Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Before & After Warm Fuzzies

I came home yesterday afternoon, walked in my house, let out of sigh of relief and thought "finally."

Our dining room is finished. Here are a few before pictures of our monstrous green wallpaper (it was on the ceiling, too):



Looking at this heightens my gag reflex.

Here's the room now:



I realize that pumpkin orange may not be the color for everyone, but I love orange. I think it's energetic, warm and inviting. Perfect a room that's meant for entertaining, conversation and laughter.

Just when I thought that was reason enough to get that warm, fuzzy feeling that all was right in the world, Ty instructed me to look outside at our backyard. To preface, the former homeowner was an obsessive gardener, and I guess she wanted to be surrounded by all the things she loved. All corners, sides and hidden spots in our yard were planted.

I, on the other hand, bought a new plant on Saturday and by yesterday afternoon it appeared to be on its last leg. Let's just say gardening is not my strong suit, and considering that, in the year we've lived in our house the yard has gotten a little out of control. I wanted to hire a crop duster to drop weed killer over the entire backyard because we were definitely at the point of purging and purifying for a more simple landscape scheme. One that even I could manage!

Here are some before and after glimpses:


This picture was taken last summer when the crape myrtle was still there, the fence was covered in ivy and a million other massive plants were squelching our backyard pool oasis.


Here is our crape myrtle-less (well, the stump is still there), ivy-free fence and backyard now. May I point out the fantastic power washing my husband performed on our bricks? He's still got a little ways to go, but it looks fantastic.


This is a picture of our house from last summer. Please note the ivy stretching along the fenceline to the left.


And here's a picture of our fenceline now ... completely purged of all obnoxious, all-powerful, overtaking ivy.

As I've mentioned before, I love each little step that we make toward making this home our own. Now I have indoor/outdoor warm fuzzies!

6 comments:

Laura said...

I can't tell you how excited I am to not have to skim the damn pool for 30 minutes before we swim! Looking forward to many happy times in the orange dining room and your lovely backyard!

Ashley Netherton said...

OH MY GOD! everything looks so great!!
1- I love the dinning room and CAN NOT WAIT to see it in person!!
2- Go Ty, the bricks look awesome, and Great job Klint on the removal of ALL OF THE GREENERY!!
3- Why have I never noticed those Azalea's in front ?? Would you mind if I came over with a photographer and had my own personal SPRING photo shoot ? I just would love to bypass the crowd at Norton !! :)

Stephanie Jordan said...

I am thrilled about the minimal skimming, too! I wish the pool were warm enough already! Can't wait for another fantastic summer!

Ash, feel free to put on matching outfits with Chris and have your photo taken in our front yard. Aren't the azaleas amazing? I just wished they lasted all year instead of only a few weeks!

It makes me happy that you ladies like everything! Can't wait to enjoy some good times in the coming months!

Mandy S said...

Looks so great!!!! Can't wait to see it in person!!!

Meryl & Russell McLendon said...

Yay - I love the orange ceiling. And those azaleas! Well done with everything. =)

Stephanie Jordan said...

It's a work in progress and we still have miles to go, but it is fun when you see the finished product!