Sunday, January 4, 2009

Our Family Room...a Work in Progress!

In our rush to pack and leave for our Christmas vacation, I forgot to take "before" pictures of the family room...can you believe that??? So I took pictures of what we returned to last night. I am totally obsessing over the paint color. I used a warm shortbread color in our condo that I loved...but since I am going fairly dark with our hardwood floors, I thought a lighter color would be better on the walls here. I chose a color from a Williamsburg decorating guide and it was custom blended. I hoped it would be cream with just a hint of yellow...but it sure looks VERY yellow all over the walls, doesn't it?? I am trying not to make a hasty decision and I am hoping when the rest of the trim is painted and put up and the floors and window treatments added that it will look a little less...vivid. If anyone has a nice warm cream color that you love...please feel free to share.

The fireplace wall...wired for the huge flat screen tv. I am pretty sure that is all Jim dreams about these days! I found a beautiful mantle antique shopping with my sister that I think will look great!

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Between the kitchen and family room...there were some very dated spindles that have been removed...not a moment too soon!

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A view from the family room into the entry.

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A view of the windows. There had been a window seat kind of thing there that made arranging furniture very difficult. It's gone...and I am just sorry I was not the one to take a sledge hammer to it!! :-) Also these window had wooden shutters on them that just made the room very dark. I am still deciding how to dress the windows...and in fact am considering replacing them with a different style all together.

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Finally, the back door and the laundry room. The hardwood will extend to cover this whole area.

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As we expected we came home to a big mess...but it's so much fun to see the changes being made. We had a successful meeting with our Social Worker this moring to update our homestudy and expanded our approval to include Special Needs and older children...so we will see where that leads us. So far, 2009 is turning out to be an exciting year!

19 comments:

Missy said...

How exciting, Kate! I actually like the color. I think if you are using a darker hardwood then it will be nice to have lighter walls. How exciting to be getting a makeover!

Also, YAY for the update on the adoption front! Wouldn't it be wonderful if you found your newest angel this year??? I am SO excited for all of the great things that are coming your way!
WOO HOO!!!

Rachel said...

I like the color, too. I don't think it looks too yellow at all. I agree on letting it sit until all is in and see if you like it. I can't wait to see the finished product.

The homestudy update is exciting. I can't wait to hear developments on your future adoption. I personally would LOVE to adopt 5-6 year old, but I think dh is done with 3.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

This is so exciting Kate....I think the color looks great and once you do get the floors in I think it will make the walls look even lighter!!

Good news about the homestudy and the visit....I am hoping 2009 is the year for all of us....how great would that be!! We just got our renewal paperwork.....this is time number three!!

Happy New Year my friend...I have missed you while I was gone!!

Lisa

Jboo said...

How exciting to see your work in progress! I love the color and your fireplace looks beautiful. Can't wait to see more photos!

Best wishes for the new year!

Janet

Joannah said...

I like that color very much. In the picture it looks soft and warm.

I had no idea you were adopting again! I must have missed something. How exciting!!!

Lucy said...

Very pretty color, I like it! It reminds me of the color we painted our nursery, I wanted it more cream than yellow. It looked more yellow at first but once we got everything in there, curtains, wall hangings, furniture etc...it mellowed out to just how I wanted it. I think you'll find the same thing with your room. How exciting to have a new space. Keep posting updates!!!
Also, that's great about the paperwork. 2009 is indeed going to be a very exciting year!
Take care and welcome home!
Lucy

fleur de lis cottage said...

How exciting. I can't wait to see the finished product. I know it will be fabulous. Good news about the meeting with your social worker. 2009 sounds like it's going to be an exciting year for you all.

Bridget said...

Hi Kate -
Happy New Year!!! We just returned home and I am catching up. It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas and returned to a great work in progress!! I actually really like the paint color - just wait a bit and see you might like it as well. We are in the middle of a big renovation and I question all my choices. Hopefully it will be completed sometime soon as I can't wait to get my house back in order.

Great news about your homestudy and update - you know I think that is so very exciting. I can't wait to see what 2009 brings to you and your family- I wish you nothing but the best!!!

And as always Miss Lia looks so adorable in your holiday posts!!

Happy New Year!!!

- Bridget

Jodee said...

I think the paint color looks great with the fireplace! I can't wait to see the finished product!

Jennifer said...

Looks great! I bet it feels so good to get it done.

Love the sledge hammer comment. I had a vision of you taking all your frustration out on that poor seat. I bet it could have been very therapeutic....lol.

Jen

Deb said...

What fun to have your renovation well under way! I like the color too! I think by the time you get your furniture in and things on the walls...you will really like it! Color is tough! I cannot tell you how many quarts of paint samples we go through in a room before we officially decide on the color!

Your adoption news is so exciting! 2009 could be one eventful year for your family too Kate!! Hope you have a great week!
~Deb

Laura said...

Looks great. Can't wait to see the finished product.

Laura

Kam said...

Yippie! I LOVE change! Gonna email you tonight~

Shelly and Family said...

I must say...with the house and updating your information with your agency & SW...I see that things are going to be very exciting this year! I can't wait!!!

Amie said...

How fun!!!!! I love home makeovers!! I actually like the color, but I think it is really hard to tell in pics... I can't wait to see it all together.

Way to kick of 2009!
When you are done, how about coming my way for a visit, and while you are here, just go ahead and work your magic on my place. ;)

Lots of love!
:)
Amie

3 Peanuts said...

So exciting!! I love Martin Senour Antique white (ask for the old formula-they just changed it). It is a beautiful cream color. However, I think this color looks good too.

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

I have Benjamin Moore Paint on my hallway and it's a nice warm color with a hint of creamy yellow. If you want the color I can get it for you.
I need to post some of the pictures from our big construction project. I hate construction but it's sure fun picking everything out and creating!! Can't wait to see the final pictures!

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

Oh I forgot to say I like the color your chose : ) I don't think it's too yellow at all.

Casey said...

How exciting!! Can't wait to see the new home remodel AND other exciting things in 2009.

Happy New Year!