Just thought I would share a few “before” and “after” pictures with you today.  My family and I moved to CO about 9 months ago.  In that time, we have been working to make our new house feel more like “our home.”  We repainted the walls after I went through paint paralysis.  Choosing a paint color, especially a gray that wasn’t too blue or too purple or too beige, took me some time and many cans of sample paint.  Now, I am a sample paint can advocate, for sure.  I mean, after all, the small cans usually cost less than $5 and save you a ton of money in the long run.  Plus, you have extra paint for small craft projects.

Choosing a gray

I finally chose Moonshine from Benjamin Moore, and I could not be happier.  In addition to painting, we ripped up the carpet and had hardwood installed.  We also removed the small wood colored baseboards and replaced them with wider white ones to make the floor “pop” a little more.  Are you ready for a few “before” and “after” shots?

BEFORE

AFTER

Obviously, the prior owners used the front entrance room as a sitting area.  However, right now it is mine and N’s office/work area.  We have plans to put a longer table in this room so we can have family and friends over for dinner.  The table we have picked out can double as a desk.  Love when things can serve multiple purposes.  We need some thing bigger in that room to help balance the scale.

Here is another area of the house “before” and “after.”

BEFORE

AFTER

The prior owners had a separate ceiling fan mounted flush to the ceiling, and a light that hung down too far and obstructed the view.  We opted for a fan/light combo.  We added metal sheeting to the bar area, and handles to the cabinets.  We have plans to change out the countertops and possibly add different/more lighting in the kitchen area.

BEFORE

AFTER

That brown wall screamed at me every day, but now it makes me smile.

What do you think?  We have many other exciting projects planned for our new home, but we are pleased with the transformation, thus far.  Paint can certainly make a huge difference.  I definitely enjoy relaxing in my new home and daydreaming about additional changes.   Sometimes, it is the little things, even if they take time and money.

Have you changed something in your house to make it feel more like “your home”?  Did you have the idea yourself or did you ask for design advice?  Do you have paint paralysis like me?  Please share.