Before (Before) Pictures

Although I've already posted on what the house looked like when we purchased it, I realized how different it looked with the prior furnishings. So I've put together a few 'before' before images as I find it so fascinating to see how a home was used, where the furniture was placed, and where the special nooks were created. 

The photo above is of the formal living room and I think it's so interesting that there wasn't a sofa in front of the fireplace. We have learned that the fireplace was not used for the entire time the prior owner had the house (25 years), so perhaps that is why. 

Instead, there was a sofa on the other side of the room. I finally understand this placement because after owning our house for many months now, I've come to appreciate that this beautiful spot has the most spectacular end-of-the-day light. 

Although I plan on putting a sofa in front of the fireplace (hopefully a pair), I will probably create another nook in this same area to allow for lazy day reading, tea sipping or to just to soak up all of that late afternoon light.  

The room that we are going to use as an office/library was used as a guest room. The room looks so different with beds in it. It makes me realize how distracted we've been with all the foundational things that come with the renovation, that we haven't even begun to contemplate furniture placement and decor for this room. Although I do have a great many inspiration photos in my three ring binder.  

The dining room had wall to wall carpet. Underneath of course were the many layers of lead paint. It will be quite different when the floors are finished (sealing remains, the last phase). Also, we are in the very long process of purchasing double french doors to replace the metal sliders. 

I say it is a long process because few showrooms seem to have them on display, despite being a relatively common feature.  So we are put in the position of buying something sight unseen. This has sparked many phone calls to door companies and dealers - endless. 

The other side of the dining room - I love the clock. 

The kitchen nook. We'll be doing the same thing, just with different table and chairs and light... None of which we have found quite yet. 

This is the family room which will be quite different. Lighter wood floors, new windows on the west wall and different furniture placement. 

The staircase has already transformed into something quite magical thanks to our expert restoration craftsmen. 

Here is the master bedroom, which shows the bed facing away from the fireplace. My hope is to place the bed (which we already purchased) facing the fireplace (it should fit). I asked Mike to measure for a queen size bed and he said that there is plenty of room...But, still, until you get the bed in there, you aren't completely sure. 

On the other side of the room you can see the old painted glossy brown floors. 

The smaller upstairs bedroom was used as a nursery for the prior owner's grandchildren.  At first, I purchased two twin canon ball beds, only to realize that they wouldn't quite fit the way I planned. So those went to the guest quarters and I purchased a full size canon ball bed instead. But, that may be too wide for the spot I was considering. So should I steal one of the twins from the pair? 

The third bedroom shows only one twin bed. We'll be putting a full sized bed in here. 

Like the master bedroom, I hope to place the bed facing the fireplace. 

Here is the landing, which shows the curtains still hanging. I had taken those down just after the closing, but then wished I had taken a before picture. Too tired to re-hang them, I was glad to have this photo that shows them. 

My mom came to visit us over the Easter holiday this past April and I was able to show her the house for the first time. She doesn't read my blog so she hadn't seen any pictures yet. 

Later I showed her these before photos and in her words,  she "thought it looked better before."

Hmmmm, hopefully when it's done, she'll feel differently.