26 February, 2010

From Garage to Family Room

Well, we really did it! Our one car-1951 size- garage has been re-invented as our new, and much loved family room. Our framer, Luis, did an amazing job.  He framed the new closet where our central AC/Heat now lives. Crucial for us here in south central Texas. No more noisy window units-woohoo. He also framed for our wood burning fireplace. I know-a fireplace in Texas? Hey, we're relocated Yankees, what can I say. The skinny, dangerous concrete steps were framed over. After all that, he installed all the rest of our new windows and the set of French doors! (a later post)
This is the only before picture of my laundry room through the door. Go ahead, use your imagination, it was dark and not very pretty.
I wish we could have kept the ceiling as is, but with the heat here it was cost prohibitive.
 
While we did hire out the sheetrock work, we did the insulation ourselves.

 The floor was not perfectly level. Go figure, a 1951 garage floor not level? Anyway, that meant no wood and no ceramic tile. What to do...I installed a vinyl floating floor that looks like Hickory. So easy and really inexpensive. So far no problems whatsoever and we really like the fact it's waterproof. Spills, dogs no problem!


So, we've painted, tiled the surround, built the mantel and brought in the furniture.  There are still things I want to do and find for this room. It's still a work in progress. But, at the end of the day, we get to sit and relax in front of the fire.  Except there's really no room on the sofa-the three dogs and the cat have dibs on it!




















Oh, by the way, I actually opened a shop on Etsy. You can access it from the link on the sidebar. I'm selling pillow covers, shams, duvets and other things not yet listed. I'm also taking orders for custom items.  I've not done an Etsy shop before, so I'm open to ideas and suggestions if you have any. Thanks so much!
ann marie

46 comments:

  1. Wow, this looks great! Love the drapes and I recognize the fabric from your etsy pillows. And the wingback is pretty cool too! steve

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  2. Wow, this is stunning. I love it. Congratulations on a terrific job. Don't you just love when it all comes together?

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  3. The pic of your babies is so CUTE!! You all did an outstanding job on the renov.

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  4. Your new room turned out great. Thanks for shareing..

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  5. I can't stop giggling about the picture of Sophie and Bijou :)

    As someone who's spent time in the family room, I can say that the pictures really don't do it justice. It's a fantastically warm and cozy space. Nice job mom!

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  6. Your cottage is just adorable! I am dreaming of the day when I can do much the same thing.

    Scribbler

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  7. Wow! That turned out amazing. My parents did this to our garage when we were younger, but it was no where near as nice!

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  8. Wow! What a great redo! Thanks for sharing with us. Adorable furbabies. :-)

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  9. great job! stopped by from Friday Follow.

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  10. What a great place you have here, looks like a lot of work, but certainly rewarding in the end. Happy Follow Friday! Hope to see you soon!

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  11. Happy Friday Follow! I'm your latest follower. I am so jealous of your absolutely gorgeous home! Your family room is outstanding!

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  12. What an amazing makeover. I am inspired - we are getting ready to embark on some remodeling here.

    Happy Friday Follow.

    Holly
    504main.blogspot.com

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  13. That's awesome! I love it! It doesn't even look like a garage at all. I can't tell looking at the final picture that it is an addition. Fantastic work!

    New follower from FF -

    Misadventures Of Mom of 3

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  14. Love it!!I'm here from Friday Follow- except it's Saturday! I'm glad I found your blog:)I'm your newest follower!

    I hope you will stop by my blog too!!

    Shannon
    http://www.milkandcuddles.com/

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  15. Wow that looks amazing!

    Stopping by from Friday Follow!

    http://www.kristieslist.blogspot.com

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  16. Hi There! Just popping in from Friday Follow to be your newest follower. Hope you can visit me too! Have a great weekend!

    Bridgette Groschen
    The Groschen Goblins
    http://www.groschengoblins.blogspot.com

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  17. I live in old coastguard cottage with uggy pine paneling.I cannot paint I am a renter.

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  18. Really lovely! I love the drapes.

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  19. Hey i would like to feature u on my blog. Actually show what u make cause i love it so much. Can I ? mishelle

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  20. I'm impressed.. it's always good to have another room to spread! You did a wonderful job!
    Sandy
    I'll visit your Esty Shop...

    http://thewondersofdoing.blogspot.com/

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  21. What a great addition, fantastic!! The finished room looks beautiful!

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  22. Wow! That is what I called a job well done. Every room turned out beautiful. In my next life I'm going to marry a handyman. I would love to own an older home but labor and contractors are sooo pricy. You should be very proud and your sewing is beautiful. Will visit again, specially you are kind of down the street from me. We almost move to Schertz 5 years ago when my husband was working @ tha airport in SA. That community have grown so much. Blessings, Marta.

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  23. I have nothing to say...my mouth is wide open!!
    Your family room is amazing!!

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  24. Are you kidding me? That is unbelievable. I am so super impressed. It's just beautiful! Love, love the fireplace.

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  25. Looks like this project was a huge success. No doubt you are totally enjoying this new space. Thanks for sharing the pics.

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  26. Great job on the new family room. I know you all will enjoy!
    Allison

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  27. I forgot to tell ya that I love the stitch works!!

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  28. Looks terrific! That is what I call a major Met Monday! :)

    ~Liz

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  29. That's quite a transformation and your vinyl flooring looks just like the real thing. Great work!

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  30. What a great job! The room is beautiful and so much extra living space. Thanks for linking to Timeless Tuesday. Now all you have to do is have a link on this post back to Timeless Tuesday do your readers may enjoy the other timeless classics at the party!

    Looking forward to having to back.

    Paula Grace ~

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  31. WOW! What an incredible addition of space to your home! I love it. I, too, lament the loss of that beautiful vaulted ceiling, but I totally understand the energy costs associated with keeping it. Great job!

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  32. What a wonderful way to create an extra living space! I just love it!

    Blessings, Grace

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  33. Wow, this is quite a transformation! I can hardly believe it! Looks like you've got a new wonderful space in which to rest and relax! Thanks for sharing!

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  34. Very pretty! I love the curtains and fireplace!

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  35. I know you are loving that new room! The work paid off.

    Best of luck with your Etsy shop.

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  36. Wow, that's quite the transformation! I am impressed. Great job! I'm a Texan as well....although my ya'lls and howdy's have kind of gone by the wayside since moving to Minnesota!

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  37. that turned out soooooo beautiful!!! what a transformation, your kitty and doggie do look comfy.

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  38. OH yeah. This is a GREAT transformation. You got skillz girl :) BTW, my kitchen looks eerily similar to yours...even down to the 'kitchen' sign.

    I'm adding you to my blogroll!

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  39. From one Ann Marie to another, hello!! I loved finding and reading your blog. You've inspired me to post some before and after pics from our recent 2 year renovation!

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  40. This is a jawdropper - it turned out beautiful! Enjoy your new room and all of that hard work! PS Your babies are adorable.

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  41. You are so lucky, in CA you would have had to have plans for all this work as well as licensed contractors doing it! And forget about losing the garage, you can't get rid of a garage here without replacing it with covered parking.

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Thanks so much for stopping by!