So per our last post on all things addition, we may be over it, but we’re still trucking along.
And it’s totally worth it, of course. Because let there be wallpaper.
Here’s all our posts from the addition so far, if you have absolutely no idea what I’ve been rambling about in sharing this process:
• the framing
• windows + door choices
• mantel plans
• insulation and drywall
• why we’re doing it – a great question answered
• inside plans – all the sources
• So close so far away – the tiling process where you can see more of the space all cleaned up.
It still makes us smile that when we found this house, the back looked like this.
And now an entire room is standing here. Nothing gives us greater joy than tackling a challenge, and creating something from nothing.
A sweet reader in our last post asked us why we decided not to knock out a wall here. So I’m sharing our answer in case anyone else was wondering…
It’s a multifaceted reason, really. The layout of the new room and the flow of both spaces together on each side, combined with our desired uses for both, dictated that we keep as much wall as possible, with a walk through in the middle. I also plan to use the window with more seating and storage in a window seat configuration on the other side in our great room. Between all of this and keeping light in the great room, which is the heart of our home, along with minimal cutting into the wall of the existing house, it just made the most sense for the best and most logical design solution.
But In case you have no idea what I’m talking about, I decided to share more links here to catch anyone up to speed who’s interested.
You can find the entire money pit series but we were even bigger dorks, and realized if you’d like to know more about our entire renovation history and story with this house, {because we know it’s A LOT} along with our reasoning behind everything, we thought we’d break it down here: {You are here, phase 4. The first addition. More details on our thought process and some fun before and afters in our homeaversary post}.
Phase 1: Main level + Upstairs
• main level {great room + kitchen}
• upstairs {bathroom, younger kids + teen room + master + master bath}
Phase 2: the outside
• window world + a spring porch makeover + side entrance curb appeal
Phase 3: the basement
{Some of this was happening simultaneously with the outside makeovers}
• Main area + studio + laundry corner
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But back to the wallpaper. We’re big believers in DIY. But we’re also big believers in hiring to your weaknesses because sometimes aintnobodygottimeforthat. That’s why we do design work for others, after all. {You can see our portfolio here.} We’ve been sharing our process as we go, and we’ve taken on the painting {all the paint colors can be found here} with our fab Wagner sprayer – more on that to come in an entire post.
But there’s one thing that requires a seasoned artistry that I will never take on again, because I’ve found an artist that I very much prefer, and he’s an expert wall coverings hanger. Have you ever taken on something where you feel like you just may ruin the project, so you don’t anymore? I’m proud to say that I am not an expert artist in this arena, and I’d much rather work with someone who is. And so we did. Believe it or not, this wall took 4 rolls because of the way that the pattern lined up.
And even then, after a lot of math, we still ran out of paper. That was a lot of money and something we couldn’t risk.
{Dining chair sneaky peeky!}
He was able to piece this little corner together with six separate pieces. Would you ever know? No. Because we hired an artist who’s been doing this for eighteen years. If I were to attempt this feat, there would be seams and ripples and me, covered in paper and glue stuff, crying in the corner with a strong margarita. So there’s that. He’s worth every penny and more.
Hire to your weaknesses, y’all. We’re designers and writers and artists and DIYers on many fronts. We are NOT wall coverings hangers. That in itself is a refined art.
But isn’t this paper glorious?
We love the way it plays so well with all the colors and our fabulous tile. I also love that I brought this little guy back to life, and he isn’t dead yet. Yay me! It’s the little victories. Green thumber, I am not.
Rigby and Fitz have been a little confused throughout this process. They know that once upon a time when they stepped out that first doorway, they were outside. So in their world, it takes a little extra effort to get to the back yard these days. Bless. They’ve been with us through the entire project. They were even with us when we would drive every day to work on the initial renovation from our apartment where we were staying. They’ve been some well-adjusted troopers through all of this, from the moment we adopted them when our first house was for sale, and we’d have to load them up for showings, all the way through to now.
I don’t think these furballs get enough credit around here. But they’re loving the cool tile in the middle of summer! So it’s a win for them.
Speaking of, our air vent covers have arrived, and we love them so!
You may remember them from the rest of our house, as they match seamlessly and we adore them.
You may also remember their amazing work from this pool house job.
They make even the ugly spots that codes effected, pretty again.
So the wallpaper is up, and we’re waiting on the {scheduled- a big deal in Nashville!!!} brick guy!
We basically have to have the outside done {because of codes here, again} before we can pass inspection. While our house has both brick and siding, the plan is for the majority of the outside to be covered in brick because it makes the most sense architecturally with our house. Even though it costs a pretty penny more, we want it to look right. In the meantime, lights and plugs and logs for the fireplace will be installed.
Once we pass our final, we will be building this banquette design and bookshelf.
Why ’til after codes? Because of those plugs you see there. Codes strike again. {See air vent cover for reference of things that make absolutely no sense, in the photo above.}
In the center, we’ll be placing our table and dining room chairs for the ultimate entertaining spot, and I’ll be thrilled to have another area with more storage and space for gatherings when we’re coming in from the pool. {All fabrics are outdoor or stain resistant, btw, because kids. No wet butts allowed – we also have an outdoor table for wet kids – if it does happen, and it will, said fabrics will be ready.} It will also be my makeshift studio area for photography and painting, {along with that fab hanging bed we’re building for writing on rainy days with that tin roof!}
More on the outside to come.
Almost there.
So this is where we are!
We’ll be sharing more of that progress as we go!
We’re really close.
Thanks for tuning in today and following our crazy shenanigans. Hurray for all things rehab, loving an old home, and taking things at a realistic pace in the meantime.
As always, let us know if you have any questions below.
Have an inspired day!
Jenna says
This is fabulous.I love the updates and your wallpaper! Such a great job. I can’t wait to see what you do with it ❤️
Anna says
Love this!
Beckie F says
Beautiful progress ya’ll! I know you’re ready to be done. Loving that wallpaper. So close! Can’t wait to see.