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Bayhouse AFTER pics & Tying up Loose Ends

It happens every time I travel to the States: unfinished business. I know most of you can't relate to this kind of overseas life. It's somewhat exciting, mostly challenging, and for someone like me, full of home decoration itches I rarely get to scratch. Consequently, I tend to load up on projects I hope to accomplish (usually in other people's homes) when planning a good chunk of time Stateside. My goals are usually lofty, and more often than not, time and budget limitations nip them short of fruition. This last visit was no different.  There are a few things I wish I had been able to see to finish, but in the meantime, I can check off this to-do.
As I've mentioned in the last couple of posts, my main target this trip was my 'rents bayhouse.  In all honesty, they were mostly content with the style of the home.  I, of course, came in like Frank from Father of the Bride, "Oh, it's wonderful, lovely, we change everything!"  I just saw (see) so much MORE for the place.
Takes time, though.
And cash.
But, where there's a will, there's a DIY way.
And it tackled the living room this go-'round.

Before:
A Vision in Beige.

After:  On its way to being the bright, fresh place it's begging to be.

What we did:
1)  Stained the media cabinet and wet bar (out of frame) using a ridiculously easy product called General Finishes gel stain in Java + their water-based poly finish.  Can't get over the new rich, contrast.
2)  Had white slips made for the couches.  Note: These couches hail from the Cindy Crawford line from Rooms to Go (came with the house), and they are crazy comfy, so tuck that away for some non-biased sourcing.
3)  Bought a $30 coffee table from our local Habitat store, and had it made into an ottoman using a zebra-stenciled cowhide.  Not bad for saving about $1500 on a "trade" original.
4)  Replaced the too-small indoor/outdoor rug with a large jute from Overstock.
We still need to recover the armchairs that sit to the right of the couches, and of course, tend to all those little finishing touches (like original art), but the room is such a breath of fresh air, and really does allow me to feel like I left with a sense of accomplishment.

We also undertook a refresh of the kitchen, which came outfitted in the same honey-oak.  And, of course, there's my bedroom situation left in mid-design crisis mode.  Good thing is, it forces me to take time to think things through, and decide what I really like versus just "get it done."

So, until next time...

See this post, as well as other good examples of Working With What You Have at Emily A. Clark

10 comments:

Erin | Holtwood Hipster said...

Wow! The slipcovers alone transformed that room and the ottoman was genius! I know you said they were content with the way it was before, but how could they not be so excited to look at that light, bright and airy retreat now? Well done!

LindsB said...

Woah- what a difference some stain and a pair of slipcovers make! This space is on its way to looking amazing! You do beautiful work girl! xxoo

Christina said...

Fabulous changes! I loved how you reused so much yet made it fresh and interesting. I'm really enjoying the contract in dark and light. I can't wait to see want you layer in next.

Koplax said...

Excellent information and facts. Only real difficulty I was basically receiving was viewing the pics. No idea exactly why.

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Unknown said...

It's looking SO much better- bright, fresh and airy...can't wait to see what you go with for art! Lovely job as always my dear- xo

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Unknown said...

The first image carries around it a very warm and classic atmosphere. However, the second image totally brings the house down. The ambience is so light, and I love the added entertainment system. It makes the living room a lot livelier for the whole family. I would suggest adding a sound system to bring out the best of that entertainment system.
Alejandra Hutchcraft

Emily A. Clark said...

That stain is so rich. I love the difference--and the contrast with those white couches. Perfect!

Thanks for linking up :)

nanasewn said...

Would love to know the process for "restaining" the oak pieces. As we have been talking of this for years and not sure how to begin.

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