Let's be honest here. None of us is Super Mom. And all of us are. We're having a party this weekend, and I decided it was time to paint the livingroom that has sat untouched for 2 years, overrun with children and their messes (and wall scribbles), walls bare of pictures, bookshelves stuffed with any crap I found lying around. My dear husband entertained the kids in the attic (a picnic? in the attic? FUN!), made a fire outside for them to roast marshmallows, and sustained me with tea when the sky got dark and I couldn't move my arm anymore.
It was a daunting task, certainly not one for the faint-of-heart. But, having laboured and birthed three times, I face jobs like this with a "Pfft...I can do this!" attitude. It was exhausting, but it was worth it.
The playroom/front corner BEFORE:
And AFTER:
The livingroom/back corner BEFORE:
And AFTER:
We're now considering getting rid of the TV all together, as I find it doesn't fit in this newly freshened space. It feels like a place for knitting, reading, conversing, cuddling, listening to books on tape and music, and cozying up for the coming winter. It was a lot of work, but it was so worth it. Now, I just need a few months' rest, and I can tackle my kitchen!
The colour is Benjamin Moore's "Cedar Green"...if you're a local friend, I have an extra, unopened gallon up for sale (best offer!). It's high-quality paint, and does not require priming!
Please visit my sister's blog to read a loving tribute to our mother on her 65th birthday...see if you can pick me out in that photo from the 80s!
Love it!! Don't you love how painting a room just completely transforms the energy??!!! Green is an amazing color, relaxing, calming, vibrant, peacefilled. . . We have a lot of green in our home! Right now I am paining the boys room (and staging it for the sale of our home) and it's really hard to go with a *real estate* beige, when I'm so used to lot's of color, but the walls are wainscoating so the large room has taken several days to complete as I am pregnant and the hubby has been working a lot! We just bought Benjamin Moore "Natura" which is completely VOC free and oderless----- I found it to be insanely expensive $65 a galllon and it did not cover hardly (needed 3 coats of paint!) so fyi if you paint again!!
ReplyDeleteLooks good!
~Samantha
*Sigh* I love it!! And I'm so excited for you to have that "reading, knitting, cozy" space! We are living in rental quarters at the moment (due to DH's job) and have been for the last 7 years. I so long for green walls and a house that is a little more "us"! Great job with your painting!!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a gorgeous transformation. My walls could certainly use this kind of redo, and this is wonderful inspiration.
ReplyDeleteIt's really gorgeous, Stephanie. Can't wait to see it in person. Painting is such a lot of work but SO satisfying when you're done.
ReplyDeleteI might be interested in the extra can for my office-wouldn't that be gorgeous?
What a great color! I'm trying to pick a color for the sewing/office/guest room at the current time. Wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteStephanie
www.simplicitymom.blogspot.com
Oh I just love the color - it is beautiful - and tv free is nice:)
ReplyDeleteWarm wishes, Tonya
How inspiring! I have been staring at the red walls of our living/playroom thinking how we need something a little more calming.
ReplyDeleteThe green is beautiful.
Anne
I love the new colour, it looks so fresh:) How wonderful that you are thinking of removing your TV.
ReplyDeletexo
Linda
I love the color you chose- very relaxing.
ReplyDeleteEverything looks lovely- It is such a good feeling to be in the same space but will a new energy!
omg how funny! we just held a meeting for members of our church and i too decided to completely repaint and freshen up the greatroom! i was a mad woman for a few days - but it looks great!!!! i have pics to post for my blog too (once i get "after" shots!) i told my husband it is great to plan a party for STRANGERS (i don't know about you but i don't clean for family LOL) every 6 months b/c it really motivates you!!
ReplyDeletestill laughing over here! beautiful color!!!
Very pretty colour! We're also trying to de-beige out house, but with purple countertops and green furniture, I'm stumped on which colour to choose.
ReplyDeleteOH wow! That is great, Stephanie. LOVE the colour! Green is my favourite. I too can't wait to see it in person.
ReplyDelete"None of us is Super Mom. And all of us are." I *love* this! You captured the essence of the concept/quandry/misconception of Super Mom in two simple sentences. AWESOME :-)
Your living room looks great. That green is lovely...green is a new like for me....I am a red kind of person, but have recently expanded my horizons to include green.
ReplyDeletebeautiful!! We just painted our bedroom a very similar green. I love green. It's so fresh and calming!
ReplyDeletewww.thechickadeetweet.blogspot.com
Lovely and so peaceful.
ReplyDeleteThat colour is simply lovely!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great colour! We're in a 'wallpaper' house, but are making wacky plans too...
ReplyDeleteIt looks fantastic! So very calming and cozy, your'e right, just perfect for cozying up for winter. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWow, that green is sooo gorgeous. You have inspired me. We've been living in this house for almost 5 years now and I'm ashamed to say I still haven't gotten around to painting over the hideous grey in the livingroom. I never seem to have the time/energy/money. It's dreadful really.
ReplyDeleteBy the way Stephanie, for some reason your blog is only letting me comment under a Google account, instead of putting in my name and blog url like I used to...is this supposed to happen?
Laura @ http://gettingthere.typepad.com
Great job mama! Get rid of the ol TV. WE did 4 years ago and have never looked back. :)
ReplyDeletexo
I love it! You know, that is exactly how our tv got the boot..... it just didn;t "fit" in the room..... that was 5 years ago :)
ReplyDeleteit really looks fantastic! nicely done, mama!
ReplyDelete