On Thanksgiving, while others were feasting on turkey and pumpkin pie, I came to the new house and took several hundred pictures. I made the mistake at our last house of not taking a single before photo, and this time I wasn’t going to let that happen. I knew once the furniture got in the next day and the children took over I would be less likely to capture the house before we got our hands on it.
Some of you caught on to the fact that this is the house we put an offer on in the spring. When we decided that building wasn’t the road we were supposed to be taking anymore, I remember thinking “it seems odd that the blue house is still for sale.”
So we went back to the people in the blue house, and this time they were ready to meet us where we felt comfortable. And all of these months kind of began to make some sense. Sometimes God allows you to go through a lot of uncertainty to get to what feels certain. And that feels like this house. There is so much we want to do, so many projects to tackle, yet we feel complete joy being here just as it is. It feels exciting and right. It feels like home.
The house was built in the mid 80’s. It’s funny, because I grew up in this neighborhood, and I can remember all of the different people that lived here, but I’d never been inside before. According to my parents the whole house used to be wallpapered, so luckily one of the past owners took care of that painstaking task. Most of the rooms are neutral – easy to live with until I determine some paint colors.
Gabby @ CookieCutterUnique.com says
I'm so happy for you, the house looks amazing! I may cry if you paint the wood, but I do agree the orangey stain is not the best. Can't wait to see what you do with it'
themakerista@gmail.com says
I don't think I can bring myself to paint it either. π
Beth of designPOST Interiors says
What great bones! I can't wait to see what you do with everything esepcially that den! I say keep the wood!
Sarah says
We scraped the popcorn in our master recently – it wasn't too bad, but you do need to clear out the room so if you do it, do it now while there isn't much in the space! I can tell you that it significantly changes the acoustics in the room, so that is something to consider, especially with tall ceilings!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for the thoughts, Sarah! Do you know, was your popcorn painted? I just hear it's much harder if it has been.
Bethany DeVore says
So happy for you! Can't wait to see what you do with everything!
Sarah Wissinger says
This house is seriously beautiful. I can't wait to see how you make it yours!
Sarah
SnuggleMom says
Even if the textured ceilings aren't too noticeable, YOU will always notice them. So they gots to go.
themakerista@gmail.com says
I'm definitely leaning this way. Getting quotes this week. #pleasedontbeabilliondollars π
Megan S. says
wow! I love it! I wonder if it's possible to stain the wood? Probably time consuming but worth it!
Lauren says
Gorgeous house!! I definitely would NOT paint the wood. Maybe try to refinish/restain it? Even if that proves to be too much work, I would leave it, "orange-iness" and all! I feel you on the popcorn ceilings… There are some things in our house that we have changed that only I would notice, but it has been totally worth it.
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
Yay! So glad you feel content π God's plan is always a pleasant surprise it seems. Soon you will be making and doing and in your element. congrats and it is so fun to see the befores π xoxo
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
I'm so glad this worked out just as it was meant to be! The house is great and when you are done with it it will be amazing!
ElevenGables says
So excited for you and your family! We may make our plans, but the final outcome is in God's hands! As for the ceilings… since they can't be scraped, what about floating them out? xox, Emily
Maggie Fieger says
What a beautiful house! I can't wait to see what you do with it
Sheena says
Gwen, I am so happy you found a place to call home! I'm am so excited to see what you do with it as my home is very similar (lots and lots of antique oak everywhere!)
Here are my thoughts:
Popcorn ceilings HAVE. TO. GO! Seriously dates a home.
I like the step up on the bay window as i see you making a beautiful thick cushion to fit and topping of with lots of pillows to snuggle up on and read books with your Littles. Great way to soften all the structure of the wood.
Lastly, I to, have struggled with what to do with all that wood. We have lived in our home for 7 years (which was also a 80's build) and we did in fact have to remove wallpaper from nearly every wall. Thank your lucky stars you didn't have to tackle that ugly battle! But back to the wood. We have builtins galore, beams everywhere and a den that has box beams and french doors. When you place furniture in the room it will really help. The general consensus seems to be anyone 40 and older says to keep the wood, 40 and under crowd seems to prefer a lighter feel. My opinion: keep the wood, it is far more interesting and exquisite than the white trim you see going in every new built out there.
Hope this helps & good luck on your remodel adventures, so excited to follow your journey!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for all of this, Sheena! Yes, I think when the room is decorated that will make a big difference. I'm definitely going to try it as-is for now. Thanks again for your thoughts!
kristine says
Oh it's lovely! And the wood is amazing. I think you are being very mature and smart in thinking of the future with not painting it for now. Enjoy it! Accent it with modern and bold tones or tons of white to modernize the space..it has such a timeless feel though and can be so amazing to run with.. In sure you've considered dry walling the ceilings..is that an option? Best of luck!!
kristineham
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Kristine! Yes, I think that going more simple and clean with the decor could help. We're getting quotes on ceiling options this week, so we'll see. Thanks again!
Rachel Norman says
http://diyfunideas.com/remove-popcorn-ceilings-30-minutes/
Not sure if my other comment went through.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Rachel!
Catherine Hansen Peart says
I finally have a moment to come and ogle your new home! So, so happy for you!!! My gut reaction to the wood was exactly the same as yours and I am a HUGE lover of painting over it (seriously, people wouldn't want to put me in a Craftsman – paint all the way baby!). But in this space, I don't know, it just kind of looks amazing. I think it is very smart to live with it for awhile before you decide what to do. I would do anything to get rid of the popcorn though. Although, having said that, if it is going to be too much of a pain, most people won't even notice it once your gorgeous decorating is all in there! Just do what you can without stressing yourself out too much. Eeeeek, so excited to see what you are going to do with it!!!
Summer Hogan says
That wood is gorgeous! Part of me would say paint it but I'm with you, feel it out, it's almost TOO gorgeous to touch! Congrats!
themakerista@gmail.com says
I'm glad you see my dilemma. π Thanks, Summer!
Heather Freeman says
Gorgeous! Can't wait to see what you do with it:)
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, lady!
Sara Gideon says
What about painting the dining room ceiling a darker color? I love cozy dining rooms and high ceilings can handle
themakerista@gmail.com says
I do love cozy dining rooms too. We're getting quotes this week to see about removing the popcorn, and I have some plans to bring in a lot of cozy!
Brittany Cramer says
MY GOODNESS IT'S GORGEOUS! I love all the details! There's so much character, I cannot wait to see what you do with all of it. I cant wait.
angela | the painted house says
I'm so excited for you and this house! All the little design challenges shown just give you a chance to show off your design prowess. π I'm happy that you are keeping the wood paneled room to see how you like it. I think it could be really cool. I think I just heard the house sigh with relief and shiver with joy with the thought of you leading the transformation. All the best in the process!
Kirsten Wareham says
First off- love the paneled room. It's so special.
Second, we're removed a ton of popcorn ceilings in our house. Some were painted and some were not. Each were cake. Promise. As soon as we first moved in, I sprayed a small corner of the ceiling with water, really saturate it, and then scraped it off with a putty knife. I had been freakkng out about the ceiling before buying the place so it put my mind at ease to do a test area ASAP…I then saw it was so easy but oh goodness is it messy.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Kristen, I have to ask, did you end up with a smooth finish? Or just a textured finish? Thanks for your thoughts!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
Gwen, I can see so many amazing little details in this house! Can't wait to see you work your magic on it. Seems like everything that's wrong is just cosmetic, so with lots of thought and elbow grease I know you'll make it shine!
Rachel Robinson says
Very excited to see what changes you'll be making. Popcorn really is a piece of cake. It seems daunting but a cheap fertilizer sprayer from Home Depot/ lowes and a putty knife and drop cloths are all you really need. Mist and let sit. As you get more familiar you will get a feel of how much to spray. A friend of mine did a living room, two hallways and a dining room in a few hours! Good luck!
themakerista@gmail.com says
When you say it was a piece of cake, after you scrapped did you have to do anything else? Were the ceilings totally smooth then, or just kind of textured? I keep hearing such conflicting thingsβ¦some people saying it's the worst job ever, and others with quick results. Thanks for your thoughts!
Victoria Hunt says
Wonderful work! love it!