A few weeks ago we started a major construction project, which I first mentioned here. Whew, what a job! But we are in the very end stages of the job at this point--the finishing details are left, like reinstalling the trim and touching up paint. Eventually, we are also going to work on our stairs which are pine and will need to be sanded and stained to match the new oak.
My dad, Vito, his friend Tino, and of course Dino and I all worked hard and got across the floor, two inches at a time in just three full weekends. Can you stand it--Tino, Dino and Vito? The tricky parts were making the angled cuts around staircases and entryways. Also, taking out the ugly white tile in front of the fireplace--we were bashing at it with hammers to the point that sparks were literally flying. Fortunately we got that part done without a major gas explosion which I was kind of worried about.
My favorite part of the whole job is this four inch strip of tumbled marble mosaic tile. Since the floor in the dining room was a slightly more golden color than the honey of the new living room, I just wanted the transition to be a little more intentional. I love the way it came out!
We originally planned on getting a 5' x 7' cowhide rug for the center of the room, but we came upon a really great deal at Homegoods on this brown/blue 8' x 10' rug. I was worried about the blue and brown theme ending up over the top, but I'm really happy with the whole room. It's driving me crazy that the window sill is stacked with DVD's at the moment, and there is a pile of stereo components behind the chair, and our coffee table is currently being used as a TV console. But we're workin' on it...
In other renovation news, which I'll keep you updated on, we also are doing our powder room over--sort of on a whim. Out with the old wall paper, light fixture and vanity, and in with a much more zen-inspired feel. Stay tuned!
