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House Tour Part 1: Living Rooms

September 5, 2018 46 Comments

Hellooooo friends!

I’ve been absolutely dying to show you what I’ve been up to these past few months!  Call it nesting…getting settled…or maybe it’s just my kind of playtime.  There’s just no getting around the fact that I love “interiorizing”, and my current slate has been putting my own spin on our new 1920 house.  I’ve had such a blast this summer pulling out all the stops and just going crazy with painting, thrifting, and moving things around.  So I thought I’d take a few blog posts here to give you a little tour.

Welcome to our home!

Our House

It’s hard to see, but the color of the stucco is pink!  Very very light, and totally dreamy, but not-at-all-Mediterranean-or-Southwest (I’m insistent!) pink.  Is it even possible for a pink house to take itself too seriously?  I think not.  It’s so me.  I might play around with the color of the shutters at some point, but that’s a different post.  Today I want to share about our living rooms, which span the entire front side of the house, and are what you see right when you walk in the front door.  We spend a ton of time in here!  It’s our #1 hangout space.  Movies, games, music, reading, crafts, schoolwork, forts, and chatting with friends (I’m sitting at the coffee table as I write this, actually!).

So here’s this area BEFORE (those are the previous owners furnishings, because crazy pants McCited, yours truly, forgot to take photos of the empty rooms!).

Living room Before

Living Room Before

And here it is moving week.  I’d decided the old splotchy yellow wallpaper needed to go before I could set up the furniture, because I’m what my daughter Nora would call an “action girl” – aka I’m spontaneous and impatient.  The time period between when I decide I want to do something, and when I actually start doing it, is, on average, about 1.2 minutes.

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So we basically did this on day 1, and who would have guessed that my 5yo’s turned out to be wallpaper-removing ninjas.  No soaking, no scraping…just pulled it right off, and they were totally committed to seeing it to the end!  Note to self: kids love destroying stuff, so asking them to actually destroy something is like a dream come true.

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Here it is post-wall paper, but pre-paint.

Living Room Before

And here it is now.

Living Room After

Mantle

For reals…EVERYTHING in here is a thrifty treasure.  Bird urns?  Goodwill.  Mirror?  Goodwill.  Candlesticks & rug?  Estate sale.  That’s 80% of the fun for me- the hunting for treasures.  If I could, I’d do it all day, every day.  I’m addicted.  Someone please tell me how I can make a career out of treasure hunting!

Fireplace

This gallery wall next to the fireplace is one of my favorite spots in the whole house.  Many of the pieces are from my sketchbook, and the rest are- again- thrifted treasures I’ve accumulated over a the years.

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Gallery Wall Close Up

Here’s the front entry that opens into this living room.

Entryway

On the other side of the house, to the left, was originally this very red dining room.  Wait- did I say ‘very red’?  I meant VERY RED.  (Again, these are the previous owner’s furnishings because I had the great foresight to not take any before photos.)

Dining Room Before

This wallpaper went away the first week as well, but this time it was a little more tedious, a lot more messy, and somehow we couldn’t see to escape the endless layers of red.

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Nothing a couple coats of fresh paint couldn’t remedy though!  Here’s that room today.

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TV Photo Collage

Paintings by my grandfather on the left, paired with a painting on the right that I rescued from someone’s trash!  I think they look pretty swell together.  Also, I got this Broyhill sofa set at Goodwill for $40…don’t ask me how someone came up with that price…I couldn’t get the cash in their hand fast enough.

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The braided rug is another estate auction find…no one else wanted it so I think I might have bid $30 for it.  I spend some evenings repairing the joints that have become loose.  I don’t mind, because I really love it!

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So there are the living rooms!  Cozy and comfy, feeling like home, and they’re calling my name right now.  Well, more accurately, it’s Russell, sitting in the living room, who’s calling my name, so I think I’ll wrap this up and go join him for a beer and another episode of that new Jack Ryan series on Amazon (who knew Jim from The Office could be so stealth!?).

Thanks for popping by to take a peek at what I’ve been up to!  Until next time…

XOXO

 

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Comments

  1. Heidi says

    September 5, 2018 at 8:03 am

    I love your vintage style! This is absolutely gorgeous, Amy!

    Reply
    • Amy says

      September 6, 2018 at 7:41 am

      Thanks Heidi! It feels great to be settled! 😊

      Reply
  2. Mindy says

    September 5, 2018 at 8:16 am

    Love, love, love it! You’ve given me some picture-hanging ideas……especially what you did around your television set! Awesome! I know you’re a busy mom/wife, but sure have missed your blogging! ~Mindy

    Reply
    • Amy says

      September 6, 2018 at 7:43 am

      Hi Mindy! Thanks so much! The collage around the fireplace was fun to do! Very improvisational…just started hanging things! Have fun with yours! :)

      Reply
  3. Katie says

    September 5, 2018 at 8:34 am

    Ohhh looking good! You’ve made it so cozy. I have a question though, since you’re using as a tv room what they used as a dining room, do you have another dining area? Is there also an eat in kitchen?

    Reply
    • Amy says

      September 6, 2018 at 7:44 am

      Good question. Our 6 person dining table fits in the kitchen so we eat in there. Keeps the mess contained, so I’m enjoying that!

      Reply
  4. Jera says

    September 5, 2018 at 1:05 pm

    You’ve been busy! Everything looks super cozy and beautiful! Great job!

    Reply
    • Amy says

      September 6, 2018 at 7:44 am

      Thanks Jera!!! 😊

      Reply
  5. Shasta says

    September 5, 2018 at 3:31 pm

    What a beautiful house, and such great vintage style! Yeah, that room was VERY RED! So much better now.

    Reply
    • Amy says

      September 6, 2018 at 7:45 am

      Thanks!!! Yeah, that red was hardcore! Whew.

      Reply
  6. Pat S says

    September 5, 2018 at 5:30 pm

    Great job! Everything looks so cozy and “nested”. :-)

    Reply
    • Amy says

      September 6, 2018 at 7:46 am

      Thanks Pat! It sure does feel nice to hang out in. :)

      Reply
  7. Branalyn says

    September 5, 2018 at 6:21 pm

    Oh I love it! We moved into our house about 15 months ago. And we have exactly 2 rooms semi-done. Not even totally done. It drives me crazy but we also have a 1, 2, and 3 year old (the 1 & 2 yo arriving unexpectedly about a year ago) so it is what it is right now.

    Reply
    • Branalyn says

      September 5, 2018 at 6:22 pm

      They did start MDO today for 2 days a week. Here’s hoping I can use those days to get stuff house-related done!

      Reply
      • Amy says

        September 6, 2018 at 7:47 am

        School definitely makes a difference! Super hard with littles running around all day.

        Reply
  8. Sarah hayes says

    September 5, 2018 at 6:29 pm

    Can I come live with you !! I absolutely love the textures, colors, and joy the rooms radiate!

    Reply
    • Amy says

      September 6, 2018 at 7:48 am

      Thanks Sarah!!!!! We so have similar tastes!! 😍

      Reply
  9. Linda P says

    September 5, 2018 at 6:47 pm

    I like your name: Action Girl!! I could be quite comfortable and at home there! Would love to go thrifting with you – I can just hear the stories from other people’s treasures they once loved. Great job, Amy!

    Reply
    • Amy says

      September 9, 2018 at 12:39 pm

      Thanks Linda! Ack, I do wish i could hear the back stories on these treasures! Maybe I’ll have to make some up just for fun 😂

      Reply
  10. Karen says

    September 6, 2018 at 4:08 am

    Hi Amy

    I was only thinking about you all yesterday and joy of joy there you were this morning in my inbox, which always brings a smile before I have even opened and read your mail.

    Your new home looks amazingly beautiful, what a great job you have all done and I love the little peeps helping with the wall paper stripping – great Gibson team effort.

    You have such a great eye for design and detail – and are super talented and it really shows on your photos.

    Thank you so much for sharing.

    K x

    Reply
    • Amy says

      September 9, 2018 at 12:41 pm

      Aww, hi Miss Karen!! Thanks for the sweet note!!! It does feel good to finally be blogging again- I’ve missed you guys! XO

      Reply
  11. Becky Thompson says

    September 6, 2018 at 4:17 am

    You epitomize “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Well done! $40 for a living room set? WOW I envy your ability to do what you do – I simply don’t have the vision. Russell is very lucky to have such a woman in his life that can turn a house into a home on a wing and a prayer. :)

    Reply
  12. Little Quiltsong says

    September 6, 2018 at 5:05 am

    You have a wonderful way of bringing this all together! Love the after pics and coziness of it all. Beautiful wall arrangements. You really have an eye in decor!

    Reply
  13. Judy A says

    September 6, 2018 at 5:29 am

    looks so restful and happy!

    Reply
  14. Lorraine Maatman says

    September 6, 2018 at 5:39 am

    Your decorating style speaks volumns about you and your family. You’ve created a cozy, warm , loving
    space for you and your beautiful family to grow in love. 🏠💕

    Reply
  15. Deborah French says

    September 6, 2018 at 6:05 am

    WOW! I was wondering where you had gone to now I know. It is absolutely beautiful!! Cannot wait to see the rest. I’ve missed your posts.

    Reply
  16. Barbara Levine says

    September 6, 2018 at 6:11 am

    Oh, I love everything about the rooms you shared with us! I am also addicted to thrifting. The fun is in the hunt and I am always so excited to bring something home that deserves another life!! The other day, it was a small quilted pillow. I never bought someone else’s quilted anything before and I adore this small, sweet pillow. I get you, Amy! May you have many years of love, happiness, and laughter in your new home!

    Reply
  17. Elizabeth A Senser says

    September 6, 2018 at 6:51 am

    Your home is lovely. You’ve put some much love into it and I felt it just looking at the pictures. I really felt as though I was in each room personally. Very inviting. What State do you live in? The style of the home screams “East Coast” to me. I’m a California girl and you don’t see much of the architectural style of your home out here (though I”m living in France right now so it feels odd to say “here”). Really. Lovely.

    Reply
  18. Elizabeth A Senser says

    September 6, 2018 at 6:52 am

    That should say “so much love….typo.

    Reply
  19. Janet Maddox says

    September 6, 2018 at 7:38 am

    You have a beautiful home. It’s one fitting for a magazine display. You did a marvelous job in designing and setting up the living rooms. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  20. Collettia says

    September 6, 2018 at 7:58 am

    Hey Amy,was thinking about your blog the other day. Your house is so inviting. Blessings

    Reply
  21. Patti A. says

    September 6, 2018 at 7:59 am

    Can’t wait for part #2, love everything, you have great helpers!

    Reply
  22. Ann says

    September 6, 2018 at 8:04 am

    Now that’s what I call decorating. Not a home that can’t be touched but a home full of love and fun. It screams come and sit for a while. Love it.

    Reply
  23. Lisa Rose says

    September 6, 2018 at 8:52 am

    Absolutely love everything you’ve done to make the house your home. Looking forward to seeing more of your amazing transformations!

    Reply
  24. Susan Knoll says

    September 6, 2018 at 9:03 am

    Seeing your wallpaper ninjas gave me a chuckle on this suddenly darkened day!! Raining now, thanks goodness. So happy to see your blog too Amy. always welcome back!

    Reply
  25. Susan says

    September 6, 2018 at 9:14 am

    Love, love, love it all…. I could so live here. You have a beautiful gift for this. Only one question: Where’s the quilts? :0)

    Reply
  26. Kath Brown says

    September 6, 2018 at 9:42 am

    Thank you so much for sharing. It looks so inviting and fun and I could sit in either room for ours and have a feast for the eyes – all those treasures to look at everywhere. You have done a beautiful job making it your home. And who would think of making 2 Living Rooms?! Interesting and so perfect for your family. I love that slight pink house color. It’s just ever so faintly visible and definitely NOT southwest. Way to keep the tradition of the house and still make it your own! Lovely!!!

    Reply
  27. Lisa Taylor says

    September 6, 2018 at 12:04 pm

    I was so excited to find a new email from you this morning! You are so inspiring and are such a “real” person. Thank you! I love what you have done with your home. It has given me some ideas on what I should do in my living room.

    Reply
  28. Rosemary B says

    September 6, 2018 at 4:12 pm

    WELCOME HOME
    I love your new home sweet home!

    Reply
  29. Karen says

    September 6, 2018 at 7:29 pm

    So great to here from you. Your home is so filled with love.I am looking forward to seeing more.

    Reply
  30. Ginabeth says

    September 7, 2018 at 5:07 am

    The house looks great! So glad you are putting your talent to use in your “nest”. Thanks for the tour of the living space.

    Reply
  31. Christina says

    September 7, 2018 at 5:51 am

    Beautiful! I love your sense of style.

    Reply
  32. Nancy Penczner says

    September 7, 2018 at 9:46 am

    Hi Amy – I know I am just supposed to look at your fabulous house re-design – but my favorite part are your 2 boys- cutie po – tooties – taking down the wall paper!

    How wonderful that you make every project a family affair. I see the love in every corner.

    Reply
  33. Annabelle H. says

    September 7, 2018 at 9:51 am

    Thank you for sharing your lovely home and all the hard work you and your family put into making it nice and comfy. Welcome to Virginia!
    In a few years, my husband and I might do the reverse move. Our daughter moved to Denver 3 years ago after graduating from the University of Virginia. She’s a rock climber. We have been looking at real estate in the Boulder area and were surprised to see how expensive it is!
    Annabelle, Project Linus Fairfax County Chapter, Northern Virginia, https://www.facebook.com/projectlinusfairfaxcounty/

    Reply
  34. Wendy Carter says

    September 11, 2018 at 7:18 pm

    Love the house, it looks great. So much work! Our living room is our center place too.

    Reply
  35. Susie says

    September 18, 2018 at 6:38 pm

    Your house is so airy and beautiful!!! <3 As for making a career of it- I would totally pay you to decorate my house with your thrifty finds. You have an eye!

    Reply

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