Monday, October 10, 2011

Family room/kitchen renovation

I wanted to create a room to which I would gravitate.

before                                                                  
I wanted to create a room full of sun and air.
The room felt closed in and claustrophobic to me, but I was too close to it emotionally, so I didn't see any obvious solutions. I went into designer mode, and just did to it what I would have done if it was for a client, which is rip the @#$ out of it. Since there was no construction over it, I wondered "what in the world is ABOVE this space???? I don't see nothin'!!!! Then I'm going to rip it open!!!
I love crow bars!!! They are a designer's best friend. The room had a really nice roof line; which made a great ceiling profile. It also provided another surface to cut into for windows. So I had three skylights added.
Since the fireplace was a metal box, and not masonry, I was able to move it around (sort of). I had always wanted a fireplace with bookshelves on either side ( I grew up in a house with them). I was renovating this house just when thin TVs were coming on the market, so I was really excited about placing one in a bookshelf only 10" deep. I had the wall built forward 10", and pulled the fireplace forward, placing recessed bookshelves on either side, redesigning the look of the wall by using mat black slate as the fireplace surround and hearth and cladding the wall in V-groove paneling.

I covered the ceiling with bead board for a total country feel, becoming deadened to the increasing bills the contractor was handing me.
One of the aspects of the room that made me feel closed in was the height of the window sill. It was 34" high. I am used to a 30" high sill, it doesn't cut your site line to the outside as much, making a room feel more open. So, since the windows were old, and would have to be replaced in the near future, and I wanted to get all the construction over before I moved into my new home, while I was replacing the windows, I lengthened them by 4", to have a lower sill line. It transformed the space (for me) (and that's all that counts, since I don't see anyone else living here).

I'm going to end this here, I will try to finish tomorrow, but as you can see, I hadn't posted in a week, and I was getting yelled at (you know who you are), So I figured I better get something up before I loose the few followers I have.

Linking to:  wow us wednesdays

                  Mod Mix Monday

19 comments:

Sandy said...

Fantastic! I love your newly decorated and re-designed family room. I bet those sky lights flood light into the dark kitchen too. I just love everything you did. You are one talented designer.

Twice Nice said...

I never thought about those 4 extra inches on a window, and what a difference it can make. Really! I also want to knock out all my ceilings and raise the roof. I see a kitchen remodel somewhere down the line. Deb

Amy Chalmers said...

The before and after pics are so dramatic, it doesn't even look like the same space! I really like how airy and light filled the room is now~great job Betsy!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Stunning transformation, Betsy! I love how much light you brought in. Love your French doors and the drapery. I'm glad to see you have a ceiling fan, too!

Katie @ Wildwood Creek said...

The new space looks amazing! Great before and after.

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

You definitely accomplished what you wanted! Such a sunny, light-filled space that you have created. Love it!

Unknown said...

Amazing Before/After!!! This is such a great DIY story! I'd love for you to share this at Overflowing with Creativity

XO, Aimee

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Gorgeous makeover. I look forward to more.

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Beautiful transformation!

Dee

Unknown said...

So beautiful! You did a fabulous job.

alex said...

I love those 3 window. Great work.

_________________________
kitchen worktops

Anonymous said...

I love your style. Windows really do make or break a place. I think what gives a home bad curb appeal IS the skimpy windows.

Love your blog!

Kathy

Linda Wise said...

Your skylights make the room a lot brighter by allowing natural light to come in and fill the room, which creates that very light, warm atmosphere. What’s more, you can save electricity with those. Looking at your design, it seems you have a warm personality, Betsy! You know what they say: a person’s personal space often reflects their personality.

Son Lakhani said...

I agree with you, Linda. Those skylights brighten up the room quite well. It makes the room more homey and cozy to look at. Nice job, Betsy!

Lino Kosters said...

Nice skylights Betsy! I like how it illuminates the beauty of the whole room. I’m thinking of renovating my roof next month. Maybe I should also install a skylight, so that we’ll use less electricity. Thanks for sharing Betsy!

William Gulliver said...

Betsy, you are amazing when it comes to interior design. I especially like your windows because they are so elegantly dressed. The curtains are very attractive and they made your windows look luxurious. Also, your skylight is perfect! I really like staying in beautifully lit rooms. Great job!

William Gulliver

Anonymous said...

Your the smile at the end of my day reading your "colorful" dialog, ha,ha! I take care of a little boy with autism and some days see me one breath away from a total panic attack...then I chill out with a glass of wine and your blog. Thanks...keep it coming.

remodeling columbus said...

The skylights are so beautiful - and the room is really tied together now with your improvements.

Just gorgeous!

bathroom renovations vancouver said...

Gorgeous kitchen and room renovate!

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