so people keep saying “when are you going to show us your house?”
and i have been like “it’s not even close to done?!”
but then today i rethought that.
i decided how will you know what is different if i don’t show the stages?
so here is our house after living here one month.
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when you first walk in the door this is what you see.
complete with swimsuits on the dining room table..jpg)
the door by waffle goes out to the patio area and back yard.
we have ikea couches on their way to live with us.
there are still boxes in the corners of art supplies… i am not sure where to put them yet..jpg)
the dining room.
i have fabric (hobby lobby) to make some simple curtains… love straight stitching projects!.jpg)
i have an old chandelier covered in old crystals to hang here.
but i have to paint it first.
i think it is safe to say there is a lot left to add in this space.
ha!.jpg)
the entire main floor is Seashell Gray by Valspar.
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front door is now on the right.
remember before when it had carpet?
for as many accidents that stanley has had since we moved in… hardwood was a smart move.
and it’s pretty..jpg)
when you are in the kitchen you can see the whole first floor.
i like that!.jpg)
down the hall is a bathroom & 3 bedrooms.
we have only worked on our bedroom so far.
we put hardwood in here and painted.
i don’t feel like you can acurately tell the color of gray because of the light from the windows.
we chose Foggy Mirror by Valspar..jpg)
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i am so excited (and nervous) to attempt to make this buffet look like this one.
i found an expert to walk me through it and she had all the supplies in her shop too!.jpg)
THANKS jodi!
i will take pictures as i go!
this will be my first ever milk paint project… i am a little scared!
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i was planning on painting our bed but then i changed my mind.
it’s staying dark wood.
it’s manly and looks good with the gray walls too..jpg)
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i have curtains to hang that i got from West Elm.
i picked up the curtains rods and hardware this week.
ready for a little more privacy and not so much light in the mornings!
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we have his and her closets in this house.
it rocks.
we had that ikea shelf for over ten years and four houses!
it’s perfect to hold my jewelry now.
and the necklaces are hanging from 3 key hangers from target.
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we started painting the cabinets in the master bathroom.
we will continue the Foggy Mirror on the wall in the bathroom as well.
and paint all the cabinetry and molding white too.
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back out to the kitchen…
the island is going to have legs on the corners but they are back ordered.
the door by the fridge had to be replaced so that is why it’s missing..jpg)
i went with green stools for the island seating.
i ordered two from walmart.com
i bought two at an antique store (and we need to cut them down 5 inches).
one i already had in my old craft room.
and one i found on craigslist and spray painted it.
my mom & dad grabbed two at a flea market last weekend that will fit right in.
the white chair is just visiting from the craft house.
i chose to leave the area around the window very open.
it took a lot of deciding and made lots of people give their opinions.
🙂
i am sure i will fill it with art work or something cool over time.
the light fixtures are from Menards.
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the island turned out just the way i drew it.
so many lovely drawers.
and we use the mixer and ninja everyday so i like having easy access but LOVE having it off the counter..jpg)
we need to paint the outside of the front door!
we painted the back but forgot the front..jpg)
this is the designated computer area.
i have no idea what i want to do with this space.
it’s a wreck.
and everyday there are MORE papers!
many kids means many reminders and schedules.
the laundry room and pantry is the dark room on the left of that picture.
my favorite part of the laundry room is there is a SINK!!!
for the first time in my whole life i have utility sink.
i love it.
there are more bedrooms, a bathroom, a family room and a game room in the basement.
i go down there to say goodnight to kids and once to watch a movie.
otherwise i don’t do basements.
i need windows.
i am so glad we have that space though!
the kids LOVE it! they love that is has carpet and it’s so cold and dark.
funny how differently we think.
so…there it is.
not done.
not even CLOSE to done.
but no reason not to share it with you.
actually we are getting to the fun part… the decorating!
we are REALLY loving it here.
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annie is picking a dessert from pinterest to make with me for our dinner guest tonight.
OY!
i am strong.
i can do this.
teagan - Hi there… i am painting my house (like tomorrow -eeek) and I love the shade that’s on your walls…could you email me the color and brand? Thanks so much:)
Janelle - You need to do another Q&A blog post! I’m curious – do you think you’ll ever move back into the craft house? Like if you ever decide to stop craft weekend? Do you miss living in older homes or are you enjoying the newness of a new home? I have to say, I love how when you move into a place, you OWN it and make it YOURS! I love your sense of style.
Lori - I love that your blog is real and that you would share your space with us before it is picture perfect. That large chair in your bedroom – love! Oh and your jewelry makes me happy just looking at it. 🙂 Great space. I’m sure you will do amazing things with it. Btw, great color choice on the stools.
Amber - It’s wonderful! Thank you for sharing! I am loving on your Kitchen island with that space for the micro and useful things that you want to keep close but not out! I think that’s my fav! Looking forward to seeing how it shapes up and changes! Have fun!
tara - i’m so glad i came over to play catch up…
my blogging break during lent turned a little more permanent.
the time and brain space that i got back during the break has been amazing, but i sure do miss all of my favorite blogs!!!
your home looks beautiful..so glad you showed it to us before you’re all finished.
i’m foreseeing lots of amazing color added…that computer space is perfect..can’t wait to see what you do there!
Janna - LOVE your house Meg!!! Lookin so awesome! Love the white/grey and all your bright colored accents. LOVE!! I love that happy girls are the prettiest tote…my 2nd daughter turns 10 on June 12 and she so needs that in her life right now…friend trouble at school and all..how come kids be so mean to each other:( Do you remember where you got it? I’d love to find one for her bday. Thanks:)
Ayca - Meg you’re my idol! Love love the kitchen island and everything you’ve done so far! I really want to paint old furniture but I have no idea how to do it. I would love to see a picture tutorial. Please share with us! Thank you 🙂
Jenny - Love, love, love your house!! Looks so light and bright!
Mindy - You are off to such an amazing start! Thank you for sharing the before photos. Sometimes it feels like people move into ready-made homes and we don’t see all the work that went into them. Can’t wait for more updates : )
Keri - Your jewelry collection is awe-inspiring! So many beautiful, colorful necklaces 🙂
Lisa - PS- your jewelry collection is awesome!
Lora - So happy you showed us the new house! Can’t wait to watch the progress. Some day I’m going to do a milk paint project, so it will be fun to watch yours.
Alice H - I would add a cork board area and maybe chalk board in the designated computer area. Not that you asked my opinion, but that is what I would do. LOL! Love the new place.
Lauren @ Focused To Be Fit - Beautiful home! I feel like a huge island is a MUST for me!
Kerri - Thank you so much for sharing photos of your wonderful home. We live in a church parsonage that is small & dark & depressing and I just love the open floor plan and all the light in your home! The kitchen cabinets and island are awesome – and really like those light fixtures. Please don’t ever paint that bed frame and side tables!!!
Kori - I absolutely adore how open everything feels! All that natural light and white and grey just waiting for bright, inviting colors to be added. Such a great blank canvas to start with! And someday I’m going to steal your island design with the cutout for the appliances – Genius!
Elizabeth - Thank you for sharing! I think you would love a large family calendar next to your computer space next to the kitchen area. It would be open so everyone could write their activities on the wall and you could easily see it. Any hoooo, thanks for sharing. I love how open and honest you are and don’t feel like the house has to be perfect. No one has a perfect home and we ALL HAVE TONS OF PAPERS FROM SCHOOL!! You are not alone! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
Lynette - Love the way its coming together.
Sarah - Great progress and so cute!! How did you go about updating the banister? Straight paint or did you have to use specific products?
Kayla - Thanks for do “during” shots! It makes it all the more enjoyable for us to see the progress and how your family really lives and that, you don’t, in fact, live in a magazine! 😀
Sarah M - We moved into the second floor of an old downtown building in Marion last fall. We are renovating and things just take time. It is an adventure, though. That said, whenever I can I use MMS milk paint to add color and character. I love it. There’s a lady who sells it in Kechi. She has a shop and does workshops occasionally.
Jenny B. - It’s coming along! I’m sure you’ll think of something amazing for your computer station / family command center. 🙂 What color are you thinking for the front door? I want to paint ours turquoise, but I don’t know if I have the guts. Our house is red-orange brick. We’re thinking about buying land and building (so exciting AND scary!), and it is really, really good for me to see your house like it is right now. Reality is that you don’t move into a new home all perfectly decorated and organized. It takes time.
Leah - You should put up a cork-board wall behind the computer. That way all the little reminders can be neatly pinned on the wall.
Holly - So glad u shared! Before and afters are the best!!! Haven’t been to ur blog for a while but follow u on Instagram. Scrolled through a few older posts and now I want to know…y do ur (& my) babies hafta grow up so fast???!!!
Lisa - You’ve helped me step out and use more color in my house. Just finished my living room/eating area and am so happy with it! It’s now so bright and cheerful. Excited to see all the progress you guys make.
Mary Anne - For the computer area, could you do a long desk for room for a few people and hanging cubbies on top for each person or kid for their papers, etc to stay organized? Love your house!!!
Tiffany - Have you ever checked out iheartorganizing? Jen has an amazing blog with organizational ideas. I could see so many amazing things in that computer space to organize all your kids’ work!
Julie - Thanks for sharing pictures of your house, I think it is always nice to see it lived in too, not just posed for photos. Can’t wait to see what else you do to it. Have a fabulous weekend.
Wendy - I have a naked hoosier cabinet that has been waiting for milk paint for 3 years … but I’m too chicken. You go first. Then I’ll follow … maybe.
Lisa - yay!! I’ve been waiting to see more pics! I want to see outside too…and hear more about where and why you picked this house, area, etc. Thanks for sharing! Love all the white too!
Andrea - Loved the tour and the new house. So glad you are getting settled…..I absolutely LOVE the kitchen…… you have great kitchens!
Michelle Deckert Richmond - Thanks Meg….it’s nice to see the blank canvas before you put your special touch to it. Take your time….Half the fun and enjoyment is in the doing. Michelle from Canada.
Denise@victory rd. - Love this.
Love seeing it mostly naked.
We have lived in our house for 2.5 years, and when we moved in blogville was hard for me because I was comparing my undone home with everything I saw online (which I know was stupid). I think a place needs to just be for a while… needs time to evolve into what it’s going to be. Our home looks nothing like I thought it would, but it looks like us, and I love it.
have a fun dinner!
Angela - Oh Megan you made my day! I have been dying to see more of your new house! You have already made a lot of progress and the fact you know some of the things you want to do is a huge step! I’m so glad you all are loving it.
Jenn - Forgot to ask….what is your process for painting cabinets? We need to repaint our already white cabinets white again. They are looking pretty shabby. A step by step would be great or even products you use would be helpful. Yours look so neat and clean!
Jenn - Already loving it! Can’t wait to see the stages.
Melissa - Can’t wait to watch you work your magic and pull this place together. It’s already gorgeous and I love the fun colors on the dinning room table and the kitchen.
jenny - oh meg! it looks amazing – so ” you ” …that kitchen island is FAB!
Brenna - What fun to create a new space – well lots of work, overwhelming at times kind of fun! Now tell me, where did you get that fabulous chair in your bedroom? Loving the material! You are awesome and strong – you got this.
Gina - Oh my gosh, your dogs crack me up photo bombing all your pictures!! I thought Waffle was on the couch in the upper picture. Love your new home and thanks for sharing!! I can’t wait to see the buffet once you paint it and all the decorating!! 😀
Jenni - Love how open your main level is! Thanks for sharing the ‘in process’ version of your home. I’m surprised that you haven’t connect with Abbe Doll in Kechi {http://www.alldolledupwichita.com}. She is a MISS Mustard seed primary educator and has a teaching studio. She is THE BEST and could do a fewer job showing you the in’s and outs of milk paint. It is tricky stuff, but the final product is awesome.