NEW VIEWS

This is what we're looking at lately... Even with all the baseboards still to paint, shoe molding to install, and details to attend to, I have to admit the mood around here is considerably lifted. We're walking around barefoot, picking out furniture and enjoying our newfound spaces. Since these rooms are still in blank-slate territory, I wanted to post a few photos to show you where we're starting from. In a way, these are kind of our new "before" pictures. That cozy little corner above is where our desk will go -- and hopefully soon, too. Setting that up is one of our next priorities so we can have a designated spot for bills and paperwork, which have a way of getting out of hand quickly.

I love this ceiling.

Here's the straight-on angle of the office corner. (As you can see, we also still need balusters for the handrail... In due time.)

And here's a closer view of the headboard Ez made. I'm not going to post a full shot of the master bedroom quite yet, because it needs some work. I haven't found a new coverlet yet, so we're temporarily using the one from our old bed. Not only is it too small, but it also has these thick gray and white stripes that clash terribly with the similarly stripey exposed log wall... Not a good look. I don't want to scare you. Nonetheless, our new bed remains the most comfortable surface on this planet, so no complaints here.

And here's a little peek into my closet. I've been researching tons of closet organization systems, and I've pretty much decided on the PAX from IKEA. (Does anyone have one? Thoughts?) It's really the only thing I can find that seems sturdy enough and will fit the incredibly restrictive space I have to work with. Also I'm not looking to spend thousands of dollars, so...

The photo below will give you a better idea of the steep pitch of the ceiling, which is a real challenge in this design-your-own-closet adventure. I really wanted a Stolmen system, but unfortunately there are about a dozen reasons why it won't work. However, it seems I can fit one of the shorter, standard-width PAX units in the taller corner without bumping into the ceiling at all. I'd pack it with drawers and shelves and then run a clothing bar from the outer left side of the unit to the short back wall for my hangup clothes. We went to IKEA on Saturday and had a thoroughly dissatisfying experience (sold out of everything we wanted), so hopefully they'll pull through for me on this one. Please, IKEA. I'm counting on you.

And finally, just for good measure, here's what things look like when you first walk in the front door. It's a little sparse, I realize, but we're working on it. The dining chairs I ordered are on their way, and we're spending our evenings comparing thoughts about dining room rug options. (Meanwhile, I keep expecting those baseboards to paint themselves.)

It's a teensy bit stressful for me to make so many decisions at once, but it's really fun too. Especially when Ez and I manage to agree on something once in awhile! Anyway, that's our blank slate for you. Looking forward to cozy-ing it up a bit over the next few weeks and months.