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Our House: Strategic Planning, Taking it from Garage to Studio to Dining Room, Chapter 1

January 15, 2012

This is what it is today, but when we first bought “Our House” it was a different story…

Here’s Chapter 1 of the story. Before we bought “Our House”, 15 years ago, I used to say that I couldn’t stand those houses, so commonly built in the 1980’s, that not only completely forgot the wonderful charm of the front porch, but in its place, put a big garage door to greet visitors. And I’d never, ever buy one of those houses designed in that un-welcoming manner.

Well…it turned out that actually we did buy one of those houses, that was 15 years ago. (Yikes, I forgot how ‘rough’ the exterior of the house and yard were when we bought it) This is the best picture I have of where the driveway met the garage door. I think I was subconsciously rebelling against the notion I had just bought a house with a ‘garage door greeter’, that I didn’t actually take a head-on picture of it when I went around the day we moved in to take ‘before’ pictures. I must admit, I strategically started plotting how to ‘lose’ that huge double car garage door and replace it with something more welcoming before we actually moved into “Our House”.

Where the dining room is today in style, has taken years of evolving, from a previous garage then transformed into heated space that was divided into a back entry/mudroom/closet area (located through that service door on the right of the house)and the large area of the old garage space now outfitted with French doors instead of the overhead garage door to be my interior design studio.

Also we added an arch window I happened upon at Home Depot one day. It was ordered incorrectly for someone, so Home Depot was selling it at a 90% discount. We also, as you can see in the picture above, built the pergola and wood deck, (right on top of the blacktop driveway), helping to create a somewhat ‘porch’ feeling.

I used the space as a studio for several years, but as my business evolved and changed, I no longer needed that space for business, so finally it was time to phase it into complete living space opening it up to the main part of the house.

It’s hard to explain the floor plan with words, let me show you with pictures,

so Welcome to “Our House”…

When you come in the Exterior French Doors under the pergola, this is the room you first enter. On the left you see a large dining table where we gather with our friends and family. (For more details on constructing this Winter centerpiece check out this post.)

I should take a sec and explain that while I have been adding character to this house, I’ve also been adding a subtle French/Italian Country style. Not in a “whole-hearted and nothing else permitted” way, mind you, just an accent of Rustic Old World-ness. In this dining area, I wanted the overall feel of the room to be almost like you were dining ‘al fresco’.

Okay, back to the greeting tour.

On the right is an intimate seating area. A wonderful place I love to nestle into on a winter’s day as the sun streams in the South windows. It’s also turned out to be a great place to have a quick chat with a passing visitor, due to it’s location so close to the exterior door. The rattan settee I bought at Pier1 on clearance, is amazingly comfortable, as are the pair of armless chairs purchased there too.

To read a little insight on the purchase of this antique mahogany sideboard see this post.

I had a custom cushion made for the settee with contrasting piping. The ‘bird’ pillow on the settee I bought at a friend’s occasional sale as a fabric napkin. I quilted the pattern and added trim and fabric to create this pillow.

Behind the settee are a set of heavy iron wall hangings, I bought online from Pottery Barn, (on clearance , too). The ‘old’ ladder hanging above the seating area is actually a new piece distressed to look old, (purchased from Pottery Barn too). The hanging baskets with candles and crystal garland stay up year round on the ladder, but seasonally I add to the ladder display accordingly.

Once you come in the exterior French doors, directly to your right is this antique coat tree to hang your jacket.

The door with the shutters just leads to a little vestibule on the way to the mudroom, but I played it up like it was an outside entrance, (in keeping with the ‘al fresco’ theme).

This is the end of our tour for today, but Chapter 2 will start with the story of that shuttered door and reveal what it’s hiding.

So go ahead, hang your coat up on the coat tree and I’ll grab you a cup of coffee…

As always, please feel free to share this blog with your friends, as well as on Facebook and Pinterest the more the merrier!

I appreciate you stopping by.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    February 6, 2012 at 7:50 pm

    That porch looks like such an awesome space!

    Thanks so much for linking this up to the challenge too!
    Karah

    Reply
  2. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    February 3, 2012 at 8:50 pm

    Another fantastic transformation – from 80’s to amazing! Thanks for linking this up to our Impossibilities Challenge!
    Kelly

    Reply
  3. Melissa says

    February 3, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    I love how inviting and warm your house looks! This is fantastic! Thanks for linking up!

    Reply
  4. thistlewoodfarm says

    February 2, 2012 at 8:35 am

    I just love your whole house! Your blog is one that I totally want to follow along with! Great creative ideas without breaking the bank. That ladder is BRILLIANCE! Thanks for linking up to our “impossibles” party!

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  5. Cyndi at The Decorating Chica says

    January 26, 2012 at 7:09 pm

    Very beautiful home!

    Reply
  6. Pinky says

    January 26, 2012 at 4:30 pm

    This is FABULOUS!!!! I love the “al fresco” feel. It all looks beautiful, now I hope I can find the other post. So glad I found your blog, I came over from Potpourri Fri. XO, Pinky

    Reply
  7. Honey says

    January 26, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    Hi! You are featured today at Potpourri Friday!

    Reply
  8. Sherry says

    January 25, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Just beautiful! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

    Reply
  9. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    January 25, 2012 at 8:22 am

    So pretty. What a great space. I love that little sitting area. Gorgeous. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  10. Sherry says

    January 23, 2012 at 8:42 pm

    What a beautiful home you have created! Gorgeous. Thank you for linking to the Open House Party. xo, Sherry

    Reply
  11. Honey says

    January 23, 2012 at 7:40 pm

    Your home is beautiful! Thank you for sharing at Potpourri Friday!

    Reply
  12. Melody of ChattyChics.com says

    January 21, 2012 at 4:08 pm

    Oh my goodness! Your house is incredible! LOVE.IT. Can’t believe your outside porch! Beautiful!
    Melody
    ChattyChics.com

    Reply
  13. SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime says

    January 21, 2012 at 12:17 am

    This is like WOW! Thanks for linking up at the Creative Bloggers’ Party & Hop 🙂

    Reply
  14. the cape on the corner says

    January 20, 2012 at 9:31 am

    wow-i love that pergola and what you did to the outside. you certainly made this very much “your house”.

    Reply
  15. Courtney says

    January 19, 2012 at 8:27 pm

    Your home is just gorgeous!!

    Reply
  16. Sharon ت says

    January 18, 2012 at 7:35 pm

    I love this post! I’m very impressed with the transformation for 80’s to fabulous! I have had the very same thoughts as you about being greeted by garage doors. I’m such a fan of porches. I think you did a great job making a porch in front. The al fresco idea is so, so creative! Thanks for sharing at Show & Tell.

    Sharon

    Reply
  17. Jen Lossing, The Consigner Designer says

    January 17, 2012 at 8:39 pm

    This looks amazing. I love the ladder chandelier! Looks so wonderful. Great job!

    Reply
  18. Cathy@My1929Charmer says

    January 17, 2012 at 8:31 pm

    Boy, oh Boy, oh Boy, really beautiful. You are very creative and shows in how you transform your rooms. Your rooms are amazing, and quite beautiful. Love the ladder, you really do think out side the “box”. Thanks for sharing your inspiration at Sunday’s Best!

    Reply
  19. kristin says

    January 17, 2012 at 10:23 am

    I am in love with this area of the house, it’s gorgeous, fabulous job!!! You have an eye! Thanks for linking up!
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  20. christyisrc says

    January 16, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    Wow – we turned our garage into our family room -I love mine, but yours is amazing! You are very talented.

    Reply
  21. Nann......At Nanns Table says

    January 15, 2012 at 11:17 pm

    Saw your photo on Sunday Par.tay and I think your comment was just before mine too. Anyway all I can say is WOW!! You have done a beautiful job taking your garage from drab to unbelieveably beautiful. Love how the area is divided for dining and for your cozy space. I don’t drink coffee but if you have some hot cocoa I’ll be over. It would be fun to chat and see it all.!!

    Nann

    Reply
  22. Jen says

    January 15, 2012 at 8:12 pm

    Wow, very well planned out! The al fresco vibe definitely adds so much character to your space. Thanks for linking up! ~Jen

    Reply
  23. Kim says

    January 15, 2012 at 8:20 am

    Such a cute space. I can see why you like to sit there.

    Reply
  24. Abbe says

    January 15, 2012 at 8:01 am

    Wow. One of a kind. I can’t wait to see more!

    Reply
  25. CREATIVE MIND says

    January 15, 2012 at 6:20 am

    You are doing so good my friend, Your house is beautiful..All the best! 🙂

    Reply

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