Sunday, May 20, 2012

Another Makeover

Hello everyone!

Well, you probably already figured out that I've been leaning towards a much lighter look in my home.  I've really started falling for the Swedish, grey and white color scheme and less cluttered look.  So.............I made some more changes to my family room to go along with that look.



First, I decided to paint over the dark brown walls in the bay window area.


Immediately, I loved the new grey color (Fawn Brindle from Sherwin Williams) in that area. 



I loved it so much that I didn't want to put the drapes back up.  I liked the white trim from the windows against the new grey color. Besides, I still have my white sheers hanging up for privacy so I didn't feel like the windows were completely naked!  Ha!


Then, I couldn't just leave the fireplace mantel in it's dark brown color either.  I decided to paint it white to match the trim and help it coordinate with the rest of the room better.



It's funny, because now it's back to its original color!  Ha!

I'm really loving my changes so far.  Now, I'm going to have to paint my transom window opening in here too.  It's such a domino effect, isn't it?


The room feels bigger and much brighter now.  I'm really loving it for summer!

Speaking of summer, lots of things happening around here.  School is out this Friday.  My oldest son is graduating from high school on May 30th.  His last day was last Friday.  He plans on going to a local college and pursuing a bachelors degree in business.  I was surprised to hear that he wanted to continue his education for so many more years because while he was in high school, he complained and couldn't wait for school to be over.  I guess he has finally matured and realized how important his education really is! 


 

The subdivision pool just opened this weekend, so I'm sure I'll be there alot this summer with my 11 yr old.  Let's just say I'll be there more than I want to be.  Ha!


 
My hydrangeas are blooming outside and are the prettiest shade of purple.


 
Just wish my bushes were as big as my sister's.  Hers are truly stunning!


                               Guess, I shouldn't complain.  I'll take what I can get!

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Kelly ~

Linking to:  Met Monday

50 comments:

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I really like the lighter Swedish look you have going.

Congrats to your son!

Debby said...

Congratulations to your son. It is such an exciting time. I got the best work done before my kid's graduation parties, hah.
Love the new look. It is funny how blogging can change your likes and dislikes when it comes to our homes.

Debbiedoos said...

Oh Kelly your home truly looks gorgeous. I love the lighter brighter look, it really works well in your home and floor plan. The community pool looks great!

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Bright, light, and lovely!! The room looks really beautiful!!

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

I'm loving the changes, Kelly. Beautiful. Congrats to your son. My oldest graduated last year, and my youngest will be a senior this year. It goes by fast.

NanaDiana said...

Your room is looking great. You are right though- there is a domino effect...and it is NEVER done!;>)

Congrats on your son's graduation. I am glad he wants to go on to school right away.

Have fun at the pool- I know you will ~;>) xo Diana

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

I like the look of the semi-naked bay window! I am such a privacy freak! as soon as the sun goes down I Have to close the blinds/curtains

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Your house is really looking bright and ready for summer! I can't even remember what it looked like with a dark fireplace. I would seriously need a leave of absence from work to even make a dent in the painting and plaster repair that needs to be done in our house. Yikes!

ANNE said...

Your room looks so pretty!! Love the light, bright scheme. It's perfect!!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Love all the changes. the room does look lighter and larger. I will have to come see it in person.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Love it, Kelly! I love the mantel, too. Was it really that color to begin with? I think you've definitely achieved that lightness in this room. Our pool just opened, too, although I haven't gone yet. Today would have been a good day because it got real hot today. I'll probably be one to go, read a bit, dip in to get cool, read some more, etc.

Marie said...

VERY pretty! i love that very clean and airy look. ;o)

Tanna said...

LOVE your new paint color, Kelly! Wow! looks great! Your hydragneas are beautiful, but Kim's are so huge and beautiful!! maybe next year yours will be that big, too! blessings ~ tanna

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Love the lighter look Kelly, your room looks so pretty! Love how your windows look with just the sheers too! Your mantel looks great white, the stone really stands out now. Have a great week.

Cheri said...

It looks so good and you are so brave (you and anyone else) that has white furniture...I am too chicken. What is it about gray...I am in love with using that color everywhere too.

Amy Chalmers said...

This is the prettiest makeover I have seen in a longtime! I love it Kelly!! The wall color is so perfect and the mantel white was the right choice! A+

Babs said...

Kelly, your Swedish look is really fresh and cool..a great look for Summer...or any time. I really like your mantel in the light color and the windows with just the sheers. Lookin' good, Kelly!Congratulations to your son on his high school graduation and going to college. I have to say you hydrangeas look much better than mine. Our next door neighbor has a huge one and doesn't do anything to it..no food,no water, and it blooms like mad..go figure.

Olive said...

Very light and soft feel to that room Kelly. You would love my 30 year old hydrangea, which I take no credit for, it is enormous and filled with blooms. That is awesome news about your son going to college. Our CC is going to study Korean this summer as part of her junior year of college.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kelly! Oh, your living room looks so pretty and I'm loving your changes! Kim's hydrangea bush is amazing, isn't it? But yours is gorgeous too. Congrats to your son. I do remember those days.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Christine @ Stonehouse Living said...

Hi Kelly,
What a lovely look for your living room! The fireplace mantle looks great, it is so fresh. The changes are all so calm and serene.
Love it! I wish I could go all white, oh well maybe someday....
All the Best,
Christine

Richella Parham said...

Wow, you really were inspired by your book about Swedish style, weren't you? You are a definitely one who gets things done--I admire that! Your new light look is just wonderful for summer--full of sunshine but still so cool and refreshing. :)

B In Real LIfe said...

that grey paint color is the PERFECT grey! I and for what it's worth, I really like the windows without the big curtains and only the sheers. looks charming!

Melanie said...

Love the new look! Very pretty! Congrats to your son! The hydrangeas are so pretty!

PAT said...

The changes are wonderful Kelly. I love the lighter colors. The half sheers are beautiful in the bay. I really like that look. That's why I wanted the lace in our dining room.

Your hydrangea is beautiful. We had storms move through yesterday evening. Afterward I was looking out the "lodge" windows at the north side garden, checking things. I noticed the Oakleaf Hydrangea is blooming. I intend to get out there this morning for pictures. Lots of blooms.

Congratulations to your son!!

Bliss said...

I think everyone has shrub envy of your sister. I have two hydrangea twigs. Not sure they even survived the winter. So I'll even have shrub envy of yours.

~Bliss~

bj said...

What a pretty room, Kelly. I just love everything you are doing.
I like your windows much better without drapes...the half sheers are amazing.
So is that swimming pool.:)

Linda said...

Kelly I think you've got it....
The Swede look. All looks so calming.
Our hydrangeas have just gotten their leaves. Yours are so pretty.
Can you dry the blue ones?

Decor To Adore said...

Your room makeover is ethereally lovely.

chateau chic said...

Kelly, your room looks like a picture right out of a swedish magazine. It's just beautiful. I love the change you've made, the paint colors, the white mantel. And I like the windows with just the light privacy curtains.
So pretty. I'll be visiting this post often!
Mary Alice

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

I just love the new look...all of it!!....and I agree, just the sheers for privacy look great...it really showcases the window...Hydrangeas?...they are gorgeous in large quantities or small...they are the kind of flower that looks so beautiful even though there is just one flower!

Snowball effect?...Now that is something I could write a book on!!!

Shannon Fox said...

Visiting from BNOTP linky.
Your room caught my eye, it's so pretty and full of lovely details. Good luck living at the pool this Summer. Man I remember swimming all day when we were kids. Your hydras are very pretty! Hey you could be me, the deer eat all my blooms, so I would be happy to have yours ;)

THE FARMHOUSE PORCH said...

This is gorgeous! Love your romantic Swedish style. It inspires me!
♥Linsey

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Kelly, I had to go back to earlier posts to see your window area, and I DO like it so much more with the lighter paint. LOVE those curtains though, buffalo check is one of my favorite patterns. Things look so light and bright. Your hydrangea bush is wonderful, love that gorgeous color!

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Kelly

I like the lightness in your room! Nice job. Congratulations to your son's graduation!

Have a great week!

Scribbler said...

I love your room -- I dream of a having one space like this where no color intrudes. I seem to start out like this and always go nuts adding color.

Congratulations to your son.

Keeping It Cozy said...

Such pretty and fresh updates.

This N That said...

Love the new color..has me thinking..SO clean and fresh..crisp looking...Graduation congratulations..
My Hydrangeas are just starting to bud..They're one of my favorites..

Pondside said...

You've translated the Swedish look really well for your southern interior! I love the light that comes from these changes - so lovely after the long grey winter.

Gail said...

Oh Kelly, your room looks so pretty! You are definitely achieving the Swedish look and feel in your home.

Deserae said...

Just beautiful...love all the changes you have been making lately!!!!
~Des

Heaven's Walk said...

LUV LUV LUV this, Kelly!!!! My home is French-Nordic inspired, too. Less clutter. More white. And just recently a few more ruffles. :) I just adore what you've done with your living room. Beautiful job!!!! :)

xoxo laurie

Heaven's Walk said...

Oh...and I forgot to tell you that I have that same Atelier pillow and just adore it!! Your's looks fabulous in that Frenchy chair! :)

xxo laurie

foreverdecorating said...

Oh my how lovely. Wish you would have included some before pictures.

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Hi Kelly! I'm loven the gray paint, I've been thinking of doing my bedroom with it! Your livingroom does look so fresh and bright! I've been wondering about your slipcovers, do they really stay in place, I know you would have the best review on them with having two boys:)

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Just love all the room changes, Kelly. That color is lovely. So are those gorgeous hydrangeas -- my all-time favorite plant & flower!
CAS

Sandy said...

Love the changes in your living room! I was wondering when you were going to paint your fireplace. Wish I could go with that look but hubby has already said no, no, no. He lives here too so I guess I shouldn't push it.

Sandy said...

Congrats to your son! I know you're happy and proud that he's made the decision to go to college. Better to do it when you're young.

SHERRY HART said...

Yes...Yes...Yes....LOVE the gray. It makes the room seem so much larger and the eye does not stop! Beautiful.

rachel@Acts of Life said...

Love love love your living room changes...it looks so pretty! I have been dying to see your mantle painted a lighter color to go with the changes you've made...was so excited to finally see it...it looks lovely! Your hydrangeas are beautiful...mine look to be about the size of yours but are like a magenta color. I was so happy to see them bloom.

All the best,
Rachel

MrsConant said...

Kelly,
What is the name of the white paint color you used on the walls against Fawn Brindle?
-Mariana