While I was setting the table for a dinner party my husband was throwing for co-worker friends, I thought I should get some pictures of our new space while the area was cleaned up. (You know how fleeting that window of time can be with a houseful of kiddos!).
This is from the new room, looking into the kitchen.
From the new front door in the hearth room looking through the space into the living room.
And from the kitchen into the living room.
From the kitchen into the new room, with a view of the mantel.
I can't wait to have a Christmas tree set up in there! I'll be counting down till the holidays just like the grand fairies do.
This one is taken from the stairs.
And here are the stairs. They are covered in rose pattern wallpaper, that I glazed over to blend in better. The bold, rose pattern stood out too much before. Now, it is subtle and muted.
The ceiling is 15', and my son put in the pine floors, with my husband's help. In front of the fireplace and both new doors, is a pebble mosaic that I did. Ryan hung all of the shelves and curtain rods.
It is nice that we all had hands on in creating something for the space, even though the big job of it was done by a contractor and his crew. It feels good to have a part in doing some hands on work ourselves.
I had planned on putting curtains on the doors, but Honey voted against that. She prefers being outdoors for most of the day, but likes to keep an eye on what we are up to. Recently, she learned how to open the door knob, so she comes in whenever she feels like it.
Now, if she'd just learn to SHUT the door behind her. You'd think she'd been raised in a barn.
This is from the living room looking into the kitchen. I still can't believe how wonderfully open it is, and also, how well the new floor matches the original 90 plus year old floors once all were sanded down and re-stained. I beat up the new floors with crow bars and hammers to help the aging process a bit.
This party was also in celebration of finishing the room. That very day, the last of the construction items were crossed off the list. What a good feeling.
You know what will be an even better feeling? The first day we light a fire in that new hearth and cozy up by the flames to read a good book. I'm a Spring/Summer person myself, but this redo could be the impetus to switch me into becoming an Autumn gal.
It's just perfect, Karla. Yes, I can see why Christmas will be a special time for you. And I love how you all had a hand in it! A happy home, filled with love.
Posted by: jeanie | October 21, 2016 at 11:27 AM
So beautiful Karla!! Your home has gone through several transformations, and it has all been so interesting to see it evolve. But this change just seems so natural, like it has always been that way and you will so enjoy that fireplace!!! Thank you for sharing the gorgeous space with us............inspiring! Blessings, Linda
Posted by: Linda | October 21, 2016 at 11:33 AM
LOVE your new rooms - it all looks so wonderful! I always enjoy looking at your blog, you're so creative and talented! And I enjoy many things you've made that I've purchased over the years from your site and from you at events! Everything you do is always so pretty and special.
I wanted to tell you, just in case you're interested - we put a special hinge on our doors, (I don't know what it's called or anything but I'm sure the folks at Home Depot or wherever can help) so that when the dogs let themselves in, it gently closes behind them! (It sometimes doesn't latch all the way, but at least it's not standing wide open!) Our dogs can't turn the door knob like yours can but I just leave the door cracked a bit so they can push it open and let themselves in, then it closes itself behind them. It also worked great for when the kids were little and busted through the door without thinking of closing it! :) Can't wait to see your place decorated for the holidays this year! Thanks for sharing here on your blog,
Kay
Posted by: (Cynthia) Kay Heath | October 21, 2016 at 02:39 PM
Thanks, Kay. We have those hinges on other doors so kids dont leave them open. We should probably get them onto this door too. I was surprised when the dog jumped up, put her mouth on the knob and turned it. But I guess goldens are trained to do this as service dogs to do this but I sure didnt teach her this trick!
Posted by: Karla Nathan | October 21, 2016 at 08:23 PM
Great spaces! Love everything. And Silver Oak wine, what a treat.
Posted by: Gayle | October 23, 2016 at 09:50 AM