Sunday, September 4, 2011

Lighten Up

When we took out a wall in the kitchen to make room for a counter-height bar, we didn't consider that we would have a color transition problem between the living room and kitchen.  We looked at that space for a long time, debating between putting a transition trim piece down the wall or simply letting the colors overlap.  After a long time of staring and talking, I looked at the living and decided, "There's too much brown in this room."  It's true.  From the wood crown molding, walnut floors, and stone fireplace, the brown paper bag color on the walls just made it feel like . . . we were in a brown paper bag. 

A (yellow) light clicked in my head.  "Let's paint the living room the same color as the kitchen!  That would solve the color transition problem."  We were set on this idea, but a took a long time for us to finally buy the paint and find the time to do it.  Even though I wasn't thrilled about repainting a room we painted when we moved in, I was excited about the contrast it would create and the brightness it would bring out. 

Beginning the first coat. 

Fireplace side. 

Color transition problem gone. 

Final coat.  I love the contrast! 

Now that the walls are brighter, I feel the need to add some wall art to decorate them.  We'll finally put up our pictures that have been sitting in storage or on the mantle.  I'll also be heading to a couple of antique stores in town in hopes of finding something rustic, like a piece of curved wrought iron or stone. 

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Finding Space

Shortly after the holidays, we took the time to clean out the garage so that we could both park our cars in it.  Also, we had a garage door company come out and level our door and install a new opener.  It's been so great during these snowy months in Alabama (yes, really) to not have to defrost the car before leaving for work. 

Example of snow that occurred on January 10, 2011.  We got 8 inches.  

Our 2-car garage actually functioning as a 2-car garage. 

It's actually taken some practice for me to park in the garage (I drive the SUV), because I had never had a garage in my life.  So we're looking into getting some hanging tennis balls or some other marker for me to aim for when I park. 

And now, the beast in action!