Bathrooms: Still In Progress

There is still some work to be done in the bathrooms. Here is the hall before:

Here it is currently: new paint/floors/sink. Also the mirror is being replaced and so is the light. Currently we have a challenge with the toilet not fitting! So stay tuned for more updates on that.

Here is the master before:

It is getting a new light and the mirror is getting a frame. It already has new countertops and the vanity has a fresh coat of paint along with the walls (just needs its doors). There is also a new floor in here!

Den: New Floors, Couch and Rug.

Just a reminder of where we left off in the den:

LOTS of changes since then...new paint, crown molding, new hardwoods (there were none under this carpet), and also the beginnings of some furniture! This chocolate sectional was perfect for this space since the TV will sit on the opposite wall. The rug is from Ballard and is indoor/outdoor so will hold up well in this room that will get a lot of use!

It looks so much better already! There will soon be a pretty recliner to sit next to the couch as well as TV, drapery, and other touches!

Living Room: Updating the Secretary

This secretary previously sat in the den, and has been in the family for quite some time. It is really dark inside the shelves, but we didn't want to alter it permanently.

So I went through my fabric stash and found a print that would work in this room. Then I used an old cardboard box and cut it to size. I used painters tape to attach the fabric to the cardboard...kind of like reupholstering with no staples.

I then removed the shelves and stuck the cardboard against the back. Then I put the shelves back in place. It became the perfect place for all of Oma's crystal!

It's hard to get a good picture without a reflection...I'll try again when it's not sunny (if that ever happens). The glass needs repairing, but other than that it looks great!

Living Room: Creative Side Chair Pillows

The side chairs needed some back support, and we were on a budget. So I decided to use these travel pillows from Wal-Mart as a pillow form. They were the perfect size and are pretty firm. And the pricetag of a couple of dollars was nice too!

They were a perfect fit!

Guest Bedroom: Dresser Re-do.

You may not have noticed this dresser because it blended in with the walls!

Needless to say, it was in need of some major help.

You can see because of where the pulls were just how faded this piece was.

I am a firm believer that distressed furniture should be sparsely used in a home (it can easily become too much), and not in every home! But because of the cottage look that we have going, distressing was the perfect treatment for this piece.

I used Sherwin Williams "Pearly white" in laytex semi-gloss (about 2 coats). This piece used about half a quart. I kept the top unpainted and simply spruced it up with some scratch oil.

Once the paint was dry, I simply sanded the edges of the drawers to let the wood show through. I used the original pulls...just wiped clean.

What a difference some paint can make!!

Dining Room: New Table!

Here is where we left off with the dining room:

It has since received a new table! The china cabinet went back in as well. Chairs to come. Obviously the large door isnt' staying. It will also get a cool new light fixture!

Living Room: Furniture Overload

Here is a reminder of where we last left off:

Here is the room after a few additions:

Obviously it's a little chaotic...The two side chairs came in those large Overstock boxes. We found the pair there and they work perfectly in the space with the secretary!

We are re-using the couch (which has had several facelifts over the years...I will try to dig up some pics to show it's many different looks). The rug is from Ballard and is a natural seagrass to help give the space a more casual feel. That buffet and tall shelf are just in their temporary home.

Now all the chairs need are some fun pillows to give them some personality!