Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The Virginia Dresser (and mudroom)

It started with a dresser and ended with a refreshed mudroom.

Here's the story......

With a busy and active family our eldest and her husband needed a bit more storage in their mudroom.

The best part was they asked us to do it. Not only do we get to hang out with the kids and grandkids, we get to paint and play with

fabric and wood.

First we shopped the house. We found an awesome solid pine dresser that would make great storage for mitts etc,

and give us some counterspace for keys and the odd vase of flowers or whatever!!

Here is a-sort-of-before. One coat of primer and I remembered to take a photo.
 
It painted and chippied up beautifully.
 
 
New hardware and  it looks lovely.

One of the challenges we had in the mudroom was a cement baseboard perimeter, and an existing furnace ductwork that could not be

removed.  We chose a deep brown  color called Tilled Soil by Martha Stewart

and a warm white for the remainder of the walls.

The before. They have a really good space to work with so we added a built in bench and closet cubbies.

There is a bin for each child with room for helmets and backpacks too.

And the after......

Lots of hooks for coats and a few pretties just for fun!!

I love the luggage tags on the bins. All the cushions and curtains are washable.

A picture from Paige at http://www.vintagetrailerart.com/ I love her artwork, and it fits in with the camping theme.


The bench is stained dark like the kitchen cabinets. Due to the heat vent under the bench we made tiny slats so the heat will still

circulate. The bench is open underneath for shoe storage.

Three special places for summer fun. No the wall is not bowed!!  Just my trick photography!!!

I love the crispness of the brown and white together.

Another view from the entrydoor.  The black and white candid pics of the family look great in similar frames

all painted white.  The blackboard stakes are meant for the garden, but could be used anywhere.

I love the metal hooks. They came from an old school and are very sturdy. The slightly scratched and weathered

patina just add character. Cushions are down-filled, and the covers are removable.

The window allows lots of light and summer ventilation.

We kept the existing floor and light fixtures. As you can see there is more storage yet it still looks spacious.

Hubby did a great job on the panelling and the crown moulding.  Such a fun project.

I love when a space says "welcome",  but still looks pretty and organized.

Next up.........feeling the need to make some jam and do some canning...........

and maybe a bit more painting.