Guys, you all have been such an inspiration!!
So much in fact, while reading these post to a friend, they said "Hey wait, I know a guy that might be able to help you".
He came down yesterday, and we just talked. It was as much a therapy session as it was conversations about the house.
His words were "The reason why you can't see what you want is because you can't see how much you've already done". We walked around, and talked about what had already been done, and solutions for doing the rest the easiest, yet best way that I can do them, without hiring someone.
He told me what needed to be done, and said "It already looks like a little cottage to me". I cried... It was EXACTLY what I needed to hear!!
I was given neat, inexpensive ideas to achieve the look I wanted, yet have it efficient. Sometimes, the best way is the least expensive!
Here's some of his ideas:
1. Keep the rafters exposed, and use luan and furring strips to get a "beadboard" look ceiling.
2. Keeping the concrete floor uncovered. Grind down the high spot,s clean it, stain it, then cut small 'grooves" in it to give it a stone floor look.
3. Using sheetrock on the walls, but buying 'beadboard" wallpaper to make a chair rail look.
4. Using glass block to make small "windows" in the front of the house for extra light.
5. Using 1x3's to make my "butcher block" countertop.
Guys, you all are amazing! If I hadn't written to you for some advice, I would still be sitting here, lost. Now, I have a plan!! BTW, will start some more youtube videos, and show you my progress!!