Step 1 is Done

Amidst the gazillion home repair and remodeling projects we have for our house, we have successfully settled on our next room to do. It just so happens to be the living room, the room where most relaxing and family gathering happens (aside from the dining room table).

Of course, our living room is somewhat of am awkward space. When you walk into our home, the powder room door is right behind the front door (when it's open), and you enter directly into a hallway. About 4 feet down on the left is the entry for the kitchen, and another foot or so is the stairs to go up on the right. Approximately 3 feet later, the hallway opens into the dining room, with the wall from the stairs remaining on the right hand side. Beyond that is the living room, with only a railing separating the dining room from the living room.

That is where the awkward comes in: the living room is pretty much the same room as the dining room, with only a railing and 2 steps down separating them.

So, the 2 rooms have to kind of 'go' together with colors, but without being all matchy-matchy. (I am very NOT matchy-matchy).

On to the photos, all but one were taken in the middle of the night, that's the only time I can paint walls around here (would love comments, be honest...).

First here's our horrible before:

Followed by our somewhat better after (the wall that the fireplace is on will also get painted, it just needs some drywall repair after we move the TV), with my now ability to see how much better it will look:

Hahaha, can you tell the only box of books I have opened and put on our new shelf is my husbands church books along with his missionary plaque. Too funny...

Mind you, the TV and couch are the permanents that we have to work with. Also, the darker of the 2 bookcases (the new one) is staying. We are going to buy enough dark bookcases to cover the length of that one wall. We may get some doors for the bottom halves of the bookcases, not sure yet. And, the TV will be moving to the wall that my sewing table is against (which will go downstairs after our attic access door and a few outlets go in this weekend).

This means that I will officially have a designated sewing area!!! We are going to buy either some nice, solid room dividers or make a half wall with a little half door to block off the area from the play room. It's kind of a little nook area already. Exciting stuff.

The best part about the whole thing is that my Dad wants to make us a mantle!!! A big pretty mantle!! Oh, I am so very excited. I also have 2 large mirrors to choose from to hang above it. Man, I finally get to have a living room that doesn't feel like it's a dorm commons room... SCORE!

It is so very exciting to have decorating projects, am I right??