Boys’ Bedroom

Four Year Home Tour: Part Two

Published on April 14, 2016April 14, 2016 by Our Humble Abode9 Comments

Continuing the tour, let’s walk down the hall and peek into the bathrooms and bedrooms.

Four years ago, when we closed, the only tub in the house was the clawfoot in the main bath. Having two little kids and guests, a tub only wasn’t the most ideal layout, nor were the finishes selected.

Our first project was to remodel the bathroom, adding a tub/shower combo, and create more privacy by the toilet.

Across the room, a large, intricate vanity with small drawers and little storage took up a lot of floor space. Note the plug-in sconces, in a bathroom.

Utilizing vertical space, we built the floor to ceiling narrow shelving for storage. Keeping the vanity open, and painted a unique color, visually lightens the room, while still offering storage for toilet paper, towels, and bath toys.

The smallest bedroom in the house, the guest room, featured wall to wall, floor to ceiling oak bookshelves, a boob light, and another broken window.

With a tight layout, we wanted to create a useful room, with plenty of walking space and even a dresser. To do so, we cut out a notch in the shelves to recess the bed, making a cozy nook. Sconces flank either side, with the shelves serving as a nightstand. A larger window creates an egress access and brightens the north facing room.

Across from the bed is a petite dresser and small closet.

Perhaps the most neutral space before, the boys’ bedroom, had two windows and oodles of sun shining in. It also had unevenly patched walls and popcorn ceilings.

When working on spaces for kids, I like to ask for their opinions. Before getting started on the fun stuff, I fixed the walls, scraped the ceiling smooth, and we replaced the fogged up old windows. Then came the fun part, and the boys helped choose the wall color, art, and stripe curtains.

There’s a small space between the entrance and closet doors, but the starting point was a blank slate.

To use the small space, a handed down bookshelf fills the space nicely, without eating up precious real estate. Of course the Star Wars gear makes an appearance.

While the boys’ room was neutral, the master bedroom had peeling/painted over wallpaper, electric blue walls, two large windows, an ugly ceiling fan, and popcorn ceilings.

As with the entry, we added a wood planked wall for texture and interest and later painted it white. On other walls, I painstakingly peeled off the old wallpaper and scraped off popcorn ceilings. A custom bed, sewed leather top curtain panels, and floating nightstand add character and warmth. We also replaced the window and added a door leading out to a small, private balcony.

Along the left wall is our walk in closet.

Oh the power of paint! Blue walls be gone, in with bright white and nearly black walls. A large leaning mirror is a functional way to put the small area to work. Storing extra blankets looks good on a DIY ladder rack.

Across the room is the entry door (to the right) as well as the master bathroom (on the left). With a generous open area, it’s a bit challenging to put to good use. A master sitting area seems to be the go to.

Instead, a recently found Craigslist dresser brings the warm wood tones over to this side of the room. Added storage is always a plus, but I love having a surface to hold decorative items, too. I hear masking tape is the new, modern alternative to picture frames, didn’t you? Haha, no, a frame will happen…eventually.

Four years ago, if you went through the door you would have seen a hot dog covered with ketchup and mustard-esque room. Red walls, yellow tile and sinks, and brown floors. In a word, woof.

After a full gut remodel, we have a modern meets rustic retreat. Ben built a custom walnut vanity, topped with a stainless steel counter and vessel sink. More tongue and groove is a durable lower wall and a high contrast against the dark upper.

Double sinks on a long vanity were nice, but not something we really need.

Instead, we shortened the vanity to five feet with a single sink, allowing room for the clawfoot tub we pulled out of the main bath.

Though much of the basement is still in the process, here’s a peek at the previous arrangement. Door number one (to the left) led into the under stair storage, and the small French doors went into a big, open space.

With a bit of reconfiguration, we turned part of the under stair storage into a small mud nook. Straight ahead is a bedroom, with a theater space on the other side.

Stay tuned for the exterior changes, as this post has also gotten lengthy.

Luck of the Irish

Published on March 17, 2016March 17, 2016 by Our Humble Abode4 Comments

I may not have Irish heritage, but I undeniably love the color green. As a kid, when coloring or painting, I didn’t consider my work done until I added a splash of green somewhere. If you’re wondering, yes, I was a complete nerd who loved to draw, paint, build and decorate cardboard doll houses. I remember making a yellow-backed floral wall paper by drawing on white printer paper. It’s too bad I don’t have photos, because I’m sure it was just lovely-haha.

To me, green adds a vibrancy and lively element no other colors can. Yes, yellow is bright and cheery, but it doesn’t add the right warmth. Blues are beautiful and soothing, but can’t quite make the statement green can. Green is so abundant in nature, whether light, fresh spring green, dark mid summer grass-green, or the muted tones found in fall and winter. As a general green lover, I’ve incorporated some of each throughout my home and I urge you to do the same.

Some rooms have just a sprinkle (nothing too in your face) of green, such as our family room. In a mostly neutral space, nearly citron green pillows liven up the couch and add a jolt of color.

A brightly colored green and blue landscape painting perks up the mantle while the lumbar pillows pull the color down to the neutral chairs. Just a few small green accessories like books, a small vase, and candles pepper the color around the rest of the room.

Our kitchen counters are dark, nearly black green soapstone that still reads as a neutral.

Small additions like towels, plants, dishes, even fruit are quick, zero commitment ways to add even more color.

Other rooms have a slightly bigger swath of green, like our living room. Six sets of luscious grass-green velvet curtains flank the windows.

Cover the curtains with your hand and you’ll notice just how much life and personality they bring to the room. When in doubt, always default to house plants to get that bit of color without overwhelming a room. Bonus, you don’t have to deal with picking paint colors or fabrics.

Speaking of paint, sometimes a quart can make the biggest impact. At less than $20, what do you have to lose by giving it a try? Our main bathroom rocks an olive-green vanity, which has so much more character than any neutral ever will.

Toss a few more green accessories, in this case, hand towels and a nearly ugly 70’s landscape painting, around the room to complete the look.

According to the color wheel, green is a cool color, but it certainly adds warmth to any space. A muddy sagey olive acts as an almost neutral backdrop in our guest bedroom.

Pairing with bright white it feels so fresh, clean, and simple. But greens really shine next to warm wood tones, much like a tree trunk and leaves.

By far the most overtly green room in the house is the boys’ bedroom. Back when I gave their room a makeover, I asked each of them what color walls they wanted. One said green and the other said yellow. We compromised with this lemongrass yellow-green. It’s fun and happy, but is tempered by white, gray, and navy.

Our master suite, though mostly white and black, has green tucked here and there. More grass-green velvet wraps the headboard for a touch of color against an otherwise white wall.

Opposite the bed, a few bright green plants and (soon to be framed) landscape painting flank a dresser, bringing color around the room in a simple, easy-going way.

Even our master bathroom has touches of green via plants and a very abstract landscape.

Though we’re not quite at the point of the basement remodel to paint and add accessories, I’m trying to narrow down green paint options to use down there in a few ways. I think we all have a color we naturally gravitate toward, right? What’s yours, and more importantly, how do you use it in your decor?

Lush and Plush

Published on April 29, 2015April 29, 2015 by Our Humble Abode1 Comment

I swear, our house is constantly changing. Looking at our three-year progress shows that, but not all changes are as big, dramatic, or noticeable. Some are difficult and drawn out, so it’s refreshing when something quick makes an impact. Take a look at this photo of the boys bedroom, taken last week:

Do you catch the change right away?

That cheap, scratchy, too small Ikea rug got kicked to the curb for a perfect replacement.

Last fall, our bathroom won the dark division in Apartment Therapy’s Room for Color contest. Each division winner received a $1000 credit at Fab.com. Over the last few months, I’ve added things to my cart, deliberated, swapped a few items, and finally settled on some really great pieces. The Zest Tufted rug in slate is 100% wool, super plush, and an 8 by 10.

With a little graphic pattern, and the perfect color, I knew I wanted it. At the original price of $499, I was happy to create a cozy play space for the little dudes. As luck would have it, Fab had a sale last week, with a 50% discount on this handsome guy. I hopped on and placed my order before that deal ran out.

I will say, I’m always so apprehensive with online ordering for large items. But, I didn’t have much to lose, did I? This rug absolutely exceeded my expectations. Right after receiving the delivery, I hauled it upstairs, unrolled it, and placed it in the room. Shortly after, both boys came in, said how much they loved it and proceeded to roll around.

There’s a catch, literally. Not so much a complaint, just something I didn’t think of-the door swing. Because this rug is so thick, the bedroom door wouldn’t close over it. Not the end of the world, because Ben and I pulled it closer to the window, under the dresser to clear the door swing. I’ll definitely take that problem anytime.

During the same sale, I scored a Fetch lamp. The room has been lamp less since I stole and made over the previous base. What sold me on this is the simple shape and dish designed base.

Everyone has collections or junk in pockets. Why not store those little trinkets in a two for one combo?

I know what you’re thinking, with my rave review on the rug. This post is not sponsored. Affordable, quality rugs are hard to come by, so I had to share. Ben even gave his seal of approval. When it comes to rugs, that’s not an easy task either. If only Fab had a 10 by 14 neutral version for our living room.

Two Year Check Up

Published on May 5, 2014May 5, 2014 by Our Humble Abode10 Comments

This month marks two years of living at this house. Like last year, I’m taking you on a room by room tour to show you the changes. Here’s the plain entry the day we closed:

Recently, we installed a tongue and groove accent wall, new front door and window, modern light, giant Longhorns and cute art.

We now have a bright, light filled happy space we’re not ashamed of. Especially because this is the first impression. We still have to replace the uneven, stained tile and railing, but this space is nearly complete. The living room had great potential, but it felt too traditional for us.

Much of this room is still subject to change, but it’s functional and more ‘us.’ Painted light gray walls modernize it, while still feeling warm.

Coffee table plans are in the works, and I want to find a new rug and chairs. Art, too.

But the modern twist on a rustic/Western style is coming together. The newly finished sofa is perfect in here.

Hopefully a leather sofa will replace this one, but it serves the purpose until then.

Our dining room has seen some progress, but it’s not looking so hot these days. Though it really didn’t look to great when we bought this place either.

A window replaced the door, and we’ve got one sheetrock-less wall while we deal with electrical changes.

One of the least changed rooms is the kitchen. Maybe this winter we’ll have some updates to tackle.

Aside from removing wallpaper and painting, no action going on in here.

In the adjacent family room, we’ve refaced the fireplace, added an insert, built shelves for a little nook, painted the walls a soft beige.

This room is one of my favorite places to relax and enjoy the back yard views and wildlife.

Our first remodel here, the main bathroom, was a full tear out. Though it was one of the most recently updated spaces, the dark, showerless layout didn’t work for our two young boys or guests.

Replacing the tub with a tub/shower, it now functions for kids and adults.

Across the hall, the small guest room was very dark. North facing, small window, and a wall of 70’s oak shelving sucked the light and life out.

A new egress window lets in more light while the white shelves and happy yellow walls add cheer.

A beige box of boring wasn’t really a happy place for two little boys.

After asking for their suggestions, I scraped off the popcorn ceiling, painted the walls a pear green, and filled the room with color and kid friendly decor.

The master was completely opposite from the boys’ room starting point with obnoxiously bright blue walls.

So far, I’ve only painted over the shocking blue. Soon, we’ll get new windows.

The biggest interior project from the past 365 days is the master bathroom remodel. It was a dated yellow and red room of yuck.

Now, its our updated sanctuary complete with a walnut vanity, clawfoot tub, and pretty slate and marble tile.

A few big inside changes, but our landscaping saw the most attention last year. I’ll get to that in another post. We’ve been adding plants and greenery!

Sometimes, progress feels like it moves slower than a turtle, even though we’re most often working on something. It’s nice to look back to see just how much we really have done; to be reminded of our excitement at closing. And look back at the ugly and plain space we inherited.

Do the Polka

Published on July 31, 2013July 31, 2013 by Our Humble Abode13 Comments

Dots, that is, thanks to Ikea. The boys and I made a somewhat impromptu trip to Minnesota to visit family and friends. Trips back always include an Ikea run, this time looking for pillow inserts and a rug. The lovely as ever Shavonda super sweetly sent me two Lappljung Ruta covers, so I bought two inserts.

While I’m super impressed with the cover quality (especially for ten bucks!), I’m not as happy with the Inner inserts. I guess for $2.99 I can’t really complain. Unfortunately, I bought two thinking they’d nicely fill each pillow. Wrong. I had to use both for one plump pillow. Now I’m wishing I hadn’t been in such a hurry, because the Fjädrar down inserts are only $6.99. Oh well, I can always make an insert.

As for rug shopping, I checked out the Magical Thinking Triangle Chain Rug, but didn’t love it for 89 bucks. When I stumbled on the Ullgump Dot Rug for only $19.99, I had to get it.

Polka dots are fun, but don’t clash with the striped curtains.

Orange isn’t a prominent color in our house, but it’s slowly growing on me. Just like the orange background of the Green Eggs and Ham painting.

Rather than spending more money on a large (8 by 10 or larger) rug, I decided to get something smaller to fit between the beds. I don’t think I’d be willing to put any more of this bold color on the floor.

My other option was a 5 by 8 blue and cream flat weave chevron rug from Home Goods for $69. It was super tempting, but I wasn’t thrilled with how thin it was. Even hanging, the corners and edges had begun to curl.

Aside from three zoo trips, a Mall of America day (with a quick Ikea stop before), mini golf, and a few beach days, I helped my sister with a few projects. This two tone dresser is hers:

While visiting with my interior designer cousin, she told me about a product, Wall Flats that she just used in a house.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t stop thinking of these light weight panels. Ready to paint and much lower commitment than tile, tack to the wall in each corner and you’re done.