November 18, 2009

{ A Summer Project }

As you know, I am in the middle of redecorating our master bedroom. Actually, I never really decorated it when we moved into this house. I finally got the ball rolling by convincing my husband to get rid of that window on the left side of our bed. Now, I know you're thinking, "What?" but, just hear me out...{before}
I've mentioned before that I like things to be orderly & symmetrical. Well, as you can tell, there is no window on the other side of our bed. It has bothered me since the day we moved in 8 years ago. But, the bigger reason is that it matched directly up to our neighbor's window. We could talk to each other through the windows & it was like we were in the same room. Too close for comfort for me.

When I mentioned, to my dearest, that we should close off that window he said things like, "It's fine like it is or it will cost too much money or you're crazy." You, know, endearing things like that. :) But, I was a determined woman, so 8 years later, he gave in. This is what we did {the short version}.
{before}
1} Carefully, took off the baseboard. I say "carefully" because we put it back on. 2} Filled in the window with a piece of cheap plywood. 3} Bought a miter saw. Yes, we decided to buy a miter saw for each other for our anniversary, which was the following week. How romantic! Actually, I was very excited. I have wanted one for quite some time. 4} Put on our protective gear...sexy!This is my hubby {and, yes, I do think he's sexy in his protective eye wear, especially when he's supporting my crazy ideas} :)
Okay, gals, here is a scary picture of me in my eye wear. Not so sexy. I can't believe I'm sharing it with you.
5} Bought a few sheets of 4x8 bead board paneling. We chose the wider beadboard look, pre-primed. Then, nailed it up with a nail gun {that we borrowed...who knows, maybe the next anniversary gift, huh?}. We were lucky that we have an 8 foot ceiling...exactly the right height! 6} Nailed a baseboard along the top for trim. It worked best with the angled ceiling. We replaced the baseboard and then trimmed the sides with a small flat trim to finish it up. 7} Puttied, caulked, painted and........
Here's what the window looks like from the outside. We left the shade inside the window, so the neighbors have no idea what we've done, since this is what they saw most of the time anyway. I soooooo love it! The redecorating has a ways to go. I am working on sewing up some new bedding & need to decide if I'm going to paint those night stands or not...and the lamps. Got to do something with those.and, of course, accessorize! I need to put something on that big, beautiful wall! So, what do you think?

11 comments:

Donna said...

I have just started following blogs and I am totally hooked. We just moved into a new home and the only complaint I have is the one window on a long wall in our master. Its doesn't belong because its at the end and worse, like you we can talk to the neighbors. I love this. Will be showing hubby tommorrow!

MMJ said...

What an awesome idea! I like that it's not a permanent change. Awesome work!!

Chris said...

It's gorgeous! I can't get over how the window looks from the outside. You can't even tell! I'm in love with the wider plank beadboard. Looks wonderful1

brittany marie davis said...

So inventive. And so perfect. I love the way it looks.

Cindy said...

Brilliant, Jamie. You are so clever. I like the warmth the nightstands give in their current color. Maybe just an update of that. But then again, it might all depend on what you have in mind for your new bedding...

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

I love it when husbands finally come around - this looks fantastic!

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

This is pure genius, Jamie. I'm in awe!!! I'm so glad you shared it with us. I love the scriptures sitting there on the nightstand. : )
Have a great weekend.
M.L.

Victoria said...

Awesome. So smart to get rid of the window. It is like some man designed that, right? I have windows that are nicely spaced on either side of my king-sized bed. However they DO match up with the neighbor's, since they have the same floorplan, just reversed. Weird planning. I like the light they bring in, so I have linen shades on them. Maybe the neighbors see us... I'm not sure. They haven't complained yet. Maybe they like what they see;-)

Love ya!

Kirsty said...

Oohhh...I am lovin' that! It looks so gorgeous. And I'm all for painting furniture. I say go for it!

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

You have a beautiful bedroom & I love the wall!

Delightful Dwelling said...

I looooove this! It looks so cottagey and elegant now. I had to laugh at the miter saw thing, because I have one on my birthday list along with a nail gun. I'm tired of using a handsaw and miter box, I'm ready for the real thing! Good luck with the rest of your bedroom makeover.