BEFORE.
AFTER.
The pictures and letter up the stairs
and the plaque on the table belonged to the couple.
All the rest is "new."
[The only outlet in the foyer was on the opposite wall from the console, the cord has since been secured and hidden.]
BEFORE.
AFTER.
This console was $35 and received a coat of pale gray-blue paint.
It is for future game or shoe storage.
Here it is as we found it.
Off the foyer is the door to the garage entrance,
the half bath is at the end of the hall,
and on the left (where her wedding gown is hanging) is the laundry room.
BEFORE.
The couple found themselves needing a spot on which to hang coats, emptied shopping bags,
and other various things for which they had no spot other than the floor.
Sarah and I fashioned a wall rack from a 6" by 72" piece of poplar
which was stained and to which hooks were added.
AFTER.
It's handy by the back door, so I'm told.
At the rear right of the first floor is the living room, which looked like this when we arrived.
The sofa has a matching sofa and loveseat on the opposite side of the room.
With the addition of curtains, pillows, a plant, ottoman, a "new" table, and floor lamp,
this is what the room looked like when we'd finished with it.
Again, here's the BEFORE.
And the AFTER.
If your back is to the television above, this is what you'd have seen.
BEFORE.
A black leather rocker recliner we found in the garage was paired
with the gray rocker recliner to make a sweet sitting area for the newlyweds.
These three framed graphic shirts belonged to the groom,
who'd worn them for special military comradery events.
To Sarah and I, the shirts were art simply waiting to be hung up;
they add a personal touch and scale to this side of the room.
AFTER.
BEFORE.
AFTER.
To the dining room, after we'd re-positioned the table and chairs,
we added a round mirror and some fresh white daisies
--the flowers at their wedding HERE.
--the flowers at their wedding HERE.
BEFORE.
AFTER.
BEFORE.
AFTER
More kitchen AFTERS.
Remember the shelf I told you to take note of on the foyer floor at the beginning of this post?
Here it is, turned sideways to keep the counter clear and these things corralled.
This little gem of a lamp, found in another room, got tucked neatly under the kitchen cabinets.
We found this lampshade in a nearby thrift shop for $0.50.
Now we'll head upstairs.
Come along!
First, the guest bedroom/office, which was a bit of the groom's golf art collection, books, and computers.
With a lack of a desk chair, a computer box was being used in lieu of.
BEFORE.
BEFORE.
With a bit of arrangement of the golf art collection, the addition of a chair,
a few added decorative touches here and there, some curtains,
and a bit of staging of the bookshelves,
this space soon became a warm and cozy guest room and office.
AFTER.
AFTER.
AFTER.
BEFORE.
AFTER.
Off of the guest room was the guest bathroom.
Simple touches made this space an elegant one that nicely complements the guest room.
BEFORE.
AFTER.
Across the hall is the master bedroom.
After re-positioning the furnishings in the room to leave the wall opposite the windows
empty for the addition of a crib and changing table
(the couple is now expecting a boy in December!!),
(the couple is now expecting a boy in December!!),
the room is cozy and relaxing.
BEFORE.
BEFORE.
AFTER.
We found this iron scroll at Ross for $15 and it makes an interesting "headboard".
The tables were found at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for $80 for the pair and
the lamps came from a thrift store for $10/both.
The wall art here is souvenirs from the couple's honeymoon to Jamaica.
I grouped it to make a collection they can remember daily.
So, that's it.
We're back to the foyer to give hugs and say goodbye.
And was the groom happy about the makeover when he returned after a month?
Here's what he said:
"Woah. Wow! This is the best surprise I could have come home to."
Mission accomplished!
[One last thing: our favorite thrift store find was this lamp for $7. The shade was more than the lamp: $13!]
