spring projects

I took a little “home improvement” break after we brought home our Brittany puppy (now 10 month old), Linus and have been focused on small things like framing wedding photos and cleaning. But this past weekend, we picked up on projects again and I am so excited about the work we completed!

1. Guest Bedroom Closets: My parents took this on, managing the closet door selection (half louvered) and installing when they were here. The previous owners had installed Ikea PAX system with frosted doors and we wanted to return to a more simplified, mid-century closet. Luckily, we were able to order 80-inch-long doors that did not need to be cut down so all my dad had to do was install a track, hang the doors and we now have an entirely new closet. We are still deciding whether we want to stain these light or dark – or paint them. Thoughts? I’m leaning toward a light stain because it seems to make the room feel bigger.

2. Hallway: We've also upgraded our hallwayupstairs with a photo that we bought at Ikea and framed in a matted frame to fit under one of my favorite sconces.

3. Bar Cabinetry: Arguably our biggest project this spring. We worked with our neighbor and wood worker, Mike Lipari, to build two custom shelves for our bar alcove next to the fireplace. We originally wanted to do walnut but the cost was astronomical so Mike worked with Colonial Hardware here in Virginia to meld several pieces of oak wood together and then Mike cut them down and stained them to perfection. I am so happy with how this turned out. Install was not easy – thank you to my husband and Mike for the 6 hour installation. As you can see, the Ikea stained glass remained below (this is what was originally where the shelves are now) and we will be replacing those with doors to match the shelving shortly. This does so much for the room and gives us an opportunity to style a bar just the way we want to!