This is where we started.
Wall to wall carpet, a gold toned paint on the wall and dark wood accents.
Don't get me wrong, for a solid 20 years, I loved the look.
The colors were the perfect transition from the living room to the kitchen.
It was also functional. The babies were small and that carpet provided a warm and snuggly space for a game of Go Fish or an afternoon dressing Barbies.
But those days are long gone.
And both the living room and kitchen decor, while still red, aren't as dark.
So it was time for a new view in that hallway
Of course, the road to fabulous was not without a few bumps. This one began with the wrong color paint on the walls.
Painting those old wood floors took several weeks, between all the coats of paint and poly.
But to be very honest, the bulk of the renovations were done by May. My husband checked all his boxes off by the time the weather warmed up.
I was the hold up. The decor kept me on the ropes for months.
I started with white patterned rugs, sure they'd complete the look.
I was also certain that I wanted a round table in the larger area of the hallway. Neither of those plans worked out.
The rugs didn't have enough pop and the corner needed a more substantial piece.
One I found for $25 on Facebook Marketplace. A hutch, that recieved a paint and wallpaper makeover and provides a bit of scale to the space.
Of course there were a few other upcycles along the way. The old mirrors and a basement shelf were transformed to fit the new aesthetic. I also settled on milk glass as the predominant accessory.
As for the rugs, I sold the white ones at a yard sale and went back to basics. Red braids. Two runners and one large oval.
They were so cheap that I dove in, even though the oval one was too large. No problem, braided rugs are easy to cut to size. We've done it before.
A table never seemed practical or possible.
We thought about cutting one in half and mounting it to the wall or making one from scratch. But after months of searching for one that would work and looking at plans we gave up.
Then one day, like magic, Amazon recommended a table to me. Reasonably priced, customizable and unfinished, so I could make it my own.
We had it made with only two legs, so we could screw it to the wall.
Perfect.
I emailed the seller, who was lovely, with my dimensions and in no time flat it was at my door. I stained it an oatmeal color, to keep it light and my hallway was complete.
Again, I started here.
And now, I'm here.
It's a totally different look and feel. Elegant, clean looking and it flows seamlessly into the living room.
The two rooms look like belong together now.
From every single angle.
Of course when I say the hallway is complete, well, that's a relative term. The corner piece needs some more fun accessories.
We may still close the gap around it with some trim.
I also think a crystal chandelier would be very charming hanging above that braided rug. Real cottage vibes for this old cottage girl.
And...if you go back and look carefully at that shelf under the mirror, it's empty. I swiped the milk glass cups and put them on the new table.
So looks like someone will be heading back to the thrift store again soon.
If I can pull myself out of the hallway.
You just might find me playing in there now.
Go Fish anyone?
😉
How's your hallway?
Luv it! It looks so brighter and bigger
ReplyDeleteThanks so much...it definitely looks and feels bigger. That's always a plus in this tiny house!
DeleteIt looks fantastic, Kim. I love the brighter, softer look but really like the pop of red in the rugs. You did a wonderful job. I bet you walked into that hallway 100 times to admire your hard work! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThanks Diana! I really do walk through and linger a little bit longer than I should. It was such a dramatic change, sometimes I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner.
DeleteYou did an awesome job. Love the pop of red in the rugs! Judy Clark
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Judy! I just can't seem to resist that pop of red...in any room!!
DeleteGirl you have such vision: painting the floors was such a bold move but oh such perfect. I love the skinny table. The rugs are perfection. I might put some faux greenery above the corner hutch…but I think you have pretty much nailed this do over.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Susan! ❤️ You are way too kind though, I meandered my way to this vision. I thought I knew what I wanted when I started, but somehow that red always manages to pull its way back into the house. And I agree, I need something green in that corner. Well, faux green or it will be brown in short order...hahaha!!
DeleteThis turned out so lovely! You're right - the hallway now coordinates so well with the livingroom. Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteThanks Briana!! I think it works well now, too. The living room used to be darker and they blended...and now they blend again!! Happy week!
DeleteKim it looks fabulous. Bravo for all you have done. The white trim really pops with your wall color. I love the red oval rugs for texture and color. The hall looks so big and very bright and updated. Happy New Week. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris! You know me, I just can’t seem to let go of that pop!! Enjoy the week!! xo
DeleteThe hallway looks so fresh and inviting Kim. Like its beckoning you to come in and see what's in the rest of the house!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mary!! It's a big change, but it was time to switch things up a bit.
DeleteIt's both convenient and scary that Amazon listens to us and recommends what we need, lol. The hallway is so pretty - I liked the before too, but I do love the bright and airy! About that console table: is it attached to the wall (it appears to be on only 2 legs?)? And where do you find braided rugs for 'cheap'? I would love to find one for my dining room :-)
ReplyDeleteYou have a good eye! The table does only have two legs. It’s mounted to the wall so we didn’t have to scooch it out past the floor trim. I found these rugs at The Lakeside Collection. I don’t know if they have really large rugs, but I love the ones I ordered. They have a bunch there, but believe it or not, I’ve round that Home Depot (online only) has a great selection at good prices. Plus, if you order them (free shipping) and they don’t work, you can just bring them back to the store to return. No expensive return shipping to deal with! And yes…Amazon is scary sometimes!!
DeleteIf that isn't the perfect console table for your hallway I don't know what is! Such a cozy welcoming space.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marie! Having a table made worked out so well...and it was less expensive than most prefab ones.
DeleteThe hallway looks great Kim. I love the table and the rugs. I know you must be so happy with the way it came out. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie! I am very happy with the results...and I know you get it after you just renovated some of your own spaces!!
DeleteIt looks beautiful, Kim, and I never knew you could resize braided rugs. I look forward to your new thrift store finds for your empty shelf!
ReplyDeleteYou can!! A little cutting and you're good to go!!
DeleteWow Kim! What a wonderful transformation. Everything does seamlessly work so well. That skinny table is perfect for that spot and the milk glass shows up better in it. Those braided rugs are wonderful and the perfect cottage look. Great job!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kitty! That table was a great find. I'm thrilled with it!
DeleteI like it. You did a fabulous job. I love braided rugs, so you have got me!!! Thank you for the reminder about resizing a braided rug. I have a future project in mind. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh! You'll have to keep me posted, Carla!! And thank you!!
DeleteIt's been a process but so worth it! I love how the rugs pop, that table looks like it was made for that spot, the hutch does too! You have a great eye. The crystal chandelier would be perfect!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mari!! It's been a few months now, but I'm still pushing for that chandelier.
DeleteIt’s great Kim! Love it!
ReplyDeleteDeanna Rabe
Thank you so much!!
DeleteIt looks very pretty great job bright and seamless love the shelf too
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!
DeleteBravo for a job well done. Your hallways is nice and bright. Love the wall hutch and narrow console table.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda, I'm so happy I was able to find furniture to fit.
DeleteThis transformation looks SO lovely, Kim! What a difference going from dark to light. Just wondering why you chose to paint the wood floors instead of refinishing them? (Not judging - they're beautiful painted - just curious! xoxo)
ReplyDeleteThanks Melanie, The floors were beyond sanding, they were damaged and needed to be either removed and replaced, covered with carpet...or painted!! ☺️
DeleteIt looks great, you must be delighted :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/
Thanks Jan! I really am!!
DeleteGosh, the change made it look so much more open and airy! I love it! You are so great at this.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Mandy!! You just made my day!
DeleteThanks Mandy!! So sorry I miss your comment earlier!
DeleteI wouldn't worry about the empty shelve under the mirror. I''m thinking Thanksgiving and Christmas will be, all it takes to fill it in! NIcely done!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine! You were right...I filled it with trees.
DeleteLove the new look Kim! The rugs are perfect, and I've always loved that corner hutch. Like the built-in shelves too. I would love to see your house!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Florence. It'd be a very quick tour...it's a tiny place!
DeleteKim, it's fabulous! The before and after pictures are a real wow. So clean and fresh! I had (have!) those same jewel tones in my house from when we moved in 20 years ago. I'd love to lighten up everything, but I think it's more likely that we'll move in the next couple of years, so I'm not going to start replacing the furniture, but perhaps swapping out a few accessories will help. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you, I hate renovating. I'd save it for the new place!! Haha!!
DeleteHow bright and pretty your hallway is. A table such as the one you fashioned for your hallway is just what I need. I have a narrow space that I have been wanting a small table for. Love those pretty oval rugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you Betsy! I love the table. I highly recommend the builder. It's a great piece.
DeleteWell, that was definitely worth the wait. The hallway looks totally different now. So light and airy and waaaaaaay bigger. Beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteSo light now, yes!! And thank you!!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great transformation!! I love it!! It looks great and I love those beautiful braided rugs!!
And it does look so well with your Living Room!! So pretty!!
Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Thanks Debbie! I have to say, I love the entire hallway. Every nook and cranny makes me smile.
DeleteSo pretty, Kim, another really great makeover. And the accents of your signature red work perfectly.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thank you, Amalia!! You always leave such sweet comments!
DeleteKim, I love how bright it looks now. It is a wonderful transformation. I also love how you painted the floors. It looks amazing and gives that cottage look. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tammy!! I was a little hesitant to paint the floors, but now I can't imagine them any other way!
Delete