Ten days into this new year, we are still wrapping up the Christmas declutter, and finally purchased the last two storage boxes that we need to get it all packed up. Thanks to Debbie's post, I'm on a mission to prove that I am NOT in fact a hoarder, and have the organizational skills to prove it. Do I sound like I'm convincing myself here??!!
I have spent a good amount of time thinking about how my projects will come together in 2012. This spring, we will have been in this house for 26 years. The poor thing has taken a beating, and after that long, alot of things need to be redone that have already been done. That's sometimes good, and sometimes not. While I don't know if we are ready to pack all 1190 square feet into a POD so we can redo our hardwoods, there will be plenty of other damage control going on.
Here's a photo from years ago of our much-loved slipper chairs in the living room. After years of teens, and dogs, and eating and lounging in these chairs, they have needed to be freshened for a while now. Let's just say that they don't really look this good any more.
I'm dreaming of something a bit more like this
photo found here
This is just the first of what I hope to be a huge transformation in this room! Just like in our Dining Room, I'm really craving a more neutral palette to work with. I will probably keep the yellow walls, maybe?, and recover with fabrics that give me more flexibility with all of our seasonal decorating.
Pillows in this
Or this
Would be dreamy for spring! All fabrics, Waverly from JoAnn Fabrics.
We have plenty more fun (and not fun) projects on the list:
Replace draperies. Repaint dated drapery rods, and finials.
Pull out gas logs and repaint firebox interior. Yuck. This would be considered majorly not fun.
Tile the hearth. (This has been on the list since 1986. Maybe this is the year!)
Repaint walls and touch up all woodwork. Not fun stuff, I know. But it's been a good ten years since we last did that, and this poor little room has gotten scuffed and dinged and tattered since then. It will feel so good to give it all a fresh coat of paint.
Update the 1980s armoire, shown above. I'm thinking about removing the moulding, chopping off the bonnet top (not shown in the photo, I always cropped it out because I can't stand it!), re-adding new moulding, and refacing the door fronts. Maybe just with some simple beadboard. Oh and those bun feet have GOT to go! The whole thing might be red when I'm done, too :) I know that sounds like alot of work for one armoire, but it's a nice, solid pine piece, and it fits in this space perfectly. The width of this wall is only 13 feet, and includes the doorway to the tiny hall.
I will not even show you our dog-slobbered, kid-trashed sofa slipcover that we're living with right now. It's blah, boring, dirty, and gross. This fabric was so pretty when I bought it! But multiple washings later, it's past its prime. With a new slipcover, I hope to transform our sofa to something fresh like this gorgeous one
photo found here
Don't you just adore those pleats? And the bun feet are going to be replaced with a style similar to the ones above. It will be so nice to see under the sofa to more easily vacuum up those dust bunnies.
It's been cold, rainy and dreary here, so it's the perfect time to get some projects done inside! While I contemplate those slipcovers, I'll also be scheming up some fun Valentine's projects, for an extra-special Valentine's Day this year. I'll share more soon! Thanks for coming by to hear about my Home Goals.
I'm joining Kim for Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style, Judy's Winter Blues Wednesday at DIY by Design and The Nester for 2012 Home Goals, and Sherry's Open House Party at No Minimalist Here.
Your inspiration photos are really nice! I want a neutral color scheme, too. And I want to go with a more modern decor. Lots of changes will be happening in my home this year! :)
Posted by: Tracy | January 10, 2012 at 05:52 PM
I know we all need a change from time to time but I just love your house. Maybe you could just redo those chairs in a similar style? :)
Posted by: Stacey | January 10, 2012 at 06:26 PM
Those fabrics are beautiful. It's always fun to update things isn't it? Have a great year.
Posted by: Janette@The2Seasons | January 10, 2012 at 07:12 PM
I just love your inspiration photos. Absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing at DIYbyDesign.
Posted by: Judy | January 10, 2012 at 07:30 PM
I love your ideas! Will be anxious to see the outcome.
Posted by: Chlvie | January 10, 2012 at 07:32 PM
Great plans, Andrea! I understand about doing things that are due to be redone from time. If we hadn't moved at the end of September that would be us this year, I'm sure. We were in our house almost 21 years and there would have been some refreshing going on.
Love those slipper chairs, but I like the new one you have in mind, too. I went with a white slipcover for my Ikea Ektorp chair and I had a white slipcover made for my sofa before we moved. ALL washable! Love them! A couple of the best things I did in decorating.
Posted by: Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions | January 10, 2012 at 08:09 PM
Your inspirations pics and fabrics are beautiful! Good luck with all your projects and happy decorating!
Posted by: Joselyn @The DIY Spot | January 10, 2012 at 11:47 PM
I look forward to seeing your completed projects! I love the chairs and sofa you posted. I love white!
Posted by: Ricki Jill Treleaven | January 11, 2012 at 07:52 AM
I look forward to seeing more of what you are doing. And I feel the same, time to freshen up, change some things. Was looking at some new pillows and shower curtains the other day, thinking its time for a re-do and wall painting! :)
Posted by: Cindy | January 11, 2012 at 07:59 AM
Hi, the white chair is so gorgeous.
Happy Wednesday,
Barb
Posted by: Barb~Bella Vista | January 11, 2012 at 09:49 AM
Found you by way of the Wow us Wednesday party. I love to decorate with white and I am slowly replacing my furniture. Hugs, Maryjane
Posted by: rockpaperscissors | January 11, 2012 at 01:54 PM
Wow, these are some great goals, it will be so fun to see them all come together! A few blog friends and I introduced a new challenge idea Monday and it would be so fun if you want to join. If you have a second, check in at http://thespacebetweenblog.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/imagine-the-impossibilities-challenge/ to learn more, and feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog
Posted by: Karah @ thespacebetweenblog | January 11, 2012 at 02:46 PM
oh yum - love that ruffle bottom on that chair!
http://northerncottage.blogspot.com/2012/01/northern-cottage-party-time-tuesday2.html
Posted by: northern cottage | January 11, 2012 at 06:52 PM
Your inspiration photos are wonderful.
Your newest follower, Mary Alice
Posted by: Mary Alice Patterson | January 11, 2012 at 09:44 PM
I love your inspiration photos, I'm working towards that same look in my own home. I'm looking forward to seeing how your projects turn out.
Posted by: Amy@HomeRemedies | January 12, 2012 at 06:58 AM
I want to follow your progress on this. I hope you keep some of your color personality. :-) I'm going to be doing some slipcover befores and afters as well. Good luck!
Posted by: Dixie Redmond | January 12, 2012 at 08:09 AM
I love the inspiration photos and the slipcovers are wonderful. Thank you for linking to the Open House Party.
xo, Sherry
Posted by: Sherry @ No Minimalist Here | January 12, 2012 at 06:49 PM