April 27, 2011

Time to Freshen Things Up

So, after chatting with various friends regarding their decorating plans, I felt my place was looking a little uninspired.  I was lucky enough to buy a home that had already been renovated, so only cosmetic adjustments have been required to date.  I have not touched the main floor of the house yet but decided it was finally time to make it look more like "me".

With no big plans for the Easter long weekend, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to plan a paint-a-thon.  The weekend before I picked up the paint and did all the prep work (sanding down rough spots, filling holes and moving furniture) so that everything would be ready for Friday morning.  Here are the before and after pics (sorry, no before pic of the kitchen) - I think it turned out really, really well.  I was also inspired by an e-design course created by Lia Fagan at Mod Nest to freshen up my accessories, furniture placement, etc. and plan to do that once I put the rooms back together.  A simple thing like moving a sidetable or swapping out a photograph really does freshen up your design - and isn't Spring the perfect time for renewal? 


Living room - before
Dining room - before (searching for a new table)

Living room - freshly painted

Living room

Kitchen
Dining room


Paint: Kitchen/family room - Wickham Gray (HC-171 Benjamin Moore)
Paint:  Dining/living room - Stonington Gray (HC-170 Benjamin Moore)

Note:  Two walls are still outstanding as I intend to carry the colour up the staircase and into the upstairs hall.  I've picked a darker tone to add a bit of interest - Coventry Gray (HC-169 Benjamin Moore)