We’ve been stripping the living room, preparing for it’s renovation, and I wanted to show you a little bit of the progress so far.
We started out with a living room that was stuck in the early 1970’s, with pink shag carpet, forty year old draperies, and popcorn ceilings.
That pink shag carpet was the first thing to go, and it was a lot of carpet!
After the pink shag carpet and draperies were removed, we took out the electrical baseboard heating units.
We installed central gas heating when we purchased the home, so as we renovate each room, we are removing the old baseboard units.
The room is a nice large size with a beautiful bay window on the front, gorgeous moulding detail on the walls, and a pretty little fireplace, even though it is in need of a makeover as well.
The fireplace has some pretty detail on the surround, with pretty pink marble, and would you look at the firebox! It’s really amazing!
There had been a roof leak at some point over the years before we purchased the home, and the ceiling was spotted with water stains. We’ve already replaced the roof, so thankfully, leaks aren’t an issue now.
We removed the old draperies and drapery hardware so we could start scraping the ugly popcorn ceiling. It makes a bit of a mess, but it is so worth it.
We have planked over the top of the popcorn in several other rooms, but in here, I just wanted a smooth, soft white ceiling.
Once the popcorn was removed, the sheetrock was not in great shape in some places, so we had to remove some sections and replace the sheetrock, spackle, and then sand before painting.
We painted the entire ceiling in KILZ and then painted with Sherwin Williams ceiling paint in color Snowbound, which is the white that we are using throughout the house.
After we finished with the ceiling, we added our extensions to the top of the doorways and the window.
This is such an easy way to extend the height of doors and windows, using MDF boards and crown moulding.
We’ve done this in each room that we have renovated, and it just adds more of a custom look to any room.
Next we’ll be painting all of the wood moulding and trim with Benjamin Moore Advance semi-gloss paint in the Sherwin Williams color of Snowbound.
I was thrilled when I realized that Benjamin Moore would mix my Sherwin Williams colors that I had used throughout the house, because I am obsessed with their Advance paint.
After I paint the wood trim and mouldings, I will paint the walls. We’re using a light gray (Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray) throughout the house, and I want to to go with something darker, a bit richer, so if you have a favorite dark gray please leave a comment with the color name and I’ll take a look at it!
I haven’t decided on what I’ll do with the fireplace yet, so I’ll report on that later on.
Hardwood floors will be going down and then we’ll trim it all out with new baseboards and trim.
Then the fun part of decorating will take place!
Stay tuned!
Cheers,
Cindy
On a personal note: Many of you have asked about the status of the study, and we are still pulling it together. It’s been slow going and I know many of you are anxious to see it. My sister’s illness has taken priority so I’m not able to devote as much time to the projects, but I’m hoping that if I keep chipping away at it, then it will finally get finished. I appreciate your patience! For now, I’m not devoting as much time to blogging, projects, renovation, or social media. I try to pop in periodically just so you don’t forget about me! And I’m trying to get some blog posts scheduled in advance. Thank you for all of your support, sweet words, and prayers. I can’t express how much it means to me and how incredibly humbled I am by all of you. We are entering our final days with my sister, and time is very precious right now. I know so many of you have gone through, or are going through, something similar and understand. All I know to say, is “Thank You”.
what a beautiful note in this post. Praying for precious times with your sister.
Cindy, Somehow , this blog slipped through my emails 🙁 Your home just gets better and better. I don’t see how you and your husband have the patience and skill to do the beautiful job you are doing. I also am getting ready to read the latest article about
the magazine. How exciting. You deserve every bit. As I have told you recently, just cherish every last moment you have with your sister. I was with my sister the 9 mos she was in Stage 4 of the Cancer, In my mind, I kept thinking there would be a miracle and she’d live. I wish I had talked to her more about her new homecoming. I thought I was giving her hope if I didn’t . The last words she barely whispered were to me ,Love you, Love you and she went into a coma and passed the next evening .My love and prayers are with all of you, especially through the coming days.
Oh, Kathy, your message has brought tears to my eyes. I’m spending every day with my precious sister, and trying to share laughter, memories, and stories. It’s so bittersweet. Cancer is such a horrible, horrible disease. Blessings to you dear friend.
Your home continues to surprise, with all the amazing rooms that it has in it…the bones are incredible and this is going to be one GORGEOUS room!! Sending continued prayers for peace and love to you and your sister.
Thank you, Amy!
You are amazing to get all of this done while tending to your sister. Prayers of strength, courage and healing.
Thank you so much, Elizabeth.
What beautiful work Cindy, and it’s hard work too….but I know that having work or projects like this helps to deal with the hard issues of life. May our Good Lord bless you with all the things needed at this time.
Thank you so much, Gray, for your kind words. They mean so much to me.
Cindy,
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your readers will be patiently waiting for your return.
Thank you so much, Kathleen.
Cindy – you have a beautiful home. I love all the decor and the stories you include with new pieces and renovations. I so enjoyed reading about you and how the name Edith & Evelyn Vintage came to be.
I would like you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and can find peace during these difficult times. Much love – Robin
Thank you so much for your kind words, Robin.
Prayers for you and your family during these difficult days. Your renovation project will fill an empty space for you in days to come.
Thank you so much, Sandra!
Sending prayers to you and your family. I’m so sorry to learn about your sister. Enjoy this time together. Once she’s gone to heaven, you’ll have plenty of time to catch up on other things that are not as important. Your beautiful home ALMOST makes me want to change my colorful house. My family rooms walls are red-orange, dark green, teal with a short wall of purple! Much more color throughout the rest of the house. Sending hugs…
Thank you so much, Anne. Your sweet words mean so much to me. Blessings to you!
You are all in our prayers, the Lord is standing with her. Keep the faith.
Thank you, Nancy.
~Cindy~
I feel your broken heart indeed, I remember those last weeks, days,and hours with my dear sister. I kept a journal of the 11 months of every visit I had with her, I read it once in this first year she has been gone, I am so glad I did that! I know she could hear us , so I would sing to her (or try to) the line from ,” I go before you always come follow me and I will lead you home” the morning she past away I woke up at 3am with that song on my mind ,later my brother inlaw told me around 3am she really was to the end. I have days where I still can not believe she is not here. We just need to remember our Lord know our journey from the day of our birth, and his loving kindness is new every morning. I pray you all find comfort in knowing him.
Hugs and prayers
Paula , IN.
p.s. don’t worry about blog, I for one will never forget You !
The fireplace is beautiful !
Paula, your sweet words brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. I’m so glad you have precious memories of your final days with your sister. I’m trying to spend as much time as I can with mine, laughing, telling stories, sharing memories. It’s all so bittersweet and heartbreaking at the same time. All of the kindness and prayers give us the strength we need to walk this final journey with her. Blessings to you, dear friend.
Cindy, the living room looks like it coming along! I know it will be wonderful as all your rooms look, and I can’t wait to see it. I’ve been sanding our French pine kitchen table the last couple of days. It sure is a lot of work, but can’t wait to see how it will come out. On a more important note, my continued prayers for you and your sister.
Sisters are very important in our lives.
Thank you so much Linda, I can’t wait to hear how your table turns out!
Cindy,your sister has a beautiful family supporting and loving her. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. We’ll be here when you are able to blog,family is your first priority.
Thank you so much, Sue.
Blessings to you and your dear sister. Death is hard my brother-in-law died this Friday. My heart hurts for him and your family as well. Know you followers will still be here your sister is everything all important. God bless you, Maryann
Oh, I’m so sorry Maryann. My prayers for you and your family. I know everyone experiences this, it’s the one common thread that we all have. {{Hugs}}
I love the idea of adding molding to the top of each door and window. I like the color “Felted Wool” by Sherwin Williams. I am thinking of using it in my dining room.
Thank you so much, Julie! I will definitely check out “Felted Wool”.
I hope you see as you read the comments from everyone that no one will forget you. Your readers will be here whenever you write. My heart goes out to you at this time. It’s so hard to be where you are. Heartfelt prayers for you, your sister and other family.
Thank you so much, Darlene. All of you are such a blessing to me!
Love your makeovers. Many, many prayers coming your way for your sister and family.
Thank you so much, Maggie!
I just completely finished the ceilings in my home. You’re right it’s a mess but so worth it. I’m looking forward to the direction you’re taking this room. Lynne
Thanks so much, Lynne!
Dear Cindy, first let me say my prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time in your life, my prayers are with you all…..especially your dear sister…..
Your living room is turning out just beautiful sweetie…..love your fireplace….I’m sure what ever you decide to do with it,it will be nothing less then gorgeous..
Hugs~~
Mari
Sweet Mari, thank you so much. You are always so kind in your words in in your support. I appreciate it more than you know.
I love the progress you are making in the living room and study! I can’t wait to see the finished product! Meanwhile, sending prayers to your sister and your family. It must be devastating.
Thank you so much. Yes, we are all heartbroken, and we appreciate your prayers so much.
I just lost a very dear friend on Easter Eve. I was with her 2 days before. My heart goes out to you. May God comfort and give you strength and may you be blessed having had a sister with whom you shared a wonderful love. It’s a beautiful gift to love like that, though it makes the parting harder. Bittersweet. God bless you.
Thank you so much, Toni. Blessings to you, as well in losing your precious friend.
Hugs and prayers for all of you.
Thank you, Diane.
Forget about you? Oh dearest Cindy, that could never happen! You are one of those people that leave a everlasting impression that lingers on and on … in a very good way! And … as usual, everything you touch turns out beautiful beyond words and your living room will be no exception. And please don’t worry about us as we are not going anywhere and we will always be here for you.
I said a prayer for you today,
that God would touch you with His healing hand and give you the comfort and peace you need to get through these trying times and that He would cradle your sister in his loving arms and carry her gently and lovingly into his Kingdom. May you and yours find strength and comfort in His love.
Take care dear friend. Much love to you and yours. xxx
Thank you sweet friend. Your kind words mean so much to me during this heartbreaking time. She was diagnosed three months ago and it seems like the time has flown and now we are near the end. I value your friendship so much. Blessings.
Excited to see the progress and results. I’m so sorry about sister, I understand because I lost my sister. Prayers ongoing. I will be here when you can blog. Love your house and you and hubby have done a beautiful job on this 70’s house!! Your taste in decor is just exquisite!
Thank you so much Nancy! Your support is so appreciated!
Whew. Just reading the words ‘scraping off the popcorn’ made me sweat! I know it will be beautiful!
We did agreeable grey in the study and sitting room we just did a whole room reno to. And will be doing Repose which is slightly darker in the master in a few weeks.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Big hugs, Gee
Thank you Gee. I will check out the color Repose, it may be just what I’m looking for!
The storms of life come to every person and sometimes they are bigger than we ever thought possible. But God will not allow a storm unless He has a divine purpose for it. It’s a true test of Faith in Him. Cherish every day you spend with your sister. Sending my prayers…
Sharon
Thank you, Sharon, for your precious words and prayers.
P.S. Just got my copy of French Country Style and your feature is amazing…Will be reading this cover to cover on this very dreary rainy day here! Take Care!!!
Wonderful, Shirley! I have my copy, and also picked up a few more, but I haven’t had a chance to look through the magazine yet.
Cindy….in the scheme of things, I know is is trivial to say how wonderful the room is coming along…..you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers in this most difficult of times. I am so very sorry.
Thank you dear friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister and all the family. May God send you peace and strength in the days ahead.
Thank you so much, Roxanne. We are in the final days and all of the prayers are keeping us going. I can’t express how much it means to me and my family. Blessings.
Yes we are all anxious to see your study, but I know from experience that your everyday life takes a back seat to a loved one that is ill. Your precious time with your sister takes presidence above everything else. Sending hugs, warm thoughts and prayers to you and your family. ❤❤
Thank you so much, Debra.
May God draw you closer to each other and to Him during this challenging period. Don’t worry about your readers! We’ll be here. Take care.
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Amy. I’m truly humbled by everyone’s support. God Bless.
Hi Cindy, I absolutely love your style and how you’ve decorated your whole home. What a beautiful living room you have and I’m looking forward to seeing it finished. I just wanted to say I totally understand that nothing is more important than your family so don’t worry we’ll still be here when you’re ready.
God Bless.. Maryann
Thank you so much, Maryann. I have some wonderful followers and I’m so blessed to have all of you. Blessings to you, dear friend.
Prayers for your sister and for your family
Thank you so much, Mary.
Sherwin Williams has a gray color that I love: Stone Hearth. Might not be as dark as you want but I don’t tire of it at all.
Thank you Kathryn! I will check Stone Hearth out!
Cindy, y’all do such fabulous work together. I wish my hubby and I lived close by as we could talk about all our DIY’s. I love everything y’all are doing and that fireplace box is fabulous. I have never seen one like that. Love the brick archway between the rooms, too. I’m so incredibly sorry about your sister and you take all the time you need. We will always be her. Praying for you and your family at this difficult time.
Kim, if we lived closer, we might get into some trouble dreaming up more projects than we already have! It would be fun, though! Thank you so much for the prayers, we are needing every bit of them to get through these final days.
Hello Cindy! So good to hear from you. The Living Rooms looks amazing and can’t wait to see the finished room. So sorry about your sister, praying for you and your family. May God comfort you during this time.
Thank you so much, Susan.
Hello Cindy!
So wonderful to hear from you. I love your blog and of course your beautiful items that you sell. The renovations that you and your husband have finished and are currently working on are always spot on perfect, simply gorgeous. Thank you for sharing with all of us as you are a great inspiration to so many.
My continued prayers to you and your family as you share this time with your sister.
Cheerfully,
Nancy J. Texas
Nancy, thank you so much for your continued support, that means so much to me. Blessings to you.
I spy an awesome angel…details?????
Hi Vicki! The angel came out of a closed Catholic church in St. Louis. She was missing her wings when we found her, they had apparently been broken at some point over the years. But I was able to find some gilded metal wings that fit perfectly on her back. She stands guard over the foyer. You can see more of her here: https://edithandevelynvintage.com/deck-foyer-littlest-fur-angel/
It looks like a big job, but it is going to be fabulous, I love completely redoing rooms like this, it always feels so refreshing afterwards. Can’t wait to see the finished result.
I agree, everything feels so clean and new when you finish a makeover! Hopefully, the living room will go forward pretty quickly without any glitches! Thanks so much for commenting!