Sunday, July 18, 2010

While They Were Out...

Last week, I had the privilege of re-decorating my mom and step-dad's living room over a two day period... while they were camping. The fun part was that they knew nothing of what I had decided to do or what I had purchased! What a great time, using the small budget I was given, traveling to many thrift stores, as-is sections in furniture stores and purchasing from a second-hand online site. I found so much excitement looking for the "diamond in the rough". On the decorating days, my children, my sisters, and my cousin, helped sand and paint. I had never been interested in re-finishing furniture before but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this project. The result was beautiful and the unveiling for my anxious "clients" was well worth the work :)
Here is the BEFORE photo...


And here are some AFTER photos...




As you can see, they returned home before I could peel the painter's tape in some areas, and put the fans away. I also purchased fabric for drapes and had just enough time to hang them over the rod. I will have to sew the panels another day. My mom loves winter pictures so the birch trees painting was suited to her taste. Can you tell what is "new" and what was re-finished from before?

Now, where will my next room be? Hmmm... :)

13 comments:

Karen Long said...

Thanks Heather.. and I am so glad you stopped to visit at my blog as well..
And thanks for the compliment.. I am loving being a grandma.. and my daughter just told us the other day that she is expecting again..a boy this time ~!!!!!
Hope you have a great week.. and stop by again real soon.. I will list your blog on mine so I can see when you have new post..
So nice to meet you.. and will be in touch again real soon..
God Bless...

Karen Long said...

Me again.. love the transformation of your parents living room..
great job... Im sure they were thrilled..

Camille said...

How WONDERFUL Heather!!!! You are one talented girl! :) You painted the coffee table and the fireplace...that much I can see. What else?? I cannot believe the difference!! How blessed your Mom and Dad are to have you do that for them! I'm sure they were VERY pleased.

Love to you my friend!
Camille

P.S. I am praying for you tonight.
(Psalm 138:8)

Kathy Schwanke said...

Heather, that is absolutely stunning! You did it ALL in a weekend? Woah!

The blue is really calming and the white on the fireplace and coffee table is wonderful!!

Jill said...

Heather,

This room is gorgeous! What a wonderful job you did! I love the color, and what you did with the table. I bet they were tickled pink.

Craig and Bethany said...

Oh, SPLENDID! You are quite talented at this, Heather. It's so simple and stylish. I'm taking notes. :) And I have no clue what was new and not. It all looks NEW! Love it. Too band you're not in our neck of the woods! :)

Mouse and Magoo said...

Owh! I just LOVE "before and after pictures"!!!!!!

Anna said...

Pencil us in - we're next!
Looks great.
anna

Unknown said...

Heather ! ~ generous and fabulous. Just imagining how you must have felt waiting to reveal this gift to her.

Tightwad In Training said...

Hi Heather! :)

WIll you please come over and decorate my house. It can sure use some help. We can be tip swapping buddies. I will share with you money saving tips (i read a lot of book and magazine articles about saving money) and you can share your decorating tips with me.


The room looks amazing. You did a wonderful job and I am sure your parents were blessed...and very proud of you! :)

Heather@Cultivated Lives said...

Wow! I'm inspired. Can you come to my house next?!?!?!? You can bring your whole brood down here to Arizona this winter and frolick in the beautiful sunshine! :)

Dianna said...

What a special daughter you are, Heather. Your parents must have felt SO cared for when they came home and saw the beautiful changes you made in two days! You did an awesome job! Thanks so much for sharing.

Pure Perseverance said...

Ummm... your next stop is the Bluegrass! This looks like something off of HGTV! I love the calming colors, picture of the birch trees, candles, and how you rearranged their living room. It just seems so much bigger! Very cozy, warm and inviting. This was so sweet of you. I would imagine they were totally surprised.