Sometimes Things Have to Get Ugly...

...Before they Get Prettier. Period.

I'll bet you're thinking, "How much uglier could 

it actually get...?" Am I right? Two windows to nowhere.

Paint hospital green and white. WIth a funky 1980 

bathroom fixture above it. And some masonry nails

on which I once hung a "window treatment." 

(She says, laughingly, a bit embarrassed, "That

was even before the cornice board camo below.")

Well, first, see a glimpse of how it FIRST looked...

See just what was under those lovely light fixtures...

When I moved in, and the walls were

covered in this vintage 1945 wallpaper...

Over-sized banana leaf pattern in dark forest green,

with a lovely avocado green ceiling, the minty hospital

shade from the window above on all the trim,

and heavy, ratty draperies on the only window...

Can you spell "dreary?"

My daughter said it made her stomach

hurt to think I might actually buy this house.

But I saw potential...hardwood floors,

French windows, 2 living areas, larger rooms,

a cute arched entry, a GREAT neighborhood,

a good school district, and more. And it

was all priced within our budget.

And best of all, most of what it needed 

to be a cozy home I could do myself.

I was a single woman with some DIY 

experience under my belt.

That was nine years ago, and it's time 

for some refreshing and updating!

With the help of a VERY KIND UNCLE, who

has some MAJOR SKILLS and cool tools, too...

We finished removing the two windows, 

then he framed them in and braced them.

While this super-uncle of mine worked his

tail off, I painted the second shelf...

...and a table I haven't shown you. 

I did a few other things I'll show you later!

Hint: Lamps are involved.

I patched the drywall and covered up

the last of the green wallpaper, and cut

pieces of new drywall to fill the window holes.

Tonight after work, I put the drywall compound on

and tape to fill the cracks in one window.

Then I felt this OVERWHELMING need to blog. 

(That ever happen to you?)

Thank you, Robert, for helping me move along

on my living room! I don't know what I would

have done without your help, tools, wood, etc. 

Word for the Day:

Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, 

since as members of one body

 you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Peace be with you!

-Revi

Linking With
Monday
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com	Metamorphosis Monday
http://makingtheworldcuter.com/	Making the World Cuter Monday
http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/	Motivate Me Monday
http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/	Show Off Your Cottage Monday
http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/	The More the Merrier Monday
http://howtonestforless.com/	Just a party with my peeps!
http://ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com	Show Me What You Got!
Tuesday
http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/	Cowgirl Up!
http://www.elizabethandco.blogspot.com/	Be Inspired
Wednesday
http://verymerryvintagestyle.blogspot.com	Share the Love Wednesday
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/	Wow Us Wednesday
http://www.thethriftyhome.com/	Penny Pinching Party
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/	Show Me What Ya Got
Thursday
http://savedbysuzy.blogspot.com/	Suzy's House Party
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/	Transformation Thursday
http://www.the36thavenue.com/	Share Awesomeness Thursday
http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com	Home and Garden Thursday
http://akadesign.ca	Doin’ It Yourself
Friday
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/	Feathered Nest Friday
http://www.remodelaholic.com/	Fridays on Remodelaholic
http://redoux.blogspot.com/	Friday Redoux Link Party
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/	Frugal Friday
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/	Inspiration Friday
http://sassysites.blogspot.com/	Free For All Friday
Saturday
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/	Saturday Nite Special
http://too-much-time.com	Get Schooled Saturday
http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/	Show and Tell Saturday