“I’m awesome.”
That’s the message I left for my husband at work last month after finishing up the family room remodel.
It wasn’t a commentary on the room itself.
Though, I really do think it turned out pretty awesome, if I do say so myself.
It was actually a pat on my back for catching the recycling truck at the perfect time in our alley. It was a fluke, actually. I was standing at the kitchen sink, looking out to the back yard when I saw a garbage truck looming large behind my garage.
Okay, I heard it first. The roar of it’s garbage truck engine and hiss of its airbrakes prompted me to look up from the dishes I was washing.
I dropped everything and ran outside — and may have left the water running – to open my garage door to reveal a heaping pile of cardboard.
And heaping doesn’t even begin to describe the massive amounts of cardboard in our garage. Cardboard accumulated as part of the creation of this coastal-look family room remodel …
… a remodel that, by the by, was inspired by one of my favorite movie homes (and movie too), Something’s Gotta Give …
and a remodel in which every single piece of furniture in this room was delivered in cardboard boxes. LARGE cardboard boxes.
I would have to say the hardest task was assembling that Ikea Ektorp sectional sofa. But it wasn’t the assembly that was complicated. It was the massive cardboard boxes it came delivered in. Getting the pieces out of the cardboard, and then fighting with the cardboard to get it to lay flat. And then wresting and wrangling with that cardboard to get it out the door and into the garage.
That was the challenge.
And once we got the IKEA cardboard into the garage, along with the cardboard boxes from the table and the lamps and the unfinished and vintage crates and the oversized clock … well … it completely covered the space where my car was once parked. Too much cardboard to fit in our recycling bin. Too much cardboard to fit in the alley.
The plan was to parcel it out into the recycling bin in small doses.
Well, that was my husband’s plan.
A plan that could have spanned the next six months, given the amount of cardboard our garage now housed.
My plan was to keep and eye and ear out for the recycling truck.
A plan I promptly forgot …
until I was standing at that kitchen sink and heard/saw a garbage truck looming behind my garage.
I wasn’t even sure if it was the recycling truck. It was. And when I asked if they could take the heaping pile of cardboard in my garage. They said yes. And backed the truck up closer to my garage. Together we wrestled and wrangled and hauled that cardboard into the truck.
Phew.
Now, keep in mind this room is still a work in progress.
Like those new, unfinished crates need to be stained and distressed and stenciled to look old …
Update: You can see how I aged those crates by clicking here …
And my World Market side tables need some accessorizing to compliment my Birch Lane lamps …
But I wanted to share the room before I dressed it up for the holidays.
And to be honest with you, I really do think it looks awesome …
… and now my family thinks I’m awesome too!
Linda
Sources:
Lambert Table Lamps from Birch Lane | Sheer Curtain Panels from Curtainworks | Ektorp Sectional with Tygelsjo beige slipcover from Ikea | Storage Ottoman from Walmart | 30” Clock from Wayfair | Premier Prints Fabrics from OnlineFabricStore.net | Brown Houndstooth Fabric from Buyfabrics.com | Side tables from Cost Plus World Market | Laptop Desk from Cost Plus World Market | Industrial Stool from Target | Chevron Rug from RugsUSA | Television Console/Armoire from Pottery Barn (from 14 years ago) | Unfinished Wood Crates from Amazon.com | Vintage Crate from Found In Attic | Regal Select Off-the-Shelf Base White Paint in flat (walls) and semi-gloss (trim) from Benjamin Moore
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It DOES look awesome! Perfect balance.
Thank you Kirby! I know it’s not your style, but truly appreciate your appreciation, my friend!!! 🙂
Absolutely Outstanding. You had done a Wonderful job and you well deserve that Big pat on the back
Thank you so much Colleen! It truly is a very calming space in my chaotic home! 🙂
It’s beautiful, Linda! I’m confused though. Is this your back porch? I thought that was screened in. Or maybe not…
Linda, it looks beautiful! Love the color scheme.
Did you paint the entertainment center with Annie Sloan paint? I need to re-paint my bedroom furniture. Did it once about 10 years ago and now its chipping and pretty ugly. What paint would you recommend to use? Should I sand the whole thing down?
I did use Annie Sloan, which means I didn’t have to do any prep or primer. I just painted over the existing finish and then gave it a coat of clear wax when dry. I didn’t want the ‘chippy’ look so I didn’t distress. However, if you have peeling paint, I think you should sand down those areas so it’s smooth. Hope that helps! 🙂 Linda
Linda,
Thanks that does help!
And I used Annie Sloan in Pure White. Guess I should add that to my source list too!
That is the same sofa I will be using in our living room. What color sofa did you go with? I see Ikea has two different whites and some different neutrals. It’s hard to tell on their website what the differences are between the light colors. I’m just wondering what color you used because it looks very nice!
oh duh! I see it now in your sources….I’m sorry!
Not a problem! And that’s exactly why I started adding a list of sources on my posts. I, too, flip flopped over the colors but am really happy with my choice. The fabric feels substantial.
🙂
it looks lovely- so fresh and bright!
This room looks wonderful, to have been pulled out of boxes. So well done. Good for you for recycling that card board too!
I have to ask though… because well, I’m just this way.
But living in such close proximity to your neighbors… did you choose the color of your rug and pillows to blend with the view? Because… Wow!
And aren’t you glad they keep the siding nice and clean?
…heaven help my embarrassment, if this is an extension of your home…and really you live in a huge home. That just shows you,… a small farm- house dweller in the country really knows nothing about this sort of thing. 😉
LOL! Yes, that is my neighbor’s house! City living at it’s finest! And I am very happy that they redid their siding too. The neighbor on the other side is a wall of cinder blocks, so the other side of the room has glass block windows. We benefit from the light without having to look at a fortress of a wall!
🙂 Linda
glass block windows are a nice idea…rather than cinder blocks… we use cinder blocks to park the boat on when not in use! (to help prevent dry rot!) Can’t imagine having to look at a fortress wall like that.
You’re a good sport about my question… was hoping it didn’t come across as rude sounding, I don’t comment here much… just read and drool over your pretty pictures! LOL…
Anyway… you have a lovely room! Enjoy it. Can’t wait to see it done up for Christmas!
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! I love it! I saw that little World Market cart yesterday and fell in love. It’s perfect in your beautiful space.
I think your room and you both are awesome.
oh but it does! I love the crispness and freshness of the room. Way to go you most awesome friend!
Your living room looks just wonderful! I have the coffee table and sofa tables that go with your end tables and still love them! nd I have a serious crush on your lamps! I recently revamped my LR and know exactly how you feel about the hard work and the awesome part! I am exhausted…lol
This room is so beautiful and bright! Love how open, yet cozy it feels 🙂
Thank you Erica! It has become our favorite space to hang! And at night with the lamps on, it’s super cozy too! 🙂 Linda
You really are awesome, my friend! And yes, your family room makeover is awesome too!
Thank you so much Suzy!!! So sweet! 🙂 Linda