Renovation Saga, Part Two - Inside Progress

Inside – My Room, Den:

We have purchased a new mattress set and new bedroom furniture. I was so tired of heavy dark wood and the new is a creamy cottage style 4-post bedroom set. I started painting the bedroom this weekend and have purchased a new desk and chair for my return to school endeavor (both from Pier One.)

The den has a new couch and loveseat. However, it still has wood paneling that the men of the house love and will not part with, sigh. I’m still trying to figure out how to redecorate it to join this century. I’m looking for a magnificent painting that will lighten up the wall behind the couch. I am searching for a new hanging style lamp, not pendant, for the corner between the fireplace and the loveseat. The fireplace is flanked by long windows on each side. I am planning on hanging LIVE greenery in front of each and making window seat cushions for them.

I have recently changed my mind from installing new hardwood flooring.  Instead, I want to do large ceramic tile that has the look of stamped concrete.  Our house was built in the late '70s/early '80s and has dark wood trim and doors, rather than the much preferred (by me) white trim.  I was visiting a neighbor several weeks ago and had forgotten that they had installed tile in all of their living room, den, kitchen and common areas.  It truly lightened up every room.  So, since we are not looking for resale updating, but rather for durability and function, I am going with the tile.  I will take my before pics soon so that at the end I can see the official progress. 

Going through all of these plans I just realized that everything I am doing is an attempt to lighten and brighten my home. I have been on a personal journey the last 11 months of lightening and brightening myself from the inside out.  I guess my personal work is flowing over into my home ...but isn't that what makes a home?  Your personal stamp and flavor?  How do you connect with your home?  Let me know!

Peace & Brightness to You! 

Renovation Saga, Part One - Outside

Outside – Front Yard:

So far, we have painted the exterior of the house – changed from Pukey Green (yes, I believe this must be the official color reference name) to Green Tea (a pale green-gray)

trimmed in Cascade (an ambiguous off white)

and accented in Olive Grove (dark olive green/brown.)

The American flag is back up and flying, which I considered to be a primary project.

We cut down the trees in the front yard that were killing our grass and trimmed up the under height of the remaining oak. The sun now shines upon our yard once again.

I’ve made the decision to sod the yard next spring, rather than now, as that time of year will create healthier rooting and it will be easier to develop the yard. A classmate from high school offered his knowledge in my decision and I will seek him out in the spring.

Next summer we are going to have to resurface the driveway, too. Ugh, the expense.

Our azaleas died last year and I did not replant anything this year, so our flower beds are bare. I could not decide what to plant because the exterior had not been painted and once it was we had a major plumbing repair that was going to tear up the front yard. So, there was no point in planting this year. However, I am buying mums now and filling the front beds for the fall.

Then for next spring I have decided on two Red Rocket crepe myrtles for the west end of the front bed. The beds on each side of the steps will have Autumn Sundance (dark fuchsia) Encore azaleas with Drift Roses and ornamental grasses.

Outside – Back Yard:

We have cut out all the fence line brush. (Thanks to JBR's little brother!) I am looking for someone to break up the concrete shed pad that is on a hill. It’s an eyesore and needs to go. We lost the shed in Hurricane Elvis that hit in July 2003.

I threw out the old porch swing that one of our labs had chewed the arms on. I've ordered a new one – swing, that is, not a new lab. 

Here's a pic of one like I just ordered this morning.

I have a glider of my grandmother’s, which I need to replace the arms on and re-stain. I've been waiting for the Memphis heat to subside. 

We moved the bird bath onto the patio, closer to the kitchen windows, so my mom can sit at the kitchen table and watch the birds drink & bathe. She and my grandmother, who passed in 2005, have always been bird lovers. They could tell you the type of bird, the mating & migration habits and describe its call. Mom has enjoyed watching the birds without having to go out in the Southern July heat & humidity. It’s amazing how simple changes can bring joy to people. I’m so glad we thought of moving the bath.

To me our backyard is the most special in the fall. I love that fall is coming and I love campfires. We have had campfires regularly since my son was a baby and now he orchestrates them. (Have I mentioned how proud of my kid I am?) The wood pile is stacked and abundant from last month’s front yard tree-murder. So, come on Autumn Chill and let the campfires begin!

Peace and Pre-Fall to y'all!