Thriifty Decor Chick: family room reno

Showing posts with label family room reno. Show all posts

The new back door

Happy Thursday friends, one of my favorite days of the week! I’m SO happy to share this final addition to our renovation with you today! It’s not done, so bear with me because there’s a lot left to do. But I’m excited about how it’s looking and that we’re done with this reno! So if you’re new here – this past summer we <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/07/tearing-down-wall.html">took a wall down</a> between my office and our family room to give us more space. You can see the completed space <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/family-room-reveal.html">here</a>. :) What we didn’t realize till we knocked down the wall was how much this was going to completely transform our kitchen as well. So part of the plan was to tweak the bay window area a bit, where our back door used to be: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL3R4ecUIsySBwG8FsSoLn_fPsA9Y_jGlXrm7VzPKKjtIYZJPezsBB3cq5hZAh5597aYM75UnhvgV5XxYpkhr5NBsm0eCUZx9FIIcm8JbKfRPcTvRxusXTPrDEM25nQGppAfLMVHUgFQ/s1600-h/IMG_0485%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0485" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nlQOc3vLW3Y-K8wKzUqMvYCxCuNbrFx-Bh6vbH2-hgxMn56TWuJpllY2a1Ilz6pvOINHE0wQIsbTHrA4V8J5IQWgwiDRZBA_BTi1M7VjaMhaHv-6M1zDo-GBpcbSfmN1YE68w1AsQvQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0485" width="500" /></a> It’s now all windows and ready for me to build <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-window-seat-in-kitchen.html">the window seat</a>. Yum. We decided to move the back door over to where the double windows in the room are: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPBzr6xhIP4iyegTKP5LZpsFbOg01QRyAkskpMCjQmBI-Ffk_1-cK4cRV3YCfN_w-NcyyCt9JB3AcUe_zJCtWK1lBaVTGBwqpyKbhjMOI4TY4VZY1UBFu-crcR2nV3QDUNOtPcWsro_A/s1600-h/IMG_0446%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0446" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWyTljqXkq6jnkLZXJGm370SueHOpilfZuwuc3USMUnblBEBRy9l-i_kXgKU76wJgA_sHFHriRFi2ejzlw9pRXTKgmKWZcDhYxPbz9HFS8k1UjntmW7329A2Pwi4QoiZDPl2QnAkenJ0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0446" width="500" /></a> It just made more sense overall – that window just felt like the logical spot for the door when everything shifted. Here’s an idea of how where that window was in the old space: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZUqzlSOKbeYNNUcMbCPDg4hu5WW2EQ8BQs49Kfa9h5QSUU8B3Jm-FlrS0rmLkSVzAVFX67iBPelVjPp-5zeweoLsMfE8Bm45XoL_LbSKOIKdgfi0lihRFE7DsIYEC7UXaEAmAzsP1JY/s1600-h/IMG_76764%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_76764" border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0d5GQXtn9BMkoTrnR3IMd2KblQUyzbyTDxfZzDxm9KfWA6L8x7o-002ap_ZAFSGQD5QP7V-QJjZX6OFys8EIebZ9pVGECIqxSWOUKj18psRsTVaGaG1bctGkdROH_Edmj5zbAKzWf4bc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_76764" width="500" /></a> (OH my goodness, look how little my baby was there!!) The sectional sat up against it, which I didn’t mind too much but try to avoid if I can. So here’s the thing – we ordered the windows for the bay area and the new door at the same time from Lowe’s. The windows were coming in in a couple weeks. The door was going to take 28 days. I never expected either one of them to come in on time, just because I’m no spring chicken. ;) Well the windows came in on time but they never called to tell us, so on the fourth week I stopped by to check on the status of things. They told me the door was scheduled to be delivered that week, exactly on time. Whoot! I was so excited, so we picked up the windows and went ahead and had those installed. Before they replaced our back door with the third window I called Lowe’s again – and they told me that the door would be in that day. So I had the guys go ahead, knowing it would only be a day or two before the new door went in. We never got a call so I called again later and they told me again in was in…but it wasn’t. ;) It was delayed a little over a week, which was annoying but fine, not a biggie, #firstworldproblems. But a week turned into two, three…four. :) Finally this week it came in. It took the guys just over half a day to get it in and when I walked into the room I LOVED it!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVjwqQVM4eo4c4-B8VSoJQUH2DNdHPp7Y2_JDjFPYXRfetSjFttNVOkEbtV_6KI4XWjngP8UjzmR9wSSZVy_KD-OuzxloyVwLPPAhUR4OsixiVJU_wkj-FYx0bFfkh3TCet0yAUSbdsM/s1600-h/IMG_0614%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0614" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgD5NsVxzNz2zaIBT8xO0HI6fUtErwoOwAU2Z6de1AbRS_JbivRptTAIRghwRWrwOJqSRcoA2_8W6KYwMvI9QnmdTHCDLuQMd9fcVp9w8azEwWli8OZokWrGXdWZ6nld7xe4plJP02YI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0614" width="500" /></a> It was worth the wait. :) It is exactly how I envisioned it – it makes total sense in that spot. Only one side of the door opens – the other is stationary. I just felt like this way would be more secure. I had dreams of having two doors opened up to the deck and having the warm breeze waft in…and then I woke up and realized we have four animals that we’d never see again. Ha! You can see in that pic how much work I have left to do – they are framing out the door today in my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/black-and-white-and-awesome-all-over.html">Craftsman style trim</a> and then I’ll paint. I also have to finish that wall to the right with the base and board and batten that goes throughout the rest of the room. That speaker isn’t being used anymore so I need to patch that drywall as well. I think it’s going to look so beautiful when it’s all done! I can’t wait! Our main floor windows are super tall, 72 inches. Because of that we had a big space to fill – instead of having them fill in the area above the door with drywall I had it made with a transom. It adds a nice detail: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOTLg57Vt45FMfG-Ix-bjEBmmYXezGNNJ7oxZEAkYIROt_nFS7pDJBmwlPTcvoraQVrNRqWs2vSqtj7TSomT8S2C3yrStAckotR-mVQk2WOCKmM0d1db45YUIS6ve0T0qzBZZo8gKo6E/s1600-h/IMG_0615%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0615" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx1cYn47V-Cj4_lSz9XYmgYTRJzRjn5XJU8u89XSCxHHidutkF2FlD292XIByMWQ9DWL_p31sTkJuf8KHMyQm9p-z-VS5qd97BWzu6A2yTHBpshROUhxRR4KdAi8UBkxCxA02tyxVGsA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0615" width="500" /></a> Here’s how this area looked a few weeks ago: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAOul1wi2kIzym8bgKxbFx2t4EhfxV89OC_VOnRn2kjqLUnsAaeafe93B6zN10f9rqxug_qs-ReHhkscTgjQsVYj2R8eTGSfAg46oWxEFcnaBLgUaqvxwondKesQc0P8qEdZfAY9LUco/s1600-h/IMG_9878%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_9878" border="0" height="752" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcEVTtAXOezPQ-ila3pgIU_eFeTH1Sa_M-6CN5CbRrfq5sWtC_Xi2h74mkbfhUX3s0xpqvnxKT24k-9lanrtM93LuZslcjW79oPvYPr-3A7ysZAv-aWP5z0ntyj_GhUNK3qa31yr4D-A/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_9878" width="500" /></a> And here it is now: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTxT3ld42K0rAKbZA81IaaQlfMneuZfslHU4bJVTApOqGhOsYeNqUIyeWRqZgHXAYr7VuKUYP7KLBBCDf9e5J1oKTDy3x0dRiE56Qh0-3VYCsbMhT3xVenHyI49ZLWOLfIC2vcPEyJOo/s1600-h/IMG_0605%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0605" border="0" height="780" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGIcjjsX-DzcspPqf-5-OATiHHP2qfC1FMxbGYBgsmksrwWzHPreIQaR6bZBWDDKjkvSNiDhZFzpcrG_jG-moLXy9vfSgYPLMkBdKIQTbEiPeJlnB9EBoSz-XABuO6l6rEiHxWhuU9yU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0605" width="476" /></a> Sorry about light – I had to take the pics in morning (bright) light before the guys got here to work. Although I think my favorite before and after is this one from a couple years ago: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIIJheTsj6oVh9_PxjkXLGh_yxe02hS9FgoP-PO_KBs7BPi00LCdbld6vx5EmlY1JqTy3-YJMpPo62OPZtXhL3_6v9TtARpdT6QKDNCpjIr7fDwWs816cdZT3LGCkHWmRKxC7p53oidk/s1600-h/IMG_76793%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_76793" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8TaEHzvt5Z5sBqEMMoj8DKK6_Vj625MrXAssg4CJgtnxgjKH6C0eeqiA5f2D8ZCKgnJGD-twCUzowvReC3TtP8eFu-TFFCYUJIQfsDBpkwIeg23S6dMoYhwnndUa2jQeNpYvc1UuzWA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_76793" width="320" /></a> It still is crazy to me how far our family room used to sit in what is now kitchen space for us: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS1nIiO8jM9QwG4aiqvkAbXB1aIgbEzaoIHeSj8ZLYxQHcRCkqWI7TxgTaFTIUmQJzXFi341jYkBnoXSxUzO-ZRWCrj_XDDfG4MxY3vgK96MIVYCl0VsBaJB6q499AlcaxnVMI-jN7_Q/s1600-h/IMG_0607%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0607" border="0" height="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7yte2SHIQ83_e5iCco2B-_qkqyK_RrGsuT-mwzt3U6WYlOaYKn2mb0Ib_slYp1qv8fXHEpbH4yGGz7DH-kjN8xt-ogY5_g6p8msS6TkvPJGJ__gr0PUCTPjiIedTH28u7ZKtd5_Axw4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0607" width="500" /></a> Goodness, I’m so excited to finish this up and make it look pretty and I’m so excited that after today there will be no one working in our house for a very long time. Well, other than me. ;) I have big plans for the outside as well: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0v5LfOoPiwhmwhMDe-Qr8pWjNzSS_-mCEsgz3nwkiYqy7jK4bRe23hKH7b6XmyJliF8K-KmxvPyHVCMTjfgvQqyX7sD7CdHj8Tlf1W_43ueT4dM7NdtuocV-n2cbUdYgU6Ef0HeIGA4/s1600-h/IMG_0616%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0616" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLFNUlkrzuDOaXa94AA-895eKOqAogzsAgBy1ndb0-VesG9cYqLNGuf180vOLIB57IGtnhFoaZdXHRDHkC55mP4hkTjTOsIq8PHG8FlRxJ8mykdCcKD9A_RgCIPA1TSdBg-VmnRIoIaA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0616" width="500" /></a> The siding will go back up today when it warms up a bit. I want to build some kind of decorative cover over the door since the door opens out instead of in. I knew it would take up valuable floor space to have it open in. We didn’t have any coverage over the old door and it was fine but I think it would be nice. I don’t want to block the sun though, that’s the only thing. I see this spot with big beautiful planters on either side next summer too. Can’t wait! We are also having a new porch light installed to the left of the doors. So overall we’ve added two additional lights to the back of the house and more light is always nice. Of COURSE I plan on painting the doors black on the inside. ;) All of our interior doors (at least on the main floor) are and I know it will look stunning. The only problem is the panes on the transom are inside the window – but I think I have a solution for that. Stay tuned. :) I can’t wait to get this finished up and start on the rest of the kitchen next year! Whoo!! Oh, and by the way, the windows were ordered were Pella and they came in right on time. This door is Jeld-Wen and I’m not thrilled so far. Not only because of the delay (it was an issue on their end, not Lowe’s). It’s a good solid door but they really cut corners on things like the trim. You can kind of tell in the pic above that the exterior trim is a mess – it’s all getting redone. Thankfully Lowe’s covered the cost of all the new trim. At least we didn’t have a big <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/06/when-diy-goes-oh-so-wrong.html">hole in the house</a>! Living without a back door for a month wasn’t a big deal. Have you ever had a reno mishap that you didn’t plan for? I knew this whole thing went way too well. ;)

The new back door

Happy Thursday friends, one of my favorite days of the week! I’m SO happy to share this final addition to our renovation with you today! It’...

8:13 AM

Family room reveal!

OK. I’m done. I can’t even believe it!! The family room expansion/renovation is DONE. GoodNESS, I worked my butt off on this room! I will go into a bigger background recap later, but long story short is that we wanted to add on to the back of our house, decided against it when we got the quotes (choke) and then decided to knock down a wall instead. That wall was the one between the family room and my office, the one with the corner fireplace and the wall to the left: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKirJ-6H35nHHmKxu6M70v0xrNVkbbFKnsj1iXXDTsShb8xgP0-dJv4XRlV0WWRawXcnVRH4J_4uo5RuW2TGW5mUlL1kIWj8pfMnzy0yUdXIJIsDpWy-AfwGqkgzq3dQfmaUF5bwvnzEU/s1600-h/IMG_7183%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="corner fireplace" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mpJtjQ835ap-KzwDl2eFA2uMcWhDz4IG5shcEPDS0-6tAz2g1MqyIE0wLZj8KxClEgM_j1yS6SnlEkfOSvs0bDXk4_0_P_zpblvA_sio3NVytTe_IPJ_k0390EbMwaInJer0jfntw3o/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="corner fireplace" width="500" /></a> Our original expansion plans were just to move out from that window wall and make the back part of the house more of a sunroom to extend the family room. We were never going to touch that office wall because I really wanted to keep my office. Turns out I don’t even miss, not at all. Isn’t that funny? It was a BEAUTIFUL room but no one ever saw it anyway! Except you guys, ha! When my mind started working and the thought that taking down this wall might work, I sent this “real life” shot from my phone to two realtor friends to see what they thought. This really shows you a better angle: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyL-d7zERZ0uFQvBcg8oW1v4p3n_FekNvJpEm9c5jkWToSq6oSUcHY4Wo6EpnDE-aLfrkWdfhD6zgwKpGjqMePyTIJz9MtRyZSp9kvlulu0Ps3wypEy2LE-HfrIx9mNqxiPVMXyg8MPQ/s1600-h/10419617_10203988773219597_557312787_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLgtABe4PdAKQk8SH8wAwYZ5GCybwFJMrX3S_WHsIjGKLIvI-PJ-a8gJrxVYtCCb8DD4ELFaRbTalIXQKgrSUzRCyG9KYuIm2hsbUMyo7ddNH-MJEPU4tEGROIdQnXRuViezST-LtdIs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a> The area to the left is our walk way from the mud room and garage and is where we had the TV. We reconfigured the space like this years back and it did help – but I didn’t like the corner fireplace and didn’t like that the room had different focal points. It’s funny because I look at that photo and we had a much wider space when it was like that. But now, it’s SO MUCH BETTER because the family room is bigger and the kitchen doubled in size as well. The space is long and skinny – we didn’t get any additional width to the room at all. In fact it’s skinnier now because everything is situated towards the back of the house. But we absolutely positively love it: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuhyphenhyphen6yUz9e7IHNllohVQuaLY9nhX51qk5_uu-eWw-uRvVIz-skd_YpkdNVCyHIP4kDTk5orI6O7NfzumWpqG5vF5M-0XxtJg2Eji5oCjv2yMjHqeOkhISYh0pN6m9T_PuBKzGG4WW9tg/s1600-h/IMG_0310%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dark gray fireplace" border="0" height="737" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaojABjj-D1OCsU6-gVWvHYSPwo3Ozq8SAbQt6wKc1aVloTombOaxJy3l55g0ZSagoyNteBGQceR1pEJJ0ccVs6foxwiyBzGGzeXRMsLr5cXtNMJVU0x-eRDQZJE3IhwJh9pZtS7y55z0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="dark gray fireplace" width="500" /></a> From the day we took down the wall we both said – it was supposed to be like this from the start. Actually every single change we’ve made in this whole great room (moving the kitchen table, switching out the doors, all of it) we’ve said the same every time. It should have been like this all along. Taking down that wall brought in an insane amount of natural light – we gained two windows from the office. We also added six new overhead lights to the space: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnTJcgvG1w0CgUmGciB6sn_w9YXjV-szGjKp1WzAeTVT1ek4oEcSxgUajITlcugGHUCDbOt8xuz-oaVnvAdTw_3w6dw6KAQLhDtOU7lzy6rp95zavgixsDTgIHaS3ZJkSZMAfHkp4H6w/s1600-h/IMG_0331%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="family room renovation @thriftydecorchick" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtpVaUK1SH1WfvB3RsnlDB9kUSC5l2dzRIwdrxCRgwHaex-4ZR00WcxCMZ-L_W57g3VLgTJNmBmiKDJ34mfVpHy9R9x-Acc4k7584FxpZpiK-BJSmawhPqHWCAK-UQCjWomxKLqsO3Fg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="family room renovation @thriftydecorchick" width="500" /></a> The focal point of the room is now the grand fireplace and built ins: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UasWRBPJHXOv90lKw6o5ezdJxXqjlHoD8byQZ1yZDb1gw9N63Z_BpGtE4Vk4H_MMd2EVnyvdbxVM_1fNyr7YaqxhRbBrKegAUgZ-w8XANdX-t4lDXzv9rqHo0IM_jHZ54iX5xc8h4-k/s1600-h/IMG_0351%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gray fireplace herringbone tile @thriftydecorchick" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJI5rfeGOI0P0ynEJOsuecQ1Q9b_rklUcR3Im6Pm1b3-Mkobin6BwLSRpPajw75g_JICg7dV6oTiz4oX_trSPQbkcejzGBgBjIur5tyO18m3G5zMoHdqsxJ4_cKCyBpMqbmAuR1BaI8-Y/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gray fireplace herringbone tile @thriftydecorchick" width="500" /></a> We had to built it into the room to accommodate the size of the gas insert – we dealt with that by building out the entire thing and adding storage for electronics and all kinds of other stuff. I went dramatic and gray with the whole thing and I adore it: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CpwtomcSVglvY_B41Yvb22bN-YERHApnLQ-vM2iKxObPfyXCeQiXSDpxNSdfUzMjbK6ZBcpRAyetlzzNIlfivIgtBLZPjtxP8rU_UnpaIK6Sge6yq196YMBogqAJaoNEQyvtRO4JO_w/s1600-h/IMG_0361%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fireplace with built ins " border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_W0nHjx3FnhFeHmVwvNWO8WnZvmKbN-Me-si5koMyr9guWxH_B71SrR0Qz8U6zEEHqf-6cs68vqq3H_5QY3DvVZ8Q4Rr0vhXZJ7vXTslYXRfovzvITMq5YfbbGZo23xrdjLd_RoNPNFk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fireplace with built ins " width="500" /></a>I am debating moving the rug down so it’s centered on the fireplace. I like how the sectional sits on it now though – if I move it the sectional will sit half on and half off. To get an idea of how this renovation opened up the space – the old wall went right down the middle of the new fireplace. Because of the angle of the old fireplace we had about two feet, then windows. There was nowhere else to put furniture but right in front of that double window. I can’t believe that our family room used to go that far into the kitchen! It actually went almost to the right side of that étagère:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgws8RRvNAmn1qkaNfLua6tO9UBKTdhXgOuQ95hNPn3iX3Fg1IN1lVaDU38p9Ot6tVT45bLCgznte-ByanmnOgg4MbsDdL9g_vG0HZtWaaV6amX9Zo6O0y7sLRwM-wOWYoJqEy_RF4jrWU/s1600-h/IMG_0446%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSXNWa5NOaXUCUm5HKhxdz4PbkZMEyzLznQRZSH0ayTnpSdNdw3o-0XIHUCZMv_kv_7E-wQBROEiY7EPdOtV-MnYMCZw0R6r860FHylamlJ7rHuA8JWgsoUhWt5hz_Rwp6ET_886LIOo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a> Crazy! The final frontier in this renovation is the double doors that will take the place of that window – it was supposed to happen last week but we had a hiccup. :) More on that soon! (And those drapes will be replaced with some that match the other side of the room soon. These are up for privacy now.) There are little things we noticed right away when we started this process. First, the animals LOVE IT. They are in this space way more than before. It’s weird. Secondly, we love that there’s one focal point in the space. I used to hate TVs over fireplaces but I’m actually falling in love with the look (and I really disliked it!). There’s no competition for your attention, it’s clean and makes the space feel even bigger. Finally, our view in here is SO much better. I love love LOVE to sit down on this sofa during the day: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrElw6C8qzSvqrRj8ecxZ9q3ku7NKhMNeOxOjhokpuDLjQdg5ldrVtqyzcMThyphenhyphents6XraKuFOQfWL2IPMwCvlo8nFA5NQtaiwKr8gOSqFFyRAUYPYtFnvkhhw9ntvwL8fVwyBW4vDzdcnI/s1600-h/IMG_0339%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="new family room @thriftydecorchick" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHhwVkInSBrF2KIWvuIU6gWLqArk3pGyJepykPfxwvcZEAcF1xY30W7kj12DNPsutXMpksZWRhvDC3YPaeYgMwlBuyHl9zk15GVZgPYhHHtfIpeEdSfgxKB0u-awkxW219WbIiiKhteo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="new family room @thriftydecorchick" width="500" /></a> Everything is oriented to the outside. Before our view from the sofa was the front door and the TV. Now’s all the light and the trees and our pretty deck and patio. I absolutely LOVE that. It’s completely changed how this room feels. We have more seating in the room now too – the chair to the right is <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/08/my-new-office.html">my new “office.”</a> It’s a super cozy spot! The <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/black-and-brass.html">newly painted dresser</a> and the built in to the left of the TV hold my office supplies: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fkiH8gGZC8TGI57jC7Geiy_DuA3P-qqvxTgkJleURxdtWOfVh6WV8EukR4e2aLKJHPEIadGsBYi7zkd-Pc6rVKM8uefIYacYJaGYC6Xv7C31rlPRhAoRrNANa0-v57uFb43MAmLssgk/s1600-h/IMG_0381%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="analytical gray sherwin williams" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCxof99MRgISIA94Ixpl7NmKop2JNmRBcfQ3AhIJLoXigMixZjHQH4qAcXre7MztMR_jSOt_oaH1XEewEzE6lmLbFSQvHpSwqLlhdRbha7QN_a545c6d1bslucWSUg3X0SLyAq7xUdqw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="analytical gray sherwin williams" width="500" /></a> We get so much light in here now it’s hard to get good shots! I’ll take that problem any day. The natural light is why I knew the space could take the darker pieces. I love how they add some drama. I have a lot of favorite spots in this space and this is one of them. That spool chair was the only furniture purchase for this room and I ADORE it: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFrKBpb8bH75FC4OTCg2jquxhofhUn08XL7THv6JzfNpZjFCqONotZclDRduJYYDoou1C-WPYpEJ5SKA6UAOmRffYGxaY75h8sld6iToAVpO9qiaqGgLG0uhdFZggwOLYpKMz7bUSWnE/s1600-h/IMG_0375%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="board and batten walls" border="0" height="738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWT2Ft_5-NzYKukRBz0xiWP04NS08Z2TSGkzzpVy4v7IgMfr2ZrevhiDmQuOIr5Q6IQ18b8ElV8HtS-nm29QkU49uZK2f5crM8edj5tYKRfG38LoLIcCCWSIhMc4wemSuRvS3xZwW0pk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="board and batten walls" width="500" /></a> I looked for months for the perfect chair and found it a few weeks ago at HomeGoods. It is spectacular. :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQJFac0LnYdsGXTTljZxTvYZ3WK-s-lc4hGkzpZdu8M_MEmhKgkygy8yaoRE7VHZBRmJEmMpWH5sUes5Tn3htsN8LEAUxve1PZKXpA1C31xXdme23HVTIYKXOfJcjtEwCVk4zQUCkRXs/s1600-h/IMG_0413%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spool chair" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ldi_cfl68KxtX9yFbGGSgcR6nHimOh8G-TfhcygGQOKl9sAa2OR4D1pr_31CpzydcuNoeljCGosaAuIwaoHqkhFwak7cPnS0e7F8Nc-hn0JjTXyE2BS976QsJ0NTcEeOhQ0_P0GeSIU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="spool chair" width="500" /></a> See? Spectacular. And incredibly comfy too! I moved what used to be used as a sofa table to the wall where the TV was before: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ35B5aUkzhhri-Q0OG8Q7saG0QInyfUqV9cFgG4Hs3UPTG5cL5ZqnKYmF9xgRnKSd0y2zBMsNpjfDT85PhpDzTCr42Z2XLDioMKxJ4wGgyQ7-0NdNkp2BmUBCAnHdv_sBL0QL3aIT3uE/s1600-h/IMG_0345%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="world market everett table" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQwYzompQVZ8tnvKhIXenp12oa2najqY8mU8KHKtnL-vjVObclSWxVIzg36EXx-CrtGjEtzxktoT25SoteIAc7uVUbhldHehSRDmjOtbj0V1fbiRSJAYwVwAhFwVsw1P_DqQZPxdvZgQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="world market everett table" width="500" /></a> Since the sectional is floating in the middle of the room the dresser I had on this wall felt too deep. This table is perfect since it’s nice and skinny. The big mirror was a happy accident – I leaned it up there to see how it felt and it makes the room feel even brighter – when I’ve taken it down to paint behind it there’s a noticeable difference in the room: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0r1bmAc3NHjaiZScrbXzFmh5dpxAT5RIILQ7B4S7uB092ivS0ruGznctJ3v1FOHnYLpUKQTrreD12Zj4FnXV8WEdwwwVENNbgT2zsp3r33oz17ibNt-FuWfbyzxQUIa5ezenovw7oss/s1600-h/IMG_0436%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="decorating a sofa table" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdNV2V7O8SrcmFnN3HT4pQxMc_zQVpVGvmK3pW_Tw6W9oDek3RExAm71zmwHsdg5yC5nIevV_zlZYfKlU3ORwaO6C5YY2DsECYmcSo4GV9sJHgpM2wLMujzFzDrEYRvO40eQ8VOLi_2Y/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="decorating a sofa table" width="500" /></a> I thought this walkway would feel tight but it’s actually perfect: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqa5ZawUEfzzrFvbMc9J4GTYw-gZt_tq49SuJ9rkF_F3caHe1jqBCg0YdJNnfkhHjpI86ca_ztb0xssB8tc2F8J4lfchu_bOmQMz_U-KI7TbWu4bJ4_vOwSLYFAqr1gzOKL2Wj_NiXZ1E/s1600-h/IMG_0333%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="walkway behind sofa" border="0" height="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvl7iwSxhQMD0yrkcgVz4LYnyP5rhQ7M31bg8gzZGvNfuNTbSSQQF0NDLzcbLgenXQ70vFlj2MXEPVJyCZ2n6on4KWU5js9tcxaw8bUJD4-SOWB-e0nAEZH98gJeUdEKv4c-oTy8EPz8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="walkway behind sofa" width="500" /></a> Before the walkway was right in front of the TV and again – this just feels “right.” I told you we keep saying that! It’s how it always should have been. :) And finally, this is my view as I sit and write: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaLxsNlV-zy_lXXvS7cSm0-_62XrhS6JGZYiyOGxV5xqbciLoPcuyhHKbGfwetgKweOG_c3YZA9lHhpsNDhDVBBHou53xP72YVO5LRL7iCSYsNTvygekWmqery_SR2MDxL1-PSzlIdMA/s1600-h/IMG_0443%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="709" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaEn4wyLVfpC5hmKglEV8Ea4Uyl6lrYWL1GU_PusdCT-i01Pu6FcTbX5afpPJr0vANvPdj0veeOA9scAkUyiNLz_jwTPbKXJWrfzRPBZGdfP2S3m-m07AvaIpzF9rjGn5YIi2pPlyAp8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a> That view will look even better when the kitchen renovation starts…next year…a long time from now…cause Mama needs a break. :) I still want to share more details and photos of the space, some before and afters and all of the sources as well – I will share those very, very soon! For now I think I’ll join him: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfcjLMdEd5df59Zt-dW_657lY0pTPhYSIMz0Ch5O3LeP9YUm733pG1LnF6SD2okPuIqdjxcu9GH0JfGz-Jxpmflkbk9j7z0rxcVqzSbBDcNwwxueUc_5KMbwPthGnBe9lhVtQ8Tyh4EE/s1600-h/IMG_0439%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="butter dog" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXftYEO7dknT3DiZ_HHIVCdNzBxxUDwUoPKHCP4joxOdaWv4H84UMNGQXTKeXdux9Ar3rxyTL5XLGcGps6mXiBn4irf5mIZm1q752f3tqD9pRN9sbqe123pbuokDH5riHqMwvUTU94lik/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="butter dog" width="500" /></a> If you have any questions about anything let me know and I’ll be sure to address it! THANK YOU for coming along for the ride! I don’t think I’ve ever worked harder on a space but not sure I’ve ever been prouder of a space either. :)

Family room reveal!

OK. I’m done. I can’t even believe it!! The family room expansion/renovation is DONE. GoodNESS, I worked my butt off on this room! I will go...

9:20 AM

Tiling a fireplace surround

HELLO! Sorry for such a late post today – I completely forgot I was supposed to help at my son’s school this morning so my day has been a bit behind. ;) This is a big post but I still wanted to share it with you today because I’m SO thrilled with how it turned out. I finally finished up the tile around the fireplace and I luurvvvvve it. Yep, I brought out the lurve for this one. I went with the herringbone tile because a.) I loved it and it was the one that had my heart as soon as I saw it b.) I realized that it wasn’t going to be as hard as I thought to install and c.) my husband picked it immediately between that and the regular marble subway tile. SO. I’ve shown you how I tiled the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/11/fireplace-redo.html">surround years ago</a>, but this is a refresher with a little more detail. That time I didn’t need to grout so this tutorial includes that step. I started by finding the middle of the actual fireplace – not the surround but the firebox: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6ijCNq0CA2m3QiSzTYAKp0hM7UMUpKYVuBLcz3WVm_JKdcgzNkEuHBduxYdWcu_Y9bcxLiFENMgl02ZTxAHERIL03W9VxS_ibhqxSledymWZEgBG6hThVSRDfUoRCpAd4a2cGNKp7PU/s1600-h/IMG_9768%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to tile fireplace surround" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisU622pZaIrFJKRjiSDGzIdb4fUzYK1uh_EIGdFC19TqyFirz1jWHTNf2kizROLZ7qKhLXIob1eJqtjKU4wotb5T6ubt8SzEiU-0gUfvDQ6w-OJN1JUyhlUj4BOlmGgIo4SEDE7QNZw9w/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="how to tile fireplace surround" width="500" /></a> This was because the two sides beside the box aren’t exactly the same size. So I wanted everything centered on the firebox part. I borrowed a tile saw from the guys that do work on our house occasionally (they’ve let me borrow it a couple times and it’s a big money saver). I’ve used it before and actually quite love this tool. It looks scary but it’s not hard to use at all. For this marble tile I made my measurements and used a pencil to mark where I needed to cut: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHQezvr6rMDjdiDK_YVDf9dEoMA5Zmw6d_ee6h4TSSQk5Y1aJR47NtyDsyF8YmFrh6VLKL3iOsYXJyR2bccc0r4Ii8gTICCTe9A20u0Aeo6DvZUN4mpVBjSR-qZRynxD3lDItQkvKXY0/s1600-h/IMG_9773%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to use a tile saw" border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiG-oQONYz8C41ZTfxhj3EkJmNff5VduG1baHYiFlQZAGh9D4cEa6Qqvpy6vnFUrh2YinyTyTUV2LnlKj_b2upN5WP0HHP2lGbHhelDTJIMRy2dgAGgtw5CCXb9d1-jD0DgpdDdS3sWQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="how to use a tile saw" width="550" /></a> Pencil is the only thing that would leave a decent mark. Before you do any cutting be sure to check your mark against the saw: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXIMIhBCMipPfgD9pfd7S88BWh5-A1gtlMVuZCJlnZ5aQ2GJXN8ZsnO2Ybu5C7yZ26BiXoLJm2ianaLadKj32RuoTNRja33qDBFbZrQQucrnEBvsY2dpLLkBoYlGrvI25oE2NPIblWnc/s1600-h/IMG_9774%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to use a tile saw" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxfLKa9g1c4lwEnsiJ7i8tyVgkS1gWVi5nFMbvUp68JA6244p4LiR7mD-wODMaDJKjHENWBtvqqNrHifYeNtixZE_nmdeAuddUpE-XMAlRdAihHTJQOvTF5QusSBZDoznMaSDxSe89q4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="how to use a tile saw" width="500" /></a> Like double and triple check! The saw makes it easy to line everything up – just make sure all the sides are flush against the panel that the tile lays on and then check your line one more time before you start cutting. The tile saw must have a water source – usually a bucket that the pump sits in underneath that runs the water through the machine. Make sure that water is running through before you start cutting: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP73nxJ15FKYQReofuSNRXfbB_FU0I85LMoj8WQS75z3DRAJgnxnEYHe6LtVVTP4ukeCiymLg3TDgm8AUhIFIZHC4zkOqZSRBDMum4OBYxvfzEtsQXe-AqJXl6ykn0kF8f3AsmcbZVEcc/s1600-h/IMG_9775%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cutting tile on tile saw" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yyR4yCPQTlNdD_jQWixnE2S45SWsd1PMCtjTCQwxSxuJxvNhj6wDRScFW19gi3uK0iPX7XWMmj-T6BRN5-OcTKNuhoF9VqWtF7QNeTIVNba9dgVVW-_LBNO5APxZ4gIBf09hfV3sTuE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cutting tile on tile saw" width="500" /></a> Now, tile on the mesh is easy to cut because you’re taking care of such a big piece at a time – but there are some tricks to it that I learned along the way. First of all, GO SLOW. The marble is very soft and will easily chip. You’ll want to hold onto the panel that the tile sits on and control it as it goes through – otherwise the saw will want to push it through really fast. It’s not hard – you just have to be patient. I found that when I was cutting the tile didn’t cut as cleanly on the right side, but the left side was usually a better cut. So I made sure to turn my tile accordingly to get a clean cut each time. Does that make sense? I wanted the “good” side on the left. Also, because the tile is so soft and the pieces on the mesh are so small, I found it helpful to lay something on top of them as I pushed them through: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2X0zfI2s6VNrUFN8baD-R7F3_ZBZRnRcpJlop1s8E6ObT8uMWZGc3mCTFM5x8f_Pvk4fbfPqXiVHG3NORNksYn4ua_EHqDVafY20oNsncovYvJeajKWSi-TmrGZSrPlxxjE6F3GAMP-4/s1600-h/IMG_9776%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cutting herringbone tile" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbn4lbg2DQOH3G_lom86Sfd17c-MEz_BIqD3bFI7Qu8Nbbo-U58nH7A4RMnygF3m1Yl9gTq7CU8cmxTsBZ3ONocZvTSeMSV2DY7cQd2tJ-PmepFSrwru0IfSgajKf4BlDgC8jEBZvaXYQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cutting herringbone tile" width="500" /></a> If you can apply a little pressure as it goes through it keeps the tiles from moving around as the saw cuts them. (WATCH where your hands are!) It was really helpful when it came to the first and last piece along the mesh. Bottom line though – very few of my cuts were perfect. I realized very quickly that it was going to be next to impossible to get perfectly perfect cuts on every one. Which doesn’t bother me – it adds to the “character.”  ;) I have a LOT of character in this house. I would cut a piece or two and then get them up on the surround – I used this premixed adhesive to do so: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmGgk20dO7mvVou4u__Lz6nVEidxrYNa7XqjAAi153jiE5uIugj2DPp6G3Txdp1gX40X05QcOqg393gsIXY3aDVkNuNo9a4dFZhKY3sBT5IvBwKHwyiccHoQ3aF2KTIwEf7cJSTu6jss/s1600-h/IMG_9834%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy tile application" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkZTEvwUq-dPGZylrG4VkuhacyJuhV_6V5SqfzDE55AvOyC5n2KDiNgvkHEuPc2aEz_tRTXdfKsi4NmjQEh06oYCuYJvBZ-Ssdc-XwFKk0ACda9YOrxmQRgYANrdn0awEcCYIaSuFri0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="easy tile application" width="500" /></a> I’ve tiled a few times and the first time I mixed the thinset and grout myself – I didn’t care for it. It’s messy and a pain in the butt, at least to me. Buying it premixed and ready to go costs a little more but was SO worth it. You’ll want a notched trowel to spread it on. I don’t feel like I’m ever good at this part: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSzb-hdbd4YTyqtXCTQkHodDfCP0r9PXsyhnTj6KJOuLn53c_-tXtLGXMnveWthx4-dGyQFDNuW35bwY3REB9d4gRyiq5JZYGyitiTlUgrszX8axQxiVELbyGdQL2Iojng01vTk5mVsg/s1600-h/IMG_9769%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to tile a wall" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8rZCyzvdZ9C_wxIed7S7SvOZfi3-AzW3O3uWosKxUBteDFX8BUrrctaqGEQ5_IMyBzCCGH7HRMNryJr2L8aZayFAyKNwEgZ75z_l26bETPzR_lwLZXFMssL37qH2xkCk-7P8vy3hLUA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="how to tile a wall" width="500" /></a> I think I use too much – but I’d rather have too much than too little. Spread it as evenly as you can and make sure to get the edges:  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ79kFcvb2-7ZrgfJJr134nRIvEzQIwKKpSNa576SQRIQQjI16tKrxCyGftVj4T5H7wvAPngi5Oro6wCJlkGOJjTS5z9qP4FPyFZC6GUveBskxGF4xIFiaY2to3nSl-iuG7y1U3wZTU2g/s1600-h/IMG_9770%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tiling a backsplash" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjese9Zv18wtZOGTPOY-4zj_LfmKk0-U0FK1M-NIx_xmZn-gc7Ka4B7HOQmo_rhK4LmqJnLTUrjFpdJcEe-CKCxFdJWnn45yP3xGp5OsXYzNboN_EyPd8-OaYnrFcbpsAG7ifbda7qqPDY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="tiling a backsplash" width="500" /></a> Then just push the tile on there and smoosh it around. I didn’t use spacers at all and I didn’t need to do anything to hold the tile up as I went – the thinset grabs it pretty quick and within a few minutes it starts to set. Just adjust it if it starts to move down at all. Also, if the thinset comes up between the tiles you can just use a toothpick to clean it out. Even with my laying it on thick I didn’t have to do that much. I had the gas line run to the  front of the surround when we moved the fireplace so I had to work around that spot – you can just unscrew that metal valve so you know what pieces need to be cut: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTntg826zA2IVpcaz36LI31HMpPFNDYaa-WzvYY0bDsPs4kFyKU4dVgvOrrQM7cn7c89lo17ZKV0F3JzsxvFBGyCtELrjtWXcgRxfNKBw5dh5j1CUDTqtYQ4YNyenWsfIcRmcGfCSRCc/s1600-h/IMG_9772%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tiling fireplace surround" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2A49XEFvLF3CBt9vSshVxfX07FYFaAx-7aR6-tU1wGPoqpcJ3NEhv1NsrXRgBGUM0Hwk6smZ_USTCK1snQGIC3TbNhfxyT9hH9_PZFtNyvJhcj-6cwikx9B6KAfgx4lSZQQrp0uSji9g/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="tiling fireplace surround" width="500" /></a> I thought that area was going to be a lot harder than it was. If a piece was in the way I just took it off the mesh backing and then cut it by itself. You can also get little nippers that will cut smaller pieces like this easily. When you’re done you just “butter” the back of that individual piece with the thinset and then stick it on. I had quite a few pieces that didn’t cut great and I would just take them off the mesh and then find/cut a better one for that spot and stick it on. You never know when it’s done. :) I let it sit for a day or two – I can’t remember how long really but the container will tell you how long. Then it was time to grout – which is usually my least favorite part. It’s MESSY so be prepared for that. I taped off the wood around the surround: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4WDNRuto7U61g21r-rlebhY-mqMWVTORZk_RoV-K78s8U0yQkUg58L2dSg7n-rxJ50oiELbT7iaOxoveK621-8ZkYNHOJuY2Zuv9IahFtICoa6EOXtWoYV7FM0HUqtlhx7AeW8x1F2s/s1600-h/IMG_9794%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="grouting tile" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCE2VOHoPl4UOfi0iKhV3vEes4ZiEqZ4nwrGrDxb6j_p_AvrgNH1TJq9O6qyz2ITYtBhj7mRrXoaO7hIofs4A0KSw2oWIgCHp1FTpLH63KZusRybmY2iSr5ERj1b_JOmfzdmxEzGSPFzI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="grouting tile" width="500" /></a> And then covered the actual fireplace with some tape and a trash bag: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66MFiWnyKSZ43Ms-ibWRAhlPgrlZUz-7-WFlQjFsmhGgOUU0xIwlRLUxTQvWTScp8mXFBDuYU0XPVe1sTM1X3HCTpIz1PXWKAjwSao-zaw6ELFRV-cG0i3G0D-LWUFHT4ts-b0XXtZ-A/s1600-h/IMG_9795%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="grouting tile" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8vBZ5IWxSsrAHIVHHbeEhPOSEgEe9upmRAQLSSYYTbcOmyyL1B_ji33dfvpVCOQSHXYihLwDWcONGcaxkRvZC921X6sHtlRY6lD1aXWYVM9__hgSlOJLepIhdU7UaMMGB-A4fZdwJoo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="grouting tile" width="500" /></a> I let the trash bag come out to the floor so it caught most of the grout that fell in that area – it made for quick clean up too. Again, I used premixed grout: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8X3iOW4p-jqzPMFZkbBHxj8bDp_FlUa8bmxoalpcx6ZUj0C-2roOwBye23qMbyIq_-CXPoeVzfWZoY6bFAAFm8YHmdYAqRZUY5m2vQR6lY3I_e6vZiFIs3eqBx-mALSKTAmwX42jys4/s1600-h/IMG_9833%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gray grout for tile" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtseNmGVDNivCJ1brpxQIOj5PPYXr70OZ4-S3DXS9rneaYNaoeoG591y3yeLTOVS8_gj_99Q6Nq1A48lYx9J8ZteskFqBoODr4PG1dmI4itoxYBohYaCmsW57bOFKJFesvwi5vwteyqZ8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gray grout for tile" width="500" /></a> I picked a color called Delorean Gray – you get more color options when you mix it yourself but I was going for this anyway. So usually if your grout lines are more than 1/8 inch you’ll want to use sanded grout. If they are less you can use unsanded. Most of mine were 1/8 – but some were less, some were more so I used sanded grout. The only thing is, as I mentioned, marble is SOFT. So there are some issues with the sanded grout that I’ll touch on in a minute. You use a float tool to apply the grout – I found it easier to get it out with my little scraper:  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8FANfOsqM_45pEJgfB6GLkE365xTQPbzKADDith4Z6_0Mr8nDb5JK5fJc1VO3ToosKtBRHqtW4Fu4WRS8LehFim0yFRV3ierZhX2iEvDVvSeIdmNyGTyQftmC59pKpQ7ixDNo8MK72c/s1600-h/IMG_9800%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to grout tile" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR5p769TvB5bJtt_-qivi8P0uZ9pmz_Bso9M3AfORuacOEKJkXGFOCk8ZW4CuEO9otQogY3v9PmVLJCihyFru-mIpcR2lRvMvorcW8doqdiSmdZpKxMl9hs9cNI_-5JtSEuyFJdXWl34/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="how to grout tile" width="500" /></a> And then apply it to the float: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oRnaplA_zHwoXn00MWNTgZy45FEdj5HrIbeaGEC1lKQblDclVLXEFsZRmSsFxJ2lxhKBOTvC-OMaqKzXLbeTAm19xMcYWnn743v0AIHGrbGcb0L8vrO-mgquVj5D0nATI421CvZByCw/s1600-h/IMG_9801%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to grout" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLab6UB6UtXnqY0c_frwMPRMB8m6g9ukwTXRlmkFJsRaj9NJBerFnrzcm7KWnS8tDvKlqbVG3Mw2LVUiq6z1pmNL8VYSkHaTOS6mGE39_8n9-g0D0CcvBtl7Zfdila4Jtolelq3BUowQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="how to grout" width="500" /></a> In my opinion there’s no right or wrong way to do this part – just do what you need to do to get it all in there: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXSHEsU3QY2-hvRpVdkS3zy8jpU_JIf9nLzbonlB-af9SEhTyvuZkoMUPACu76ZODOICmpSEneCK3yFFlGScel7dijDnlNAHBpAI73MK2EBnw7Qk6HgtIwt3bdLmfj-j26XViOsmw_GY/s1600-h/IMG_9803%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tips for grouting marble tiles" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLDCu8H12nB3DL9dIW9db5yERPf23HdLE3gkl4L1h7ZO_VHsu_K7DfZ6Pb8eJ6zyEdFwAanVp4KhLpK2jhy74k_T8xonUmI2d4yKy_vZuu8_gY5WMw9N8bAxEsI3grwhAtAWRB2ke4z0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="tips for grouting marble tiles" width="500" /></a> Just smoosh (lots of smooshing) it in there as much as you can, making sure to get the edges. I had a gap between the fireplace and the tile that I grouted too (that’s why there’s painters tape there). Then as soon as you can start wiping it all down with a big sponge and a bucket of water. This part always freaks me out because it feels like the grout isn’t going to come off. But just keep at it – wet sponge, wipe, rinse the sponge, repeat: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Iz2mNmg81EcrZk5vanW8N0P0htcez9W3Y25XG69Ag3uiAKOrth5jJZUY3r7Jq0XP18KvcoUoSlU9pqjOsKBaNmmxoWpDgHqBVDNvtp8whfROFCXsoTlxC-CFvP2MjMDdp6-D68VBPOQ/s1600-h/IMG_9804%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="grouting tile" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wvNapB-qafTByZooUj01hyQPutAkAbMtYsarplCE007tMAeEBRtk3gjjynXb4hx7LvaRyk5yj9Cf4BQ3QQ-5UTcSpaEicEB8GuSyVtkBfBSZhxHh5jl4N_Pb9umEBGTvcC4JQ-m5t_A/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="grouting tile" width="500" /></a> So here’s where the problems with sanded grout come in with this tile – first of all because the tile is so soft the sand kind of wears down the sides of the tile a bit. There’s not much you can do about it though – and honestly between the float and the sponge I think you’d get some of that anyway, even with nonsanded grout. I actually like the “worn” look it gives them. Again with that character. ;) And then the grout kind of etches into the tile as you can see here: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVJBRlgyH9NHQUTb6_SDYw53NkXk1mnlNtBozMN4qqKCP_x6nHOZ7eNW7HXBNM-JA3NHEySEH3Duuh9GEizQ6MKEB4_BuJfx13mmmfDIjAbRD5I9rX_wOxWpx10c694PPqtb3jz3eZ4Y/s1600-h/IMG_9805%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="getting grout off tiles" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sP7z8PjlGVGhhzMRzlmS-JMAqCnY4GhhSVWORFWWKTIq-4uMqzkJg3kmoldUO_MmDY7Ask_VyzigYw7-_Ygjf2ZYbmzTX3DXBHfKAuf9CGxKhffn4TaE0SizAAyaWuPmTgzy2L3ArJ0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="getting grout off tiles" width="500" /></a> It didn’t do it on all of them, but I did have to wipe down a bunch individually. I just used a wet rag: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbfNknBKWwK19USeo5f7vxxqs3nTIWGIs1JwQRamvOywa3I3Z89xFieDCAYgOvw-2mD8jAMfO1SxkJU1dogTPoXEnmWBJEW-fA3BPvsE3w9YbVLjnmnsVeTbPDdBtJDoFAkc7V-2mvYw/s1600-h/IMG_9806%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="getting grout off tiles" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP85TbsCPd2QDfNavTSnLWC656ARfxYkGrqEuEDoKchTTojH9bfT1h-5m2MJ5mSFgx7dhul0IUbWapDZSPDlAgD467wjfa86Bl5iuUxxhmnV0RGXYNaSbgjCsnQIp8mRhXHkDx8UOhr6k/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="getting grout off tiles" width="500" /></a> After that if any had some left I used a (very clean) razor to get any other residue off: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4Fk2_kcc6pm2z3LCcwqr-pa9X0YTaN1aEkEZwHLFeRXqjP8CxaHxEyJW-owkIKufiXKomFzm1HzoMdH2atFoFmpPHqXehuvkHhl7VTHDc5IXrHwy1VZfvkkmqF8SMhyphenhyphen4iebqUWXg19M/s1600-h/IMG_9808%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cleaning tiles after grout" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIz7261gECgyMcwUFbrwpvbVbBeFeNHAyn4W-8bP7PCz5n_Cf6utAGFcM_Wo3LWvPmEDDUoVz7VEgy4M1WZiFR_pq7yMforb4kb9_is7y4DcPWakLVA11Eq6RLBQkkGRiaD3as8Mz_eLU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cleaning tiles after grout" width="500" /></a> If you were using this on a backsplash where it would be seen closer I’d probably use the non sanded grout – but because I had some bigger areas to fill I’m glad I used the sanded on the surround. After the grout dried I ran a bead of grout around the edges (it comes in a tube, same color) to make all of my not perfect cuts (mostly) disappear. Character! :) And we now have a gorgeous fireplace surround that I’m obsessed with: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqv8D6max7ue1anv10keyH6QdGPeekhRUBpkx3oGsJFes9uEJIf2bA6y6XmYbjEwn1DSVy6GAD9VXQ1G1_77ZMpPBhHjG9AYl_9E7JB6RZZg-_sKj3RFoFKX0gaxp4jgKK_5wgRU_Bv4/s1600-h/IMG_9839%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="herringbone gray tile" border="0" height="704" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIn0oHO11yZ24M3aYv4SK1N7cmThgKsDfQ7amp-qqi_hCIg4W_uRI6S3I9upquvjo-l_uDzMhhxbYQzgVX8VVmO98bvzbUG0WlqyTnD1Evo6RWGEcXT6uYlKNGzndfE8VKNcWnQqXalOc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="herringbone gray tile" width="532" /></a> I went back and forth between gray and white grout and I’m so glad I went gray – it really makes the design pop even more. I LOVE IT. I love all the colors in the marble too – white, gray and a lot of a tans as well – they tie in perfectly with the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/08/a-new-wall-color-kind-of.html">new wall color</a> in this room and those tan colors keep it from feeling too cold: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABPVbRYVAtM7GueP0helhXIlwz5gKwwWNNwn9z7GCtlxKaocl_sQLWE-DreDGQw5hN0kQ0ktkJp14ljvIPxpvfdrdS5BcBPeeTn16IeviBhSfUPoKB0MC590QI66dWflYvFRWimz7FYE/s1600-h/IMG_9842%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="herringbone tile design" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jdp4XXIZbHjsvn6PjyjMG_yKZZF9CFTTZ_O42mLD5PYLDE2YBT5BJVXQkWX2AQYoIMXiIIngijUoDSBZPJdymkFzzFyJl5VzAacFmBwwZEM67vEQuzlGgTgKcI8Er3W6gcl1ldIKxvA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="herringbone tile design" width="500" /></a> I love how the the tile looks with the gray paint and the metal doors on the built ins. And I love that they catch the light and almost shimmer: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYjEPMIaFdNEVkzB_kRcjn8yFWBwfbrYjJL4LFylh7dzTM_QmrTVuDXtnUyFwcGy9X6ceQq75gcz_15veJOnLSn6aqgsNxzN-YGG0qkrqjD9-aFrJd_ZWokfRar6vfAwG2jtys5iyrzw/s1600-h/IMG_9844%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="herringbone marble tile" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_riRZman9BxeDeBnS_oKAuTvMNngOLxt9iGg_4GiSqWvwWiADxRtrUcVOlWzD5gZVWfJfmHRwtLzI7_grFDdfjdQpJY0pCIDkabXY69FNCzxQmanCeWWR4j5XPknx03ukla_6nDqUCKM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="herringbone marble tile" width="500" /></a> Next up – tackling the wall above the fireplace! It will be the same gray color and will get a treatment. I hope to get that started and maybe done this weekend. And then everything will get one more coat of paint. But for now I’m thrilled with the progress so far!!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3E6P_xv6nweI_jrVawJ5_wYPBc4CyFXayy-ZnfdRUvo1dplUSi8lsB0iaCPHGYFx8XMQP-1mp8yKUF9BYGRIEnt92wnIFGx6U6s93dgdBTX-QfWReLMyEVkvYVt1yhDoGAU5J3CB45s/s1600-h/IMG_9841%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="herringbone tile gray fireplace" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsdFnxoRHaMcA_gRQ64ap0cqR1tVxeIgD0PDI0fj0oW_teJlb_viOvzsUI8ZwU84dDnxqNG6qQanA4GBlyhvbV6LII4WraXnuP2nnUcl9H6nX8m7HSyB5t6NdoyQ4CmrGWKtH3xxBDUo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="herringbone tile gray fireplace" width="500" /></a> I hope I made some sense of the tiling process – if you have any questions let me know! It’s not hard at all, it just takes some patience. Have you attempted a tiling job? Did you find it hard? A small spot like a fireplace surround is a great place to start! Have a great weekend!

Tiling a fireplace surround

HELLO! Sorry for such a late post today – I completely forgot I was supposed to help at my son’s school this morning so my day has been a bi...

10:04 AM

A painted fireplace

Well HELLO all! I’ve been working my butt off on the fireplace this week! I don’t have a totally finished product to show you but I’m SO excited about the direction it’s going so I wanted to share. I went a little out of my comfort zone and I love it. Sunday I had had enough with the unfinished mess and started tackling the fireplace and built ins. I thought it would take me a couple days max – HA! I’m on day five and have a good four days of work left. I way underestimated how much needed to be done. It’s a beast – the fireplace is massive and the built ins have a lot of surface area to paint as well. On Sunday this is how the one holding our TV components looked: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6xABdpilrh9p-c6ga-65JwxR3zLAt2WYWce80U8-UuXVfdbj9dO2UgjNCrri_EjWALFhQ-7z1KjvLGCe8o79rrRvjeSb2GUqgOcIC1hZT6r_S1v5eyMLgjqermMAEBRhV39YFlVy-o8/s1600-h/31%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="built ins by TV" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAYoUWdgSdlBFpooOCFI5j1pnQK9w605mVJ22VdahgCT0hmdJgLprkJOTVnXGmfBJfQrK4MRFf5iBVoGfxMlqLoRv8fey7ES0Q3lAMRTESJ6ZaDQXe2E2s7mSDkLbdkhALgPbfrQ62Tk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="built ins by TV" width="500" /></a> Hot mess. I’ve had guests and friends over for weeks with it looking like that and I could have cared less. All the sudden on Sunday I couldn’t take it one more minute. It’s how I roll. And yes, I was equipped with a cherry icee. Ignore the poor plant that has become a snack for the cats. My first order of business was to fill alllllllll the holes: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaveFGwxpwlQVJHoNd5LOeGGoY8HQpVJA8j9lchvBuuI_fEgJdaCgKpKT5_as46NdQGlNE6pAfYgsLMlZCXNk6Cx9kLQ6PbQHhu8_IWqheM0p5vdTijWL2wyJzi_MygPYIpgrERItCws/s1600-h/32%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="trim on built ins" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ImHRroJvHEWSSrwRxsu9qPOPplleJSOvxoNncWZGEvnSUshWchCgVFI3JX1gHDcctVtKH7AJtn_y9c3j2wSO6V4HB3f6ZHLRccXtzbALdn93keKajFZaqpZPsbXWTxRm72Zxgtc06iY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="trim on built ins" width="500" /></a> I didn’t worry about all the cracks because those were getting covered later. But I filled and sanded, then caulked the whole thing top to bottom. THEN came the priming: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9Zoy7GvV85iFtucqui2aBiwny8MkMD4aCQk8uGnqfzdVVdADuxaVi7ewz1jdk6qTvnuqeE8ZY2e0mAiOYoLH8JWPtnEA9HO0Cjm8_tKYJqHZn37qdvzmLr_qrV0FujAeWyifaJcBoGA/s1600-h/33%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="short built ins by fireplace" border="0" height="780" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03v5NS_FyWbRoEm3JU7S-Pl0bxHJOgq8y9BQqRNz_9cgjyDBcIYrFYKLgaphwS4l7hLhiM32dWWWCu7H5N-9PYzsR6F8CNFLlXwz0DPrDJrcepHWpMjJSgsQIXtdBs_DWKGkd70-h_qQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="short built ins by fireplace" width="488" /></a> I got all that done in the first day – by the second day I had my white semi gloss paint in hand and started painting the first coat…but stopped myself. You can’t tell from the pic above because the board and batten isn’t done over there – but it was a whole lotta WHITE. I love white trim as much as anybody (well, more than anybody), but the white built ins against the white board and batten was feeling a little blah. I had been playing with the idea of painting the whole thing out in a light gray all along. Somewhere along the line I talked myself out of it – I didn’t feel like it would look right without enough contrast. But I had that white paint in my hand and couldn’t get the idea out of my mind. I wanted this area to really pop and as it was it wasn’t happening. I had an idea percolating in my head and looked back through some pictures I had saved to get up the guts to follow through. When I saw this photo I had bookmarked the decision was made: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielJI8d8ZAgG1BwmYGB0OhF5QH3W05FcEISQpJCY0c10sZyLvQjMeyYwMktBCqggPeWYBrXHyrRftBO1OQCSI5SZX5ZHWGhU6_mr2xthAz4UIZ16NgWqiQ_KU70IP5jLaHpFQ2anFfBG4/s1600-h/19mebeckdesign%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="19mebeckdesign" border="0" height="749" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqEQISiJO8Sg0NdyxIalmf8ygRpObiDAZ-Bzi_e0n_k1QF4bQ0J_5xwXbTPouClJ6bcEXZRXjS3iD6ud9z4TbGbutOXXOx2VOO3XGd1Xb0bw5v9uOmVn9QaROEtkoWO31Q4otCTl5OMg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="19mebeckdesign" width="500" /></a> (<a href="http://beckdesignblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/before-after-beautiful-kitchen.html?m=1">source</a>) GoodNESS people. That is stunning! I’m so obsessed with contrast anyway – white trim against a dark wood floor, black door against white trim…so this is right up my alley. I was sold. The bonus was that I already had the paint – I LOVE the Peppercorn color I used on our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/03/dark-gray-accent-wall.html">master bedroom wall</a>: <img alt="IMG_8768" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsKdAATVPcXAA3wxjevvVyJU6ZFPDTUjTw_RZ-XXy8d07Xb_IEZhVyliuB9LjjwoMYvQDcaMLrXcfyLZO0WfJK-Tua43b1SyBqIuufcX5AUecDRal_Yz-5lx3xuX7aKhUsOHQeh2dIIw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_8768" width="500" />And it looks identical to the gray in that photo! This family room gets LOADS of light now that the wall is down. It’s glorious. I’m not worried about the room feeling dark with all the natural light and especially not with the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/08/its-time-for-some-board-and-batten.html">mostly white walls</a> throughout the whole space: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ys0OBmIBNy3HegJGU7LU_FDGsEqQbgbaL_ycvDOu7HOTgjarU4WiIZ18c3WMM_srWpKTA5SW79VJ26SC6W6kH_gjsdy5HMSD29e6SkMygm254sTc_7SbO_Y9izmCvfV5OdX2k6WgX1s/s1600-h/IMG_9728%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="board and batten" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMy_msZjcCtlnxVgc7BDrFiAUdsVax1I1S8zI11GxnZ3n2bJffcBV1dSaVR_0Ep_VxCsZ0-2gDtq9-XG4gGer5maFXIi1dr4Xg71q3nDk4W4llJrjB1ik8hHWebAXCm3KRH4We_VSNFxU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="board and batten" width="500" /></a> So I put a coat of the gray on – and I was a little nervous but loved it. I started installing the decorative trim and fell in love a little more: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VZOlgBKE2HUOGxCXM4GHLEOiBVlcpHhgjACCCcDWSsxaupeiBfCoefpJgBwFV0ZRmz_QOmUrBrGWpWsJiXEKi0PhIBBiJSGq9qTds-v92h-HDgAQWcMq0dRYIyH3i36Bw4bDsusJYO8/s1600-h/30%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="trim on fireplace" border="0" height="652" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdru3y4d5l00n9z5iPZ-QHtPfqhSd6cqaitlRq0qJaiF3XaADFm2Tsjv69LYFcno1NJ3yYsQ70p8-TXkODpiClooii82q4dKKoNfxj3t0oWUG5y-puJ-u7FwYYG-kMpNtyt-OyN9M-vY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="trim on fireplace" width="512" /></a> And then with another coat I was head over heels: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvtC6WlYbW-1hnMtpqws_WJrncXQ23NndelusJclebxrwjZi0xVObcldX5WCTj2WBnOGUddFlb3yZVNjg3HqJNsm_9hIX_clBtGr34jtPsFBEnuR7pM2TMIM03M0zJQy8MR9IsMa2Oqg/s1600-h/IMG_9756%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gray fireplace" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZPDcIWpkDZaJdWCWuyNKdWfCq_9rOpei1zAammmwmGKltIQ4o1wfK-6ChgGZZTSqAb43unnYh4TCiRjBrebTWTwS1KhqdqVHXuY5QWji1TinXKfLbDzZZWl2IurSH4j_jL1yTbUZo6o/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gray fireplace" width="500" /></a> Oh my goodness – it is a step out of my norm but I’m loving it.  I think doing something that feels a little uncomfortable at first is so important to do in your home as well as in life. At least once and a while. :) It still needs another coat – the paint I had is an eggshell finish so I’m grabbing a quart of the same color in semi gloss to finish it up. After all this work I don’t want to worry about scuffs (which are a lot more noticeable on a darker paint): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcjJtnXdIXs4w0uT33h9MdsAYeP-6lao2JCOdc7LqEz82oPcIPQP7779jCxri9qAaSkyS6t7bq9eCvCLOn4cVeoRu8zjbMREBaittuH0RzyS8fysz6VHZx9hgQ497Qtp9sT_jHukBB0g/s1600-h/IMG_9761%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gray fireplace" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYumHHYR5Ao016eGAZfWj__pdQ8zsINGPelYO0QbLNXdRRgqWA4wMhXGkE6v_psQVm8_0gOfRlQOvY_ZoeS5h5QYmbBs0uPLi-PSISl56HnknG8DWHGnzu4XDGCabpwJLL4xXJ02J4no/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gray fireplace" width="500" /></a> The past couple of days I’ve been working on the cabinet doors – can’t wait to show you those too! And I still need to paint the inside of the cabinets but that may just happen later (cause my hands and wrists are screaming uncle): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghM9OZSouYQBEBePdzomuzGEg4TN_m5WJaqaCoVs3pDRF-TVL0VTNsD0E-xe1hhnooLtqmB5bMqHRNY5JzlhVGgq0DLHxBNt1LEcJ_oi0rADKnzJLVSfgE9G_Bgn17VIY_zLntztOTLpc/s1600-h/IMG_9755%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gray fireplace with built ins" border="0" height="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBWP5m1v_e-5CLIs-h9__2hVoYtp1LSZTiR8cgG0JWaMjyWJcK1NeKryOCvvAZxRrar3cZ6Rfiu8L9z_7GfWFPyVwzcWjO84abQRsMLzwO7Lg0Cd1KAQ3-PudYoZKlJRBHguwT9mRqGs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gray fireplace with built ins" width="484" /></a> Today I’m finishing up the doors and then I’m hoping to get started on the tile for the surround. I’ve been trying to decide on one of these for weeks: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTIqAJ82wGCEUIyQIJ8S7w_6dkjp3wVDxG1usxQPyLrxJfeYCRxCGmB1JCQagAOng10ojwEirDqMUADFJ0Rk0eJAbNEFS2eldz6OpwJX7ItpoOUe2GfEF6z6Q0da-VYqcZ0jvtZM62FA/s1600-h/IMG_9763%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gray and white marble tiles" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jCgt6ZxJ8VWDdgNg4LWf1NKWx4QmA21UgVX6ZDq2f9BnVPMcj2dA65_7m992-lXud4q_jh7444EyCvOmFPfCq6nWCY0yf9D-Air0sKBVj_WYzFOKhrVkc7fiBt2hTVuYZTnyjM-E4uU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gray and white marble tiles" width="500" /></a> The first and third from the left have been around the whole time – the subway and the hexagon were later additions. :) It’s now down to the the subway: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfmzU7FvtgLGXvGmtsmAYx9GhILHjYdtVzQsvKNqLK7_4mb8BVBCEGNl_MDZezG6WpRmOldErC32N3SdivgTPNuFSmHQgYjk-44w5WfhGkL8h_IM679EGmST9G1vOQOfKiR-zayNaxuw/s1600-h/IMG_9765%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="marble subway tile" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxyAA9xqK0eTyScKobeNUcSufC10QivVPSsov4sT7RtzxI8g_p-pfOHXsBk6bm7vE6gmNwjAPrl9P0Ex5q61lNZxbGh9fNFcurphb8CjBed_Pz5CnPXTxH06cdDTcjN8pH2Nz01ymurY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="marble subway tile" width="500" /></a> Or the herringbone: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F25UdjEY0unhf0KnwcRZrMA4UQsAQwnxeKt-OCUzh-QZeYdQZVWLri_6Ewk-Y80TN1ykf-q19F0jhYzLTSx6CQBDWxpxSAZ76D2TUkrImKXmORiYNFspTQHISAsvSZOvg-Scte-Yixc/s1600-h/IMG_9766%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="marble herringbone tile" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkJVasTc4HCP9foEwGFpdurgoaCcUfnoWwLoYUo7SInj8HmIOdRoedomZ_WkFhQkod_-pFju_pjhotgr0zRimhUUIqGvN9KcNMgdcIOkmP51jVW-mFL8zGQcfH8U8RIwAQh2SKSwoXUE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="marble herringbone tile" width="500" /></a> The herringbone has always been my favorite but I’ve been intimidated by the small cuts I’d have to do. But as I was holding it up to take this picture I realized I could just cut it down so it fits centered – I can just cut each side off evenly and installed it that way. No small cuts needed to fill in all those spots. I could do the same for the top as well so I don’t risk losing a finger. ;) So…now that I realized that I think I’m going for the herringbone. Ugh, I’m pretty sure. They are both classic designs so it’s a hard decision. There you go! More progress – and I went dark! After the I finish up the doors and the tile (over the next few days), then I’ll focus on the wall treatment above the fireplace and around the TV. Then I’ll give everything one final coat…and I’ll be done! I’m not stopping till I get there – but it will probably be next week. I’ve got my 20 year reunion this weekend so I’ll be taking some time out to party. :) Could you do a color other than white on built ins or a fireplace? It’s not for everyone – but it does give it some drama and certainly makes it the centerpiece of the room. I don’t know if I could do a whole room in such a dark color but little bits of it make me giddy.

A painted fireplace

Well HELLO all! I’ve been working my butt off on the fireplace this week! I don’t have a totally finished product to show you but I’m SO exc...

8:32 AM

The new back door

Family room reveal!

Tiling a fireplace surround

A painted fireplace

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