check Target as well as the usual home improvement places. They've got some fun and funky towel bars and drawer pulls.

**Smiling JOe** · 08-12-2005, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Mermaid

Oh, we plan to paint. Does anyone have a favorite paint store, prefereably one that will help us pick a color that will make our couch "disappear?"

Thanks everyone!

For local paint stores, try Frank's Hardware in the back of Mystic Port at Grayton on Hwy 283. If you ask, they will keep your paint color in their computer, so that you will not have to guess what color you had in the event of needing to repaint. They carry Benjamin Moore paints. As a second choice, Sherwin Williams is a little farther up the street. Expect both of these choices to do nothing more than mix your paints. For color help, you should ask a friend who knows a thing or two about colors/paint, or try an interior decorator.

I echo the tile idea instead of wood or laminate.

**Mermaid** · 08-12-2005, 11:56 AM

Thanks for the welcome and the suggestions! We'd love to put in tile but have only one week to tear the condo apart and re-do it. My husband has laid tile floors before and it's fairly labor intensive. That's why we thought we'd do the laminate flooring. It's not likely that sand will be dragged in because the condo is across the road, so I don't think that's a worry. Any other ideas if not laminate or tile (and not carpet; that's what we're removing)?

Do most of you go to Destin or PCB for your shopping at places like Target? We're bringing a lot of stuff down with us but we always forget something! Which place is more convenient for quick runs? In all our years of visiting, we've limited our shopping to the cute little boutiques and the grocery and liquor stores. Never any place practical like Target. :laughing1

**Miss Kitty** · 08-12-2005, 11:57 AM

CONGRATULATIONS MERMAID!!!! I hope you and your family have many happy times in your new place.

**Donna** · 08-12-2005, 12:26 PM

Congrats on your new beach digs! Frank's Hardware has a wonderful paint selection and a list of painters. We like Mickey Hollman (850)838-0778, who lives in the Grayton area and is very reliable, cleans up well afterwards. As for furnishings, outdoor items from Scavenger's on the old beach road in Panama City, indoor furnishings from a reasonable local place that will deliver or from Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn (if you can be there for delivery). I furnished our kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room completely via the Bed, Bath & Beyond Web site, sent the items to our housekeeper, who put everything away. There is a great Bed Bath & Beyond at Hwy. 98 and the Mid-Bay Bridge road, northwest corner. I found a lot of cute beach-oriented furnishings, bedding, and lamps from the National Wildlife Catalog www.shop.nwf.org and part of every purchase goes to wildlife and marine life protection. Finally, I have found a wealth of accessories and art from The Shops at Grayton. Remember to have at least one item that will make your renters smile as soon as hey come into your new nest. Good luck!

**Donna** · 08-12-2005, 12:28 PM

P.S. Assuming that ugly sofa is still serviceable, cover it up with a denim (or other durable) slipcover that can be washed as needed. We like white ones because you can add bleach if needed and it looks fresh and bright. But denim is probably more reasonable and is also a good look for the beach.

**Mermaid** · 08-12-2005, 12:44 PM

Thank you, everyone! I honestly can't wait to get down to the beach and rolling up my sleeves and start working.

Slipcovers are a great idea but the real challenge will be finding one that won't be a hassle to work with since the sofa is a sleeper. I'll have to start googling it. My husband pointed out that our guests wouldn't like the bother of having to undo a slipcover just to let their kids sleep at night and I guess he has a point. Grrrrr! What I'd like is a nice new sofa...

Our dining room set is rattan. Not the updated West Indian look that is darker and warmer, but the kind that has a whitish tinge to it. Has anyone attempted repainting or staining rattan or should I just change the upholstered seat to some cheerful new fabric and forget the rest?

What I'd love to see are some really good "before and after" photos to encourage me! Anyone?

**beachmouse** · 08-12-2005, 01:03 PM

There's also a Linnens'n'Things kitty-corner to the Destin Bloodbath & Beyond. New Target in Destin is supposed to open up the first week in October. Once that goes live, it's probably an easier trip there than to Panama City.

My mom has had good results spray painting wicker. Lets you get all the paint in the nooks and crannies in a way you can't with a brush.

For budget plates and silverware, try Olde Time Pottery in Destin. Realistically for a rental, you want it to be nice, but not too expensive because you're going to get some breakage and shrinkage.

For art, maybe some framed local seafood/arts festival posters would work well.

**BeachDreamer** · 08-12-2005, 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by Mermaid

Our dining room set is rattan. Not the updated West Indian look that is darker and warmer, but the kind that has a whitish tinge to it. Has anyone attempted repainting or staining rattan or should I just change the upholstered seat to some cheerful new fabric and forget the rest?

I've seen rattan spray painted, with great results. You could choose the West Indies darker brown color, and change the seat cushions, for a whole new look. Congrats on your studio! That is exciting!

**drsvelte** · 08-12-2005, 01:10 PM

Congratulations, too

Our first property was in condition alot like yours. Pastel "beach" colors, worn carpets, dated furniture. I think the biggest bang for the buck is paint. This can make a big difference in up-dating the look. We took our time and completely redid it in about three years.

Destin has several consignment furniture stores that you might check out. Friends of ours purchased a nearly new leather sectional for about half-price from Upscale Resale on Airport road.

There will be a brand new Target opening in Destin this fall.

**Mermaid** · 08-12-2005, 01:16 PM

This is wonderful! I am SO relieved that rattan can be painted. My friend has already offered to lend us her sprayer so I think we will bring it down with us. I'm afraid we're not really "pastel" people so the thoughts of that pale rattan was giving me the heebie-jeebies. Even more than the couch I'm having issues with! I like the idea of giving it a new color.

From all the posts I've read (I was the world's biggest lurker before buying our condo) it seems to be a real "catch 22" about furnishing a condo/cottage that you intend to rent.

On the one hand, you want to do it up nicely but on the other hand you don't want things to walk away because they're too nice! I'm already wondering if I should bring my nice Pottery Barn coasters to the beach or keep them up here in Indianapolis. I could say they were only a $14 investment, but what if they didn't last through the first ten renters that came to our place? Ah, decisions, decisions. I have the feeling we're embarking on an interesting phase of our lives!

**Smiling JOe** · 08-12-2005, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by Mermaid

Thanks for the welcome and the suggestions! We'd love to put in tile but have only one week to tear the condo apart and re-do it. My husband has laid tile floors before and it's fairly labor intensive. That's why we thought we'd do the laminate flooring. It's not likely that sand will be dragged in because the condo is across the road, so I don't think that's a worry. Any other ideas if not laminate or tile (and not carpet; that's what we're removing)?

Do most of you go to Destin or PCB for your shopping at places like Target? We're bringing a lot of stuff down with us but we always forget something! Which place is more convenient for quick runs? In all our years of visiting, we've limited our shopping to the cute little boutiques and the grocery and liquor stores. Never any place practical like Target. :laughing1

I never go beyond Lake Powell to the east and the Discount Stores to the west from Memorial Day through Labor Day, unless it is 7:00am. I would rather do without something than to sit in that traffic.

"It's not likely that sand will be dragged in because the condo is across the road, so I don't think that's a worry."

You may want to reconsider that. Beach sand sticks to everything in heavy doses. You can walk around all day with it stuck to your body after going to the beach. It gets in beach towels and beach toys and will eventually be on your floors. Even if your home was in Freeport, if you went to the beach, you will track sand back into your house. Just be aware. That sand acts like sandpaper on your wooden floors when people walk on them.

**Rita** · 08-12-2005, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

"It's not likely that sand will be dragged in because the condo is across the road, so I don't think that's a worry."

You may want to reconsider that. Beach sand sticks to everything in heavy doses. You can walk around all day with it stuck to your body after going to the beach. It gets in beach towels and beach toys and will eventually be on your floors.

Mermaid, There's a whole thread on where the sand ends up! Do a search. Funny stuff. :laughing1

**SGB** · 08-12-2005, 03:31 PM

I agee with Smiling JOe and others about the sand. Every day I am grateful that our first floor is tiled. I wish our 2nd and 3rd floors were too! The sand travels everywhere and really does a number on the wood or lamanite floors. Especially with renters!

**Mermaid** · 08-12-2005, 03:38 PM

It looks like we might have to rethink the floor, doesn't it? I'd never have thought the sand would travel over the road the way it apparently does!

**Rita** · 08-12-2005, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by Rita

Mermaid, There's a whole thread on where the sand ends up! Do a search. Funny stuff. :laughing1

I can't find the thread re where all the sand ends up. It's been a while back. Maybe someone else can remember.

**BeachDreamer** · 08-12-2005, 08:34 PM

I love the colors and general feel of the West Indies style. I have my livingroom decorated this way, and the whole house is done in bombay Mahogany stained wood. It feels so warm and inviting to me.

Here are a couple of websites for refinishing rattan. Have FUN!

http://www.refinishfurniture.com/refinishwicker.htm

http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple...7748-4,00.html

**Mermaid** · 08-12-2005, 10:44 PM

Very good website! Especially the one from Real Simple. I think I could paint EVERYthing in that condo... Rita, maybe that post about where sand goes will turn up. I bet it's a hoot.

Here is a photo of the offending couch and another of the whitey-pinkey outdated rattan that needs a good camoflage job done on it. My husband fondly calls these the "before" photos. (He has big plans!)

**BeachDreamer** · 08-12-2005, 11:11 PM

Oh yeah, look at all of that potential! You're going to have a blast redoing it. :-)

**seaside gal** · 08-13-2005, 01:05 AM

Great news! I am an interior designer who visits Seagrove every year sometimes twice a year. I have an 18 year old and a 23 year old, boys! I know what college tuition, cars, insurance,it all adds up! I have a reputation from where I live (St. Louis) area to have a "tropical state of mind" I love a casual, laid back tropical look. Even in St. Louis! I would love to "barter" time and materials for time to stay in your condo! I know exactly where they are located. I would even work while, sort of vacationing! I design a design plan (scheme)for alot of my clients who do the work and make purchases as their finances permits it in stages. That way the end result is exactly how they imagined it would be. Since my Forte' is decorating builder display homes, I am always forced to give a great look for alot less! I am not beneith going into the biggest dives and finding the greatest stuff! I have direct wholesale accounts withmost fabric, furniture, blinds, rugs, accessory, wall covering manufacturers which would also help you with the costs involved. Give me a hollar! I will be in Seagrove August 14 through 21st!! My time is flexable since I own the business. Send me a private message if you would like more information and references on past projects. I am leaving in the morning I should be packing!! Good Luck.

Seaside gal

**Miss Kitty** · 08-13-2005, 03:44 AM

This shows the power of www.sowal.com!!! Seaside gal...you might have just hit on a great new biz! BTW...my husband is from Belleville and my son attends MIZZOU...he will be a soph...going for an advertisng degree in the J-school!

Mermaid...you will have so much fun realizing your dream!!

**Mermaid** · 08-13-2005, 08:59 AM

Wow! This is amazing...I'm really starting to get enthused about turning our little sow's ear of a condo into a magnificent silk purse....

**Smiling JOe** · 08-13-2005, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by Mermaid

Wow! This is amazing...I'm really starting to get enthused about turning our little sow's ear of a condo into a magnificent silk purse....

Speaking of purses, that is one tall and yellow purse in the photo. I did not know that they could stand on there own like that.

**Mermaid** · 08-13-2005, 09:49 AM

Sharp eyes, JOe! My daughter will be very pleased that you noticed the purse. She went to Italy in June with a school group and they took a day trip to Florence, where she bargained with the street vendors for this purse. It's made of smooth, stiff Italian leather and there are four little feet on the bottom. It's a fantastic handbag and no one has anything like it. (Though some people might look at it and feel relieved about that--it is kind of bright!)