Cabin Fever
Snowed in for three days—and counting. I have to hand it to the Mister, who planned ahead and started on his “snow day” project a few hours before the first flake fell.
From the minute we bought our house, we planned to improve the fireplace wall in our family room. Although the room has some nice millwork, the built-ins and fireplace were not well integrated. In addition, the space above the mantel lacked interest and had no provision for lighting. I didn’t take an intentional “before” photo, but I did find this picture from this past spring. It’s not terrible, but it’s not great either. We don’t think this will be our “carry us out in a pine box” house, so, although we want to make improvements, we don’t want to spend a lot on custom carpentry.
The Mister made an early Sunday afternoon run to the hardware store where he spent less than $20 on 34 feet of “window stop” trim. About 1.25 inches wide and .25 inches deep, this trim was perfect for the board-and-batten effect we wanted. We already had leftover trim paint, oil-based enamel Dover White by Sherwin Williams, making it even more affordable.
By late morning Monday, the Mister had all the strips cut and glued and tacked with small nails into place. Next came a coat of primer. While the primer was drying, there was plenty of time for sledding.
Just before supper, the Mister and Middle applied the first coat of paint. They caulked and put the second coat of paint on Tuesday morning.
Wednesday, I hung a painting and put the urns and clock in place.
Then, we lit the fire, and we were pretty happy.
Have you accomplished any snow day projects?
From the minute we bought our house, we planned to improve the fireplace wall in our family room. Although the room has some nice millwork, the built-ins and fireplace were not well integrated. In addition, the space above the mantel lacked interest and had no provision for lighting. I didn’t take an intentional “before” photo, but I did find this picture from this past spring. It’s not terrible, but it’s not great either. We don’t think this will be our “carry us out in a pine box” house, so, although we want to make improvements, we don’t want to spend a lot on custom carpentry.


By late morning Monday, the Mister had all the strips cut and glued and tacked with small nails into place. Next came a coat of primer. While the primer was drying, there was plenty of time for sledding.

Just before supper, the Mister and Middle applied the first coat of paint. They caulked and put the second coat of paint on Tuesday morning.


Have you accomplished any snow day projects?
We cleaned out DOTR's closet. Got rid of half of his shoes, half of his shirts and half of his ties and a huge shopping bag of caps (the ones we saved from the last purging--didn't even look at them, just threw them in the donate pile). In the end, he loaded 7 huge black leaf bags into his LC for a trip to Goodwill. Mine is next...and I just sent a bunch of stuff away not long ago. Then I'm tackling the sock basket(s). Anything without a mate this time is in the garbage.
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT!!!! Looks so expensive! Such a great idea!
ReplyDeleteImpressive! What a sweetheart Mr. must be - I LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Colleen
What a beautiful transformation - cheers to you for your DIY!
ReplyDeleteThat turned out really cool - adds a lot more interest.
ReplyDeleteLooks great, if hes looking for extra work we have plenty :)
ReplyDeleteReally does look "so professional" and more interesting than flat wall with a mirror or art, I like the dimension it offers. If you have a minute would love you to check out my new blog, about the house we are building and my love for decor, design and all of lifes pretty things.
Thanks...
www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com
OH MY GOODNESS! It looks absolutely gorgeous and like it was just always meant to be like that! I cannot say enough about how much I love it and really just love your whole design style. I hope you will consider linking it up to the Inspiration Friday party this week! :-)
ReplyDeleteVanessa
Great job!!! Looks really good.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I'm impressed by both your design talent and your project skills:).
ReplyDeleteWow. You are both very talented. I never would have thought to do that, and it made such a difference! Wow! I know you are so happy. Enjoy that beautiful fire!
ReplyDeleteSend that man over here right now! Not only do you have a beautiful mantel you have a talented husband. One thing about constant sunshine it's hard to remain indoors doing those projects on the weekend. I can't even imagine having a snow day, bet it's unusual for you too. :)
ReplyDeleteYep! It is even better seeing it for a second time! Just coming back by to say thank you for linking this up to the party! :-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Vanessa
What a great job! Your husband sounds very handy to have around. I only discovered your blog today and I am so happy I found it! I'm adding you to my favorites and looking forward to new posts. Your home is lovely by the way.
ReplyDeleteThat looks fantastic. Mister did a great job, and what a terrific "bang for the buck" outcome. Bravo! My snow-day project was putting away the last of the Christmas things. Onward...
ReplyDeleteSuper makeover. I love the trim y'all added. What a cozy room. Thanks so much for adding this to my party. I hope you will include a link to my blog next time. That is a great way to be productive during the snow days.
ReplyDeleteThat is stunning. Very cottage chic. And you will love coming back home to it after your mission trip!
ReplyDeleteWow - what a simple and effective solution. And how wonderful that your husband is so handy. Looks really great!!
ReplyDeleteWow! That pulls the whole wall together. It looks fabulous!
ReplyDeletethis is so beautiful it sure does make the room look totaly different...excellent job!
ReplyDeleteI love the look that you achieved, and at a great price. May have to have hubby do this somewhere in our house. I am a new follower, glad to have found you.
ReplyDeleteWow! This is beautiful! I just saw this featured over at Kims before and after. I love it! You two did a fantastic job! I really love your whole room, it's so cozy!
ReplyDeleteIt looks fabulous. What a great idea. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteWhat a great makeover! I have been looking around your blog and see so many great pieces. I love your home. Please stop over to visit when you have time. I am you newest follower!
ReplyDeleteHave to admit that your snow day projects are much more impressive than mine-Haha I thought I was doing so well with a heart wreath here and there- this I love-did this in my front hallway and it adds so much character to a room-your family room looks "finished" and quite beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteFollowed your link here from Kim's party and so glad I did.. I think your wall transformation is beautiful and the way you did it on a budget makes my heart sing..
ReplyDeleteI am so happy of you and your hubs..
your newest follower
Sonny ~ 155 Dream Lane
How fun seeing it all come together! Looks fresh and fine!
ReplyDeleteYour room is so warm and inviting! I just love how it turned out!
ReplyDeleteW.O.W. that is an amazing change. The entire feel of the room has been altered! GREAT job.
ReplyDeleteI'm stopping by Kim's. Absolutely beautiful makeover! I love this room.
ReplyDeleteI am clicking to follow.
That turned out wonderful! I found your blog though Kim at Savvy Southern Style. Off to visit more of your past posts.
ReplyDeletePenny
Beautiful mantle! You and your husband did a wonderful job with this. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow!!!! That is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThat looks wonderful!! Your home looks so comfy and cozy!
ReplyDeleteOh I love what you did and I love the chair, I just posted about getting a pair of chairs like yours...and now I would love to re=cover it...is that you did? Your home is lovely!
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning room! I first saw it on Kim's blog and thought it was from a picture in a magazine. Seriously! It's so cozy and warm.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Kim
Hi there, just came over to your blog, love the job you did on your fireplace, wonderful, so clever. Am really interested in your Peru trip too, what a varied and busy life you have. xxx
ReplyDelete