Dark vs. Light ...

Before

After ...

Tory and I really want the house to be light and decided to go with lighter colors... We were going to do the entire living room in a darker brown but decided not to. There will be one wall at the opposite end (from this view) that will be in a dark brown.

I'm really happy with how light and calm the place feels ... Our new windows should be in this week or next! I can hardly wait ... :)

Painting day ...

Colors for the front room and upstairs hallway - Ceiling and trim: String of Pearls

On the walls: Alpaca (a very light brown/cream)

The paint.

The Paint Pirate ...

Tory: The Paint Pirate...

Arrrrrr you brave enough to join me mate?!

Ahoy ye scurvy dogs bring me more paint ...

Argh, the treasure’s been found and it's in me can ... :)

Savvy invention indeed - We highly recommend using a paint sprayer!

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For this look: Put on some old clothes, run to Wal*Mart to get some supplies, pick up the pirate hat while there for $1.50 (put it on promptly) then work from 8 AM to 6 PM in an old house, start by adding primer to all the walls, then hurry and texture half the dining room, then paint the house ...

We think you'll be very pleased with your LOOK! :)

Please take photos and share them with us.

{Music} A must-have ...

A retro ghetto blaster that can play radio, CD and tapes ...

Let's get it started in here! :)

PS: All 3 of our children received one of these stereo systems for Christmas from their Grandma and Grandpa Christensen ... No there's no quiet in this house :)!!

Lauren: Show me the paint!

Lauren: Feeling groovy!

I challenge you to a paint off ...

Show me the paint!

Hmmmm what's in this little drawer? (I think she was on the hunt for chocolate)!

Tory and Lauren - getting the paint sprayer ready to go ...

The Dining Room (in the midst of change) ...

Texture

Knock-down finish

Getting it 'just right' ...

Ready for the magic ...

Up next: Primer on the walls, paint the walls, new light, new windows, refinish the floor ... We're making progress! :)

The little pantry door ...

I really like the pantry door pictured above. The black and white combo really makes it look sharp ...

Mine needs some love and fixing up ... (See photos below)

Just a matter of how and when and it will have a style of its own :) ...

That squiggly stuff you see on the front of the door is glue ... It's going to take some time to get that off.