Over the years I have learned a lot about myself when it comes to renovating.
Changes in our space have to be organized and decisions about the sequence of events have to be clear.....
marked on a calendar kind of clear... if you know what I mean.
I am queen of the start-up.
Matter of fact I have been known to drive a few people around here crazy with late-night start-ups.
Yep, out come the paint cans and the drop cloths as I test out those ideas that have been swirling around in my head all day.
CASE IN POINT... Two years ago we put in a new fireplace in a part of the living room where none existed.
That was a big job and certainly a bit more expensive than originally anticipated but we have had no regrets.
Of course, finishing touches were delayed
until we could get around to them.... budget and time is always a factor...
or a good excuse.
But finally, during this last week I got a surge of energy and decided to get some of these projects done.
And, I will admit that a big birthday party for a particular person helped motivate me in the right direction as well.
So, after a long time deciding on paint colours and what to do with the fireplace when it comes to finishing touches.....
WELL,
I just decided to, get' er done.
Well, most of it.
The living room got primed with white paint.
See those paint test patches in the left images....GONE.
I cannot believe I lived with those paint patches for months already.
My daughter is home from university in another week with plans to paint!!!
So, this job has an actual time line that I can track.....LOVE it.
We finally got the metal black surround finished.
It now extends all the way down to the slate floor and out on the sides more to give it a nice overall finishing touch.
As you see below, we had been living with the concrete fire board which is anything but pretty.
AND...
I finally got around to building in a wood wall to act as a wood box on the right side of the fireplace.
Wood was getting tossed around and making a mess of the walls.
Oh and the cost of the wood box.... 15$
An IKEA wicker basket acts as a kindling box.
So now I am not even going to bother to count the months it took to get around to finishing these projects
because there is something so sweet about finishing touches.
They are not always big budget items
but they are often some of the most pleasing steps in any renovation.
Changes in our space have to be organized and decisions about the sequence of events have to be clear.....
marked on a calendar kind of clear... if you know what I mean.
I am queen of the start-up.
Matter of fact I have been known to drive a few people around here crazy with late-night start-ups.
Yep, out come the paint cans and the drop cloths as I test out those ideas that have been swirling around in my head all day.
CASE IN POINT... Two years ago we put in a new fireplace in a part of the living room where none existed.
That was a big job and certainly a bit more expensive than originally anticipated but we have had no regrets.
Of course, finishing touches were delayed
until we could get around to them.... budget and time is always a factor...
or a good excuse.
But finally, during this last week I got a surge of energy and decided to get some of these projects done.
And, I will admit that a big birthday party for a particular person helped motivate me in the right direction as well.
WELL,
I just decided to, get' er done.
Well, most of it.
 |
| BEFORE & AFTER |
See those paint test patches in the left images....GONE.
I cannot believe I lived with those paint patches for months already.
My daughter is home from university in another week with plans to paint!!!
So, this job has an actual time line that I can track.....LOVE it.
We finally got the metal black surround finished.
It now extends all the way down to the slate floor and out on the sides more to give it a nice overall finishing touch.
As you see below, we had been living with the concrete fire board which is anything but pretty.
 |
| BEFORE & AFTER |
I finally got around to building in a wood wall to act as a wood box on the right side of the fireplace.
Wood was getting tossed around and making a mess of the walls.
Oh and the cost of the wood box.... 15$
An IKEA wicker basket acts as a kindling box.
So now I am not even going to bother to count the months it took to get around to finishing these projects
because there is something so sweet about finishing touches.
They are not always big budget items
but they are often some of the most pleasing steps in any renovation.
Do you love the effect of details in your home?
Definitely, I've got an unwritten post in my head about the smallest details in my home that make me smile, every day.
ReplyDeleteYour finishing touches are great, I love the new built in wood box with the basket underneath and the metal surround really finishes off the fireplace.
As someone said to me recently, what's next ?
I love your living room. The wood box is genius, and I love the crisp whites in your home! L*O*V*E* them!
ReplyDeleteOh, and did you know that you're a no reply comment blogger now? *sadface*
Donna, it looks beautiful! Like a magazine! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI agree, it looks beautiful!
ReplyDeletelove it Donna.....the little corner with the wood is too cool!! Say how do you keep the white sofas clean with your dog????
ReplyDeleteYour room looks beautiful and I love all the little transformations you made. It must be a nice and cosy place to spend time with your family. Your dog certianly thinks so!
ReplyDeleteIt's already such a huge difference & I cannot wait to see the space fully completed. Love your idea of the wood walls!
ReplyDeleteAngela @ Number Fifty-Three
I'm glad to hear someone else runs out of steam before the project is finished. All the details you've added make the room look as if it has always been that way and to me that is the surest indicator of good design. Well done!
ReplyDeleteDonna that is beautiful. I think this room is just so warm and inviting. I agree with Butterfly it looks like a magazine cover. Great idea of the wood nook. I hear you about the project completion, you want to come over and help me finish my bedroom? I am absolutely exhausted lol
ReplyDeleteI love the changes you made to finish the room. So light and pretty. And I know what you mean about some projects taking ages to finish. I've got one of my own. Would love for you to share at Fridays Unfolded!
ReplyDeleteAlison
Nancherrow
I noticed the stair railing was also white now. I think that helps to brighten the room up a lot. You did a good job on your firewood box.
ReplyDeleteOh Julie, you are so right. I completely forgot to mention that. It really does brighten up the whole space. Thanks for pointing that out.
DeleteGetting those little details finished up is definitely a great feeling! Beautiful fireplace and I love how you created your fire box!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that you're one of the features on this week's Fridays Unfolded!
ReplyDeleteAlison