MINI HOUSE TOUR, BEFORE & AFTER RENOVATION PICS & DECOR UPDATES!!! 

Popped in to say two things: 1) keep the original wood for the staircase 2) you and Michael are adorable! 🥰

natural wood is the best- black could look ok, but if you have the beautiful wood I would keep it!

Original wood on the stairs. Give it an organic and natural feel combined with the tile.

I repeat what someone else said, do not paint over original wood in a Victorian house!😱 Also keeping it in that beautiful warm brown looks beautiful against the white walls!

Love Michael and his sitting and having a conversation with us

Lol, What can’t Michael do? 😂 Also, the original wood for the staircase is timeless, you should keep it!

I like the way Karen looks at Michael, and I like the way Micheal looks at Karen💕 That "look" is the one you can't hide when you have a serious crush on someone❤️

Black staircase would marry the tiles and be a great contrast with the original grain steps.

Tell Michael we love him, you guys are the sweetest couple.

Love the original wood of the stairs

I vote for a black bannister and stained wood stairs. I think that will tie your tiled floor into your stairway. Either way it'll be gorgeous.

I always like when there's a sit down with Michael. Don't get me wrong I live for the fashion videos too

My son has just finished his carpentry apprenticeship.😊❤️

You two are the perfect team! I love how everything you describe is "we"/"us". It's just so nice to see a couple enjoy each other. Have a cozy Holiday Season!

You're such a great couple! A well-balanced team....complete with a fun quirkiness and deep love and respect for one another. I just love watching the adorable chemistry between you and what beautiful things you can create when you work together! Each of your rooms has components of both of you in it - and everything just works! Michael is so talented with his engineering and carpentry skills, as well as his design aesthetic and can do attitude - and your flair and talent with a keen eye around spacial relations, color, texture, and shape ....you really are a powerful design team, as well as one the most adorable couples of all time!

I love the way you guys communicate with each other its so beautiful.

Karen,Michael~loved this so much, so beautiful, and I love spending time with the two of you! ❤️ Lisa

My thoughts 1. Michael looks so retro, love that look and you can tell he's a real New Yorker 2. Love old houses. You either love them or hate them. Takes a special person to take one on. 3. You ARE a professional. Maybe not by trade but in my opinion you are! It shows in everything you do 4. Looking forward to your next video as always.

Leave stairs original wood. Your home will truly be a showstopper when finished. Hi from Elmira, NY. Happy holidays 🎄

Thanks Michael for all of the renovations tips. I like how you and Michael converse, you talk to each other not over each other and allow each one to finish their train of thought.

Michael is such a sweetheart. I feel he is so much more confident now on your channel. We love him❤

Michael has so much knowledge, especially the tip about being the contractors

That was SO GOOD!! You and Michael should do more home videos

You missed your amazing tip of marking out the furniture with tape and living with the dimensions before you purchase. Love this tip.

Omg! Michael worked on an oil rig, I bet he has some stories. Keep the stairs natural. 😍

7:00 LOVE the rugs and the white sofa!!! It's good to see Michael being more comfortable and boisterous in front of the camera.

The entry way tile is just special!

Such a real couple. I could listen to them for hours.

We love when you have Michael on. Michael is so insightful. Karen keep these videos coming...thoroughly enjoyed watching.

Karen you're 1 of my Fave Bloggers and You and Michael are so good together...:) Be Well.

I vote for keep the natural stairs and banister !! Think of the History of all those hands and feet ,owner and servant , which have rested on them !! The vibrations, the soul ,remains!! Your house will love you for it . I've always wished to be blessed with such a home, enjoy it and be HAPPY !!!

Love the mosaic "Imagine".

Actually, I love this channel. I always feel so happy after watching one of your videos. You two are just oozing with happiness. Thank you for the “feel good”.

I would keep the stairs wood stained. I absolutely love old Victorian homes 😍!

My goodness, so many comments! Most people want you to keep the wood staircase. At first when you said you were considering black I thought, “black?! Why…“ And then I pictured it and I realized it would be so sophisticated with the tile floor that you now have. I don’t normally like to paint wood but that would look fantastic. And your nubby carpets are making me swoon. My feet want to walk on them

Stain, dont paint. Your home is lovely and the remodel is coming along nicely.

Everyone loves Michael the Renaissance Man.

Leave the stairs in it's natural wood

So cool having Michael's input as well! Love you guys!

Karen and Michael, the natural wood would be so lovely and give the area such warmth.

I'm an interior designer and also use to sell furniture. Thank you for sharing this information and your journey. I've done work in NYC and NJ. Also, funny enough I'm from Paramus, NJ (tiles from Floor and Decor). I just wanted to share my thoughts about some of the things you had mentioned and share some industry knowledge, and they are: My biggest tip is to always measure, measure, measure. Measure the width, height, and length. Will the piece fit in the space you have in mind. People always buy things without realizing that it does not fit. Also, will it fit when you're putting it through your door, walk up or hallways. I know in NYC, getting bulky furniture in and out of NYC apartments is always an issue. Regards to wait times, since Covid, there have been shortages of goods because of the factories not being able to produce the goods fast enough as well as the tariffs from China, hence why your Crate & Barrel table lamp was coming in late February. Most things are made in China and with the high tariffs, some manufacturers are not having the factories produce in large quantities as they use to. Also, I always say waiting on good handmade quality items, take time. You want the artesian really to do a good job and make it a wonderful product that you, the buyer are spending lots of money on. Planning is crucial when doing massive renovations and furnishing projects. People don't realize how much time things take for the work to be done and getting the materials in on time for the subcontractors to use and work. Agree that always go look and touch the furniture that you see online because furnishings are tactile. You can't feel a picture that's been photoshopped. You have to sit and touch the materials. Everyone reacts differently to fabric and cushions. Last, one of the common reasons manufactures have a restocking policy is because certain items cost more to get the item back and have a harder time reselling the unwanted item to other consumers. Time is money. For example, getting a sofa from West Elm with a particular fabric. They spend time manufacturing for 4-6 weeks. Spend money on gas, trucks, and paying their employees to move the piece to the buyer. Once that item is returned, West Elm has to again pay for the employees to take the item back and then try to resell the item on the floor. Who knows how long that piece will sit on the floor. In order to sell it fast enough to make up their margins, they also would have to put a steep discount. Hence they are charging you the extra fee, the restocking fee. I know each company has its own return policy and different rules for certain goods so always look up if you plan to return. I hope that clarifies why there's a fee for returning your barstools. Hope that helps and keep posting more updates on your home!

If you are going to strip it all back to the original wood it would be a shame to paint it black. I'd stick with the original wood and oil/wax it and maybe add a stair runner in black and white with brass rods?

Stairs = original wood would be so warm. Everything looks SOOOOO Good! thank you both for sharing.

Wow was wondering how Michael knows everything he should do his own RU-vid on repairs and renovation his work is so good lovely to have him come on and advise hope to see more of him ❤️

Definitely black stairs and black railing with the white walls would be so pretty

The updates on Instagram have been so fun to see! Exciting to see the progress of your home!

Michael seems like the greatest guy. Really enjoy knowing about you two. 🌴

I love Michael's space. So adorable

Absolutely Beautiful.. So excited to see all of the rest !!! You and Your Husband are the best !!

Karen, 🙋🏻‍♀️ from Arizona! My vote ✅ is for the original wood. Yes, of course hang the tv. 👩🏻‍🍳🤗

I love how ya'll are mixing modern and vintage designs. Very lovely.

Best vlog so far! My advice is to find the most qualified contractor you can afford then build a working relationship with them. I purchased a small bungalow eight years ago and have been very lucky with my contractor. Windows, flooring, insulation, they've done it all. Of course it helps to have a pot of good strong coffee and cake available to them at all times.

Black stairs!!!! Wow looks amazing already!!!

I knew he had skills! You guys crack me up. 💕✨ love this

Love you two together. Great tiles in the hallway, very British and yes stain the stairs brown not black. It’s exciting to see the changes in your mini mansion..........🤗🇨🇦

Such a great team🙌🏾. Your home is coming together beautifully.

Runner atop the original is my vote.

lovely tile work! really unique but classic/elegant. Good work!

You guys are doing such a great job everything just looks so good. Cant wait for the bathroom and the sofa looks prime for a good book & a nap 😃

Oh how I loved this video, thank you both so much for taking the time out to show us your living space and then the chit chat after about home renovations, your both stars... I love love love the natural look wood on the banisters and the stairs, I have natural wooden flooring in my own home too and to me, it just adds to the look of a room and your home. Sending you both peace, love and many many blessings from good old Blighty ( Britain=England) Karen, you know that already 🤣🤣♥️👍🏾

Great video, Karen and Michael! I personally love the banister wood in it's 'natural' form. Beautiful Renos!

I like black BUT if it’s never been painted do not paint original wood

Love how you're staying true to the original architecture of the house! As an interior designer who has done many residential projects, I have a couple tips for you guys or anyone interested: 1) Lead times 8-12 weeks are normal for materials like tile and longer for certain furniture. If you have a tight deadline, check with suppliers what they have that is "quick ship" or in their warehouse. Those can be around 2-4 weeks. Budget for ordering about 10-15% overage on things like tile (they break easily in transit). 2) Like Michael said, project management is really key. I suggest sourcing all materials, fixtures (lighting, etc), furniture, equipment before starting construction. Make a schedule of when each item is estimated to arrive. If you are acting as contractor, have your subcontractors look over these schedules/checklists and tell you if there is anything else they need to get the job done. 3) Finally, I have to plug the important role that professional designers play. Designers have invaluable experience and they create construction drawings and renderings so you can decide on the exact design before construction starts and that avoids changing your mind down the road. Designers have close relationships with material suppliers and dealers; they can get you better prices on almost anything (i.e. I could get a $4,000 Restoration Hardware table for $3,000) and they have access to products "to the trade" that the general public does not. I'm biased of course, but even though designers cost money, they can ultimately save you a lot of time, money, and pain down the line. You can even negotiate with some designers to give you their "trade price" on materials/furniture/etc (sometimes designers pocket this price difference as a sort of finder's fee). Personally, since sourcing materials is so time consuming, I only would let a client have my designer prices if it was a big project, a loyal client, or if I know we will be doing future projects together. That's my two cents :) Good luck with the rest of the renovation! It's stunning already.

I love the in unison "per chair!" I totally relate!

It's so enjoyable to watch you guys having so much fun with all aspects of your home projects!!❤❤❤

Hi Karen, I love the original wood. Please leave it! I agree the wood lends to the warm of the home. ❤ ur vlog!

Michael is such a nice chap, it’s great to have his input and experience

Hubby and I watch your reno videos together. Love your cross over to home renovation. Great tips. Love you both.

Leave the wood stripped and sealed! It is beautiful and reminds me of my kids other granny’s house and it was wonderful!

leave the stairs in it's original wood & paint the railing black ! Love the 'Imagine' mosaic 🤗

I like that Michael joined you in this video. It's great to see what inspires both of you and how you plan your projects.

The natural wood has so much charm and charisma, keep the stairs natural wood it never goes out of style. Beautiful home I love the character and style.

Keep the stair the natural color, it's beautiful and with the right finish will be stunning.

Oh, not just our clothing style, but also home decor is similar. Love Your house very much! My advice - leave the wood natural! (Don't wanna to sound rude.)

Love, love, love your eye for fashion and interiors! You have great style and I learn so much from watching your channel. Truly inspirational. 💕🌻💕

Ooooo yeah, home video. Been waiting on this moment! The stairs... live with the natural wood for awhile before you decide if you will paint.

Great job guys! The house is looking fantastic. Michael has great skills! He' definitely a keeper:-)Thanks for the great renovation tips:-)

Leave the stairs original. Your hone seems so comfy. It's coming along amazing.

Karen I love what you’ve done in your Edwardian house. It’s so complimentary. Love watching you and your vlogs. Love ya from Liverpool UK xx

Great advice. I get so anxious to get it done because I get tired of seeing my home in disarray. So yes, patience is key. Thanks for sharing

I have to say that I was here when Karen's original schedule was Tuesday and Friday, then it went to Friday only. Now, we're back to a biweekly schedule! YAY!

I love that pantry door.....and the amazing story of where it came from

You guys make me smile

Keep the wood grain, not painted but stained dark to match the railing. Gorgeous house, you two did such a great job!!

Love Michael GQ-ing it up in his space! ☺️

Always informative & fun to watch the two of you. See you on Friday!

"You thought he was just a cooking guy !!!!! Hilarious !!!! The tiles in the hallway are fantastic ! And I would keep the original wood staircase for warmth and authenticity. Good job guys !

My vote is black. I love the natural look wood, however looking at your surroundings, I think the black would be nice.

I would strip the staircase and stain it a different color. Still keeping the wood

Love seeing Michael in the video. Great team contribution and tips from the booth of you.

The entry is just lovely - natural wood for stairs : ) You can always paint over if you change your mind later!

Keep stairs in it's natural state....And whatever Michael say♥️

I love original wood. If you decide to stain it, do it in a similar color.

Just love your waffle Karen, Michael your knowledge is soooooo needed and wanted. Blessings to you both xoxox

omgosh, natural wood, it's beautiful! Thank u guys for all the info, thank you for sharing!! 🙏🏽🍀

For me, I hate painted wood, I prefer keeping wood as it naturally is... both your stairs and the banister. Whatever you choose to do I know it will look fantastic!

Hi Karen keep staircase in its original wood. The wood handrail and staircase complement each other and looks gorgeous against the white wall. Eternal blessings 💯❤🙏

Love the renovations so far Karen. Looks so good. Great and classic style!

Argh I want that nubbly rug. So plush and fabulous. What great work you guys have done & it's been so fun to have been taken along with the ride. Beautiful home for an even more beautiful couple!

The natural wood .