Entryway: Then and Now

It's been a while since we've posted much of anything.  I realize that "Before and After" pictures are  usually the ones we want to share as they are the most impressive and best way to convey the impact of the improvements we've made.  The only problem is that we're never "done" with a space.  There always seem to be a few loose ends.  Well our entryway is 99% done (we'll see if you can guess the 3 things that need to be done....) but I figured it's close and worth sharing.  Enjoy!

And just for fun, here are a few of the "During" photos.  Note the magic of spray paint on the old-school door bell.  It has a great tone, just needed a makeover.

Here's a list of what was done in the Entry:

• Wall Paper Removal
• Trim Removal
• Baseboard Heat Removal
• Drywall Patching and Sanding
• Light Fixture Replacement
• Prime/Paint Walls and Ceiling
• Spray Paint Doorbell and Reinstall
• Sand & Paint Double Doors
• Spray Paint Old Double Door Hardware
• Install, Caulk, Paint New "Board and Batten"
• Clean/Prime/Paint Front Door
• Upgrade All Door Hardware (including boring for a new deadbolt)
• Extensively Clean Tile & Grout
• Treat Grout with a Lightening Product (using toothbrush and Q-Tips)

No Mo Wallpaper

The last of the wallpaper has been removed. That means it took one year but we now have a wallpaper free house.  Here's a quick picture of the entryway transformation that'a underway:

Before:

During:

After (AKA good enough for now - might replace the tile in the future):

Living Room Fireplace Upgrade

You probably hadn't noticed that we have a fireplace in our living room because most of the pictures we post are taken from the same corner where the fireplace sits, thus you can't see it. Anyway, the chimney is large and brick and was painted a color very similar to the wall color and then on top of the brick was an out of place mantle and a brass ash screen. This was not working but was not ( and probably still shouldn't be) a priority as there is still so much to do at the house. But when Kelly started to get out the Christmas decorations we realized that this fireplace just wouldn't do,especially since the fireplace is such a key location for Christmas decorations. Not sure when the fireplace upgrade will be thoroughly completed ( still need to change out the mantle) but we want to share a brief update on the upgrade. And we'll probably post again to follow up with the finished product.

Before:

Current:

Happy holliday decorating to you!!!

Here's the mostly finished (aka finished for now) fireplace: