January 07, 2009

Shore House Before and Afters

Well, 2008 was a big year at the shore house. Mostly because it was our first year at the shore house. One year ago, we were sleeping on an air mattress, watching television on a 13” set with rabbit ears. We had a card table and two metal folding chairs in our living room. In fact, our insurance company dropped us in February because when they drove by to check up (I didn’t know they actually did that) they deemed the home uninhabited. Good times.

I thought I’d have more “before and after” DIY projects, like painting furniture found at thrift stores and yard sales, or rewiring lamps. But the truth is, most of the stuff I found just needed a (really) good scrub and some TLC, like
the dresser my new boudoir lamps (from my last post) are on. It was a steal at $125 if you ask me.


The wood isn’t perfect but I love the patina so I’m sticking with her, as-is.


However...the rooms themselves have gone through some big time transformations in the year since we bought the shore house. We looked around this weekend, a little awestruck by how much we were able to accomplish in one short year. Maybe not awestruck. That sounds a little much. Anyway…


I wanted to share some of our progress for
Southern Hospitality’s Top Ten Projects blog tour. I'll start with our latest completion (or close-to completion. Is a room ever really done?!), the office.

Here’s a look back at the raw before – dark, crazy, deep knotty paneling. Which actually looks better in this photo than it was. Clearly an homage to the 1970s:


And here's the room now:

Back in April, we started by “distressing” the walls (as if they weren’t distressing enough!). I’d like to say we did something fancy, but we used leftover white paint used for our ceilings. Volia; distressed driftwood. You can read my original post, which was midway through the project, here.

We’re not thrilled with the sleeper sofa, but it was the smallest, most comfortable we could find. And at the time, we had no furniture so were desperate to purchase something to sit on while we shopped for our living room furniture. I wish it were lighter and a tad more mod, but I’ve covered it up with pillows to “hide” it as best as I can. Plus it took four guys to wedge it through the door, so we're quite literally stuck with it.

I also have a couple of black and white sailboat prints from HomeGoods that have already been replaced by the more colorful vintage-looking amusement park poster, which I’ve had for years. I re-framed it in a $25 frame from Michael’s (got to love those 40% off coupons) to breathe a little life into.

I just bought the lamp this weekend (HomeGoods, mais oui), and left the tag on just in case I change my mind. Which happens. Often.

And I really do love the New Jersey school map I scored on one of my adventures:


Other re-dos in 2008 that were big for us include “The Green Room,” our guest room that started out as a bright blue boys’ bedroom for the prior owners, seen in these photos (what you can't see is the blue paint splattered ALL over the woodwork. Tape, people!):




And, less than $500 later (right down to the doorknob) it became our beachy keen guest room. Here’s a few photos, but
click here to read more about where all of the stuff in the room was found:




Then, there’s the room that started it all – our living room. Here she is before:


And after, back in April. Our first room done:



I need to stage another “after-after” shot that includes our newer
round dining table (the dining table in the above picture is now my desk!) and the fabulous china cabinet.

Next up, “The Napoleon Room.” That’s what we call it, and soon you’ll see why. It’s one of our biggest transformations, mostly thanks to the undoing of some serious floral wallpaper. And I mean serious. I still need to take photos of this room so come back on Friday and I’ll hopefully have my act together. (Actually I can’t guarantee I’ll ever have my act together, but at least I’ll have photos of the room taken.)

Last but not least, I have to give a huge thank you to Tam over at Yakiddy Yak Yak for kicking-off my new year with an award!


"This blog invests and believes in proximity"...which I read online to mean, "nearness in space, time and relationships." I went on to read that, "Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated." Well isn't that just the sweetest thing ever? I think everyone who is kind enough to come here for a visit deserves to cut these ribbons, too. Thank you all...and here's to more bloggy friendships and DIY fantasticness in the new year!

48 comments:

Tina said...

Wowee! What can I say Laura, but this post is such an inspiration as you and your blog are. I'm so glad I found you on the web. How wonderful it has been to journey with you. Keep creating and writing about it.
Blessings to you
T
p.s. you've got some rockin' taste there girl!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Laura, you guys need to pat yourselves on the back! WOW! What a transformation. If anyone understands what you went through, we do! And you've done a wonderful job on a wonderful home.

Kudos, friend!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Southern Lady said...

Laura,

I enjoyed the tour of your beautiful Shorehouse ... you were a very busy lady in 2008!

My favorite room is your living room ... what an amazing transformation! It's beautiful, and so warm and welcoming.

I'm looking forward to seeing your "Napoleon Room!"

Sincerely,

Janie

Linda Merrill said...

Lots of work there! The living room is great and your work really showcases the beautiful moldings!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Laura, you have really done some serious work on that place in a year! WOW, it's just gorgeous, love the moldings & good for you stripping that wallpaper. The beachy guestroom is SO cute, I just love it. You outdid yourself. I look forward to more fun in 2009 with you!

Natalia said...

Oh, WOW! You have a beautiful home - and your transformations are stunning. Great job.

The Style Sisters said...

Holy Moly!! you do amazing work. The blue bedroom transformation in incredible. Nice work!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Hey! I am here from teh 2008 Before and After. Your place looks great! My favorite is the bedroom. So calming and serene. Stop by my place if you can.

Joyce said...

Yahoo!!! How did you find time with your full schedule already?!
Your home is beautiful! I love the map and all the special touches.
I noticed the guest room- what days are still open at the Shorehouse B&B? Does this include breakfast in bed? LOL...
Have a golden one my friend! xoxo

Anonymous said...

You've got all the original moldings..., wow. Your place looks great! I just received the earrings too..., thanks soooo much.

Jean Martha said...

You guys kicked serious butt this year, the house looks awesome!!

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

WOWZA!!! Now those are SOME before and afters!! Looks great!!!

j.cro said...

We've owned our home for over eight years now and gone through two complete renos (the second one thanks to a faulty thermostat and our overzealous furnace) and our house STILL doesn't look as put together as yours.
How do you feel about coming over and helping me decorate?
HAPPY NEW YEAR my fine friend!!!
xoxo

Jen @ RamblingRenovators said...

Wowee, those are some great transformations! Hope 2009 brings even more. Thanks for the tour!

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

You have had a busy year! Everything looks beautiful.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Laura

Your "before and after" photos are all so incredible! What a wonderful transformation your shore house has taken! You should be very proud.

My Brooklyn house was built in 1927so I have glass door knobs too! I also have the small doorways and staircases too --lol-- they can be quite a challenge! We still don't know how our bedroom armoire made it up that staircase many years ago!

I've also painted over dark paneling. We had to use an oil based primer -- two coats -- that stank to high heavens at first, but the paneling did not stain through which was helpful.

Looking foreward to seeing mnay more shorehouse transformations, and fun, in the coming year!

Hugs, Pat

Decor To Adore said...

Wow~amazing transformations! Thunderous applause coming from Phoenix. Well done.

muralimanohar said...

Okay, when you change your mind about the Homegoods lamp, just box it up and ship it to me (I should be in Hawaii by then..cheap shipping! :p)

And I love your beachy keen room. Maybe a little less beachy, more keen, but still gorgeous. :D

Rue said...

Hi Laura :)

I just love your home and I fell in love with it the minute I found your blog. You really have done an incredible job and I can't wait to see what the heck a Napoleon room is LOL

Yeah... those bathroom walls were a pain in a$$ ;)

hugs,
rue

Mrs. Limestone said...

Your office is looking great...love the pillows and the home goods finds.

Im sure Ive mentioned this before but I adore your dresser! I need to get on the hunt to find some antique nightstands. Thanks for inspiring me!

Anonymous said...

Hi Laura

lovely lovely lovely, what wonderful makeovers, the dresser is really nice, I am gonna keep my eye out for that, the patina just what I'm looking for, but I'll have to really try not to paint it white when I do find one lol!

love the guest room too...such inspiration

happy days beachy friend !

Sarah

Anonymous said...

Hi!
Wallpaper and paneling!!! really a lot of work to remove or spruce up!
You did a great job:)
Thanks for sharing in blog land:)
Nice to meet you!

KayEllen

Lamp Tramp said...

Such beautiful rooms from your amazing shore house makeover , Very inspiring!ren

BailiwickStudio said...

Wow, you did so much in one year! The place looks wonderful! ::Jill

Lorrie said...

Wow Laura, I love your before and after project tour! You've come such a long way in a year. It's so fun to see the transformation in your home. Keep those projects coming!

One Shabby Old House said...

I love your Shore house. I too am working on an old house. I hope you will come and see the transformations we have made.
Becky
www.oneshabbyoldhouse.blogspot.com

Heather said...

I sure hope your insurance picked you back up after all that hard work! It's beautiful.

Ms. Tee said...

Wow, it's all amazing! The walls are great! My absolute favorites are the vintage park poster and the old map. Bee-utiful! :)

Beth at Aunties said...

Beautiful transformations:) It truly is a beautiful home and shows a lot of hard work and love!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Looks great! I'm really impressed that you actually follow through with artwork and furniture. By the time we finish (or don't finish) renovating a room, we're too pooped to think about the window treatments, artwork and furnishings.

Anonymous said...

Awww Laura it's just fantastic. And so much accomplished on one year! I'm hoping by the time May comes around I'll be able to post something similar. You've done a good job, lady!

Local Girl said...

Laura!!! You did that in a year?!? My word you must have worked like a madwoman. It's beautiful and I hope you are now relaxing and enjoying it.

I'm adding you to my Link Love post this week, because that is one transformation!

Liz xx

Megan {The Brick Bungalow} said...

WOW! I love all of the makeovers. I've been searching for a vintage girly print like your's for awhile now. I must keep reading your blog!

Mrs. Gray's Class said...

Holy Smoke! What an incredible transformation - love everything you've done.

pve design said...

Love the after. Good job! Did you hear the applause?
Clap, Clap!

Liz Harrell said...

I just loved seeing all of this eye candy in one post! Your home is just so fantastic, and I especially loved seeing your office. I'm seriously on a never-ending quest to redo mine. :)

Blondie's Journal said...

Laura, soryy I haven't been around but just caught up w/ you and you've been up to some serious posting!! First, read your "Do not leave..." on your dad and I want you to know that I feel for you so. I'm not one to give advice, and I'm not going to say "I've been there..." and I have, big time recently, a triple whammie to put it mildly. Advice I was given-"Keep putting one foot in front of the other". Works. Sort of.
Your before & afters. You have come a long way girl. Or the house has! You definately have that thrift talent rockin!! Your rooms have very clean lines and I like the darker wood trim, something people don't want to leave alone too much anymore. Congrats on your award. I'll be back ;-)

xoxo
Janie

Free Art Printables said...

LOVE your before and afters!!! That blue is amazing!

heidi said...

Would like to confirm reservations for the beachy guestroom. 2 adults & 3 varmints, August 17-21.
Mwah hahahahahaa!!!

Linda Lou said...

It is so cool to see the befores and afters of your shorehouse - you did an amazing job, I love stores like Home Goods for just the right thing in a room, your hard work shows and it looks great!

Joyce said...

Hey Laura have a great weekend!

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

What a wonderful home you have! I love all of the paint colors that you chose. It all works so well and is so light and fresh.

Thanks for letting me stop by!

Jen

Fifi Flowers said...

GREAT before and afters! You really lightened up the place! It's FAB... thanks for sharing... LOVE it!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Laura, LOL! I'm laughing because I just gave you this award, too. :-)

Wishing you a blessed Sunday in your wonderful Shorehouse...

XO,

Sheila :-)

beachy in the burbs said...

I'm just catching up online and was absolutely delighted to read this post! Your home is so beautiful and perfectly decorated - I just adore it. Can you come help me decorate? :)

Maureen said...

You have been so very busy. I love the before and after pictures. The art, the paint colors, the accessories... all fabulous.

please sir said...

I LOVE your map and doorknob - ok and pretty much everything!

Anonymous said...

Love the transformations..I am renting a cottage with dark pine paneling and cannot paint shoot..because I am a renter..asked landlord a zillion time already!