Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Dining Room Revisited



We were busy over the weekend. Correction, Hubby was busy... I maintained a supporting role. These Marvin windows have been sitting in our barn for the last several weeks. The day they were delivered was very exciting as we were finally able to start our summer dining room project (we decided that this was to be our one big house project this summer).

When the new dining room addition (here) went in a few years ago, we agonized over the difficult decision of whether to have a dining cabinet or windows on the eastern wall. We chose the cabinet, but we knew soon after that we should have chosen the windows. Luckily, we had the forethought to have the contractor install a header anyway so that changing our minds could be an option.

Here's some snapshots of what happened over the weekend.


Here's the mock up. Hubby used painters tape to give us a visual of where we wanted to place the two windows on that wall. The cabinet (turned secretary) was relocated to the living room several months ago. I then started planning what we'd put in its place and decided on a tall mirror and side table.


The prep work.


The first light.


Hubby was able to lift the windows in by taking out the bottom sash to reduce the weight (smart). The new windows have created an entirely new perspective and view from the room.


This is what it looks like now! Next comes the insulation, drywall, molding and trim (inside and out).

And of course, painting and decorating.

I'll post the after photos when it's done!

UPDATED PHOTOS HERE!


66 comments :

  1. It looks lovely already! When you are done would you mind mailing the hubby over to Australia to do the same in my study? Lacking one of my own, I have resorted to bribing friends with the promise of wine just to move large pieces of furniture around.

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  2. Awesome!! All that light and openness. The new windows make that room look special already! I can't wait to see the finished product.

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  3. wow trina, i can't believe just how much territory you and your hubby cover. this is a huge project, and looks like it's going to be a real winner too! can't wait to see the finished room.

    hope you and the peas are doing great! jxoxo

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  4. How exciting Trina! Cant wait to see the completed look...I enjoy reading about and seeing your renovations - they're very inspiring. A beautiful home.
    Rebecca

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  5. It will be great, looking forward to the after photos as well, but it`s so fun seeing your projects from scratch! Hope you are feeling good, take care!

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  6. Oh Good for you Trina,

    It is so amazing how different a room looks and not only that the feel of it. I'm sure you will both be glad that you have done this, it will be worth it I'm sure....I had been wondering if you were still going to do this. So thanks for sharing. Hope you are both well.
    Take care
    Janine
    XXOO
    Tasmania, Australia

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  7. I think it will be great. We did a little window and french door shuffle recently and we are very happy with the outcome. Still to be painted but we will get there. Can't wait to see your after shots too.

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  8. So many windows - so nice!
    We were blessed to find our rustic cottage a year ago, and it is filled with big old wooden windows.
    Warm wishes, Tonya

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  9. I love the added light and perspective from the new windows. I think it was so smart of view to plan for a change and put the headers in. I know more windows usually mean less storage and furniture, but additional natural light in a room can make it fabulous. I look forward to seeing it completed. I particulary like the care your husband takes in layout out the painters tape to visualise, and the careful prep work! I always think that careful prep makes a perfect project.

    I hope you are enjoying your pregnancy....it must be so exciting to make these changes while visualising your new little family there.

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  10. You must be thrilled! What a difference light makes.

    That's one smart hubby you've got there.

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  11. love when new windows go in! let the sun shine in...

    have the loveliest day!
    ~molly

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  12. It's going to look fantastic - so much light and having a new view to look at. Can't wait to see the finished result!
    Hope your pregnancy is going well and you're feeling great!
    ~Sam

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  13. Can't wait to see the pics! You have such a beautiful home!

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  14. It's always nice to have extra light! Can't wait to see the mirror and table!

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  15. The new windows look fantastic! That room is going to have the prettiest views and such good light. I can't wait to see the after photos!

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  16. Without a doubt, this will be another fabulous space in your home. What a sense of style you have. Living my dream through you both! :)

    Véronique L.

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  17. I love all the windows in the dinning room! Especialy as I am sure your view is gorgeous.

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  18. Wow, what an airy sun filled room this must be!!! I love that you went with the windows! It looks beautiful, especially with your views. Have a great day. Hope you are feeling well. Stacey

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  19. What a smart idea to add the just-in-case header. It's going to look great!

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  20. Wow...what a difference that makes! So much more light and such pretty scenery. I love it!

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  21. Hi Trina!
    I agree, the windows were the smart...and pretty...choice! I'd rather look out to the gorgeous view and have sunshine pouring in than look at a big cabinet. I think this may soon be my favorite room in your home. :)

    I'm very impressed how your husband did an exact mock up of the windows - right down to the panes!

    Hurry up and paint and decorate ~ I'm excited to see what you do.

    Hope you are enjoying your summer days!
    Sarah

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  22. Looks like your husband is doing a great job! I must give you bonus points for thinking ahead with the header!! VERY CLEVER!
    ...and there shall be light.

    Northern Light

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  23. Wow! What a handy hubby you have :)

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  24. Gorgeous! What a beautifully proportioned, light filled dining room you shall have! Can't wait to see pics when it is done. And how about an update on the living room? Where did you put the secretary? You have put so much thought and love into the process of developing your home. It will be a lovely space for the backdrop of your new family life!

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  25. Love that handy hubby!! Wow, they look great Trina! I'm so happy for you- I know how long you've wanted them. You are going to love all the additional light. I too have windows on three walls of my dining room- love it! And what a great view!
    xo,
    joan

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  26. Hubby does good work. I envy that he is so handy and able to fix up your beautiful house.

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  27. Good idea to put the windows in as you will want to be able to keep an eye on the twins playing outside, no blind spots where mommy can't see them.

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  28. Wow Trina- it's fabulous with all of the light streaming in. Bravo!

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  29. Hello Trina, oh you and your husband remind me of my husband and I (although we're twenty something years older than you both!)when it comes to tackling our homes. Your husband seems fearless when it comes to things like this as is my husband. I LOVE your home and what you've done with it. I went through some of your renovation pictures the other day and it's amazing the changes you've made to this home. It doesn't look anything like the original and yet it looks like it's been there forever. What a WONDERFUL job the two of you have done! I LOVE your decision to put the two windows in the dining room...you have such a beautiful yard and the light in that room will be gorgeous once it's all done. I can't wait to see it. Take care of yourself...have a wonderful day...Maura :)

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  30. Your house is just gorgeous and I love that you have such a talented hubby!! I love all your design and the fact that you have old pieces from grandparents and new ones. Everything blends so wonderfully--I could look at your photos all day every day!

    Hope you are feeling well!

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  31. That will be so beautiful. I always choose windows over furniture. There is something about natural light that makes everything look beautiful. I can't wait to see the finished product! Carla

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  32. This will be fabulous Trina! It looked great before, but these additions are making your dining room so much lighter and brighter.

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  33. Wow...look at all that wonderful natural light you let into the room! It's going to be so beautiful when it done...can't wait to see!!
    Do you mind me asking what kind of windows (I know they're Marvin's, but what style name)they are, and are they wood both inside and out? I've been wanting to replace all the windows in my house. I LOVE the ones you've chosen. :)
    Have a wonderful day!
    ~ Jo :)

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  34. hi trina,

    what a beautiful room this is going to be. i cannot wait to see how it comes out. the light must be awesome!

    ~janet

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  35. What a handy hubby and a lovely naturally lit room!

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  36. Amazing!! I love that you went for it and did such a structural change to your house! It's lovely!!

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  37. Oh wow, I love the new light! So beautiful! I can't believe how quickly he worked, even with you on a supporting role. We got a sneak peak at your baby bump in the mirror...you look great! So happy for you both!

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  38. Trina,
    The beautiful morning light will be gorgeous. Hubby did such a fantastic job - must have been your good support! I can hardly wait to see it finished. The fir floors are exquisite. Where did you find them? Bless you!

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  39. WWOOWW!! This looks AWESOME!! I can see your picture reflected in the mirror!! What a blessing you carry in your belly!! XXOO, Damaris

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  40. Looking good! Anxious to see the room when it's completed!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

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  41. Wow! I could really use your husband at my house. The natural light in there is amazing.

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  42. That is the best use of our old friend "blue tape" that I've ever seen...works of art! Way to go hubby!
    And...putting the header in *just in case* was pure genius...those decisions can be so challenging at the time, it's hard to know which direction to go, we had a few of those also...of course! ;)
    I love the little table and mirror...they look as if they were made just for that spot. It's all going to be so beautiful, can't wait to see the finished masterpiece! xxoo J~

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  43. Hi Jo,

    We went with six over one Marvin windows. The inside is wood, the outside is their special clad (which comes in several colors). We went with white clad because we didn't want to have to paint the wood windows all the time!! We get rain, snow and heat here so it would have been a lot of upkeep.

    They look great though, you'd never know the weren't painted wood unless you went up and tapped it with your finger.

    Happy window shopping!

    Trina

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  44. Hi Victoria,

    The wood floor guy came and looked at our original fir floors (in the kitchen) and picked out the correct kind of fir to match them with. I can't remember what kind he called it but we were very impressed at how closely they match.

    ; ) Trina

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  45. I LOVE all the natural light you have in this room. Question though....do you have any space to put any pieces of furniture besides the table...such as a sideboard or hutch? Or maybe you don't want those items....just wondering.

    -Gail

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  46. Hi Gail,

    I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for a sideboard. Most hutches are wider than the space between the windows. But perhaps I'll find one that's just right.

    I definitely want to find something to hold the seasonal silver and dish ware. I also like the idea of having a nice table top to put food dishes on during the holidays.

    ; ) Trina

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  47. Love the windows. I can see why you wanted to get rid of the solid wall. Lovely

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  48. Love love love your dining room table - and the dining room! We just purchased a house that needs extensive remodeling. I'm taking a page out of your book and documenting everything along the way! The extra windows are amazing.

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  49. What a beautiful room in which to eat, I love that it is surrounded by windows. Do you plan to do window treatments? I can't wait to see the finished product!
    That was a very clever idea - using painters tape to block out where the windows go. I use that trick to block out furniture in an empty room. Really helps you visualize, so there's no OOPS moment after the fact.

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  50. So wonderful. Husbands are the best! Ciao, bella!

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  51. Such beautiful light coming in! It's a 'happy space'!

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  52. You guys are just too clever for words - love it! I only wish our house was timber instead of double brick - it's just a little harder to pop a few new windows into a brick wall. I think somehow though my husband is quite happy with bricks, because he knows I'd have lots of work lined up for him! Fabulous job as always, and so inspirational!K xx

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  53. Trina, fantastic
    choice for those
    grey Pac NW days!
    You will love this!
    Wonderful that your
    hubby is BOTH willing
    AND able ~ and it
    looks like things
    went smoothly.
    Looking forward
    to seeing more : )
    Hope you are feeling
    GREAT! xx Suzanne

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  54. This looks like a promising project! Looks like I made my first visit to your awesome blog at the right time. Will be following to see more! Hope you can stop by soon!

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  55. Hi there - have just discovered your gorgeous blog and have decided to add you to my blog roll asap so I can share you with all my readers!

    I'm an interior stylist living in Sydney who is insanely envious of your beautiful farmhouse!

    Have a lovely Thursday.

    Angela x

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  56. Oooh, the windows were definitely a good choice, they look lovely!

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  57. Holy Moly that's a lot of light! I LOVE IT!!! Yall were so smart to think ahead on that one, and such a nice thing to have a hubby able to do all the work.

    It looks really great, can't wait to see the finished project.

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  58. So beautiful! I love construction.

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  59. Good job to both of you!!can't wait to see the finished room.Your house is just wonderful and I love that you have such a talented hubby!!!Thrilled to become your newest follower.inspiring blog.great post!

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  60. It is beautiful already, even before all of the drywall. What vision you both have!! I can't wait to see the finished room. :)

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  61. Hello Trina,

    Recently came upon your lovely blog and am a first time poster from Vancouver, BC. Love your idyllic home, following all your renos and hearing about all your baby news. Couldn't be happier for you! Just in process of gutting our kitchen, my hubby is doing all the labour. Might I be so bold to ask three questions of you please? We would also like the double hung Marvin windows, but were wondering if the price you indicated for the dining room windows was each or for the pair? Also, did you go with the fibreglass type or if not, can you advise which? Lastly, did you order online or from the Renovate store? Thank you so much. Wishing you all the best with the upcoming arrivals! Karelyn in B.C.

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  62. Hi Trina,
    Recent follower of your lovely blog. What an idyllic home, love seeing all your renos and hearing about your baby news. Couldn't be happier for you. We're renovating our kitchn and just wanted to ask about the double hung Marvin windows. Could you please advise if the price quoted above was for one or both dining windows. Just trying to see if it would be more cost effective to buy from the States (we're in Vancouver, BC). Also, which style did you go with...was it their fibreglass option or the wood/aluminum? Lastly, did you buy online or from the Renovate store you mention? Thank you so much! Wishing you all the best on your upcoming arrivals. Karelyn

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  63. Hi Karelyn,
    I believe the dining room windows were about $600 each. Like the rest of our Marvin windows, we chose wood interior with clad on the outside. And we ordered ours through a local store in town after we visited the gallery at Rejuvenation. We've been extremely happy with them!
    Happy window shopping!
    Trina

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Thank you for leaving your thoughts. Kind regards, Catherine

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