Hello, Dear Ones! I wanted to share a little with you today on how our living room is coming along. So sit back, relax and grab a Diet Cherry Dr. Pepper (or a Dr. Pepper 10 ~ I can't find Diet Cherries here!) because this is going to be a rather long post!
Okie dokie! This was the way the living room looked from the MLS listing. Don't you love that blue crown molding? :) This house seemed to have this vibrant blue in a bunch of places.This is now. We had the walls painted "Biscuit" from Sherwin Williams and the crown molding painted white. Much better to my most gorgeous baby blues! ;) Pardon my flash but it was cloudy and the room was pretty dark.
This is looking from the back of the room to the front window.
This is now. We had a few issues when our furniture arrived. First of all the other matching wing back chair got it's tiny leg busted off, My piano had lots of scratches on the legs - all three legs had been put into one container and not wrapped individually! The rollers scratched all of the legs to high heaven and the corners of the lid look like busted glass! I almost cried. But we have someone who is going to fix it. Mr. Precious has a huge executive office desk and the back of it was broken into! It was supposed to have been taken apart. A precious lamp Mr. Precious had given my little mother years ago was bent up horribly! We've moved all over the place through the years and this is the most damage we've ever had. There is insurance and the moving company has worked well with us. I'm still looking for a missing shelf for Edra and some other things are not showing up! Moving is hard y'all! Oh, well..
This is looking from the front of the living room to the back. I thought you may want to see the blue crown molding one more time! :)What cha think about these window coverings? Well, I snatched those off the windows as quick as a wink!
This is what I came up with for the front windows and they are semi-homemade drapes. I bought four panels of these and combined two panels to make them fuller. I love to do that. The panels were not lined but I got some backing and lined them myself. They're nice and full now and I can close them at night and they're still full enough to look nice. I really don't want to close them each night and am wondering what I should do. Because of the storm windows, there isn't enough room to hang 2" blinds. I notice most folks around here use roller shades or shears on their front windows. I don't know what I want yet! Any suggestions?
Here's a close up of the panels and this is the color, a grayish kind of blue. Now I was being very adventurous and decided to go with blue in here with my rusty colored looking furniture. The blue has the same shade of rustiness as my sofa. I'll have some curtain material left over and will make a few throw pillows to poke on the sofa or chairs. Do you think that blue molding got to me? :)
Ready for some more blues? Well, I got a new lamp! I served on a jury right before we moved here and got my little check in the mail so I went looking for a lamp and this is what I found at Tuesday Morning. I affectionately call it my "dead dog lamp". I know, I know, but the trial I served on was about a dog that died because of the owner's neglect, so the name "dead dog lamp". I'm okay when I think of that trial now but it was really a very troubling case.
The Finn wound up in here and she is dressed for Fall!
Here's a closer look. I've got to find some artwork or something to hang over her.
This is where I've put my piano. You can see the door that goes into the kitchen to the left and more of that blue and more of those drapes!
This is the area now. That's a reflection on the wall under the window by the piano. No, spooks, I promise!
As you can see, I don't have window coverings up here yet. I'm going to do a different treatment but with the same fabric as I bought plenty of panels. I'm so talented like that, you know! :)
The Little Richard has become my music cabinet. Oh, the movers broke one of the olden knobs on Little Richard so I've got to find more knobs. I think Little Richard is going to get a paint job when I get a little more settled. I'm going to try and match or get close to the blue that's in the drape fabric. Do you think that would look nice? I'm loving the reflection of my piano in the mirror!A little fallness on Little Richard. When he gets painted I'll have to change the lamp shade as it's green. I could cover it. What do y'all think? You all have the best ideas and I appreciate any feedback positive or negative (I can take it) you want to give me.
The first time we saw this house I knew this was going to be my piano spot. I love it. If you noticed we don't have any rugs yet so I'm on the lookout for those. I don't know why there is a table runner poked inside my piano! Who knows! :) Still so much to do but again I keep telling myself "one day at a time"! :)
Hope you've enjoyed the little tour of my living room. It's far from being finished but I couldn't wait to show you what we've done so far.
Be a bunch of sweeties,
Shelia ;)
I'm joining DIY Showoff for That DIY Party
Dwellings for Amaze Me Monday
Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday
The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Monday
A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday
Cozy Little House for Tweak It Tuesday
Our Home Away from Home for Tuesdays At Our Home
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday
Dwellings for Amaze Me Monday
Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday
The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Monday
A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday
Cozy Little House for Tweak It Tuesday
Our Home Away from Home for Tuesdays At Our Home
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday
I'll leave you with a little Note Song ~
I Can't Fight This Feeling
I can't fight this feeling any longer
And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow
What started out as friendship, has grown stronger
I only wish I had the strength to let it show
I tell myself that I can't hold out forever
I said there is no reason for my fear
Cause I feel so secure when we're together
You give my life direction
You make everything so clear
And even as I wander
I'm keeping you in sight
You're a candle in the window
On a cold, dark winter's night
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
And I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
It's time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever
Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
Come crushing through your door
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore
My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you
I've been running round in circles in my mind
And it always seems that I'm following you, girl
Cause you take me to the places that alone I'd never find
And even as I wander I'm keeping you in sight
You're a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter's night
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
And I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
It's time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever
Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
Come crushing through your door
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore
~ sung by REO Speedwagon
You are making this house your home Shelia and it is looking lovely! Have fun settling in!
ReplyDeleteI understand your near-tears experience when you saw your damaged piano. We tend to love our musical instruments as old friends.
ReplyDeleteAnd for some reason, I've been singing this REO speedwagon song for WEEKS! Great minds think alike!!
What the heck were they doing with your furniture? I've never heard of such damage.
ReplyDeleteEverything looks wonderful - love your piano.
Have you ever considered the cloth accordion style blinds. You can open them from the top down or from the bottom up. We have them in our kitchen and I like them because I open them from the top only half way down and I get lots of sunlight and nobody can see inside the house.
Oh my goodness you are so busy. I love all the beautiful decorating you have done. I enjoy reading your posts and seeing the progress. I am so sorry that some of your precious furniture was damaged. That is so upsetting. Hope it all works out. I agree with Kim at Snug Harbor, about the accordion blinds. I had them in a previous home, and I loved them. They can be hung on the outside of the window casing so there should be a problem with your storm windows. You are doing such a beautiful job of decorating and fixing things up. Your sweet personality is shining through. Lots of work, but very worth it. I am so glad you are so happy and feeling so at home. It is wonderful to be close to children and grandbabies. It is the best. I am looking forward to more posts and pictures. Hugs, Karie
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Shelia!! I love the drapes you made and the way you arranged the room!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that you're finding a spot for all of your furniture and it looks beautiful. You'll have rugs and drapes soon. It always takes time to get it the way you want it and that's the fun of it...well, sometimes. I wish the movers weren't so rough on your furniture but you have a plan. Enjoy your weekend! Sweet hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteThe room is lovely, Sheila! I hate that you had damage to your belongings. We had lots of damage from our recent move too...38 items broken and they had switched trucks and left our stuff sitting in the rain. Lots of damage to the furniture and bottoms fell out of the boxes. It's been six months and we still haven't received insurance reimbursement.
ReplyDeleteShelia...I am just catching up with you, sweet friend and you are doing wonders! So sorry about your piano, I know it's precious! The drapes are lovely...not sure what to do for privacy...blinds are so expensive and I know you can do your own sheers.
ReplyDeleteI pray everything else falls in to place for you! I'm so happy that you and your guy are where you want to be! Love to you!! :)
Jane xxxx
It's a shame all the damage that was done to your precious furniture and piano. I'd be upset too. But, you're doing a wonderful job getting settled in. Love the drapery panels and the color!!
ReplyDeleteI am so so sorry that you suffered damage with your move. Especially the piano. That is really distressing..and hubby's desk, too. Just sad when you pay people to move things for you so they will be well taken care of!
ReplyDeleteWe have only ever had damage during one of our moves. It was heartbreaking plus I didn't realize until several weeks later that some stuff was missing. But- onward and upward.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that curtain fabric. It is just lovely! I think Little Richard would look lovely painted that blue shade. It would really introduce a bit more of that color in the room, too. Had to laugh at that blue molding. Do you think they were trying to pick up the blue in the pictures on the wall? lol Well, to each their own and paint is easy enough to change.
As far as the front windows- do you need them to be covered in the daytime or just at night? I, personally, don't like shades but I do know that they offer privacy. I like sheers on a separate rod underneath that you can pull across at night. Of course they don't give you total privacy either. No one uses mini-blinds anymore but those were perfect for those windows that didn't have a lot of depth to them. I have also seen rolled bamboo style shades (bamboo?)you know what I mean...that roll up during the day and then they drop down at night. Those might give an interesting twist to the room. Just throwing thoughts out- like em or leave em....lol
Hope you have a wonderful Sunday- xo Diana
I loved the before and the after!
ReplyDeleteShelia,
ReplyDeleteIt's beginning to look a lot like your home, dear friend!!!
My goodness, the amount of work you've already put into painting and draperies!!!
Had you thought of Roman Shades at your windows???
They can be lowered or stay up.
I put them in our home here on the Prairie. Love them.
When needed, you just vacuum with your attachment.
NO dusting, NO washing. . .I was so~o~o over the mini~blinds thingy!!!
Sorry to hear you had so much damage with this move.
I'll be watching for more reveals in the future!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Your living room is looking great. Have you thought of turning the piano so that the keyboard is more toward the windows? It seems that would give a view of the rest of the living room and guests if you were playing for a gathering.
ReplyDeleteHi Sylvia! You know, I love your idea of turning the piano around like that and I am going to try that! Thank you so much for popping in to see me.
DeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Wow - blue crown molding, yikes. Why do people do such funny things?
ReplyDeleteLooking GREAT Shelia, you have worked so hard.
Sorry about the moving damage that STINKS! Glad they're at least working with you, esp your piano, I cringed when I read that.
Hey may I give you two cents worth of design ideas? I highly suggest moving your piano so you are looking towards the room like I did with mine here in this post
http://www.finchrest.com/2014/06/music-room-beforeafter-wall.html
Also, are you looking for a large rug for under your awesome coffee table and sofa? I think it would define that space and ground the room. Also after I got my rug for my piano I think it helped the sounds - just ideas - hope you don't mind my sharing them with you.
I am so happy you are there in your lovely new home and look forward to seeing lots more of your changes! I just can't even believe how busy you have been in such a short time! WOW!!
Oh just noticed Sylvia's comment right about this one just said the same thing about your piano lol well glad I am not alone in my thinking then haha.
You sure are pulling it all together, and yes blut blue crown had to go and what about the pony in the livingroom. Love what you are doing with the place.
ReplyDeleteI'm SO sorry about the movers - I really hope you get at least financial reimbursement, but that doesn't really do justice to your wonderful pieces. Have you tried looking at a Target for your Diet Cherry Dr. Pepper? I believe they might have it.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb! I will look at Target because I hadn't thought of that! A Texas gal's gotta have her Dr. Pepper! :)
DeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
I'm so sorry you had problems with the movers. When my Aunt and Uncle moved from Detroit back home to La. they had the same issues. I hope you work out all those issues.. Your room is coming along, have to say that blue was electric wasn't it? Enjoyed seeing your beautiful room fondly ~lynne~
ReplyDeleteOh I am so sorry that you had so much damage, that is so heartbreaking. Your living room is looking fabulous and such a gorgeous space.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you had so much damage!!!! I would have been crying too!!!! Your living room looks beautiful and you are so lucky you can sew! Loving the tour of your beautiful new home! BLUE crown molding????? What were they thinking/??? LOL!
ReplyDeleteHi Shelia, The after is gorgeous. I love everything you pulled together. The curtains you designed are beautiful and I love seeing your piano there in that space. I know it must sound wonderful filling the room with your music. I am sorry you had the damage. We moved so many times and also had damage, lost boxes ans so forth. Big moves are so hard on furniture but thank goodness our movers sent people out to repair the damage too. As for the missing items, they had to pay up for the loss.
ReplyDeleteHave fun hunting for rugs and styling the other window. You are certainly making this a beauty. Glad you painted the blue molding. LOL
Blessings for you in this home!!
XOXO
Oh what a beautiful, cozy, inviting room and so spacious! The warm, wood floors are a great palette for all of your lovely furnishings.
ReplyDeleteWhat on earth were those people thinking of painting the molding blue? Some people do not have any design sense at all.
ReplyDeleteI love everything thing that you are doing. I think when you get your rugs it will ground everything and help with the noise. Your piano is perfect where you have it. I love the drapes and they go so well with everything.
You have really accomplished a lot Shelia. I know you are so happy to be with your daughter and family. Bet your grands are loving their grandparents being so close.
Looking forward to seeing the rest of your lovely home. So sorry that you had so much damage to your furniture and hopefully they are replacing or fixing everything.
Have a terrific week.
Hugs
Mary
Everything is turning out great Sheila, you sure have did a lot of work! I bet you can't wait till Christmas with the grandchildren living closer!
ReplyDeleteIt is looking fabulous Shelia!! You know, the piano is the first thing I think about in a room too. Even when I visit people I think where the piano would go!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I love the changes you are making. The blue molding was a bit odd for me also. I do love the blue you are bringing into the room. I think Little Richard will look awesome with a paint job! I've been in my place over a year and I'm still making changes and redoing all the time. It takes awhile to really make it a home!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
Well, I grabbed a PepsiMax (Australias favourite diet cola)
ReplyDeleteI just knew it would be something amazing that you came up with and dear girl, you did not disappoint! It's fabulous and i can't wait to see what you come up with by way of rugs! The piano positioning is simply perfect. Does my detective eye spy Kiki parked out the front?
Loving it Shelia!
It's amazing what paint can do and a great eye for decor! love it Sheila!
ReplyDeleteBlue molding? Really? You truly have to wonder what people were thinking when you see things like that, but your paint choices are perfect and you've really brightened and modernized the space.
ReplyDeleteThat's terrible about the damage your belongings sustained, especially the piano! Ugh! So disappointing, but it seems there are so many horror stories when movers get involved. There must be something in the ads for moving jobs that asks 'are you an inconsiderate a**hole, do you enjoy ruining people's prized possessions, would you steal valuable and/or sentimental items from unsuspecting customers? Then this is the job for you!'
I'm sure things will work out. They always do, and in the meantime you're with your family and making your house a home!
Beautiful Shelia!!!...from a distance the blue crown moulding looked like painters tape....such a great transformation from the past owner's room...and love the piano by the window...sorry that the movers were not so professional in properly packing the piano legs....Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteOh, it is coming along beautifully, Sheila! I do have to snicker at that blue crown moulding...kinda makes one wonder where folk's minds are when it comes to decorating, huh? I absolutely love the blue-ish drapes...you are like me...I improvise when I can't find exactly what I want at the store :) It seems to me you can get blinds that mount from a header-type thingy, making them stick out far enough away from the windows...sheer panels are also a way to go but if you are like me, I love looking at the outside....maybe panels that you can open or close at night time?? I do think the hints of that gray-blue look lovely with the other rusty colors....they are opposites on the color wheel after all...lol! Can't wait for the next update!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a great job Shelia! Now to the first and the most pressing problem ~ no diet cherry Dr Pepper!!! That is just unacceptable. Go get some cherry juice right quick! If your can't find any Diet Cherry Dr Pepper anywhere, let me know and I will ship a case up to you. Y'all just can't be unpacking and decorating without it. That blue molding was, well it was blue. Glad it's gone because it just wasn't you. I am sorry to hear that so many things were broken or damaged. We survived out Idaho to Texas move with very minimal damage. I hope that your mover takes good care of it for you. Your new lamp is lovely and was worth the jury duty. Let me know sweetie if there is anything I can send you other that diet cherry Dr Pepper. Now that I am back in Texas there are some things I can't live without and I am not even going to mention Blue Bell Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream ;-)
ReplyDeleteBig Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Shelia...you living room is simply gorgeous now that it has gotten your magic touch! I'm loving the new furniture and the draperies you semi-made! Really great colors all around. And your lovely piano is always the star of the show in your living room. I can't wait to see the rugs you choose. I just ordered an area rug for my living room from One Kings Lane online. My daughter has two beautiful ones from there and I was so pleased to be able to see it magnified as well as given the measurement on the thickness. I guess that's all you can ask for when you shop online but you can't beat the selection.
ReplyDeleteI just know you are enjoying fall in your new digs! How far are you from the kids? You must be in heaven! Keep us posted. I'll be better at visiting soon! :)
Jane xx
The room is such a nice size. Looks so pretty.
ReplyDeleteWhat were they thinking with that rug and the molding? I much prefer your more elegant and understated version. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteIt's looking good Shelia. I can see why you pulled down those drapes. Strange being short with that valance.
ReplyDeleteLove your piano. Such a shame you had that much damage though,as if it's not stressful enough moving.
Looking forward to seeing more. xx
Shelia, you living room looks so beautiful! The changes you have made are gorgeous and I am loving the way you arranged the room. It looks like a very large space. You are sure turning this house into a beautiful home. Take care. Maria
ReplyDeleteEverything is looking very nice. Moving is the hardest thing in the world...it was one of the hardest things I;ve ever done in my whole, looong lifetime. We've been here a year now and I still have some boxes in the garage that haven't been unpacked. I am in no hurry as we have most everything we need here.
ReplyDeleteJust take one day as it comes and you'll have your home as cozy and pretty as your last one.I think you are doing a magnificent job.
I love it all Sheila! How pretty and your special touch is obvious! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteYou've made such a major improvement, Shelia. I think painting Little Richard would be an excellent idea, because you have a lot of stained wood going on that kind of blends with the floors -- kind of makes your beautiful pieces of furniture not so noticeable. Some area rugs will help with that issue, too. I really like your drapes. Would woven wood shades work at your windows......maybe your drapes could be bumped out a bit from the windows with some extensions on the ends which might then give you the clearance you need for wooden blinds or the woven wood shades. Wow, I am so good at giving decorating advice & opinions! From what I've already seen, you will come up with something wonderful.
ReplyDeleteToo bad about all the damages in the move. Even though the company will compensate for the damages, it's still hard to see your treasures getting mistreated. Hope it all gets resolved. Continued good luck on getting settled in.
Shelia, loved seeing your new living room! I can not believe your movers were that neglectful! I would be in tears. Anxious to see what all you add as time goes along.
ReplyDeleteOh Shelia, I am so sorry about the things that got damaged! It is so upsetting if there is an accident but this all just sounds like carelessness which is unacceptable. I am glad that you have insurance, but that isn't really the point is it. I know though that you are so wonderful you will have things all sorted out and lovely again in time. You have made a massive change to the living room, although I read the captions wrongly at first and thought that the "old" room was how you decorated it and I thought, that is odd, I don't think that is Shelia's style and then I realised! Silly me hey. Anyway, it is all looking wonderful, you have been so busy I really can't imagine. Wonderful to see all you have done. xx
ReplyDeleteShelia,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful transformation and all of your treasured pieces are fitting in just perfectly!
Warm Hugs,
Jemma
Such pretty changes, warm and cozy touches, that have transformed the space into a comfortable and elegant space.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day!
Poppy
Shelia you have a beautiful home! I love your entry display. Those little Stafford shire dogs are perfect for your fall display.
ReplyDeleteYour living room is coming along lovely. I spent my upbringing moving since my Dad was in the Air Force and all I have to do is tell people that I went to 14 different schools before I reached high school graduation! But the damage you stated would break my heart too and make me very mad! Thank goodness that insurance will fix the issues.
ReplyDelete