When it comes to my own spaces, I tend to really take my time. The plus side of this is being able to space out the expenses that re-dorating can entail. The downside is that my family and friends have to hear me obsess over the space for a LONG time, in this case an entire year! As my 3 boys have gotten older, they’ve outgrown many of their toys. For example, the darling play kitchen that never got used unless their little girl friends came to play, or their lovely art easel that again was really just for me:). So the idea behind my family room redo was that it be about our 3 boys, and their passion for the outdoors. They wanted a hunting/fishing theme so my goal was to give them that, but in a timeless and classy way. I also wanted to make sure that this space would fit the test of time as they matured into their teens.
Here are the BEFORE photos… It is a little embarrassing to share them with you.
{Ever heard the saying… “A plumber’s toilet never works!”?}
This is what your walls look like after 6 years with 3 boys…
PAINT~ I changed the wall color from a somewhat playful green to a more mature smokey blue/gray color {Benjamin Moore, Smokey Mountain}. For the accent colors I went with reds, grays, and browns that I thought would pop with the enameled trim and bead board.
FURNITURE~ With 3 boys I knew wash ability was a must so I went with all slip covered pieces for the seating {Ektorp line from IKEA}. We took a metal wagon base that I had used for decor outside and attached a small wooden trunk I had to the top to make a fun, unique coffee table! The rest of the furniture was vintage, rustic, repurposed items that were already beat up and distressed. I figured anymore dings and chips in them would only add more character.
*The only new furniture items I purchased were the loveseat and chairs from IKEA {3 pieces for $979}. I helped cover my expenses by selling my old sofa on Craigslist for $300! Other items I sold were the rocker, art easel, and play kitchen so that really helped out.
ACCESSORIES~ I love vintage décor so over a year I collected treasures at yard sales and occasional sales such as old lanterns, suitcases, and misc. items that would add interest to the room. Fishing and hunting memorabilia also were a must for the space!
Here is a simple project where I displayed antique fishing lures and a reel on an old piece of wood.
{Click on image for tutorial}
A huge part of making a house a home for me and my family is to incorporate family of past generations. Here is one of my favorite items in the room… a simple IKEA pillow turned into a one of a kind way to display an old photograph of my Grandpa, dad, and uncle on their own fishing adventure.
{Click on image for tutorial}
*The only new accessories I purchased were accent pillows {Ralph Lauren from TJ Maxx} and a lamp. Every other item was “junk” I had collected over the years.
And last but not least, my pride and joy! An old shop door we pulled out of by dads workshop! It was buried behind “stuff” and wasn’t being used so we pulled it out, cleaned it up and hung it on the wall, track and all. I’m in love with it!
So here’s one final BEFORE picture…
EWWWWWW!
And after!
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A Stroll Thur Life
