tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41491366515201925002024-02-18T23:02:03.369-08:00Russet Street RenoDIY or die tryingSara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.comBlogger470125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-65530347155943212362020-04-22T14:29:00.001-07:002020-04-22T14:35:00.302-07:00Our ugly laundry roomWhen we moved in here in 2015, there was one room that didn't get touched at all. No paint, maybe even no cleaning beforehand. It was ugly as hell, and we moved all our junk in and never looked at most of it again. The floor was dated linoleum with bumps and missing pieces, the walls were typical 70s paneling, and the visible drywall was stained and full of drywall nailheads sticking out. Also, the ceiling tiles were browning, uneven, and the track for them was BLACK. Whyyyy? I made it my goal to fix up this room during our stay at home order. Here it is now!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOajcKyBrCR1eVkmip46aXwOD84sD6BQZSqFQuFR_-KVzsBKSC5kejZ4huP5gIB8CwYnkZg1gjVXf5mNcK6aa3-tVG1-0QFSOO77vWaEZxMqHrX2HQNGTGhDnccIf53r6TzwYLMyC4NunW/s1600/IMG_9753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOajcKyBrCR1eVkmip46aXwOD84sD6BQZSqFQuFR_-KVzsBKSC5kejZ4huP5gIB8CwYnkZg1gjVXf5mNcK6aa3-tVG1-0QFSOO77vWaEZxMqHrX2HQNGTGhDnccIf53r6TzwYLMyC4NunW/s640/IMG_9753.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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But just to give you a visual, here is what it was looking like on a daily basis. It was bad, real bad. I hated doing laundry in here, and that is mostly because there was just no room. We had that massive steel shelving unit that was mostly loaded up with junk, so we went through it all and threw a ton of stuff away. Mostly old paperwork. Guys, I had pay stubs saved all the way back to the year 2000! I took this photo after I'd already removed a lot from that shelving unit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRfL9U0UkNFO5-LeiyR9CNw2_AP7fKm9NrDBxsxx1cSzYxkN8oQq-hFxVQunnVBBxPbcYsjFv2lfMTyAa_4aZCQsanARUw_H6NFbrlf8tW7PczUPVEwbgAQR5ZVcdm6g79BO5CSJLg6C3/s1600/Way+before+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRfL9U0UkNFO5-LeiyR9CNw2_AP7fKm9NrDBxsxx1cSzYxkN8oQq-hFxVQunnVBBxPbcYsjFv2lfMTyAa_4aZCQsanARUw_H6NFbrlf8tW7PczUPVEwbgAQR5ZVcdm6g79BO5CSJLg6C3/s640/Way+before+%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I would constantly be tripping over clothes while trying to wash and dry loads, because I didn't have any room in there to store full baskets. It was so embarrassing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU44UBqhTW0vjiwa9AzL0xx1rDre3i_L0kBsHqVBCfOZ9XZewgQEsxzq8pA-_B7Ddy_LV9_tkY5jofhUaBbsmKYlF9-U20sJTtYznjeuUwvH-Ev8EGC7-RIiIce9zz-Rn53yld9ewAT6As/s1600/Way+before+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU44UBqhTW0vjiwa9AzL0xx1rDre3i_L0kBsHqVBCfOZ9XZewgQEsxzq8pA-_B7Ddy_LV9_tkY5jofhUaBbsmKYlF9-U20sJTtYznjeuUwvH-Ev8EGC7-RIiIce9zz-Rn53yld9ewAT6As/s640/Way+before+%25284%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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And to get to the furnace was a shimmy situation, so many things needed to go. </div>
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My goal for this room was to update it without buying any paint. I thought a fun idea would be to use up some random sample cans of paint to kill two birds with one stone. I knew I didn't have enough to do the whole room with one, so I looked online for a rug that might tie some colors together. I stumbled on this one at <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/rugs/pdp/union-rustic-shriver-handwoven-flatweave-wool-yellow-area-rug-w001888690.html" target="_blank">Wayfair</a>, and was sold when I saw how my available colors would work with it! I decided to use Wythe blue on one wall, Palladian blue on the other, and some leftover Anew Gray (the color in the boys' rooms) on the biggest wall. The Fusion Mineral paint 'mustard' color looks nice against the rug, but it just looked like baby poo on the wall. I will not buy paint sight unseen online again! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DWKu-2B8ABK5GfY0giJG74JTbtezRoM8DqY7OBtfLSs4rvS8V_BvM1JxaoRbhxGMdcWzKxMX7RnMa2lH6VTb4YW_Sa1_QVlrUb1E2U6c8C-bZ90Bd39AtwG1FSFutCVueTttXSOs-i7l/s1600/Paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DWKu-2B8ABK5GfY0giJG74JTbtezRoM8DqY7OBtfLSs4rvS8V_BvM1JxaoRbhxGMdcWzKxMX7RnMa2lH6VTb4YW_Sa1_QVlrUb1E2U6c8C-bZ90Bd39AtwG1FSFutCVueTttXSOs-i7l/s640/Paint.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The only bummer is that the sample jars were satin, and I typically hate satin paint on walls. Since it was 'just a laundry room' (that was my mantra throughout this project haha) I am ok with shiny walls. I started by priming all of the paneling, trim, and cabinet boxes/doors with BIN. </div>
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** Note the whole two rolls of TP and two rolls of paper towel we had in the house when I was doing this project. Luckily, we hit the jackpot with a whole 12 pack of TP since this photo! **</div>
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I rolled the primer on the paneling and it sanded up so nicely. I even rolled BIN onto the black track of the ceiling, since I intended to paint the ceiling tiles and track later. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcpwF0R35kSd_caZBd761RNONjDul4flcvS-k1OJG4Aql4ONv5DAetonbVNoJ3XzIlhX_gDxLbxDbZJo-pSOpevAKdwdjkHk6PMNuxknPbbxqpQupJ5rzra1DluSD2Y5O1zQYdVehUfKN/s1600/Primed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcpwF0R35kSd_caZBd761RNONjDul4flcvS-k1OJG4Aql4ONv5DAetonbVNoJ3XzIlhX_gDxLbxDbZJo-pSOpevAKdwdjkHk6PMNuxknPbbxqpQupJ5rzra1DluSD2Y5O1zQYdVehUfKN/s640/Primed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next up was the trim paint used throughout our house, Behr Satin Ultra Pure White. </div>
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I noticed something after I painted the trim, our vinyl window looked very yellow and ugly next to the fresh white. The people we bought this house from put the most basic builder windows possible throughout this house, and they are all yellow and gross. I decided to try a magic eraser, and it worked surprisingly well!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L27k6WGXnHkp4WmH4rUhglI18kqTon6eF5TWe8Ocbz7hyphenhyphenlpEJGmCByicZ2YlpNEyUtQ2NNvDCMcrBm7T6fv496cSjHBunCdBW56uHijO1nwuZW3Uo7dH6A1Mmdr8AMMlyhFuMLuJtjZE/s1600/Cleaning+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L27k6WGXnHkp4WmH4rUhglI18kqTon6eF5TWe8Ocbz7hyphenhyphenlpEJGmCByicZ2YlpNEyUtQ2NNvDCMcrBm7T6fv496cSjHBunCdBW56uHijO1nwuZW3Uo7dH6A1Mmdr8AMMlyhFuMLuJtjZE/s640/Cleaning+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I am not sure these windows were ever cleaned.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eHT1RLb4X4Mjq9hV5Pbdlk-opY2KbuYOAZGUCL-s1jPORmQNeSon2iFlWXQ4cTlVvDYmU_B_IQ7_-CUAL2y7RE0x9Mr610t3NDYfUc4zxC-hWZKLF0aX9aj85hPVJapzVGMqfMgqCWYI/s1600/Cleaning+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eHT1RLb4X4Mjq9hV5Pbdlk-opY2KbuYOAZGUCL-s1jPORmQNeSon2iFlWXQ4cTlVvDYmU_B_IQ7_-CUAL2y7RE0x9Mr610t3NDYfUc4zxC-hWZKLF0aX9aj85hPVJapzVGMqfMgqCWYI/s640/Cleaning+%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I also used the magic eraser on the laundry tub, which was brand new and sparkling white when we had it put in a year ago. Not bad!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4nmE_dJH4ImM8jXKy2Bk-TxPEq95QnB_fGJGdPzWHiVdN7gxdDxZx_S2dvO_oAIjcEXcaPAGBfguDriAGx97NvTBwQ02RTmmCIe2eCNGRIsIn77_rwzHkumANJqO7Miv2up3fI5SN3Db/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4nmE_dJH4ImM8jXKy2Bk-TxPEq95QnB_fGJGdPzWHiVdN7gxdDxZx_S2dvO_oAIjcEXcaPAGBfguDriAGx97NvTBwQ02RTmmCIe2eCNGRIsIn77_rwzHkumANJqO7Miv2up3fI5SN3Db/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0673.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Painting the ceiling was the first time I had an 'oh crap' moment. Obviously, you normally want to remove ceiling tiles before painting them because they aren't attached and just push up when you apply pressure, but I couldn't since they were very brittle and I would 100% break them all trying to remove them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszZnHTeM8D7AmFeWotA6oG7KbPWopQBv0it_px3iE6CovelJkjc9IMyxHK67XIT1FoovPKbwLr_wiHW43jeUEzbl7qNUb_vbRINmEBFxR-66meaSIyYBAXJXFmNcavkETeLeUNrgSlgIS/s1600/Ceiling+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszZnHTeM8D7AmFeWotA6oG7KbPWopQBv0it_px3iE6CovelJkjc9IMyxHK67XIT1FoovPKbwLr_wiHW43jeUEzbl7qNUb_vbRINmEBFxR-66meaSIyYBAXJXFmNcavkETeLeUNrgSlgIS/s640/Ceiling+%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Rolling worked ok for the first light coat, then I went in with a brush to really get into the crevices. The bonus is that the paint acted as a glue to hold the tiles down and make it easier to paint without it pushing up each time. Dang, those tiles were gross. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4F3iUhdw7HwdxI5vmPcOgvAv4qZGwdxs0CtHL1HqdpSq2XRA1qYFIQdlYErLMoHEg2La4VWYbQK8NolICb1XcqeEKN9IYY0-CD-Vjui2TayPpUDKhnFWufpkLoSlbOHp5KPwCNEdV6yF0/s1600/Ceiling+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4F3iUhdw7HwdxI5vmPcOgvAv4qZGwdxs0CtHL1HqdpSq2XRA1qYFIQdlYErLMoHEg2La4VWYbQK8NolICb1XcqeEKN9IYY0-CD-Vjui2TayPpUDKhnFWufpkLoSlbOHp5KPwCNEdV6yF0/s640/Ceiling+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
After the ceiling was painted, I turned my attention to the floor. I had a few beers last month and decided to order flooring for delivery from <a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/Style-Selections-4-in-x-36-in-Old-World-Oak-Peel-and-Stick-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring/1000515107" target="_blank">Lowes </a>for this room. It is 4x36" long peel and stick tiles that I used in a closet in our downstairs bedroom, and I found it pretty easy to work with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkhTDlrUD64qJko8bSlsq7kpXJaIvN_HVjMOi0nm07N52qvoxPC1SKhbTMvOkjvy64JED-tBcOtKO72pj49u3GtqqS2eJzAxkXJZUD9GeP6KB_Lu453czI4jm3qBy3lm2nm3E8KEMN0T-/s1600/Floor+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkhTDlrUD64qJko8bSlsq7kpXJaIvN_HVjMOi0nm07N52qvoxPC1SKhbTMvOkjvy64JED-tBcOtKO72pj49u3GtqqS2eJzAxkXJZUD9GeP6KB_Lu453czI4jm3qBy3lm2nm3E8KEMN0T-/s640/Floor+%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
However, this room had missing tiles, large humps in the flooring, and lots of stuff to cut around. I improvised for missing tiles by spreading some tile mastic in the space and it worked pretty well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOZ68Jn8OltfdLYqslVLIDQTJOz_68znpgCXSRmbmqCPG0nFpNrjvnYatQ9ywtymYZ1nOxAvO2j8tDTUcDwZPOG3wjOZhRjJ929-lJqTto0kQRaJib72SdjXhkKC49X55udlRqNBkHuLW/s1600/Floor+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOZ68Jn8OltfdLYqslVLIDQTJOz_68znpgCXSRmbmqCPG0nFpNrjvnYatQ9ywtymYZ1nOxAvO2j8tDTUcDwZPOG3wjOZhRjJ929-lJqTto0kQRaJib72SdjXhkKC49X55udlRqNBkHuLW/s640/Floor+%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I started initially at the far wall, then realized how dumb that was and started at the doorway instead. Luckily, I was able to pull up the few I'd already done and reuse them under the washer and dryer. It was so annoying to cut around the pipes and water heater, but I did a pretty good job with only a few wasted tiles. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfp6SaArIYoMJdtqOHxgl5wItFpN9OT2RKwtbOrvMphcfff3LOV_rSAcNkMWqUO_skpOuQ8CJCBzeXAXPACYRoRo6Q_pSEyDONc5OYcVxzNH7DavRyylLY8S452ahIi-o6MhalOII2JO7m/s1600/Floor+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfp6SaArIYoMJdtqOHxgl5wItFpN9OT2RKwtbOrvMphcfff3LOV_rSAcNkMWqUO_skpOuQ8CJCBzeXAXPACYRoRo6Q_pSEyDONc5OYcVxzNH7DavRyylLY8S452ahIi-o6MhalOII2JO7m/s640/Floor+%25285%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I got the first large section done, it was very cool to see the change.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YMj1OdDjX4LSLmWYN6bbprS1TwzN96rdm0vN1CBQ9p316QvBc_UVjnJBTKfPX69yiFbaKCLmLxcTQGi-NONo7BWcVZliWhnsEpwNFtbRQkKoMQBn6Fl87RvcPKsilzQcvLUBz905RwPg/s1600/Floor+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YMj1OdDjX4LSLmWYN6bbprS1TwzN96rdm0vN1CBQ9p316QvBc_UVjnJBTKfPX69yiFbaKCLmLxcTQGi-NONo7BWcVZliWhnsEpwNFtbRQkKoMQBn6Fl87RvcPKsilzQcvLUBz905RwPg/s640/Floor+%25286%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The laundry tub isn't screwed down, so I was able to slide the tiles right under the legs. I did have a hard time with getting flooring under the dryer, since we didn't want to disconnect anything. With Shaun's help, I was able to slide it forward and back until all the pieces were in. I was also able to pull up and reposition anything that didn't lay correctly the first time. But by far the hardest part, was the last row. Of course each piece had to be cut lengthwise, which is very difficult. I ended up making a template with pieces of the backing paper and it worked pretty well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fnOfHJjYyyTML341vJtqG6qksU2Yz7zCJHnXTrd3aajKzher36O8DrjYiG5YhN6tpWEqzOXBHK3Ted_QCU3MgpX2iL98TBEfiuCmlyNAi6qVDnc8irz25r3zowMKH8f33SE3TEwq3MJq/s1600/Floor+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fnOfHJjYyyTML341vJtqG6qksU2Yz7zCJHnXTrd3aajKzher36O8DrjYiG5YhN6tpWEqzOXBHK3Ted_QCU3MgpX2iL98TBEfiuCmlyNAi6qVDnc8irz25r3zowMKH8f33SE3TEwq3MJq/s640/Floor+%25287%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I just had to remember that I wanted the straight edge to be on the bottom, cut edge to the wall, so I had to reverse the template when I put it on the back to mark and cut.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHBxTTZWQaKZgkmptFkYFvS9ml1u7vpMHG697M4TXwIA17H_FjYrz3YtPuCsuiC6ZyvIfFm0RZdyA2wDLBh83f-xaAAxMijX5TDkT2t89YwSkSz_OkYr3DCnQQ7d_jdwV7NqCTyDvHEcx/s1600/Floor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHBxTTZWQaKZgkmptFkYFvS9ml1u7vpMHG697M4TXwIA17H_FjYrz3YtPuCsuiC6ZyvIfFm0RZdyA2wDLBh83f-xaAAxMijX5TDkT2t89YwSkSz_OkYr3DCnQQ7d_jdwV7NqCTyDvHEcx/s640/Floor.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
As you can see here, I didn't remove any of the trim because I wasn't sure if it would ruin the paneling. I wanted to preserve as much as possible without making a big disaster out of this room. The last row isn't perfect, but it's actually pretty good. I can always add a small piece of quarter round or caulk to finish it, but *spoiler* I'm definitely not going to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQ5ljN8B8IyT6GFoKS3YZGv2s5cj7z1R2g2QH1XcaZbG_-90LCwe-sHIIUw7MfCL0cRjoAPYzrrUNog8I8bzPKK78W55AkE4L3KSMbj1hNXngk43b9Sy5-ANb09tJeqcxPwCtAbSURXFD/s1600/Floor+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQ5ljN8B8IyT6GFoKS3YZGv2s5cj7z1R2g2QH1XcaZbG_-90LCwe-sHIIUw7MfCL0cRjoAPYzrrUNog8I8bzPKK78W55AkE4L3KSMbj1hNXngk43b9Sy5-ANb09tJeqcxPwCtAbSURXFD/s640/Floor+%25289%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Notice all the shavings from trimming each board painstakingly to make them fit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sVNUMbddXqi06P2yqgleGoHWCH8Aq1rDDngIgiaBE58vSm4i7HL-j22QFnvSoVsMDvpkJMhT0UFs6aqNpjymuYPXVLsAXys-eaJpdgPwLUkozg11Jk8HnMCKcqaPljRFRevg0ska-Wmx/s1600/Floor+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sVNUMbddXqi06P2yqgleGoHWCH8Aq1rDDngIgiaBE58vSm4i7HL-j22QFnvSoVsMDvpkJMhT0UFs6aqNpjymuYPXVLsAXys-eaJpdgPwLUkozg11Jk8HnMCKcqaPljRFRevg0ska-Wmx/s640/Floor+%25288%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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When the floor was all the way in, I turned my attention to the paint for the walls. I did that part last because I still wasn't sure what colors would go where, and the floor is very easy to cover with plastic. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFRqxPReyxDNtyKPR9tRkszj7Hc8pTbseZzfnhLXv_7Od7hcgOGWddXbHLQnmOVuiZRvQKdl_o6zCNFEkTAjsXQo8JPCzKkujQkjGccYqARn9c7aN_QwSBwjzjrKC0k96IpHJayKElYJ2/s1600/During+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFRqxPReyxDNtyKPR9tRkszj7Hc8pTbseZzfnhLXv_7Od7hcgOGWddXbHLQnmOVuiZRvQKdl_o6zCNFEkTAjsXQo8JPCzKkujQkjGccYqARn9c7aN_QwSBwjzjrKC0k96IpHJayKElYJ2/s640/During+%25284%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had JUST enough paint to do the far wall with BM Wythe Blue, the wall with the door BM Palladian Blue, and then I used leftover SW Anew Gray on the wall with the shelving unit. I also had the unpleasant task of trying to fix this mess around our outlets and light switch:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4izctmpW3YgnMzlnM4B26L8pOj3cCSF3ac1v0918SHfh6e_pmIGHvtSFvR5YQ4bKwjgCWYPN6T9KJGvxHqCYUNctPPMT_JhISepqZ6n_QAZp_WaFHB6dbFqp9GzMuyaPX-SVQ5LlkRYv/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4izctmpW3YgnMzlnM4B26L8pOj3cCSF3ac1v0918SHfh6e_pmIGHvtSFvR5YQ4bKwjgCWYPN6T9KJGvxHqCYUNctPPMT_JhISepqZ6n_QAZp_WaFHB6dbFqp9GzMuyaPX-SVQ5LlkRYv/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0672.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used a patch kit from Home Depot, and it was super hard to get the results even. With an extra big switch plate cover, it's fine now. After the paint was up, it was time to work on the details for the cabinet doors and get them rehung. I spray painted the brass hinges and screws, as well as an existing hook rack, with Rustoleum Satin black. Side note: do you all have 15 random cans of spray paint in your garage or basement too??</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViulY-9MUv6v_kmiYtbpoQ8CZVMXAindC2VywBRGkxzqJ5h9MhuXXv2k2Po1CFqDBsF3ly85uhCZrMcXMYjlwNSwagiX0mN9QfuWy9CnI83JT0lZrdyLBmd6I64W0d1ZJTd8s5O48Z0l6/s1600/Hinges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViulY-9MUv6v_kmiYtbpoQ8CZVMXAindC2VywBRGkxzqJ5h9MhuXXv2k2Po1CFqDBsF3ly85uhCZrMcXMYjlwNSwagiX0mN9QfuWy9CnI83JT0lZrdyLBmd6I64W0d1ZJTd8s5O48Z0l6/s640/Hinges.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlTgGdkaXC4a12d57Q1liSd8KzG8rdckxsG0zledkyHdzCUr4mfOTKqi0J433JMhIwcx2xjFykkro0jV5freHxM-tAqzvQez9hac6AM7w2ZRBfFaf2mbD0QBZZY5p6fO0mCIdqarOoiOP/s1600/IMG_9758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlTgGdkaXC4a12d57Q1liSd8KzG8rdckxsG0zledkyHdzCUr4mfOTKqi0J433JMhIwcx2xjFykkro0jV5freHxM-tAqzvQez9hac6AM7w2ZRBfFaf2mbD0QBZZY5p6fO0mCIdqarOoiOP/s640/IMG_9758.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This rack used to be an oil rubbed bronze and I preferred all black. It is the perfect size for this spot, so I got to hang it right back up in it's existing holes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiYjpWxqSi69Xsve-6bvGBtqtDJB0J_vmVIR1DXLEthG3PDIgM8cwxSk-d0uhjF5qfAzrA5-mA-cAurfH1udebBlAilQ9oKnVRNs7MIIUL9F2-dia7Zd2FIDFPntO5b38dsA44A1OjaNW/s1600/IMG_9746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiYjpWxqSi69Xsve-6bvGBtqtDJB0J_vmVIR1DXLEthG3PDIgM8cwxSk-d0uhjF5qfAzrA5-mA-cAurfH1udebBlAilQ9oKnVRNs7MIIUL9F2-dia7Zd2FIDFPntO5b38dsA44A1OjaNW/s640/IMG_9746.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was so fun to watch the transformation take place! I wanted to spend as little as possible, but I did want to add a few details to really make it pretty in here. One of those details was these amazing knobs for the cabinet doors. They are only $20 for 4 on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QXS221V/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>! I was scoping out something similar on CB2 for $13 each, so this was an absolute steal! They are heavy and seem like real stone. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDww0OjAo8cdsIGhvYpuFzfGj5sWHXa9lhzIqR246Nyg31rCm6Y72akv9KlEFSGU1Xynw4fsaZ4q7MUGh_QkCqHPlPEfiROPSyBp94TuuqfoZXsF-WFbKSK3Z7csV04kZn2Y6NabJMg4X/s1600/IMG_9760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDww0OjAo8cdsIGhvYpuFzfGj5sWHXa9lhzIqR246Nyg31rCm6Y72akv9KlEFSGU1Xynw4fsaZ4q7MUGh_QkCqHPlPEfiROPSyBp94TuuqfoZXsF-WFbKSK3Z7csV04kZn2Y6NabJMg4X/s640/IMG_9760.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love the brushed brass base and marbled black top. So chic!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhup6PtaSWwBd2tCFOyCLwNiaAKbYfF7MqvLK__YvAuGpMTe0-w8KbdBx5NsJj5jAPztHaepKv7AkDM-jTqPpNiIQ2foYdUmsFki-jRevZcFb6ryQN3wSudbW5byxVJXMFqA3sgw2y3PxFY/s1600/IMG_9759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhup6PtaSWwBd2tCFOyCLwNiaAKbYfF7MqvLK__YvAuGpMTe0-w8KbdBx5NsJj5jAPztHaepKv7AkDM-jTqPpNiIQ2foYdUmsFki-jRevZcFb6ryQN3wSudbW5byxVJXMFqA3sgw2y3PxFY/s640/IMG_9759.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also found the perfect hooks for some hanging planter holders I already had. I found these hooks on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08377FM9H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, and they are just what I needed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEq2lmTOumIqoN1ND1Umpf0RTxCmhShh5jiVKrjoa0n554MHC6m_9n9z1ihOZjX6EqHeIYEs6LZdCPxuIyRuyYgpMrMpH4Gt5PEPKIZSWvvc2wZmsMXEqei1SqzMH8buYZZQaEncHh8Xw/s1600/IMG_9757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEq2lmTOumIqoN1ND1Umpf0RTxCmhShh5jiVKrjoa0n554MHC6m_9n9z1ihOZjX6EqHeIYEs6LZdCPxuIyRuyYgpMrMpH4Gt5PEPKIZSWvvc2wZmsMXEqei1SqzMH8buYZZQaEncHh8Xw/s640/IMG_9757.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The plant hangers are no longer available from Target, I've had them sitting around for a year or two and finally had the perfect spot for them! I did need a pot for the other one, so I snagged this one on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BGBAJCA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Amazon </a>and it's the exact color I wanted! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzZNqhTa3qz7_cLpFBcsi91H7w2LKCab4S_MnEklaU6UyijUEzrUBlby_yPqF4NSBZK48lNZWTXWeNIiKmVcKRJkyBLBFU1IEyHhDrJuytids3LUQQpeNBtBm08Rmgd7fn01mebx1794T/s1600/IMG_9765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzZNqhTa3qz7_cLpFBcsi91H7w2LKCab4S_MnEklaU6UyijUEzrUBlby_yPqF4NSBZK48lNZWTXWeNIiKmVcKRJkyBLBFU1IEyHhDrJuytids3LUQQpeNBtBm08Rmgd7fn01mebx1794T/s640/IMG_9765.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also bought a couple simple robe hooks for hanging stuff to dry from Home Depot. Yeah, it's a little crooked, but so is everything in here. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNsil0K80Y1i93v4nofWFIwI08JMi8U4uJJ7Rlb0XPKaM-CDPlRwzZFH6QZo91TCuEOHkt-iR7U8p39VmUQbYVFfTjq1QE3b0ips40823_NtWu2F4wqvB5IpeixHThnWRL6-wJo3ONk5p/s1600/IMG_9744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNsil0K80Y1i93v4nofWFIwI08JMi8U4uJJ7Rlb0XPKaM-CDPlRwzZFH6QZo91TCuEOHkt-iR7U8p39VmUQbYVFfTjq1QE3b0ips40823_NtWu2F4wqvB5IpeixHThnWRL6-wJo3ONk5p/s640/IMG_9744.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I wanted to add a little personality, so I reused an old frame and made a little sign in Photoshop. I smile whenever I see it and didn't have to buy anything. It's just a framed piece of paper. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8iKEDaba-yoOJ2wV2QHPjjA6rCFHAzUM1cwdNzVo8xLbi2Eyv9JTY86DLdK-LySvZxbUEUkFvzC_g2RnYlbUpp6khL4uEVHiHyHtTRlOiAxJkO7S_1-gLMm2F0-a-vZLWifbvTYzvmHe/s1600/IMG_9723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1071" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8iKEDaba-yoOJ2wV2QHPjjA6rCFHAzUM1cwdNzVo8xLbi2Eyv9JTY86DLdK-LySvZxbUEUkFvzC_g2RnYlbUpp6khL4uEVHiHyHtTRlOiAxJkO7S_1-gLMm2F0-a-vZLWifbvTYzvmHe/s640/IMG_9723.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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I used an old vase I've had since the Russet street house to hold my dryer balls. Also, dryer balls are pretty useless in my opinion. Oh well, they look cute. I also got a super cute macrame wall hanging to cover the ugly access door to the electrical panel. I'll give you a guess where I got it. Yes, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074DSNYKR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. I love it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgozN9LNjuE2oHRjzV9DZYJ_5kFZqKLPMaASvP1geb1ExTTNW-xwlHpmYnv-IrWMeTYg_RZroFpMaE6lk5hUnAqrsN8uQdz59cTejKdkFIzV-iMMxvJAapMFvMkfx-5FGWoeCEwTEbRzK/s1600/IMG_9731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgozN9LNjuE2oHRjzV9DZYJ_5kFZqKLPMaASvP1geb1ExTTNW-xwlHpmYnv-IrWMeTYg_RZroFpMaE6lk5hUnAqrsN8uQdz59cTejKdkFIzV-iMMxvJAapMFvMkfx-5FGWoeCEwTEbRzK/s640/IMG_9731.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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And here are some full room shots. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wLqzS_LDApelgI-0x3hcV0Oqe5hnrZ9AL1j3EqlCDq0DVcof_tVFFsvqp0vy_cZSsgZ3umPuFgUUQKrBYdYorlCiQb8ejK7bGZuMtPBGPrQbeBZxDjtXP502rmefX9AtNykHECWlaQ_3/s1600/IMG_9753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wLqzS_LDApelgI-0x3hcV0Oqe5hnrZ9AL1j3EqlCDq0DVcof_tVFFsvqp0vy_cZSsgZ3umPuFgUUQKrBYdYorlCiQb8ejK7bGZuMtPBGPrQbeBZxDjtXP502rmefX9AtNykHECWlaQ_3/s640/IMG_9753.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkPak0Flw6rxx2GK373a0ipzYDpffsI1_XU9gTwteVrcNMhSDWr1ur1QjGwMBqW13oXigeTa62r6YrXFLQPa_2BQcA46ugC7l4Oy33uECeWxdvYSiU8TwOOH4sxVf1nYLmBZ08e-VqlH3/s1600/IMG_9772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkPak0Flw6rxx2GK373a0ipzYDpffsI1_XU9gTwteVrcNMhSDWr1ur1QjGwMBqW13oXigeTa62r6YrXFLQPa_2BQcA46ugC7l4Oy33uECeWxdvYSiU8TwOOH4sxVf1nYLmBZ08e-VqlH3/s640/IMG_9772.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-8tBp65m6NSenv3nqw_i27TAGBR19Z0s8jW07OzSI8iNcAT14CnU3KSXnI3_qFYmQ-SM-HL3VlFYs_iNYBQlYLghEnVq48O-28AUrpLEwY6bkgcZW95mcfqoXwraZr1p2bGqX70MmSjK/s1600/IMG_9743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-8tBp65m6NSenv3nqw_i27TAGBR19Z0s8jW07OzSI8iNcAT14CnU3KSXnI3_qFYmQ-SM-HL3VlFYs_iNYBQlYLghEnVq48O-28AUrpLEwY6bkgcZW95mcfqoXwraZr1p2bGqX70MmSjK/s640/IMG_9743.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKV7mYR8egtILrd4UyqPWddtxvFRmfO5OZG8h1ABdkmLqwzujbhTwE_X6VMP6qyr3CjEwzTPXAoqLgroU2i_8uF8EtQuDX98cdTqwx9oAvktKhOshpFR_mn6z8fQDISr-NCAW0Ru5uDwj/s1600/IMG_9767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKV7mYR8egtILrd4UyqPWddtxvFRmfO5OZG8h1ABdkmLqwzujbhTwE_X6VMP6qyr3CjEwzTPXAoqLgroU2i_8uF8EtQuDX98cdTqwx9oAvktKhOshpFR_mn6z8fQDISr-NCAW0Ru5uDwj/s640/IMG_9767.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgSJCdnKR6ICINeazTzMc8BYtJvewP96PAIVISSr8KoyT1BR61J4-iCCSMWxf-c6QY0AfrLfBg2oMm3EbjgkiMTeiwqab1MiCUNXvp27HScKM80aCz3KdksxqFvoi_YBdkmP6oWW5NuQF/s1600/IMG_9790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgSJCdnKR6ICINeazTzMc8BYtJvewP96PAIVISSr8KoyT1BR61J4-iCCSMWxf-c6QY0AfrLfBg2oMm3EbjgkiMTeiwqab1MiCUNXvp27HScKM80aCz3KdksxqFvoi_YBdkmP6oWW5NuQF/s640/IMG_9790.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODU2kaVbeOLQsfGnHbvaRhM5IalHPzhBLdgK5d7xag-vCUyrGP6oih-Hxk2DKl4VL8FvvkPF1TULeW-ZklvXjVXARnLGnCHDvL5-0VWHjQV82xs5IAyYaJBWuTJleBplmqriVZEI3CAQx/s1600/IMG_9785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODU2kaVbeOLQsfGnHbvaRhM5IalHPzhBLdgK5d7xag-vCUyrGP6oih-Hxk2DKl4VL8FvvkPF1TULeW-ZklvXjVXARnLGnCHDvL5-0VWHjQV82xs5IAyYaJBWuTJleBplmqriVZEI3CAQx/s640/IMG_9785.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsW-HCjXjJjmjyGSWW-cP1DsOl6AS8KvwZqrzGGwL212QPMus9PrOIgQisfRtiJyvPpddE9a3jgX4NVTe3SGVa4zM5yBvD6lEFi2XFNF3vRPaWfllO8NVP_ZGQ-c7n6mOR3OGpSswRZrU9/s1600/IMG_9739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsW-HCjXjJjmjyGSWW-cP1DsOl6AS8KvwZqrzGGwL212QPMus9PrOIgQisfRtiJyvPpddE9a3jgX4NVTe3SGVa4zM5yBvD6lEFi2XFNF3vRPaWfllO8NVP_ZGQ-c7n6mOR3OGpSswRZrU9/s640/IMG_9739.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The floor and rug were worth the splurge! This flooring is actually very cheap, $1 per piece/sq ft. I bought 85 pieces and I didn't end up needing that much. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0N9hHAgeS9ORT6d6SNNelaVvu7mGhgUcHa5PvaQh0tCp4ogdeWWagF12Z6dHQOsSneF_CYlW7f4etzwte4l9NZqbD1VDrH1M231d-tF04vDLCc6lMHjITgY_6ekT9NOhe528ZSz9x8Y9-/s1600/IMG_9736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0N9hHAgeS9ORT6d6SNNelaVvu7mGhgUcHa5PvaQh0tCp4ogdeWWagF12Z6dHQOsSneF_CYlW7f4etzwte4l9NZqbD1VDrH1M231d-tF04vDLCc6lMHjITgY_6ekT9NOhe528ZSz9x8Y9-/s640/IMG_9736.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
So happy with the cuts around the water heater!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQ4kF3LzuN0m-eG9kiTVGE0wyG5O4XGgdUW32OueAcfkmw4vo9-TzX8rRY59Ob7QDoeD1TvrFqjXYUnhgUkqF4s8NqTmGa3bpL-YlyLeapH1k8T7878FpdsZxdqjiw95dSaWhDkjnhaWh/s1600/IMG_9737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQ4kF3LzuN0m-eG9kiTVGE0wyG5O4XGgdUW32OueAcfkmw4vo9-TzX8rRY59Ob7QDoeD1TvrFqjXYUnhgUkqF4s8NqTmGa3bpL-YlyLeapH1k8T7878FpdsZxdqjiw95dSaWhDkjnhaWh/s640/IMG_9737.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The 3x5 rug was $109 on Wayfair and I love it! It's flatwoven, so I plan to put a pad underneath. It does shed a lot, but it's worth it for a wool rug. In this picture below, you can see the hump in our floor where the edge is slightly raised. I'm ok with the way it looks, but hopeful that it won't crack. If it does, I have a lot of extra pieces!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7JHRATZ-eYm4okWLvYXt99zqh0eyZqbTRLdtxPuWpmG3e9sDtujCPxuwiRVl163xRvnTZBoaj7EUu0bsGjm5UrEwOJo2ZkdkdnzyBCY2-1_sOmRXvgvpUxo7iwoycEnTJoMQQzdACTbC/s1600/IMG_9741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7JHRATZ-eYm4okWLvYXt99zqh0eyZqbTRLdtxPuWpmG3e9sDtujCPxuwiRVl163xRvnTZBoaj7EUu0bsGjm5UrEwOJo2ZkdkdnzyBCY2-1_sOmRXvgvpUxo7iwoycEnTJoMQQzdACTbC/s640/IMG_9741.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9XxOgzX8DooRXmJ3H5RP_PQWb03QibtJqmMr3i0rq1mTa4Y_o458rpMX_13hd-EH578lL70jdtxePj8EpROrhwv8ZWUhWB8mkBRdEsX1PYuJnewaoDBsnEsfcSKyjPnr0d1j88gzxuzJ/s1600/IMG_9783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9XxOgzX8DooRXmJ3H5RP_PQWb03QibtJqmMr3i0rq1mTa4Y_o458rpMX_13hd-EH578lL70jdtxePj8EpROrhwv8ZWUhWB8mkBRdEsX1PYuJnewaoDBsnEsfcSKyjPnr0d1j88gzxuzJ/s640/IMG_9783.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The ceiling turned out pretty good, now I need to replace the yellow light cover. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaQqU7hf3TIqYbMzUn_rCPWSH0zSpwzjTUxPboUY5vgDuXZYlx-A7jUnnaub6rAZwsZ9KBBVIKYdTEayYTK6FKOnI3UbrKnROlX1ABNj0uiL1PFw66n93ChReI0CT2HmgW4vdaB8zfJ4u/s1600/IMG_9779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaQqU7hf3TIqYbMzUn_rCPWSH0zSpwzjTUxPboUY5vgDuXZYlx-A7jUnnaub6rAZwsZ9KBBVIKYdTEayYTK6FKOnI3UbrKnROlX1ABNj0uiL1PFw66n93ChReI0CT2HmgW4vdaB8zfJ4u/s640/IMG_9779.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My favorite spot is the window.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcceJlXxAjijke24gzg36i2N9GeFTJxidECTJPQASwf_DzNCdPlvFpaxG3muxUKWhppcu3Q25RnRhqbU2UnkWYODcy1eUwTdcP9bF2PYKVV6u0_NcOqpnAOWrxpv_DrIlwqXcyN1Y2BQvx/s1600/IMG_9763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcceJlXxAjijke24gzg36i2N9GeFTJxidECTJPQASwf_DzNCdPlvFpaxG3muxUKWhppcu3Q25RnRhqbU2UnkWYODcy1eUwTdcP9bF2PYKVV6u0_NcOqpnAOWrxpv_DrIlwqXcyN1Y2BQvx/s640/IMG_9763.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jJk2uLkJK87uXH6_AUfF-atNxFY0jYb_0VdOejgOOpQLZfbrGKHdjSGwYpWwqnMk3Soh_qWueak1GnuXu1KpzQsgncO9bBoDl2hb1KrmVVr0x9AsDUxE2r85opMnuV2vcgl2wYmitMVe/s1600/IMG_9781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jJk2uLkJK87uXH6_AUfF-atNxFY0jYb_0VdOejgOOpQLZfbrGKHdjSGwYpWwqnMk3Soh_qWueak1GnuXu1KpzQsgncO9bBoDl2hb1KrmVVr0x9AsDUxE2r85opMnuV2vcgl2wYmitMVe/s640/IMG_9781.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_X2FhZ7DQJovfHqsMd4e47W_zpslEOfwNhN-365-RmUREgiNMqGbr59r1TmGE2DKi6OD2IGjcaZkBKr3j5lusIPP7Y6J4jKIaeScb8NTwCRZxEWs4qyheGEas-eepjuTSRwBI6U-SYepO/s1600/IMG_9755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_X2FhZ7DQJovfHqsMd4e47W_zpslEOfwNhN-365-RmUREgiNMqGbr59r1TmGE2DKi6OD2IGjcaZkBKr3j5lusIPP7Y6J4jKIaeScb8NTwCRZxEWs4qyheGEas-eepjuTSRwBI6U-SYepO/s640/IMG_9755.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And my favorite part, the before and after photos!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN96mixVis4505wQK40i2ueyOv9jllifLZWEozEevFET-adL2Tup1RFKY8AQVh1idIgQ-K5uxJsumPjQB1yAjr6waABALi29prKNrDDhj7C__mtg3baBcxDurCJPhjneNxLEI8p-ifgpTV/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN96mixVis4505wQK40i2ueyOv9jllifLZWEozEevFET-adL2Tup1RFKY8AQVh1idIgQ-K5uxJsumPjQB1yAjr6waABALi29prKNrDDhj7C__mtg3baBcxDurCJPhjneNxLEI8p-ifgpTV/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0664.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKlw0W478BUZSkCT80O85Ovzoq1_dzLdrs6-R-3UjfFNhcIdaN8fdm6XAFbSh0feZkKNJexATHh9I-Ztl4IlOICykrtZd4DcWtETd2FQhMJprh_JdkduxFRmEfJOMWuPx5w43d61ZPas2/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKlw0W478BUZSkCT80O85Ovzoq1_dzLdrs6-R-3UjfFNhcIdaN8fdm6XAFbSh0feZkKNJexATHh9I-Ztl4IlOICykrtZd4DcWtETd2FQhMJprh_JdkduxFRmEfJOMWuPx5w43d61ZPas2/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0659.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZYYpZQSYyl47DRj28Oaqrbx3dAiXIMqP_dL1TyBujrGliviEoAkCn7zwqLh6itA13-iVHkMUye-erkHwcNtu-zR1S9Jr7_Ig0PPNz0mV0q_v3H61EP_0UPYqYpztxz1pspXtIRdLDPn2/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZYYpZQSYyl47DRj28Oaqrbx3dAiXIMqP_dL1TyBujrGliviEoAkCn7zwqLh6itA13-iVHkMUye-erkHwcNtu-zR1S9Jr7_Ig0PPNz0mV0q_v3H61EP_0UPYqYpztxz1pspXtIRdLDPn2/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0660.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEmr3-ZIa-mhBqvnkIX0yEsVHj2ZXe7x9ZtuUpbCJcrGRZbOSVq_GQlOgZqlknkHK8Zwt5W-lRp92UKafY4QbUnX-ZBtvHPdZrod3cW9z-wcVplKy6tYk6APqP2YLhuEvQ23s02e0x8ED/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEmr3-ZIa-mhBqvnkIX0yEsVHj2ZXe7x9ZtuUpbCJcrGRZbOSVq_GQlOgZqlknkHK8Zwt5W-lRp92UKafY4QbUnX-ZBtvHPdZrod3cW9z-wcVplKy6tYk6APqP2YLhuEvQ23s02e0x8ED/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0661.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAZo1jl_X69DWUlpCzBdGghy0gEO8skHt4WhYiYxNJLFp7mXePX6xJqQldTFDLBTetlXGeUsh4lrsEa1G0O0he46iQU6FbkRHb0tBHmhiZ7UKI0tNCj3pOyI8nibrQo4tXkOOqyVKR8vv/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAZo1jl_X69DWUlpCzBdGghy0gEO8skHt4WhYiYxNJLFp7mXePX6xJqQldTFDLBTetlXGeUsh4lrsEa1G0O0he46iQU6FbkRHb0tBHmhiZ7UKI0tNCj3pOyI8nibrQo4tXkOOqyVKR8vv/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0663.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This collage really cracks me up, because it shows what really had to happen to make this room the way it is...lots of decluttering!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9Hl_AClcfVhJccfrLDjoeQlipyKPA4MDlB9OGBTJPmhUloKaQGI0xmqAMz8TfAv97si4QV1N6QPXJVsEI26oCpgAhkYQdsvLjXDR_fVIz-PtRrdThcYsME4jACMUu7Ng6Px7zBBhK4dD/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9Hl_AClcfVhJccfrLDjoeQlipyKPA4MDlB9OGBTJPmhUloKaQGI0xmqAMz8TfAv97si4QV1N6QPXJVsEI26oCpgAhkYQdsvLjXDR_fVIz-PtRrdThcYsME4jACMUu7Ng6Px7zBBhK4dD/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0666.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I would love to make a DIY laundry basket dresser like <a href="https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/laundry-basket-dresser" target="_blank">this one</a> by Ana White, but it will have to wait until things are more normal and I feel comfortable going out to buy the materials. Here is the cost breakdown for this project including tax:<br />
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Flooring $88<br />
Rug $116<br />
Wall hooks $2<br />
Planter hooks $15<br />
Cabinet knobs $21<br />
Blue pot $23<br />
New plant $5<br />
Macrame wall hanging $21<br />
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<b>Total: $291</b></div>
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<b>Having a pretty laundry room: Priceless!</b></div>
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Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-82184468404171747982020-04-04T15:57:00.001-07:002020-04-29T11:59:18.550-07:00Adding some color to the entry<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzk3XqC9LIZW9m8GTj8WYRbhp6iKBT9wht4OxC9NkOI8J2SsB88jcxVQaR_utLKFQ-B_t3YNW9lkVqnt74gyUwGp0yVoZBuH6dnfTCkrPkuDQWSivliKqTJgaEMp29FVNylC2ISYDYX5Of/s640/IMG_9851.jpg" style="display: none;" />
What a strange time to be alive! With the corona virus shut down eliminating my photography business, I've been going a little crazy like most people. We are a very extroverted and social family, so we've been trying to get outside to say hi to neighbors, but still be safe. In all this uncertainty, I have found myself very uninterested in editing photos I've taken of my kids, being on the computer for any length of time, and being creative in general. I just have lacked the drive, and the kids (and cleaning up after them) take up so much of my time! Luckily, I finally have a project that got me excited to share. For the last five years, I've been walking in my front door and staring at an empty wall at the bottom of the stairs. Like this....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBf-6GXgP4Ugn1BNeHrOPTNxyqhXztO86OEAIGxjGcAnjFXvDDx9mE_KgnpHbRbOz1AEzq1Dh3JxoHbBp9IS70h_P0SE2-RD0l2REfhcvVg0XvhvTp9rndh8NLNcCwe6bMh_n7AzQ3FpYz/s1600/Before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBf-6GXgP4Ugn1BNeHrOPTNxyqhXztO86OEAIGxjGcAnjFXvDDx9mE_KgnpHbRbOz1AEzq1Dh3JxoHbBp9IS70h_P0SE2-RD0l2REfhcvVg0XvhvTp9rndh8NLNcCwe6bMh_n7AzQ3FpYz/s640/Before.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
I bought a few items for this wall a few years ago (haha classic Sara move) and they have sat in a basket since then. My problem was that I wanted to add color to this little wall, but I didn't want to continue the color ALL the way down to the family room since it's all connected. I dreamed up trim/ moldings, sharpie designs, all kinds of ways to stop the color here...but nothing really resonated with me. Then I saw some wall inspiration in one of my photography groups, and this idea was born. I love it so much!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbc8sYKgFsiOOtpv43IHTLuE19O6TVmYst2JgUof32BrQHrrd2_8lGbWzRs4HZ2KvZ1vOKxX6pmMRIFd33Gb253FrrL-6FQZ2GmXJ46tOuK8grjSS2x7NpnqfuttpUXIDd65NJbdzICNPK/s1600/IMG_9806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbc8sYKgFsiOOtpv43IHTLuE19O6TVmYst2JgUof32BrQHrrd2_8lGbWzRs4HZ2KvZ1vOKxX6pmMRIFd33Gb253FrrL-6FQZ2GmXJ46tOuK8grjSS2x7NpnqfuttpUXIDd65NJbdzICNPK/s640/IMG_9806.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I love making our ugly raised ranch cute ONE SPACE AT A TIME! The idea of this technique is to blur the line between the two colors (usually white, but SW Popular Gray in my case) with paper towels and brushes, and make a watercolor type design. When I first decided I wanted to do this, I took stock of the paint samples I had in my house to minimize my time at Home Depot. I had these three colors and a quart of my popular gray paint to try it out on cardboard: from top to bottom, BM Hale Navy, BM Newburg Green, and SW Gale Force that we used in our <a href="http://www.russetstreetreno.com/2014/07/a-gale-force.html" target="_blank">master bath in Minnesota</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAav-BUxlNKedXtX7A4DlnqBsHkNYr0Pqhjuyz0BGzceV2oQr_9CDr0c-LBfDuudeju7Twer6VJKshBMlsQqb8F0M-jSZuCJTC85-8wP3Fw_4ltXQ5rzVH_zINpw8170Oi7354_L55Q3v/s1600/Samples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAav-BUxlNKedXtX7A4DlnqBsHkNYr0Pqhjuyz0BGzceV2oQr_9CDr0c-LBfDuudeju7Twer6VJKshBMlsQqb8F0M-jSZuCJTC85-8wP3Fw_4ltXQ5rzVH_zINpw8170Oi7354_L55Q3v/s640/Samples.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Hale Navy was too purple-y/navy, Newburg was too green (but I still liked it a lot) and Gale Force was the best of both worlds! I didn't quite have enough to do the project, so I made a quick trip to Home Depot and vowed to never go back until things were back to normal. We also needed a new wax ring for our main bathroom because our toilet was leaking, so I justified my 'essential' trip that way. I bought this quart and a whole gallon of SW Creamy for our main bathroom, which is a very boring post for another day. We did end up replacing our very first was ring, and we were successful! Here is my starting point for this project:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwR4j-LSYIdMi-ehKf0nM37mHR8HB4eC8Ec-CSJSsAyj4sri2ncfyS4s9ww2N9vY8rWEu5UJL1wGS1940P4b38IAcQ4J2ja-F1jLklbHAfiZQ2wVMvLcRXqy52cuxv-mOIb8QIufMBqpgt/s1600/During+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwR4j-LSYIdMi-ehKf0nM37mHR8HB4eC8Ec-CSJSsAyj4sri2ncfyS4s9ww2N9vY8rWEu5UJL1wGS1940P4b38IAcQ4J2ja-F1jLklbHAfiZQ2wVMvLcRXqy52cuxv-mOIb8QIufMBqpgt/s640/During+%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I recommend lightly drawing in pencil where you want the 'line' to go ahead of time, I didn't do that at first and the second wall turned out much better with a guideline! I put the gray right next to my wet line, and then used a paper towel to smear the colors around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0Lwo2G-k-Nd6IM_rF-KX9xdxQQGrJQj_37OkmiVNtFbSJapnswbI0I1dRoDY9fMvKBVvalNr8451F5EFtnHHY4SJ6DK3zdzdbMpeWahZOENTehpWxh7FjjYnVonn5ZKLXC_m1SID5DJM/s1600/During+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0Lwo2G-k-Nd6IM_rF-KX9xdxQQGrJQj_37OkmiVNtFbSJapnswbI0I1dRoDY9fMvKBVvalNr8451F5EFtnHHY4SJ6DK3zdzdbMpeWahZOENTehpWxh7FjjYnVonn5ZKLXC_m1SID5DJM/s640/During+%25283%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I also used a flat brush that I got with my fusion mineral paints, it worked nice for the more 'sponge painted' areas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxX0Wy4H12C4fn_zllBukf4hjJfLHJvdZ8kE0Jola81iQlu1EjMaiT9VyNyEMQIkew9a8njsf2-umj2VUcm7YwLBV4dLH4wOtLQ8DcY-UTGq49xUg8mJQ8XdvtawHNnlTnFzCjrnpVooq8/s1600/IMG_9809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxX0Wy4H12C4fn_zllBukf4hjJfLHJvdZ8kE0Jola81iQlu1EjMaiT9VyNyEMQIkew9a8njsf2-umj2VUcm7YwLBV4dLH4wOtLQ8DcY-UTGq49xUg8mJQ8XdvtawHNnlTnFzCjrnpVooq8/s640/IMG_9809.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In hindsight, I should've applied the gray to the entire wall on the right side before doing this part. It's also tricky because the dark colors require two coats, and it's almost impossible to do that after it dries without seeing the shiny brush strokes where you touched it up! I look at it as extra texture and not a big deal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7nZwROWh8GmgIdvQVPdLzL0H5QHCMG6qGvPmm7X3FJlFHTs_b3A39kcp_ZQObURgF217UuxOXO4RiCjUjc1WgHzfUWWP5AKL99PZl_rAhO3ZySJ5eyzjRPcuvBgavMy0oSBOaBkp72fT/s1600/IMG_9829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7nZwROWh8GmgIdvQVPdLzL0H5QHCMG6qGvPmm7X3FJlFHTs_b3A39kcp_ZQObURgF217UuxOXO4RiCjUjc1WgHzfUWWP5AKL99PZl_rAhO3ZySJ5eyzjRPcuvBgavMy0oSBOaBkp72fT/s640/IMG_9829.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I tried to add areas where the white went farther into the blue to add interest, some work better than others, but I love the randomness of it all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DS8VU74KyyFTjhga2U81jMfjpIA7qV_mfhpw8BwYLkc3YFXeBGgzoCyo_Djjc4IYCfWqObPOTlJC9RyZMFSrsVN-UBxeu65jo7UwqcYIFR30gnj2LPUxWtLvVuoRL3pxvOqei9tnBKgG/s1600/IMG_9826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DS8VU74KyyFTjhga2U81jMfjpIA7qV_mfhpw8BwYLkc3YFXeBGgzoCyo_Djjc4IYCfWqObPOTlJC9RyZMFSrsVN-UBxeu65jo7UwqcYIFR30gnj2LPUxWtLvVuoRL3pxvOqei9tnBKgG/s640/IMG_9826.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stupidly, I forgot to take photos of the wall without the other elements up, so I apologize. I was so eager to add my decor! The star is a Smallwoods wooden sign, which is a photo I took during our trip to Rocky Mountain National park last year. I love this, because I didn't want anything with glass to show a strong glare as this area is hit with sunlight all day. I chose a portrait crop to fit into the blue part of the wall better and leave more room for my shelf and hooks. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy1yhoEMebrzQQotRY29V2yNf6A5Y6PWsL6vxjacg1D0EErfkupsN7dqW7SeZ7aoy1LOXapphmYagaGBoUXpKofhsqRR5N5QT5uL6rYfJWJ7AiAfJsUtwxGHU1paxRijqKuAT1ALDv0QQ/s1600/IMG_9831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy1yhoEMebrzQQotRY29V2yNf6A5Y6PWsL6vxjacg1D0EErfkupsN7dqW7SeZ7aoy1LOXapphmYagaGBoUXpKofhsqRR5N5QT5uL6rYfJWJ7AiAfJsUtwxGHU1paxRijqKuAT1ALDv0QQ/s640/IMG_9831.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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As you can see, Smallwoods added saturation, exposure, and changed the coloring of the mountains to be quite aqua, which is sort of disappointing. However, it still looks beautiful so I won't complain too much.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEVucVKiDiG7g-dBovMtdi8dxaKGYtBWbLTj10Uj55IB0ufIVuJ-k82-zArBdMrODULbXgsoIZBwlVB415L9-u0pqV1kOZZ3TrcbhK09YLskp8iwMxXYCu_cZi5KUzUAw7tA46l9WhSBV/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEVucVKiDiG7g-dBovMtdi8dxaKGYtBWbLTj10Uj55IB0ufIVuJ-k82-zArBdMrODULbXgsoIZBwlVB415L9-u0pqV1kOZZ3TrcbhK09YLskp8iwMxXYCu_cZi5KUzUAw7tA46l9WhSBV/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0655.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The shelf is another one of the cool acrylic shelves from <a href="https://www.cb2.com/acrylic-wall-shelf-24/s116301" target="_blank">CB2 </a>that I used in my <a href="http://www.russetstreetreno.com/2017/04/instant-workspace.html" target="_blank">office nook</a>. I love these shelves, and they are so great for tight areas where you can't have a shelf stick out too far. They are also great for containing things with the tall raised edge. I love leaning photo frames against them, and I'm on the hunt for the perfect frame(s) since this one is just a placeholder.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB54Hdm0whlxDfYUBKdN_DsiuebBb4fdwyvu10TFBE-TpswMzACoNLmnONKUGH7n5wYcuVn25BfBXEmuzrjITsIcGrGBOLhk0-dA3nio0tNW7Lah7M6AZJ7S3ZVizOYajFJZi1xPFsLZh/s1600/IMG_9817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB54Hdm0whlxDfYUBKdN_DsiuebBb4fdwyvu10TFBE-TpswMzACoNLmnONKUGH7n5wYcuVn25BfBXEmuzrjITsIcGrGBOLhk0-dA3nio0tNW7Lah7M6AZJ7S3ZVizOYajFJZi1xPFsLZh/s640/IMG_9817.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The hooks were a <a href="https://www.target.com/p/wall-hook-soft-iron-threshold-8482/-/A-51989309" target="_blank">Target </a>find, and they are amazing quality and price! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0UJdNfSJGP9pn1vLLxb4KwAUiIc8CWN-NYoQhG4_dOErJc8YrLZuPQC-qtkSAQZY_PA8Uj-A8T4HzKiivKyrozeqsFpQ2pFmTBohSdgRf2MBwlVVZ7X_Mzl8Yta9QkgDh40HZ-X7hI98/s1600/IMG_9818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0UJdNfSJGP9pn1vLLxb4KwAUiIc8CWN-NYoQhG4_dOErJc8YrLZuPQC-qtkSAQZY_PA8Uj-A8T4HzKiivKyrozeqsFpQ2pFmTBohSdgRf2MBwlVVZ7X_Mzl8Yta9QkgDh40HZ-X7hI98/s640/IMG_9818.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
I made a simple template out of posterboard to make sure they were lined up correctly. I spaced them out to perfectly fit under the 24" shelf, then poked holes through the paper and attached this to the wall in order to drill.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMtGDy9kTwVlrBhgrRfDe57YMqcNn1p_1aOxTGLtpgERZcUi0Jy9UlKkz7o8u5mZrB4hbhvkqVWzVChy1aBB5g0yJqDIWLodATNIuA39me718QNmA2xmNUtPlxC9kLiC5uURorCt-FjYY/s1600/IMG_7609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMtGDy9kTwVlrBhgrRfDe57YMqcNn1p_1aOxTGLtpgERZcUi0Jy9UlKkz7o8u5mZrB4hbhvkqVWzVChy1aBB5g0yJqDIWLodATNIuA39me718QNmA2xmNUtPlxC9kLiC5uURorCt-FjYY/s640/IMG_7609.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I love how solid these are! I used a very small drill bit to make the holes, so I didn't even need to use anchors. The thought of putting 8 anchors into the wall was not appealing. Side note, the center screw of the shelf did catch a stud, so I didn't use anchors for those, either!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66S2NSi2rEz7hXZGxh0Ku2cs9E3J5H1X5zMk-4eQZ2vOw1Xt3sb4bn7ax5BABYISdwGBszgtg7XhPosnQBIVhkFmCP7twIDV-N9fNkU6_qhRdVEWa1NhpdGwm2FwmRtGXpq4QUjp9Zonr/s1600/IMG_9823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66S2NSi2rEz7hXZGxh0Ku2cs9E3J5H1X5zMk-4eQZ2vOw1Xt3sb4bn7ax5BABYISdwGBszgtg7XhPosnQBIVhkFmCP7twIDV-N9fNkU6_qhRdVEWa1NhpdGwm2FwmRtGXpq4QUjp9Zonr/s640/IMG_9823.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It turned out exactly as I had pictured in my mind. Love the texture of the white paint behind the decor. I did choose to keep decor elements simple as the wall painting is a busy feature in itself!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xAZGoUWk8YfGW5uqkCIU610YWxnc7y5V1PA3fRhMr7PhIE9EoaJFsaLgMTLgBXkFHRyom7JAcbyaN-lHS7DQRBDAs0Pij_xlMlQYJ9MjElPp0niz80wftA98fRVYA85E2YugmN4-ZJQR/s1600/IMG_9793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xAZGoUWk8YfGW5uqkCIU610YWxnc7y5V1PA3fRhMr7PhIE9EoaJFsaLgMTLgBXkFHRyom7JAcbyaN-lHS7DQRBDAs0Pij_xlMlQYJ9MjElPp0niz80wftA98fRVYA85E2YugmN4-ZJQR/s640/IMG_9793.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And after this wall was done, I realized I needed to continue this over the door to the other wall. It just didn't make sense all alone, but once I did the stair wall, it was perfect!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35CP59OL37uYWllh2g7LnRpjK2rTksGs-yjrcPvUF8LRNNNKAX-Qek3qG-AmdS3nc2Kl89sh2NZPZERH9yY7KEAaHIHybniPdzrLt39eribRDTa8D418jyncJUb2T-kNu_2Xld9CcB_eo/s1600/IMG_9775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35CP59OL37uYWllh2g7LnRpjK2rTksGs-yjrcPvUF8LRNNNKAX-Qek3qG-AmdS3nc2Kl89sh2NZPZERH9yY7KEAaHIHybniPdzrLt39eribRDTa8D418jyncJUb2T-kNu_2Xld9CcB_eo/s640/IMG_9775.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I did a slight 'wave' shape with the blue, and it's beautiful! I love how this technique allows me to keep my house mostly light with just a small amount of drama painted on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggzFR5mK68HwyrjloBVbu_6cjIn1dsTvNuIEHzQFUsywlzf5_Uv64kxou2FJowpCtTWLSgCQKo75h7p3ttBWJBrgdxUvlFwBmyu8Dp4R4a2YCFmg3TfVpkzKQJ7sKXKsgeCUQCC0cG4Za/s1600/IMG_9780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggzFR5mK68HwyrjloBVbu_6cjIn1dsTvNuIEHzQFUsywlzf5_Uv64kxou2FJowpCtTWLSgCQKo75h7p3ttBWJBrgdxUvlFwBmyu8Dp4R4a2YCFmg3TfVpkzKQJ7sKXKsgeCUQCC0cG4Za/s640/IMG_9780.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here are some glamour shots!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTsoGoT25-P_BovhQP_BgDzVDYyBdP06zB-jX-kl1X6-AlzW85_WhLtraXrvH80LGj2PifO83j-wzti7Exq5_vLeMJ4tu_Yqjk1PKFvKEMg07zG3qufSN98nOR-3w6d_90fWeUGqnttfD/s1600/IMG_9851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTsoGoT25-P_BovhQP_BgDzVDYyBdP06zB-jX-kl1X6-AlzW85_WhLtraXrvH80LGj2PifO83j-wzti7Exq5_vLeMJ4tu_Yqjk1PKFvKEMg07zG3qufSN98nOR-3w6d_90fWeUGqnttfD/s640/IMG_9851.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It looks pretty with the light on, too. I love this light, even though it barely clears the door. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1BhQSFQW9mqOtWv1AO_99E3loraiU6ySsrc6GDRF8bRA-TWEe4a8EvnodV3rqgv7p2Dqhh5289NusFPAYkLPb0MTg6wRHPCO4VOTXxnGZB0wUPRGE5YJcToBTfNAeQ8obVKHbZ8UAt37/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1069" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1BhQSFQW9mqOtWv1AO_99E3loraiU6ySsrc6GDRF8bRA-TWEe4a8EvnodV3rqgv7p2Dqhh5289NusFPAYkLPb0MTg6wRHPCO4VOTXxnGZB0wUPRGE5YJcToBTfNAeQ8obVKHbZ8UAt37/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0656.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here are some before and afters of this fun little redo!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HACnFGm9cbhPACuDtMF73hTHf0siw-2uGmPZDh97x3xvoRA17o0WltVHAudjW6uZi798a9t0yR6lIK6ItNWpddWsAz0DXhqQMOQjKCA3NjmPGYEPpqIA22_mGPYYOwnhjSBKVF_t1Xjd/s1600/Entry+B%2526A+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HACnFGm9cbhPACuDtMF73hTHf0siw-2uGmPZDh97x3xvoRA17o0WltVHAudjW6uZi798a9t0yR6lIK6ItNWpddWsAz0DXhqQMOQjKCA3NjmPGYEPpqIA22_mGPYYOwnhjSBKVF_t1Xjd/s640/Entry+B%2526A+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3guGsAd-lFJPkNVn7lISIFwMjghzScJeyUfI4etnFkBpX6Kan9A_Yf6-xYGgCarD9XCl21vKpJ2F7dTznBoONq0juXLUsedOTw9degfI8zz_THWSRMh9oLWHraLV0-_HsjP-cYQ7yzNvU/s1600/Entry+B%2526A+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3guGsAd-lFJPkNVn7lISIFwMjghzScJeyUfI4etnFkBpX6Kan9A_Yf6-xYGgCarD9XCl21vKpJ2F7dTznBoONq0juXLUsedOTw9degfI8zz_THWSRMh9oLWHraLV0-_HsjP-cYQ7yzNvU/s640/Entry+B%2526A+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDcnbQ2o6tFByeMNxOAc_QQigL3KxgWmstgEpL_S_SKNxDk7ISqMr_RHFg6mz-NIznzaZRUHM8Jbz9LJWvNBHCHbNZqrnn9Qyt2-k6ebl1EY_0BrXkwKFA30qFee5eq244TRCUvz1FVa9/s1600/Entry+B%2526A+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDcnbQ2o6tFByeMNxOAc_QQigL3KxgWmstgEpL_S_SKNxDk7ISqMr_RHFg6mz-NIznzaZRUHM8Jbz9LJWvNBHCHbNZqrnn9Qyt2-k6ebl1EY_0BrXkwKFA30qFee5eq244TRCUvz1FVa9/s640/Entry+B%2526A+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just for fun, here is a throw back 'before' and after! Oh em gee, those were dark times. Literally.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6wZ20Lha1-APICu3VxWcS8MJsWjkAwynvxx6P2-6kmwuIb98AazxzlFw-v41KmE33ccW0GW7mYqgYjcuL2-ySL2OWcA7VQOXpcJDf7MxDGyRXIlgYwydXy79L82V7E1uF9lBUiQeSGli/s1600/Entry+B%2526A+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6wZ20Lha1-APICu3VxWcS8MJsWjkAwynvxx6P2-6kmwuIb98AazxzlFw-v41KmE33ccW0GW7mYqgYjcuL2-ySL2OWcA7VQOXpcJDf7MxDGyRXIlgYwydXy79L82V7E1uF9lBUiQeSGli/s640/Entry+B%2526A+%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Cost breakdown:</b><br />
Quart of Gale Force: $16<br />
Smallwoods Sign: $45<br />
Four Target hooks: $36<br />
CB2 shelf: $25<br />
<b>Total: </b> $122<br />
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Let me know what you think of my little project! Hope you all are safe and healthy!Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-26609772187018844332019-12-11T17:29:00.000-08:002019-12-11T17:29:16.407-08:002019 was all about sewageTo interrupt your feed full of holiday posts and Christmas lights, I wanted to share a little recap of our 2019. If anyone is still reading? I'm not sure, but here goes, anyway. I have had a very boring several months when it comes to house projects. We had the very unglamorous and expensive project of digging up our old clay sewer pipes and replacing them with PVC in April, and since then it's just been a bit of landscaping and surviving parenting for us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3OzFOjBfSgu0yEVDx_pop_XEhPLsXJyqJA1MfaGLhH1ErU8Lk4qVzaUHWp6mLPIE2NQqL-rfzFh5LC33Y8oAakMjhAG_O0fAnJbWvw_18MDQl_aCbAl1LDU8W8uVWUyPLe-tV2W_zdxm/s1600/IMG_7536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3OzFOjBfSgu0yEVDx_pop_XEhPLsXJyqJA1MfaGLhH1ErU8Lk4qVzaUHWp6mLPIE2NQqL-rfzFh5LC33Y8oAakMjhAG_O0fAnJbWvw_18MDQl_aCbAl1LDU8W8uVWUyPLe-tV2W_zdxm/s640/IMG_7536.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This project was pretty crazy, it cost us about 7k and was unfortunately necessary because our sewer was backing up in our laundry room every few months despite rodding. Our sewer pipe was also off-center from the main sewer line by several inches. I am just imagining how much sewage was pumping into our yard because the pipes didn't line up. Ugh!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Q6cHD44Fe9cTLHeOQG4G2U01QxTLADuj8d1F-qyjZcf28WiaYhCF72r6mTMOBn58ZnFkUJ2uBYLWveCtOFOErrkQwZIeZMPEuTro9ZW5A2VALBAAlMpPxLQTcBiC9hK-iwq0zU_rFwms/s1600/IMG_7558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Q6cHD44Fe9cTLHeOQG4G2U01QxTLADuj8d1F-qyjZcf28WiaYhCF72r6mTMOBn58ZnFkUJ2uBYLWveCtOFOErrkQwZIeZMPEuTro9ZW5A2VALBAAlMpPxLQTcBiC9hK-iwq0zU_rFwms/s640/IMG_7558.jpg" width="640" /></a>We paid extra to have a 'clean check' installed, which basically makes it impossible for a main sewer line backup to enter our house. Luckily, the village we live in offers a 50% copay for clean checks, so that was $500 back in our pocket. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFU0qB0GN30uHV26pz1Mwy_adV5FgAjqN0xeqsBVU6wJj7oYx9nqwJU2TZecGLI5LeAmThfy19EdivozdyJLujzaFa9L_1klWw7WSorqKAeADLSqvaxcrAn8WkzwKrD_5z6ToPO_367b5I/s1600/IMG_7560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFU0qB0GN30uHV26pz1Mwy_adV5FgAjqN0xeqsBVU6wJj7oYx9nqwJU2TZecGLI5LeAmThfy19EdivozdyJLujzaFa9L_1klWw7WSorqKAeADLSqvaxcrAn8WkzwKrD_5z6ToPO_367b5I/s640/IMG_7560.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm so glad we did this now, and not after we got a patio put in at the bottom of the stairs!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bis3YEA9MI9pIsqjcxaMWftuDhSHcDuaug7WCortffcCeCNis_AMybPh5NA7AlGDQ2f5Iabq4So_7Da_BDIlr7IGbAIdZBTIKd4ioZvC9P6U5BZ-Up-KDXgRgkC0c8nVyl-yD_jUv3h1/s1600/IMG_7563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bis3YEA9MI9pIsqjcxaMWftuDhSHcDuaug7WCortffcCeCNis_AMybPh5NA7AlGDQ2f5Iabq4So_7Da_BDIlr7IGbAIdZBTIKd4ioZvC9P6U5BZ-Up-KDXgRgkC0c8nVyl-yD_jUv3h1/s640/IMG_7563.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
You can see the impressive pile of dirt (that is a generous description, it's more like clay rocks) that was left when they dug out the pipe. They went 10 feet down near the fence!<br />
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And now, 8 months later, we are still left with an ugly line of dirt rocks. It has been so annoying to walk over dirt or walk all the way around it to avoid the mud. We are hopeful that the snow this winter will tamp it down enough that we can lay sod next summer. Here it was around September:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitbVHOc4I58RQK4ETpOLUe4DOl3tt3g0PX4ODLeHH7yTKIjC6DM4O8wEh2rTsnDOGpSp972bv89AWmZpX69_kZCKem9q-mkicxVFij8rwMXuaArXtQ5r_vedsxvE7kOcYaGKH4_-uBlav/s1600/IMG_5102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitbVHOc4I58RQK4ETpOLUe4DOl3tt3g0PX4ODLeHH7yTKIjC6DM4O8wEh2rTsnDOGpSp972bv89AWmZpX69_kZCKem9q-mkicxVFij8rwMXuaArXtQ5r_vedsxvE7kOcYaGKH4_-uBlav/s640/IMG_5102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And here is it NOW, in December:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPL3W8u3sLE9RW8F8zHF6fTxR2Ffj-2NqcNbi7wzVfDEQoHQ9m7kZFNd_iyOjhWHqWCsVSrsqDxob1P2na7f5wAZ2SiNdBQv7MmEx_QcEZiRGynka_YkqZho1ZGHLAv7VxkbvcutgxHOU3/s1600/IMG_6162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPL3W8u3sLE9RW8F8zHF6fTxR2Ffj-2NqcNbi7wzVfDEQoHQ9m7kZFNd_iyOjhWHqWCsVSrsqDxob1P2na7f5wAZ2SiNdBQv7MmEx_QcEZiRGynka_YkqZho1ZGHLAv7VxkbvcutgxHOU3/s640/IMG_6162.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It's definitely sinking down, but ever so slowly! I added some new decor and seating this year, we officially became the 'driveway drinking' family and it has been amazing. We are lucky enough to be in a great neighborhood of friends, and they often stop by and pull up a chair when we are hanging out in front. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR2ULIK2aGHxB6IDjTwzl4caq95jADZo8T45kleK4i_iuo2t8_4qK5ePePdR_JkQFKAxZgvRWdL74lCOPKQ0erwDSInhiKhAjyeJXWHHxbiGcGKVkTHjZWN7MDQeDXvjh6KRzCr7B2jbN/s1600/IMG_2486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR2ULIK2aGHxB6IDjTwzl4caq95jADZo8T45kleK4i_iuo2t8_4qK5ePePdR_JkQFKAxZgvRWdL74lCOPKQ0erwDSInhiKhAjyeJXWHHxbiGcGKVkTHjZWN7MDQeDXvjh6KRzCr7B2jbN/s640/IMG_2486.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I added some taller plants next to the driveway, and it adds the perfect privacy screen when we are sitting here. The pink beauty is Agastache, purchased from my favorite online plant store, High Country Gardens. It attracts a lot of hummingbirds and I love it so much!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9yvkTrtY-D8Ue8O5quIQmGYcnK01LOMl_a_X6a7C3j84Itqk6SumC6w4zySxSuDvy-w7bUqd54MBsYieBIgAuM66Wq79Xy8mOgCdhJjhSABFPYZdXcWJQSpFWHDRw0PD-tEuFtHY8hKO/s1600/IMG_2489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9yvkTrtY-D8Ue8O5quIQmGYcnK01LOMl_a_X6a7C3j84Itqk6SumC6w4zySxSuDvy-w7bUqd54MBsYieBIgAuM66Wq79Xy8mOgCdhJjhSABFPYZdXcWJQSpFWHDRw0PD-tEuFtHY8hKO/s640/IMG_2489.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It also flowered well into fall, it was awesome!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUBW0CWdk8E9Fa6MFvQUunAEqPCYRx5bSb_BeSo0EHBFqZ9KP4RfQi65nf3ziYdfWcbTKE2tVfW0cmYc3gNlInYbGpSnQ2TCzamwhLTd3DkBiXbU22qtAQYfKADHPmd0NCO2zEzx_3pLM/s1600/IMG_2490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUBW0CWdk8E9Fa6MFvQUunAEqPCYRx5bSb_BeSo0EHBFqZ9KP4RfQi65nf3ziYdfWcbTKE2tVfW0cmYc3gNlInYbGpSnQ2TCzamwhLTd3DkBiXbU22qtAQYfKADHPmd0NCO2zEzx_3pLM/s640/IMG_2490.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also restained our deck this summer. I was silly and thought it didn't really need it, but here's what it looked like while power washing:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYa96tluxzlqdBvxA6ko89bNpeVH2z_JOJueJGeFTXLefPAgYoM2jHipcoDw2IIQ7ZVJhR6h8m35TpvLHdYvZSh3FHKf4iGR86hnQ-64C83e0ZR3x_T0vZQ7r_eSqTPb-F1jqo2x7LTj2z/s1600/Deck+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYa96tluxzlqdBvxA6ko89bNpeVH2z_JOJueJGeFTXLefPAgYoM2jHipcoDw2IIQ7ZVJhR6h8m35TpvLHdYvZSh3FHKf4iGR86hnQ-64C83e0ZR3x_T0vZQ7r_eSqTPb-F1jqo2x7LTj2z/s640/Deck+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Obviously, it was gray and needed to be deep cleaned. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaLj1NghqS6iQA2yRNsNZRbBxXMDmtTkosU94waSw5-mYoucQpKcdxkJwnCm2bbi6LIv2rIrR5X2WQAF2FnCxNGcF_1Y3tPUJ7cVlAQXy_I7yEWbYjmZt6I-sws9v1y2-DkVDQGwBqLG2/s1600/Deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaLj1NghqS6iQA2yRNsNZRbBxXMDmtTkosU94waSw5-mYoucQpKcdxkJwnCm2bbi6LIv2rIrR5X2WQAF2FnCxNGcF_1Y3tPUJ7cVlAQXy_I7yEWbYjmZt6I-sws9v1y2-DkVDQGwBqLG2/s640/Deck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, the power washing lifts all the grain and causes splinter issues...so I bought a nice big rug for the deck which has been so chic and fabulous! It helps so much because the kids love to run around the table while we are out there, and we had at least two bad splinters. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OonYZ3Os1GJ35qhxrzsb3QOzkjSKfGCgVxrn8-yUZG3YQciV4-vXOCHYwSk7hJePCbbQU8c3sfGQsgz9_pWdCJWvZbRsZ5qsC_XZ1c3md_VsHoeUra9w8HEdzaY2IhzOARbsTRtt-WjY/s1600/IMG_2508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OonYZ3Os1GJ35qhxrzsb3QOzkjSKfGCgVxrn8-yUZG3YQciV4-vXOCHYwSk7hJePCbbQU8c3sfGQsgz9_pWdCJWvZbRsZ5qsC_XZ1c3md_VsHoeUra9w8HEdzaY2IhzOARbsTRtt-WjY/s640/IMG_2508.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were forced to use a tinted sealer (we use Ready Seal) because the company discontinued the clear, and I wasn't too pleased with the orange looking cedar railings after we were done staining. It has since mellowed out though, and hopefully we don't have to reseal next summer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPNy7h-EwSRzhqAHhAM2y35p5SPEwTtCLajwbVWGN9FTLzBi793J1jvf1uQNiVXAY_4lCob4MRGc37iL8MWuUiM8pjCLNOreDT7fJhtiBF2ATeqBARbkII7nwmj0OaXpWWOYfYA7YLXS-/s1600/IMG_2516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPNy7h-EwSRzhqAHhAM2y35p5SPEwTtCLajwbVWGN9FTLzBi793J1jvf1uQNiVXAY_4lCob4MRGc37iL8MWuUiM8pjCLNOreDT7fJhtiBF2ATeqBARbkII7nwmj0OaXpWWOYfYA7YLXS-/s640/IMG_2516.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The deck about a month after staining:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0yr_fH831iwD4VWs5QOzhGzHYj0ZkSaJkbqp5VvPDBHE7c9Kte3HGV9NGQEqlk1o-dNGaAd30Rim8uzYrAcVv7fVcar1DNS-ileJDb3ihfDt-yNHot-Y3xljV-HqNUdVpiGcxTNPvZhS/s1600/IMG_2502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0yr_fH831iwD4VWs5QOzhGzHYj0ZkSaJkbqp5VvPDBHE7c9Kte3HGV9NGQEqlk1o-dNGaAd30Rim8uzYrAcVv7fVcar1DNS-ileJDb3ihfDt-yNHot-Y3xljV-HqNUdVpiGcxTNPvZhS/s640/IMG_2502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I know composite decking is so convenient, but nothing beats the look of natural wood for me! I was excited to add to my planting areas this year. I raised Monarch butterflies all summer, so putting in pollinator friendly plants was on my list! Here are some of the areas my butterflies loved the most:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjsjW5GRN4GSh8Dr6mMnRojH0jrLq0ZKwz1JXVCdpIze9ra2XPi-7pwdkJJHI7znjipGkfQ7qVw6KGmYotPYg8mDcQnWAJ2Ng0Lcg8Ox0vC0ORQL1-t3WJLZTtwYY4PNNWNK5F5WhJ8xe/s1600/IMG_2476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjsjW5GRN4GSh8Dr6mMnRojH0jrLq0ZKwz1JXVCdpIze9ra2XPi-7pwdkJJHI7znjipGkfQ7qVw6KGmYotPYg8mDcQnWAJ2Ng0Lcg8Ox0vC0ORQL1-t3WJLZTtwYY4PNNWNK5F5WhJ8xe/s640/IMG_2476.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(joe pye weed, daisy, black eyed susan with new cardinal flower behind)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lBxJr6z7cwJutt77kgY0fallAn05Pj9OYwSIT92LbWJqknMcslzqrRI6Qm4gusb_Wwfw9NU7s1Dr3oEpz6z2DZTF9IYJLjzgS2kJVyU33dVSiolxQuaqiBG4vz59ZX5TEQN9MFvHvU8_/s1600/IMG_2387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lBxJr6z7cwJutt77kgY0fallAn05Pj9OYwSIT92LbWJqknMcslzqrRI6Qm4gusb_Wwfw9NU7s1Dr3oEpz6z2DZTF9IYJLjzgS2kJVyU33dVSiolxQuaqiBG4vz59ZX5TEQN9MFvHvU8_/s640/IMG_2387.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The cardinal flower is so pretty with the dark foliage!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMibt6BqN6BN_s47JYjEMVXnrNv3DfV8LKwmznO0G7pR0EHfNsrK5vyYJtovSEVwJS4zi7niSOrmJ8TVY8GhSFyjm_N985VIp599xRzJKdi9NPLeAqhH_ZRVdM-f7ELoPHvE4cKKDZHPx/s1600/IMG_2389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMibt6BqN6BN_s47JYjEMVXnrNv3DfV8LKwmznO0G7pR0EHfNsrK5vyYJtovSEVwJS4zi7niSOrmJ8TVY8GhSFyjm_N985VIp599xRzJKdi9NPLeAqhH_ZRVdM-f7ELoPHvE4cKKDZHPx/s640/IMG_2389.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Can't wait to see this fill in. I planted a ton of milkweed for the caterpillars, here is a grouping of swamp milkweed, I also put in some common in other areas. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7GL0bQ-afDEEf-3S0TD-wNfj7bKmLC3G-g5LOOPm05OIvat9JvEkR1w0Ymqpsxt4QCHM986GRH1KwoeUi_BdUk38ytaKGRGqFt84p5qnyV-vANXBovfMPbYnpxQJm-rbsEq1PLQ4yBGo/s1600/IMG_2482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7GL0bQ-afDEEf-3S0TD-wNfj7bKmLC3G-g5LOOPm05OIvat9JvEkR1w0Ymqpsxt4QCHM986GRH1KwoeUi_BdUk38ytaKGRGqFt84p5qnyV-vANXBovfMPbYnpxQJm-rbsEq1PLQ4yBGo/s640/IMG_2482.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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By far the favorite flower of the monarchs is the meadow blazing star, the tall purple flower off to the right side here.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZ3-Fi7zxgjiJeaQgFcTWPhkbJ5oySfnRBFCw6flvus-R6hIgGrPU3gtTuU7zf4kYz_U_3MBWCVUiVioY6FEF4afs5V7cQMpKw9Zp83VTVPAr5w8UOwxpO0mHZAkhnUeR9j2DnhUwhxST/s1600/IMG_2505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZ3-Fi7zxgjiJeaQgFcTWPhkbJ5oySfnRBFCw6flvus-R6hIgGrPU3gtTuU7zf4kYz_U_3MBWCVUiVioY6FEF4afs5V7cQMpKw9Zp83VTVPAr5w8UOwxpO0mHZAkhnUeR9j2DnhUwhxST/s640/IMG_2505.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I got so many butterflies on these plants!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3SfgPILzf9DQcDQhdek9AbFfqTHrNBsS5VpOq82ot3QKgwNayL70W0jbtK5ejP_ZUtJxmov2vSYJh9GQbxyuQB4w_TcrTepPvx6oofkGzVFhP7-Mas-9oSxdnVSMFTQwYoM3NPPPpwEb/s1600/IMG_2363-FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3SfgPILzf9DQcDQhdek9AbFfqTHrNBsS5VpOq82ot3QKgwNayL70W0jbtK5ejP_ZUtJxmov2vSYJh9GQbxyuQB4w_TcrTepPvx6oofkGzVFhP7-Mas-9oSxdnVSMFTQwYoM3NPPPpwEb/s640/IMG_2363-FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Look at how torn the wings are on this one...living it's best short life!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaYlWVdHwfFdbYQdRC2hFkhj7xT5iaNuS-KglBqFPue0wS3GGkrHUOU3OjUaHixqxRnTtXEICzXFn55En_UC3WnddryiB4xJF8QqLXdXB-2eR4NLWNXW_6usSKItLADWZjXBMu3mK-lOE/s1600/IMG_2373-FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaYlWVdHwfFdbYQdRC2hFkhj7xT5iaNuS-KglBqFPue0wS3GGkrHUOU3OjUaHixqxRnTtXEICzXFn55En_UC3WnddryiB4xJF8QqLXdXB-2eR4NLWNXW_6usSKItLADWZjXBMu3mK-lOE/s640/IMG_2373-FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It was so awesome to see the amount of birds, butterflies, and bees we had in our yard this year. I plan to introduce even more native perennials that pollinators love next year!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DM2zB197yeQZ0b4PPXSVndasK9iu7je78sMmkDHXvMbwFjLSP8a1H8sU3pj5ernXfLuM01iiVrwruXpL3BhSp9ZbuVfA_4duFy2H-OVB7Qwvn7Lv7imfmWPm3KK14VQi7a70uMpPAI1W/s1600/IMG_2376-2-FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DM2zB197yeQZ0b4PPXSVndasK9iu7je78sMmkDHXvMbwFjLSP8a1H8sU3pj5ernXfLuM01iiVrwruXpL3BhSp9ZbuVfA_4duFy2H-OVB7Qwvn7Lv7imfmWPm3KK14VQi7a70uMpPAI1W/s640/IMG_2376-2-FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWA1Y1GWIz8FzG0h6rH35OeoSOmVDK2HubpVXMjX3OI-f1kYAw2kuaHzFUmZIe-wSS2Zqb6GNomYf1n9MpzyBERYMSdA0wUWtGrDJPv424-JLku5Cread7jRhG6PwUmkH2Qe6ymrtkALxa/s1600/IMG_9976-FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWA1Y1GWIz8FzG0h6rH35OeoSOmVDK2HubpVXMjX3OI-f1kYAw2kuaHzFUmZIe-wSS2Zqb6GNomYf1n9MpzyBERYMSdA0wUWtGrDJPv424-JLku5Cread7jRhG6PwUmkH2Qe6ymrtkALxa/s640/IMG_9976-FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And here are some random photos of the rest of our growing and monarch season:<br />
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We planted an apple tree last year, and it had several apples on it until squirrels ate them!<br />
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Our monarch journey has been pretty amazing, but also pretty time-consuming. I still can't wait to start again next summer!<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">If you are interested in raising monarchs, there is a very helpful Facebook group called The Beautiful Monarch that has been so great! I also bought </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/RESTCLOUD-Monarch-Butterfly-Collapsible-Terrarium/dp/B07DNGTK4Z/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29UTLEZD385&keywords=restcloud+monarch+butterfly&qid=1576114058&sprefix=rest+cloud%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Rest Cloud</a><span style="text-align: start;"> habitats to contain the caterpillars and butterflies. </span></div>
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We are working on a rather cool project in our basement right now, I'm excited to share as we get closer to completion! I might pop on here with a little Christmas post, too. Until next time!Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-35616817023436967032019-03-04T12:08:00.003-08:002019-03-04T12:08:53.172-08:00An inexpensive upgradeWhen we bought this house, I knew the brass, curvy doorknobs throughout the upstairs had to go. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEi8qc2EyQTb1ITY0p9LzzAxKyzBW-4H1LeQOrbOOBItJ4AP4voaL7lsc2-QDXomadfz2gdZ2LywPNTkhkqlUnEk8fUY7me-nZXtYjl9g9xYkQ1aVXWyBh6NWTbeQj52firPZ99PiwT-63/s1600/Door+%252819%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEi8qc2EyQTb1ITY0p9LzzAxKyzBW-4H1LeQOrbOOBItJ4AP4voaL7lsc2-QDXomadfz2gdZ2LywPNTkhkqlUnEk8fUY7me-nZXtYjl9g9xYkQ1aVXWyBh6NWTbeQj52firPZ99PiwT-63/s640/Door+%252819%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
I love gold, but we all know how dated these polished brass handles are. <br />
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My goal was to replace them all right away with matte black knobs, but I must've had pregnancy brain, because I ended up with some 'meh' <a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gatehouse-Baron-Antique-Bronze-Privacy-Door-Knob/1000233541" target="_blank">oil-rubbed bronze ones</a> that were big and round and had that burnished gold distressing I didn't want. They sat in a basket for about two years while I put the project off. I finally got around to it this year, and decided to sell all of the knobs I'd already bought and put that money towards these <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Schlage-Bowery-Matte-Black-Privacy-Bed-Bath-Door-Knob-F40-BWE-622/205585195" target="_blank">beauties</a>.<br />
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I spent twice the money on these knobs, but I loved the flat, modern profile and matte black finish. I had never changed out knobs before, so it was a learning experience for me. Overall, the process is very easy...but I had a couple snags with the screws that set me back a little. I started by unscrewing everything, keeping note of where it all connects.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFW_BN8FgXpg46tPOc6cYA9cMF1LCz_1kRpvw4AJ5RpPB6dNAu3T3g3PLA6qDng6U9ahnSLSOjImy4A4NZgMDnWuHwWLN61KM8KhzpHxUeKAZR8TsC4oxPhT0Aj46uIntI_yxENDYBRJK/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="1500" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFW_BN8FgXpg46tPOc6cYA9cMF1LCz_1kRpvw4AJ5RpPB6dNAu3T3g3PLA6qDng6U9ahnSLSOjImy4A4NZgMDnWuHwWLN61KM8KhzpHxUeKAZR8TsC4oxPhT0Aj46uIntI_yxENDYBRJK/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0373.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Then it became clear that there really isn't much you can do to screw this up. The spindle of one knob goes through the latch mechanism to the other knob. The biggest mistake you can make is to install the latch facing the wrong way. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVV5fh8OC1lTk2l5xN-G9ltZTeqg2dhBiYjveNNvDNcHZlDbcWwHX-ftITtERoJ0O7WP09nZubwyz6HgBxDLCSDw4n0ARo2I59V6SFMUpYLvFHrN9B_OUmhuyJo7S0cntaaogUdiSKwcQ/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVV5fh8OC1lTk2l5xN-G9ltZTeqg2dhBiYjveNNvDNcHZlDbcWwHX-ftITtERoJ0O7WP09nZubwyz6HgBxDLCSDw4n0ARo2I59V6SFMUpYLvFHrN9B_OUmhuyJo7S0cntaaogUdiSKwcQ/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0374.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I almost did that myself, the curved part has to face the direction of the door frame so it closes smoothly. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJdNkTxQJ50VRazYjKNmYCpR07NqQtExwC7NDJbOhAZbhq2kLvor47TMVJv8e6jo3thmCEC69q6_5JTazh_Fdr3Hsu8k2NwHJJL-7ZxH5TCqxol6ippYsH6rm1SzTKM8MK1ZIwXxG5WUB/s1600/Door+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJdNkTxQJ50VRazYjKNmYCpR07NqQtExwC7NDJbOhAZbhq2kLvor47TMVJv8e6jo3thmCEC69q6_5JTazh_Fdr3Hsu8k2NwHJJL-7ZxH5TCqxol6ippYsH6rm1SzTKM8MK1ZIwXxG5WUB/s640/Door+%252810%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
These knobs came with the rounded faceplates attached to the latches. I had a lot of trouble removing the rounded latch faceplates to put on the squared ones. I ended up bending the metal backing of the faceplate each time I pried them off, but was able to bend it back relatively easy. I needed the squared off face plates, and I still have some work to do on these doors. <br />
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Another pet peeve I had was that the screws they give you to attach the knob to the inside of the room are brown/aged brass in color, much different from the color of the knobs themselves. <br />
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The screws were very close to the center spindles, so I would tighten them as much as I could by hand before using a screwdriver. A couple of the knobs had gunk in them, and it made the screws very hard to turn. I had to put the screws in and out of the housing with a screwdriver while it wasn't on the door to loosen everything up. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqBoY73S0O1Qv0aOgg1V6xd28_bBt4hG2tRq-GjiuHOGbyjqvKyrPYAWmcQpuKpQhHcr-zy5bmof8J-9LErK4cySyhwQcKuUrd8hFspJIQsfiCBUplHWvLK6Sh1g8kFqBlnY3LPQHFgiv/s1600/Door+%252816%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqBoY73S0O1Qv0aOgg1V6xd28_bBt4hG2tRq-GjiuHOGbyjqvKyrPYAWmcQpuKpQhHcr-zy5bmof8J-9LErK4cySyhwQcKuUrd8hFspJIQsfiCBUplHWvLK6Sh1g8kFqBlnY3LPQHFgiv/s640/Door+%252816%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Once the knob was replaced, I used my drill to remove the screws from the strike plates and replaced all of those. I've got some painting in my future!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6BmweFZWr58VumbefYV6zG9VzSd6xRbXOz2l2HKl2036lwM2AfeZQrDBEIuULJ9JushIqY3XF3cSIXp5QBMTIyEQ77khmX3EqCq2jTyUW9kzK13O13Q4dibRn0ya_wYPHy0K8bwKjG8j/s1600/strikeplate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6BmweFZWr58VumbefYV6zG9VzSd6xRbXOz2l2HKl2036lwM2AfeZQrDBEIuULJ9JushIqY3XF3cSIXp5QBMTIyEQ77khmX3EqCq2jTyUW9kzK13O13Q4dibRn0ya_wYPHy0K8bwKjG8j/s640/strikeplate.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
The final step was to use the drill to remove the screws from the hinges and replace them one by one, no need to remove the door totally. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTGP8gQglgOSDRnwEiESAdgYys_X3WjMahHCToqb2HlnIvlziCcAzisVFBXMUkUhWcECf960gy72gHh_0gnjFmhngNQCMFj1sFzuBPPYRtEmBkMt7A5Bc3uwH2nHZ4gNyP8F0SRy0BqmJ/s1600/Door+%252817%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTGP8gQglgOSDRnwEiESAdgYys_X3WjMahHCToqb2HlnIvlziCcAzisVFBXMUkUhWcECf960gy72gHh_0gnjFmhngNQCMFj1sFzuBPPYRtEmBkMt7A5Bc3uwH2nHZ4gNyP8F0SRy0BqmJ/s640/Door+%252817%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I kept the <a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gatehouse-3-1-2-in-Oil-Rubbed-Bronze-5-8-in-Radius-Mortise-Door-Hinge-12-Pack/4778508" target="_blank">Gatehouse hinges</a> I had bought years ago, and they matched the black knobs very well. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5A2nZ-fykz9i2c4V8V82AHvS1tG0_B5EvI58bUksc2mOAOcNCtVoM8z-l_Zfxbf6mI1MHDxLLJEclAClVaL7VQ7D95fS7v7NbH7TW7gCrOcUn2T8sxqfDXwIePVSawF8Ewq5kQdJRnPq/s1600/Door+%252818%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5A2nZ-fykz9i2c4V8V82AHvS1tG0_B5EvI58bUksc2mOAOcNCtVoM8z-l_Zfxbf6mI1MHDxLLJEclAClVaL7VQ7D95fS7v7NbH7TW7gCrOcUn2T8sxqfDXwIePVSawF8Ewq5kQdJRnPq/s640/Door+%252818%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I had no problems with the functionality of the new stuff, EXCEPT for our bathroom door. For some reason, the door wouldn't shut correctly with the new hinges, even though they were exactly the same thickness and size. The strike plate was in the same position as well, so I ended up having to spray paint the old brass hinges black for that door. Annoying, but it worked. I love the new knobs and hinges so much!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZhQOakfIbEcjXGhyphenhyphendmPRVweRPt2KCSPESy-d4tkIsfj9rikiLxtKQ4W7rwMDTXZmJl7N0ht9D5zEegKcgvRCSEZQeGJ7jZJSOMeNKbGjorDwpgBkovxehKacyDhyxyDhKBlrre6JUMS-/s1600/Door+%252821%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZhQOakfIbEcjXGhyphenhyphendmPRVweRPt2KCSPESy-d4tkIsfj9rikiLxtKQ4W7rwMDTXZmJl7N0ht9D5zEegKcgvRCSEZQeGJ7jZJSOMeNKbGjorDwpgBkovxehKacyDhyxyDhKBlrre6JUMS-/s640/Door+%252821%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
And while I couldn't match up the lighting exactly right, here is a great before and after to show how much more striking the black hardware looks in the hallway. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTszwOKzjudJC4t_uGV53MxXuxCXnoboyLSPmoO3wymEtisHlYU97oJ3cFc6n-Uq4SccujZxcDFn77Nek4M5KcGB4RaEJEr_WXyjpssoI8FNzpHaIV_F4hIWhohjQzWJcrIwrc_DbYxN4z/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTszwOKzjudJC4t_uGV53MxXuxCXnoboyLSPmoO3wymEtisHlYU97oJ3cFc6n-Uq4SccujZxcDFn77Nek4M5KcGB4RaEJEr_WXyjpssoI8FNzpHaIV_F4hIWhohjQzWJcrIwrc_DbYxN4z/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0376.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This project cost me $215 for all 7 knobs and two boxes of hinges. I think it was such a small investment for a lot of impact!Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-852154160253396492019-01-22T13:48:00.000-08:002019-01-22T13:48:46.539-08:00KonMari-ing our closetsSo. Organization is pretty much on everyone's mind in January, but especially this year with 'Tidying Up' streaming on Netflix. We watched the first couple episodes, and like many people, it resonated with us in a big way! Shaun is not one to go through his clothes very often, he had sweaters and jeans in the closet that he hasn't worn in ten years. That means these clothes were moved to Minnesota and to Illinois without us ever addressing the issue. He actually got rid of two huge black garbage bags of clothes that didn't "spark joy," but it is much harder for me to get rid of things. Here's what I was looking at on a daily basis:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjape4-cVS8rbnYQaDRC__87NwTVZ2tztGmofMNPgW5IS_QhJTNARgfkYKcJMz_YaF38MzTEoChCt3BDy9mLqKhmx948poLjzP5KaYGeBVFlxmxFo9HVRmO4MRHoa-dQjob5d4WCEBTlX0I/s1600/IMG_3836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjape4-cVS8rbnYQaDRC__87NwTVZ2tztGmofMNPgW5IS_QhJTNARgfkYKcJMz_YaF38MzTEoChCt3BDy9mLqKhmx948poLjzP5KaYGeBVFlxmxFo9HVRmO4MRHoa-dQjob5d4WCEBTlX0I/s640/IMG_3836.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Disaster! There was constantly stuff on the floor, piled on my nightstand, and everywhere else I could throw something. I realized that the 'bookshelf' solution that worked well for clothing storage in my <a href="http://www.russetstreetreno.com/2010/01/dressing-room-is-done.html" target="_blank">dressing room</a> years ago was not that effective inside a tiny closet. Also, please hold while I go cry into my glass of wine and look at photos of my beloved dressing room. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5qPvqZ_1zmq-gtbkTJEeMVlVK08lp1XX7VZnoERJbS94IO0GEvUUkQVuATL2lsg9ZAmV7OF4DacP4GjAUmxjPwG8KLGKFCCEuFancsOw8YhST4TFtK_cqhkIyK-3VJZCG8-UfmYm7L-F/s1600/Before+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5qPvqZ_1zmq-gtbkTJEeMVlVK08lp1XX7VZnoERJbS94IO0GEvUUkQVuATL2lsg9ZAmV7OF4DacP4GjAUmxjPwG8KLGKFCCEuFancsOw8YhST4TFtK_cqhkIyK-3VJZCG8-UfmYm7L-F/s640/Before+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I also had this 'bin of shame' that just held a huge pile of stuff that I didn't use often (cough cough *workout clothes*) and was always such an eyesore. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8wCCKuAQx7IBR64LGXaaXBnaVKQuvpfMeCruxnOj0qwLzTK2OQAKbvzLBiqMRqOGgB_2JloFPJ4m67WBHlgLFyEvV-VxQB9N-QP3A-hvWDmlYAUecEWo-ZFAlXqU_xWsgtf2D-6EHQ_u/s1600/Before+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8wCCKuAQx7IBR64LGXaaXBnaVKQuvpfMeCruxnOj0qwLzTK2OQAKbvzLBiqMRqOGgB_2JloFPJ4m67WBHlgLFyEvV-VxQB9N-QP3A-hvWDmlYAUecEWo-ZFAlXqU_xWsgtf2D-6EHQ_u/s640/Before+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Here's a better look at that pile once I removed all the random bags from the floor:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4jSXxsIR7O5Au1yVQioGV2ME0Je2dhPeB5eZctdY2zzLjAyTznsGw3ScpzFvQ08pY0xA7HrSL4BRGbTEu44tPxwZwiMfDqcI3Mz4UsnHhB8IXNJRG8VJ_q0PCOQT_HwCsRrVwjv0bOK8/s1600/Before+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4jSXxsIR7O5Au1yVQioGV2ME0Je2dhPeB5eZctdY2zzLjAyTznsGw3ScpzFvQ08pY0xA7HrSL4BRGbTEu44tPxwZwiMfDqcI3Mz4UsnHhB8IXNJRG8VJ_q0PCOQT_HwCsRrVwjv0bOK8/s640/Before+%25285%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The floor was always like this because things would fall off the bookshelf and I was too lazy to put it back. Also, slippers. Such a problem, you damn sippers!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtr6N-nMWU2c6A2DjY3pgYe7e8zZAH3E36pCDa1D-2gSjBv0vKe07wxqVkgyIeoOwskjZBxOlrgVPjikqaoBZ_uYtqz8wr9CmqKw5XYgtBR6vHXbMw2Cze5lGxss7gELDbFT8HIdmE0ky/s1600/Before+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtr6N-nMWU2c6A2DjY3pgYe7e8zZAH3E36pCDa1D-2gSjBv0vKe07wxqVkgyIeoOwskjZBxOlrgVPjikqaoBZ_uYtqz8wr9CmqKw5XYgtBR6vHXbMw2Cze5lGxss7gELDbFT8HIdmE0ky/s640/Before+%25284%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
I knew I needed to go through the clothing and KonMari that crap, but I also realized I needed better storage in here. I decided to go with white mesh Elfa 'dressers' from <a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/white-elfa-mesh-dresser/d?productId=10014831&q=elfa%20dresser" target="_blank">The Container Store</a>, and it has worked out really well in this small closet! The best part is that January is their annual Elfa sale, so I got 30% off. (Spoiler alert, it's still expensive!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZz-2vFnk96EfYl5t2VoDuxTeOuOUJR6P1-mRv6kDiGey7sxcWkAZpVjWIxuRXutpgYKj6cLmg_W9H34kOvDvYbi-VG5LG7sH4LnAkjnaTA13Pt0bzdMbBxf-DU5MW9j0lmmt6-02Jcof/s1600/Elfa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZz-2vFnk96EfYl5t2VoDuxTeOuOUJR6P1-mRv6kDiGey7sxcWkAZpVjWIxuRXutpgYKj6cLmg_W9H34kOvDvYbi-VG5LG7sH4LnAkjnaTA13Pt0bzdMbBxf-DU5MW9j0lmmt6-02Jcof/s640/Elfa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
When things are piled on shelves, it usually makes a mess when you try to remove something from the bottom of the stack, so drawers were much better for things like tank tops, t shirts and pants. Assembling the Elfa stuff wasn't exactly fun, but it was easy enough. You have to hit the pieces together VERY hard, so be sure to protect your floors really well when putting together. I opted for the driftwood melamine tops instead of white, clear feet and the clear drawer clips that ensure you can't pull the drawers all the way out onto the floor. Here is the final product!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVnioNmPzq9OR3jANLFt-OlE20U65yuMdkLJJ2kOGSOIp-l-EJIw5KJ8HHoXYMpcryD1gwqIS1J6IUSx-crMKV1c-7RlbJl8_QPglGy_-9AUVzniEP8zsmM9gZ4rukAyLGhDf7WkP00gR/s1600/After+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVnioNmPzq9OR3jANLFt-OlE20U65yuMdkLJJ2kOGSOIp-l-EJIw5KJ8HHoXYMpcryD1gwqIS1J6IUSx-crMKV1c-7RlbJl8_QPglGy_-9AUVzniEP8zsmM9gZ4rukAyLGhDf7WkP00gR/s640/After+%25281%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
This closet is 48 inches wide INSIDE, but the space between the open doors is just 37 inches. Whatever drawer units I picked had to fit inside that width so I could slide the drawers out without hitting the closet doors. I ended up choosing the tall (10 runner) narrow (14") <a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/elfa/components/drawers-accessories/white-elfa-drawer-frames/123d?productId=10001852" target="_blank">frame</a> for the left, and a short (4 runner) wide (22") frame for the right. Together they are 36 inches wide, perfect for this space. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5m_5wsVpEdiFZNWnLCRsd2UlUtsXVHliq-sRAF_wJeXNmWFochB8WCiR1bRG32uGBZnxTtN3RoCUb-fLIxlLfiXSDWWw6cVpr0qvAx8c_OhumeUX74QzrFL4-5bxjvWyDcHF6uGgbC6_/s1600/After+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5m_5wsVpEdiFZNWnLCRsd2UlUtsXVHliq-sRAF_wJeXNmWFochB8WCiR1bRG32uGBZnxTtN3RoCUb-fLIxlLfiXSDWWw6cVpr0qvAx8c_OhumeUX74QzrFL4-5bxjvWyDcHF6uGgbC6_/s640/After+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Once you pick your frames, you just buy the drawers you want, the top you want, and put it all together. The units are clipped together in the front and back, so they won't slide around. I love how much easier it is to get to my things! I can also push back the teal bin (which holds my bras - ha!) and make enough room for emergency folded clothes that need to be put away if I'm short on time. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgdw2to4QGD6rAztwwaja5TsheE5T20hzQFSynm9YXCK2_VJ9GzLWjWagq2hNYkhk6KuxFEG-tkdUhZbKmLfYsQEqmbsC4G4l-z1ArGkweGN3mqdR1_jlLeX1Qnuf4Qd0nA5qjqAtDU_b/s1600/After+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgdw2to4QGD6rAztwwaja5TsheE5T20hzQFSynm9YXCK2_VJ9GzLWjWagq2hNYkhk6KuxFEG-tkdUhZbKmLfYsQEqmbsC4G4l-z1ArGkweGN3mqdR1_jlLeX1Qnuf4Qd0nA5qjqAtDU_b/s640/After+%25287%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I tried my best to do Marie K's folding technique, but ended up pretty much just rolling everything in the smallest drawers. I love that everything is one layer deep now, no wondering what I have. I can also pull the drawer all the way out without it falling, to see the back. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3r2scpNFXHYMF1RpxJBvMIp01au_uwjxpk7YQw6OqmQSDoFFHBgBG99bXxao3nJQjqwmS2B2escOeBJSiY4A6KlSNEqW0YnQ_Ez_oKJ462ZykM6G1rV0c0TT7PgRERVl3X4QKcwT3D_z/s1600/After+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3r2scpNFXHYMF1RpxJBvMIp01au_uwjxpk7YQw6OqmQSDoFFHBgBG99bXxao3nJQjqwmS2B2escOeBJSiY4A6KlSNEqW0YnQ_Ez_oKJ462ZykM6G1rV0c0TT7PgRERVl3X4QKcwT3D_z/s640/After+%25288%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Some other things I added to increase the functionality are Container Store <a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/white-elfa-ventilated-wire-shelf-dividers/d?productId=10000943&q=elfa%20shelf%20divider" target="_blank">shelf dividers</a> for the existing wire shelving that came with the house. I was so happy they fit perfectly! I need one more for in between the last two stacks of sweaters. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlRegXslvomufsFI8S70p4ylLcnjaGvBEP-gMt-BvmNNlCwwnbXNYSq4iOr-R_ggNAbSEnsh9CN-AQki29GYWvw3e4GsEtqZtn2TncVY2lbr0chM3yc4g-TMgoxlkv9QtXzkBsJ1YAatO/s1600/After+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlRegXslvomufsFI8S70p4ylLcnjaGvBEP-gMt-BvmNNlCwwnbXNYSq4iOr-R_ggNAbSEnsh9CN-AQki29GYWvw3e4GsEtqZtn2TncVY2lbr0chM3yc4g-TMgoxlkv9QtXzkBsJ1YAatO/s640/After+%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I also purchased this clear plastic ventilated shelf liner from <a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/translucent-elfa-ventilated-wire-shelf-liners/d?productId=10007268&q=plastic%20shelf%20liner" target="_blank">Container Store</a>, they sell it in 12, 16, and 20 inch depth to fit standard wire shelving. I had to cut little boxes out to allow the shelf dividers to pass through, but the bonus is that the shelf dividers hold the liner on with no sliding around. No more snagging my sweaters!<br />
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I've had these hooks sitting in my laundry room unused for years, finally got around to installing them in here for jewelry and robe storage. Thanks, Youngsters! <br />
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I love how these look, and I didn't mess with anchors. Just drilled a small hole in the drywall and screwed them in. </div>
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A few more little things I added are <a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/white-elfa-shelf-hooks/d?productId=10006096&q=elfa%20hook" target="_blank">Elfa hooks</a> behind the hanging clothes to store belts:<br />
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And purses:<br />
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I also have a couple handbags on the lower drawer unit top, and it's a great place to store boots and shoes so they aren't on the ground. <br />
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I also have enough room on the right side to store tall boots, which is nice.<br />
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All of my jeans and leggings fit in the short unit, and all my everyday tops and sweaters fit in the closet somewhere. I got rid of several bags of clothes, so I'm feeling pretty good. Now, I just need to work on getting rid of my 'overflow' clothes in the other rooms. That is mostly dressy stuff, and things I am not sure I will ever wear again, but find it hard to get rid of. I'm especially impressed with Shaun's closet makeover, his side is pretty bare compared to before!<br />
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Our closets are looking so much better. <br />
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What you didn't see, the bed immediately after this project. Ha! <br />
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A little before and after:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UwiHG6r8H4a6e09iSALi683HZ81QbJDbgXHzCNtcUpQFS9TazQmnc6WYcOfdHL9ft90cm1ZdS-axq18Qe4pN7ioVM4OVe6aMVCgObEF0lBC3m-WchZuIs5ZuCj9bp2ti7FtJH2vbAycy/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UwiHG6r8H4a6e09iSALi683HZ81QbJDbgXHzCNtcUpQFS9TazQmnc6WYcOfdHL9ft90cm1ZdS-axq18Qe4pN7ioVM4OVe6aMVCgObEF0lBC3m-WchZuIs5ZuCj9bp2ti7FtJH2vbAycy/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0364.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm so happy with the functionality of my closet now, I'd highly recommend the Elfa storage line if you are looking for help with closets, cabinets, or any space in your home! Just to be clear, everything in this post was purchased by me at retail price. As always, this blog is for fun and I do not accept sponsored posts or free products in exchange for reviews.Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-67152999616211178072018-11-08T09:00:00.000-08:002018-11-08T09:00:53.118-08:00Our big summer project - three months laterWe usually have a big outdoor project every year, and this year we chose to put in a big, beautiful shed. We have limited storage in our garage, so a shed is absolutely necessary. Here she is newly put up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HlOOrUqW3_M0l1gVinbJ2EBy_fCOoGUC6CFJ0btOzsUt1kWMUSIf2E_tw6z2Vdo1Z1QCyBa2vtzD9SsCgz6HDT4AQkpUlWcYEog914sAq50OOrwcFiOj-RAJhLd05QSGrHjOBRZQOn0Q/s1600/IMG_5520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HlOOrUqW3_M0l1gVinbJ2EBy_fCOoGUC6CFJ0btOzsUt1kWMUSIf2E_tw6z2Vdo1Z1QCyBa2vtzD9SsCgz6HDT4AQkpUlWcYEog914sAq50OOrwcFiOj-RAJhLd05QSGrHjOBRZQOn0Q/s640/IMG_5520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We chose to use Tuff Shed because of the 6 inch galvanized steel joists that make it able to sit right on the grass without the expense of a slab underneath. Unfortunately, Tuff Shed requires a permit to install their sheds, and that meant I had to deal with the village - which sucked. We have a huge 10ft utility easement on the back property line, and it has to be 5 ft from the side lot line, which meant the shed had to be basically in the middle of our yard.<br />
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I didn't want to put it in the easement, because it cost 4k and if they needed to remove it to work on the utilities, we were out of luck. I agonized over the placement of our 8x12 shed. Originally, I thought we could put it lengthwise against the side lot line facing our tree...then I realized our side lot line is actually only 10 feet from our house - see orange cup on the stake. This is in between our houses, with ours being on the right side of the pic. I guess we've been mowing our neighbor's grass for three years!<br />
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With this narrow side yard, the tree trunk would be only 7 or 8 feet from the shed door if we put it along the side line. No thanks! We ended up turning it to face front, and landscaped to make it seem intentional that it was so far into the yard. Spoiler alert - the inspector didn't even measure anything, so all my careful measuring and worry was for nothing! I was livid!<br />
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It was pretty fascinating to watch the installation process. It was a man and woman, and they had it done in about 6 hours if I remember correctly. We ran into an issue where I didn't call the diggers hotline before the install date, the Tuff Shed receptionist who scheduled me didn't tell me I needed to, and the village of Palatine requires three foot deep anchors to be attached to all four corners of the shed You know, in case the all-wood and metal 1 ton building blows away in the wind. It was quite an ordeal getting them to come back to put in the anchors that we paid for, so that tarnished my experience. But, they did get in about a week later so we could get inspected and start landscaping.<br />
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This shed is absolutely wonderful. It looks beautiful, it has windows that slide open, and we opted for the built in shelving on the back wall. Zach loved the shelving until we got it all crapped up!<br />
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I upgraded to black hardware, and I'm so glad I did. We would love to one day get electric run to the shed, and I would probably add two small black 'porch' lights somewhere on the front. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyE8QKOzpoXZ82N37PyTIYXpTGyImsHaqlZsf32yECVg02emom2BBPslIGe55lgjB2OUxpBed_l6QXUN9e64L09Jw4eJA3aKLKbyXY7Ii-1wkAxtGjxxPWCnz7Uw-NPzi6ofYGuao_PaH/s1600/IMG_1681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyE8QKOzpoXZ82N37PyTIYXpTGyImsHaqlZsf32yECVg02emom2BBPslIGe55lgjB2OUxpBed_l6QXUN9e64L09Jw4eJA3aKLKbyXY7Ii-1wkAxtGjxxPWCnz7Uw-NPzi6ofYGuao_PaH/s640/IMG_1681.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love how it looks from the street! Just like a mini version of our house, minus the brick. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fSJIC8uO9WzuHylrLxbzI0ADLDKI7h1sgAXmRsMmeO_l0a5EK-UJTqItmGB739TITui50k48fxSZ8DZ0tCqtZXDk6aFri_FkpkTbCkaRzQaNgMmHnjRUWVnWiZso8gB7cSal75Osdm8Z/s1600/IMG_5529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fSJIC8uO9WzuHylrLxbzI0ADLDKI7h1sgAXmRsMmeO_l0a5EK-UJTqItmGB739TITui50k48fxSZ8DZ0tCqtZXDk6aFri_FkpkTbCkaRzQaNgMmHnjRUWVnWiZso8gB7cSal75Osdm8Z/s640/IMG_5529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once it was up, I bought some foundation plants and came up with a plan to make this thing look less dropped in from nowhere. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRjQMVq9pCPdBX24BIGmkScGbsChxEK7X0VnKxrkb4Obvrd4grpIYorwjyxRwsNyQU7edqQxnAB7X_jar2xtTaeJTXfIyPZwzwbINCa7ELyVAiRoPcz8oanZzBcwtk5Wd2n-bJ4RtO5F7/s1600/IMG_5527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRjQMVq9pCPdBX24BIGmkScGbsChxEK7X0VnKxrkb4Obvrd4grpIYorwjyxRwsNyQU7edqQxnAB7X_jar2xtTaeJTXfIyPZwzwbINCa7ELyVAiRoPcz8oanZzBcwtk5Wd2n-bJ4RtO5F7/s640/IMG_5527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I changed my mind so many times with the landscaping plan! I realized after we got it installed, that the extra big door can swing all the way back to the window, so we'd have to plant low things where the door swings. I probably could've gotten two smaller doors that meet in the middle, but we are just working with it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7JlkQG7Wak8AxK-SxHXp5Z45LbienXeQLM2Z3LiFq7_vlW8IrD-Lws7PiSSBbXMjkaijOPgNH9GKvPpsYcg8_zIxw0P5WU0V1Hlwi7HxwaojBeLw-swInT8O5ZdhRNYkyd77YNtEjVzP/s1600/IMG_5108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7JlkQG7Wak8AxK-SxHXp5Z45LbienXeQLM2Z3LiFq7_vlW8IrD-Lws7PiSSBbXMjkaijOPgNH9GKvPpsYcg8_zIxw0P5WU0V1Hlwi7HxwaojBeLw-swInT8O5ZdhRNYkyd77YNtEjVzP/s640/IMG_5108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I always like when things are new and clean, so I took a formal photo with the shed before all the landscaping, complete with yellow string to help mark it out. I never get in the photos, so I'm glad I did!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftUt1kEdJi5oJpALsqSQNTvK7_VEZ0ajgfMCTlo0bMlWru8ZoQsUwMtGOOIKeQ2xtHEVT-3OYHZFpN-rZ7Wr0KXUwy80jveBZQ2Y3tBdBArZ7N4eDeSZ6ToUSyVkXnlY7G2eF5L5iJnrw/s1600/IMG_5811-FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftUt1kEdJi5oJpALsqSQNTvK7_VEZ0ajgfMCTlo0bMlWru8ZoQsUwMtGOOIKeQ2xtHEVT-3OYHZFpN-rZ7Wr0KXUwy80jveBZQ2Y3tBdBArZ7N4eDeSZ6ToUSyVkXnlY7G2eF5L5iJnrw/s640/IMG_5811-FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While I loved the clean look of the inside for the first week or two, we had to spoil it all with our junk We needed tall shovel and rake storage, and lots of heavy duty hooks for our bikes and yard tools. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99cHkfrWvi4mIKU3t1tKUJvz3wYf2JtpbUZIohEqjuSCFCK50bW46K3F9mpHfalQO83zhjERmJr22fp-8rkn-glPsxaOTHOmKLlUxfUG4MW19zKg5sf8TUfJ5tXf0NkF9Xk_8TA7hx695/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99cHkfrWvi4mIKU3t1tKUJvz3wYf2JtpbUZIohEqjuSCFCK50bW46K3F9mpHfalQO83zhjERmJr22fp-8rkn-glPsxaOTHOmKLlUxfUG4MW19zKg5sf8TUfJ5tXf0NkF9Xk_8TA7hx695/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0302.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We got everything we needed at Home Depot, including the customizable <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-36-in-Tool-Bar-with-5-Grips-in-Black-24235/205489064" target="_blank">tool rack</a> and <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-16-in-x-16-in-Plastic-Pegboard-in-Black-17961/202249707" target="_blank">pegboard panels</a>. Warning, I did not tidy up for these photos. This is my life!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqt_tGspYAxZBU4mbFNCYvPXdxqVQfXv5ryQ0paAahHhZn1tDBqjrzydldBBj4vjYhIXaYXVPBaIxIK706sd0R5Q-EjdoR6AO6fGpo2GwAvKFphDiA5MZrRcaNah3rOnBDBrsvCiUJAFR/s1600/IMG_1674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqt_tGspYAxZBU4mbFNCYvPXdxqVQfXv5ryQ0paAahHhZn1tDBqjrzydldBBj4vjYhIXaYXVPBaIxIK706sd0R5Q-EjdoR6AO6fGpo2GwAvKFphDiA5MZrRcaNah3rOnBDBrsvCiUJAFR/s640/IMG_1674.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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And the other side, minus our bikes which are usually hanging from those ceiling hooks: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMryyG_iQ1sGvHsU7E_pCf3vJo2RqxEEr7O3U1LE05K7l45ltfZC0gLRSttU1iFzr3FMF4joiVxDEcGsi4Q7SeUB40v5e_VQfVA6bXTc2dnMPCT1VxHVJYdeD8Vd4JpmQceSIVyfVaNCT/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1500" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMryyG_iQ1sGvHsU7E_pCf3vJo2RqxEEr7O3U1LE05K7l45ltfZC0gLRSttU1iFzr3FMF4joiVxDEcGsi4Q7SeUB40v5e_VQfVA6bXTc2dnMPCT1VxHVJYdeD8Vd4JpmQceSIVyfVaNCT/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And the lovely view straight on:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJn1-IbHcDOW3v5BwAKW9MZcoGPfEy4iQK1Vo2iITnLuBH44VVEHVk5ARcfHqIG2mPMZHhPhR-0fKVphnQ5v7NpwFen8F0IEAZyYXBai1xUC5gdZjb9jweLWG2Ub49pR2M7kKiO_Ib5Wrv/s1600/IMG_1678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJn1-IbHcDOW3v5BwAKW9MZcoGPfEy4iQK1Vo2iITnLuBH44VVEHVk5ARcfHqIG2mPMZHhPhR-0fKVphnQ5v7NpwFen8F0IEAZyYXBai1xUC5gdZjb9jweLWG2Ub49pR2M7kKiO_Ib5Wrv/s640/IMG_1678.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Things on the outside started to take shape after I decided to use five grasses along the side lot line to act as sort of a privacy screen. We had to cut out a lot of grass all around the shed, and the right side had to be extra long. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjEyI8p_nl52GhxkTwYiF24B0-9L88t4iqCDJavQO5RxDWfdULLqfQ0gioQ7FxHgELOYgMH5e7DJedK1bnS6IlrIWIN3HJfhoSOJWOZiq-2LP2aU-zvC-eHLOdcTH_zQ3hoPUTpsPOCqI/s1600/Shed+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjEyI8p_nl52GhxkTwYiF24B0-9L88t4iqCDJavQO5RxDWfdULLqfQ0gioQ7FxHgELOYgMH5e7DJedK1bnS6IlrIWIN3HJfhoSOJWOZiq-2LP2aU-zvC-eHLOdcTH_zQ3hoPUTpsPOCqI/s640/Shed+%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I always prefer a curvy planting area, and I worked with the existing circle around the maple tree to make this one big mulched area. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ26iFitiSVvyiDrz9QGUGyggVGj7ONZguMhD-N02mHfBfpOEICy05AcEtx5WKyblzXp_TfAReOZEzqF0bgnyHU83eJrz5cDnMpD_rgIDr-FB79x15DGexARruPa2pp3QwnPYYn8Snmkdm/s1600/Shed+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ26iFitiSVvyiDrz9QGUGyggVGj7ONZguMhD-N02mHfBfpOEICy05AcEtx5WKyblzXp_TfAReOZEzqF0bgnyHU83eJrz5cDnMpD_rgIDr-FB79x15DGexARruPa2pp3QwnPYYn8Snmkdm/s640/Shed+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw7OKEL9KCekbuhBT3SBocxsBwGLoorWftIHqSKnrYSWLmpmopLmiRmUmRjj8_YTrbXQ5o_Noc-SBoWRzVhf8cZOuiwjCn2ifQkyNk_Sz0etz8bJ7Yzxil0mjDCzlaAWnC4FOcHlzjTz9/s1600/Shed+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw7OKEL9KCekbuhBT3SBocxsBwGLoorWftIHqSKnrYSWLmpmopLmiRmUmRjj8_YTrbXQ5o_Noc-SBoWRzVhf8cZOuiwjCn2ifQkyNk_Sz0etz8bJ7Yzxil0mjDCzlaAWnC4FOcHlzjTz9/s640/Shed+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Zach liked to help with the grass removal, and he found a bunch of cicada shells, so that was a little boy WIN!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDF_4c7dpsDaUIl2fw3h1hPXjrOlZLA_XnufzptpgH83ykS6ZBEaHjBNozNxTFzoYze17nJNAuBaFYownGhP7oPDcfUXzju8HCVy99QCRJJvG9AKRdnAvEUde89HwF6vjtSDor_9dPgvn/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1500" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDF_4c7dpsDaUIl2fw3h1hPXjrOlZLA_XnufzptpgH83ykS6ZBEaHjBNozNxTFzoYze17nJNAuBaFYownGhP7oPDcfUXzju8HCVy99QCRJJvG9AKRdnAvEUde89HwF6vjtSDor_9dPgvn/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0301.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once we got it all in, it was looking so much more natural. On the right is a Pinky Winky hydrangea, 3 pink phlox moved from another spot in the yard, 5 Northwind switch grasses, a blue star juniper, and native little bluestem grass by the door. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAcSS1R9EYJbBMzL7AmXn0pyZZcUjDzyBe4_Gu_qfD7I5h6jStDhyCGLOe1e1WhvDREtptljsWHfJWhYJJ-PO4qLSLUQkp7XcMzwXF6OvYcC6HfQ9iE4wZmU9UGyHgKEXGfk57JoC6wdV/s1600/IMG_7817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAcSS1R9EYJbBMzL7AmXn0pyZZcUjDzyBe4_Gu_qfD7I5h6jStDhyCGLOe1e1WhvDREtptljsWHfJWhYJJ-PO4qLSLUQkp7XcMzwXF6OvYcC6HfQ9iE4wZmU9UGyHgKEXGfk57JoC6wdV/s640/IMG_7817.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The left side has another little bluestem, another blue star juniper, a golden barberry, and tall bee balm. Though, it seems I planted the barberry after this photo was taken!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P1i9fu2lLPj_1SAgAn8NBnKWsY-R8fx5BbXbQXbhC6gtYZoejCspC55R8_ZaksrPGrzeWzFMYpzd9d-hutdapR7j31i_SRHGOaO3hcOCB1GgD70x5GXtcDm2StIIKvINMeRc2_a0CQzm/s1600/IMG_7808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P1i9fu2lLPj_1SAgAn8NBnKWsY-R8fx5BbXbQXbhC6gtYZoejCspC55R8_ZaksrPGrzeWzFMYpzd9d-hutdapR7j31i_SRHGOaO3hcOCB1GgD70x5GXtcDm2StIIKvINMeRc2_a0CQzm/s640/IMG_7808.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The grasses along the side should get nice and big, about 2.5 feet around. I can't wait to see what that looks like! I also planted tall Joe Pye Weed on either side of the window, they get about 6 feet tall, so it should be a beautiful sight in late summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYb2gvcS2hWUiO3qUL7SIOynK9a8_H4HqVx71MZEBDTF_6mnRIZMYMVSS-W9iBPvNqOlz7iT5NiWMXkgoH4KHVB9CWUwoL8rMPP09mL2EXc89pQKHjEuRufLqIPkjRFaBMxmjoKvlIxY0V/s1600/IMG_7849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYb2gvcS2hWUiO3qUL7SIOynK9a8_H4HqVx71MZEBDTF_6mnRIZMYMVSS-W9iBPvNqOlz7iT5NiWMXkgoH4KHVB9CWUwoL8rMPP09mL2EXc89pQKHjEuRufLqIPkjRFaBMxmjoKvlIxY0V/s640/IMG_7849.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, we are into November, and here is what the shed is looking like now:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwp9PakrkLg_SGOBwgInRJ4IzslFQRXktq8fRQmYqiKpLH5-RAgJcLlhjUMxRg6_vmdzD0IlbQwlwWudXSrVHJbMKAZpR-ALKLCH6elFN6_esJ3_NWnv-8pFp0-7j3gBTtxJNyIyHaopE/s1600/IMG_1547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwp9PakrkLg_SGOBwgInRJ4IzslFQRXktq8fRQmYqiKpLH5-RAgJcLlhjUMxRg6_vmdzD0IlbQwlwWudXSrVHJbMKAZpR-ALKLCH6elFN6_esJ3_NWnv-8pFp0-7j3gBTtxJNyIyHaopE/s640/IMG_1547.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ho9oNRKl6l9CeGrUr8d8AUiImhjp1sUmGLmdedp6s2AbaJXV-HsM0W0mUOw6R84ruWsNfYFblm7HbnJmaoj6mZvkIWHgk3cbq0qKeZOuzI48Apsq8D2L0XaR8nYGgR5ikXUdbTn86YKu/s1600/IMG_1549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ho9oNRKl6l9CeGrUr8d8AUiImhjp1sUmGLmdedp6s2AbaJXV-HsM0W0mUOw6R84ruWsNfYFblm7HbnJmaoj6mZvkIWHgk3cbq0qKeZOuzI48Apsq8D2L0XaR8nYGgR5ikXUdbTn86YKu/s640/IMG_1549.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I love how everything looks like it was always there. We plan to put some tall evergreens behind the shed to block the unfortunate view of our neighbor's unmowed yard and satellite dish. I also appreciate how the foliage of my plants are changing with the season. I need to pay more attention to selecting plants with fall color, rather than putting nothing but beautiful summer flowers in!<br />
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This little barberry in the front of our house makes me so happy! I plan to put in more shrubs that have that beautiful fall color next year. <br />
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One other thing I did this summer was overhaul the planting area in the back corner of our yard. I'll share that project in a different post! One last view of the shed from our back door:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-K2DSjtywwjYMLVxSc-3IUtpvueieL4xHgGrwgnikrYEEufqWOUksuR5P2Cs5JEP2YkDDR4e9h_WSJzdoNzuhM04j8Frhg95h0EhD0ImmoP-dwm4U1o9lzjPHra2opUwE1o2N78WQNj1/s1600/IMG_1672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-K2DSjtywwjYMLVxSc-3IUtpvueieL4xHgGrwgnikrYEEufqWOUksuR5P2Cs5JEP2YkDDR4e9h_WSJzdoNzuhM04j8Frhg95h0EhD0ImmoP-dwm4U1o9lzjPHra2opUwE1o2N78WQNj1/s640/IMG_1672.jpg" width="640" /></a>So happy to have it installed!</div>
Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-42249992577466375802018-07-18T14:51:00.000-07:002018-07-18T14:51:14.472-07:00Landscaping updateI'm pretty sure I start each summer with the same post (I know it's mid-July, sorry!), it goes something like 'once the garden centers open for the season, I feel the itch to landscape!' This year was no exception. We had a few things die over the winter and cold spring (my roses, a maiden grass, a tall daisy) but other than that, things are looking good. We got our annual pile of triple ground mulch from the Mulch Center, it's so damn beautiful when it first gets dropped off.<br />
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The kids 'helped' me spread it around, it was worth the mess to see them covered in mulch and laughing.<br />
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I love the look of new mulch! </div>
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I wanted to spruce up a couple areas I thought were lacking, so I searched for a planter that would fit this weird ledge near our garage. I found the perfect one on <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/veradek-metallic-series-long-galvanized-steel-planter-box-vrdk1014.html" target="_blank">Wayfair</a>, it is like it was made for this spot. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPTw7j1Vjha9nl0erqxL3YpMfkbcsJ4z2rj3YFghJKXzXkWjWrN4VZcKhqxPGvpSFH3nZSCDd1SI9r3otX7kHzoLndhk_LhVM5lCO8mdi_c8gwjvXZZUD-vODIstlVFIZo-AylRXyKvv0/s1600/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="1500" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPTw7j1Vjha9nl0erqxL3YpMfkbcsJ4z2rj3YFghJKXzXkWjWrN4VZcKhqxPGvpSFH3nZSCDd1SI9r3otX7kHzoLndhk_LhVM5lCO8mdi_c8gwjvXZZUD-vODIstlVFIZo-AylRXyKvv0/s640/Sara+Hilton+Photography_0113.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I planted some annual grasses in there. The planter is lined with styrofoam too, so they will stay alive longer in the fall. <br />
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Another new addition to this area is the little Ikea table and chair set that we bought in Minnesota. We found it in the garage, and decided to just set it up on the drive as a makeshift patio while the kids ride and play on the sidewalk. We don't park in the left side, so this works for us - and I think it looks cute!<br />
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Rules, there are no rules here!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK0univoMiGXi3l1wWi2t5eTRmQD34Q7O_mjFdiC7IQWJ3zBOyBxs4lqDu-n_2mdnJGaxjPKGNekh0OxWrXAYbj_LhOp7FTYZjYuLNgISwuEy6XF9Sz1UDsQ1MjTJIqiFQ0mticpfXrHm/s1600/IMG_2872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK0univoMiGXi3l1wWi2t5eTRmQD34Q7O_mjFdiC7IQWJ3zBOyBxs4lqDu-n_2mdnJGaxjPKGNekh0OxWrXAYbj_LhOp7FTYZjYuLNgISwuEy6XF9Sz1UDsQ1MjTJIqiFQ0mticpfXrHm/s640/IMG_2872.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I also wanted to add a planter in the back by our deck. Found this modern concrete-look <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/20-in-H-x-24-in-x-11-in-Composite-White-Wash-Deck-Box-in-a-Smooth-Cement-Finish-PC7880NW/302646112" target="_blank">composite </a>one at Home Depot, love it! I'm considering adding a couple more along the deck, electrical is buried there, so we can't plant in the ground. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRW0xDNOjjMcQurZ-dOiibpe7mR4F4gj6c5qtnuczf90lqY4p_E_lp-UqHYzCoF9I0cJiTk96bLFFkEBX7nzS-f3cpGjo4sagp81n0ji8gMCvNDf23TR1WLN0xlevljrymSXyxPjYyE-j/s1600/IMG_4907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRW0xDNOjjMcQurZ-dOiibpe7mR4F4gj6c5qtnuczf90lqY4p_E_lp-UqHYzCoF9I0cJiTk96bLFFkEBX7nzS-f3cpGjo4sagp81n0ji8gMCvNDf23TR1WLN0xlevljrymSXyxPjYyE-j/s640/IMG_4907.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
You might notice a hot mess to the right of this planter. Yeah, that is a dumb ass project that I'm not sure what I was thinking when I did it. We basically had a mud pit at the bottom of the deck, it made a huge mess on the wood and got walked into our house. <br />
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We thought it would be cost-efficient to just remove the grass and some soil, and put in a little patch of paver base as a 'patio' until we did an actual patio. I got to work on this silly plan. <br />
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It went surprisingly fast, I got all this done in a few hours. I planted some Stepables plants on the sides, but it turns out that paver base is very painful to walk on. Duh! <br />
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We made it work with an old door mat until I picked up some (but not enough) rubber pavers for the top at Menards. It looks awful, that's for sure! We intend to add a large paver patio next year, so this will hold us over until then. <br />
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Other additions to the yard include a sweet raised garden bed that we made out of cedar. I can't wait to share how we did it, it's been amazing to have endless amounts of cucumbers, and our corn is so majestic! <br />
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We got a random apple tree from a friend who saw it posted for free online. We aren't sure what kind it is, but we think it is an upright variety because of how the branches are pointed up. We will see what happens!</div>
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So, things are doing well around the house and we've been lovingly watering the crap out of everything since we haven't had any significant rain for a long time. Here are some yard shots, it's pretty fun to see how things are filling out. <br />
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A close up of this year's planter in the front...I like it, but it's a little high maintenance and you can't see the Cordeline in the back anymore. One day I'll get it perfect!</div>
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We found a new hibiscus that we couldn't pass up this year, so there will be another large plant taking up room in our house this winter. Ugh, I just can't help myself!<br />
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We have a fun project happening soon, hopefully I can share it before another two months goes by! Happy July!Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-85144847740223182132018-05-21T18:17:00.000-07:002018-05-21T18:17:17.251-07:00Changes downstairsThe last time I shared our family room, it looked like this:<br />
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Everything has looked pretty much like that since 2016, then we decided to change up the layout this spring. The couch was too far from the tv, and there was a lot of space in the front of the room that got all crapped up with kid stuff. So, we decided to move our shelves together near the far end, and move the couch forward to create a kid area that can't be seen from the door. Here it is now:<br />
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The baby buggy in the corner now lives in the playroom, and in it's place, I put a couple old school desks I found at Goodwill. I added to the 'coloring nook' with a gold plug-in pendant from World Market. <br />
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The rest of the area behind the couch is sort of a jumble, but I guess that is the point!<br />
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I have tried to get some stuff on the walls, too. I was so tired of looking at a big blank wall above the sectional, so I got a 20x30 made of my favorite image of the boys. <br />
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It was obviously way too small for that spot as a stand-alone image. See this <a href="http://www.sarahiltonphotography.com/displaying-photos-wall-art-design-services/" target="_blank">blog post</a> on my photography site for more info about how I found that out the hard way! Instead of the picture of the boys, which I moved above the desks, I decided to get these canvases from <a href="https://www.target.com/p/tropical-palm-2pk-framed-wall-canvas-blue-23-2-x-35-2-opalhouse-153/-/A-53035378" target="_blank">Target</a>:<br />
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These are the proper scale, and I love the retro look of the print...as well as the beautiful colors! I plan to fill in the sides with gold framed prints to keep with my 'black, gold, and wood' theme throughout the house. <br />
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A vintage cane chair (set of two, actually) that my neighbor was throwing away is living in here for additional seating. I would love to reupholster it, because the fabric isn't in good shape. I've also thought about painting it!<br />
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You can see I put my white Goodwill mirror from the Russet street house on that back wall. I'm not sure it will stay, but it's nice to get it out of the garage for now. The half moon table underneath it is absolutely a placeholder for something better when I find it. A curtain in the doorway of the laundry room is a nice way to cover the mess with no fuss. This brings me to my real issue....the color of the doors in the lower level. They used to be an orangey wood, and I intended to paint them white to match the trim. <br />
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But after I primed (with BIN) and painted the inside of the bathroom door, I got to thinking that maybe Urbane Bronze would look nice on the outside of the door as well. So, I did my thing and ended up with a nice dark door. PS - painting over BIN is a dream, it sands perfectly smooth and paint sticks to it like crazy! Also, I never remove hardware, and always do the insets of a panel door first. <br />
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There is only one coat on the outside of the door, because I'm not sold on the color. This photo was taken before the mirror was added, but this is a good representation of how it looks during the day. There is a good amount of light down here, so I'm not worried about dark doors making it look dark. I do think it might make the old parquet floor look orange, but that may be the other door throwing me off. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMmenQ_bn6iQNsltTsAV8aW4cRZqkKeqiFJfAIJ_M5yGUJeyzRrV5Py0upzX9FKiMSWvcD6VeeuGliT67JMOnONuB33iX4RKw2cOasBC8JxEGDwOUPWqmvd6HvI1RvwQnluNYMxSzdHbm/s1600/IMG_9973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMmenQ_bn6iQNsltTsAV8aW4cRZqkKeqiFJfAIJ_M5yGUJeyzRrV5Py0upzX9FKiMSWvcD6VeeuGliT67JMOnONuB33iX4RKw2cOasBC8JxEGDwOUPWqmvd6HvI1RvwQnluNYMxSzdHbm/s640/IMG_9973.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Also, I know it was popular five years ago to do interior doors this color, and I don't want to be 'dating' myself. I do like the way it looks when opened into the bathroom!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipM7jJPWigG495RlKMHx0TaiWM23yEdWYxb3N7V-HcnprQueHe6Wpxg22e_ab4kDT-QnYw5iZq4_H792zY8uOcvGLYjdAzBPl0GyrhDqsKLNnFeeV691fbbuYphzGWcZXhS-zGK8jPUTIU/s1600/IMG_9846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipM7jJPWigG495RlKMHx0TaiWM23yEdWYxb3N7V-HcnprQueHe6Wpxg22e_ab4kDT-QnYw5iZq4_H792zY8uOcvGLYjdAzBPl0GyrhDqsKLNnFeeV691fbbuYphzGWcZXhS-zGK8jPUTIU/s640/IMG_9846.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We only have the bathroom, playroom, and door to the garage. You can see at night how much more orange/yellow the floor looks. However, I'm not sure white doors will be much better! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSevhRQcr0In9vbL7UaG0ZTCW6vwvedB50ry598i-lCzx3z3lXa2jIAfAFdS17zZXHnTXf_TVX-rLwilnNllnD3eCOl8ewQJdIS7KeOIiJ9FF8Z0wZFVCpXT70kOqtfE-p9CbgcUj_-BQq/s1600/IMG_1336+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSevhRQcr0In9vbL7UaG0ZTCW6vwvedB50ry598i-lCzx3z3lXa2jIAfAFdS17zZXHnTXf_TVX-rLwilnNllnD3eCOl8ewQJdIS7KeOIiJ9FF8Z0wZFVCpXT70kOqtfE-p9CbgcUj_-BQq/s640/IMG_1336+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I do love the idea of dark doors from a cleaning perspective, since my white doors upstairs are filthy from the kids. Along with my walls, but that is a different story. So, what do you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuEjrqzsomOudxeRiRcRkv6bjQVFJpDNkeoB7NxsTijEABUbNwicBDfN6uku2r99HGqjVvaplELAtHS4FBR3hkBVDL4tDwa3bPnbJesoMjuK-45MReflWN1PpDiEotu2BGkgOfX1VyBXB/s1600/IMG_1338+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuEjrqzsomOudxeRiRcRkv6bjQVFJpDNkeoB7NxsTijEABUbNwicBDfN6uku2r99HGqjVvaplELAtHS4FBR3hkBVDL4tDwa3bPnbJesoMjuK-45MReflWN1PpDiEotu2BGkgOfX1VyBXB/s640/IMG_1338+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next post, I'll be taking it outside!</div>
Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-13190530827425895552018-04-11T08:40:00.000-07:002018-04-11T08:42:33.957-07:00Glass shower, you are high maintenanceHey, guys! It's been a minute since I posted. Most of my projects have been on hold because around the time of my bathroom makeover post, I suddenly had Ashford home with me after 10:30am everyday. (Side note - what the heck is up with 'half day' kindergarten, which is really only 2.5 hours?) I found out real fast he didn't like being bored with me all day, and I was about to lose my mind, so now he is happily at the YMCA after school in their great after-school care program! And I can do things again, like work on my photography business. And clean. And clean. And do laundry. And clean. I got to thinking about our master bath today, and how much I love and hate our glass shower. Love using it, hate cleaning it. The glass always looks like this, even though we use a squeegee after each shower. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTewmkwK17WzcQL9sI7SPV92RRDivYRVKuJ3ARU7ODzkTfLVUpxKgqCkw7CM5BFl-9kEW-9UxRy42DPfy7y0GLQGefJlRLHR0_FCXsWNMMaS8UsgTIPoX-XWbqFgJcCXdA_0qoH3Z5WU9/s1600/IMG_0670+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1143" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTewmkwK17WzcQL9sI7SPV92RRDivYRVKuJ3ARU7ODzkTfLVUpxKgqCkw7CM5BFl-9kEW-9UxRy42DPfy7y0GLQGefJlRLHR0_FCXsWNMMaS8UsgTIPoX-XWbqFgJcCXdA_0qoH3Z5WU9/s640/IMG_0670+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgej1BPXsPiwbrY4n2UBfdzQLHWSFITlm8XPPxK-6qGyvcbwEcwIB5rUs6OzurISPQC_QUQSfp1zJbSOEgzCL6_nRAAz2YcExn5HNUUj1WhJKOup_g0adMgaLfZ2OCm96Bbw4FHkKeJXihS/s1600/IMG_0672+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgej1BPXsPiwbrY4n2UBfdzQLHWSFITlm8XPPxK-6qGyvcbwEcwIB5rUs6OzurISPQC_QUQSfp1zJbSOEgzCL6_nRAAz2YcExn5HNUUj1WhJKOup_g0adMgaLfZ2OCm96Bbw4FHkKeJXihS/s640/IMG_0672+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8a_MjbpkI_LbLp3gZ7oS7yVaKmXztqb4V-zqa_12zTWKINfduJcD76_fPCX5r5hZDKgRiTuhEWyjL2tEjb0O_H1724AqlYxzkvrxPSh-fxlMP3TnSxRCFuqilHG-ICcj-ylLQbzaqLgm9/s1600/IMG_0674+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8a_MjbpkI_LbLp3gZ7oS7yVaKmXztqb4V-zqa_12zTWKINfduJcD76_fPCX5r5hZDKgRiTuhEWyjL2tEjb0O_H1724AqlYxzkvrxPSh-fxlMP3TnSxRCFuqilHG-ICcj-ylLQbzaqLgm9/s640/IMG_0674+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I tried everything on the glass. Windex, CLR, Limeaway, Kaboom, Scrubbing bubbles, etc. Nothing touched the hard water stains. So, I got on Amazon and saw what was available with great reviews. This <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00494PJLS/ref=sxr_rr_xsim_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3513574162&pd_rd_wg=gVvKz&pf_rd_r=XFPCGT71D27K63ECEZ56&pf_rd_s=desktop-rhs-carousels&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B00494PJLS&pd_rd_w=AfBV6&pf_rd_i=bio-clean&pd_rd_r=fd73faa2-06aa-49ac-bea3-4a5ec12a1d60&ie=UTF8&qid=1523459064&sr=2" target="_blank">product</a> was highly rated, so I bought it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyE7BHL7FuOK6lCwlaKhudg3NyN9Pvdci6ZFIc1-KuBiHklDkiU9je7NLV7K5aIqsmGR36iJwOfL3Uj3wQ5Bg1AqXSuBtW1JtxQiAmRWlUWPrj7lBHOKx9gmqOdPzax2vaUTm2CuiZX_d/s1600/IMG_0689+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyE7BHL7FuOK6lCwlaKhudg3NyN9Pvdci6ZFIc1-KuBiHklDkiU9je7NLV7K5aIqsmGR36iJwOfL3Uj3wQ5Bg1AqXSuBtW1JtxQiAmRWlUWPrj7lBHOKx9gmqOdPzax2vaUTm2CuiZX_d/s640/IMG_0689+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's got a kind of minty smell and it also a mint color thick gel/paste. You put it on a cloth or paper towel and buff it into the glass. I did test it in a small area by the sink wall to make sure it didn't scratch, since this is a mild abrasive. Being that it is meant for glass and other surfaces, I wasn't expecting any issues - and didn't see any. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3jdUDGlNGkNnIO7WcSm2zmr3yEsIZwCkE4NLO6o3zJBBk7KFxaVnm-JD38tHzhGcKNPLg2hks_wfeZBfh8TvXPQNbpfxHhdZShohBDGlbMFOr1l0YddPM7bWf1YvDEVfbLaLm2wkqNAn/s1600/IMG_0675+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3jdUDGlNGkNnIO7WcSm2zmr3yEsIZwCkE4NLO6o3zJBBk7KFxaVnm-JD38tHzhGcKNPLg2hks_wfeZBfh8TvXPQNbpfxHhdZShohBDGlbMFOr1l0YddPM7bWf1YvDEVfbLaLm2wkqNAn/s640/IMG_0675+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I didn't think it required that much effort, but if your stains are really bad, you might need to use some elbow grease!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRt9QdjTIcQ_mIWG2121o2lWo-aja3ymkHSnQOfAhErNIc2jezVFslH7W0wFTeDHTV9mW-1NRFJAhxJxX_NhhQobFDZ36_51ZUB_fLb-L3bqTe_Ws2tW9xdcpp8d-PsYFCJQOarFfBTG_/s1600/IMG_0676+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRt9QdjTIcQ_mIWG2121o2lWo-aja3ymkHSnQOfAhErNIc2jezVFslH7W0wFTeDHTV9mW-1NRFJAhxJxX_NhhQobFDZ36_51ZUB_fLb-L3bqTe_Ws2tW9xdcpp8d-PsYFCJQOarFfBTG_/s640/IMG_0676+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After you rub it in, you just rinse it off and then remove any streaks with Windex or similar glass cleaner. I can't believe the difference!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIHe9OCigbYGWAVW0_YDbwtppbao7_m-mUcm7qEm5tuiaMwPLSE0xBZ-hJLg3cfm8e1srN0Vc-UFN7u2LyunwY9MPSJCngy3YqHCPl0BihqKJBnZZG9zrdCDaTUzJCvMFTG0s8XsVXXuV/s1600/IMG_0681+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIHe9OCigbYGWAVW0_YDbwtppbao7_m-mUcm7qEm5tuiaMwPLSE0xBZ-hJLg3cfm8e1srN0Vc-UFN7u2LyunwY9MPSJCngy3YqHCPl0BihqKJBnZZG9zrdCDaTUzJCvMFTG0s8XsVXXuV/s640/IMG_0681+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMF_DaPstOrsclpe6DOIfBZez-VoUS3PJsiomBctKTvK7K1ulksAlxglq2ZI9tnDs_ezD5sT5aCHLWSqHUUEVLRFKiuEF5301hJmg8OjqpX4y0f4-ihymn8mjXgaHkqk-AO19IlB7SO_2/s1600/IMG_0686+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMF_DaPstOrsclpe6DOIfBZez-VoUS3PJsiomBctKTvK7K1ulksAlxglq2ZI9tnDs_ezD5sT5aCHLWSqHUUEVLRFKiuEF5301hJmg8OjqpX4y0f4-ihymn8mjXgaHkqk-AO19IlB7SO_2/s640/IMG_0686+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I swear it feels brighter in the shower, too. I still need to perfect everything with the regular glass cleaner, but it is awesome to have all those spots gone!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF-Yxy1YgIgGEMBITprjPhcMYgBy5mP_I20Ltkf6vte89_CmRQiPHCo6uSVBv6gZYfAcEgcx0dDFmjcV01OiO5n3jUm_BcW_7Lw_z69AgMngu0WOqZgUn_lsWTubuiB_wkRfyqWlVXYIt/s1600/IMG_0693+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF-Yxy1YgIgGEMBITprjPhcMYgBy5mP_I20Ltkf6vte89_CmRQiPHCo6uSVBv6gZYfAcEgcx0dDFmjcV01OiO5n3jUm_BcW_7Lw_z69AgMngu0WOqZgUn_lsWTubuiB_wkRfyqWlVXYIt/s640/IMG_0693+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some before and afters (some taken with light on, some off):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cy5jmRL7cjPGmq7EO-wZj7pYSDvJIEjj-aPTRIy_-5eLBGKye7ZE_EEgG9JmoKqYo-WiujmScxPzKemzp7z0oTdQ5NPft6IaNalCnulaE8C0qg963PTa_CuGPCq9tTAK-dG2xmy8g-Vt/s1600/2018-04-11_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cy5jmRL7cjPGmq7EO-wZj7pYSDvJIEjj-aPTRIy_-5eLBGKye7ZE_EEgG9JmoKqYo-WiujmScxPzKemzp7z0oTdQ5NPft6IaNalCnulaE8C0qg963PTa_CuGPCq9tTAK-dG2xmy8g-Vt/s640/2018-04-11_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhja0-JFlVy26x6FvVc07w4PR9ymI2ZyZQEwUTmXFrm8KD7LNsaW6zxMw4xphyxtGk1_VcS3RDMmW66leYyenfTwCoKXjxPTgRPEdWz9GG1dC6zrk2v19UcDD6aeAIZaIjpkeJ35tgXEJpH/s1600/2018-04-11_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="1500" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhja0-JFlVy26x6FvVc07w4PR9ymI2ZyZQEwUTmXFrm8KD7LNsaW6zxMw4xphyxtGk1_VcS3RDMmW66leYyenfTwCoKXjxPTgRPEdWz9GG1dC6zrk2v19UcDD6aeAIZaIjpkeJ35tgXEJpH/s640/2018-04-11_0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8924TaSIq4Tmt73x1pmhCxRY3cbGHnz_eBHjHBeYROrC0DeNN7MOVXLfUDE66ZSDAiA5wTUMPuojB4b80NZMJArXa95qTwnOQDp3HXtLUkyGQoAUwwYQ3HaaJyp6UA_tlL4iYNHlHL6t0/s1600/2018-04-11_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="1500" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8924TaSIq4Tmt73x1pmhCxRY3cbGHnz_eBHjHBeYROrC0DeNN7MOVXLfUDE66ZSDAiA5wTUMPuojB4b80NZMJArXa95qTwnOQDp3HXtLUkyGQoAUwwYQ3HaaJyp6UA_tlL4iYNHlHL6t0/s640/2018-04-11_0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI0n_bAgE9i84gebCuEQbc5aXETQVDhEg99Vw_TVOn67xGv0ey8VwTln4Mihj-1wnoem-ZGMEWpgTiDs4R6wMYj4pX8vQTeugpHVJHkJMaRcPZkCmthxdQs976RRntU6rnqdGH5u42Oiw/s1600/2018-04-11_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="1500" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI0n_bAgE9i84gebCuEQbc5aXETQVDhEg99Vw_TVOn67xGv0ey8VwTln4Mihj-1wnoem-ZGMEWpgTiDs4R6wMYj4pX8vQTeugpHVJHkJMaRcPZkCmthxdQs976RRntU6rnqdGH5u42Oiw/s640/2018-04-11_0004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, I need to tackle the grout and caulking around the tile. Ugh, never ends! I hope to have something more fun to share soon. We made some changes to the basement, and I need an opinion on our doors. Have a great week!</div>
Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-6699185231937033722018-02-08T12:02:00.000-08:002018-02-08T12:02:30.971-08:00Bathroom reno with only paint and accessoriesThis is a project I am very proud of! I haven't been this excited to share something since our guest room. Our downstairs bathroom has been an eyesore since the day we moved in. The floor tile is plain and sort of almond, the sink is actually an almond pedestal sink that was plopped onto a cheap vanity (and it's only connected by the plumbing, so please don't try to stand on it!) and the medicine cabinet/light combo is straight outta the 90s. <br />
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(Specifically, 1993)</div>
I didn't want to gut this bathroom because we just don't have the funds. Here it is when we first looked at the place:<br />
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My apologies for the terrible photo, that color is not accurate. However, the bathroom was dusty green, and the accents were a dusty mauve. Very dusty in here. Now, this is a much better photo of the way it looked about 2 weeks after we moved in:<br />
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I have to admit, it wasn't much better. Aside from replacing the running toilet with a new Kohler, and removing the window treatment (but not the hardware! haha) there wasn't much difference. I lived with it looking just like this for over 2 years. I went around and around with what to do. I thought, I'll just replace the vanity and medicine cabinet, no biggie! But it was a biggie. <br />
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I like white bathroom vanities, but I didn't want a white vanity, since the floor tile was a shade of almond and sort of dirty looking. I didn't want to replace the floor tile right now, it was just too big of a project. I thought about just replacing the cabinet/light combo, but then I realized the electrical is not centered on the sink, so that would be an extra expense to have our electrician come move it. Also, it's just not smart to remove storage in a house that has so little. So, I decided to just WORK WITH IT ALL. I replaced NOTHING but the toilet and accessories. When I made that decision, I actually got excited to see what I could do!<br />
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I decided to go dark to give the room some character. When I first started brushing SW Urbane Bronze on the walls, I knew it was meant to be. The window in this bathroom is very large, and we get great light in here all day long. I put up samples all over, then quickly ran to Home Depot to get a whole gallon. (That seashell, tho!) <br />
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The dark paint made everything look better almost instantly! Well, it was better in person, not in this terrible phone pic. <br />
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Then, I had to figure out what to do with the vanity. It is standard laminate, and I wanted to pick a paint color that made the awful almond sink look less yellow. Why, why do I always buy houses with almond baths? The obvious choice was some shade of yellow, but I got a wild idea that maybe a pinkish hue would look awesome in here. <br />
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It was tempting, but I went with SW Alchemy because it matched the horseradish shade we had going on in the family room downstairs. I used a sample container of paint from Sherwin Williams, it costs $8 or less, and does just fine since it's satin. I didn't even prime, just sanded well and painted. I chose this lazy way out because we just don't use this cabinet much, for a main bathroom I'd definitely prime with BIN. <br />
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Not bad! The next thing that I had to worry about was the medicine cabinet. I thought about painting it a creamy tone to sort of go with the tile and ugly sink, but the more I thought about it, the more I just wanted it to disappear. I did a quick and dirty photoshop of the options:<br />
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Then I decided to do something I've never done before. I sanded it and painted it with the same flat paint that I used on the walls.<br />
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Here it is now!<br />
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Operation make 1993 cabinet disappear, check. <br />
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The old frosted bulbs were replaced with nice clear ones, and it made such a difference in the look of this dated fixture. Shining up the mirrored backplate helped, too. </div>
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Remember that I said I can't get rid of storage? Well, behold the contents of my medicine cabinet:<br />
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I'd love to see guest's faces when they are looking for some Advil, and find paint samples, hand soap, and light bulbs instead. I also think I may have a lightbulb problem! And that brings me to the big question of trim. I originally loved the natural wood tone of the baseboard, and planned to leave it. But then, what would I do with the orangey, shiny wood trim around the door? It all had to be painted. I painted it all with the same flat paint, and was luckily able to use a magazine to slide under the trim for much of the room. It wasn't too hard, and it was no big deal if I got it on the walls!<br />
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Ok, painting the trim behind the toilet without getting it all over the floor was not fun. Turns out I'm not that flexible. I did NOT prime or sand the trim because it was a very flat finish, and accepted the paint great. </div>
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I did get a sample of the paint in satin and painted a second coat of that on the trim, but didn't end up liking it. I loved having everything the same sheen, so a third coat of flat went over the top. I also painted the entire inside of the door with the flat paint! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4K3y-cAhdlOr_kJtd5J4v_Q3nlPP6NWUbATBYWpJcHuW8-4F0nQywkwg-IsKOdwUs2KsLe5AAiaXSiwZ22ePLkWtLDeM2kf0rxXAVb1-N8jEmnP3SIwkdZ84rbbvaSNka-X7kQKxOqtI6/s1600/IMG_9600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4K3y-cAhdlOr_kJtd5J4v_Q3nlPP6NWUbATBYWpJcHuW8-4F0nQywkwg-IsKOdwUs2KsLe5AAiaXSiwZ22ePLkWtLDeM2kf0rxXAVb1-N8jEmnP3SIwkdZ84rbbvaSNka-X7kQKxOqtI6/s640/IMG_9600.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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So, there is a rundown of the decisions I made to make the existing stuff acceptable. And, here is the finished product!</div>
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When I was done with this room, I was SO proud that I worked with what we had. <br />
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I think the vanity color really does help to make the sink look a little more white, and the faucet really isn't too bad, it's very clean and shiny...so that's great. Do I still hate this sink? Hell yes! It's time will come...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbrQB6n9aYWK5ZU29pufhAvywno4UCt8qukD39hBm90LNHbhwjZC2Zyv7fY915Opi_LzPXgB-oR634cMqXPif8xK1Vc9xJFY7ldqLGBM6fxI138X4dVE2lhiDcv2O0CS5-T5pEFh3Gsxj/s1600/IMG_9562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbrQB6n9aYWK5ZU29pufhAvywno4UCt8qukD39hBm90LNHbhwjZC2Zyv7fY915Opi_LzPXgB-oR634cMqXPif8xK1Vc9xJFY7ldqLGBM6fxI138X4dVE2lhiDcv2O0CS5-T5pEFh3Gsxj/s640/IMG_9562.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I bought these cheap cabinet knobs at Menards, they match the look of the faucet perfectly!<br />
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This photo is a very true representation of the colors in here. </div>
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I told Shaun I actually think painting the trim the same as the walls makes the room look more high-end. I am 100% thrilled with my decision!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjke5C1RPaKOw8GLHIRR8orpgYQ63z-9HaTnxrSxERP4uQKyfpVPc8AJl9yvGqNjKmRdwolzsdrKXivGKdYPs9OXmlhgXJ65EvwP3uO_k99pgco84TsJpC5psi6BxxKXYMbGDOypJgppUKW/s1600/IMG_9596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjke5C1RPaKOw8GLHIRR8orpgYQ63z-9HaTnxrSxERP4uQKyfpVPc8AJl9yvGqNjKmRdwolzsdrKXivGKdYPs9OXmlhgXJ65EvwP3uO_k99pgco84TsJpC5psi6BxxKXYMbGDOypJgppUKW/s640/IMG_9596.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The door in particular is incredible. I really hate shiny doors, and this makes the bathroom feel like a cocoon. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9KzKsDuT5iPSdJWYnP8GVenffWnTDiiTWnf_VioErgeMj8FM4D7kwolFlTWplvHsrY5r81B1ADLHYGGaAE4rBKmMCtsHf0AghGBQW43m7b0RJGAqFwsc6ZQWTiSkevt7DY8d5CzmnLF-/s1600/IMG_9570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9KzKsDuT5iPSdJWYnP8GVenffWnTDiiTWnf_VioErgeMj8FM4D7kwolFlTWplvHsrY5r81B1ADLHYGGaAE4rBKmMCtsHf0AghGBQW43m7b0RJGAqFwsc6ZQWTiSkevt7DY8d5CzmnLF-/s640/IMG_9570.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
The accessories are from Target and World Market. I bought the artwork as soon as I decided to redo this bathroom. I actually used the background of the floral pieces as inspiration for the wall color!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfgg9ALofwZf_IzgpO6RDPuZvkmyzB-DSgIyqD9oWfmbSZNl6A5IuqUMT8-p-9Bf9FO8h_k0KkxRIGjNkPux98KfKDIJsngH-idR5ZqFbprQ4H7lID2LrVHXTxg0U09YU0zfU6KFhyphenhyphenk3V/s1600/IMG_9581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfgg9ALofwZf_IzgpO6RDPuZvkmyzB-DSgIyqD9oWfmbSZNl6A5IuqUMT8-p-9Bf9FO8h_k0KkxRIGjNkPux98KfKDIJsngH-idR5ZqFbprQ4H7lID2LrVHXTxg0U09YU0zfU6KFhyphenhyphenk3V/s640/IMG_9581.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
I found the incredible ledge/shelf at <a href="https://www.worldmarket.com/product/prism-wood-ledge.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search">World Market</a>. I wanted wood accents to bring some warmth to the darkness, and the modern shape was just perfect to hold a few hand towels and candles, doo dads, etc. The art, ceramic flower, dreamcatcher and silver hooks are all from Target. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj10WKsvhPJvePZJmfTMVtBfXTRHVAvFqU6Gs4aCD5lR7jzbFASWSy0ad95G3e3T9NQvr6UOF8Vlu3SbCkUnYdZj5CSrbieJBQssd0Mz0T5b784ETwG3Ap5Zsal07DOQDMcW1zCwuDZ5cR/s1600/IMG_9582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj10WKsvhPJvePZJmfTMVtBfXTRHVAvFqU6Gs4aCD5lR7jzbFASWSy0ad95G3e3T9NQvr6UOF8Vlu3SbCkUnYdZj5CSrbieJBQssd0Mz0T5b784ETwG3Ap5Zsal07DOQDMcW1zCwuDZ5cR/s640/IMG_9582.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The woven towels are from World Market, the solid ones are from Target. I love that I can remove the rug and woven towels to go with different colors whenever I want. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKspdEyjq0HPFd5cggQZwdbq-jVKhJdlHE9pGvdfqYBVic5TKYvnmYA9U8xFfFRpRqF4oShzHnNnTIOYkOmXF1meU52sRqiFMGZoRVsDMWgazPTskq1CiANmO1dtbFoqaOZjkNNT3MqaBO/s1600/IMG_9583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKspdEyjq0HPFd5cggQZwdbq-jVKhJdlHE9pGvdfqYBVic5TKYvnmYA9U8xFfFRpRqF4oShzHnNnTIOYkOmXF1meU52sRqiFMGZoRVsDMWgazPTskq1CiANmO1dtbFoqaOZjkNNT3MqaBO/s640/IMG_9583.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It's hard to photograph, but the hooks are on either side of the medicine cabinet, at the same height. I originally wanted a unique towel ring/bar, but I just couldn't find anything I liked in chrome. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV8XgAbc255OPgsBuoQ5DIUduS-LTDq0jZqtd08YVUYBGUWsIcojdiRJhPI3RfXmmhZDk8JuNTqqMB8sjTdPH51M7rj_RdaLhwUdU15kNkKVmTDBvO5cAbEwXSVPSWqhzgrRhyphenhyphenWHyvWH4/s1600/IMG_9567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV8XgAbc255OPgsBuoQ5DIUduS-LTDq0jZqtd08YVUYBGUWsIcojdiRJhPI3RfXmmhZDk8JuNTqqMB8sjTdPH51M7rj_RdaLhwUdU15kNkKVmTDBvO5cAbEwXSVPSWqhzgrRhyphenhyphenWHyvWH4/s640/IMG_9567.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This beautiful Chindi rug is from <a href="https://www.worldmarket.com/search.do?query=chindi+rug">World Market</a>. They are all different, so check out what they have at your store! It's still on my to-do list to try and clean the grout on the floor, but the rug helps hide it for now. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxk_2wVd_rQN61CRnvTR1xf49tVznVr4GVQtS46yQbLsaW90GWcQKuzxT-nVVd8rPvIh6whz2Jd95Vuaa9c1-K89RmnoroFN78jq-wK5qqGcUgRQNs0z3F6mKyiJQ-pYqsOUYgYbUP5L_N/s1600/IMG_9595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxk_2wVd_rQN61CRnvTR1xf49tVznVr4GVQtS46yQbLsaW90GWcQKuzxT-nVVd8rPvIh6whz2Jd95Vuaa9c1-K89RmnoroFN78jq-wK5qqGcUgRQNs0z3F6mKyiJQ-pYqsOUYgYbUP5L_N/s640/IMG_9595.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The view into the main living area. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumqg4hrvvJrOFaGwVaE2bUnB7XRyyVyLr_jYZlGeIuqCg7R6zugFUoF87_egh-NE720d6-Oh2GEMbTMPR2ct1vMTdthT0HwStMrgtT5-8QWcckcpgGAR7okMHBXqV8XtJurENhUlitQTj/s1600/IMG_9585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumqg4hrvvJrOFaGwVaE2bUnB7XRyyVyLr_jYZlGeIuqCg7R6zugFUoF87_egh-NE720d6-Oh2GEMbTMPR2ct1vMTdthT0HwStMrgtT5-8QWcckcpgGAR7okMHBXqV8XtJurENhUlitQTj/s640/IMG_9585.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
As you can see, I still need to decide on whether to paint the outside of the door white to match the trim, or Urbane Bronze. I did sand and prime the entire door and trim around it, because it was a very, very shiny finish and would get a lot of handling. I used my trusty BIN primer. I still need to do a second coat of satin white on the trim around the outside of the door. <br />
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It wasn't too hard to keep the dark on the inside, I used the door stop trim as the separation point. A steady hand and a great brush were all that was needed. The line will look even more straight once I get that second coat of white on there....maybe in two years I'll get around to it! <br />
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Here are a bunch of random shots. I originally planned to make a window treatment, but I prefer the plain look of the frosted window now that it's all done. I also had a hell of a time removing that previous hardware, half the wall practically came off, so I'm leaving it alone. <br />
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This cat has been hanging around the house in random places for years, this seems to be the perfect home for him! Plus, it's fun to be watched while you pee. <br />
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I like the idea of adding more greenery somehow. I think a hanging or wall planter would be awesome in here!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0aVtsJLSSiwjTRhyEsn21rcE08hMh-kjmnKosDR49_Ezv7SSE-AXFKR9R_hzgGbyMHcuXlHAm5P5QC1sXH_RlXAfYPxwtASN-eW_CujI34TZhQZUnsHp0tjPl6RS-sFKKHa757bjFVR3/s1600/IMG_9606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0aVtsJLSSiwjTRhyEsn21rcE08hMh-kjmnKosDR49_Ezv7SSE-AXFKR9R_hzgGbyMHcuXlHAm5P5QC1sXH_RlXAfYPxwtASN-eW_CujI34TZhQZUnsHp0tjPl6RS-sFKKHa757bjFVR3/s640/IMG_9606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And, a few before and afters for you...let's call this one BEFORE before and after!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wS5NmlL1n6I7qtRfyVx8pcy1iQez2HZfL5_xgMnp0sqk2gotjPRw3zdm6a4C7ESbBYAhpshp2tIcaithuwq4lfaldCl7jmTvShkyRssLyvMgii2AIBVlX-J1GDm7zQ2Pux5f66iRxu0Z/s1600/2018-02-07_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1500" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wS5NmlL1n6I7qtRfyVx8pcy1iQez2HZfL5_xgMnp0sqk2gotjPRw3zdm6a4C7ESbBYAhpshp2tIcaithuwq4lfaldCl7jmTvShkyRssLyvMgii2AIBVlX-J1GDm7zQ2Pux5f66iRxu0Z/s640/2018-02-07_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With the same toilet, only different paint and accessories.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cZD7oiGKE6mRF3iGUfzC8n7GH19-CuhL8MQ8plZvpEoP1U9kMeGsak33RKE4p6MOLia7o182XVdXQL9h68C-93rnZB0waj_pRuYehb1mYRrzAk39oVRhqe2EUF2nrHo4moCMzRSYPr0L/s1600/2018-02-07_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1500" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cZD7oiGKE6mRF3iGUfzC8n7GH19-CuhL8MQ8plZvpEoP1U9kMeGsak33RKE4p6MOLia7o182XVdXQL9h68C-93rnZB0waj_pRuYehb1mYRrzAk39oVRhqe2EUF2nrHo4moCMzRSYPr0L/s640/2018-02-07_0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDuE04Fxg3kYJFvMl9W2zWlfFhcAJRFZ8z2G5s7YB8S-96gkeIut4Fl2FpxqeVyKzJCLkd0X-KlFbwu-n6h4dr9CY5OmnyJ5kRPxGICXle6yfoJL6NoTxVv9GoDvCfyinmPSUL466Dskh/s1600/2018-02-07_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1500" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDuE04Fxg3kYJFvMl9W2zWlfFhcAJRFZ8z2G5s7YB8S-96gkeIut4Fl2FpxqeVyKzJCLkd0X-KlFbwu-n6h4dr9CY5OmnyJ5kRPxGICXle6yfoJL6NoTxVv9GoDvCfyinmPSUL466Dskh/s640/2018-02-07_0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And a comparison with the lights on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCZQ6djFtdKdo054awQMQW30KI7Ky7tv1dE7xz2NZQgHtLcOYEZYDSNosg9TzjbfKv8NCOa6e8gCAgA5MtFqGmmy2QUMhZG0XfBb6oXr4wfTrXEBwIr8URmGL2amtkRDsimD6YY-O6HZc/s1600/2018-02-08_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1500" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCZQ6djFtdKdo054awQMQW30KI7Ky7tv1dE7xz2NZQgHtLcOYEZYDSNosg9TzjbfKv8NCOa6e8gCAgA5MtFqGmmy2QUMhZG0XfBb6oXr4wfTrXEBwIr8URmGL2amtkRDsimD6YY-O6HZc/s640/2018-02-08_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Friends who came over during this process told me to 'just get a new vanity, mirror and light,' and I did try to find things I liked. Of course with my taste, a modern wood vanity would've been around 1k, the mirror and light I wanted would've been over $500, and I would've had to pay an electrician $200 or more to move the wiring. Instead, I did everything in here for just about $250. Here's a breakdown:</div>
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Paint including samples and gallon: 45</div>
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New light bulbs: 8</div>
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Wall shelf: 40</div>
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Target feather <a href="https://www.target.com/p/framed-watercolor-feathers-16-x16-threshold-153/-/A-51011695#lnk=sametab">art</a>, floral <a href="https://www.target.com/p/framed-floral-wall-print-black-orange-11-x14-2pk-threshold-153/-/A-52389049#lnk=sametab">art</a> and <a href="https://www.target.com/p/porcelain-flower-wall-d-233-cor-8-white-threshold-153/-/A-50271718#lnk=sametab">flower</a>: 65</div>
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Target dreamcatcher and feather <a href="https://www.target.com/p/feather-hooks-set-of-5-silver-threshold-153/-/A-50977380#lnk=sametab">hooks</a>: 26</div>
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Solid hand towels: 24</div>
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World Market rug: 14</div>
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World Market woven <a href="https://www.worldmarket.com/product/finlay+dot+sculpted+bath+towel.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search">towels</a>: 17</div>
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New light switch and plate: 2</div>
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Cabinet knobs: 6</div>
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Hand soap and lotion: 4</div>
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Thanks so much for reading! I know this style isn't for everyone, but I welcome any and all comments!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj469R5vxwjOXpJHShe7HfnkRu7CfHZV9QbMaSVJtP2yA3Dgai2P838bejA-xAf7U0o7-7-kicmLd-BOO_SmXwyEXl2oE7At0xjI8tYnYfEkz9VlpsqMEnO5T5aLNzpMHwut1wfITi0SzTM/s1600/IMG_9557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj469R5vxwjOXpJHShe7HfnkRu7CfHZV9QbMaSVJtP2yA3Dgai2P838bejA-xAf7U0o7-7-kicmLd-BOO_SmXwyEXl2oE7At0xjI8tYnYfEkz9VlpsqMEnO5T5aLNzpMHwut1wfITi0SzTM/s640/IMG_9557.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-73993490323279517252018-01-15T14:53:00.000-08:002018-01-15T14:53:42.414-08:00A belated Christmas postOnce again, life got in the way of this post. Just wanted to share our holiday décor and Christmas card with everyone! My parents and brother go to cut down their own tree every year, and we always tag along for the fun. This year was the first time we were cutting down a tree for our own house! The boys loved it, even though Ashford was not able to use the saw. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQb0ycpdJlXoK8s1vhDlRzX9i3VSp0N_uDTl7N0MvhN2ryhzA8k4_S-8ziX7MbNhyBgSTEWOq53OaF-fXKwJQtw_R0OY83Dl3BdD0ko5dY6qvIisEWmABOAtuniMoY97QDuNjNtffxJcG/s1600/C36A0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQb0ycpdJlXoK8s1vhDlRzX9i3VSp0N_uDTl7N0MvhN2ryhzA8k4_S-8ziX7MbNhyBgSTEWOq53OaF-fXKwJQtw_R0OY83Dl3BdD0ko5dY6qvIisEWmABOAtuniMoY97QDuNjNtffxJcG/s640/C36A0037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That tree just to the right of them is the one we brought home. I LOVED having a real tree, aside from the super annoying setup, constant watering, and very messy removal (which involved a few cups of tree water all over my new rug and floor!), I'd definitely do a real tree again. It had a lot of trunk showing through the branches, which made for such a beautiful and natural appearance. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEhxXUav4LGt275lxsk74JfawcmwANAKl6FVcYEuzpxlEw_ZbF_467IjJPB-uyM4XEcfoFq7J3TRw2srGF8A1GrUB186w5nxhtAmcH_ooRIALncO2gd2kDX7fO-D2UTzCtWNd8-4Os6_O/s1600/C36A0053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEhxXUav4LGt275lxsk74JfawcmwANAKl6FVcYEuzpxlEw_ZbF_467IjJPB-uyM4XEcfoFq7J3TRw2srGF8A1GrUB186w5nxhtAmcH_ooRIALncO2gd2kDX7fO-D2UTzCtWNd8-4Os6_O/s640/C36A0053.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Before we even got the tree, we spent a good chunk of money at Home Depot on lights and crap for the outside. Shaun wanted to do all white lights and keep it classy, but I said NO. Kids live here, so we're going colorful and fun! Besides, he promised the kids a blow up, and you can't have lightning McQueen surrounded by boring white lights!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahC83sydI_-j0-la0a5PTBfC_K3y5ugA6w-_AfhzEZpQ4eojSLttXnqplht7HFeHancEkReMjO_cPOF2k_N2MVS1AJ2L73xI7PUqBJlhF24lN9Y7kqeEdgjPgfUZansvuGi8ILuBbl0DU/s1600/IMG_9970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahC83sydI_-j0-la0a5PTBfC_K3y5ugA6w-_AfhzEZpQ4eojSLttXnqplht7HFeHancEkReMjO_cPOF2k_N2MVS1AJ2L73xI7PUqBJlhF24lN9Y7kqeEdgjPgfUZansvuGi8ILuBbl0DU/s640/IMG_9970.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
We even gift wrapped the front door, which meant I could freely run around naked upstairs for the month!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYw1pMjPmAnwwHlmTi2ndDVulLPimvBFqzCkG1gX50rMennTa2ZelLiVlm3f_LZzCYCk7GyqNjf71hO722zF49c8B00maKEuT_MWvrGzTtGeJYqnO3T2x0GEp8MWyG8dZ9bKwzWlHmbvYW/s1600/IMG_9971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYw1pMjPmAnwwHlmTi2ndDVulLPimvBFqzCkG1gX50rMennTa2ZelLiVlm3f_LZzCYCk7GyqNjf71hO722zF49c8B00maKEuT_MWvrGzTtGeJYqnO3T2x0GEp8MWyG8dZ9bKwzWlHmbvYW/s640/IMG_9971.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A lot of people thought we painted it pink from a distance, so it was a pretty fun addition. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEa-BF05_pX0QVJ8BF6eqGnSQv9WUljt5KWuIPzXcs2kGkvr6h-vyTCCdI88mN5V0pYXb2htGwnDeFSLi1C5jDctBNLQzRCKxiCT8Pi_za1SHJvFEZbKkDK1a_p51ImTkh34agHa3OaNGp/s1600/IMG_9972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEa-BF05_pX0QVJ8BF6eqGnSQv9WUljt5KWuIPzXcs2kGkvr6h-vyTCCdI88mN5V0pYXb2htGwnDeFSLi1C5jDctBNLQzRCKxiCT8Pi_za1SHJvFEZbKkDK1a_p51ImTkh34agHa3OaNGp/s640/IMG_9972.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Here is the outside lit up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgym-jTTK7xywZE2HsjiOnw_dftjdJtDG_7VJZmLqu_0Bgi2bJ-_mefoox1isiCwarjPhYL1gqYMYHwL7np01j5vjQPlfiAtaJ16LO-MqEOf5-Q8TWl0eHhQAdfP9NdhQDkDxBi9vhX55V0/s1600/IMG_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgym-jTTK7xywZE2HsjiOnw_dftjdJtDG_7VJZmLqu_0Bgi2bJ-_mefoox1isiCwarjPhYL1gqYMYHwL7np01j5vjQPlfiAtaJ16LO-MqEOf5-Q8TWl0eHhQAdfP9NdhQDkDxBi9vhX55V0/s640/IMG_0004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4S62v6JZfUE5dHfCC4PSInhgqnNfpz4X7XV2o9YclAhn_MC9OLUK67CAdBSanitu0VRN71B8uMX-KCQNbDctO-Vbiepy2TTb1He3z-93PJ6rfUzd9lRp72xWhF5KNlBAEKL9SkhUFgU5p/s1600/IMG_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4S62v6JZfUE5dHfCC4PSInhgqnNfpz4X7XV2o9YclAhn_MC9OLUK67CAdBSanitu0VRN71B8uMX-KCQNbDctO-Vbiepy2TTb1He3z-93PJ6rfUzd9lRp72xWhF5KNlBAEKL9SkhUFgU5p/s640/IMG_0005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBcDjGZ7cVBRrBHXipf4G-rjR_Peg9shL-T7z8p2t7cA0eGmL1Gk1P-rQOkEVE8_KVLY5fgfPO0aA20GE8aBLLkAy4vGCjPdLAAegy3UhVlA2cjeT7C7I9eWrWPp3qRP5PWIAywvb2chr/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBcDjGZ7cVBRrBHXipf4G-rjR_Peg9shL-T7z8p2t7cA0eGmL1Gk1P-rQOkEVE8_KVLY5fgfPO0aA20GE8aBLLkAy4vGCjPdLAAegy3UhVlA2cjeT7C7I9eWrWPp3qRP5PWIAywvb2chr/s640/IMG_0007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQO-bAxnc1qFZe4JfKPRrYuTc9v1kotJ4nXcQZ91GE-6ARM7bs29oY_Hm_wWCUgPk_QrgZkxIDFCtqZIdv9S4lufjC5QZWZDO7zBqXVk_wCQUq_d3VO1bi1SnDWeEr2MazJfbxlcQ7Xpn/s1600/IMG_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQO-bAxnc1qFZe4JfKPRrYuTc9v1kotJ4nXcQZ91GE-6ARM7bs29oY_Hm_wWCUgPk_QrgZkxIDFCtqZIdv9S4lufjC5QZWZDO7zBqXVk_wCQUq_d3VO1bi1SnDWeEr2MazJfbxlcQ7Xpn/s640/IMG_0008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We got the large C9 bulbs for the outside, and I love the old fashioned feel. We also chose to use white ceramic C9 bulbs for the tree, which we had to find at Ace. It looked so perfect!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSayS7UsvcS9oK_Zs9SBhcHJSaPIgqtrPrOI4UaV0LuLKzmykA_kVYSTp8uGAjiC9NKUR9_Kg15RHndDvP6SVpDjBdBuRVJg7MML6lMXHDXvM1NtKCUyep484W3fQEOL17mf-jzNRa3JWq/s1600/IMG_7930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSayS7UsvcS9oK_Zs9SBhcHJSaPIgqtrPrOI4UaV0LuLKzmykA_kVYSTp8uGAjiC9NKUR9_Kg15RHndDvP6SVpDjBdBuRVJg7MML6lMXHDXvM1NtKCUyep484W3fQEOL17mf-jzNRa3JWq/s640/IMG_7930.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The kids also loved decorating the tree together this year!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOttmZQTVBQMdKKQ7pFsMnzWqK-y67JRqxGEYs4xHlOfu1072QMBNIIx8tAfveNzlD7u9VZVJMAptISZ1_JytV0axIoHBtc80rSLznAFBy2JHQhpAS4tWO-BKiGA9Zn3VPV2sYTsfYMDU/s1600/IMG_7947-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOttmZQTVBQMdKKQ7pFsMnzWqK-y67JRqxGEYs4xHlOfu1072QMBNIIx8tAfveNzlD7u9VZVJMAptISZ1_JytV0axIoHBtc80rSLznAFBy2JHQhpAS4tWO-BKiGA9Zn3VPV2sYTsfYMDU/s640/IMG_7947-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Relaxing and enjoying their hard work. Ha!</div>
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Here is a look at the living room after all the ornaments were on...and there is also a peek at the new rug we got for the living room. The Crate and Barrel one we had started falling apart, so I returned it for a credit. This new one was just $235 at <a href="https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/nuLOOM-Handmade-Tribal-Arrowheads-Rainbow-Multi-Rug-76-x-96/10792586/product.html">Overstock</a>, and we really love the colors!<br />
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I'll have to take a photo in daylight so you can see it better. Shaun is not in love with the pink, but I am! <br />
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I wanted to share our Christmas card. I usually try to do a fun card each year, and I'm not sure how I will top this one! Front and back:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadpjA1RPu3KxTh6KvmZvaoo3I1mSfaZ_b3ZbS2Hndsw_vL7UWl68TobZSaksnW5U3iWKon2R0_c_mZopkpeEtkO9DvN7htCawiLxk9LugTwUGD-aTHd8b4ZWSNt9FS90HmNS-MZfbJF-3/s1600/2018-01-15_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="1500" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadpjA1RPu3KxTh6KvmZvaoo3I1mSfaZ_b3ZbS2Hndsw_vL7UWl68TobZSaksnW5U3iWKon2R0_c_mZopkpeEtkO9DvN7htCawiLxk9LugTwUGD-aTHd8b4ZWSNt9FS90HmNS-MZfbJF-3/s640/2018-01-15_0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And here is a group shot of us on New Year's Eve, we did absolutely nothing and it was awesome.<br />
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Hope everyone has a great new year! Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-16248620822219885172017-11-30T18:36:00.000-08:002017-11-30T18:36:32.351-08:00Our dining roomHi everyone! I wanted to share our little dining room before the holiday craziness, I know it's been awhile since my last post. This room is pretty small, and it's the hardest working room in our house. Lots of stuff happens here, eating, homework, crafts, packaging prints for my business, even folding laundry. Since we downsized our kitchen by a lot in this house, I had to give up one of our dining tables. The midcentury table's style fit better in this house, but I'll admit it's form over function. This table is wobbly, hard to keep clean, and a little dinged up. At least I don't have to worry about ruining it! I've spent a lot of time trying to add functionality and beauty to an otherwise bare box of a room with an awkward half wall. Here is how the room looked when we were in the process of renovating the house:<br />
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And here is how it looks today:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpAchuBPvqhy_dbkejPR6Xk_Sn3pwAwS8PT8OuvZ-s7TppP5OsQXg2BSw23lGOg4CQNvcW36XTlyxsFMZYMrNdAZnyPqnxwRGAZFKA1l8_q2hnu5BoQwHM96yNBNnvGBMn0Ea4vh39jMC/s1600/IMG_6130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpAchuBPvqhy_dbkejPR6Xk_Sn3pwAwS8PT8OuvZ-s7TppP5OsQXg2BSw23lGOg4CQNvcW36XTlyxsFMZYMrNdAZnyPqnxwRGAZFKA1l8_q2hnu5BoQwHM96yNBNnvGBMn0Ea4vh39jMC/s640/IMG_6130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
One of the main problems with this room is how narrow it is. Unfortunately, we really need the extra storage that the pieces on the sides provide. Our tiny useless kitchen offers little cabinet space, so I purchased this beautiful <a href="https://www.cb2.com/suspend-media-console/s339955">media console</a> from CB2 to use as extra storage for pots, serving pieces, and craft supplies for the kids. I love this piece so much!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStkF-gaRFRdvMgAH24zAciDAs-xzFZxFzq4St1NJZcn9Py27yzXGqxX_f9Zj6WlTPgAgEyoRxA13mkp9XQ-6EywKimtn1MH9jZTYPMRAzUiknJGDVOjAHFoLnU7Jdc5dKx1sg240wN32-/s1600/IMG_6135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStkF-gaRFRdvMgAH24zAciDAs-xzFZxFzq4St1NJZcn9Py27yzXGqxX_f9Zj6WlTPgAgEyoRxA13mkp9XQ-6EywKimtn1MH9jZTYPMRAzUiknJGDVOjAHFoLnU7Jdc5dKx1sg240wN32-/s640/IMG_6135.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
For above the console, I reused our starburst mirror and wall urchins, then added a <a href="https://www.cb2.com/marble-wall-mounted-shelf/s225693">marble shelf</a> from CB2. <br />
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One day the marble top of this piece will hold fancy liquor bottles, but for now, it's practical for little kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelSXBmuIzyx2m8O1h_SNjt8msvWJ3c0ep49khyphenhyphenE_RG6Cd6p4Q7VPEXvZ6Sn7hznnJ52dSHvd2mlEGH5h6gaRxVb27WKGaNNwDyc4tv7JVWrmHITfT1SmhXNEYMLcPbT3DDQs-WxK-sDz1/s1600/IMG_6166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelSXBmuIzyx2m8O1h_SNjt8msvWJ3c0ep49khyphenhyphenE_RG6Cd6p4Q7VPEXvZ6Sn7hznnJ52dSHvd2mlEGH5h6gaRxVb27WKGaNNwDyc4tv7JVWrmHITfT1SmhXNEYMLcPbT3DDQs-WxK-sDz1/s640/IMG_6166.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I bought a box from Homegoods to hold Ashford's completed homework pages. Not sure what I'm going to do with it all! Side note: making a 5 year old do homework pages sucks ass. <br />
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The other side of the room has our vintage cart, which we have crapped up with the Keurig, stand mixer, and coffee mugs. Also, the wine is stored underneath along with random stuff like placemats. <br />
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We do not have enough counter top space for these things in the kitchen, so having them here is a necessity. I also want to point out the Ikea plant on the half wall is like a full tree now. Here's a picture of what it looked like few years ago in Minnesota, seen in the window. (PS - sweet little Ashford was only 2.5! Ahhh!)<br />
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Man, I miss that kitchen and dining table so badly every day of my life! Anyway, getting back to the point...here is a look at the space on the other side of the console, just a few short months ago. <br />
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It was a hot mess, and all this junk just sat there during the summer. During the winter, our huge hibiscus took up this spot, dropping leaves and dried flowers all over the place. Oh, and Zach loved to play in the dirt. Awesome!<br />
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I decided that enough was enough, and the hibiscus was going to have to tough it out in the attached garage this winter. I wanted to claim this area back, so I decided to make a little seating and display area using this cool metal coffee table from Target. (No longer available)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_p05OZb0-_2-6ri_gLnQP1TuiUUEYU5Aa1lUL-k0MReWWl7Uqs9N3_lEEsqgC_RqUTJBXa889TlzIrycaVNZoXAWBeSVRDNtJCZy_sxXBV0MAXMXFw91JaTtez6j2TntvW-eCEKTXg-J/s1600/table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="520" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_p05OZb0-_2-6ri_gLnQP1TuiUUEYU5Aa1lUL-k0MReWWl7Uqs9N3_lEEsqgC_RqUTJBXa889TlzIrycaVNZoXAWBeSVRDNtJCZy_sxXBV0MAXMXFw91JaTtez6j2TntvW-eCEKTXg-J/s320/table.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I also needed to stash file baskets underneath, so it works perfectly for less than $50. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5mHOc0KR0uSqHNYKYHeESQD776qBk7WmQu5a0tJ9pI21l57bmp7iDwdjXIN6g-U-S-OZazbEWOGXszCUt6Xjm8NDpsNouGmd8CqlFWs8SPBCn3GRCNto3x6kax9CxUrEQue1PtwHsLV9/s1600/IMG_6145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5mHOc0KR0uSqHNYKYHeESQD776qBk7WmQu5a0tJ9pI21l57bmp7iDwdjXIN6g-U-S-OZazbEWOGXszCUt6Xjm8NDpsNouGmd8CqlFWs8SPBCn3GRCNto3x6kax9CxUrEQue1PtwHsLV9/s640/IMG_6145.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
It does work as a seating area, and Zach sits up there sometimes. When he feels like sitting, that is. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIvnI85RTR96atUX0QGVthxXui2Eau3VODCVPV3WoAP0RW1yapyaJYLmOqATWMMXGVBvTSuOfVrkuEkPRYnIDx2TpJMEn3l8TUngMtyHLrht58LMLkqEWbp3n6-i9wNPB7qJLCiC65OUI/s1600/IMG_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIvnI85RTR96atUX0QGVthxXui2Eau3VODCVPV3WoAP0RW1yapyaJYLmOqATWMMXGVBvTSuOfVrkuEkPRYnIDx2TpJMEn3l8TUngMtyHLrht58LMLkqEWbp3n6-i9wNPB7qJLCiC65OUI/s640/IMG_0022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I put a faux fur on top, then some Target pillows to spruce it up. Even though we didn't need more lighting, I really wanted to use my capiz pendant to avoid storing it any longer. Then I found this awesome wire one at World Market when I went to buy a black cord. I debated the two. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjSfHk0oB-Ia2PVGLSTDJdOWFhKQd_jNp5zF5Xkc-YSpl3g0b5r5v2wZZHwiabsg34n5f9NrYhzb7KZVSxiH9AQtTB5aiua2Or3gH0E94BtRybrYGRDBBjRku3RJlll3xsOsPHKux1Jr9/s1600/2017-11-30_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="1500" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjSfHk0oB-Ia2PVGLSTDJdOWFhKQd_jNp5zF5Xkc-YSpl3g0b5r5v2wZZHwiabsg34n5f9NrYhzb7KZVSxiH9AQtTB5aiua2Or3gH0E94BtRybrYGRDBBjRku3RJlll3xsOsPHKux1Jr9/s640/2017-11-30_0008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ultimately, I liked the capiz because it broke up all the gold, and it looks much nicer lit up. I ended up using the other one somewhere else, because it was a great deal! We love having this pendant on at night along with the pole lamp. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBPS8_Zuc_lxIGHNngtFRiVuCFdcQcMdtRjtg-WRUZ0_e6W8c52qDJHvQrwg24T84hdoq1RGBuznI6l9KgdBYhrW6jUEX547IhOH_QfGqNWIdHEFnZ1FpKvjOKHfGOjqxIqC3w0NV52qe/s1600/IMG_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBPS8_Zuc_lxIGHNngtFRiVuCFdcQcMdtRjtg-WRUZ0_e6W8c52qDJHvQrwg24T84hdoq1RGBuznI6l9KgdBYhrW6jUEX547IhOH_QfGqNWIdHEFnZ1FpKvjOKHfGOjqxIqC3w0NV52qe/s640/IMG_0012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I wanted this area to be a cute spot to display artwork and photos, so I bought this metal memo holder from Target and it does the trick perfectly. I can use regular clips, and magnetic-back clips. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GYMIExhOYbBxrD6R_3ephSnIFTj1D4I6ZKUFyW4-Kz9bmkmBZBqEntiUIthVLheTmV7y_FpNBWGnPJjHhP1DXKSvn_1wlXF0_qpvzLvV0D-cgCAn6O3MzvXrzDD9b04mSRURzC-9xY_C/s1600/IMG_6148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GYMIExhOYbBxrD6R_3ephSnIFTj1D4I6ZKUFyW4-Kz9bmkmBZBqEntiUIthVLheTmV7y_FpNBWGnPJjHhP1DXKSvn_1wlXF0_qpvzLvV0D-cgCAn6O3MzvXrzDD9b04mSRURzC-9xY_C/s640/IMG_6148.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
For the tiny bit of wall next to the window, I chose three black frames and printed some photos of the boys in black and white. They are eating donuts in the middle one, and in the other two, they are showing their bellies to fit with the dining room theme. Ha!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3piPMdcNq4VTfFqeO1Pyd_EU45t8QiZiO6cIuSLmLOlQDNdmyfH5UPb1NqoizagVWaoY1aqKnGFyrZMFgUrPGjuLPTA84mn21-29wrrHPV2U-MG7rWTLgXtuBMQ7NkkneU5jEfzWfD_Xu/s1600/IMG_6146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3piPMdcNq4VTfFqeO1Pyd_EU45t8QiZiO6cIuSLmLOlQDNdmyfH5UPb1NqoizagVWaoY1aqKnGFyrZMFgUrPGjuLPTA84mn21-29wrrHPV2U-MG7rWTLgXtuBMQ7NkkneU5jEfzWfD_Xu/s640/IMG_6146.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
I just love this little spot. I like having pretty pillows in every room, even the dining room!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod2-5x3sDaTzwZjGMmW3UtvfAimIy2G3ZgRm_pslpKIndCY2HImTZvIAU9FpGWTGPYV7uz99p0wXI8-BDZc_YYDL-F_IFuFJ__8I8hN_xWSMyphTGKFqoVI3nMHA-PxWkMJdkU0EyYubk/s1600/IMG_6153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod2-5x3sDaTzwZjGMmW3UtvfAimIy2G3ZgRm_pslpKIndCY2HImTZvIAU9FpGWTGPYV7uz99p0wXI8-BDZc_YYDL-F_IFuFJ__8I8hN_xWSMyphTGKFqoVI3nMHA-PxWkMJdkU0EyYubk/s640/IMG_6153.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hello! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6AwLlkuVLJWI4LwYxH5CDQGF_tWws0wsi7tC4r9HgxFlOtp8_1I6SVtjpk1cq4vSTPInTTsARaZ3DOKw71oWMUwGXSBY183fIrgOB7u4sZd1r2BRVzvAgmux8B35ALZPMviVsEpaMcA6/s1600/IMG_6157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6AwLlkuVLJWI4LwYxH5CDQGF_tWws0wsi7tC4r9HgxFlOtp8_1I6SVtjpk1cq4vSTPInTTsARaZ3DOKw71oWMUwGXSBY183fIrgOB7u4sZd1r2BRVzvAgmux8B35ALZPMviVsEpaMcA6/s640/IMG_6157.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The <a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.com/rorke-black-1.25dia.x120-170-curtain-rod-set/s173436">curtain rod</a> is the same as the living room. We love it, but it's not the easiest to install. After I put up the picture frames, I wanted to balance them on the other side of the widow. I bought these square metal shelves from Target (sensing a theme, here?) and put up paper templates to see where I should hang them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5oVYz0no6uN6oME2V72TQmCtDpatQqfnRIH9-WZ1UTKuo3EbVnus_GniylPWK8rWWZJfyr1gUaIVE222EWG77vwaT-yJBNgs0wWZ7NsK1p7L-p91uzaj-vjtnankrgvCpO-9whYAM_OA/s1600/IMG_9748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5oVYz0no6uN6oME2V72TQmCtDpatQqfnRIH9-WZ1UTKuo3EbVnus_GniylPWK8rWWZJfyr1gUaIVE222EWG77vwaT-yJBNgs0wWZ7NsK1p7L-p91uzaj-vjtnankrgvCpO-9whYAM_OA/s640/IMG_9748.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
They ended up being the perfect place to store rarely-used but pretty vases, and coffee mugs right by the Keurig. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyEKBtvRG6h2CFTxVC9UARp7bU5vzwZdfrmiTw5uabt4jdy32ufnldgUQ390mdgQyaFmytH9ppnXuv5oWyx5OtG7_E7n4c5WQA0ye57cqLDNaGwAOBiDllHT56zT6EIMPXM-0ujLxVt-3/s1600/IMG_6142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyEKBtvRG6h2CFTxVC9UARp7bU5vzwZdfrmiTw5uabt4jdy32ufnldgUQ390mdgQyaFmytH9ppnXuv5oWyx5OtG7_E7n4c5WQA0ye57cqLDNaGwAOBiDllHT56zT6EIMPXM-0ujLxVt-3/s640/IMG_6142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The last little spot is the tiny wall in between the kitchen doorway and living room. I knew I wanted to put the chalkboard here, and some sort of display space. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-fdwocmRUXO7i3M63Pbv0RrfosXrtcqs-a-XMSsLMSXdi7xOOZILPySf1-U-TUikBvVtMR79l_bDcSIe9b5fXAibgbYuojDGJZJxgC5S43TuyPypG3HIc-f_cJ362X13WJb12n1HES-e/s1600/IMG_6155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-fdwocmRUXO7i3M63Pbv0RrfosXrtcqs-a-XMSsLMSXdi7xOOZILPySf1-U-TUikBvVtMR79l_bDcSIe9b5fXAibgbYuojDGJZJxgC5S43TuyPypG3HIc-f_cJ362X13WJb12n1HES-e/s640/IMG_6155.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
I ended up finding this pretty wire <a href="https://www.cb2.com/cross-reference-gold-memo-holder/s117761">memo holder</a> at CB2, and bought a bunch of magnetic clips to use for Ashford's art. This time of year, it will get cleaned off so we can hang Christmas cards instead. Love it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7_bqO4iMJQxY5kAiPpvrkhZ5i2qtDI6wR-bjVs6x1piVxO9avpC7RWAg3C2wWkr2i9qREmiRSCfrv3jpjkNPJODykRUN8m-Opn904mW1hWDFqdcI2gRsgXNLnRVnA7MmBsPsp7rCcsb1/s1600/IMG_6156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7_bqO4iMJQxY5kAiPpvrkhZ5i2qtDI6wR-bjVs6x1piVxO9avpC7RWAg3C2wWkr2i9qREmiRSCfrv3jpjkNPJODykRUN8m-Opn904mW1hWDFqdcI2gRsgXNLnRVnA7MmBsPsp7rCcsb1/s640/IMG_6156.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I picked up this black rattan basket and throw blanket from Target (sorry, I just love Target) and we use this all the time when it gets cold on the couch. You might notice the Pottery Barn zebra rug I've had for 9 years. This thing is still going strong! I'll say it over and over - wool rugs from Pottery Barn are the best investment ever! It definitely has stains now, but it's perfect for this room since it will only get more ruined by my minions. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2n06hzeMSAFPd5raGLCxkFrkemG5YTaYrzn0NqFj5s_MHnigFyIO1nr-oOcqSkUFz-6I_Xbl_qDFIxQewGsa4F1qkaMHVbhtnIk934ZTHhIcyTlq3C0wSs9a4kzi9jrNym8cqJDjegaR/s1600/IMG_6136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2n06hzeMSAFPd5raGLCxkFrkemG5YTaYrzn0NqFj5s_MHnigFyIO1nr-oOcqSkUFz-6I_Xbl_qDFIxQewGsa4F1qkaMHVbhtnIk934ZTHhIcyTlq3C0wSs9a4kzi9jrNym8cqJDjegaR/s640/IMG_6136.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The last item in the room I wanted to mention is the light. I was IN LOVE with this light when I found it on Wayfair. Actually, I found it for much more at a local lighting store, then got it cheaper on Wayfair. Sadly, it's always filthy and full of gnats because the top of the globes are open. I'm sort of regretting my purchase! When the globes are clean, it's beautiful. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCHDWHEfdbX7K9lZ96WkUvW2A0vSxY6LxKo0I1VYmerw4yhhb20D1ObfsebEcLnEG0nh4rMPQ4-tIq-fSfMY1sWKxNCvM9x9rOo2ScNzodir6UIjnflUbz7BzmxwH_PUDCNqdlvBrbtmE/s1600/IMG_6162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCHDWHEfdbX7K9lZ96WkUvW2A0vSxY6LxKo0I1VYmerw4yhhb20D1ObfsebEcLnEG0nh4rMPQ4-tIq-fSfMY1sWKxNCvM9x9rOo2ScNzodir6UIjnflUbz7BzmxwH_PUDCNqdlvBrbtmE/s640/IMG_6162.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Anyway, that is the dining room. Since leaving my career in Wisconsin and starting my less lucrative photography business, my motto has always been reuse everything I can. Most of the accessories in this room were very inexpensive, the only big ticket items were the $900 console and $600 chandelier. I'm very happy with the way it turned out! Here are some before and afters, the first being the way the house looked when we first saw it:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTKtFbh8sg375WxQHhd9BPgVA8AA3ufk-Jimupbu8C_Oc2GHV6kha-pDOwUQs6H7mdMR3MbbxhgoOaqTPLVzTRUlBsko6aZ4-06F3iRAuzD-YeM7PORRtPdlpxg2T2nelpG8XVWRinKsg/s1600/2017-11-30_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTKtFbh8sg375WxQHhd9BPgVA8AA3ufk-Jimupbu8C_Oc2GHV6kha-pDOwUQs6H7mdMR3MbbxhgoOaqTPLVzTRUlBsko6aZ4-06F3iRAuzD-YeM7PORRtPdlpxg2T2nelpG8XVWRinKsg/s640/2017-11-30_0004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Here is during reno, last December at Zach's birthday party, and today:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzld1sdOGsv0MzKluC1jRQQmczUVpUxITCUuTnddLaVwwIAhxqaj_fKRHXXqcnwaX39bNFI8Ubgauih_ioKJAkb6XuXKXMIk3xD9uL5ybZDYeO2df_tgPcKqfYSufHJxYfVls00U2su_1U/s1600/2017-11-30_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="1500" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzld1sdOGsv0MzKluC1jRQQmczUVpUxITCUuTnddLaVwwIAhxqaj_fKRHXXqcnwaX39bNFI8Ubgauih_ioKJAkb6XuXKXMIk3xD9uL5ybZDYeO2df_tgPcKqfYSufHJxYfVls00U2su_1U/s640/2017-11-30_0011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And the little corner, in September and today: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIYaIMAMli4f37qb4h6hAXkzPeAUBGbA8-AY1HahNq9mHtYhu-VoC-8k_VDgHN0p06JEe2sBe566kxgMd8J6mKkZY-mavUJicQJS_-KB5th0OfY-54lglzaWkpQ_qS6dpwY5rb3RXu-dq/s1600/2017-11-30_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1500" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIYaIMAMli4f37qb4h6hAXkzPeAUBGbA8-AY1HahNq9mHtYhu-VoC-8k_VDgHN0p06JEe2sBe566kxgMd8J6mKkZY-mavUJicQJS_-KB5th0OfY-54lglzaWkpQ_qS6dpwY5rb3RXu-dq/s640/2017-11-30_0006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And just because, here is a photo of the gorgeous morning light we get in here. I try to never see sunrise, but this kid loves 6:30am! One thing this house has plenty of, is amazing natural light. That is huge for me! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TJ_inKIFDcot-23FUUFb9xJn178pAQ5wIEbDBewCTDZcw-BL4QUsE0QcKKceIikkA8A4fcYXZaT2yw1m1a8K60b4vgIWZ7uioVnbnblMY3QjBwfEOjXoHJ0fTcEP0hInMWaymkz3iJEX/s1600/IMG_9753-FB-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TJ_inKIFDcot-23FUUFb9xJn178pAQ5wIEbDBewCTDZcw-BL4QUsE0QcKKceIikkA8A4fcYXZaT2yw1m1a8K60b4vgIWZ7uioVnbnblMY3QjBwfEOjXoHJ0fTcEP0hInMWaymkz3iJEX/s640/IMG_9753-FB-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Not to leave the big kid out...here is the dining room hard at work on a typical morning. Cereal bowls, colored pencils, paper, this is it! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCREgrgIIeb6ZSqLnhkeVxp_hNbtD51BrbwAdVn7uKkszUKqcmCGn_QQyr80n3rdN5XEq6p4FR2b6_3u23G73bSsgClAQZZNLLArwnP_6RuKMBOL44XFqLypW9zatlJVHxHK7WiD1tftaB/s1600/IMG_0044-FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCREgrgIIeb6ZSqLnhkeVxp_hNbtD51BrbwAdVn7uKkszUKqcmCGn_QQyr80n3rdN5XEq6p4FR2b6_3u23G73bSsgClAQZZNLLArwnP_6RuKMBOL44XFqLypW9zatlJVHxHK7WiD1tftaB/s640/IMG_0044-FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Have a fabulous December!Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-78842686127556132292017-10-09T14:01:00.001-07:002017-10-09T14:01:53.516-07:00Our living room - as done as it getsI put off sharing my living room for such a long time, because I just didn't think it looked nice enough. There are always kid things around, and I finally had to accept that this is as done as it gets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6E-xRAzoFZfDb3tIbCStxvXMfkZFLdc9sXRahdb5AA9JR88ApCWx5btbZZLIsq8WchES9QpKd4xiukC_06eKneVXahi7LllHZ7wau7zgKwYePHtO9HN73tUN9At0Ptb4GsRUCZUFHe0Q/s1600/IMG_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6E-xRAzoFZfDb3tIbCStxvXMfkZFLdc9sXRahdb5AA9JR88ApCWx5btbZZLIsq8WchES9QpKd4xiukC_06eKneVXahi7LllHZ7wau7zgKwYePHtO9HN73tUN9At0Ptb4GsRUCZUFHe0Q/s640/IMG_0004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's the same general layout as the house in Minnesota, except we don't have a door to the garage in between the living and dining areas. We reused our Ikea wall unit, accessories, lighting, side tables, and console behind the couch, but everything else in here is new. We needed a new sectional when the original went to live downstairs. We needed a new rug when I took the orange one for our bedroom. We needed a huge curtain rod to span the 10 foot window, and white curtains since our old ones were much too cream. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yGKQ9WiWIY17IV9EInbbKjUVt_LDfVTB4xHF0kQryuypwnUyoffisuWVnUEVoW-Dtf-FuymBnXAKVoNHmLmz6CQtLg5NMNsWxarDZCevLu9S1VdIwNAxeNxddnasaQFlehNTc0ogcTcG/s1600/IMG_9987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yGKQ9WiWIY17IV9EInbbKjUVt_LDfVTB4xHF0kQryuypwnUyoffisuWVnUEVoW-Dtf-FuymBnXAKVoNHmLmz6CQtLg5NMNsWxarDZCevLu9S1VdIwNAxeNxddnasaQFlehNTc0ogcTcG/s640/IMG_9987.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The wall unit has served us well in both houses. It's pretty much destroyed by the kids, but you can't tell unless you are right above looking down at the finish. All in all, it's done wonders for making our boring box living areas look fancier, without the expense of actual built-ins. I decided to put my treasured pole lamp in between the two 'rooms' to act as a sort of divider, it also puts it front and center instead of putting baby in a corner. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VAyhzBwAvTgxGEwJclzdCA2Bfg0_g8DqQ7vzbQsNwZZ8Fpi6jV8XeaXTqG9ClevLt6XLCXucYRrzUB1OgICL3XQYEdK0aV2ZMgYXdg9EzzS1lZi91KZkzfSLrMdaQxb0VyIxEJ27kjJw/s1600/IMG_9977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VAyhzBwAvTgxGEwJclzdCA2Bfg0_g8DqQ7vzbQsNwZZ8Fpi6jV8XeaXTqG9ClevLt6XLCXucYRrzUB1OgICL3XQYEdK0aV2ZMgYXdg9EzzS1lZi91KZkzfSLrMdaQxb0VyIxEJ27kjJw/s640/IMG_9977.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We really don't have a lot of wall space in here since much of the room is taken up with the wall unit, window, and railing. For the little stretch of wall shared with the kitchen, I chose to hang some photos of the boys. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LXE15dwX9A1MohWmhyphenhyphen_kiP7KzInS-GvPiS17xvu9yAkHgbpJ8JM5394oBhTS_Aolh8_3oa3VMX11XMLen4dR6XULcrY1Dx1SXw63oanl_c9udOppd_UtCNFc28-N3hL3rb-62zddbABN/s1600/IMG_9996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LXE15dwX9A1MohWmhyphenhyphen_kiP7KzInS-GvPiS17xvu9yAkHgbpJ8JM5394oBhTS_Aolh8_3oa3VMX11XMLen4dR6XULcrY1Dx1SXw63oanl_c9udOppd_UtCNFc28-N3hL3rb-62zddbABN/s640/IMG_9996.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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They are so hard to photograph! I love these gold frames at <a href="https://www.target.com/p/metal-frame-brass-matted-photo-project-62-153/-/A-52850560#lnk=sametab&preselect=17318281">Target</a>, they are gorgeous and not too expensive. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLW2uM2m_3Dx7Ivn0eSV5Aece8QPGOREHEtKg2wYlAMKBXKvQjTWZIsMr7NQnST90ELKYGuKkHfiIoyKBStcjeRqX9qh7FbZc22_VKIYMslXznP50wNvAOji2BOEcRQ40gTLAusblq7ip/s1600/IMG_9986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLW2uM2m_3Dx7Ivn0eSV5Aece8QPGOREHEtKg2wYlAMKBXKvQjTWZIsMr7NQnST90ELKYGuKkHfiIoyKBStcjeRqX9qh7FbZc22_VKIYMslXznP50wNvAOji2BOEcRQ40gTLAusblq7ip/s640/IMG_9986.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've chosen to use a mix of gold, wood, and black in the main areas of the house to unify everything. I found so much of my décor at Target, it's just very nice looking and the right price! With kids ruining things every day, I can't spend a lot. This rattan mirror from Target is the perfect piece for the top of the stairs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV10Na_MYURVCSK-V6H7I7Vsg0QPU3He1XvNIE5dCFWYSrkAu9bNPrygf2QUWsDcq05ziyNlYVJCCEb2EYw5vidYbAQRwISlfJAv_6ODZjF3jqiOXqvQL4UyAYq78IPi3_Tf7JZLgBbucC/s1600/IMG_9982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV10Na_MYURVCSK-V6H7I7Vsg0QPU3He1XvNIE5dCFWYSrkAu9bNPrygf2QUWsDcq05ziyNlYVJCCEb2EYw5vidYbAQRwISlfJAv_6ODZjF3jqiOXqvQL4UyAYq78IPi3_Tf7JZLgBbucC/s640/IMG_9982.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The sectional is a soft denim colored fabric, we had it custom made at Walter E Smithe, and it's been perfect for us. Here are the pillow+sofa fabric swatches against our rug when I was making the decision. Don't mind the paper plane! I loved the retro look of the pillow fabric, but it turns out this print isn't really working for me. The couch fabric is a different blue from the rug, but it looks great in large scale. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhI2KAvCvrqu3JP6aj_l7npng1M2YIOR7CMwyS2Wqevyd4TiQO6Lm0m_kuLRO2GURb6u8TkxdudYWvRcQtP47DhxRCWCh1MohnOVebgz7mFjE6c9lJDCvpFUMzxFxea8jRdD89qVq3NKAT/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1600" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhI2KAvCvrqu3JP6aj_l7npng1M2YIOR7CMwyS2Wqevyd4TiQO6Lm0m_kuLRO2GURb6u8TkxdudYWvRcQtP47DhxRCWCh1MohnOVebgz7mFjE6c9lJDCvpFUMzxFxea8jRdD89qVq3NKAT/s640/IMG_0992.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I tried various grays and tans, but I wanted something different. I also couldn't find a ready made sectional with a simple style in the small footprint we needed, for less than 3k. We ended up paying $2500 for a custom sectional with warranty, which I think is great. Rather than getting a matching ottoman, I opted for this one from <a href="https://www.westelm.com/products/mae-ottoman-h2619/?pkey=e%7Cottoman%7C57%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C17&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH">West Elm</a> because I loved the simple shape and low profile. Why are all ottomans so tall? I don't want my feet elevated when I sit, thank you. Anyway, I like mixing the different pieces for a more eclectic look. The rug is discontinued from Crate and Barrel, and I wouldn't recommend it, anyway. It's literally falling apart! After spending $900, it's irritating to say the least. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JlIZJ3UgMkoyjRgHlnXrSY35OwneCdIAYCt_dctiIlihuOYzOm3V7qCwT4sX3TicNPYD6uvdjMqgq9AFxLhUS2HEnSVg48nN4WcnehgtIL6H-zjlKGtM7s2qKRTYMyFE14zs81t0L87R/s1600/IMG_9998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JlIZJ3UgMkoyjRgHlnXrSY35OwneCdIAYCt_dctiIlihuOYzOm3V7qCwT4sX3TicNPYD6uvdjMqgq9AFxLhUS2HEnSVg48nN4WcnehgtIL6H-zjlKGtM7s2qKRTYMyFE14zs81t0L87R/s640/IMG_9998.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I still want to get new pillows, but I'm waiting for the perfect ones. I also want to find cooler end tables, but I'm waiting until the little guy is a bit older. I have done my best with the shelves. It's a mix of books, photos, and candles for the most part. There are also some 'tchotchkes' and quite a bit of 'crap holder' baskets down at the bottom. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElZ_mSqok7QDTTrsExIO9jJUxPpyT9y1SjAiMh9CTLQ60_NIAglUgYolvhMfcpr-_t3Lvw9tjNZRP2NLFeYzTdQSr0GoaOPU-UcpSXnJDHt0qfOSmeGPUhDwtf3FXdK15sQekYI3zh5fZ/s1600/IMG_9999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElZ_mSqok7QDTTrsExIO9jJUxPpyT9y1SjAiMh9CTLQ60_NIAglUgYolvhMfcpr-_t3Lvw9tjNZRP2NLFeYzTdQSr0GoaOPU-UcpSXnJDHt0qfOSmeGPUhDwtf3FXdK15sQekYI3zh5fZ/s640/IMG_9999.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I still like to have this little strip of books in rainbow order, it's not 'in' anymore, but it looks pretty. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYjiZVc-2JKLMe1N_JP2cFPl8QUEqidfxAkp_EV_ZMV7XX1mZ-FnOZotGbaBoa5SSbAZlouFIHqXAw37SCm5x0hwe_Vs_c-bC-t8a4a4HjzIoeDBmf-8AeGvpINVkpBaPJeh2O0iyHIFH/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYjiZVc-2JKLMe1N_JP2cFPl8QUEqidfxAkp_EV_ZMV7XX1mZ-FnOZotGbaBoa5SSbAZlouFIHqXAw37SCm5x0hwe_Vs_c-bC-t8a4a4HjzIoeDBmf-8AeGvpINVkpBaPJeh2O0iyHIFH/s640/IMG_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The right bookcase has the majority of toys and junk. I try so hard to purge, but I end up throwing my hands up and dumping it all back into the baskets. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7u1wDAsmWQ9wTnby1MhvPLSntJVVIcIEY0ADiXKFn9AdnVWKaagiflsgc200v6EayxCKMH7gOaNFDroVjVZkiz4sFgiWghnijADtKDhMEr59r8lvlXmFJHbEUoc3Vr2BvCqy-qJZxTavU/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7u1wDAsmWQ9wTnby1MhvPLSntJVVIcIEY0ADiXKFn9AdnVWKaagiflsgc200v6EayxCKMH7gOaNFDroVjVZkiz4sFgiWghnijADtKDhMEr59r8lvlXmFJHbEUoc3Vr2BvCqy-qJZxTavU/s640/IMG_0002.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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It's ok, I think this is pretty good for a family home! I upgraded the standard Hemnes knobs on the tv stand with the mid century star backplate knobs from <a href="http://saturn-cabinet-knob-with-star-backplate/">Rejuvenation</a>. I love the look!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5Yh4QagzB2sKmONw2fMdzyHmmQsqLVAxpUd_k25qduN6igJzFNeqjRyh9yyMV-MF7I8IZwEtdJVK8IWB9mQFUPa7t6SzQ3HjUZW-EdH0IHXEJlqoyHfXtwCW8VsNcQNb85TzdZ3h10D2/s1600/IMG_9994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5Yh4QagzB2sKmONw2fMdzyHmmQsqLVAxpUd_k25qduN6igJzFNeqjRyh9yyMV-MF7I8IZwEtdJVK8IWB9mQFUPa7t6SzQ3HjUZW-EdH0IHXEJlqoyHfXtwCW8VsNcQNb85TzdZ3h10D2/s640/IMG_9994.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The dining room has a lot to talk about, so I'm going to save that for another post. Here is a look at the living room at night. We don't have a ceiling light, so we really love the Ikea lighting above the unit. Also, I just love that Amazon commercial on the tv! Almost makes me cry. Yes, I was too lazy to turn off the tv. And there you go! The most used room in our house. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcNFfnVuhcb08k6P7vzZnDiBCDry0iDqLXfLlBgElpkgc590iWv6gHkXPadlvvqCZNQbzkd0dP55eDZ52OKqC_uM6F57DpgjWyBcmCBFzaklelVLIzGUD8zeniRaUUziv64TFx12L-wZS/s1600/IMG_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcNFfnVuhcb08k6P7vzZnDiBCDry0iDqLXfLlBgElpkgc590iWv6gHkXPadlvvqCZNQbzkd0dP55eDZ52OKqC_uM6F57DpgjWyBcmCBFzaklelVLIzGUD8zeniRaUUziv64TFx12L-wZS/s640/IMG_0013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The post wouldn't be complete without some before and afters!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0uhMy06mr4uSCmRvlplerYT6fprir0tO-52Kul1PcE4xGiBa8tIoET9E-bsVUiAAr8QgWWa8Se4Tx-XSDOJ-_nmeZYyA5DLhguRu8e5FW7SLkeln27vqfB-aaj2NUY-iOISHWqA4lBKh/s1600/2017-10-09_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0uhMy06mr4uSCmRvlplerYT6fprir0tO-52Kul1PcE4xGiBa8tIoET9E-bsVUiAAr8QgWWa8Se4Tx-XSDOJ-_nmeZYyA5DLhguRu8e5FW7SLkeln27vqfB-aaj2NUY-iOISHWqA4lBKh/s640/2017-10-09_0004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1adAAU2m0XE9c88rtEyTBTzPHLoPYBvbSafaREOn6S-PbisQWWT9ugPbLDmGh_5rnpcgtXhsWxkT31qkmsG135jAvS4IP8VB5VJC_XJ3T56nyGm9kkl3zTNL4lWCxNLRy71Q0x9SOf4x/s1600/2017-10-09_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="1500" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1adAAU2m0XE9c88rtEyTBTzPHLoPYBvbSafaREOn6S-PbisQWWT9ugPbLDmGh_5rnpcgtXhsWxkT31qkmsG135jAvS4IP8VB5VJC_XJ3T56nyGm9kkl3zTNL4lWCxNLRy71Q0x9SOf4x/s640/2017-10-09_0005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9HR4wCjmExq4gyrtZsbEUFDNNhtyYjg6__F8IE1nA48iIUEZzQzYyB-sI8FwYhFlrT16UKhXuZChisXEkhfdAQDppQKUZNTyKnY_NNBgGO4t3Vi8OZyhUvsXI2sph0rFyqYcsPouCqjI/s1600/2017-10-09_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9HR4wCjmExq4gyrtZsbEUFDNNhtyYjg6__F8IE1nA48iIUEZzQzYyB-sI8FwYhFlrT16UKhXuZChisXEkhfdAQDppQKUZNTyKnY_NNBgGO4t3Vi8OZyhUvsXI2sph0rFyqYcsPouCqjI/s640/2017-10-09_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When we bought this house, there was not much to be excited about. The previous owners are very nice people, but the house was very dark and cluttered, with heavy drapes and different carpet in every room. I could see the potential, but a lot of people probably wouldn't. Here is a true before and after from when we first saw the house to now. What a difference!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtlSKSP12iNa_NtCoLvciF1I-biL6Px_1EVIULKrefP0RRll1xo7Vp9lS37f11I_HP7X1jNXsC15rli0v4U9YtR4DDcwicxZVGOY_hKuKqoPo0NWNV4D5kbyVge8zZ3vTI6864XUeKJJs/s1600/2017-10-09_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="1500" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtlSKSP12iNa_NtCoLvciF1I-biL6Px_1EVIULKrefP0RRll1xo7Vp9lS37f11I_HP7X1jNXsC15rli0v4U9YtR4DDcwicxZVGOY_hKuKqoPo0NWNV4D5kbyVge8zZ3vTI6864XUeKJJs/s640/2017-10-09_0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can't wait to share my dining room transformation with you all soon. Have a great week!</div>
Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-8909137706828267802017-09-29T12:04:00.000-07:002017-09-29T15:35:12.238-07:00Finishing the deck almost killed meI'm such a damn perfectionist, and I was losing my mind dealing with this deck. I couldn't imagine sealing over it in the condition it was in, there were a lot of very rough parts on the deck boards particularly around the screws. I spent foreverrrrr sanding all the screw areas smoother, thinking about the little feet in our family. Shaun told me I was crazy, but I'm glad I took the time. I also was totally disgusted by all the red chalk lines everywhere. Good old deck man told me they would wash right off with soap, no that is not true. Stop lying. They were very obvious, and I've come to find out that type of chalk should never be used on visible portions of projects. Figures. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAS4obseJGEbCFW-L61cikZjP-y9kaOOz2uyZ9wEzK0WoyNWn5_kJnHaBvfv2YIDwhhqHsaaBwdcr7ajrFtp0bj1VePtKKRq21NCJgwOkISJDDFFVJpAXp6dsbPWg47z4ZZWP-nwXwAy3N/s1600/Progress+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAS4obseJGEbCFW-L61cikZjP-y9kaOOz2uyZ9wEzK0WoyNWn5_kJnHaBvfv2YIDwhhqHsaaBwdcr7ajrFtp0bj1VePtKKRq21NCJgwOkISJDDFFVJpAXp6dsbPWg47z4ZZWP-nwXwAy3N/s640/Progress+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I went out of my mind trying to get them off, dawn soap, other cleaners, scrub brushes, light sandpaper, even a magic eraser! I was pretty happy with the magic eraser method initially, it seemed to work great. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8k0VUWsLTuE4N3q5tLfThUhEYGt-15F4Tkdg1G9w30FVPr0w3853-VOOL6qX5cfx_hr-khvfAcupencxXNUYdSk8vKGtSJcMvPlUJly9_WOWLcL6OpqJDQhA-grknWpm-_08ISKU90-ap/s1600/2017-09-29_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8k0VUWsLTuE4N3q5tLfThUhEYGt-15F4Tkdg1G9w30FVPr0w3853-VOOL6qX5cfx_hr-khvfAcupencxXNUYdSk8vKGtSJcMvPlUJly9_WOWLcL6OpqJDQhA-grknWpm-_08ISKU90-ap/s640/2017-09-29_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Then it dried, and it looked pretty much like I had sanded it off. Meaning, white blotches on all the boards. I knew this might happen, since magic eraser is an abrasive, but it was still a bummer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuVZewasz3g4Fby-gsLwCFPZlxhHFxyUhzvrj9e6K3mubHtzjl4AcxjgUWxR4t696LEAYaeo8Z77HtmYYkR2585nx_vyrme2LL1kd49OV4smnzV3IdQ1S_uc_ueevG9Y5wywrdLjTIUM5/s1600/Blotches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuVZewasz3g4Fby-gsLwCFPZlxhHFxyUhzvrj9e6K3mubHtzjl4AcxjgUWxR4t696LEAYaeo8Z77HtmYYkR2585nx_vyrme2LL1kd49OV4smnzV3IdQ1S_uc_ueevG9Y5wywrdLjTIUM5/s640/Blotches.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Anger!! After I did my best to remove the most obvious lines, things looked better after we used a deck cleaner on the entire thing. More about that later in this post. I had such a hard time trying to figure out what to do as far as the sealer. Our deck builder recommended Ready Seal, so I got a collection of sample cans of every color (plus fan decks on pine and cedar) through their website. It was fun to try all the different shades. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tE1baKZLP-dG-Y26zJwRNYLiSE45thOW8kru9rea8eCM4ONch4xwCcd3AvXCC4QWCwBvxd7JCP2ceD2igigXTXnJ4zP_epqfuJt4OgaC8_uCzl_OLjWz1T8-JZhE7FgHdE2uc17sfNBq/s1600/IMG_8307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tE1baKZLP-dG-Y26zJwRNYLiSE45thOW8kru9rea8eCM4ONch4xwCcd3AvXCC4QWCwBvxd7JCP2ceD2igigXTXnJ4zP_epqfuJt4OgaC8_uCzl_OLjWz1T8-JZhE7FgHdE2uc17sfNBq/s640/IMG_8307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I thought I had it all worked out to do two different shades to try to blend the pine with the cedar. Here are two scrap pieces that accurately show the difference in color:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrJXSx04r73gDRV7ZgXE9P6wYtqnu1XYxrfla-vlEWe6IoN0tYx4jllGV5BNMD3_Mt674eIrtsn8cKcMh2AcbLXlXNgUuMsyioyKWrSUFne3Ts1qMDMwfDKKKMw5-ZDFaMeXYJJQpqX6_/s1600/IMG_8078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrJXSx04r73gDRV7ZgXE9P6wYtqnu1XYxrfla-vlEWe6IoN0tYx4jllGV5BNMD3_Mt674eIrtsn8cKcMh2AcbLXlXNgUuMsyioyKWrSUFne3Ts1qMDMwfDKKKMw5-ZDFaMeXYJJQpqX6_/s640/IMG_8078.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I tested a bunch of variances, but I thought doing mahogany on the pine and golden pine on the cedar looked the best...those are the bottom two colors. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmWL5QO7EIJ7CzuKN0XX62A7ChDBxQNlRrDO_YRo9Hid7Y_9Zd7uKE1O1Czf8hVk8rQRlP4G7S5Id_rvwg0btz615mX_1zKZNZEIQYMyUjJrlXsVyG40lO1pGUVVJQgKtlHsx8woHM5Um/s1600/IMG_8082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmWL5QO7EIJ7CzuKN0XX62A7ChDBxQNlRrDO_YRo9Hid7Y_9Zd7uKE1O1Czf8hVk8rQRlP4G7S5Id_rvwg0btz615mX_1zKZNZEIQYMyUjJrlXsVyG40lO1pGUVVJQgKtlHsx8woHM5Um/s640/IMG_8082.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Then I tried doing an entire pine board with mahogany, and it looked awful. I forgot how much I hate how pine accepts stain. I also put the golden pine on the ACTUAL railing and hated it!! I didn't realize as it was going on, but it turned out so orange. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFidbxYpOi_z7cgc9XMTzO0uhM_OoQpD9sSmFB2aVU51BChQ3pb_RI4jaSSFeyBQ2VN89CSGmfNpzJSyUNR4dw27wkhiUOF-zZIbuWTGKv5TWuTrs0rETw8Pq90TIwi2xD5EeS-qRVRVmz/s1600/Golden+Pine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFidbxYpOi_z7cgc9XMTzO0uhM_OoQpD9sSmFB2aVU51BChQ3pb_RI4jaSSFeyBQ2VN89CSGmfNpzJSyUNR4dw27wkhiUOF-zZIbuWTGKv5TWuTrs0rETw8Pq90TIwi2xD5EeS-qRVRVmz/s640/Golden+Pine.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I had only sealed the top and right post. Not that it's hard to tell!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkl95NXljGAhDAB0vxNyliOGv851TAMIg9soNkNf6u5aPnlS0VKRB0sGZTFzOLGs1e0CMzY0BuMau5HgOcPv7p7KbD6lYNz0v6F7Uri9RrxqwW2L8QqiVTR2OiQbVPK3qjcpq0uI7ist4/s1600/IMG_9919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkl95NXljGAhDAB0vxNyliOGv851TAMIg9soNkNf6u5aPnlS0VKRB0sGZTFzOLGs1e0CMzY0BuMau5HgOcPv7p7KbD6lYNz0v6F7Uri9RrxqwW2L8QqiVTR2OiQbVPK3qjcpq0uI7ist4/s640/IMG_9919.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I was cursing myself for over an hour sanding this railing, but I did manage to get it all off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3iKQ88pb1TNTuGh8aZbDgzvgwydynxBxkSIZkx4DoaEM14aVw_yUppSav5Sy-oSS3xCYsGnTFxi7hBv7AZERbU75PslkuHkqvhzzebEGDjoZBxoMvog8tgF9VBDUjqN-TrEPmE3xlBkW/s1600/IMG_3991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3iKQ88pb1TNTuGh8aZbDgzvgwydynxBxkSIZkx4DoaEM14aVw_yUppSav5Sy-oSS3xCYsGnTFxi7hBv7AZERbU75PslkuHkqvhzzebEGDjoZBxoMvog8tgF9VBDUjqN-TrEPmE3xlBkW/s640/IMG_3991.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
Thank goodness! I'm an idiot. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuE71wLI3Dj-_etHIsQBVBhtOu8WjlJ9EHd2UiFkM_1kBK9Kx1p-NKlx96R47QaaeshQN2FZVw1PcgD8lTlqli4AoNrS-6fAHj5umHGVUqai3obT7Vbr6OBfkW7Bs-Pgfx6YEaCmZoZY8I/s1600/IMG_3992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuE71wLI3Dj-_etHIsQBVBhtOu8WjlJ9EHd2UiFkM_1kBK9Kx1p-NKlx96R47QaaeshQN2FZVw1PcgD8lTlqli4AoNrS-6fAHj5umHGVUqai3obT7Vbr6OBfkW7Bs-Pgfx6YEaCmZoZY8I/s640/IMG_3992.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Then I realized how badly the top of the railings had already turned silver since it was built. In these photos, I had sanded the edges, not the top. The difference between them was crazy. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgx6JHzzNBtcQJYqtN9eUumAnJOptSJeJwZL6JQ1eivgYQArnTWyvpB9kU4Xmw7nfV77pRqZ92ZiV6AnR8cwZFPgPWdllmJ-tV9U_PmWYrchrtObYQ6G1j3iWJ2imVzq5hNr_0JlH5KL6/s1600/Silver+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgx6JHzzNBtcQJYqtN9eUumAnJOptSJeJwZL6JQ1eivgYQArnTWyvpB9kU4Xmw7nfV77pRqZ92ZiV6AnR8cwZFPgPWdllmJ-tV9U_PmWYrchrtObYQ6G1j3iWJ2imVzq5hNr_0JlH5KL6/s640/Silver+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I tried using Olympic deck cleaner like my deck builder suggested, but sanding worked much better. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRS0ZYy1WUekNcngkt9QQXOoqiVstY6g0Tsu44yroel33lpy6IeNCDvfq-Xalg9YZE38YW768r8qsYN2I1mZ7gaRELQTEK75ldJCNv9Pn0WGdaqGrWjs0f51VWmCGqNikcm2I2fNrFy5XP/s1600/Silver.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRS0ZYy1WUekNcngkt9QQXOoqiVstY6g0Tsu44yroel33lpy6IeNCDvfq-Xalg9YZE38YW768r8qsYN2I1mZ7gaRELQTEK75ldJCNv9Pn0WGdaqGrWjs0f51VWmCGqNikcm2I2fNrFy5XP/s640/Silver.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The cleaner also bleached the nice patina that had developed on the pine, so we had to use the cleaner on the entire deck. I was so annoyed, but it did help with the lighter spots we made from removing the red chalk lines. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuGfe3Yy3Av6ePMLxWGdDOG5F5WuJjRBtrVZf9YtcHFqtbTnQMS7XskqeZmX_vxTrDtLbW-2iulprgfphm-juBoSQYmqxwJI_dG8uWL9ejZOP4Azhk-Rv5WzVsI55lGdhiZ2c2Yzq6MkP/s1600/IMG_3916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuGfe3Yy3Av6ePMLxWGdDOG5F5WuJjRBtrVZf9YtcHFqtbTnQMS7XskqeZmX_vxTrDtLbW-2iulprgfphm-juBoSQYmqxwJI_dG8uWL9ejZOP4Azhk-Rv5WzVsI55lGdhiZ2c2Yzq6MkP/s640/IMG_3916.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After everything got cleaned with the bleach, we made the decision to just keep it simple and do clear on the entire thing. It didn't make sense to try to even out the wood tones, and I hated the way the pine accepted any colored stains. I did compromise by taking a quart of the clear and adding the rest of the 'cedar' sample can to it for just a tiny bit of extra color - only for the top rail along the perimeter. That top rail had been bleached so badly by the sun, it was almost white. I think it made a difference in matching the top to the rest of the wood. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HCru9yjxUQSEyezq61hswJpFiNPzfcUpEEz8OrqCrL_ZMlk7vnksc9piPO6mB-MypznsvqoP3t7j25xJrCAium08kAURrb-FoQF7i9FE5JkPRHlmtsyNsokgVXk-rieqGNg7L4oUaM5q/s1600/IMG_3993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HCru9yjxUQSEyezq61hswJpFiNPzfcUpEEz8OrqCrL_ZMlk7vnksc9piPO6mB-MypznsvqoP3t7j25xJrCAium08kAURrb-FoQF7i9FE5JkPRHlmtsyNsokgVXk-rieqGNg7L4oUaM5q/s640/IMG_3993.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I was very happy with the way it turned out. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxD5npMqCwiDcgNZrhNcIrxNAF22SJaI3k27_KwjtsR8sMNo0-iwZ-yPdt-xVcEjJirx3Joj1bPqTe67JwVg9JS706jvfWjWFx-zdJyC5BbV0u1IeDRDDoNFVEm-9FCzCE3bjSJ3u09Ho/s1600/IMG_3994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxD5npMqCwiDcgNZrhNcIrxNAF22SJaI3k27_KwjtsR8sMNo0-iwZ-yPdt-xVcEjJirx3Joj1bPqTe67JwVg9JS706jvfWjWFx-zdJyC5BbV0u1IeDRDDoNFVEm-9FCzCE3bjSJ3u09Ho/s640/IMG_3994.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
After the railings were all sealed, but before we put the clear on the deck boards:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EkfKUdu4eSCl3OzEKXnlrXXZAv6XR9zKFEOSROLGZfdRPcLjeVF9rYZU4KtZ5q62R_E0CwIYP9VGZUQuVVHdTyZCaLFDsCKg7udWS04j96KKNfgoKVUmmZkTFgZxA46S1PimZNuMhb6a/s1600/IMG_9920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EkfKUdu4eSCl3OzEKXnlrXXZAv6XR9zKFEOSROLGZfdRPcLjeVF9rYZU4KtZ5q62R_E0CwIYP9VGZUQuVVHdTyZCaLFDsCKg7udWS04j96KKNfgoKVUmmZkTFgZxA46S1PimZNuMhb6a/s640/IMG_9920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Even the clear sealer left a very amber look to the cedar, which is not my favorite, but to be expected with an outdoor oil-based product. And the floor was done in a flash, I initially tried to use a roller, but it used way too much sealer and wasn't any faster. A large brush and lots of bending was the fastest way. The final product:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkjuI11_LDJJv5GvHjAW4S0IdThttmRbWr3LGIyOIS9ZgQcxy6J-QW4ugjY0xCyAdNjtkYONPhwcAGIzClOycE5Jvfb2kLdavGeLs84xjDUh5ubguOGlgJCq2t01Wx-fsQ5CntpEpbKuH/s1600/After+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkjuI11_LDJJv5GvHjAW4S0IdThttmRbWr3LGIyOIS9ZgQcxy6J-QW4ugjY0xCyAdNjtkYONPhwcAGIzClOycE5Jvfb2kLdavGeLs84xjDUh5ubguOGlgJCq2t01Wx-fsQ5CntpEpbKuH/s640/After+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I was a little disappointed by how orange the railings turned out, and how the rough cedar that is wrapped on the outside of the deck is SO dark compared to the rest, but it's really growing on me. It just looks like wood, and I'll take the natural look of wood over composite or painted decking any day. Here are some additional photos of how it looks right now:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3td4o8vD8Nd8uYajgXJ-pyUDN1Vykj-1hsxLVgOAQWdoukaQd7O2HN-V_c7j9KWIs75boZXul9SZ71HHL-uI95SupIzI7sLH5hzXWJk1DQU5GjK_r_xEN6MOhSsB3OvYQzUOTFVjiuJn0/s1600/IMG_0418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3td4o8vD8Nd8uYajgXJ-pyUDN1Vykj-1hsxLVgOAQWdoukaQd7O2HN-V_c7j9KWIs75boZXul9SZ71HHL-uI95SupIzI7sLH5hzXWJk1DQU5GjK_r_xEN6MOhSsB3OvYQzUOTFVjiuJn0/s640/IMG_0418.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I love all the knots on the cedar. I plan to plant tall shrubs/grasses in front of the greenish framing so you don't notice that as much....and eventually, we will put in a patio at the bottom of the stairs running to the edge of the deck. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJQlbBCSf3FDk7EqIqG8mSgfbIvQdUUaiFxiidwvpPYy9f5GWV1WyddFVrRDkcKp5VDN5bOc8EtUDDxFfsa5OATV7X9woXulxKZEOHb35JvLgNJMzWF-qrt0wdyFxJ6xDuhWrBf5Sw7w8/s1600/IMG_0410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJQlbBCSf3FDk7EqIqG8mSgfbIvQdUUaiFxiidwvpPYy9f5GWV1WyddFVrRDkcKp5VDN5bOc8EtUDDxFfsa5OATV7X9woXulxKZEOHb35JvLgNJMzWF-qrt0wdyFxJ6xDuhWrBf5Sw7w8/s640/IMG_0410.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This is the board in particular that is so dark and distracting, but there isn't much we can do about it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2oH9pH48BxFq9WpwSWdOvlqLQuUlYwP2mzfOr9_JAwlNhj8osnScu9g0jV7R5A4aS8LS_vMObRNuS1jMYeBaFI7ahViCf_hsvHNiVRnZ_-0L6CXv-O2h2YHAKjUdeIkQx66Rr9LtTzrq/s1600/IMG_0412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2oH9pH48BxFq9WpwSWdOvlqLQuUlYwP2mzfOr9_JAwlNhj8osnScu9g0jV7R5A4aS8LS_vMObRNuS1jMYeBaFI7ahViCf_hsvHNiVRnZ_-0L6CXv-O2h2YHAKjUdeIkQx66Rr9LtTzrq/s640/IMG_0412.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Lots of different wood tones in this corner!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbmfMPEZs8FMtQOqzIeHgwt8vJ6tmeEQu09LeiN53yhoSl9m2JDReagTYMwas_vC9bem_VTi5SDbTjsMRN9dlHvNeAa5gY1A4hTdjF767WQaACXWv1MPvITfMrMJWz6C-bsvr2Z8BuzsL/s1600/IMG_0414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbmfMPEZs8FMtQOqzIeHgwt8vJ6tmeEQu09LeiN53yhoSl9m2JDReagTYMwas_vC9bem_VTi5SDbTjsMRN9dlHvNeAa5gY1A4hTdjF767WQaACXWv1MPvITfMrMJWz6C-bsvr2Z8BuzsL/s640/IMG_0414.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And that is the end of my story. I'm very glad it's over, and I'm sure we will be sealing it every single summer since there isn't much UV protection in a clear coating like this. Here is a little before and after sealer photo for fun:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5KPEbzs2P95FDA4RsmMkyQscUryjYGJP2qocSIyMqUOYA0Vve9MWccWTaX9axBxs4cDg3Yqfjp4iTdwKvP16M31I_nzDzzfYq-a-Ye-tQOw_zWHPdKyaLVmPNGsFun9F7C8VZtowPfIo/s1600/2017-09-29_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5KPEbzs2P95FDA4RsmMkyQscUryjYGJP2qocSIyMqUOYA0Vve9MWccWTaX9axBxs4cDg3Yqfjp4iTdwKvP16M31I_nzDzzfYq-a-Ye-tQOw_zWHPdKyaLVmPNGsFun9F7C8VZtowPfIo/s640/2017-09-29_0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
If you are curious about Ready Seal, it is a very nice product and very easy to use. I would definitely recommend it! <br />
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Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-35586024524058692642017-08-29T08:16:00.000-07:002017-08-29T11:02:41.244-07:00Little thingsWhile I am still in the mess of sealing our deck (it's a very long, tortuous story) I thought I'd share some smaller projects I did around the outside in the couple kid-free hours I have during the week. The first was on the side of the house. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYJlQmFG7sKYd60bqW8kG-1Bs494T0XJq9qVCo5hBFjqe_AFYENkw60OUDmtpfUT5QIJ9ZePxXc8XHzAU_HHoMC7Ld_EcniF6qkEmK_PgT7VFW4qQyhyBtnfhc8DHZvN2P6jF2deGhzVp/s1600/IMG_3804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYJlQmFG7sKYd60bqW8kG-1Bs494T0XJq9qVCo5hBFjqe_AFYENkw60OUDmtpfUT5QIJ9ZePxXc8XHzAU_HHoMC7Ld_EcniF6qkEmK_PgT7VFW4qQyhyBtnfhc8DHZvN2P6jF2deGhzVp/s640/IMG_3804.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This rusty, ugly meter had always bothered me, but I didn't do anything about it until I wanted to plant a perennial right next to it. I figured it I was going to paint it, now was the time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2g5BdsmJ-16PFgDaGedxKkL2Mukf_VTjNBicRaneHp5uOphKQ7Us2Fxw34RdY1vmwp-FgsWNT-I37rIPjTRGNJMcIFCHz7A7FkDIFdoPmkb-22Iu26FeLI1oBv23Cw0Iju4a3Qixt6o3n/s1600/IMG_3803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2g5BdsmJ-16PFgDaGedxKkL2Mukf_VTjNBicRaneHp5uOphKQ7Us2Fxw34RdY1vmwp-FgsWNT-I37rIPjTRGNJMcIFCHz7A7FkDIFdoPmkb-22Iu26FeLI1oBv23Cw0Iju4a3Qixt6o3n/s640/IMG_3803.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I had already started painting on the rusty metal primer when I snapped these photos. After scrubbing everything with a wire brush, of course. But this is pretty much what it looked like. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVCJE2cljQYj5CJ2dYF6WQY2x_OpwDl9T9Ogh3FOZuC4ftTzyqhyckOWqi4otL5pOdwltq3PCKUzcX435kcTQU9Gal6y_LAiXKuIdJkEFTdYTqOUV0FRwlMvFAcNhuc_5rYs-xxzZDNy7/s1600/IMG_3805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVCJE2cljQYj5CJ2dYF6WQY2x_OpwDl9T9Ogh3FOZuC4ftTzyqhyckOWqi4otL5pOdwltq3PCKUzcX435kcTQU9Gal6y_LAiXKuIdJkEFTdYTqOUV0FRwlMvFAcNhuc_5rYs-xxzZDNy7/s640/IMG_3805.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I considered painting it cream to match the siding, but I just thought it would get dirty and look a little 'grandma,' so I went with a more modern approach. And here it is after a nice coat of black flat rustoleum!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpF_ocxA7Sipw4fKgfpU8sCG6v0ftTDJ9PzdvdeJcp6wU7QlBDqOqcudv9NrN9QWezmVbwbDp-Tg-N8UqpCTj2sWWhmCmmnwAjF33krIwmfhtjRo0hNUj9x3gyEILk-xGdmU1wGUqpFm8j/s1600/IMG_8630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpF_ocxA7Sipw4fKgfpU8sCG6v0ftTDJ9PzdvdeJcp6wU7QlBDqOqcudv9NrN9QWezmVbwbDp-Tg-N8UqpCTj2sWWhmCmmnwAjF33krIwmfhtjRo0hNUj9x3gyEILk-xGdmU1wGUqpFm8j/s640/IMG_8630.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
You really can't see that much of it since the hydrangea and juniper are so big, and they will only get bigger. I'm really pleased with it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZYqp_gV24pG_El74kmvUWZS5LfitQzf-ZFSlD0LZONoTNfp_kf9lzxhnlpKOG12z-cSFywyjlM_24aym8oHNGOjDaVGserN8EKPFB2__6eNURRb8kT7jeumiZbc1iMTLLW3wMtnGEOcR/s1600/IMG_8631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZYqp_gV24pG_El74kmvUWZS5LfitQzf-ZFSlD0LZONoTNfp_kf9lzxhnlpKOG12z-cSFywyjlM_24aym8oHNGOjDaVGserN8EKPFB2__6eNURRb8kT7jeumiZbc1iMTLLW3wMtnGEOcR/s640/IMG_8631.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This side of the house is a little bit of a bummer for me, if I'm being honest. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhA7NXEZVrPpLuH0wMsYQkyYiKZHiaFVGKPQkHqRd4RbS8yiCXqnXSq_qn2p0BLWcjCnUczIgjgSzIwsbemfQD1N4vI7l2n4hDAv-FU3gZ2uX_LUdXNAFu5UmxAn87lEoHah0CIyr_V95/s1600/IMG_9682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhA7NXEZVrPpLuH0wMsYQkyYiKZHiaFVGKPQkHqRd4RbS8yiCXqnXSq_qn2p0BLWcjCnUczIgjgSzIwsbemfQD1N4vI7l2n4hDAv-FU3gZ2uX_LUdXNAFu5UmxAn87lEoHah0CIyr_V95/s640/IMG_9682.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wish we had planted a couple tall things against the house, and some shrubs that flower in the spring/early summer instead of a row of hydrangeas. They don't start blooming until July, so the whole side is totally green and boring until then. Rookie move! I tried to remedy this by putting Siberian Irises in on the sides, so we will have tall purple flowers in the spring while the hydrangeas are getting started. I also put early-flowering low perennials in the front to help spruce it up. I may still move the two small hydrangeas on either side of the large middle one, I'm just not sure. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDmI0tKdC9tPCHfDtPtfEANjgg-WW9WGQP2Y3AyEvK0ZMIpvMxDIp2EBZJIygIqtlYeFJESZP0Dj9MMjDHJdKPNtseCjjLe6tERWan6ho_dWiY6pFdiPntm-Y2L0WlqT_hxPJJ0bCu053/s1600/IMG_9684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDmI0tKdC9tPCHfDtPtfEANjgg-WW9WGQP2Y3AyEvK0ZMIpvMxDIp2EBZJIygIqtlYeFJESZP0Dj9MMjDHJdKPNtseCjjLe6tERWan6ho_dWiY6pFdiPntm-Y2L0WlqT_hxPJJ0bCu053/s640/IMG_9684.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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At any rate, the meter looks nicer and everything is pretty while it's blooming. I also scraped, primed, and painted the railing on our front porch with the same paint. After I started scraping and wire-brushing, it became obvious they had used a pretty saturated red paint on the railing at one point. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q_93NeYDyy5IjRC4WkB2PJRZ0vKRRu80ml9LzAhF_3rsG6y7mBApTmIPdql3IhQroHM8fhCEjjb_Ez7lod6IyDiogG3E5fuAADDN90YvOq4Ri72nB45PU-s1hc7r8PXCuDHcblSis4WB/s1600/IMG_3244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q_93NeYDyy5IjRC4WkB2PJRZ0vKRRu80ml9LzAhF_3rsG6y7mBApTmIPdql3IhQroHM8fhCEjjb_Ez7lod6IyDiogG3E5fuAADDN90YvOq4Ri72nB45PU-s1hc7r8PXCuDHcblSis4WB/s640/IMG_3244.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There was also a ton of rot and rust, I just coated it well and plan to use an epoxy to fill the holes next summer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygATxsFVJmTtf86-o41s-PQHy4ftURtqtI1W8bEJzbGLEbOro0pLWB5FE7HiR__thxSNj08J9VFPs-MZNB6_RgE5Ra-MkMpKSLIigSgaMhZyEEn81gCJaVY9itE47phePqFdo2PpRwoKz/s1600/IMG_3246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygATxsFVJmTtf86-o41s-PQHy4ftURtqtI1W8bEJzbGLEbOro0pLWB5FE7HiR__thxSNj08J9VFPs-MZNB6_RgE5Ra-MkMpKSLIigSgaMhZyEEn81gCJaVY9itE47phePqFdo2PpRwoKz/s640/IMG_3246.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Rust!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGoUNRK3xZKcNpGqW4vlYNni_92pJITBshmSSDKqNwdCtsq9YToKACjGGPTAULZ-seGy7rdQbC-mgROamYDaPBizJ2zUYkYIJZ_5KUaAkKnO2_zdveM441kNK7eKk0xXGU31JPVbaBp7c/s1600/IMG_3247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGoUNRK3xZKcNpGqW4vlYNni_92pJITBshmSSDKqNwdCtsq9YToKACjGGPTAULZ-seGy7rdQbC-mgROamYDaPBizJ2zUYkYIJZ_5KUaAkKnO2_zdveM441kNK7eKk0xXGU31JPVbaBp7c/s640/IMG_3247.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I decided to use the rusty metal primer on the entire thing, rather than just the bad spots. I wasn't sure how the black would cover an unprimed area, so I played it safe. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT54_2UUCecjJVw2mP7SV8Q76JdgBPP1NHluKovhUL194GVGQvtXTpjoTFA1azlo5QZQAYWhcW5VMu8idZZFNlyFJ5MobzI64e8tkd3lkNQt0GdYFViZiygcHVFvkenRwt6yoYSJKTzAOh/s1600/IMG_3248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT54_2UUCecjJVw2mP7SV8Q76JdgBPP1NHluKovhUL194GVGQvtXTpjoTFA1azlo5QZQAYWhcW5VMu8idZZFNlyFJ5MobzI64e8tkd3lkNQt0GdYFViZiygcHVFvkenRwt6yoYSJKTzAOh/s640/IMG_3248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Here is an action shot of me allll the way up on a ladder taking care of the top. I made sure to do this while the mailman was making his rounds, so if I fell someone would hear my screaming. Note my foot is on the 'This is not a step' part. Don't worry, I didn't put any weight on it, it was just for balance while I put all my weight on the wobbly, rotting railing. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRclY-98C4mK0mJr8uTml6LegtpLI0uiYH89uBHS6Voed23zsgACKIfLKf0bGsDxmeLSknoZCPo11mYeZmE-UeI0TIb-2chiYu2VEctItOQrXIV5BMPAehIUeX91eCY-34aPCZHFBS-eDF/s1600/On+ladder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRclY-98C4mK0mJr8uTml6LegtpLI0uiYH89uBHS6Voed23zsgACKIfLKf0bGsDxmeLSknoZCPo11mYeZmE-UeI0TIb-2chiYu2VEctItOQrXIV5BMPAehIUeX91eCY-34aPCZHFBS-eDF/s640/On+ladder.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Of course, the kids wanted to help. Not sure if he realized I gave him a dry brush.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL0XCwcYrmzLyHCDaKyAnmyn2pLeNEFpeJ2T80iYCnDYBu7BopJ2pzEj4W3U7p4FSEnQMhth6iQS9ajEDBEvNGkJfjWgsbA8HTpZ8QOxd_pH67ceZ2VuxtzJOoO6fMaX5EkC2H0KfyvrD/s1600/IMG_4362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL0XCwcYrmzLyHCDaKyAnmyn2pLeNEFpeJ2T80iYCnDYBu7BopJ2pzEj4W3U7p4FSEnQMhth6iQS9ajEDBEvNGkJfjWgsbA8HTpZ8QOxd_pH67ceZ2VuxtzJOoO6fMaX5EkC2H0KfyvrD/s640/IMG_4362.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Painting all those curly parts twice was torture. I really wish I could've just ripped out this whole thing, but we don't have the money. It was so satisfying to see it newly painted black, that I used the paint on an old plant stand, too. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacKEUe-39n-lSi5gFbAst0H4LXmaf6aQ2Pjp5cE2nefiuBZKn-6IZ0Yx9Z51KQLRpX3m_enWD-0zDFChCyQpCf2wbutJj1rqIx1bQouy814-uT1cjCBWinagt_GDEzgSZJerVtlOP2Sv9/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacKEUe-39n-lSi5gFbAst0H4LXmaf6aQ2Pjp5cE2nefiuBZKn-6IZ0Yx9Z51KQLRpX3m_enWD-0zDFChCyQpCf2wbutJj1rqIx1bQouy814-uT1cjCBWinagt_GDEzgSZJerVtlOP2Sv9/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Here is a series of photos showing before, scraped, half primed, painted. Love it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9j_Pi5dBFRrMKF_BoqPN99MqD8CO0cdVeHLh0zxNI5rI-5RKclgTVzthX9HfYihvtXyvQN1YVRBBB1_A7GvYCfTBmavM-04tGrtlwp5tw7DQiFjrhA9mNruWo5YpiN8j-BPqXQUWktGX_/s1600/2017-08-28_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="1200" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9j_Pi5dBFRrMKF_BoqPN99MqD8CO0cdVeHLh0zxNI5rI-5RKclgTVzthX9HfYihvtXyvQN1YVRBBB1_A7GvYCfTBmavM-04tGrtlwp5tw7DQiFjrhA9mNruWo5YpiN8j-BPqXQUWktGX_/s640/2017-08-28_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And our honeysuckle vine is all the way to the top already! It's not doing so well right now, but it grew like crazy this summer. I'm working on the health of the plant now, and I'm excited to see what happens next year. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaEdgm7k3rNrp1YxlidabZahwiei_0adrabC813ACE8rpvv1sTf0K43IPAI4h1TPDGQDaf_y-hIt4rKZNdwG6GJq51ShczJJn7IsBWs0a8tQim418OLuR_hWRy_21KnhDO835AjPdz9QU/s1600/Vine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaEdgm7k3rNrp1YxlidabZahwiei_0adrabC813ACE8rpvv1sTf0K43IPAI4h1TPDGQDaf_y-hIt4rKZNdwG6GJq51ShczJJn7IsBWs0a8tQim418OLuR_hWRy_21KnhDO835AjPdz9QU/s640/Vine.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The last project we did out here was something we've wanted for awhile - landscape lighting. I kept putting it off because I was intimidated by all the 'stuff' you need, then I finally just went to Lowes and saw how simple it really was. Anyone can do this themselves! Here is what I bought, (not pictured is 7 more spot lights and a 100 foot roll of low-voltage landscape wire):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyqW8w0PH6MjNCuBzf6a5NCBXNaWD2i3FNzHO6Mzk0QHfeze24p8BbhUkfVPdDTH_BsoQlEMZM-9Otr-IdaCVGDFUvUeEIlO3Lf2NY1tCzTBcZswIPOWAUegfEkxDeMO4BbJrOiZhTYPP/s1600/Landscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyqW8w0PH6MjNCuBzf6a5NCBXNaWD2i3FNzHO6Mzk0QHfeze24p8BbhUkfVPdDTH_BsoQlEMZM-9Otr-IdaCVGDFUvUeEIlO3Lf2NY1tCzTBcZswIPOWAUegfEkxDeMO4BbJrOiZhTYPP/s640/Landscape.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I just ran the wire where I wanted, and I actually cut some of the roll off to go over to the other side in between our driveway and sidewalk. There is a rather large crack between the step and the sidewalk, so it fits ok in there and runs to one of the two receptacles on the power pack. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQnyFmx_JdS5F8g6qIbvuWlG0xMDBVUONgdOgDNLQ0YHIg1s8u4c99jphcH6WAnbyny5Fq8RTl8e23_QCdZq8tA1Yc-p-aePVTgtTiVf5AtwfQhd2x6MhUNbCeeDT7pf3FI2VGOpGOBon/s1600/FullSizeRender_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQnyFmx_JdS5F8g6qIbvuWlG0xMDBVUONgdOgDNLQ0YHIg1s8u4c99jphcH6WAnbyny5Fq8RTl8e23_QCdZq8tA1Yc-p-aePVTgtTiVf5AtwfQhd2x6MhUNbCeeDT7pf3FI2VGOpGOBon/s640/FullSizeRender_4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once the wire was ran with a generous amount for repositioning down the line, I just screwed the spot lights onto the included stakes, and clamped the provided connectors onto the wire. It has tiny little teeth that pierce the plastic on the wire, so easy! The only tool you need is a wire stripper for the ends of the wire to connect to the power pack. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGsoyIqLPClAYpVICXgKDiiwELgMsoPZuIwzUCEw3d7yoB745FzVAISTyZjh0usKotVGneieLW7269OGIy6WR83sHCnNfryjhYybR02UdDVZUP_uvFzCnNNy1XI6fI2IK7HZXpg17y5-g/s1600/FullSizeRender_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGsoyIqLPClAYpVICXgKDiiwELgMsoPZuIwzUCEw3d7yoB745FzVAISTyZjh0usKotVGneieLW7269OGIy6WR83sHCnNfryjhYybR02UdDVZUP_uvFzCnNNy1XI6fI2IK7HZXpg17y5-g/s640/FullSizeRender_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Speaking of power pack, I forgot to take a picture of the wiring, and I'm not interested in removing the thing from the ground to see the bottom. Here is a stock photo where you see the two inputs for wiring:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tFChdTCtIlE1uijpMo2u_3YNfWnJ9XhCb2Jm1pfxh4c3jo0ImxoLMr2iRfioslxKJymb8KvFWGk4goibTfUHI0O9NCvRDoeAWIQcI4-ed9bhreBBgpqOkwW9yjgIo6Wap-wrdqQqfT6t/s1600/pOWER+PACK+WIRING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="845" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tFChdTCtIlE1uijpMo2u_3YNfWnJ9XhCb2Jm1pfxh4c3jo0ImxoLMr2iRfioslxKJymb8KvFWGk4goibTfUHI0O9NCvRDoeAWIQcI4-ed9bhreBBgpqOkwW9yjgIo6Wap-wrdqQqfT6t/s640/pOWER+PACK+WIRING.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Number 1 holds the wiring for the area to the left of the sidewalk, and number 2 holds the wiring for the rest of the front planting area. After I stripped the coating off the ends of the wires, the two sections simply get placed under the screw and plate and tightened with a screwdriver. So easy! Since this is on the bottom, the unit needs to be elevated and can be mounted to your house. I chose not to do that, instead I bought a $20 stand for the pack. It isn't super visible, and will look even better once the rose and coneflowers get larger. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76t6gQmP4mFR2RxLt8xAE2mXPB4IyksH3abR8OPLYKFHtpuk9ZPHfCNH4DFfwqDFxlaUpfM-mx4t0Sy0PVSFx6FK7HZQYjgc5h3ECExuG199aB5R5vrHLYxpXjqZUxcgto37jR4mDEv86/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76t6gQmP4mFR2RxLt8xAE2mXPB4IyksH3abR8OPLYKFHtpuk9ZPHfCNH4DFfwqDFxlaUpfM-mx4t0Sy0PVSFx6FK7HZQYjgc5h3ECExuG199aB5R5vrHLYxpXjqZUxcgto37jR4mDEv86/s640/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I still have to remove the white tags from the cord and bury all the wire before the ground freezes. Maybe this project isn't so small!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHGS5vOeH2BhAwATQidgDg7p6o4E7ukhVmNFAhqkYg1nkq5lUGgGdbR4Mpcf0boVQQkP7Dd_qeMfEI42ky1y6SxiG8DOp4Y4USayDx-2hbxjoLxr4TrpgUAjXFNJKly2BfJBzMaPrMiyz/s1600/FullSizeRender_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHGS5vOeH2BhAwATQidgDg7p6o4E7ukhVmNFAhqkYg1nkq5lUGgGdbR4Mpcf0boVQQkP7Dd_qeMfEI42ky1y6SxiG8DOp4Y4USayDx-2hbxjoLxr4TrpgUAjXFNJKly2BfJBzMaPrMiyz/s640/FullSizeRender_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anyway, here it is at night. I am in love with this look! Very dramatic, and highlights our landscaping so well! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQshrVeH8DXEYvMQC1yqyGZrN2TihuEWoLQv_mCuZMTESgrr4b2HNAJHlZDp3fuDKZf0G0arGTR42ZYdFm9Ek7gu4BPtpd3XWWBzS4nPHgu0blIi_XeMhx2zW-b13ZRIJv_tSsWB62Jm63/s1600/IMG_8626-website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQshrVeH8DXEYvMQC1yqyGZrN2TihuEWoLQv_mCuZMTESgrr4b2HNAJHlZDp3fuDKZf0G0arGTR42ZYdFm9Ek7gu4BPtpd3XWWBzS4nPHgu0blIi_XeMhx2zW-b13ZRIJv_tSsWB62Jm63/s640/IMG_8626-website.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The spot lights come with different 'lens covers' depending on the kind of light you want. This is standard, warm light. There is a 'moonlight' option that is supposed to be a cooler light, but I like this because it matches the bulbs in our porch lights. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv3W13djrAKfOf_wIWt6wjeVzRFnu3YJL8ukJMOBHq-tJyeKER3xIBX5QJfZU_GzwKTH5DX9iDNrTAZkHywl17UxQKoQ8GegsramwE-8ed_6_qCT2xm7HijTVA8LgM9cc8qc7WNmGdvlt/s1600/IMG_8628-Website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv3W13djrAKfOf_wIWt6wjeVzRFnu3YJL8ukJMOBHq-tJyeKER3xIBX5QJfZU_GzwKTH5DX9iDNrTAZkHywl17UxQKoQ8GegsramwE-8ed_6_qCT2xm7HijTVA8LgM9cc8qc7WNmGdvlt/s640/IMG_8628-Website.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I still have one spot light to put somewhere, not sure where it will end up. <a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/Portfolio-4-5-Watt-20-W-Equivalent-Specialty-Textured-Bronze-Low-Voltage-LED-Spot-Light/50322093">Lowes</a> gives you a 10% discount if you buy at least three lights at a time, so plan accordingly! I'm also thinking we must add some lighting the other side of the house, we just don't have an outlet over there, so it would be challenging. I'd love to light up my blue spruce globe tree, especially!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SSVKE9t0930QZWCbU76g0cUilOUgU9xMyf7HxkPNdTmQQN3JyJnIKMEX9iqWh6H4LY_0btNYr_YMzeiX24UlSihRseciDKi0Pz76rzikN2yyb3qIP0LXgOlF-YNeKkzg7FzNEGknS_-h/s1600/IMG_9940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SSVKE9t0930QZWCbU76g0cUilOUgU9xMyf7HxkPNdTmQQN3JyJnIKMEX9iqWh6H4LY_0btNYr_YMzeiX24UlSihRseciDKi0Pz76rzikN2yyb3qIP0LXgOlF-YNeKkzg7FzNEGknS_-h/s640/IMG_9940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The landscape lighting cost me about $350 and a couple hours of time when it was all said and done. Well worth it, in my opinion! Hope you all are enjoying the last days of summer! </div>
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Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-69205993549140645242017-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:002017-08-08T08:00:27.430-07:00We got a new deckSo, the entire summer we've been stressing over and paying installments for a brand new deck! I still have to seal the wood...but here it is!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmjvdQ57LNvyDXYQ8gWNnPnItBtTnwiClI8P69GRTQ8qDakfNDJSBHN6PzD5-5Be30yWbAH7KuwwJibah_4TeTmq-_GDEjMnC3LI03XbAEkL6tek7xnxCZderc197iVonQuv27p24KwHh/s1600/After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmjvdQ57LNvyDXYQ8gWNnPnItBtTnwiClI8P69GRTQ8qDakfNDJSBHN6PzD5-5Be30yWbAH7KuwwJibah_4TeTmq-_GDEjMnC3LI03XbAEkL6tek7xnxCZderc197iVonQuv27p24KwHh/s640/After.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Not sure if I've really shared many photos of the sad 14'x14' deck we had before, but here it is in all it's glory. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8PfRh-Ksv3eUHMtlNrvzRU83vhyspjYRMs3V9ISFC-9jnh7QzvVz4n6zQrkB73xZmyw4Hstn5hFQsZpNHPDTKyM1yAzYefXT_9TJdnr1puo9e7vfzBuEzoQbOuH3C23w-JW0HHZ42UAq/s1600/Before+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8PfRh-Ksv3eUHMtlNrvzRU83vhyspjYRMs3V9ISFC-9jnh7QzvVz4n6zQrkB73xZmyw4Hstn5hFQsZpNHPDTKyM1yAzYefXT_9TJdnr1puo9e7vfzBuEzoQbOuH3C23w-JW0HHZ42UAq/s640/Before+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQfUUMRXmMKbkKZw60zTqPFImYBphmQD8VOL-KTHSNtVNv9N0AP-RL-gsQBWRm-KOBVQJT6PI1taNkg8s3252sxhDZHzUsIRe64foAVEsVcrLo0rkByZGIfgCVb6kHofQp_MfgRE9wEuj/s1600/Before+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQfUUMRXmMKbkKZw60zTqPFImYBphmQD8VOL-KTHSNtVNv9N0AP-RL-gsQBWRm-KOBVQJT6PI1taNkg8s3252sxhDZHzUsIRe64foAVEsVcrLo0rkByZGIfgCVb6kHofQp_MfgRE9wEuj/s640/Before+%25285%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_ZGnBcOhr_l606F4N33sMZ45dcpgntYZuCEItu-qysJNGhJb99I0z9-G1hE88ZQ_ERSqdxTKg_zjckqUIZqB63Rr7WEiTYfs9r1bHjO2Jy5FaCWPwk8pcrQ9iFqscAL76GutprSHaptz/s1600/Before+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_ZGnBcOhr_l606F4N33sMZ45dcpgntYZuCEItu-qysJNGhJb99I0z9-G1hE88ZQ_ERSqdxTKg_zjckqUIZqB63Rr7WEiTYfs9r1bHjO2Jy5FaCWPwk8pcrQ9iFqscAL76GutprSHaptz/s640/Before+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And the best view, the wonky leaning stairs. This photo is not altered in any way. Whenever family or friends express surprise that we didn't just 'fix up the deck' I show them this photo. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHYvodNxJ7WKD_k2XDsqdOns7DThNWw9fSb9_3YELc5isMHfTmVRlQaqxFyzZ_v6NdE0VuLW0Qj1d7E5sBNiPBZaER-dt61ecyCmFrN3xPFhYWezxoRKVGw-XsJzuL08zV7EiFJLva3oF/s1600/Before+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHYvodNxJ7WKD_k2XDsqdOns7DThNWw9fSb9_3YELc5isMHfTmVRlQaqxFyzZ_v6NdE0VuLW0Qj1d7E5sBNiPBZaER-dt61ecyCmFrN3xPFhYWezxoRKVGw-XsJzuL08zV7EiFJLva3oF/s640/Before+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The stairs were absolutely falling apart, the stringer was totally cracked at the top, and of course they were sinking into the ground. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFq5hdgXpAjsjrlJAjbvbpykZ9Z7nJLz3fyaBKG2pESLfmfWGT25n7jcponbBdu2RHdCRrewMJLD_4D-wOLUU-tWqkwPDAx65f3GCZqpn9dxJB5wOhWHkM-YZSfL9F6i34-cdiVp2mPLht/s1600/IMG_2815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFq5hdgXpAjsjrlJAjbvbpykZ9Z7nJLz3fyaBKG2pESLfmfWGT25n7jcponbBdu2RHdCRrewMJLD_4D-wOLUU-tWqkwPDAx65f3GCZqpn9dxJB5wOhWHkM-YZSfL9F6i34-cdiVp2mPLht/s640/IMG_2815.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Not to mention all the rotted wood, we were finding more and more spots after the previous owner's attempt to camouflage the worn deck started peeling off. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQRpxfFsJM0m3IsDTTYcvdnQ60JZ3-w-P9NwL-PgazoDfq3noA76EbGygQNpUb_lYJZhQoIbIWTB1-MFK48-_-e054fhp0xDRqcVP7aOdghfcnTlRM52s0cCjZCTcizfStE1DycWRa6Ia/s1600/Before+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQRpxfFsJM0m3IsDTTYcvdnQ60JZ3-w-P9NwL-PgazoDfq3noA76EbGygQNpUb_lYJZhQoIbIWTB1-MFK48-_-e054fhp0xDRqcVP7aOdghfcnTlRM52s0cCjZCTcizfStE1DycWRa6Ia/s640/Before+%25284%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Are you thinking about trying 'Deck Over' on your old deck? I wouldn't recommend it! It peels off after one winter. Rather than trying to fix what we had, and spend who knows how much making the stairway safe/replacing it, we decided to just replace the entire deck and enjoy it as long as we live here. This way, we could configure the stairs in a more logical spot near the door, and we could make the deck bigger since we use it all the time. I had three contractors come bid, and two were very high (over 15K!) for a 21x14 deck, the third was around 9k and came recommended by neighbors, so we hired them. I won't lie, the process was terribly stressful. This hole in our siding was there for several days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpJTyO3mRJyjPwkMxJzgyxKHufCfYLTHzs7-kxKLMGfNXwMA_bAfYyRPTzNOBc4xb0nfircnoWWnKG6-T0ZSSHSYwwkyFZy1CnYPDaevDUkJANJTGvWJIZAn17mjb7Izcyjwjj-fr2aOn/s1600/Deck-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpJTyO3mRJyjPwkMxJzgyxKHufCfYLTHzs7-kxKLMGfNXwMA_bAfYyRPTzNOBc4xb0nfircnoWWnKG6-T0ZSSHSYwwkyFZy1CnYPDaevDUkJANJTGvWJIZAn17mjb7Izcyjwjj-fr2aOn/s640/Deck-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I quickly found out why this company was so cheap. The communication was bad, and only about half of my requests made it from the owner to the guys doing the actual work. If I hadn't been home while they were working, the deck would not have been as long as it should be (I wanted it to reach the end of the dining room window) the far end would've been angled instead of straight, the stairs would've been in the wrong spot, and the Trex lighting would not have been added. Whew! Luckily, I was there and everything was done properly. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VcVYXZxTzTT3dLQNcv0DA-Nx8EH5Jle6D-B0rcHpq5ZAOBS5q9ZpGD7zO-PauLWP8Z_cX_eE9R4hvw46XUogFLJHpRtiM6YufQ0UF4xjPqzjmjnurZehoTWjWU0wXBn0cfoQUyAtmIUj/s1600/Deck-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VcVYXZxTzTT3dLQNcv0DA-Nx8EH5Jle6D-B0rcHpq5ZAOBS5q9ZpGD7zO-PauLWP8Z_cX_eE9R4hvw46XUogFLJHpRtiM6YufQ0UF4xjPqzjmjnurZehoTWjWU0wXBn0cfoQUyAtmIUj/s640/Deck-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We don't like the look of composite decking, so we opted to go with pine decking and cedar railings. I didn't want cedar on the floor because of how easy it is to scratch, and our deck guy wouldn't do pine railings because of the tendency of pine to twist. He upgraded the railings to cedar for just a couple hundred extra.<br />
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When it started coming together, it was very exciting!<br />
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Our deck guy wrapped the entire frame with cedar at no cost, which was great because the pine framing is not attractive. You can see it half-wrapped above. At his suggestion, we did a landing for the stairway. If the kids fall, they will only go down 5 steps instead of 8! We totally love it. <br />
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We opted for the modern black aluminum balusters, and we are so glad we paid a little extra for this. It totally changes the look of the deck. <br />
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You can really see in this photo the difference in shade between the cedar railings and the pine decking. I will admit, I hate the difference, but I think once I stain/seal it will match better. <br />
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The cedar is already starting to turn gray, so I'm going to be cleaning everything well this weekend and using Ready Seal on the entire thing. This is the company our deck builder recommended, and they send you a sample jar of all of their colors plus handy little swatches on cedar and pine for $15 shipping. Great deal! I'm going to post about that as soon as it's done. Until then, we are loving it all!<br />
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Ok, I'm not loving my ugly chair cushions, and we are actually missing some. I desperately want new cushions and pillows, but we just can't spend any more money on this area this year. I think I will treat myself to some great ones next spring while the selection is huge. </div>
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I don't have a close photo of the hideous light that was up here, but you can see it in one of the before pictures up top. I received a free cylinder light like we have in the front because they sent me an LED one rather than standard bulb. They don't want the incorrect one back, so I put the LED fixture back here. It's big, but it works great!<br />
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Our stairs have low voltage lighting going down, and it is glorious at night. <br />
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It looks so pretty, and will look so much better once all our clutter is put away. <br />
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The landing makes the deck look so much fancier and pricier than it was!<br />
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We plan to build a patio at the bottom of the deck, and the slight alcove created by the stairs extending past the deck makes a perfect area for planting. Right now, it's perfect for storing toys and our grill. <br />
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On this side of the deck, we were eager to cover the view of the river rock. Loose rock was not our first choice, but the guys doing the work didn't get the memo that we wanted crushed limestone so we could compact it. Remember those communication issues? Yeah, us too. Anyway, I bought some nice native prairie perennials and we set to work digging out the grass and planting them. <br />
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It was hard work, but we did it. Zach loved taking all the 'sod' and putting it in the lawn and leaf bags. He wouldn't wait for us to get most of the dirt off, so I hope the workers take these heavy bags! <br />
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The planting area will wrap around the front side of the deck, we will worry about that next year. <br />
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Almost everything I planted here is tall, the false sunflower on the corner can get 6 feet tall and 3 feet around! The purple flame grass get 4-5' tall, the Baby Joe Pye Weed is about 4' tall, the Shasta daisies are 3-4' tall, and the black eyed susan will stay about the height it is now. <br />
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It is our ultimate plan to have the garbage and recycling cans live in the garage, but for now they just don't fit. We won't plant anything in front of the cans until they get into their new spot. <br />
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So far, the kids are pretty excited about the deck. There are still some rough spots and splintered wood around the screws that I have to take care of, but I'm mostly ok with them running around barefoot. Ok, only Zach comes out here because Ashford hates being outside. WHY?? It's so sad!<br />
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And here is what it looks like at dusk with the lights on. Moody!<br />
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<span id="goog_638716421"></span><span id="goog_638716422">We eventually want to add some string lights, but for now, the deck post lights are awesome. And here are some fun before and afters for you.</span><br />
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Thanks for reading! <br />
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<br />Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-47939917068899450672017-06-24T08:00:00.000-07:002017-06-24T08:00:03.932-07:00Our favorite thing in the houseThis area of the house has been completed for awhile now, but the craziness of life has made this post a little late. Ashford, Shaun, and I all had birthdays in June, and then Zach fell off a slide and broke his arm! Unsurprisingly, we've been using this appliance an awful lot lately. <br />
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We knew almost upon moving in that this area would be a great <a href="http://www.russetstreetreno.com/2016/07/quick-and-dirty-update.html">kegerator</a> spot. We really could've used another closet, but what is better....more space to hold crap you forget about, or tap beer? As I said in my post last July, PRIORITIES. <br />
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We still need to add trim under that cabinet, but for now the white paint on the toekick is a great disguise. We got the kegerator from <a href="https://www.kegerator.com/edgestar-full-size-built-in-kegerator/KC7000.html?term=KC7000SS&uid=2794251">kegerator.com</a>. Very unique name, I know. It was very exciting when it arrived! I got a 15" base cabinet from Home Depot and promptly put it there to pretend like everything was done. <br />
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Then I realized that I couldn't take on this project myself, mostly because I don't install stone counters, but also because our children are stage 5 clingers and I needed professional help. I called a 'handyman' company I've used in the past, and they gave me a quote I could live with. For $1000, we got the cabinet installed and preparation for counter, quartz countertop, counter installation, a new outlet, shelves hung, and all touch ups done. <br />
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I am in love with the quartz! The color is Wilsonart 'Haida' and it is very simple and pretty. Marble-esque, but really just very soft and neutral white with black/gray veining. I haven't decided if I will caulk the edges yet, for now it looks great. I painted the cabinet with our Behr Ultra Pure White trim color, and got some fun hardware from <a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/tanga-toggle-knob?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=044">Anthropologie</a>. <br />
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For the area above the counter, I opted for these 'Vigneto' shelves from <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/vigneto-shelf/341128">Ballard</a>. The top shelf holds a lot of vintage steins from Shaun's grandpa, and fancy liquors we never drink. <br />
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We ended up with this off-kilter arrangement because the stud was directly in the middle, and we couldn't put the bracket for the wine glass shelf in the middle due to the glass holders. I was initially annoyed, but I think the rustic look of the shelves makes it look ok. Since the bottom shelf is not in a stud on the right, we opted for a light picture frame and no glasswear on that side. (I have no idea what to put there, so baby Zach in a towel after a bath is as good as anything - considering he is the reason I drink!) I was most excited about the tap handle holder. <br />
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We went to a local bar that had a similar pipe-inspired tap handle holder, and the idea really appealed to us. I got this 18" pipe towel bar from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/211784627/industrial-iron-or-galvanized-pipe-bath?ref=shop_home_active_2">Etsy</a>, and then went about finding the right hooks to use for the handles. It wasn't easy, the bar was thick and the threads to go into the handles had to be right. I ended up finding a 'clothesline' hook at Ace that worked, but it was rather long. I just sprayed them with Rustoleum 'Black Night Metallic' spray paint to match the galvanized pipe better. <br />
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I really love the outcome, and we have room for a few more handles of beers we get often. I hung the print we've had since Russet street in this area, I still love it and I'm glad it found a home. <br />
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The wine glass shelf is great, but we really don't use it for wine glasses. Those live upstairs, because we drink wine on the couch in our living room. Often. <br />
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Being from Wisconsin, I'm a huge New Glarus fan. My awesome brother got me this used tap handle and a pony keg of Spotted Cow for my birthday, and it was the perfect gift! If you've never had Spotted Cow, go to Wisconsin (it's only sold there) or have a friend pick you up a pack. So good!<br />
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Overall, I'm very happy we did this project, and it really has given us a lot of joy and fun while entertaining. When people don't know we have it, and come down the stairs, it's amusing to see their eyes light up when they look behind them. I feel it was well worth the $2400 we put into it. And obviously, it could be done for much cheaper if you have the time and skills to do all the labor!<br />
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It's also totally awesome to pour myself a tiny beer whenever I like. Let's be honest, some days are 'it's 5 o'clock somewhere' days. Ok, most days are. I can safely say I have at least 8 ounces of beer daily. It is a small indulgence to look forward to! <br />
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I hope this post has inspired you to create a little beer nook in your house! Your friends will thank you. I will thank you when I come over. By the way, invite me over. I need to talk to adults!<br />
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Have a great weekend!<br />
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Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-46823177979204725442017-05-22T18:35:00.002-07:002017-08-28T14:08:18.519-07:00Getting outsideLast summer we redid the majority of our landscaping in the front and sides of the house. <br />
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I wasn't sure what to do to the back of the house, since we planned to get a new deck, and possibly a shed...and I wasn't about to plant things before that happened. However, there was this area in the back corner (behind my soaked hubby) that was fair game. It had a pretty boring shrub that was overgrown, and a bunch of random lilies we had brought from Minnesota and planted in haste when we moved in. <br />
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Last fall, I got my annual hoard of catalogs from Brecks, White Flower farm, and all kinds of other bulb peddlers. I decided to make this a lovely sun garden area, with the huge shrub removed, a nice mix of smaller shrubs, perennials, and bulbs.<br />
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The back has a tall maiden grass, flanked by two silver reed grasses. Pink phlox in the middle, a trio of dwarf fountain grasses in front, orange lilies on either side, then a golden barberry on the left, and a blue star juniper on the right. All the rest of this area is filled with around 45 lily bulbs in varying heights. I was so pumped for this area because I LOVE lilies. I even bought fresh mulch to protect it all, and sprayed pest spray all over everything to deter the horrible little squirrels from digging it all up. <br />
WELL. <br />
Everything was fine until the stuff started coming up this spring. <br />
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YOU GUYS. I forgot there were a bunch of random tulips and hyacinths and other spring flowers the previous owners had planted here. Even though they are clearly visible in the photo I added above. <br />
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Check out these stupid tulips completely surrounding my poor grasses! And, I couldn't even get them out without removing everything I planted, that is how deep they are. That makes sense, since I didn't even see them when I dug the holes last fall. The final insult is that the single tulip shown is the ONLY one to survive the horrible rabbits that ate absolutely everything in this area.<br />
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I mean, I came out as soon as I could and sprayed everything with Repels All, but it didn't do a thing. Literally, 90% of the bulbs and phlox I planted are gone. Everything marked in red is gone, and this is just a part of this area:<br />
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So, I've noticed that the phlox is coming back, but the bulbs are done. I know they will come back ok next year, but in the meantime, this whole area looks terrible! At least the transplanted lilacs are doing great.<br />
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They obviously need to be trimmed and reshaped, but the blooms are great, and all three shrubs lived through being moved! I love walking past here and smelling them. <br />
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The rest of the landscaping fared well. All the hydrangeas are looking great. We added a skyrocket juniper to the front corner of the house to block the view of the ugly gas meter, and keep some color during the winter on this side. <br />
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Our big leaf hosta is so special to us, we've brought it all the way from our Russet street home, and it is still looking awesome! I also added four new 'Angelina' stonecrop at the end to add more color. <br />
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The center planting area is still my favorite, with the pom pom in the middle, and all the creeping phlox and yellow sedum surrounding it. The phlox was amazing a few weeks ago!<br />
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We also added this honeysuckle vine last fall, in an attempt to cover as much of the ugly railing as we can. I've already scraped and primed it, just need to paint it black again before the vine really takes over! Side note - why is 'rusty metal' primer the color of rusty metal? <br />
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The other sides of the house are mostly unchanged, we added a few new perennials and a mid century style metal art above the large pot. Yes, it's for indoors and it's from <a href="http://www.target.com/p/mid-century-metal-wall-d-233-cor-gold-36x30-threshold-153/-/A-50940063">Target</a>! It's gold and mostly blends in to the brick, so I'm considering changing the color...not sure what I will do yet. <br />
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So far, we only lost two plants. A perennial that didn't come back, and one golden arborvitae that basically disintegrated. What a goner!<br />
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One major change to the front of the house since last year occurred a few weeks ago. I finally picked out new lights, and got them installed. I couldn't be happier!<br />
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It's exactly the simple modern style I was looking for. The lights I purchased are <a href="http://www.lightingnewyork.com/product/progess-cylinder-outdoor-wall-lighting-p5642-30.html?page=1&q=progress%20lighting%20white%20cylinder">Progress Lighting</a> cylinders, I decided to go big (18 inches!) on the main porch light, because it was directly behind the railing. I am very happy with the purchase, even though the only option for the garage was much smaller. I love the difference from last May! </div>
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Now I just need to finish painting the railing, and make a decision on a mailbox and house numbers to complete the makeover. We are also awaiting our delivery of mulch, and excited to buy some new tropicals for our pots this year. </div>
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I hope you are all enjoying the return of warm weather, we definitely are! </div>
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<br />Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-52068344209705325112017-04-08T14:24:00.001-07:002017-04-08T14:24:47.529-07:00Instant workspaceSo, you may recall from my entry remodel post that I had this awkward space in between our couch and the railing. <br />
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Here is a better look at this useless clutter zone.<br />
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I had a dream to use this little strip of space for a desk area. Up until now, my laptop lived here:<br />
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Sup, breast pump? Obviously, this was totally unacceptable for a work area. As a photographer, I spend hours on my laptop editing, and this setup was uncomfortable at best. I also had the bad habit of just setting mail, paperwork to be filed, and my external hard drives right there on the couch. It was awful!<br />
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I also had all my lenses and cameras just sitting on our Ikea bookshelves surrounding the tv. It looked so messy. <br />
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My plan was to replace the console table with a small desk, and move all this stuff over to the desk area. This was not easy, since the desks I liked were much wider than the 40ish inches I had in the space. Then, I found this simple 42" desk at <a href="https://www.worldmarket.com/product/wood+and+metal+williard+desk.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search">World Market</a>, and took advantage of a sale. <br />
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It was sort of hard to put together, because the metal is hand forged and the holes didn't exactly match up. But, I love the look and it's sturdy after assembly. It was already functioning better to have a desk in this area immediately after I put it together.<br />
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Then, I looked to the wall above. I had two acrylic shelves from <a href="https://www.cb2.com/acrylic-wall-shelf-48/s114913">CB2 </a>that I had planned on staggering over a dresser in the guest room. After I came back to reality and admitted that the room was way too small to fit even the tiniest dresser, they hid under the bed until now. They came with silver screws, but I used some black ones I had laying around, I think they look so great!<br />
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These are 4 foot and 2 foot shelves, so I had to place the longer one past the width of the desk. I thought I would hate that, but I actually don't mind. It creates the illusion of a wider area, and also frames the lamp nicely. They are also sturdy enough to hold my heavy lenses!<br />
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And I wanted to reuse my beloved pineapple lamp, so I got a new shade and it looks pretty good here. Here is the final space:<br />
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I'm so in love with this! There is pretty much a place for everything. It is beyond thrilling to have my lenses look beautiful, and be easy for me to grab whenever I'm heading out to a photo session. I even had enough space for my speedlight!<br />
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The top shelf mostly holds framed prints, because I love some good inspiration while I'm working. I chose images of my boys that are cute (obviously) but also showcase great lighting, composition, or post processing. I plan to rotate them out as they get bigger. <br />
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The top shelf also holds my client 'Thank You' cards I include with print orders, and this little white box I found at Homegoods keeps my battery charger, tripod mount, and a couple older memory cards that I don't use often. <br />
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Since the colors in my <a href="http://www.sarahiltonphotography.com/">branding</a> are white, charcoal, and teal/aqua, I was pretty excited when Ashford came home from school with the watercolor art you see framed here. I found the frame at Homegoods, ripped out the inspirational 'saying' that it was meant to hold, and put his painting in. The aqua/mint box frame in the middle was also found at Homegoods. The clock is from Target.<br />
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Let's talk about the stag head. Last year during Black Friday, <a href="http://whitefauxtaxidermy.com/">whitefauxtaxidermy.com</a> had their annual sale. I bought a huge rhino head for my brother, and couldn't help but snap up <a href="http://www.whitefauxtaxidermy.com/product/stag-deer-head-faux-taxidermy-white-resin-gold-antlers#product-details">'Alfred'</a> for half off for myself. After I got the shipment, I was sort of at a loss with where to hang him. Luckily, he looks majestic here, and wears a wooden camera toy my kids hardly ever look at. I still have some anxiety about him crashing down when the door slams and destroying my laptop and lenses, but I have a heavy duty anchor back there, and I can't live my life in fear. <br />
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Since I needed a desk with small width, pretty much none offered drawers. I didn't really mind, because I find that drawers in tight spaces just get cluttered and hard to find things in the back. I measured the openings of the shelves, and found that <a href="https://www.cb2.com/tailor-storage-box-with-lid/s117541">CB2</a> had a wool storage box that had the exact same dimensions. <br />
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It holds additional hard drives, referral cards, and my supplies for mailing prints to clients. It was not cheap, but it's beautiful quality, and I had the best customer service from the store. Quick story - I ordered the box for pickup at the Chicago store because it's out of stock online, then quickly realized I was never ever going to be able to drive an hour to the city to get it...they shipped it from the store to me, for free. Awesome!<br />
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The basket on the top shelf was a Michaels find, and it has a homemade camera cushion created with a $3 Target infinity scarf wrapped around a dish towel. I do not sew, people!<br />
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Seems to be working just fine, and the baby hasn't figured out my camera hiding spot yet!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicc2AiP431KMwWFTMDnPh0F6fxJ-IePNIknEXapJleYVU4Gq-Y07mD8JSqz8NH580mUf8LbGl6_I6mPNpXznKm6Ae2a7dTCjdnbet7oIHC4DHsmkjgQ-t3L4VR9Qai5eu4Ahp8QTefznuy/s1600/Basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicc2AiP431KMwWFTMDnPh0F6fxJ-IePNIknEXapJleYVU4Gq-Y07mD8JSqz8NH580mUf8LbGl6_I6mPNpXznKm6Ae2a7dTCjdnbet7oIHC4DHsmkjgQ-t3L4VR9Qai5eu4Ahp8QTefznuy/s640/Basket.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's a better view of the space I have between the desk and the media stand. It's not a ton, but there is a nice little spot to store my reflector, and enough room to pull out the bins. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26LMHp3bxRoxj6c9GJ87Cmf4mGBDIQtBpjVf9tB60GdY2YZy_li-4wDyuLy5o7PBgzXmB9RIw1nw-VPqMe_pZ8DZJtmaQALcgTkqAzn87YlEMv8ZU2ZSmE_TQkQUwSX9m3-NpTH-YCLg8/s1600/IMG_1385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26LMHp3bxRoxj6c9GJ87Cmf4mGBDIQtBpjVf9tB60GdY2YZy_li-4wDyuLy5o7PBgzXmB9RIw1nw-VPqMe_pZ8DZJtmaQALcgTkqAzn87YlEMv8ZU2ZSmE_TQkQUwSX9m3-NpTH-YCLg8/s640/IMG_1385.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wanted the desktop to be pretty clean, but I did need to have a spot for pens, my scissors, and lens pens. I got lucky and found the acrylic divided organizer on clearance at Homegoods. I got the business card holder on Amazon. The elephant file organizer is at <a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/elephant-file-organizer/d?productId=11003250&q=elephant">The Container Store</a>, and you can mount it or use it on the desktop! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKxWg5SNJ7bcRV8hM_nyaMeo4KfCC4Y-ARzxtybvggJllskweWi16K2STZDuOjYHN-0M_HEBxJPdufPAAdpcYWQYRff8OBvm7ZLprmzusawwc26ShjPtQ1oVvpcT-9aKT_kCfSRHdOLC4/s1600/IMG_1156+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKxWg5SNJ7bcRV8hM_nyaMeo4KfCC4Y-ARzxtybvggJllskweWi16K2STZDuOjYHN-0M_HEBxJPdufPAAdpcYWQYRff8OBvm7ZLprmzusawwc26ShjPtQ1oVvpcT-9aKT_kCfSRHdOLC4/s640/IMG_1156+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The elephant is important because I wanted an easily accessible place to store prints until I figure out what to do with them. I'm usually pretty good at printing the ones I like, but as you can see from the pumpkins...I don't always do anything with them in a timely manner! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwhgBXyJkAYjAEPc97vXjaz1iBpeWxXTjmGtpFlbARWmxl5YtjGERddl1R4fJlY12BGI_CPs1izCPRKe0SATHyN__w0VJrUX8SHFbTGyEoYZRc86igr9-JkIdDr_hhkJB5nIZM-kCwZbH/s1600/IMG_1382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwhgBXyJkAYjAEPc97vXjaz1iBpeWxXTjmGtpFlbARWmxl5YtjGERddl1R4fJlY12BGI_CPs1izCPRKe0SATHyN__w0VJrUX8SHFbTGyEoYZRc86igr9-JkIdDr_hhkJB5nIZM-kCwZbH/s640/IMG_1382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also at The Container Store, was this clever peel and stick weekly <a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/poppin-weekly-task-pad/d?productId=11002913&q=Weekly Task Pad">task pad</a>. I thought it would be great to keep what I had to do for my business separate from the family calendar in the kitchen. I also like that I can just stick it up on the wall in my line of sight. I know many people use their phones, and I do as well, but I love having a visual for small tasks that don't merit a phone entry. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapjFW2FH1jv1XIwjzos7nsSWO8TtSZmjeLZduCnWuDyjC20Bpg1qMyTlgQAEDLmYWAz5FNToSBE6A2k0ioWVwUCY8iprCLfH9eChVNRTKnc3d9XR39lMcnzXILgo3L-6yBcgrkjHsUrbs/s1600/IMG_1158+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapjFW2FH1jv1XIwjzos7nsSWO8TtSZmjeLZduCnWuDyjC20Bpg1qMyTlgQAEDLmYWAz5FNToSBE6A2k0ioWVwUCY8iprCLfH9eChVNRTKnc3d9XR39lMcnzXILgo3L-6yBcgrkjHsUrbs/s640/IMG_1158+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a more realistic version of what the desk looks like while I'm working. It's five o' clock always!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2ZG7yH6OnPuYVKL_Pe3tHNzGT0ZyoGV2iDQgtf2IxbYcUoJGPouejXqCAtTUGfBtTaP7r9ZjXaXmYjiv3wIDRmJnwLbrmbdh8NKxJkDiEpn9OGGm1LTR_cEJT2ivWSGwwHmDBw9QBlV-/s1600/IMG_1184+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2ZG7yH6OnPuYVKL_Pe3tHNzGT0ZyoGV2iDQgtf2IxbYcUoJGPouejXqCAtTUGfBtTaP7r9ZjXaXmYjiv3wIDRmJnwLbrmbdh8NKxJkDiEpn9OGGm1LTR_cEJT2ivWSGwwHmDBw9QBlV-/s640/IMG_1184+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here's what my kid is doing while I'm trying to take photos. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iPJfXkXYAjJOpKot6V_yAcGHWN6IxopTxiMK0P2zkXPN7gFoJACbUjT8-C_JQ8ol1Ahx340CRfK_-5Yyb4GPs9MJ1b1OP8lLftEz2AeApD91yFq2Iyj_lqknxxTDXJcJTNSqzZv2K2g3/s1600/IMG_1186+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iPJfXkXYAjJOpKot6V_yAcGHWN6IxopTxiMK0P2zkXPN7gFoJACbUjT8-C_JQ8ol1Ahx340CRfK_-5Yyb4GPs9MJ1b1OP8lLftEz2AeApD91yFq2Iyj_lqknxxTDXJcJTNSqzZv2K2g3/s640/IMG_1186+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Speaking of the media stand, this thing is pretty boring, and not really my style anymore. We got it for $250 back in 2008, and the veneer is starting to bubble and chip on the top and edges from being moved so many times. I thought long and hard about what to do with it. Paint it? What color, white? NO - I have kids and this thing is perfect drawing and rolling height. Black? Too much black. The navy on the front door and closet? Eh, too close to the blue couch and may not look good. So, in the end, I got some new bright boxes for inside and left it as is. And that, my friends, is how you justify doing absolutely nothing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Hvs9-Dfpx-vTZMbFBc_NuxSxysozs4tzLjBO7Lg-apSiz6X-5lm1cSjyjWKhCsyOnwuM7nCS9hkAFTskxZlk9o46VDqJ9eb0E0rEuR_Gq-Zsdy29Zsiw3YGaUJ2NUmMwejvY2zzi0GVR/s1600/IMG_1147+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Hvs9-Dfpx-vTZMbFBc_NuxSxysozs4tzLjBO7Lg-apSiz6X-5lm1cSjyjWKhCsyOnwuM7nCS9hkAFTskxZlk9o46VDqJ9eb0E0rEuR_Gq-Zsdy29Zsiw3YGaUJ2NUmMwejvY2zzi0GVR/s640/IMG_1147+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm excited about the mint boxes, because the largest one will easily hold mailing boxes for 11x14 prints, which is something I usually have crapping up my house in every room. The rest will hold older prints, and miscellaneous photography supplies. I got mine for 30% less than retail at Homegoods, but you can get them full price at <a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/bigso-mint-stockholm-office-storage-boxes/d?productId=11003862&q=office storage box">The Container Store</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2O1hULOOEnEbu2IhCt9m7hLqup6jv4SbPZX4_JTw14fzizw92hxFHlFJfEwAUvne1z3xI4RrEWRd8k1yP2_rpcJuKFU_x6ZtIiageGsOCV1MpZLVXH2cT5lcqncTrTqPstsrvy0BuDe4/s1600/IMG_1148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2O1hULOOEnEbu2IhCt9m7hLqup6jv4SbPZX4_JTw14fzizw92hxFHlFJfEwAUvne1z3xI4RrEWRd8k1yP2_rpcJuKFU_x6ZtIiageGsOCV1MpZLVXH2cT5lcqncTrTqPstsrvy0BuDe4/s640/IMG_1148.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The antique tray on the top has some little doo dads, but I'll be honest - the baby just picks that stuff up and throws it, so it doesn't normally live here. Tiny acrylic box of memory cards, succulent from Lowes, gold lid acrylic box with fancy binder clips for my packaging. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwavt88goKQGH1oCD2cNEWPCo_N2PyG_EQiTV3or7v4pV23DDlXNN4vFsV1MldPuv-asK1pjBQYLNVedQvYnUZ7bLeWNiOsBI2fR6kJEFks_gSkrNXXtJol9heyfE4SCh92REo_8Mfyo6e/s1600/IMG_1146+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwavt88goKQGH1oCD2cNEWPCo_N2PyG_EQiTV3or7v4pV23DDlXNN4vFsV1MldPuv-asK1pjBQYLNVedQvYnUZ7bLeWNiOsBI2fR6kJEFks_gSkrNXXtJol9heyfE4SCh92REo_8Mfyo6e/s640/IMG_1146+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, the last detail I obsessed about is the chair. I disliked using a dining chair, because I want all my dining chairs around the table. I wandered around World Market one day, looking for accessories to spend $40 in 'explorer' rewards on, when I saw <a href="https://www.worldmarket.com/product/rattan+flynn+hairpin+dining+chairs+with+rustic+legs+set+of+2.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search">this chair</a> was marked down to $100. I loved the airy look, and the metal legs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlba_xp6goAXZ3YKdB_sGdfDgsg7rQ7WVV9VKAAH2FzmHZZ2kTtgPJdQCcditN9SKzTt36_EDJvAJZvWF3u1ZsD416mZ6xGAE34Y7aM5QkUfrFMgqOtQd-IxRoOjPjn-SAQ3xSfgxWdl6V/s1600/IMG_1166+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlba_xp6goAXZ3YKdB_sGdfDgsg7rQ7WVV9VKAAH2FzmHZZ2kTtgPJdQCcditN9SKzTt36_EDJvAJZvWF3u1ZsD416mZ6xGAE34Y7aM5QkUfrFMgqOtQd-IxRoOjPjn-SAQ3xSfgxWdl6V/s640/IMG_1166+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After I signed up for their 'text' program, I got 15% off. With my rewards on top, I ended up paying $48 for the chair. Not bad! It's comfy enough for working, but I initially added a little faux fur to the seat to protect my delicate heiny. Then I saw <a href="http://www.target.com/p/white-throw-blanket-with-black-stripes-threshold-153/-/A-51722893">this throw</a> at Target, and loved the texture. It makes the chair more comfortable, and also adds an extra element and brightens the dark corner a little bit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uhGdhndPIo65k-xLGie9JaHzC6upXRVN03dQmNT8QAcbO0Za3eOIQ-DkX88ACrZUJ4Q7MGUm7rhP3mriB5fQWUCnsA4nBTZPN1rb4g5RgxamCKKuch3yEl7nXlxV3p93qleBoQb97B2V/s1600/IMG_1168+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uhGdhndPIo65k-xLGie9JaHzC6upXRVN03dQmNT8QAcbO0Za3eOIQ-DkX88ACrZUJ4Q7MGUm7rhP3mriB5fQWUCnsA4nBTZPN1rb4g5RgxamCKKuch3yEl7nXlxV3p93qleBoQb97B2V/s640/IMG_1168+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, now that you've spent your entire morning reading about a four foot square spot of my living room, how about some before and afters?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfZr0rPXebwSPuTHKf7uh3zEdWqqIb9yKAbClC0n2apJrx-tPk_C2FANpiMouiShYCq6W2ScXHuR6aSiGYpFsIcvc2BKzeae89ErU4BbCFo3FTr-v9iHCKgfHXgMMmmF98W_ST_7B3_Fm/s1600/2017-04-07_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfZr0rPXebwSPuTHKf7uh3zEdWqqIb9yKAbClC0n2apJrx-tPk_C2FANpiMouiShYCq6W2ScXHuR6aSiGYpFsIcvc2BKzeae89ErU4BbCFo3FTr-v9iHCKgfHXgMMmmF98W_ST_7B3_Fm/s640/2017-04-07_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTI8FRcT0cNnvdftbcJpFezR-N4yCWOpVAgwpjFk96WkWM1WOuT_IwNNfFqQlgwFjyPZpdDPBDTXzBS3daflCNZztanK7gIyFpGin45ttfe-SKiXepLC8QubH47yRtIrOO-1nuArWXSwrS/s1600/2017-04-08_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTI8FRcT0cNnvdftbcJpFezR-N4yCWOpVAgwpjFk96WkWM1WOuT_IwNNfFqQlgwFjyPZpdDPBDTXzBS3daflCNZztanK7gIyFpGin45ttfe-SKiXepLC8QubH47yRtIrOO-1nuArWXSwrS/s640/2017-04-08_0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here is another angle that I love, seeing both my gallery walls at once. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6TvKzG48jsjqx_s5b087B2cEZF818Q4qtTrVlAXMVO5_6czstB887HT8gxO5HJ4Nbr0PJFXqd5xtV48gcQLx9_CgjTdp7bnmFq1BZRLjOoBvffQMu-ULAz2X-wHPuO-j6Bey-oMXosNh/s1600/IMG_0008+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6TvKzG48jsjqx_s5b087B2cEZF818Q4qtTrVlAXMVO5_6czstB887HT8gxO5HJ4Nbr0PJFXqd5xtV48gcQLx9_CgjTdp7bnmFq1BZRLjOoBvffQMu-ULAz2X-wHPuO-j6Bey-oMXosNh/s640/IMG_0008+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks for reading, I hope you are inspired to turn an unused corner into something great!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOXnWyTGawALVem-vgOFCAtJl5vSTRJnaMYO7pxb0xHSwzOAwzH7KUfQcciRaJRKKMU63H9yQTj7grp8gxyvF1Ey0ThfXy-BXFEE6H6auGdBSVv82LvKgRXNcnje_pwIr1SwTsLWhsle-/s1600/IMG_1170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOXnWyTGawALVem-vgOFCAtJl5vSTRJnaMYO7pxb0xHSwzOAwzH7KUfQcciRaJRKKMU63H9yQTj7grp8gxyvF1Ey0ThfXy-BXFEE6H6auGdBSVv82LvKgRXNcnje_pwIr1SwTsLWhsle-/s640/IMG_1170.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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And if you are in the Chicago area and need family portraits taken, please<a href="http://www.sarahiltonphotography.com/contact/"> contact me</a> for a blog reader special!</div>
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Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-68487197947331120082017-03-04T17:02:00.001-08:002017-03-04T17:02:54.241-08:00Making the best of an awkward entryYou guys, I really feel I've polished this turd pretty nicely. The entry of a raised ranch is just so lame. It's too small, you have to choose whether to go up or down, and there's always crap laying everywhere. Here is our entry (pretty much) when we moved in, complete with 70s paneling, freshly removed carpet on the stairs, very ugly-fancy closet doors, country oak railing, underwhelming peachy ceramic tile floor. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt4Jtb6SIMyL79hUfx3pB3xXM8t7mS97prX2cZFMzk-PU5a98rXREGJd3jwGNeCHTbbsA1X5r_Sk01y2LQz7u98wbfKvklP7dBqX6sasKUGisYzHgVtekb5kGIdD1_hF7rwuGZbblU7AW/s1600/IMG_0765+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt4Jtb6SIMyL79hUfx3pB3xXM8t7mS97prX2cZFMzk-PU5a98rXREGJd3jwGNeCHTbbsA1X5r_Sk01y2LQz7u98wbfKvklP7dBqX6sasKUGisYzHgVtekb5kGIdD1_hF7rwuGZbblU7AW/s640/IMG_0765+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And here is the view today! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GiMffB6SEcX5rM90wNi02eN-daTz_b1eRr7dAroE7do9flP62PQ5u3ppk7X582G10xuxyP0Qqxa5T9B_PWQfpql-aOTFxsPwRqMkOqhOb_eR9uGt7BZ6XC-dSzrHAuHCmox3ZBFxe_E-/s1600/IMG_9982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GiMffB6SEcX5rM90wNi02eN-daTz_b1eRr7dAroE7do9flP62PQ5u3ppk7X582G10xuxyP0Qqxa5T9B_PWQfpql-aOTFxsPwRqMkOqhOb_eR9uGt7BZ6XC-dSzrHAuHCmox3ZBFxe_E-/s640/IMG_9982.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In this photo, you can see the hideous fan I couldn't wait to remove. Unfortunately, after the granny curtains were removed from the living room window, and we actually moved into the house, I realized how much that fan must've been used. It gets so hot since our living room faces southwest. Another reason to live in a house for awhile before making decisions!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9z5mRAsuVjhNhZrrt6_T4CdRZrn6fcrNWAPx-vvRuXZe4VO8t7Cva4Z7Dq4dIfhlrRXvXY64djJDvFcmNASccnpyEnVCB-ODXQZX17GCFijzXFbTl2bJ02jhihrFYC35BM1ScKbbZKDS/s1600/IMG_0802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9z5mRAsuVjhNhZrrt6_T4CdRZrn6fcrNWAPx-vvRuXZe4VO8t7Cva4Z7Dq4dIfhlrRXvXY64djJDvFcmNASccnpyEnVCB-ODXQZX17GCFijzXFbTl2bJ02jhihrFYC35BM1ScKbbZKDS/s640/IMG_0802.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And here is the best before I have from the upstairs. We had already taken the paneling and all the trim off, painted over the peach walls, and the hardwoods and treads had been refinished. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxY-r1oBmx05KjYLrOI9pe8F-DeN9aLheRQev5zxmUYyXG1X1H4szudPyNWcMWeB0xGZlgCrPvz2gcniQdm0BN8ubq3XY40SJejMgfCwo3t4WAEN8Fgci0MT32NwkaOivFsDUmTwMqMer/s1600/IMG_0874+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxY-r1oBmx05KjYLrOI9pe8F-DeN9aLheRQev5zxmUYyXG1X1H4szudPyNWcMWeB0xGZlgCrPvz2gcniQdm0BN8ubq3XY40SJejMgfCwo3t4WAEN8Fgci0MT32NwkaOivFsDUmTwMqMer/s640/IMG_0874+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Here it is today. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxMpfwtcdS0InD7i1AR6xJErtI72SBk_26Rm6DoAj7G4g_Gg51lriI7jY-9fmUfMOedcE5OJooUFVldo8NL_Ex9SFbztqTueOJVDVg2gc1idGV1wO1arotISuHlDWlpYjj8iDds7z5XUr/s1600/IMG_9956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxMpfwtcdS0InD7i1AR6xJErtI72SBk_26Rm6DoAj7G4g_Gg51lriI7jY-9fmUfMOedcE5OJooUFVldo8NL_Ex9SFbztqTueOJVDVg2gc1idGV1wO1arotISuHlDWlpYjj8iDds7z5XUr/s640/IMG_9956.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is another before. Our new white trim and light had just been installed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBt2I4LrAyv_wkq2D33gZtzVG8QMluZZGt6Dllw0pnn2pM8CurX41ET5FV6UflW8e0LNyhRkdM70HE3ktTO3VVt1Np0yPRsY2-7G-3IgF0HXNe3BQt1iPZDTalPfzHE58vzM85A0uVJv7/s1600/IMG_4861+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBt2I4LrAyv_wkq2D33gZtzVG8QMluZZGt6Dllw0pnn2pM8CurX41ET5FV6UflW8e0LNyhRkdM70HE3ktTO3VVt1Np0yPRsY2-7G-3IgF0HXNe3BQt1iPZDTalPfzHE58vzM85A0uVJv7/s640/IMG_4861+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is this view today - the 'money shot!' What I love about this before and after, is that only the paint and accessories are different. All the main elements were already there in the before. You don't have to spend a lot of money to make a space look much better! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQwZ9_4H3JvZvZaEOOgzF5CZ6mti9zYBSU2ZV1b70IIQIw1wge6GmXLlY-qGNchn03mBueQMPa1SvyrwDnf0agdQMIsuiHoOGZRAG0dmUUu8-Sj_3IQulJx1UMLbUjC00dqINx4GWYP40/s1600/IMG_9970-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQwZ9_4H3JvZvZaEOOgzF5CZ6mti9zYBSU2ZV1b70IIQIw1wge6GmXLlY-qGNchn03mBueQMPa1SvyrwDnf0agdQMIsuiHoOGZRAG0dmUUu8-Sj_3IQulJx1UMLbUjC00dqINx4GWYP40/s640/IMG_9970-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can't tell you how much more I smile when I walk past the front door now. Here is a closer look at the rag rug I got on <a href="https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Hand-woven-Rag-Rug-Ink-Multi-Cotton-Rug-4-Square/9508960/product.html">Overstock</a>. It feels so good to cover up that floor tile! I chose this rug for many reasons. I knew a lighter rug would get filthy, I also wanted a reversible one, and it needed to be low enough to fit under the door. The price ($35) was the deciding factor. There are many colors on the website, but our new blue sectional in the living room made me go for this color palette. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIZJcG4rSjYXAOyjbNQQHy1eIlhmRjkEZpAD47bXmKZC4OtO-XhF_sHYNbk11hFtTXdTMmjVYrdelUMEJdPOi4-BohtzTXnef_4cvaefMyZ2HMZzaC3x2IktNPLZy1AYM5yjnobI6lu8R/s1600/IMG_9983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIZJcG4rSjYXAOyjbNQQHy1eIlhmRjkEZpAD47bXmKZC4OtO-XhF_sHYNbk11hFtTXdTMmjVYrdelUMEJdPOi4-BohtzTXnef_4cvaefMyZ2HMZzaC3x2IktNPLZy1AYM5yjnobI6lu8R/s640/IMG_9983.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Based on the colors in the rug, I decided to paint the front door and closet doors with another shade of Fusion Mineral paint called Midnight Blue. I picked up a sample jar to make sure, and loved it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKpE-pkSNPAmZH1gjDGpRNqAvJFKocdZT1TqPl68h8V-N-bhwvSWV0lY_dQVw0j03ejrjcCR7cg-X5i6mQp7tA8nMKnoxbDmCBoE-4M1Y7eGi3xzSvV3w8UvPTaekmSbkG4qlmE6yAm4f/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKpE-pkSNPAmZH1gjDGpRNqAvJFKocdZT1TqPl68h8V-N-bhwvSWV0lY_dQVw0j03ejrjcCR7cg-X5i6mQp7tA8nMKnoxbDmCBoE-4M1Y7eGi3xzSvV3w8UvPTaekmSbkG4qlmE6yAm4f/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think this is such a fun way to handle the dated doors. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VBBLG2IJ2vrvXro1r_4jXWfNJ4Swx0pYj-G-tBKCExDqKz2kYMeXLmLwdeF5sn7PiLeyaVDXvHEiv6y6gpPNUCWfScVw6xR_UzlF1nwPSxO9uOXVTgLxelZweg9-6XCgEVR7Wz_R5oLI/s1600/IMG_9990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VBBLG2IJ2vrvXro1r_4jXWfNJ4Swx0pYj-G-tBKCExDqKz2kYMeXLmLwdeF5sn7PiLeyaVDXvHEiv6y6gpPNUCWfScVw6xR_UzlF1nwPSxO9uOXVTgLxelZweg9-6XCgEVR7Wz_R5oLI/s640/IMG_9990.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I really wanted to replace the bifold doors with plain white ones. Unsurprisingly, the opening for the closet is 47 inches, instead of the standard 48. Rather than special order smaller doors, I decided to just reuse the ones we had while I figure out what I want to do. I couldn't think of a way to update the dated glass inserts, but thought with the right treatment, they could look ok. After the dark paint and incredible <a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/gilded-triad-knob?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=009">Anthropologie</a> knobs, they look almost cute and antique. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyzsU_T6RH9A4vMTR6_Jg7-9J81rUAOEFKl9t2i49DBeDVowBv0f0Mz98hyphenhyphenfp6mzcDqErHSSoK7OkVMeHV5bxvzfur0sVx86UvaRxxYXLJWZXyIhBCFjZLPKCxkGescZmI3fmZbj-ejfk/s1600/IMG_9818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyzsU_T6RH9A4vMTR6_Jg7-9J81rUAOEFKl9t2i49DBeDVowBv0f0Mz98hyphenhyphenfp6mzcDqErHSSoK7OkVMeHV5bxvzfur0sVx86UvaRxxYXLJWZXyIhBCFjZLPKCxkGescZmI3fmZbj-ejfk/s640/IMG_9818.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The opposite of the closet had a sliver of space for a small stool and table. I found them at Target, and dressed them up with some accessories to make it look more homey. I knew I was on the right track when Shaun came home from work after my styling and said 'It looks like a hotel in here!' I sit right on that stool while waiting for Ashford to get off the school bus every day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAW1AFHvFQbRRAqZAeh4IKjsBv4HQcTwvozGt_hYqpOudDhJZ0bmWvqc7abpTp4rJlLsjuubmd83MMeuJEOBZrkO_J9PuHdTG_cAbr78cyp4bSgoRPxcuatNVQ1Os519BDtEwpV13ypuy9/s1600/IMG_9977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAW1AFHvFQbRRAqZAeh4IKjsBv4HQcTwvozGt_hYqpOudDhJZ0bmWvqc7abpTp4rJlLsjuubmd83MMeuJEOBZrkO_J9PuHdTG_cAbr78cyp4bSgoRPxcuatNVQ1Os519BDtEwpV13ypuy9/s640/IMG_9977.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The planter is an old one from Ikea, the indigo candle is from Target, as well as the gold tray. The marble clock is from World Market, but I may move that to the guest room nightstand. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnJZznmRkZ-3YWy0KZgRV7VTQjeCJ0MxaOnsSmL_n06fL-sa9u51j6Ychf115PrZDLlkOWASM-kFBrgoFjZkAzLqEINwKHGeMsk0ehrPOEZEzWqoRj9dhOql4OG6YomtMHftJJZxhOOTh/s1600/IMG_9991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnJZznmRkZ-3YWy0KZgRV7VTQjeCJ0MxaOnsSmL_n06fL-sa9u51j6Ychf115PrZDLlkOWASM-kFBrgoFjZkAzLqEINwKHGeMsk0ehrPOEZEzWqoRj9dhOql4OG6YomtMHftJJZxhOOTh/s640/IMG_9991.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found the pillow at Home Goods, and the faux fur is one of my newborn session props!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDRt-XrRKCXDx6AIyg7k_MBbByKAthO4IiZe2xgJn1Z1KT9gDTnuxPNUBjwmkQ0D6EXDjS738Enjyf15ssoUxoFbadRwCCa2emNfasTD3TzXZN9dJwYiR2I87J0pDx0ut4y9M3_I1jXwX/s1600/IMG_9994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDRt-XrRKCXDx6AIyg7k_MBbByKAthO4IiZe2xgJn1Z1KT9gDTnuxPNUBjwmkQ0D6EXDjS738Enjyf15ssoUxoFbadRwCCa2emNfasTD3TzXZN9dJwYiR2I87J0pDx0ut4y9M3_I1jXwX/s640/IMG_9994.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The black coat rack from <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/kellan-wire-storage-row-of-hooks/?pkey=csale-organization%7Csale-wall-entryway-organization&&csale-organization|sale-wall-entryway-organization">Pottern Barn</a> has been a lifesaver. It's usually stuffed full, and is sturdy enough for bags and backpacks. I love getting that stuff off the floor. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOTjeWtEeKFKdr-X2NxI5PA2JvMQHhsHGxv5fuiqhDp6JXTcxF2iNnfhr1RxyB0AgjP6g7kFN_mfl8z8hEqqj2HZBEcsaOrsZ-J7YNojlVgVlVACoOwYPpf5XXPFc7Cc1HpmZXdUxCKCk/s1600/Coat+rack+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOTjeWtEeKFKdr-X2NxI5PA2JvMQHhsHGxv5fuiqhDp6JXTcxF2iNnfhr1RxyB0AgjP6g7kFN_mfl8z8hEqqj2HZBEcsaOrsZ-J7YNojlVgVlVACoOwYPpf5XXPFc7Cc1HpmZXdUxCKCk/s640/Coat+rack+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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All of this is wonderful, but my very favorite part of the new look is my gallery wall. I have never done one, I thought I lacked the creativity to put the different frames together, and also just didn't know where to start. Then, Art.com sent me a mailer with the most adorable print advertised. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqVExXYipQ5wiIVvZbLq2yyVbdR7rTrokhEjcDc8zPJm0NaOJiKiksPVktmTxVenn6wC8RtTu5frl5JGGzRBn5QcCcMwYe4XaVNKjVSMVfrznBuAmQOjlKnH932mu5aD1wQA0hTocWCOF/s1600/Fowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqVExXYipQ5wiIVvZbLq2yyVbdR7rTrokhEjcDc8zPJm0NaOJiKiksPVktmTxVenn6wC8RtTu5frl5JGGzRBn5QcCcMwYe4XaVNKjVSMVfrznBuAmQOjlKnH932mu5aD1wQA0hTocWCOF/s400/Fowl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fowl with Pearls (mounted on wood) became mine! Look at her, so disapproving and regal. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEYUtp6cXnNsJfcw5Y9jYLDurMBJaItfzkilhRobOcn0aFSWF5S5hlpiXqt16eKQ8ueqH-fmakRCtuha17OGmGKBuzawLJt42aZzKOiCDJLoW3l9qmtaFg5X7QHXZrMmAUKNvboTJjCgt/s1600/IMG_9805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEYUtp6cXnNsJfcw5Y9jYLDurMBJaItfzkilhRobOcn0aFSWF5S5hlpiXqt16eKQ8ueqH-fmakRCtuha17OGmGKBuzawLJt42aZzKOiCDJLoW3l9qmtaFg5X7QHXZrMmAUKNvboTJjCgt/s640/IMG_9805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had originally thought a mix of black and white frames would be ideal, but then I went to Target and saw the gold frames. They were inexpensive, but didn't look it. I decided a mix of gold, black and wood frames would be beautiful and tie in everything I had going on here. Since the existing front door and sidelites have a ton of gold detail running through them, and the door handle is polished brass, I chose to embrace it. If you're looking for gold frames, <a href="http://www.target.com/p/8-x10-frame-with-mat-bronze-room-essentials/-/A-17318270">these</a> look so much better in person than online! Not sure why they call them 'mat bronze,' though. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMA6kHGll-QUet2lYiaGS5kyySdVKycAkccIqY0JP7gAEOMpkRrAdah_ktXtSHMJ_1FY1Wc2GtWtTwrMo68OOCjRY_2QZG5xZOo5PehRWXwLsPQApiiRx0KbumCOoQgXSfzsHv2d6C3F79/s1600/Gold+frames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMA6kHGll-QUet2lYiaGS5kyySdVKycAkccIqY0JP7gAEOMpkRrAdah_ktXtSHMJ_1FY1Wc2GtWtTwrMo68OOCjRY_2QZG5xZOo5PehRWXwLsPQApiiRx0KbumCOoQgXSfzsHv2d6C3F79/s640/Gold+frames.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started the hanging process with paper templates of the artwork, the gold frames, and some simple black frames I got at Michaels. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xaQfHTwiZtHCdu2T8L6WH7_ySeUbXMVDDhHjNldfiIma5KL29g_ZkGnMI7bK0tKdJGJjbkJRgFcplFwPeM_ddPiH5hGiVZ71JXG6aI4NiuxqpV4xosK8crxBj8Dh6dIczWEtDO7K0EXQ/s1600/IMG_9531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xaQfHTwiZtHCdu2T8L6WH7_ySeUbXMVDDhHjNldfiIma5KL29g_ZkGnMI7bK0tKdJGJjbkJRgFcplFwPeM_ddPiH5hGiVZ71JXG6aI4NiuxqpV4xosK8crxBj8Dh6dIczWEtDO7K0EXQ/s640/IMG_9531.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I then filled in the remaining spaces with the framed watercolor dots from Target, and other wood frames. I also splurged on another smaller wood-mount art print from Art.com, the dashing <a href="http://www.art.com/products/p13224538-sa-i1599658/thierry-poncelet-gavroche.htm?sOrig=CAT&sOrigID=0&dimVals=5002200&ui=EE78E87773EB4A98ABF86499A96E46A0">Gavroche</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE1SBSUExgdzMK0YNhFcSfJJzgBYxLskTM6QuMsSd5g5_-7Hcl0TTNuqJMaVLRSCTxZmV47ibyKeJGf_VKjVVle2vgBx1KMQ5S7_P118T9bnvk4cw_LduCNLFMASfJM8KVUtMkjVHI_MU/s1600/Gavroche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE1SBSUExgdzMK0YNhFcSfJJzgBYxLskTM6QuMsSd5g5_-7Hcl0TTNuqJMaVLRSCTxZmV47ibyKeJGf_VKjVVle2vgBx1KMQ5S7_P118T9bnvk4cw_LduCNLFMASfJM8KVUtMkjVHI_MU/s400/Gavroche.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I just love it all together! I wish I could continue the gallery all the way to the ceiling and around to the right, but it's so hard to hang things that high. I already had to resort to unsafe measures just to get that watercolor print hung. (Think a board laying in between a step and a ladder. Yikes!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYziVy6eeWl_wszqzoVH-2ilC8ZcclwEDBeM9EaibeAcvLbERmSeEJEb1qw9GxY3WABlpv-CGHmECIz1z2h1QnmPRBQzH5rSU38-eXTc1HmvQo4oBf2enkC_TAt0X25HFAl6WJl_pEaPg/s1600/IMG_9959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYziVy6eeWl_wszqzoVH-2ilC8ZcclwEDBeM9EaibeAcvLbERmSeEJEb1qw9GxY3WABlpv-CGHmECIz1z2h1QnmPRBQzH5rSU38-eXTc1HmvQo4oBf2enkC_TAt0X25HFAl6WJl_pEaPg/s640/IMG_9959.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It feels so much better to have something to look at as you trudge up the stairs carrying 8 bags of groceries.</div>
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So, this space isn't really done, I have another coat to do on the railing, and some more work on the stairs going down. For now, I'm calling it done and taking a break! Here are some before and after comparisons to see how far it's come in here. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9by5zPf2ta4k_mQ0_aPz2-LWwGtU7HIOlNcBGf1EfIunK3t0xnHuy5nbLlRefC-jQz3Mt_JQ-WDMt93i9KKJCyNVwYM6Huu2QHfLFpLbhBvyTj-7MUV9ENmpEKkwZ2ztwZv2O2ZTJXl7O/s1600/2017-03-03_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9by5zPf2ta4k_mQ0_aPz2-LWwGtU7HIOlNcBGf1EfIunK3t0xnHuy5nbLlRefC-jQz3Mt_JQ-WDMt93i9KKJCyNVwYM6Huu2QHfLFpLbhBvyTj-7MUV9ENmpEKkwZ2ztwZv2O2ZTJXl7O/s640/2017-03-03_0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiS-usT1eA9aTKXwrPKknfOG7YFhVAl7xi8nwuNCgBFff_YUgwSkcDyw7lRtac4Qn4Hefj1qLnNL9Poz0WKdvLuWTbL8jFMXdSYuNIBJ8dSbnsYxOqtSQTcG8Hz6i-SyLajV7ofjENSUZY/s1600/2017-03-04_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiS-usT1eA9aTKXwrPKknfOG7YFhVAl7xi8nwuNCgBFff_YUgwSkcDyw7lRtac4Qn4Hefj1qLnNL9Poz0WKdvLuWTbL8jFMXdSYuNIBJ8dSbnsYxOqtSQTcG8Hz6i-SyLajV7ofjENSUZY/s640/2017-03-04_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PIc-mVvGa8YUE9GIB4u0wqFyPhQy5uFvmQYac679alVKJM-Cv407TJusiO5pUGe6vNq_jqSfWc_I72u-Gv7GH6lxuoZyCEJVSJS_Zqko-XA43lc3n6IAhpcZQObM24IcKblxUwB6JUB6/s1600/2017-03-04_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PIc-mVvGa8YUE9GIB4u0wqFyPhQy5uFvmQYac679alVKJM-Cv407TJusiO5pUGe6vNq_jqSfWc_I72u-Gv7GH6lxuoZyCEJVSJS_Zqko-XA43lc3n6IAhpcZQObM24IcKblxUwB6JUB6/s640/2017-03-04_0005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Thanks for reading, I hope to clean up the living room enough to show you that soon!Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-62571763483811073102017-02-06T16:50:00.002-08:002017-02-06T16:50:56.809-08:00Paint fixes everythingI consider myself a paint snob. And a great painter, if I'm being honest. I appreciate great qualities that some paints/primers have, like the way BIN primer covers everything, dries in a minute, and sands to silky smooth perfection. Or, the way that Benjamin Moore ceiling paint requires ONE coat, shows absolutely no lap marks, and has a beautiful warm white shade.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeT3WRwkvPg99lNsJT64JzGw1eEXQKzPsqmCzsGrRc0MUsK1FmHJr_Oxl5qwGFoqmN0emKKlnyy3VREXFzIq5FbrdFp8KqKXiUcZ8DgC9PD2UOPXeAeSr9kNFaBuojIx7QyCpQteKAL3I/s1600/2017-02-06_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeT3WRwkvPg99lNsJT64JzGw1eEXQKzPsqmCzsGrRc0MUsK1FmHJr_Oxl5qwGFoqmN0emKKlnyy3VREXFzIq5FbrdFp8KqKXiUcZ8DgC9PD2UOPXeAeSr9kNFaBuojIx7QyCpQteKAL3I/s400/2017-02-06_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have a new obsession, though. I found an intriguing blog post by a woman that used something called Fusion Mineral paint on her oak railing. Check her post out <a href="http://styletomoveblog.blogspot.com/2015/10/i-did-iti-painted-my-stairs-black.html">here</a>! I immediately loved the matte finish of the paint, and sought to find a local retailer, it's a bit hard to find. I did find one about 20 minutes away in Barrington, IL...an adorable reclaimed furniture/gifts store called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sprucingitup/">Spruce</a>. First, let me back up. Our stairs. Holy crap, they were bad. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmont3FohdF-CaXoR4CoTX4RHIGkcCTqEVQuI-bFVc2ufpcgQ3Yq_uILhlmvXocjScJXpJYT_gdIiaVIokqVDkDGsVTmuTIcOA6iK0L130qKmwtQd_ZW92m3DRo25A0ZOdk8F-AOmffvm2/s1600/IMG_2235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmont3FohdF-CaXoR4CoTX4RHIGkcCTqEVQuI-bFVc2ufpcgQ3Yq_uILhlmvXocjScJXpJYT_gdIiaVIokqVDkDGsVTmuTIcOA6iK0L130qKmwtQd_ZW92m3DRo25A0ZOdk8F-AOmffvm2/s640/IMG_2235.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We had the treads refinished after we removed the old carpeting in September of 2015, but the risers had remained in this sad state since then. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kcbRiI70DRFtFOEmbMhqN8ikxU4CV5PFwtqRqC8moM1Al7he3hBW7A-3aTW3Qg51gG3z0IbsFn5hsJZCdFfhaiLr9R-DzXAQTYvdt5c09Sh2WOYJsA-zmDk6k9GBZzHRFxwKRyhgQule/s1600/IMG_2236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kcbRiI70DRFtFOEmbMhqN8ikxU4CV5PFwtqRqC8moM1Al7he3hBW7A-3aTW3Qg51gG3z0IbsFn5hsJZCdFfhaiLr9R-DzXAQTYvdt5c09Sh2WOYJsA-zmDk6k9GBZzHRFxwKRyhgQule/s640/IMG_2236.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I spent a good long while pulling out staples and tufts of carpet, spackling over dents and missing chunks of wood, and sanding. After I got a coat of primer and paint (I just used Behr Satin Ultra Pure white, same as our trim) on the risers and skirt board, things were looking better...but the country oak railing was really bothering me. I knew we weren't going to replace the railing right now, it was too much money and too big of a project. I thought the best thing to do would be to paint the entire thing solid black, instead of the too-traditional black handrail with white spindles. I searched google for 'black painted railing,' found the blog post, and my experiment with Fusion Mineral paint began!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUg7M-Ic1DBSlem_3aFLGpoE90wZicHvfKQh93p49MvrNAJrkZPyV0yLfsrBqrYTpVedoa7oMR9cb-3OMcdYvogiW-UDM4D1VNIFABcr-yb5HH3XfjKCngEqNG9Nn6qCFnEjXlodIYAVO/s1600/paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUg7M-Ic1DBSlem_3aFLGpoE90wZicHvfKQh93p49MvrNAJrkZPyV0yLfsrBqrYTpVedoa7oMR9cb-3OMcdYvogiW-UDM4D1VNIFABcr-yb5HH3XfjKCngEqNG9Nn6qCFnEjXlodIYAVO/s640/paint.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I wanted a true black, so Coal Black was the perfect color. I even splurged on a $25 fusion brush, which is very nice to use on rounded surfaces, and eliminates brush strokes. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMC8EhogsYdREnLjf5tF8OCkJ3UNCzSYmznuzXkx-tzBUAOSCKKFPwRl29RVF1laNvoN7QCWfu8uuC6IgYLNRTH84JRWi95W3QtRzID05VckadmWgNAO8vcqmybe3fG72fO6PNxQBdwfN/s1600/IMG_2293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMC8EhogsYdREnLjf5tF8OCkJ3UNCzSYmznuzXkx-tzBUAOSCKKFPwRl29RVF1laNvoN7QCWfu8uuC6IgYLNRTH84JRWi95W3QtRzID05VckadmWgNAO8vcqmybe3fG72fO6PNxQBdwfN/s640/IMG_2293.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Ooooo, this stuff goes on like a dream! All I did to prep was lightly sand everything, and wipe off the dust. The paint is thin, self-levels like crazy, and dries quickly to a very modern matte finish. This is the newel post literally minutes after application of ONE coat!<br />
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I was so excited, I just kept going and got the entire stretch of railing here done in about 45 minutes. Not bad, considering all the nooks and crannies. <br />
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Here are some greats shots showing how matte the finish is. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEZ5trZ1xTlBbZM7W2c4fz34JQAotdZCD4AeVV10mSGEnTIhB5FZrpfw0YN4DQh_98t3DINKxlMOD3SSvvLQdKopO6bCCnMCN7z-ExcMM6zLAr_ur3ISC5gWqPAJvPzXFNB00yuFM9d3a/s1600/IMG_2297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEZ5trZ1xTlBbZM7W2c4fz34JQAotdZCD4AeVV10mSGEnTIhB5FZrpfw0YN4DQh_98t3DINKxlMOD3SSvvLQdKopO6bCCnMCN7z-ExcMM6zLAr_ur3ISC5gWqPAJvPzXFNB00yuFM9d3a/s640/IMG_2297.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This paint is an acrylic resin, and is actually waterproof...so I believe it will hold up perfectly under normal usage. And because it's matte, touching it up will be easy if needed. They do sell a top coat if you want a little more sheen, but I'm just going to leave it as is. It's really hard to see, but on many of the spindles, there were these crazy curly hairs stuck in the grain. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIB71xQUnm9se8Jqwt4ygSwsyMj_auwjgNNTxdDT9XoS3wV4vM8ChOEA2jSlh5ev3KvyPM_MDKhduqrvmo2VvuVIwnpljIRE2Sp8foFhhBYfETK-izshtoxwCI7bZLKq87Z_MR6_Rwhwi/s1600/IMG_9490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIB71xQUnm9se8Jqwt4ygSwsyMj_auwjgNNTxdDT9XoS3wV4vM8ChOEA2jSlh5ev3KvyPM_MDKhduqrvmo2VvuVIwnpljIRE2Sp8foFhhBYfETK-izshtoxwCI7bZLKq87Z_MR6_Rwhwi/s640/IMG_9490.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It drove me nuts, because pulling the hairs out, sanding, and everything else I did barely worked to get them off. Such a dumb problem!<br />
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But, nothing was more satisfying that covering the orange wood with smooth black goodness. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJkk7wqCoZq0E-LDRA6u-SXAlUWoVpzrh6CXzPEbXTr-iIaHL-AZ0mRnNcqP0Un1mZWIrIa5vlLzx6sm3xjTZCTQYNHCk6xCialTYyr4qKlHpo4PQhrUmWqngciy_l3csYLHolJG1P5cf/s1600/IMG_9492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJkk7wqCoZq0E-LDRA6u-SXAlUWoVpzrh6CXzPEbXTr-iIaHL-AZ0mRnNcqP0Un1mZWIrIa5vlLzx6sm3xjTZCTQYNHCk6xCialTYyr4qKlHpo4PQhrUmWqngciy_l3csYLHolJG1P5cf/s640/IMG_9492.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hate this huge board on the bottom, it's so clumsy and silly. If we replaced the railing, I would definitely do something about this eyesore. For now, oh well. It's huge and black instead of orange. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tA0wto2KK1MQNQVlEbRJfgziP8YqwHLhWwIAn5MLDPwBxWvRqCswGLj-DFiRErjVd7lagBGFc2nm-8VPqwVHfb6Hphen1Q03Tt7QJtH0s2ZR6P1bivFykjYKrrTFBW-2igFkgNHH5iJI/s1600/IMG_9494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tA0wto2KK1MQNQVlEbRJfgziP8YqwHLhWwIAn5MLDPwBxWvRqCswGLj-DFiRErjVd7lagBGFc2nm-8VPqwVHfb6Hphen1Q03Tt7QJtH0s2ZR6P1bivFykjYKrrTFBW-2igFkgNHH5iJI/s640/IMG_9494.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Before you say anything, YES the bottom gets dusty as hell and that sucks. But, white trim also looks filthy with dust all the time, so you're sort of stuck either way. Here are bad phone pics of the way everything looks now!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbMWfo8IOnFDi93r9YNiZzB4PvxYBJLRwbrtjjKpM6wKGRdBEqNmMjhI28yPa3Nsi53GTAm2CgddMyUofGu8zZFZY5B1GGA6VwLtcRBJj19RDTWVUxoGdv7DW27BDkAjuW9h8DEZoER31/s1600/Railing+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbMWfo8IOnFDi93r9YNiZzB4PvxYBJLRwbrtjjKpM6wKGRdBEqNmMjhI28yPa3Nsi53GTAm2CgddMyUofGu8zZFZY5B1GGA6VwLtcRBJj19RDTWVUxoGdv7DW27BDkAjuW9h8DEZoER31/s640/Railing+%25283%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I did waffle back and forth about the white risers with an all black railing, but in the end, I like the contrast. I also like that the white risers go seamlessly into the white trim throughout the house. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86st9qW0vr5Q4PenRlfLUlk3siPRIOJxEKWmBqxsN8v8ohU8ouMkrVRhGUYc3VEFb-z3bZXpORcA4O9E02HZm3OMJOUvHJT811jxujC7UBLH8c0RWBNMe4-tWSf17VflzddlrgpmK5mqA/s1600/Railing+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86st9qW0vr5Q4PenRlfLUlk3siPRIOJxEKWmBqxsN8v8ohU8ouMkrVRhGUYc3VEFb-z3bZXpORcA4O9E02HZm3OMJOUvHJT811jxujC7UBLH8c0RWBNMe4-tWSf17VflzddlrgpmK5mqA/s640/Railing+%25284%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I just love it, and can't believe the change!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4olzYFus5czPWFxYA1vkBmuUVQ50nfwr_Id7GCMNbY2rZWVAeb_17O0_8WrBLsVI9FRLX7C0RYx1I2jN-KsSYjHznZ0Ej2Qp_ZoLkPXjwj80LXGgiMvFl0xCxf6sCHuibPic6NzrB2S6/s1600/Railing+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4olzYFus5czPWFxYA1vkBmuUVQ50nfwr_Id7GCMNbY2rZWVAeb_17O0_8WrBLsVI9FRLX7C0RYx1I2jN-KsSYjHznZ0Ej2Qp_ZoLkPXjwj80LXGgiMvFl0xCxf6sCHuibPic6NzrB2S6/s640/Railing+%25285%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
I've been working more on the ugly doors, and figuring out what to put on the walls going up the stairs. Just so you know, I didn't receive anything for free. I just love this paint! Read all about it, and find fun projects on their blog <a href="https://fusionmineralpaint.com/">here</a>. Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-6752996874018012622017-01-09T14:09:00.001-08:002017-01-09T14:09:49.608-08:00Guest room is doneThis tiny room. Good gracious, it has been such a pain in the ass. When we moved in, it looked like this. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBCGHOeFfHHSb5kT_tullObudhuFLNA9grMpORr8bxlVJCsBZdDxBs64G2ig5I8jwN11h374tahLwUtQ6bAV7OrkCYHG8Hsw1a_6O80Ei7gKoCjz-HCh5wqWBsZS2WisysoADPjrPvLHn/s1600/IMG_0731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBCGHOeFfHHSb5kT_tullObudhuFLNA9grMpORr8bxlVJCsBZdDxBs64G2ig5I8jwN11h374tahLwUtQ6bAV7OrkCYHG8Hsw1a_6O80Ei7gKoCjz-HCh5wqWBsZS2WisysoADPjrPvLHn/s640/IMG_0731.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Super shiny paneling, dark trim, granny valance, metal blinds, old timey fan with light...that wasn't hooked up to the wall switch. Lots of goodies in here. The paneling and valance lasted about 3 minutes after we got the keys. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CuDKyThZE9wAYZpy1CRhJm6MwobQXIrhr12Xm3BIe-oIrsT3PXorDx7RY6peIklLtFky7c6Vwq4DPLMASURDcAG5yvowjznDijCu6ijA0YBz448ORwqfSvvYIeUxszGcb8RucYA-0BRz/s1600/IMG_0766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CuDKyThZE9wAYZpy1CRhJm6MwobQXIrhr12Xm3BIe-oIrsT3PXorDx7RY6peIklLtFky7c6Vwq4DPLMASURDcAG5yvowjznDijCu6ijA0YBz448ORwqfSvvYIeUxszGcb8RucYA-0BRz/s640/IMG_0766.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then after the paneling and all the trim were totally removed, the floors were refinished. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvRHjIfdGjVV7NUtZawKrZREV4e1HNDIfU0BM9iODmUEJotUTrhKn5MsFmYixWTCaePIp-gCaKYqIn3nzZdGmnPc1DCT6q-VD-u0li7s7h7pqfahz9ZpCOyLQVCpLZI-SFKWY5dg1kHWS/s1600/IMG_0880+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvRHjIfdGjVV7NUtZawKrZREV4e1HNDIfU0BM9iODmUEJotUTrhKn5MsFmYixWTCaePIp-gCaKYqIn3nzZdGmnPc1DCT6q-VD-u0li7s7h7pqfahz9ZpCOyLQVCpLZI-SFKWY5dg1kHWS/s640/IMG_0880+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It took us a long time to get to this room after this. This lower pic was taken on 10.3.15, and for the next year it looked just like this...with the bed just piled full of crap and no progress whatsoever. This is what a house with no storage space looks like! (When the DIYer in the house is a borderline hoarder, hugely pregnant, and gives birth to a stage 5 clinger.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIKocICDbzxBu0FhY8dl6VH3-5INlxA1prQGi600-ATt8g-YfyVGUwfaJvDfq_FUIGAJqzd8NDD6OUQD1MEQqQw8_upkLuxFbuP0VJn2_5cV8Rnz9rrI5NSfLtRveCw0RevdI53Y-NQyG/s1600/IMG_0893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIKocICDbzxBu0FhY8dl6VH3-5INlxA1prQGi600-ATt8g-YfyVGUwfaJvDfq_FUIGAJqzd8NDD6OUQD1MEQqQw8_upkLuxFbuP0VJn2_5cV8Rnz9rrI5NSfLtRveCw0RevdI53Y-NQyG/s640/IMG_0893.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then, we finally had some help with the kids in September of this year, and Shaun pretty much single-handedly put up the plywood for the feature wall we decided to do over the ruined drywall. I wanted to do a wainscoting wall rather than just re-drywall. We used 1/8 inch luan plywood, 1x3 pine boards for the outside frame and the inner cross pieces, and the standard 1x4 MDF boards for the base trim. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpr9x_eIw7ZuQpvMUG5hhLeDbaYogNtzopZiAkNF-NPLe3YHe_aLlqQuKpYHDeCQrUyMtIm7lWtbk6ZbQqY25pm9S0tsJNee_3XPXHUW8S8Y5QR7fVTAi9aO6ziDxsGd3-WML2hLVouESD/s1600/IMG_0207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpr9x_eIw7ZuQpvMUG5hhLeDbaYogNtzopZiAkNF-NPLe3YHe_aLlqQuKpYHDeCQrUyMtIm7lWtbk6ZbQqY25pm9S0tsJNee_3XPXHUW8S8Y5QR7fVTAi9aO6ziDxsGd3-WML2hLVouESD/s640/IMG_0207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Unfortunately, we cut the plywood wrong and ended up with a seam where it wouldn't be covered by a vertical board. I decided to just let it go and do my best with spackle and paint. I can't say I'm thrilled with the decision, but it would've been way too much trouble to rip this all out and redo it. <br />
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I was trying to figure out the easiest way to get the horizontal pieces evenly spaced, and cutting strips of cardboard to visualize seemed like the easiest way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKcNFygF96xblEazeDf8yFONI9WuTEH9pVnS0fPFwEfPt501cQSpadsZYKY2wkynb06Z7oV08QmRd0iKZlYlYAL0omPlD-Ehrnun633JpAm6RR9ShYXVretcIHhZmMASh29CEWQac74pB/s1600/IMG_0214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKcNFygF96xblEazeDf8yFONI9WuTEH9pVnS0fPFwEfPt501cQSpadsZYKY2wkynb06Z7oV08QmRd0iKZlYlYAL0omPlD-Ehrnun633JpAm6RR9ShYXVretcIHhZmMASh29CEWQac74pB/s640/IMG_0214.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We were able to measure, move the cardboard, and make sure that it looked good to the eye, in addition to being spaced evenly with the tape measure. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuR3sSWiKSdaBqlOggNqKcgUSoB3AvXnS2awQUBI0mFL_DH6Igw7oNmg-T9bh5DHxaFCZy8LkDgImIqd3MMYh8qf07jx9GYcIDTKehUOZ_zzI_D3qNa55WALbyoMvcZWpBgtAYioBxwezP/s1600/IMG_0211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuR3sSWiKSdaBqlOggNqKcgUSoB3AvXnS2awQUBI0mFL_DH6Igw7oNmg-T9bh5DHxaFCZy8LkDgImIqd3MMYh8qf07jx9GYcIDTKehUOZ_zzI_D3qNa55WALbyoMvcZWpBgtAYioBxwezP/s640/IMG_0211.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Shaun ended up cutting each horizontal piece individually, because they were all slightly different in length due to the walls not being perfectly level. It went pretty fast once we got down a rhythm, though!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv6HRsPcDpiAhS4SNY2kirK58J-Uw85D11x7nXGPRw9mTdTft-wTbkKwgxIdJ9TWkf3tdWUfTDgACvKCYAv8fZH8V2Au-YRYZt-cvnmNy3KoXO3HhMrnR1GAlv1kwVF-TJv1jRLQaJZND/s1600/IMG_0217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv6HRsPcDpiAhS4SNY2kirK58J-Uw85D11x7nXGPRw9mTdTft-wTbkKwgxIdJ9TWkf3tdWUfTDgACvKCYAv8fZH8V2Au-YRYZt-cvnmNy3KoXO3HhMrnR1GAlv1kwVF-TJv1jRLQaJZND/s640/IMG_0217.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Before we knew it, the whole wall was trimmed and ready for spackle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1phkvl8O2jk90rYg-5mQS-N2SySjY-kDTJ7H3E8V9xcoKB01Q7MkLnsRgpR-5mvbrejrbszBp2d1QltUk2ldXF4qr1FaHw93vpwUBB9QlJEcCXxDMNKnHAawH5WzX1WRLpiHel9l-G2u0/s1600/IMG_0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1phkvl8O2jk90rYg-5mQS-N2SySjY-kDTJ7H3E8V9xcoKB01Q7MkLnsRgpR-5mvbrejrbszBp2d1QltUk2ldXF4qr1FaHw93vpwUBB9QlJEcCXxDMNKnHAawH5WzX1WRLpiHel9l-G2u0/s640/IMG_0226.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This part was time-consuming, but I use simple Drydex spackle, rather than wood filler or caulk. It dries and sands faster, and is much easier to work with. <br />
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I know many people add additional trim inside the boxes to make it look more substantial, but for now, the simple look wins. And then after many hours of sanding....primer!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTBAKKpq7kWP_38gAm8dEjN4Bemv5y4cK8IODAV3hrUY2VJLEHjWR2EG6HXzNCWKgTcFcDO-sjv4krN1PCaLuSCz5HukIi3U_1sJUMMTYvDn7NcddmfABpjMK215_paHFSo4W67ZOuhBy/s1600/IMG_8343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTBAKKpq7kWP_38gAm8dEjN4Bemv5y4cK8IODAV3hrUY2VJLEHjWR2EG6HXzNCWKgTcFcDO-sjv4krN1PCaLuSCz5HukIi3U_1sJUMMTYvDn7NcddmfABpjMK215_paHFSo4W67ZOuhBy/s640/IMG_8343.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'd like to share my thought process for designing a room. Since we've moved so many times, and have always seemed to downsize, I have a lot of stuff - and first look at the large items I have that must be used in the room. In this case, I had our teal 6x9 Crate and Barrel rug that was the only one to fit in this room. The room is a little short of 10x10, so the 8x10 rugs we had wouldn't fit by the smallest margin. It was frustrating, because I had beautiful fabric I wanted to make curtains out of for this room, but it went with the yellow tile print rug that ended up in Zach's room. <br />
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So, this rug had to be used in here. I also had bedding that wouldn't work in our bedroom, that I wanted to use in the guest room. Mainly, the coral duvet set I bought to stage our master for sale in Minnesota. Also, the art work pictured below would be added to the guest room. (We gave away the 8x10 rug pictured here to a friend)<br />
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I also wanted to be able to use the orange tile print duvet we've used in our master in Wisconsin.</div>
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With the rug, bedding, and art on deck, I knew I had to tie it together with the curtains. I'm a huge fan of using curtains to marry other elements of the room that may not otherwise work out. I happened to be at <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/watercolor+floral+concealed+tab+top+curtains%2C+set+of+2.do?&from=fn">World Market</a> when I saw these beauties. </div>
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This curtain had all the colors I needed, as well as being slightly retro in style and impossibly girly. Perfect! I grabbed the last two available at the time (they are back in stock now!) and then went about finding the perfect paint color. Rather than sticking to grays like I usually do, I wanted to do something different. I had some leftover samples of coral-ish colors, but none of them were quite right, they were all too pink. Then I came upon SW Posy in my fandeck, and it was so nice! It looked pink going over the peanut butter color, but more peachy/yellow undertones when dry. <br />
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I was so happy to cover up that tan color.<br />
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I was also thrilled to find these cool pendant lights at <a href="http://www.target.com/p/geometric-metal-three-cluster-pendant-light-room-essentials/-/A-50867027">Target</a>, which became my inspiration for the rest of the finishes in the room. <br />
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The black cords inspired me to incorporate black into the curtain rod. I fell in love with the acrylic rod at <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/acrylic-single-rod-hardware-set/394958">Ballard Designs</a>, with black hardware. I thought about brass hardware, but black seemed to fit in best with the black rods and lights throughout our home. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikscyypJkliG-ACn-E4WQlLNeHtss6_FmOIcq3Y1EAQbM0Reob3-3iJcGxc7PGcs78oxcngjJvBp5V2qj0JvmJ8Ch56inATM9_J_wr5Jj_TO0hdABRAApF6MY8EUzKvMFIt5D5u3rGs2Km/s1600/Curtain+rod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikscyypJkliG-ACn-E4WQlLNeHtss6_FmOIcq3Y1EAQbM0Reob3-3iJcGxc7PGcs78oxcngjJvBp5V2qj0JvmJ8Ch56inATM9_J_wr5Jj_TO0hdABRAApF6MY8EUzKvMFIt5D5u3rGs2Km/s400/Curtain+rod.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
Then, I scouted around for a ceiling light to utilize the new wiring our electrician put in. I settled on the Young House Love drum pendant from <a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/young-house-love-metal-strap-drum_pendant.html">Shades of Light</a> in gold. But, it came with a brushed silver canopy that had to be changed. A quick spray with black and I liked it much more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivihqfNfydccYfnJfO5Nmhyphenhyphen5QMTZv_h-Z6nmy2OUjUyJi7Lsvm_BPYe2t9aGTFqYw4Appe5qUzP8rqmSpsOP42m0JiRHLb6OCoDNwXCqen14JYWtBcElLJNYHsmbUKx5vjKhVF3jlPWlIH/s1600/IMG_8436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivihqfNfydccYfnJfO5Nmhyphenhyphen5QMTZv_h-Z6nmy2OUjUyJi7Lsvm_BPYe2t9aGTFqYw4Appe5qUzP8rqmSpsOP42m0JiRHLb6OCoDNwXCqen14JYWtBcElLJNYHsmbUKx5vjKhVF3jlPWlIH/s640/IMG_8436.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Then, I needed a headboard. Again, Target was my savoir and had this gorgeous <a href="http://www.target.com/p/roma-tufted-wingback-headboard/-/A-14517836">headboard</a> on sale for $220! If you are looking for one, this is an amazing deal for the price and quality! Definitely check the sales, because it can go all over the place in price. I think it's well worth it at the list price of $300, though. <br />
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Now, in the meantime of all this shopping goodness, I was painting two coats of white on the feature wall, and on all the new trim in the room. It took forever. In fact, I found an old iced coffee I'd left in there in September when I went to continue work on the space in December. Mmmmm, think it's still good? Did you know black iced coffee could mold? Yikes.<br />
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So...the day before my baby's 1st birthday party, I decided rather than cleaning my house, to work on this damn room. I swore to myself that it would be done before the party. And, it was!<br />
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You may notice the headboard in here is from our bedroom, rather than the new one. I decided the cream headboard looked weird against the very white wall, so I swapped them. I think the cream headboard looks so much better in our bedroom! And, it's much nicer overall, and we deserve the best, right?<br />
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But back to the room at hand...I'm so in love with the way this all turned out! </div>
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The pendant lights look incredible, and give such welcoming light. I don't mind the black cords hanging down at all. </div>
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This room gets beautiful afternoon sun, and I look forward to hanging out in here with the kids, reading books and playing. </div>
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The curtain rod was kind of hard to install, since it's all one piece and not adjustable....but it looks so good up! And since there are no adjustable areas, the rings glide so smoothly. <br />
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The vintage nightstand I already had works perfectly in here.<br />
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I wanted another nightstand for the other side, and couldn't find a vintage one I liked enough in the past year of looking. I went ahead and bought this simple walnut one from <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/walnut+brown+wood+barrett+nightstand.do?&from=fn">World Market</a>. It's nothing special as far as looks, but it's solid wood, was on sale for $150, and the dimensions match the other one. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb5QbWAqQhXyYk7jmbsFum_9wvqBZantA7Ea4YcSOuqml1zuxC4dPn4Aql79biXOaO-01wEbOTh3ZeMMmf0rvmjHCMVHC7KePnPl5Z5LcgCCbdohh8nV308R5rG2O9H-dRf5qVM0M7Zz3/s1600/IMG_1008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb5QbWAqQhXyYk7jmbsFum_9wvqBZantA7Ea4YcSOuqml1zuxC4dPn4Aql79biXOaO-01wEbOTh3ZeMMmf0rvmjHCMVHC7KePnPl5Z5LcgCCbdohh8nV308R5rG2O9H-dRf5qVM0M7Zz3/s640/IMG_1008.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I got these coasters years ago as a gift, and I still love them! <br />
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These hex knobs are from <a href="http://www.cb2.com/hex-brushed-brass-drawer-pull/s602849">CB2</a>. Much better than the plastic round ones they replaced. <br />
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The art looks so good in this room! <br />
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And the smaller prints were a later addition from our master. They fit much better in here. That shelf is an old piece I was given by a friend back in Wisconsin. It's served us well for years!<br />
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When I walk past the open door, it makes me so happy. Wrinkled duvet and all. <br />
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And at night, the ceiling light adds that beautiful pattern on the walls. Love it!<br />
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We've already had a lot of nice moments in here. (This is my brother, uncle Brian)<br />
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This stinker is always taking that piece off the nightstand and throwing it on the floor somewhere. <br />
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I'm so happy this room is done, and I'm also pleased to have done something so different from everything else I've designed. Here's a final before and after. Let me know what you think!</div>
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Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-15600551622904694562016-12-17T11:30:00.002-08:002016-12-17T11:30:42.975-08:00Zach is one, and his room is doneSo, this has been the most difficult year of my life, and our newest addition is the reason why. This kid doesn't nap, cries and whines most of the day, fights like a boxer for each outfit or diaper change, and just generally is the most difficult baby I've ever met. Here he is doing his best impression of mama. <br />
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But, we made it to one year old, and he's starting to walk now and trying to say some words. He has 6 teeth, but has been eating absolutely everything including raw veggies and apples since before the teeth. Once in awhile he sleeps for 10 hours at night, but mostly he wakes up every 5. When he's happy, he's awesome!<br />
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It took me awhile to finish his room because I never get any time to myself, but I'll admit it's been done for months. I took some photos of the room while it was clean for his birthday party, so here is the final post for you all! I'm very happy with the space, it is exactly what I wanted. <br />
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The wood wall turned out amazing, we literally did nothing but frame out the edges with lattice that I stained and sealed. Whoever put it up probably had no idea how on-trend this look would be in 30 years! I cut it extra fancy on top to follow the same lines as the chevron. <br />
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The sign above the crib was chosen for it's funnies, since Zach has napped in this crib maybe three times and absolutely does not like naps. I think he does like me, though. So, it's half legit. I liked that the sign has no glass, and is very lightweight for when he decides to pull it on himself. That will definitely happen. <br />
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This room gets a lot of light, which is great since he doesn't sleep in here during the day, anyway. Across the hall you can see a glimpse of our FINISHED guest room, too! Post on that in the works. <br />
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I originally bought the gazelle head for the wood wall, and it was hanging there until I got myself so worried about it falling on his head, I moved it to the other side of the room. It looked better above the crib, but it's much safer where it's at, because it is super heavy. I got that beauty at <a href="http://www.whitefauxtaxidermy.com/the-franny-in-white-xl-antelope-head-gazelle-faux-taxidermy-white-resin/">fauxwhitetaxidermy.com</a>. They have so many animals to choose from, and the detail in the faces is stunning!<br />
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The little Ikea bookcases that used to hold my rainbow wardrobe in my old dressing room now hold toys. Sad. <br />
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You can see in these photos the blackout paper blinds I have on the windows. I know I'm fooling myself by thinking a darker room will make him nap in here, they haven't worked for 12 months, but still they stay up JUST IN CASE. <br />
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My mom took the Urban Zoology Crocodile fabric I bought, and turned it into the most beautiful crib skirt! She even lined it with matching green fabric, because it was a little thin. She is just so good at sewing crafts like this. <br />
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The skirt looked even better before we had to lower the crib, but of course, this happened in September:<br />
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We joke that he looks like a crib spokesperson in this one. The wall with the changing area is my favorite. I got a lot of little doodads to make it more homey and cute for him. <br />
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This is the dresser I used to have in our den on Russet Street. I'm still using Howard products on it, and I still love it so much! It's a perfect changing area and dresser for a baby. Tucked off to the right is a rolling cart from <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/jayden-metal-shelf-units.do">World Market</a>, it fits in that space perfectly, and stores extra diapers, unmatched socks (a huge BOO to baby socks!!) and other miscellaneous stuff. The changing pad cover was made by Etsy seller <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/avaelliot">avaelliot</a>. <br />
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The marquee letter hooks are from <a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/marquee-letter-hook?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=901">Anthropologie</a>. Love that they are mixed metal, and have that industrial look I wanted. <br />
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The print of Zach is one of my favorite photos ever. My brother and future sister in law are huge Disney fans, and buy him all these adorable outfits. I dressed him up as Dumbo at two months old, and I couldn't imagine anything cuter! <br />
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Here is the actual photo, so you can fully appreciate. I'm so glad I got photos like this when he was little, because there is no way I will ever get him to lay still again. <br />
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The shelf is a simple cedar board we had laying around, and the galvanized pipe brackets are from great Etsy seller <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PipeDreamsDecor?ref=l2-shopheader-name">PipeDreamsDecor</a>. The galvanized wall hanging basket is from <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/galvanized+ashton+2-tier+wall+basket.do?&from=Search">World Market</a>. <br />
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On the bookcase wall, the art is very special to me. The bicycle print used to hang in Ashford's room, and the little animal-riding-things prints on the right are from a talented Etsy seller, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmelieLegault?ref=search_shop_redirect">AmelieLegault</a>. There are two more of her prints in the tall white collage frame above the dresser. They are so whimsical and cute! <br />
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Here is a closer look at the alligator riding a trike, along with a tiny but cute giraffe hook from Anthro. But the star is the beautiful custom birth announcement print made by my favorite blogger, Meryl from <a href="http://www.picardyproject.com/">Picardy Project</a>! She surprised me with this, and one for Ashford, shortly after Zach was born.<br />
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Look at this hand-cut detail! It's just beautiful with the colored glittery backgrounds. Obsessed!<br />
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And here is Ashford's, which she also did in his room colors. LOVE!<br />
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I know Meryl was planning an Etsy shop, I sure hope it happens. These prints are beautiful! And, here's the messy closet. The Malm dresser fits well in here, and luckily, because Zach has inherited a huge wardrobe. <br />
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So, that is the finished room. I'm so happy it's done! Here is a before, during and after. I hope you liked seeing all the details!<br />
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Now, I can go back to our regularly-scheduled mess. Clothes are no fun in the drawers, right? Happy birthday, Zach! Let's give mom a break in 2017!<br />
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<br />Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-18906189103674209042016-10-20T14:29:00.000-07:002016-10-20T14:29:23.768-07:00The play room/bonus roomI know, it's been awhile. While I try to put together a post on what's up in our lives, here's a slightly easier one to get out to the world...Ashford's play room! One of the big selling features for us when considering this house was the extra bedroom in the lower level. It was ugly as hell and smelly, but it had two nice windows, a large closet, and was a good size (15x13). We just knew we'd have to incorporate some kind of clothes storage since I am a hoarder and lost a walk in closet that I've had for the last 8 years. Here's the awful before!<br />
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Oh my. That carpet stunk so bad!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsJGpZGC9jdJP3tsWikW6F78oblVi0WuG7vDq7k5dC4CHaZBTUAmKNUQda-U4Ewcx1YvEvG5XcsrD3YssXnf3bE8ANyQFjsSOEuVSG15acz2iC40Yjhu-9wONsHPMHUudUy3YU3WflbbG/s1600/IMG_0811+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsJGpZGC9jdJP3tsWikW6F78oblVi0WuG7vDq7k5dC4CHaZBTUAmKNUQda-U4Ewcx1YvEvG5XcsrD3YssXnf3bE8ANyQFjsSOEuVSG15acz2iC40Yjhu-9wONsHPMHUudUy3YU3WflbbG/s640/IMG_0811+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
All of this was ripped out pretty soon after we closed. We think the previous owners possibly smoked down here, there was a very smoky odor and staining. All of the drywall under the paneling was destroyed, so it was replaced, along with the boards on top of the ledges. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQVtYjypxXUy0mu_oGe1hfgJwGLP3h6PgZU9IRhacHZwxj19lifm0aDnHSMRwb6mxLvkSW_5VRrRds48-v0RfDgzPWZM_f7bsBdf2_ja4inBvkVkF2pq6VISI2MW6ljF33MSkxsL-7Kng/s1600/IMG_0903+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQVtYjypxXUy0mu_oGe1hfgJwGLP3h6PgZU9IRhacHZwxj19lifm0aDnHSMRwb6mxLvkSW_5VRrRds48-v0RfDgzPWZM_f7bsBdf2_ja4inBvkVkF2pq6VISI2MW6ljF33MSkxsL-7Kng/s640/IMG_0903+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We love that this room has good light, it allowed us to use a more 'fun' color on the walls. Here it is now, with new carpet to match the family room, fresh white on the ceiling and half the walls, and Behr 'Voyage' on the rest of the walls. This is the same color we've used in Ashford's closet in this house, and in Minnesota. Bonus for not needing to buy another gallon!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-01xcYG6QlZq-R8R0zATqLeRYgBj8eYD1UWFtj6dhRKNTR54apUZQqHCXnZefEKZRVj1LXOkOV3wrwqhzvKxE1afnySDCzEQaspdDlJZGnPYeq_I0T9Y0E3NVpYn5GAmfhjmlrJnaxFn-/s1600/IMG_0399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-01xcYG6QlZq-R8R0zATqLeRYgBj8eYD1UWFtj6dhRKNTR54apUZQqHCXnZefEKZRVj1LXOkOV3wrwqhzvKxE1afnySDCzEQaspdDlJZGnPYeq_I0T9Y0E3NVpYn5GAmfhjmlrJnaxFn-/s640/IMG_0399.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
One problem in here was no overhead lighting. Because we didn't have to remove the ceiling in here, we opted to live without overhead lights until a later date. To avoid having lamps in here, I chose to use Ikea pendant lights with paper shades to brighten it up. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2txnSjJO2OvuJ-P9ojakjftjCJ6CgL8SJJhdMIrOjaRnHZSE0xgIkgR-AztFrGnLx3FjhBgIEtv8Wcvo-6j3T6MBQ98kQ8eLxLYwBXZjGL7AryQElhjBfdBnRYRhbqfwIqZHgVal-W_D/s1600/IMG_0408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2txnSjJO2OvuJ-P9ojakjftjCJ6CgL8SJJhdMIrOjaRnHZSE0xgIkgR-AztFrGnLx3FjhBgIEtv8Wcvo-6j3T6MBQ98kQ8eLxLYwBXZjGL7AryQElhjBfdBnRYRhbqfwIqZHgVal-W_D/s640/IMG_0408.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The one in the back has a switch on the cord. The one in front of the wardrobes is plugged into an outlet that is wired to the room switch. I purchased two Brimnes wardrobes from Ikea, they were cheap at $150 each, they hold a lot, and look pretty nice in here. Of course, I have the tops all full of stuff, but I'm hoping to go through that stuff sometime...maybe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVtmUfqi1sqd50VthLKT-dvEXdxaAjTZHF_aJAMF4g4UmNUPf0qqQ2dePbdrzESEb6poWwLWyoEiBVB5so-GwnhhU9OCvJ60ChXzMsJtWvMM5LO3PagECcsw0DkF4G_EGtNPSxK2Mf9UQ/s1600/IMG_0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVtmUfqi1sqd50VthLKT-dvEXdxaAjTZHF_aJAMF4g4UmNUPf0qqQ2dePbdrzESEb6poWwLWyoEiBVB5so-GwnhhU9OCvJ60ChXzMsJtWvMM5LO3PagECcsw0DkF4G_EGtNPSxK2Mf9UQ/s640/IMG_0405.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the other end of the room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQlODtBmPhzqw1mH_Vn2wzGLaojL26vMmABzR8youmOnlQgrtIdjUTQXdj3fx7ybT2z1R1Jr-GqlGbsGe34PDB_psBRlu5xsWYZe_mnLr1bCJoZsg8oodqCVbq4mkHAYaiKA5Mhi-krAk/s1600/IMG_0403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQlODtBmPhzqw1mH_Vn2wzGLaojL26vMmABzR8youmOnlQgrtIdjUTQXdj3fx7ybT2z1R1Jr-GqlGbsGe34PDB_psBRlu5xsWYZe_mnLr1bCJoZsg8oodqCVbq4mkHAYaiKA5Mhi-krAk/s640/IMG_0403.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I really need to paint out those closet doors, trim, and other doors down here. They put the glossiest finish I've ever seen on them! Luckily, they are solid wood. Here's a close up of the adorable switch plate cover my brother bought for Ashford. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiD-v_HEtLOHGIsBekRIse6eCT666Ys3f_S04aLEBVqkBciBsQ6R04g6dwvMBhr-4kDx8eLSGAXDPBV44o7T1t4a-vkS7Tiq_zxX85IjKcwpO6pkoNwtMXA6eoYyV2AYUp6cfqqJ85x95A/s1600/IMG_0406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiD-v_HEtLOHGIsBekRIse6eCT666Ys3f_S04aLEBVqkBciBsQ6R04g6dwvMBhr-4kDx8eLSGAXDPBV44o7T1t4a-vkS7Tiq_zxX85IjKcwpO6pkoNwtMXA6eoYyV2AYUp6cfqqJ85x95A/s640/IMG_0406.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It matches so well! Some other features of this room are the Ikea Trofast storage system. It has not been used as a stepladder....yet. It holds a ton of little stuff like cars, trains, puzzles. We love it, just wish they had a better selection of colors for the drawers. For now, we are rocking the lime stripe. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5IDGCVeJElcEQTMRKsZEBe_JEnIOk-iTkI6ucfHM9ltwDsIti2QAL_QfBW20c05msYHz7xdFb0s9_MF270Fq2G9PEQE-MPNCSRBKF7Hd1XobP5coyiD8T6lRf3qO3KCktv_xnioP8yhG/s1600/IMG_0415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5IDGCVeJElcEQTMRKsZEBe_JEnIOk-iTkI6ucfHM9ltwDsIti2QAL_QfBW20c05msYHz7xdFb0s9_MF270Fq2G9PEQE-MPNCSRBKF7Hd1XobP5coyiD8T6lRf3qO3KCktv_xnioP8yhG/s640/IMG_0415.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Ikea Dignitet wire system to display Ashford's artwork:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKPhA7BunXCLdXKhxLIw6hmc1H9NLabRjaVhF1gopZvmPIJ9QMnJanUn4w04yrmpL5dxAhPYmVYFoZKiE3x0bobd3xfxPBvfYgHMe6ZZ1tAAMhpOerNeN6Wm8tpCwVE4XuUQ-ZOskdksp/s1600/IMG_0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKPhA7BunXCLdXKhxLIw6hmc1H9NLabRjaVhF1gopZvmPIJ9QMnJanUn4w04yrmpL5dxAhPYmVYFoZKiE3x0bobd3xfxPBvfYgHMe6ZZ1tAAMhpOerNeN6Wm8tpCwVE4XuUQ-ZOskdksp/s640/IMG_0411.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYBcK0joDCbS25avC0NUjUlSgtmh74yDGVQZN4sUfXJT1k2gzOAHyV5vhUyvAVqRVtw6CpHSDH1dIZnKvI6EgfiFZQvVoU4jZAMLF2KWgH6g-6p4vpnhhy8mDhu0XaF7fmA9CVSSzK93H/s1600/IMG_0414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYBcK0joDCbS25avC0NUjUlSgtmh74yDGVQZN4sUfXJT1k2gzOAHyV5vhUyvAVqRVtw6CpHSDH1dIZnKvI6EgfiFZQvVoU4jZAMLF2KWgH6g-6p4vpnhhy8mDhu0XaF7fmA9CVSSzK93H/s640/IMG_0414.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this little area on the other side of the wardrobes is a cute place for a reading nook. I just have this ottoman I already had in there as a placeholder, but I'd love a bench with cushion that takes up the entire space. I do have two book ledges to install above, so that will be nice. Someday. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OlSTA_NWTKaBd4KeFKkQ-X1c1Iy3lWMrgb42tzsrit0utsfXEnxKcMxrlymDsnufUR9fjQMFFBJtu4bVR07vgTUnRsnDmgwy5AKtiq1mwaeIAjvBZsns7LZk7Ct93ZG6e8h-gUbjLa2l/s1600/IMG_4751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OlSTA_NWTKaBd4KeFKkQ-X1c1Iy3lWMrgb42tzsrit0utsfXEnxKcMxrlymDsnufUR9fjQMFFBJtu4bVR07vgTUnRsnDmgwy5AKtiq1mwaeIAjvBZsns7LZk7Ct93ZG6e8h-gUbjLa2l/s640/IMG_4751.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
I bought two yards of this Robert Allen 'Zoo Pals' fabric to make little window treatments for this room, but I certainly don't have time to even finish the edges with hemming tape, so for now...the windows are naked. I liked how this fabric goes well with the blue, and also brings in the lime from the storage. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLM13EYpTn-SqbuoMhp3Z7XIi2Ux0khN0yRljAAI2py13bv9jx0u7dpG5R2JnE4bwQvW-XlZwIyL2Z4SQijqrz8ZwFFPBpFqBhJvThiPxI9ehcB6wLPAClFSlLnyCO9JqFDO5X0bu75icV/s1600/IMG_4753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLM13EYpTn-SqbuoMhp3Z7XIi2Ux0khN0yRljAAI2py13bv9jx0u7dpG5R2JnE4bwQvW-XlZwIyL2Z4SQijqrz8ZwFFPBpFqBhJvThiPxI9ehcB6wLPAClFSlLnyCO9JqFDO5X0bu75icV/s640/IMG_4753.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The area by the door currently looks like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADo2oTWbrNa2OODp-81fd55GniwWRA_gp8O6yhD7WhZFB_COY2fz12oVLRKXWx2-lXweHULE888oMbifc1nFoZmC699LCaNeuFYQ8-9trnzaDENmKb2YgIErRJdac5J0q4QrzPqu-Avp5/s1600/IMG_4845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADo2oTWbrNa2OODp-81fd55GniwWRA_gp8O6yhD7WhZFB_COY2fz12oVLRKXWx2-lXweHULE888oMbifc1nFoZmC699LCaNeuFYQ8-9trnzaDENmKb2YgIErRJdac5J0q4QrzPqu-Avp5/s640/IMG_4845.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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There is a couple feet here, not sure what we can do with it, but that chalkboard might go up on the wall. Someday. One of the best things I did in here, was put our old <a href="http://www.russetstreetreno.com/2014/10/our-living-room.html" target="_blank">coat rack</a> under the window to hold all of the capes and costumes we've accumulated. Ash loves this little corner!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjT9hLSl1CMKjXARC8E3IEcSaxnFMGY-EEIM7dL2AM2rW2Ah7QOcq_E70Dr4PtlkvmW0tX9Rryq0lhGPka3V72UbiPrK_zSJw_0-f0li0AiwmZ-Oael8zMxBBPSRhAaE4Cl0vyy7TILj3o/s1600/IMG_4843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjT9hLSl1CMKjXARC8E3IEcSaxnFMGY-EEIM7dL2AM2rW2Ah7QOcq_E70Dr4PtlkvmW0tX9Rryq0lhGPka3V72UbiPrK_zSJw_0-f0li0AiwmZ-Oael8zMxBBPSRhAaE4Cl0vyy7TILj3o/s640/IMG_4843.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Obviously, we still need to install baseboards. Say it with me, "Someday!"</div>
<br />Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149136651520192500.post-83073887493290030212016-08-14T18:15:00.002-07:002016-08-23T10:16:12.015-07:00Our family roomI kept putting off this post because I wanted to get more done on this space, but it's clear this is the way it's going to be for quite awhile. So, here is our lower level family room!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aOy6N_R2b6wx48-zRf4SIdrjXkBkblT4potLu_QDNNY7Z0qFmT9IxRoHhbCTrWyeCQMXPOQF7kWa6hF0oZkwsbZeZADB0WdJ5wnzQ_yKvQXMHplbwJL1OHhjyGb0-E77dAdnttoLxqdr/s1600/IMG_0388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aOy6N_R2b6wx48-zRf4SIdrjXkBkblT4potLu_QDNNY7Z0qFmT9IxRoHhbCTrWyeCQMXPOQF7kWa6hF0oZkwsbZeZADB0WdJ5wnzQ_yKvQXMHplbwJL1OHhjyGb0-E77dAdnttoLxqdr/s640/IMG_0388.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Whoa nelly, this has come a loooooong way. Here is the listing photo:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuVawGLypmaFCtNaXgYpHAUunhSa7bSLSOw59RpanOH2xsIcVtFbFPux2aw8ihWKnHZNeto70cmFA0NTOM1M3O2dbSPNK6-Y9cxjSpBuJHXht8qPHHUtfqEuQaE4rRpElfCC9Ch4X0gL5/s1600/Family+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuVawGLypmaFCtNaXgYpHAUunhSa7bSLSOw59RpanOH2xsIcVtFbFPux2aw8ihWKnHZNeto70cmFA0NTOM1M3O2dbSPNK6-Y9cxjSpBuJHXht8qPHHUtfqEuQaE4rRpElfCC9Ch4X0gL5/s640/Family+Room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And here is what it looked like when we took possession:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvaiERdSpQs4-jIqp0PeL7BCDfpm-HfhjW7aer0Jy0IjUAdRhkLAho57_-WYyraFSOPjZQoKuhWitSv7vDspjli-zIgoIU7E8Ey-6BYuEPPXyKAQfSqtur_heDVLYfwVlF-Nt6va4ire2/s1600/IMG_0805+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvaiERdSpQs4-jIqp0PeL7BCDfpm-HfhjW7aer0Jy0IjUAdRhkLAho57_-WYyraFSOPjZQoKuhWitSv7vDspjli-zIgoIU7E8Ey-6BYuEPPXyKAQfSqtur_heDVLYfwVlF-Nt6va4ire2/s640/IMG_0805+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
You guys may remember previous posts about all the work we did removing the paneling, the drop ceiling, the stanky carpet, and installing the awesome can lights where there was no lighting. If not, here's a quick rundown of how it progressed:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AJ1IGj_ii8IrE3JtmixveAsHg-MkCYhumE1tAH_JwkcikM1tshkN0jgMeFWe9L0Jwj5GeLg8Qj9RaY1EximaKO-AJJJCYq3opEcUx2gQ_0wuholgwNDs6Zlf_jwIQz_Sr4ukBKr8Gmkz/s1600/2016-08-13_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AJ1IGj_ii8IrE3JtmixveAsHg-MkCYhumE1tAH_JwkcikM1tshkN0jgMeFWe9L0Jwj5GeLg8Qj9RaY1EximaKO-AJJJCYq3opEcUx2gQ_0wuholgwNDs6Zlf_jwIQz_Sr4ukBKr8Gmkz/s640/2016-08-13_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This was the biggest renovation we've dealt with since our Russet Street kitchen. I'm so glad the bones of the room are done, because it was so stressful! Shaun removed all the paneling, the ceiling, the carpet, and trim around the windows and floor. We hired out the drywall/plywood, the electric, and a family friend installed brand new carpet over the floor tile. We were so grateful we didn't have to rip it up. The new carpet is from Home Depot and it is so soft and beautiful!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpykT8R0EEhDGFa1iudp97ebPCFhk8glYhfQuMgsljcRDqdGsnUUyHxZCc9VhKs9rOkKGQ6Tdu0BQCXh3QvmMA8IX6_XN93RqD2TxA44XEpbvcxi7fyCsV7DYyL-ZBsOFrMR3q2vtdF7A4/s1600/IMG_0423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpykT8R0EEhDGFa1iudp97ebPCFhk8glYhfQuMgsljcRDqdGsnUUyHxZCc9VhKs9rOkKGQ6Tdu0BQCXh3QvmMA8IX6_XN93RqD2TxA44XEpbvcxi7fyCsV7DYyL-ZBsOFrMR3q2vtdF7A4/s640/IMG_0423.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Shaun really did a great job with the board and batten, we used 3/4" thick MDF boards because I wanted a chunkier look, but also wanted to keep costs down. The baseboard is 1x4, the battens are 1x2, and the top board under the ledge is 1x3. The top ledges are all pine. Our amazing drywall guy installed quarter inch luann plywood to the lower walls for us to cover the glue and muck left from the paneling. Let me tell you, it was a real treat to prime and paint all this crap! In this next pic, you see that I have a slight dilemma over how to hide our TV cords. I'm not giving it much thought until we get a bigger television, though. Obviously, this one is way too small for this room! (That is Shaun's 'obviously,' not mine.)<br />
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When I decorated this room, I felt I needed to branch out from using the same curtains and décor that I already had. None of the curtains I had would've worked with the warm grays on the walls and floor. I also just wanted something different that still complemented the rest of our style throughout the house. I saw these curtains online at <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/cotton-canvas-ikat-gem-printed-curtain-blue-teal-t2373/?pkey=e%7Cgem%2Bcurtain%7C2%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH" target="_blank">West Elm</a> and fell in love, we all know I'm obsessed with all things aqua and teal! What sealed the deal was that a similar shade of gray to our wall color (SW Popular Gray) was also on the curtain panels. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3sN0aoF2p87vwob5dClJlfNSIhGNEWWMfDAHAi91alLW23jd4ov3BidGjlsCZ-25D0SG-4mrZ-EvxtHGYxb4qY-crfwd5vMxEcA1iLQwPiGm2x8uOwJwRyF4tgbgFVLvB_kXe08seUOe/s1600/IMG_0396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3sN0aoF2p87vwob5dClJlfNSIhGNEWWMfDAHAi91alLW23jd4ov3BidGjlsCZ-25D0SG-4mrZ-EvxtHGYxb4qY-crfwd5vMxEcA1iLQwPiGm2x8uOwJwRyF4tgbgFVLvB_kXe08seUOe/s640/IMG_0396.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I chose to mount the rods (<a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd/allen-roth-72-in-to-144-in-Aged-Bronze-Single-Curtain-Rod/50403910" target="_blank">these</a> Allen and Roth ones from Lowes) on the ceiling like I did in our basement family room in Minnesota. I did this because the ledge on the wall with one window pictured above is 6 inches deep and the curtains would not hang straight if I used the bracket on the wall. I could've gotten a bit more height mounting on the wall, but I think the ceiling mount is cool and different, and I was able to make sure the curtains hung nicely in front of the deep ledge. <br />
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There in the corner, you can see my vintage buggy where I take the baby's monthly photos. It is the perfect spot, I can roll it in front of that window and take the photos without any major prep. I love easy. Here's the most recent one, he's about that age where he doesn't stay where I put him. He's also cutting his first tooth, and eating absolutely everything...yay for baby-led weaning!<br />
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Our monster sectional fits nicely down here, this is honestly Shaun's favorite spot in the house. <br />
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I found some clearance pillows and a throw in the 'Horseradish' color, and a teal hounds tooth throw at West Elm to complement the curtains and pillows I already had. <br />
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It's always a little cold down here because our HVAC system isn't set up great, so throws are very necessary! I also think it just adds so much to have some pops of color on the couch.<br />
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The shelves on either side of the couch are from <a href="http://www.cb2.com/helix-70-acacia-bookcase/s328328" target="_blank">CB2</a> and we love how they tie in the wood from the vintage dresser on the opposite wall. Our original plan to do built ins on this wall didn't pan out when we started crunching the numbers and realized we didn't have enough width to make it work. This is a nice compromise. They were super easy to assemble and attach, and the shelves were just $200 each. <br />
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The view from the far wall shows the huge Pottery Barn Studio wall easel (no longer available) my sweet brother bought for us last Christmas. <br />
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It was a serious pain to install, and the frames (which are also Pottery Barn, btw) don't really fit well in the brackets and sit a little crooked all the time. Even still, it's a cool piece and the wall above the piano was the perfect spot to showcase my favorite images. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVt0jG_bT9a2-JMB8du8HqGemTTWo4AxaSMNBlbavPU9PGs2xzjWKgVfOXoPARNP_HHifvJHZt8IVlqWpY0tZrLRnGoyDnzregjWwoj855Sc7Y9RlTdRwG7s6yeiKwk-YD5SeEGZiEKZ0/s1600/IMG_0167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVt0jG_bT9a2-JMB8du8HqGemTTWo4AxaSMNBlbavPU9PGs2xzjWKgVfOXoPARNP_HHifvJHZt8IVlqWpY0tZrLRnGoyDnzregjWwoj855Sc7Y9RlTdRwG7s6yeiKwk-YD5SeEGZiEKZ0/s640/IMG_0167.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can see here how the frames just sort of toss about in the breeze on the down rods. Maybe that is why it's no longer being made!<br />
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This area under the stairs and the nook/ledge with all the random crap on it is still a mystery to me. I envisioned having some kind of shelving on the wall and then a larger bench with storage where the trunk currently sits. We can't really fit a true mudroom near the door to the garage, but a bench with some hooks will hopefully work nicely. </div>
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That door to the garage still needs to be painted, along with the trim around it. I'm throwing around painting the doors down here a gray instead of white. Still unsure about that! For fun, here is the before shot of the door to the garage I shared a few months ago. </div>
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Ew! Let me cleanse your eyeballs with this cute pic of Zachary. He might look happy, but he really really hates being on his belly and can't figure out crawling yet. He also is deeply offended whenever I put him down and try to do something other than lovingly stare at him.</div>
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This parquet area is where the area rugs I don't know where to put are living. They don't really match anything, but it's fine for now. <br />
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And a wide view. </div>
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I can't wait to get some photos and art on the walls, the rest of the trim, doors, and stairs painted, and my nooks and crannies finished. Until then, the before and after is making us very happy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRDdiwkhYH_suChQljwOrBGNaOEnOyjMO07wHjIiOwvLGs6YiFfHji_rdXd05hxxPCCiTUu18Wx1JgKmyskOMsIocihLJoYyIQHwEDmXfHnMlzVtYe67dKb_r67Kl-Usq7mHl0rwlbz8Y/s1600/2016-08-13_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRDdiwkhYH_suChQljwOrBGNaOEnOyjMO07wHjIiOwvLGs6YiFfHji_rdXd05hxxPCCiTUu18Wx1JgKmyskOMsIocihLJoYyIQHwEDmXfHnMlzVtYe67dKb_r67Kl-Usq7mHl0rwlbz8Y/s640/2016-08-13_0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll share the playroom soon, it needs a little bit of clean up before I can show it off. I hope this room was worth the really long wait, sorry it took so long!</div>
Sara @ Russet Street Renohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120089301670852587noreply@blogger.com5