It’s no secret I’m on a mission to lighten and brighten the cabin. At the same time, I’m trying to remain true to its rustic character. I think I achieved that with the recent kitchen wall project that you may remember. If not, go take a peak.
You may also recall that initially Fisherman was hesitant about painting the wood. So was I! But we both thought the newly painted kitchen wall was a huge improvement, so it wasn’t a surprise when he recommended we do the hallway.
We’ve been working on this project for about a week. In some ways, it wasn’t as difficult as the kitchen, but in other ways it was a LOT more difficult. This time around we needed some scaffolding and the tallest ladder we had in order to reach the top of the wall, but the worst part was the amount of dust that accumulated after sanding. It was everywhere! In the pantry, on the steps, between my toes…you name it. But it’s done. Whew!
Before I show you more of the ‘afters’, here’s a few ‘befores’:
I had a lot more ‘before’ pics taken, but for some reason they were rejected by Lightroom so I wasn’t able to use them. Weird.
Although the hallway isn’t as narrow as some, it’s still a hallway after all, so the effect was very claustrophobic with the natural wood. Now it’s a lot brighter, cleaner looking and more welcoming.
This painting was previously at the end of the hallway on the right. We decided to switch it out with the antique snow shoes to make it more prominent. We edited out a few other items while we were at it to give the space a less cluttered, clean look.
There’s still some work to be done, most notably the doors. It’s a big no no to have doors that are different colors, and besides, I’m over the green so I’m thinking we’ll paint those white too. I like the effect of the white surrounded by the natural wood molding. We used the same ASCP mix here that we used in the kitchen…Old Ochre and Pure White with about a 60/40 ratio (Old Ochre was 60). We’re out of the paint completely and to avoid buying more I’m going to experiment with some milk paint that I have for the doors and a couple of other areas I have in mind and hopefully it will work.
In other news…
Guess what??! I made a pillow with a zipper :). It wasn’t difficult at all. Really! The main issue I was having with the dining chair cushions was the cording is pretty thick and it was super hard to get it to lay right. The correct way (and far easier) would have been for the zipper not to be inserted along the seam line, but rather like I did with the pillow, which is off center.
The cushions were also a bit challenging because I cut all the foam based on the measurement of one chair, but it turns out all the chairs aren’t identical! Ugh! Why must all my lessons be learned the hard way?? Notice how the cushion above fits nicely but the one below is a little squished? Oh the horror! 😉
So here’s the pillow which I made with the same fabric and cording, but placed the zipper off center in the back. Can I get a hallelujah??!
I can’t let you go without mentioning that I had another meet up with Amy and Cynthia this week and it was so nice to see them again! Amy and I met a few months ago for the second time, but it’s been a year since we’ve gotten together with Cynthia and her bestie, Audrey. It’s always a fun time to get together with our blog buds :). Just in case you don’t know who’s who, left to right, Audrey, Cynthia, moi and Amy.
So what are your plans this weekend? Heading out to dinner now, and tomorrow morning I’m taking an Italian cooking class so stay tuned.
Emily says
It always amazes me how paint can make such a difference. I though you did a great job in the kitchen and you’ve accomplished the same look in the hallway. What a change and it looks fabulous. I love the natural wood but I like the lighter look for the hall. Gorgeous chair cushions Doreen. It is weird those chairs were just a little different in size. Good place for the zipper. We are doing a little much needed work around here getting ready for winter. I need to plant my pansies but still to warm.
Enjoy your weekend, you deserve a break.
Vashti Q says
Love what you did with the hallway. You definitely brightened it up. The chair cushions look great too.
kim says
Your painting made a huge difference, Doreen. I would’ve been afraid to do what you’ve done, but now that I see it I like it!
Those chair cushion look hard to make. Don’t worry about a little pucker here or there. I bet no one else will ever notice it! You should see how Tim and I messed up our latest project making a simple blanket ladder.
Karen@ Beatrice Euphemie says
I love your new painted hallway, Doreen! It’s so pretty and light! It was pretty before, but the difference is amazing! Good job, and the chair cushions turned out wonderful. I could not see any puckering, but I know that when you do something yourself, all you can see are the imperfections that nobody else ever notices 🙂 The fabric is very pretty. Love your blogger ‘selfie’, too. A very pretty and talented group of ladies! It must have been fun to catch up with each other. Your cooking class sounds fun 🙂 Hugs xo Karen
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Doreen it is just beautiful. I love that a little bit of paint can make a big difference. I also love that you could keep the rustic feel of the cabin and just brighten it up. Looks great. You go girl! Love that you got to meet up with the blog pals again. Looks like you had a great time.
Hugs,
Kris
Rita C at Panoply says
Hallelujah (or, halleluyer, as Madea would say =) )! Your cushions look great – what in the world with no two being alike?! I like the lightening up of your hallway. It would’ve been hard for me to paint the wood after it being natural so long, but it’s just that first brush stroke…
In TX for a family wedding this weekend – hot and humid, ugh! – and hope to get out before the media makes an even bigger deal of election day threats for this state. 🙁
Have a great weekend.
tammy j says
well. you KNOW I would love it! it’s so fresh and welcoming!
a perfect little jolt to go with the mellowness of the warm wood.
and YES! on the doors. can’t wait to see them WHITE.
isn’t it funny how changing one thing makes it immediately necessary to change the rest of the area! LOL!
the white doors will add elegance. and you know how I love rustic elegance! the best of both worlds!
and the cushion zipper amazement for ME? look how beautifully you kept the pattern in line on the ferns. exquisite!!!
XOXO♥
let’s see. did I use enough exclamation points do you think? 🙂
Cindy says
Doreen I LOVE IT!!!! You did an amazing job, I hear you with the dust it goes everywhere.
Can’t wait to hear about your class. Lunch was fun wish we could do it more.
Cindy
Vickie says
What a difference a coat of paint made in brightening up your hallway! I like the green doors, but I know what you mean about simplifying and making everything the same color. And kudos to you for the zippered pillow! Your custom cushions and pillows look fabulous, and nobody but you is going to notice any slight imperfections.
Pat M. says
I think the difference in the hallway is even more amazing than the difference in the kitchen – and that’s saying something. I also would paint the doors white but leave the woodwork as is. You’re doing great work – keep all of us in the loop.
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
I’m painting too! But not walls. I LOVE how your project turned out! You are turning that cabin into a masterpiece, my friend. So glad your husband likes the changes. I admire you for taking on zippered pillows. I never had the nerve. But you nailed it
Brenda
Poppy says
It always amazes me how a little paint (and a whole lot of elbow grease!) can create such beautiful results! Your new hallway is lighter and brighter and seems bigger, too. I love the snow shoes!
Kudos to you for your persistence and success with those zippers! (Pillow) case closed! Literally!
What a wonderful pic of your get together; you gals look great!
xx
Poppy
Amy says
You took that hallway from blah to WOWZA! It’s a dramatic change, and you nailed it! Here’s your hallelujah for the zippered pillow – HALLELUJAH! Having lunch with you, Cindy and Audrey was so special! I’m so glad we were able to do it a second time, and look forward to the next! Enjoy the weekend, and hope your cooking class was better than your photography class! xoxo
Julie says
Hi Doreen, the hallway and the chair cushions look great! It’s fun doing projects in the house to make everything look better. How fun to meet up with your blogging friends again!
Hope you have a wonderful week.
Julie
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
The paint is making such a nice difference here and there and you are inspiring me to put tackling a zipper onto my bucket list 🙂
Karen says
Wow! You are really making the cabin shine!! Everything looks great and I am looking forward to seeing the doors 🙂
Jemma says
Doreen,
Just look at what you have accomplished! It is beautiful and just the right amount of paint.
You are nesting and fluffing your home up to perfection and I love it all.
Now you are sewing pillows with zippers. That is very brave and take some know-how. I love reading about how you are taking your home and creature comforts to a entire new level.
It is all so lovely,
xo
Jemma
Cecilia says
Doreen, the hallway looks great! What a difference some paint made. I’m impressed you got the zipper added…I would have thrown it in the trash, lol.
Always fun to meet up with blogging buddies! Hope you have a great week!
Kim says
Paint is truly the best transformer! Your hallway looks fabulous, but I am super impressed with that zipper! I have a severe case of zipper-phobia. There was only one time I ever worked with a zipper. I had to replace one on a dress when my daughter was in a show, the night before the show…because the show must go on and I was the costume mistress. I did it and then blocked it out of my mind. I really should try it again…someday. ; )
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
I’m amazed and you and your hubby’s energetic endeavors! and they all turn out so beautiful and it looks awesome. You say “just a little elbow grease” but I can’t even imagine how much work it must have been. Phew.. I think I would take a break now! Your pillow cushions look wonderful.. I love that color and pattern against the wood tones. I didn’t attempt a zipper on the pillow I just made (I did go check out your blog post you sent to me and liked that idea of one piece of fabric), but ended up using 3 pieces of the same fabric and folding one in half and it made a fast and easy envelope pillow. I love it so much that now I want to make a bunch more…. it was that easy. You are brave to do the zipper… I too have zipper-a-phobia… though I did make a few little zippered purses last year that turned out fine… just more work than I like to undertake! Have fun at your cooking class! Hugs. Marilyn
Donna says
Oh my God you talented girl you. I absolutely love the paint job. what a risk you took and what a major pay off. You really are extremely talented. Xo
kelly says
I love the new color of your hallway and the addition of the snowshoes on the wall! I think the doors getting painted white will be nice as well. You are so talented to be able to make chair cushions like that. They look so detailed with the trim and the contours. I don’t know how to sew more than basic hemming and a button. I would’ve thought that all of the chairs would’ve been the same too.
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Wow what an impressive difference Doreen! It is so much brighter. I’m truly surprised it would make that big of a difference…but it really does. LOVE IT! And I love your cubby there and the photos you have. Such superb taste – but was there any doubt? 😉 I really think the white doors is a fabulous idea and the way to go too.
And I’m impressed with your seamstress skills too. Is there anything you don’t do Lady? You’re hired! 😛
I think it’s so cool that you met up with your blogland buds like that. Looks like a lot of fun!
And did you say Italian cooking class?!?? Did I ever mention it’s my dream to take an Italian cooking class ….in Italy….with someone named Antonio? Okay, maybe that’s a bit oversharing – but truly the cooking in Italy part I daydream about often. ::sigh:: I can’t wait to hear how that goes for you!
I hope your teacher is named Antonio. Just sayin.
xoxo
Carla TePaske says
Hi,
It looks amazing. Well done!
I love the photo of you all. 🙂
Have a good week!
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
The hallway looks so much brighter, but it still looks like a true cabin. Well done!
Benita says
I love the lighter, brighter look! And those pillows look beautiful…you did a fabulous job! Hope you are doing well….love and hugs to you!
susan says
Wow! I’m very impressed that you put a zipper in your pillow! It looks beautiful, as does your dining area – so cozy. The hall is amazing. The white paint really brightens it up. That was a big job – tell me, do you ever run out of energy, Doreen? You’re always knee deep in a new project! And they always turn out beautifully.
Cindi says
Whoa! LOVE IT!!!!
The white is perfect.
(Sorry that I’m so late getting here!
Once again, I’m playing catch up.)
Boy, you are certainly always on the go!
I’m in awe of the pillows as I’m no good at sewing and your zippered pillows are so great!
Love seeing you have fun with your blogger buds.
You are SO cute!
🙂
xoxo
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Very impressive Doreen. I just came from the other post where you had painted the doors. So now I’m looking at things backward. Very nice job. The hallway looks so much bigger and I see that light on top of the window you were talking about. It is nice of you to meet up with your blogging friends. I don’t have anyone near me but when I get to the States all that will change. Enjoy your weekend.