Monday, March 8, 2010

I CANNOT BELIEVE I'M GOING TO DO THIS!

I've lived with this long enough! I can't take it anymore! Something has got to give! I've got to transform this space!!!

WARNING ~ Before you go any further, there will be no instantaneous after photos. I'm sorry to disappoint, but, I'm not one of those type A Superbloggers who say..."oh, btw, I decided to change my space" then *poof* a day later the entire space is 3 feet bigger in each direction with freshly painted walls, stripped and repainted tables, including newly reupholsterd furnishing; all of which they had found the day before at GW for a buck. I admire their talent and their energy. So inspiring. They make ya wanna smack em upside the head with their saftey goggles! ha!

Oop, I digress, so sorry. *shaking it off* ha!

Ok, here is the plan....errrr...design concept.

My living room as it looks today....


I'll take responsibility for the swans on the mantel, but don't blame me for the wall color or the drapes. It's a rental. It's not bad, just doesn't work for me.

As you can see, it's a tight space and the height of the walls and ceiling is a bit daunting. It vaults even higher towards the open staircase. Did I mention I'm afraid of heights? *sigh*

Here is the floor plan, you can see there is a bit more to the space. Behind the sofa towards the stairs is where my "cozy office" space is. (more painting of tables) ha!


This is what I'd like to do. It's not set in stone, but a start at any rate...





My armoire, I've had it for nearly 20 years (bought it when I was 12 lol! just kidding). It's in great shape, very sturdy and a necessary piece. It provides much needed extra storage.

I'm already rethinking the paint color. I'm concerned that white would make it consume the space. It would be ideal if somehow it could recede into the wall, so to speak. I'm thinking, maybe, painting it the same color as the wall, with a bit of distressing, might do the trick.

Since seating is an issue when company comes, I'd like to replace the little table in front of the sofa with an ottoman.

I have a pair of bergere chairs, only one is shown in the next photo. Normally they flank the fireplace. But since my son's tv and computer (you can see in the first photo) will be sitting in that corner until next semester, the other chair is upstairs in the bedroom for now....not that any of this is relevant to you! So sorry ha!


I can't slipcover them...well, I'd rather not. Here's why....



I love back. I've had the pair for years. I won't even attempt to reupholster them myself. I've done dining chairs, but I think it's best to leave it to the professionals.


They are still very comfy after all these years!

Here's the (20 pound) elephant in the room....


lol! I've had him for ages. We been though a lot together over the years. I'm sooo keeping him!

Now, for the fun part...the inspiration photos! Try to imagine....

My chairs transformed to this look...


Richard Birch


I love the style of this ottoman, the base in particular. Imagine the fabric and wood to be same as the chair above, and more scale to my space....


For the wall color, and possibly the armoire...(look past the fabulous chandy and the amazing ornate ceiling treament. Try to stop drooling and focus on the color of the wall on the right)



Love the little slipcovered sofa and the soothing mood of this lovely room...


Designer ~ Phoebe Howard

More "mood" inspiration....


Designer Jo Rabaut

Designer Jo Rabaut

The next two photos are uncredited as they've been in my inspiration file and I don't for certain who the designers are. If you know, please tell me so that I may add the appropriate credit.



It is a whole lotta stuff to do. Budget is laughable so this is definitely going to be quite the challenge.

I'll keep you posted on my progress. I promise to be a good blogger and take the before, during & after photos! I am open to any suggestions and comments you may have! Please don't be shy ;)

I hope you've had a fun visit. Thanks so much for coming by!

I'm linking up with the amazing Susan @ BNOTP for the 60TH Metamorphosis Monday. Thanks for hosting Susan! Click the button for the express back ;)



Cheers!

38 comments:

Andrea @ The Dawley Fam said...

I can't wait to see after pictures! I think the room looks great as it, but I bet it will look awesome afterwards!

santamaker said...

Beautiful room, I like all of the changes you are proposing, especially the aqua colored walls. I would recommend "sea salt" by sherwin williams, it looks grey on the chip, but it's really a soothing and soft aqua color. I used it in my daughters' dining room and everyone loves it. Since you warned us you would not have this done immediately, I expect to see it completed by next week, okay? ..LOL..

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Can't wait to see it when you are done! I am sure it will be beautiful!
Debbie

meandering pearl said...

this sounds like its going to be sensational!!!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Everything that you are proposing is a great idea. You have the basics that could really be turned into beauties when they are painted! Can't wait to see the results....I will be waiting patiently.~Patti

Be Colorful Coastal said...

Sometimes we have to write these goals down to make them happen. I don't mind the drapes and wall color but I do like where you are headed too. I am coveting that slipcovered sofa in the bedroom shot. Love it.

Victoria said...

Your armoire is going to look amazing when it's painted! I can't wait to see the new look:)

Cottage Rose said...

Hi Tina; First of all thank you so much for stopping by,,,, Now I am so like you when it comes to redoing a room,,, we must be related some how...lol Your living room is going to be so gorgeous when you get it done... I love everything you have picked for it,,,, the wall color, fabric, sofa cover every thing.... just take you time and have fun with it...... have a great day.

Hugs;
Alaura

Keetha Broyles said...

Oh my - - - you have some big plans and high hopes! I kinda like it just the way it is - - - - but then, I avoid change until it is forced upon me, what can I say, I'm an OCD creature of habit.

I'll be watching for the "show" as you do the transformation.

Susan said...

Hi Tina....Your writing style is very humorous at times. Very good! Well, you defnitely have a lot of work ahead but it will be wonderful to make your living space exactly like you want it to be. I loved that last photo....all white. I LOVE white interiors. It makes everything look so cheerful! Good luck, Tina, and I look forward to your interior decorating photos! You can do it! Sincerely, Susan from writingstraightfromtheheart.blogspot.com

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

Great photo's to be inspired by..... and I'm sure your going to pull it off nicely Tina. Looking forward seeing the results of your living room. Just having the armoire painted is going to look so much better.... like having a whole new piece.

Enjoy your Day*

Anonymous said...

I know what you mean. Blogs make it appear like someone just snapped their fingers while sipping tea, and voila - all finished. I've painted several pieces of furniture in the past few months and I HATE it. But the results are so fabulous. You have so much work ahead of you. Its going to be absolutely gorgeous in the end. Good luck.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Tina,
I think you have great plans and ideas for your livingroom.

Can't wait to see the transformation.

hugs
Sissie

Ginger said...

Your plan sounds like a lovely one to me, gives me some ideas too. Good luck and keep us posted.

Ginger

Cindy said...

It looks beautiful now but I bet it's going to be stunning when you're done!!! I like all the things you have planned!!!

Jonny said...

Hi, This is the first time I have visited your site and I am in awe of how beautiful everthing is.The work you do is beautiful. I am looking forward to visiting cant wait to see this room when you are done I love high celings the stuff your choosing I can tell is going to be unreal gorgeous! Sincerel, Jonny

Suzanne said...

Tina, I love it all...even the swans!!!:-) I've been doing the same thing lately, putting together my re-do plans and getting ideas. Maybe I'll be brave and post...but now that I've seen yours, I have some serious work to do.
Have a beautiful day,
Suzanne

jaz@octoberfarm said...

hey....now we are in an area where i can actually help you! it looks like you have high ceilings. tell me the dimensions of your room and i can give you some suggestions. as far as draperies....go all the way from the ceiling to the floor. in small rooms with high ceiling you need to use all the space up to the ceiling or things will be out of balance. for example, put a HUGE framed mirror over your mantel. HUGE! it will double the size of the room. the silver chair you showed is very similar to two that i redid so i could send you pics if you want to see them. i silver leafed them. if you paint the armoire you might want to consider painting the inside a different color and then leaving the upper doors open to make it look bugger. you need big pices in small spaces to make the room look larger. it seems like it would be the opposite but it isn't. i could also send you picks of my armoir to show you what it looks like. the white elephant in the living room??? to soften it, you might want to put a small shawl or something with fringe right over the flat square on top and add a lamp to give it height. i just looked at the pics again and noticed you have the floor to ceiling drapes. they just need a bigger drapery rod with bigger finials. it can be a really fun project. let me know if you want any pics!

stefanie said...

oh, I am in Heaven, go for it, those inspiration rooms are gorgeous..I think yours would look just like that!!! can't wait

lala said...

Loving all of your ideas, the room is going to look wonderful. The elephant is too cute, even Rachel Ashwell has one very similar to yours, it's in her book. Can't wait to see the transformation - maybe it will give me incentive to make some changes myself.

VINTAGE HOME lifestyle said...

I can't wait to see the change...paint can do amazing things.
Thanks for stopping by for a visit.
Cathleen

Ana said...

Well Tina, I think your room looks fabulous as is, but change is good too :-) All your inspiration photos are absolutely beautiful. I know that your room will turned out simply divine, and that you are going to have tons of fun redecorating it. Can't wait to see some "During" and "After" pictures. Have a wonderful evening.

Hugs and Kisses,
♥Ana

decorator to the stars said...

GREAT BLOG, STOP BY & SAY HI :) GIO

Candy said...

Well looks/sounds like you have a pretty good idea of the changes...now where did I put my decorating magic wand? Loved your explanation of how 'others' do their make overs...too funny.
Thanks for your sweet comment on my page redo. I only wish it was as easy to my house walls.
Have fun and keep us posted ;-)

Anonymous said...

Hi tina, thanks for stopping by my blog.I'm so glad you did or i wouldn't have found yours.I love your room now, it looks beautiful.Can't wait to see it when it's all done....Kathy

Lottie said...

I can't wait for the before, during, and after photos! I love the wall color! The aqua is going to be beautiful! It would take me a year to do all you are going to do! I'll be eagerly looking for the photos!
Lottie

Nancy said...

I will be following along since I'm doing about the same thing with a budget only for paint, but not for wall paint. Luckily, I have tons of white fabric.

Fun...can't wait to see your progress.

Kelly @ Much To Do With Nothing said...

Oh this is gonna be fun to watch. Your inspirations are amazing! You've got your work cut out for you, don't you. I love your chairs too.:)
Kelly

Hélène Flont , french illustrator said...

Bonjour Tina!!! I got a little miss sunshine award that I would like to pass on to you so please visit my blog for the award and the rules:). Ce sera un plaisir pour moi si vous l'acceptez!!!

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

I cannot wait to see what you come up with! The inspiration pictures are lovely!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Anonymous said...

Hi Tina! Oh, you have great vision and I can't wait to see your room! You have some beautiful piece of furniture! I'm kinda like you. I get so inspired by other bloggers and think - I'm going to do so and so. But then I talk myself out of it! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

The Muse said...

Dropping in to wish you a most lovely day (well, evening... no...I guess it is really a morning lol) I need sleep :)
But holy moly...there is NO TIME to sleep we have to get started...
where is your paint brush? Do you have fabric?
Glue Gun? Staples?
LOL
What a makeover! I believe in you!!!
And cannot wait to see the NEXT STEP !!! :)

Anonymous said...

OMGosh I love your home as it is and those big windows with LIGHT!

Wendy said...

Oh!! This is great! I love everyone of your inspirational pictures! I can't wait to see the blue walls! It is my new favorite color! What fun :)
Wendy

Robin said...

I just followed the link from CIndy's blog....and LOVE what you did to that tiered stand!
I asked for a thrift store pine armoire for Christmas two years ago and got it! My family thought I was NUTS! I primed and painted it and it holds my computer. It's heavily distressed but I think it turned out really well. Here is the link from when I did it
http://thriftymissprissy.typepad.com/thrifty_miss_priss/2009/01/from-shabby-to-chic.html


I also painted my dining room walls the same color as your inspiration wall color and I still love it after two years!
So glad I found your blog! I will be back!
Robin

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Tina, Now this is an ambitious project, but if anyone can do it, you can! I can't wait to see your progress...there's a gazillion MM projects right here in this one room! Love all your inspiration pics!

I adore the pic on your sidebar of Da Queen of Da House...how absolutely adorable is she!!! So cute sitting in that big puddle of sunshine. :-)

The Stylish House said...

Tina,
I love all your inspiration spaces and think transforming your room in a similar fashion will look wonderful. I understand your concern about the armoire and think your idea about painting it similar to the wall is a good one. You might think about making it a shade or two darker then the wall color, just a thought.
You have so many great pieces to work with and I know once you work your magic on it they will sparkle. Your home is lovely and I’m excited to follow along as you make your changes.
Cathy

Diann @ the Thrifty Groove said...

Hi Tina!

I know I am supposed to write "Oh can't wait to see the finished project" or "Oh, that will be so lovely" but, I don't care about that. I LOVED your warning!! I had to read it out loud to my husband! i was so cracking up and not to mention shaking my head in agreement! If you learn the secret to the superbloggers and how they increase their space and do it all after they clean up the dishes but, before they tuck the kids in for the night, please let me know!

Super fun post!!



Related Posts with Thumbnails