Atlanta Content Creator Inspiring [life] style

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Stay Home: Remodeling

Before things officially got crazy in March, I was actually planning on making a bit of a comeback to blogging and posting on social media. In fact, these photos were taken for a campaign that got canceled due to the coronavirus. Once the toilet paper rush turned into a true pandemic, I didn't really feel like coming back to blogging. I don't want to write a post about COVID-19, as I'm sure many others have already done so. But, at the same time, I have no desire to write about springs looks, either. The deciding factor: I could't let good photos go to waste, especially now that I'm working from home and dressed in pajamas and athleisure nonstop. Plus, you get to see my newest tattoos!
before pic
To be quite honest, my routine hasn't really changed. I bought a house back in January and have spent pretty much every weekend working on it. So, social distancing is nothing new for this introvert. The house was built in the 1980s, so even though it still has good bones, there's much to upgrade. The previous owners did some remodeling here and there, but I can't really say that I've been too impressed with their work. Here's what I've been up to regarding my new house, and most likely what I'll continue doing in the months to come. Note: I know these are hard times for many, and I don't want to come off as ungrateful for what I have. I know that I'm fortunate to have a job and a house, especially these days. If the idea of me talking about remodeling my house might rub you the wrong way, then please stop reading now. Otherwise, grab your midday glass of wine or evening coffee (because, why not) and continue...

Home Remodeling

Painting

Tyler has been painting everything! Of course, I helped sand some pieces as there's a lot of wood in this old house. But, painting is not my specialty. He's a pro at it, though. He's been sanding, priming, cutting, painting, getting on unstable ladders to reach the high ceilings, etc. So far, we've managed to change out most of the mustard yellow walls for light gray ones. I originally bought Lazy Gray to offset the Pure White trim from Sherwin Williams. Then I realized that it had more of a blue undertone, which didn't work. I happen to have a lot of great windows in my living and dining rooms, but I'm also surrounded by mature trees, which you can clearly see in these photos taken on my back deck. So, I opted for First Star, which is a much lighter gray to truly brighten up the rooms. Everything you see that's white used to be brown, and everything that's light gray used to be mustard.

Deer & Windows

Some of the best features in the house are the two bay windows on the main floor (two of the bedrooms also have bay windows). They make for the perfect book nooks. I also love the large picture window in the dining room. All these windows give me great views of the trees around my house and the family of deer that live there. Yes, a herd of about nine deer live in my backyard. Generally, I see them every other day as they graze for food or sunbathe by the creek in my front yard. Yes, there's also a creek. I'd be lying if I said the herd of deer wasn't a selling point.

Privacy

I happen to also live on a cul-de-sac. Oddly enough, both my sister and my brother live on cul-de-sacs outside of Atlanta as well. I also have a very long driveway. If you were to Google the street view of my house, all you would see is a cul-de-sac, a driveway and trees. I love how it feels like I live in a cabin in the woods, even though I'm just minutes away from one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the U.S.

Furniture

So far, we have a super comfy sectional over a gray and white area rug and two unique coffee tables in our living room. Along with a floor lamp, accent chair and a plant (bless the green thumb gods), the main room is coming together quite nicely. The floor to ceiling fireplace still needs to be painted, and the ceiling fan needs to be upgraded. But all that's really missing is a mounted TV and wall art. I'm thinking of adding a console table as well.

There's also a gorgeous solid wood dining table complete with a smaller rug and bench. I just need to decorate it with a nice runner and some "not-for-use" dishes to complete the tablescape. This house also has a loft that overlooks the living room. We're using that as an office. Basically, all my living room furniture from my apartment is now situated in the loft. It's a great place to get work done, read a book or listen to some records.

The To-Do List

Oh...so much! Baseboards need to be caulked. A couple old doors need to be switched out. I want to remove the old bathroom vanities and replace them with new ones that fit my "modern farmhouse" vibe. I only have three colors in my house: white, gray, black. My accents are wood and plants. If it's not wood or not a house plant, then I don't want it. And so much painting still needs to be done. After the main floor is finished, we're moving on to the master bedroom and then the loft. Did I mention we also have a finished basement? No? Well, it doesn't matter because that's at the very bottom of my list. I'm still working on getting the stairs painted white and possibly remodeling the entire kitchen!

Quick Q: Remember my swing chair? I want to put it in either the living room or dining area, but my ceilings are high. Should I get a stand for it? Or should I put it in that corner by the dining table? Or should I move it to a bedroom?

So, yeah...social distancing hasn't changed my life much. I'm hoping to get all this done by the end of the year, but here's to hoping that the coronavirus will be over and done with by summertime. Let's keep flattening that curve.

Stay safe, stay home, stay healthy.
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80 comments

  1. The change in paint color really made a difference! Love what you've done with the space so far!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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    1. I totally agree! Can't wait to finish the space by doing the fireplace and adding more plants and decor.

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  2. Ah the solid wood dining table is gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you. I can't wait until I'm finished with the dining room so I can show an even better photo of it.

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  3. Yes I hear you, it can be challenging to forge ahead in these dark times. And yes I agree I don't think bloggers should be writing about and giving advice on the virus, writing how it impacted your life is one thing but not health advice. I can understand not wanting to write about spring looks but it could help people stay positive and be a distraction. Your home looks great BTW.

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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    1. So true. Maybe I'll come back with another post that can help distract people from what's going on!

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  4. Wow it looks amazing!!! For the swing chair, I'd either put it in the bedroom or get a stand for it :-)


    Lizzie
    www.lizzieinlace.com

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    1. I think it would be super cute in the bedroom. I just feel like no one will ever see it, lol.

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  5. CONGRATS!!! I love a home decor project and you should get a stand for the chair. That way you can move it about when you need a change. I love seeing the deer roaming about but would have to put up a fence to keep them out of my garden. Enjoy. . .

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    1. That's a great point. It can be easily moved about with a stand!

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  6. Oh wow the paint makes such a difference to the look and feel of it all. Looking forward to seeing how future plans turn out!

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    1. Yes, paint makes a major difference. It's just so tedious!

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  7. You have done such a great job! It looks really good with small changes such as paint :)
    What can i say, i was supposed to move at the end of March. Now we have two mortgages can't move from the apartment we were supposed to rent into the new empty house because of quarantine.
    I am just taking it one day at a time. Can't control it, why bother now -

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    1. that's definitely not a great situation to be in -- it's like you're in limbo. I know a couple people who just bought houses and moved into them, so there must be some way around this? If not, though, then yes, you can't worry about what's not in your control. Sending good vibes your way.

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  8. your new home is gorgeous and what a fun project to tackle. I'm on the same boat, I work from home already so adjusting to quarantine life has been fairly easy.

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    1. There's still a level of uncertainty that I wish there wasn't (i.e., the economy), but other than that, here's to hoping people stay home and stay safe!

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  9. Super love what you did to the space!!! The paint color made the entire difference, good job!!!

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    1. Right? Paint makes such a big difference. I just wish it didn't take so long. Thanks!

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  10. Your home looks beautiful, attractive, airy, spacious, comfortable, artistically designed and beautifully furnished.
    You look beautiful in your outfit photos. I love the look of the pretty blouse you styled with the high-waisted blue denim jeans and white sneakers.
    Best wishes on getting your swing chair set up for comfortable enjoyment of your views!

    my blog
    my YouTube
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    1. Thanks so much for all the love for the house and the look. I'll be stopping by your page soon.

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  11. Wow! It looks so amazing! Crazy what some paint can do.

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  12. I definitely have some painting projects I want to do, I just need the weather to warm up a little bit so we can air out the house. It's a great time to get some projects done!

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    1. Absolutely. This weekend's project is to start painting the stairs.

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  13. Oh wow! The house looks fab, Cheryl! Love the bay windows. Everything looks so airy, and I'm so jealous that you have deers in your backyard:) They're considered very lucky:)
    PS Love the new tats:)

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    1. Oh nice to know! I love seeing them in the morning. And thanks for the love on the new tats! :)

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  14. Congratulations on owning a home! The work your doing is beautiful. Woods and large plants in the home sounds divine. And how lucky to have a family of deer living near (no pun intended : ).

    Have a swing on a stand gives choice to move it around the house or out.

    Stay safe and happy Cher : ) X


    http://www.juanitalikes.com/

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    1. Yes, I just need to buy more plants. I think they will really bring the space together. Good point on the swing!

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  15. Amazing what a little paint can do...it totally brightened up the space! Looks great! xoxo, Sarah

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  16. Paint is definitely what brings the themes together in a room and I'm really liking the vibes. It looks cozy and comfortable and sometimes in these times, a project is just what the boredom doctor ordered.

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    1. Yes, paint definitely does that. When I get bored of remodeling then I read, color or do a puzzle.

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  17. Wow it looks incredible! I love how bright it is now

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  18. A home remodel is actually quite the perfect social distancing activity. Enjoy the process and your new home Cheryl!

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  19. After repainting my house to all white, it just made a huge difference in the space. It allowed me to get a bit more creative with the furniture and helped open the smaller spaces. Love the before and after pics! Looks so good!

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    1. Exactly. My white and light gray walls make it easier for me to get creative with other pieces.

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  20. Our greenhouse renovations are on hold but at least we finished the kitchen, which for me is most important. lol. Looks lovely, welcome back! :)

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    1. Oh yes, you are pretty great in the kitchen. I'm thinking about doing a kitchen reno once all this craziness is over.

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  21. Wow, looks so much more bright airy and relaxing. I definitely wouldn't mind being cooped up inside here. Beautiful job!

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  22. Your paint color choice has brightened the space beautifully and love the coffee tables too!
    XO, MJ
    https://lush-fab-glam.com

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    1. Thanks! Coffee tables are my fave part. You can find them at Wayfair/Joss & Main.

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  23. the solid wood dining table would be perfect in my house! what a gorg find!

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  24. oh wow it looks so much more modern now ! i really love what you did with the place , i wish i could finish my garden but sadly diy shopping in uk is claseed as non essential shop kind regards Pati Robins @style-squeeze blog

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    1. Thank you! Too bad about the garden. My sister's been fixing up her garden during this quarantine.

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  25. Oh my gosh your house is lovely!
    Chloe X
    https://www.chloepryce.com/

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  26. Your home is looking absolutely beautiful! Quarantine or not, I bet you're enjoying the perks of a new space and the decorating fun that has followed. I think you should find another spot for your swinging chair - that way you still get to enjoy it actually swinging!

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    1. Yea, that seems to be the consensus with the swing chair. I think I'll end up putting it in a bedroom.

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  27. Your new home is beautiful, and will surely keep you busy and safe during this time! The new paint really brightens the place up!

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    1. Thanks so much -- we're on to painting the stairs!

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  28. This sounds like such a charming home. I love the bay windows with views of a creek and deer. That would have sold me too hehehe. Stay safe over there,

    Sxx
    daringcoco.com

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    1. Yeah, I saw the deer yesterday and that always puts a smile on my face.

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  29. Wow! Your home is a dream! You did a great job, dear!

    Be well & healthy!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    www.WhatWouldVWear.com

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  30. Ok, I'm in love with your space. It is so bright and inviting. :)

    Xx, Nailil
    thirtyminusone.com

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  31. You are making such lovely progress- and you're right, the house definitely has good bones. I love all the angles in that living room- too damn cool. And your light + bright update is perfect. I LOVE those wood coffee tables! Gorgeous!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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    1. I'm all about making progress! Thanks for agreeing that it has good bones and good angles. You can find the coffee tables on Wayfair!

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  32. Wow the room looks absolutely beautiful, what a transformation!


    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

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  33. Congratulations on your new home. May all of your projects turn out as you like. Such a pretty top that you are wearing in the photo.

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    1. Thank you! And I've had this top forever. I don't wear it enough.

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  34. Firstly, welcome back! So glad to have you posting again. Hopefully, more frequently now. Secondly, I LOVE your home. What a difference there is in the before and after. It does seem like you live in the woods. Can't wait to see more whenever you share it here or on IG.

    ❥ tanvii.com

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    1. Yes, I have more blog posts in the works! And thanks so much for the love. I can't wait to share more photos on here and IG in the coming weeks.

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  35. Wow you have done an incredible job, the before and after is incredible! I would love my home to look as lovely as yours xo

    Makeup Muddle

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    1. That's so sweet. Glad you like what I've done to the place so far.

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  36. Oh my goodness, your renovation looks amazing! You did a fantastic job!

    xo Logan
    https://peculiarporter.com/

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  37. Love the renovation babe, you did a fantastic job :) xx

    www.fashionjazz.co.za

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  38. I feel like everyone has been doing some form of home improvement projects. Makes sense since we've all been home. I love how everything came together. The paint made a big difference alone!

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  39. I'm so obsessed with this before and after! You guys did amazing, it looks so much brighter!

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    1. Thanks -- another before and after post is coming soon!

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