This six-month journey has been full of challenges, from unexpected repairs to design dilemmas, but we're finally at the decorating stage! Let's rewind to the beginning.
We started by removing the picture trim moulding and repairing the damaged drywall. The picture trim has been a constant source of frustration and slowed our progress in every room we've tackled. If you're curious about our process, I have all the details.
Next, we sprayed the trim white and the back patio doors black. I'll admit, I had a moment of doubt seeing those black doors in progress! Renovations often look worse before they look better. Dog claw marks that showed through required extra sanding and repainting for a clean finish. But it was worth it—these doors look brand new!
With the trim done, we primed the walls, edged the trim and doors, and applied the first coat of paint. Covering up the black overspray from the doors took several layers of paint. Then came the small details that make all the difference:
- Caulking around the freshly painted trim to eliminate gaps.
- Replacing yellowed outlets and switches with new bright white ones.
- Adding a new floor vent.
Six months later, we're finally decorating! Renovation takes time and money, and as Christian reminds me, "This is a marathon, not a sprint!" It also took a while for me to decide on the furniture layout in this room. Space was a significant constraint since this area is a central walkway to and from the mudroom; centering our original 60-inch table wouldn't work.
I considered a bench or wrap-around banquette seat with a smaller 40-inch table in the corner; however, I wanted to preserve the window view and didn't want the banquette seating in front of it. I also wanted to avoid feeling like I was shoving everything into the corner to maximize space. I like a space to breathe and didn't want it to feel cramped. While banquette seating is beautiful, it wasn't the right fit for this nook.
Instead, I started exploring glass storage cabinets for the far wall, which would add height, contrast against the light walls, and offer space for colorful decor. Over the weekend, I found the perfect storage case at a local furniture warehouse, and it fits beautifully!
Now, I'm searching for a 30-40 inch table with 2-3 chairs, a stylish pendant light, some shelf decor, and curtains to complete the look.
