Den: Before, Progress, and Plan

I wanted to continue to share our before and progress pictures with you, but also include our plan for each room now that we are moved in.  It is very overwhelming to think about what needs to be done to an ENTIRE house, so we thought that a good place to start was just to make a general list for each room and then prioritize.  We live in the real world where this all takes time and money.

This was the den before we moved in.  It's in the back of the house and the previous owners used it as their tv room. 

This space is 13X12.  Not large, but definitely a good space.  At first we were going to leave this room empty, but the logistics of furniture placement (more on that in another post) of our living room led us to make this our family room.  Aside from the curtains and carpet, there was one other eye sore we had to take care of right away.

Hiding behind those lovely curtains was a window that was duct taped shut and covered with bars.  That window looks onto a screened in porch which we think was added after the home was built.  I would love to know the thought process that went into keeping the window as well as the addition of the bars.  I wanted it gone and for a few extra bucks our painter made it disappear from this side.  

Tada!  Much improved!

For starters you know that ripped up all the carpet and had the floors refinished.  They are perfect, at first I thought I wanted them darker but this stain shows the grains but also hides a lot of the unsightly dog hair we deal with everyday.

The walls are Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams.  It's a great mix of brown, black and charcoal.  The white trim compliments the walls well and with so much natural light the space doesn't feel dark.  There isn't a ton we need to do in here, more decorative and a few new pieces.

The Plan

• add shoe moldings
• add a rug
• new/brighter pillows for couch
• add pendant light fixture
• window treatments...maybe curtains on outside of bay window
• purchase new tv stand and possibly create a gallery wall around tv like this

We are loving the coziness of the space, and with the room in the back of the house it feels secluded.  I created a den makeover board where I'm dreaming up ideas for the room.

Up next is our dining room!

XOXO

Aubrey 

My Birthday Twin

My college bestie, Kristi and her family were visiting from California right before we moved.  They welcomed baby Justin in April, on the 17th to be exact which happens to be my birthday too!  

We just enjoyed a laid back dinner of pizza and salad, and while we caught up the kids watched a movie and played.  We seem to have more girls around then boys, so it was nice for William to have Tyler for the night who loved playing with all his cars and trains.  We always attempt a picture and you should see the nonsense that is going on behind the camera to try and get everyone to smile.  One these visits we'll get it right!

Though there doesn't seem to be a problem with licking your popsicle at the same time when the camera is clicking away.

 I did manage to catch a smile from this cutie!

 Despite all the craziness that was going on in our little Crawford Clan world, I couldn't help myself by join them for another visit.  They wanted to see Greenfield Village and I knew it would be a great break for the kids.   

Justin was perfect the entire day, such a great baby!

 The train and carousel continued to be the big hit.  I don't think we accomplished much else besides eating lunch and visiting the farm.

 Kristi sent me this picture after they left.  I ordered two ice cream cones first, but Tyler enjoyed his in a cup.  There was some serious cone envy going on.  You may have to take the plunge and the mess that comes with it!

 

 Our visits are never long enough and hopefully I can visit California again, but this time I'll bring the whole fam with me!  Miss you guys!

XOXO

Aubrey