Greetings from The Lettered Colonial, friends!
I shared a story about my vision board on Instagram stories last week and had hoped to be able to link to the cute, pinstripe board I tack all my hopes and dreams to, but it’s no longer available. 🙁 So, here’s a round up of alternate options, in case you’re looking for something similar:
In other news, I’m trying out a few paint samples in Jim & Katie’s in-law suite today.
Swiss Coffee, Seashell, and Ancient Ivory by Benjamin Moore, and Coastal Dune Grass by Martha Stewart.
(That’s Coastal Dune Grass on the walls in the kitchen above.)
We’re hoping to finish the walls and ceilings within the next couple of weeks, and then we’ll be able to start painting all 650-ish square feet. After that, the parquet, luxury vinyl tile will be installed, and once we’ve popped some recessed lights up, Jim and Katie will finally be able to get (partially) settled in! 😀
(Mannington Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring from Cottage Supply Company)
And if you’re new to the story, after several weeks of very hard work (and a handy plan from a structural engineer) our soon-to-be in-law suite/former garage is now split into three zones: a kitchen/dining room, a bathroom, and a bedroom. Removing the load-bearing wall in what will be the kitchen/dining area was a big part of Phase 1. Whew! What a project! Here’s what it looked like BEFORE we took the wall (on the left) out:
(Of COURSE the wall we wanted to remove was the load bearing one!)
Phase two will involve creating a kitchen area for Katie along this 22-foot long wall:
(Snapped this after the temporary support walls and load bearing wall came down)
(Snapped this after the new window went in)
(Here’s where we’re at as of today)
We’ll be adding new, smooth (non-stipple brushed) sheetrock ceiling soon and we’re going to do something really fun on that wall with the big door on it too. The view out the (newly-installed!) window (from ) is my favorite!
As for the kitchen area, I’m using the photo below as inspiration. Isn’t is charming? Lauren Liess recently used the phrase “fairytale architecture” to describe the exterior aesthetic she’s currently after and I instantly thought, “That’s it! That’s the kind of feel I want to create in our new (old) home!”
Anywho, I’ll keep you posted as soon as I’ve got more fun pics to share. In the meantime- stay cozy, friends!
Layla
It’s so fun to see your creative wheels turning again! Every home you have lived in, as long as you have been blogging, has had your unique stamp on it. I feel that this home is a slight change in your cottage style , but one I am so excited to see unfold. I love cottage style, but I feel my style also has a traditional vibe mixed in, and I am hoping that is what I may see in your home! I am always on the hunt for more inspiration- although my husband wishes I wouldn’t! LOL!
Thank you, Lynne! I love the look of traditional/cottage too! I’m excited to have a peaceful palette to play with again. The home and property reminds me so much of our first house, which we bought and sold before blogs were a thing. Feels good to be surrounded by that same kind of vibe! 🙂
Hi Layla!!
Great ideas and I love that shade of paint, Coastal Dune Grass. Looks like a beautiful colour to work with. Your ideas for the in-law suite are going ahead nicely and that view out of the new window is so beautiful. I can see why you love it.
Look forward to future pictures, especially that gorgeous kitchen!!!
Enjoy the rest of the week!!
Pam
xox
Thank you, Pam! The Coastal Dune Grass looks much more “golden” on the walls here at our house, but it’s still a pretty color. I’m on the fence about which direction to go (light and bright, or soft and moody) but I feel like once the floor is down it’ll be easier to decide. At least I hope it is anyway- LOL!
It’s always fun to watch you personalize your spaces!!! They keep getting better and better 🙂
Aw, thank you Jennibell! I feel so inspired by this place and I look forward to sharing as we go! 😀
I don’t IG, so I miss your regular/semi-regular blog posts. I can’t wait to see all the changes in the new house.
Thanks so much for sharing. Look forward to you taking us along with your home remodel.
I do not do IG or the rest, and am delighted you might continue to blog regularly.
As always, I can’t wait to see what you do to the space. You and Kevin are such a great team. I think it is so great that you are such a wonderful example to your children in showing them how families take care of each other. Blessing to you and your beautiful family.
Pat in Chicago
Hey Layla! Love seeing the changes so far.
Is the exterior door to the right of the new window staying??? For some reason I thought it was going away? No matter, love that you and Katie will share the same view overlooking the pool! Hers while she cooks/bakes and yours while you write!
Cheers!
Mary
My parents recently moved in with us and we’ll be adding an in-law quarters. I’m loving that last photo of the kitchen! Inspiring!
Fairytale Architecture. I love that SO MUCH!
And I love you!!
xx
I love you too, Aunt Chriss! I hope y’all can come visit again now that we have more room! 😀
I echo the others, I don’t I.G., so please remember us here in Blog land that love you and your ideas and waiiiiiiiiiiiiiit “patiently” :S for inspiration and an entry. We love sharing your journey and miss your blogs/thoughts/ideas quite a lot. It’s lovely to hear you’re still having fun with life.
I hope it turns out well, the design ideas are just awesome and elegant.
I also have downloaded your E-book, looking forward to it!
I recently started to write 2 blogs and sometimes I need inspiration for interior design posts (I am not very knowledgeable on that topic) and your blog definitely helps! Thank you