When I go two weeks in between updates, you’re going to see a lot of changes. Get ready for tons of pictures!
Our contractor has focused on the living room over the past two weeks or so. It’s been quite a transformation.
After out contractor demo’d down to the studs and insulation…
…the electrician dramatically improved the lighting in the room by adding five can lights. We always knew the lighting needed to change in this room, and this certainly was the right way to go.
Next was new drywall and plenty of mudding on the seams.
Once we got rid of the TV and TV stand, the room really opened up! Our contractor offered to sand down the textured ceiling to modernize the look. We never considered that, but we took him up on his offer and we’re so glad we did! It was a messy and dusty few days, but it really was worth it.
Then it was finally time for paint.
So fresh and clean!
Our contractor also sanded and re-stained the baseboards. It made all the difference and really made the room feel new and put-together.
We had one problem area to address. When we took down the bulkhead between the living room and the kitchen, we suddenly had a blank space to fix.
We needed to extend the kitchen’s wood ceiling closer to the living room. While our contractor found replacement boards, he couldn’t find the right stain to match what we already have. So he created a solution.
He stained the new boards and this decorative board to match the woodwork. It gives a separation between the kitchen and the living room. It’s not perfect, but it was the best option we had. There was no way we were taking down that ceiling and venturing into a whole new project!
Then on Monday, Chris and our contractor worked together to mount the new TV over the fireplace.
Now we have a functioning living room again! For a few weeks, we were doing everything in the basement — working, eating, watching TV. It’s nice to have another living space available again. Our electrician messed up the outlets behind the TV, so we’re trying to figure out a plan for the cable box and DVD player.
A few weeks ago we ordered new bedroom furniture and new living room furniture. The bedroom furniture should arrive in a few weeks, and the living room furniture might come in October or November. I’m not holding my breath for any of these items to arrive when scheduled!
This is how we’ve been living all summer:
Everything from the living room bookshelves and from our bathroom vanity is being stored in the dining room. And for a short while, the living room furniture was in the kitchen. I was starting to feel a bit claustrophobic.
Just keepin’ it real. This is why we’re not hosting anyone in our home this summer, except we’re scheduled to have Damon’s family birthday party here next weekend. I’m hoping we can get the living room back in order so we can all eat at the dining room table!