Monday, April 30, 2012

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

Metamorphosis Monday
Making the World Cuter Monday
Motivate Me Monday 
Show Off Your Cottage Monday
The More the Merrier Monday
Just a party with my peeps!
Show Me What You Got!
Tuesday

Cowgirl Up!
Be Inspired
Wednesday

Share the Love Wednesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Penny Pinching Party
Show Me What Ya Got
Thursday

Suzy's House Party
Transformation Thursday
Share Awesomeness Thursday
Home and Garden Thursday
Doin’ It Yourself
Friday

Feathered Nest Friday
Fridays on Remodelaholic
Friday Redoux Link Party
Frugal Friday
Inspiration Friday
Free For All Friday
Saturday

Saturday Nite Special
Get Schooled Saturday
Show and Tell Saturday




13 comments:

Marsha said...

Wow! You are really a neat lady to reclaim your home and restore it to a more lovely self. Gad you have the helpful uncle. Your daughter is beautiful!, she has your smile.

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Looks like you're making great progress. Your daughter is so cute. Looking forward to seeing the reveal.

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Oooo! Revi, I'm excited to see that window gone. But probably not more than yourself!

I'm waiting with anticipation to see what happens next. Must be refreshing and quite a load off your mind to get it all moving along.

~Pat

Courtney said...

It's all coming along nicely Revi!!
Congrats on the feature at west furniture revival too!

Angie @ Knick of Time said...

I know exactly what you mean. My kitchen isn't just ugly, it's downright disgusting. It's almost too gross to cook in. We're about 1/4 of the way done remodeling, but the hardest parts are still to come. Glad you have such a handy, helpful uncle to help you and your daughter is a beauty!

Blessings,
Angie @ Knick of Time

farmhouse-story said...

looks like great progress on your living room!! what a blessing you uncle is, revi! marsha is right, your daughter is beautiful and does have your smile:)

Stacey Stuwe said...

What a tease, can't wait to see what it's going to look like!!!

Unknown said...

Can't wait to see more!
Paula ~ Mise en scène

Anne said...

Oh to have a project like that.The work involved yuck.But.....how beautiful it will be when you are done.I know it will be beautiful.And I am sure you can't wait to have it finished.
Sweet photo of your daughter.
Blessings,
Anne

outjunking said...

Oh me your daughter is so cute. Remember I have three sons ;) It's all coming together now. Looking good!

Anita at Cedar Hill said...

That's your daughter? She is SO BEAUTIFUL!!

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Sometimes you have to get through the ugly to get to the pretty!

very merry vintage style said...

All your hard work will pay off in the end. Can't wait to see the finished product. Thanks for linking up to Share the Love Wednesday!
Mary