And, this is what it looked like when we came home...
Fortunately, what you just witnessed is not a crime scene. I actually paid someone to do that. It would have been a crime for me to continue living with the toile. It was there when we bought the house 4 years ago, and it is not my style. But for some reason, I felt guilty about changing it. I knew the wallpaper and drapes were good quality and probably rather expensive. So I've been living with something I don't really care for, for all this time. Am I the only one who does that??
What might seem like a simple change is now snowballing into a larger project. You see, the dining room is open to the living room, which also sports its fair share of toile.
One of the things I really wanted to change about these two rooms was the white carpet. Have I mentioned that I have 4 boys and a dog? Yeah. So white carpet is not really working for us.
We decided to put in hardwood floors, and I've spent months trying to figure out what kind would work best. I could do an entire blog series on engineered vs. solid, light vs. dark, pre-finished vs. unfinished, handscraped vs. smooth, oak vs. teak vs. pine vs. walnut, etc. etc. etc.
In the end, we opted for this...
It is a 5" plank, pre-finished solid oak. I like that it is somewhat distressed. I'm hoping any dings or scrapes we add to it will look like they belong there.
We chose to remove the existing hardwood floors in the foyer, so that we would have the same floors throughout. We are also removing the carpet from the front and back staircases, refinishing the treads, and continuing the hardwoods through the upstairs hall.
Oh I am so not sad to see that white carpet go. I'm really not sure one could accurately refer to it as white carpet any more!
The crew was here yesterday to remove the existing hardwoods and carpet. It's a serious mess right now, but I'm so excited for what's to come.
I've got lots of decisions to make about paint color and furniture placement, rugs and runners. I hope you'll come along on the design journey with me. I'd love to get your input!
Hope you're having a great weekend :)
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Carolyn, I am so excited for you. We did the same thing with the carpet and floors on the first level several years ago. Now if I could just get the stairs and upstairs done like you, but it will have to wait for now. Can't wait to see the reveal. The mess will be so worth it. Ours was a mess for two weeks because the guy did not order enough flooring.
ReplyDeleteI really like your choices. I just know it's going to look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteOh its so much brighter and more calming. Your floor selection is beautiful. I know its hard living with the mess but it will be so gorgeous in the end. I'm excited to see your reveal.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty. We've had almost the exact same flooring installed this year!
ReplyDeleteI can tell already it's going to be wonderful! and those hard wood floors- yum! ehem, I mean beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - We are getting new hardwood on the 22nd, the entire first floor (except powder room). Is it really that messy? I was shocked when they estimated 10 hours of cleaning. Right now we have carpet in the family room, living room and dinning room, so at least they do not have to pull the old wood flooring up. We picked an Asian Hickory in Cinnamon that is hand carved. Love that look. It is amazing how much we learn so fast when we have to decide what we really want. I am your newest follower.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to say, you are not the only one who hates changing something because you know it is quality but not your style. Just means you can appriecate all styles even if it is not the one your want. The stripped wallpaper and are old style curtins leave a blank canvas for you to leave your mark. Enjoy the journey!
ReplyDeleteThat is so exciting and I love love love your choice of hardwoods!!! That is going to look beautiful! Can't wait to see the reveal!
ReplyDeleteOooh, what an exciting project! It's going to be like moving into a brand new home, but not having to actually move :-) Love your hardwood choice - the wider planks are great, and the distressed finish will be kid & pet friendly.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun project!
ReplyDeleteLove the flooring you picked.
Can't wait to see what your plans are for the dining room, Carolyn!
xx
A
When we renovated our house, I chose to have no carpets anywhere. Carpets and boys defnitely don't mix well! I love your changes so far and am looking forward to seeing the finished rooms. x Sharon
ReplyDeleteI think your house is lovely and the white walls will really make it stunning. I am following now and watching your renovtions with interest.
ReplyDeleteHow did you ever keep that white carpet so nice with 4 boys and a dog? LOL. This is will be fun!
ReplyDeleteLove, love what you have done with the dining room. And the choice of the new hardwoods over the carpet is wonderful. Can't wait to see what you did with the rest. Love a good make-over. My first time here, so I'll have to come back. Have a great week. Mona
ReplyDeleteYou are going to be sooo happy. The distressed is the way to go with kids (or even grown-ups). Your carpet cleaner person is going to be sad. :)
ReplyDeleteSo fun to re-do rooms! I love the hardwood you chose. Thanks for visiting my blog - I'm a new follower here!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! Just the kind of project I would love to do too. You are not the only one who lives with something because you feel bad to change it:) We all do it, but it makes it extra sweet when you do take the plunge!
ReplyDeleteIt's like the children's book, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie"- it just keeps going..and going...
ReplyDeleteOnce you are through the mess, it will be grande!
Can't wait to see!
Thanks for popping my my place!
Kerry at housetalkn.blogspot.com