I bet you never thought the day would come. I never thought the day would come. In fact, I became a prime example of this. Do as I say not as I do… Because when you’re building a section onto your house, and paying with cash while working on other design projects a-la a day job all whilst taking on a good bit of it yourselves… good things take time. When we first took possession of the house, our little 1976 money pit looked like this:
We think our house has come a long way, if we do say so ourselves.
The idea evolved from a covered porch to a screened in porch to an all seasons room to a full on addition. And we’ve officially dubbed it “the pool room” since we can’t refer to it as an “addition” forever.
We’re loving our festive little porch area, with so much fun character… and we truly adore the inside. It’s doing so much for our square footage and family space. If you’ve been following along since the beginning, then you know that we’ve had a lot to tackle on the inside. But this is the first chance we’ve had besides a fresh paint job and new siding, to do something really kinda special on the outside. Now we adore the way it feels for all things entertaining and family. Ever since we moved, we missed our old outside, and this kind of made up for it, ten fold.
While we have more plans in the future for this house {coming in 2020-2022! – starting with that fence this fall… the master addition will go where that sketchy Bradford Pear once stood even though I was sad to see it go} we’re happy to sit back and relax and just be happy with how far we’ve come.
These before and afters are especially fun since nothing was really there before.
{Fabulous outside light available through Kichler Lighting!}
Outside Architectural Details:
The outside includes a faux wood for a splinter free deck, which makes it perfect for little feet and entertaining.
Along with some more amazing window world windows, and siding. We adore working with them and they’ve made such a huge difference in our house.
You can read more about our outside makeover here + here but since it’s good to share the details:
• Siding – Platinum Gray
• Shakes – 826 Moon Rock
• Soffit + Fascia – White with Hidden Vent {So we didn’t have to look at those anymore}
• Porch Ceiling -Mystic Blue {Solid}
• Shutters – 3 Raised Panel in 95 Dark Navy
• Gutters and Downspouts in White – to come
• Front Door – Classic-Craft {Their American Style Collection} in Cherry
• Back Door – Full glass double swing door in SW Seaworthy 7620 + Mindful Gray 7016
Isn’t that finish gorgeous?
Speaking of paint colors, we took a lot of this on, ourselves. Including the paint for it all. {Affiliate links below!}
So You can find more details on the how to with our Wagner Sprayer, + all the details behind that, here.
We loved using Sherwin Williams Paint colors: Exterior Architectural Super paint Satin Extra White
But while the outside is oh so fun, I know you guys want to see the inside…
We started with our needs for the space. The placement and planning of it all made it a little difficult to photograph, since the windows are so bright all times during the day. The room ended up being a combination of handmade, new, found, and upcycled… we feel like those are what the very best spaces are made of – a nice mix of all the things.
The overall measurements ended up being 20 x 24, and we based it off of the existing concrete since the septic limitations are so strict here.
You can see more of why we built the space here, and a little bit of details behind the process here.
{Also, see a how to for planking ceilings, here. }
We knew we wanted a space to gather, a space for dining and entertaining, and a sitting area. But mostly, just a place for our family to enjoy. So we planned it out accordingly. I’ll also be using it for a painting studio and writing space, while Jamin has adopted it for his Auburn football games, already. It’s also our fave place for family meals and morning coffee.
This is actually our old dining table, refinished to a fresh color. We also had a banquette and bookshelves built, because I love all the storage it brings to the space. Those little doors on the top swing open and we can store large and awkward kitchen things, art supplies and more inside.
Metal + Hardware:
The fabulous hardware is from here.
We finished it off with metal sheets for a hint of glam but also more storage.
Frames:
Fun frames from here {large wooden} + here {metal floating ones} + here {brass}
Fabrics and Cushions:
We purchased some cushions and had them sized to fit the bench we knew we’d want… we loved the fun tufted custom french cushion result for half the price. We also brought these fabrics into the space to add some custom sizes, and I made pillows throughout to add punches of color with comfort to carry through the patterns.
Striped Fabric, Shibori Fabric, Chambray + gold fabric stripe {discontinued} + other beautiful floral pattern available through La-Z-boy, see link below.
Furniture:
This side of the space includes some fabulous La-Z-boy finds.
We’re in the process of finishing up a video with more details, {we’ll link it up here too when we’re finito} but what we adore, is that the furniture was so customizable. It’s something about La-Z-Boy that a lot of people don’t realize.
Here are all the details: Everything is in an i-clean fabric {which is basically stain/water resistant because we knew it would need to withstand all the things.}
York Sofa: Pattern: i-Benavento – D149032 Linen + Comfort Core Gel Cushions
Pillows: i-Aria – D145188 Navy + {fringe trim} F1 – F2 – F3 – 774 + Pattern: Mystic Charm – C162185 + {fringe trim} F1 – F2 – F3 – 763
Chandler Recliner: Pattern: i-Colantino – F157487 Marble – Brass Nailheads + Comfort Core Gel Cushions + Driftwood finish legs
Coffee Table: Hammary Hex Cocktail Table + Genell Cube Table
Just a reminder as to what this wall once looked like… such an improvement!
Fireplace + Tile:
Our fireplace is definitely one of the showstoppers in the space. It was something we knew we really wanted since the weather here in the winter {Franklin TN} can actually be quite cold and rainy, believe it or not. Stop rolling your eyes at me, northerners. ;} We adore the way it all turned out and couldn’t be more thrilled with the design!
The tile is a-la Jeffrey Court, Perry Avenue in Manhattan Sky. If you’re interested in this tile, be sure to consult your local showroom!
And the floor tile is Jeffrey Court Oakwood Lily, similar tiles are available through Home Depot – the same as our basement.
Fireplace Extras:
I found the really fun candlesticks here + you can purchase a print of our original oil painting here!
Oh! And behind that painting is a TV. For all of Jamin’s Auburn football games. I just forgot to photograph it and will probably be including one later. A-la this mantel.
{Here’s what it looks like when we’re watching TV!}
Lighting:
The lighting in our space made all the difference, and we do adore it so! Kichler lighting is our all time fave go to:
Chandelier over the table is from here + lighting over the sitting area {which totally made the space!} + these amazingly beautiful sconces are all from Kichler.
Light Bulbs:
Oh and for what it’s worth {we totally got this recommendation from a friend} the best Edison bulbs {their glow isn’t too yellow} come from here + here {sconces}
I refinished this wonderful piece from our old bedroom for this space. It almost feels like adding a closet, and we plan to use it for towel storage and sunscreen, along with blankets in the winter. It was one of our very first pieces purchased for our house when we were first married, and the inside still smells like it did when we purchased it. It’s funny how certain smells bring back all the memories.
Barn Door:
The fabulous barn door allowed us to take out the old one which once swung inward a-la the great room redo.
Artisan hardware is your one stop shop for customizable doors! We adore working with them and have literally used their hardware throughout our house. You can see more of their beautiful custom doors in our basement. This door is beautiful and adds just the right level of privacy while still allowing all the light into the great room.
For paint colors throughout, we also used Sherwin Williams.
Interior Walls: Egret White – Finish – Super Paint Velvet in Emerald Interior
Trim, Bookshelves: Pure white – Finish – Cashmere low luster Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel
Ceilings: Tidewater – Finish – Cashmere low luster – Eminence ceiling paint
Table: Bungalow Beige – Finish – Super Paint Velvet
Daybed + Armoire: Agate Green – Finish – Super Paint Velvet – Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel – you can see one shade up in the handmade hideaway – nurture green.
Window Shades:
The window shades are amazing from Select Blinds – fully lined and in the prettiest of finishes. We chose ours in Bahama Palm.
We can lower them at night with a simple pull, and watch a movie in an otherwise bright space. Gently pull again and they spring back up to be fully open, or whichever height you wish.
Vent Covers:
We adore these vent covers and have used them throughout our house, along with projects for clients.
They have endless possibilities and they bring so much style to an otherwise eye-sore.
I do love this change in the before and after!
Other pillows + accessories:
Rug from here + Cushion Cover + Colorful Throw Pillow + Blanket + Stripe pillows – {out of stock – similar one found here}
Long Blue Throw Pillow on sofa from here.
Wallpaper: We adore our wallpaper! We waited until they had a sale and had it installed – it does so much for the space.
Art:
We purchased this simple “vintage” color wheel poster at the local flea market, but I was able to find more here. We’ll share the how to for the frames ASAP. They’re oh so easy. The “See America” one can be found here.
Button:
Our pool boy button had to go in here… it’s perfect for the space.
We adore all of her collection.
These new views definitely win over the old ones.
Baskets:
Colorful baskets are from here! We enjoyed accessorizing the shelves for much needed storage, since I’m a little bit of what one may call a plate hoarder. These are books from my childhood, some of them handed down from my parents and grandmother. We love that the fun colors have a sweet meaning.
The framed photos of the house are really fun, since our home was built in 1976.
The aerial photo was found online here + the other photo from 2003 – we asked the previous owners if we could have it. There’s something so fun about discovering the history of owners behind this little house, and I feel like we have many more memories yet to make here.
Outside furnishings:
Which brings us back to outside. We loved bringing some personality to our little space!
Garden lights, Chairs – sold out – similar product found here + pillows, side tables {no worries – these aren’t ceramic!}
hooks – perfect for all those towels we end up juggling. + ceramic planters
Rug and floor pillows can be found here.
Lounge chairs from here!
Thank you so much for stopping by our little tour today. I’m sure due to the amount of content, we most definitely left something out. Let us know if we can point you in the right direction or answer any of your questions, OR a post you’d like to see coming up on the content side. You can find me recovering from a cold wrapped in a blanket under the tin roof on a rainy day.
Have an inspired day!
Anna says
Oh my gosh. I’m going to have to come back when I can read more later, but this is GORGEOUS. You guys must be so thrilled about this space! You nailed it! Per usual.
andrea in mn says
Wonderful to see this fabulous unveiling. I read your blog regularly, but cannot recall where your nearest bathroom is for swimmers coming through possibly dripping suits. Can you share a little about how you planned for bathroom use for this entertainment area. Thank you kindly. Everything is so pretty and just such a lovely space. I enjoy your blog. Thank you!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hi Andrea! Thanks so much for dropping in! This is something we’ve explained over time in one big confusing deal because it’s actually a long, complicated {BORING!} story that continues to evolve. Read at your own risk. ;}
It’s definitely its own post which we will be sharing later in detail as the story develops. In regards to the future of our house and the answers we still have not received… The CliffsNotes version is that the house was built in 1976 and is your typical split level home. Both bathrooms are upstairs. The problem with that, is that this house is on an acre lot AND uses septic. We’ve been through a very laborious process with a surveyor {and thousands of dollars} and the septic inspectors, all so he could take MONTHS and give us vague answers. This was for our initial home renovation, which gave us insight into what the future may hold. We did the renovation and moved on at the time, just grateful to have our family settled. We knew this could be an issue later.
He {said surveyor} mapped out the septic and approved us for three bathrooms. We have two. This is good news. Initially, we thought we may not be able to build a third bathroom at all. Which meant no master. The county here is very strict with renovations and additions, especially if you are on a septic system. It’s enough to drive one batty, since they actually go by the number of BEDROOMS and BATHROOMS to make this decision– we get a different answer every time. Which is all quite crazy, seeing as how we could very well have twenty people living in our house, but because of the number of bedrooms the septic would be considered okay. {????} There’s a real lack of rationale here. Remember, this was all unbeknownst to two oblivious out-of-towners before putting an offer down on a fixer upper in a very HOT market after falling in love with the house three years ago. A very hot topic in our house.
This year, we plan to consult another surveyor and make sure it is in fact possible to add our master bedroom and bathroom addition. The plans we have worked out resolve this bathroom issue – the way it is drawn out {detailed architectural plans to come} would be an easily accessible bath from the pool area. This third bathroom however, {because remember, codes} will include adding a new septic system, and moving a few of our utilities as well.
To be blunt, this will cost a LOT of money. THINK $$,$$$!!! Just to move things before even BEGINNING an addition. The addition will be $$$$$$. Because of the rising home values here, the flip side is that it will be worth it to wait it out from an investment standpoint. And because we don’t want to move. Our home has nearly tripled in value since we purchased it three years ago, and is continuing to rise. Another factor will be that sewage could come through in the next two years, {it now surrounds our current neighborhood on three sides} and tapping in would be a cheaper option.
There are a lot of variables we are waiting out and we have not received permission to install a third bathroom just yet because of the septic codes here. But we need a third bathroom with five people. Do I sound like a conspiracy theorist yet? It’s literally the BANE OF OUR EXISTENCE. It’s impossible to explain, really, but if you say septic here, all the locals nod and laugh hysterically and flash you some crazy eyes. If you’re still reading, YOU’RE the REAL MVP.
All that to say, in the meantime, people are drying off before going inside. ;} We’ve been dealing with it. It’s a waiting game and well worth the wait because we still like what we’ve done with the place. ;} I hope that helps!
andrea in mn says
Oh my goodness gracious! I do recall you mentioning this before. Oh my! Fingers crossed for solutions SOME DAY, and double fingers crossed for city sewer coming in. Thank you for sharing and take care and enjoy your BEAUTIFUL and well thought out space.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Haha! thanks for sticking with my ridiculously long explanation. The issues have been all over the place and so have all the variables 😀 so it’s literally a wait and see and dry off before going inside. ;}
Janet says
This is the most beautiful room! I’m so thrilled to see it finished and I know you are too. I always love your work and it’s so well executed and thoughtful! Re: your above comment- I have a sister in Franklin. She says that all the septic mess is an absolute nightmare. So sorry you’ve had to deal with all of it!
Corinne Brennan says
I’ve been following your progress on this room since you started, because we’re planning on a similar renovation in our own home (converting a covered porch to a room). I love the way it came out! Such beautiful colors and so many unique touches! The concern we’ve had with our own project is how to deal with the windows that currently look to the covered porch. Once it’s converted to a room, the windows would then open into the room itself. I see you’ve left your windows as they were, and I’m wondering how you like that, both in looks and in functionality? Did you consider walling them off or converting them in any way? We’re not sure what our options are.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey! Yes we left the windows because it connects directly to our great room. Building an entire room on the side of your house can affect the other spaces and we really considered that before moving forward. We wanted optimal light flow and it’s also beneficial for the HVAC. I utilize natural light to the fullest in all my designs and this was the best solution since we love light and open spaces. We’re also not known to be rule followers ;} We adore the windows because it’s like a room inside a room, and it still connects to the rest of the house with the option for privacy when needed. Hope this helps.
Betty says
Everything about this “addition” is amazing. I don’t have enough words to say how talented and creative I think Jamin and Ashley are as designers/artists. Beautiful! Enjoy!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much Betty! You’re too sweet.
Katy says
This looks beautiful! I LOVE those chairs and the dining table! Would love to know where you found them. Thanks!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey! They’re Ballard Designs. ;}
Jake W says
Very wonderful room and interior. Well done! Thank you so much for sharing!
Donna Coletta says
I absolutely love the colors you use throughout your home. You are certainly not afraid of color and since I have begun following you, I have s-l-o-w-l-y added more color to our home. It’s just my husband and I, and I am an artist myself but our home was pretty color-less for years. I have begun adding some nice colors of blues and greens to our home now. Your posts are extremely inspiring!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much Donna! Love hearing from sweet people like you! I also love that a fellow artist is picking up more color. Hope you’ve had an amazing Thanksgiving 🤗