Follow your heart. That's just what Kevin and I did when it came to this hallway. The discovery of the tongue-and-groove wood planks in here thrilled us so much we could hardly wait to uncover them!
What once looked like this...
...now looks like this...
...and it feels like this area has finally exhaled after all these years.
The transom opening that Kevin cut has a lot to do with the lighter, airier feel in here too.
Here's what the doorway that led from the living room to the hallway used to look like...
...and here's a photo I took today...
...it's like the room finally got to stretch after all these years.
The view into the reading room has changed for the better too.
What once looked like this...
...now looks like this...
It's like the house finally smiled back at us. :-)
My friend Susie is going to make us a long, old-looking sign to hang on the wall above the doorway to the reading room. I sent her these photos to use as inspiration...
Photos: Country LivingWe can hardly wait to see what she creates!
Remember when Kevin left me a message on the wall to the left of the reading room?
Well, here it is today...
...anxiously awaiting accessories. I was thinking of doing a vertically-hung row of vintage plates. What would you do?
Here's the last part of the hall...
We're thinking of adding two custom-cut pieces of mirror to the skinny closet door in the middle. We know a guy that can cut it for us and he can even trim them out with unfinished wood trim so that we can paint it the same color we paint the door. We're not sure what color we'll paint the door yet. Any ideas?
And last, but not least, we're kind of thinking the door on the left and the door on the right need transom openings above them now too. (Yes, we're cuckoo for cut-outs!) We also plan to replace the doors themselves with older doors to add even more old-fashioned charm to this space.
I really look forward to the challenge of decking out this hall of ours. I also can't wait to read through any ideas these photos might spark in the talented minds of our creative readers!
Have a great weekend y'all! :-)
Layla
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Stunning! I would do three small prints hung vertically, like antique bird prints from a flea market.
ReplyDeleteWow! It's free, free at last. Happy dance!!! I have no suggestions at all! With your decorating skills. whatever you do will be wonderful! I can't wait to see what you do.
ReplyDeleteOMG, I was just looking at those same photos this morning for inspiration. I had this old reproduction ice cream sign in black and white all distressed, sold it in my store, and now I need it. I NEED, NEED IT, and I have searched all morning for it but I did see these and thought about the same thing.
ReplyDeleteLuv your look...Mr. LC did a super duper job here! I sure like the idea about the mirrors.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Linda
It looks wonderful. great work as always:)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, forgot to mention, I have that same rocker in that Country Living kitchen picture. Makes me love it even more now.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love it! It's amazing what wood and paint can do for a room! Your entire house now looks like a cottage..great job! I agree that a veritcal plate display, old fashioned framed prints, or family pictures would look great adorning that wall. Use pieces that you're passionate about! I'm sure anything you do will look fabulous!
ReplyDeleteWhat about metal numbers reading "143" on that wall, in honor of his sweet message?
ReplyDeleteAmazing transformations!
I'm a sucker for blackboard doors. I think that door is screaming, "Paint me with blackboard paint!" That way your cutie-pie husband could leave you a different love note everyday.
ReplyDeletewoooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooooo! I love it!!! and yes, definitely cut more openings above your doors! it looks so airy and stunning! Iris
ReplyDeleteOh it looks so beautiful. What a transformation. Plates would look fabulous.
ReplyDeletei think the door would look great painted with black chalkboard paint. you could write messages to one another as you come and go!
ReplyDeleteLike everything else you've done, the hallway is absolutely gorgeous! I kind of hate seeing the 143 disappear (so romantic) but I'm sure that vintage plates will be lovely in that spot.
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous, Layla!!! :) I was just reading Swedish blogs before I checked out your post - the palette didn't skip a beat :) I love what you've done. My vote for the door (*IF* you are going to add the mirrors) is to make it the only door in the hall that's painted a dark charcoal gray. It seems like black would be too much contrast, but a dark, slatey gray would surround the mirrors so nicely and give that wall a focal point with presence.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you do :)
Oh, and I don't think you can go wrong with vintage plates :)
Soooo fantastic! The home has "exhaled" is a perfect analogy! The transom is perfection - definitely go with more above your hallway doors!
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful :-) I enjoy your blog posts and your house transformations so much :-)
ReplyDeleteIt looks great , I wish I could tear down my walls and find boards underneath , I would just find plastic studs and insulation , not so pretty .
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lot of work though , the more transome the better.
Chris
Just beachy
You have to have the numbers, "1 - 4-3" on that same wall where Kevin wrote them.. Maybe have them done in wood or even in a fancy written scroll, but I think that is so much a part of who you two seem to be!!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! You guys did a great job, and I'm all for more transoms!!!
It is absolutely beautiful!!!! Amazing to look at the before and after pictures. Thank you both so much for sharing. I like the other persons idea about the metal numbers on that wall!!! Great idea, also like the chalkboard paint on the little skinny door. When looking for older doors to replace the others, here is a suggestion. I recently purchased old doors from what used to be a doctors office in a historical building that is (sadly) being renovated with shiny new crap...The doors are wooden and have a window with privacy glass...each window also has a black number on it (I love anything with numbers and letters on it) which just adds character and interest. Looking forward to seeing all the finishing touches.
ReplyDeleteHi Layla! I am so happy for the two of you... It looks FANTASTIC, and I know much hard work was put into it, but I know it is well worth it all.... Enjoy!!!!
ReplyDeleteWOWZERS! Amazing transformations! How about black/dark grey doors? Cheap, solid wood doors can be found at the Habitat re-home store, but you probably already knew that. For the wall display: family pics!
ReplyDeleteU 2 R AMAZING!
Love the new reveal. All rustic and white and original. It's like your dainty lady has shed a few unwanted pounds. I think it is neat how many of us admire something old or chippy or original to a home, and how the original owners were so happy to get rid of a piece or cover it up with plaster or 'modern' drywall. We spend time sifting through flea markets looking for our vintage finds. The same vintage item that previous owners were probably so glad to get rid of and replace with something new and shiny and plastic. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Whatever you do with that wall will be great, much admired and much replicated.
ReplyDeleteHi Layla and Kevin.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful,cheerful,and inviting space. What a MAKEOVER!
I can't even pick out what I love best. It is just all so creative
and beach cottage-ie terrific.
It says come and relax and feel the breeze.(from the transome door of course.hehe)
I was thinking about doors and maybe an interior french door would be a good alternative to the solid one. Love all your ideas and check each day for inspiration for my own Friendly Farmhouse.
Enjoy each new thing you move from here to there to get it just right. geri.
I like the suggestion of painting the door a slatey gray, with just a hint of green. I also like suggestion of 1 4 3. If not metal numbers, since ya'll are such good photographers, how about finding the numbers and photographing in black and white?
ReplyDeleteYour whold cottage is STUNNING!!
i agree with kendra.. metal or wooden numbers 143.. to always remind you of his love message! :D
ReplyDeletei know that whatever you two decide to do.. it'll be great!
btw.. you signing up for next design star??
~GORGEOUS! Love the airy feel and hanging plates idea. Susie does such fabulous work. It will look great!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever shown photos of your home on the outside? I have no idea what it looks like? :)
I second (third?) the idea of numbers on that wall. Photo letters is a great idea, or you could have a sign made, or try to score some cool old numbers at a flea market. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteLayla it looks great !!!!
ReplyDeleteI always love a black door....but whatever you guys decide upon will be great !!
All the best,
Kathy :)
I like the plates idea- they do adorn your kitchen area just wonderfully. But I would also like to suggest maybe some needlepoint. With needlepoint you could bring in your starfish, sea and shell theme. (You could easily add in a "1-4-3") Layla, you've out done yourself once again! I am ever-impressed.
ReplyDeleteLayla and Kevin- It looks so amazing, straight out of a magazine! You guys are an incredible team. I can't believe the transformations you've created in your home. I can't get enough! You always inspire me to get off my butt and DO SOMETHING! =)
ReplyDeleteIt's official, I have hallway envy. I can't wait to see the sign your friend paints for you.
ReplyDeleteVintage plates would look beautiful and classic on the "1-4-3 wall." I also like what a couple other commenters said about doing a chalkboard of some sort whether it be a door, vintage frame or unique shape cut out. Another idea I have to throw in the mix is to use a vertical plate rack and then put something unexpected on it like photos, books, record covers...the possibilities are endless! Whatever you do will be stunning.
P.S. I have to tell you that my parents also do the 1-4-3 thing, but sometimes they throw a 7 at the end for forever. :)
Wow!!! Absolutely amazing!! You are so very talented! Love your style & your willingness to share!
ReplyDeleteShellagh
Of course! It's just fantastic! I recently had the same thing happen at our house...We discovered 145 year old transoms buried alive. You've done an amazing thing by bringing this little cottage of yours back to life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference! It looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I would find some vintage metal numbers (on the larger side) and hang them there in the exact place he painted it. Then everytime you walk through that hallway, you'll smile even more from the message :)
ReplyDeleteWow....You two are amazing. I love what you have done and for sure more of the cut outs for above your doors. I love the idea of old doors, any color will look awesome.
ReplyDeletethanks for the inspiration
gorgeous! i'm smiling just looking at these pics.
ReplyDeletei was about to say the same thing that katie lewis said! your "143" is unique & wonderful- you could use some cool rusty numbers to celebrate your love!
ReplyDeleteyour "renovations" are perfect- what a great change you've made in your space. your house is so happy that you live there! : )
rachel
Ohhh, looking so good! The light is fabulous. If you do mirrors, antiquing (ok that can't really be a word can it?) the backs first would look awesome I think. Or, chop that cute little door up to look like a slender screen door (screen on top and bottom). Then stick your sheets, etc. in rattan baskets or galvanized bins, or just put some pretty linen fabric behind the screens. Looking great though...keep up the good work!!! -
ReplyDeleteChristy
ha- i didn't see that lots of people suggested the 143 be commemorated! : )
ReplyDeleteI love love love it... It looks wonderful! Y'all are doing such a great job.. I know Susie will come up with something awesome.
ReplyDelete{{Big Hugs}}
Cathy
How 'bout 3 vintage plates with a 1, 4, and a 3?
ReplyDeleteI am in awe...waiting on the edge of my seat was definitely worth it! I currently live in a rental house, so I am storing up ideas for when we get our own home in a couple of years once my hubby is done with his residency. Your blog is a huge inspiration, and my whole decorating attitude has changed because of you. You truly inspire me, and I look forward to each new post. Thanks so much for sharing your home's transformation with all of us here!
ReplyDeleteEverything looks fabulous Layla...your cottage is light and airy without loosing it's personality and I love the pops of dark wood and color...just perfect! all that hard work really pays off when you have an inspiring place to call home~ happy weekend~
ReplyDeleteThe mirrors on the door is a fabulous idea! The hallway looks beautiful, and, you're right, so AIRY and fresh and crisp and clean and...need I go on?
ReplyDeleteI'm just gonna have to send you photos of my hallway so you can make them sparkle and shine too:)
If you weren't doing a mirror on the door, I would vote for a long mirror on the wall...My favs are old B&W also...can't go wrong with those. Would love to see black frames on the white walls.
So pretty!
Hi! I have loved watching your hallway renovation, as your wood boards are very similar to the interior of our house. Our home was built circa 1896, and the entire house is floor to ceiling wooden boards ranging from 8" uniform walls (much like your hallway) to 14" old barn wood... some painted, some original, all different colors. It really is quite beautiful, in our opinion. I have a question about your insulation, though. When we bought our house, most of the walls were covered in sheetrock or tack-cloth wallpaper. The house has no insulation at all. I would love to know what type of insulation you have in your walls. We thought about using the spray in foam, but I think it would spill out of the cracks (some of which are up to an inch wide between boards). But, if you use the "standard" sheet insulation, you would have to remove all of the trim, moldings, and each board individually, and then reinstall all of the boards and moldings. I'm so curious to see how this problem was solved in your home! I look forward to hearing from you and seeing more updates on your house!
ReplyDeleteEverything is just looking gorgeous. I love the exposed wood. YOur transom is wonderful too. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteIt looks gorgeous, and I admire all the work you've done and are doing on your house. Great finds, thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI do have one question, though. When you cut the transom, did you put glass in it? A pane, or something you can open? Or is it just an opening? I always thought a transom was glass - set in the frame, of course, however I never saw anything about that. just curious!
Have a great weekend as well.
wow! It looks great! go for the extra transoms. And, how about some vintage paint by numbers...they are quirky and different. Those sign inspirations are great!
ReplyDeleteSmiles!
Michelle
You WOULD! ;) It's perfect, like I knew it would be. It brightened up that hallway so much. I think some large square frames with a wide matte would look really pretty hung vertically, like this: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/3974989881_08b18c8338.jpg I've been looking for a spot in the house to do this, but I haven't found one, yet. A thick black frame with white mattes and a black and white photos inside would be lovely. You could even keep with the theme and photograph a 1,4, and 3 and hang them in the same spot. I really love any sort of an interesting grouped collection of objects. Here's another picture I had saved that I love: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3447/3975752558_1e62cedf7b.jpg You could use baskets, bowels, or plates just like you said. You could do something like these bells from Pottery Barn: http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/products/200939/0044/img18l.jpg Or a grouping of different pretty mirrors to bring in even more light into the hall. Good luck with your search! The accessories and finishing touches are my favorite part.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you so much for your sweet compliments! If you like the playlist (I leave it on for hours, too) Try pandora.com and listen to Brett Dennen radio. It's AMAZING and it's free. I discovered a lot of really great music, that way. I leave music on constantly in the house, so it's nice that it just plays non-stop, and you can customize the stations. I turn it on in the office and just turn it up so I can hear it no matter where I am in the house. One week it told me I couldn't log in because I had exceeded my 40 hours of listening that week!! That's how much I listen to music.
Oh, Layla, I'm loving all the changes ya'll are doing! The new transoms look fantastic and add so much character. So glad you discovered those planked walls too, it is truly an amazing space. Bit by bit, inch by inch, you are making that little house all yours.
ReplyDeleteMe again! How about this? http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/3975046139_3b0374a7cd_o.jpg
ReplyDeleteWow, your interiors are incredible. I love the laid back and super comfortable vibe. I am inspired!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Yes do the mirrors on the door but leave the doors white...all of them. Love it!
ReplyDeleteBreathtaking! I can not wait to see how you finish up all of the details.
ReplyDeleteYou two are my new favorite super heroes!! ;)
XO*Tricia
The difference is amazing! I'm so jealous of your reading room
ReplyDeleteAMAZING. I love it! My jaw is dropped in awe at your before & after pictures! It looks absolutely beautiful. I love the color pallete you've chosen.
ReplyDeleteVintage plates would be beautiful-you could even paint the numbers 1 4 3 on 3 different plates & hang them vertically in memory of your hubby's sweet note.
If you don't go with plates, these vintage table numbers that I found, would be darling framed down that wall!
http://vintageglamblog.com/2008/09/diy-tuesdays-anthropologie-table-numbers/
Good luck! Can't wait to see what else you do!
Love, love, love your hall and reading room. How creative and clever you are. I may be saving for a consult sooner than I thought. Thanks for showing us your treasures.
ReplyDeleteI am in absolute awe! You have both done such a gorgeous job and have created such a lovely home. I love painted wood paneling. It all looks just amazing:)
ReplyDeletelooking awesome. I love the "Follow your heart" sign, what does it say above it? (So totally stealing that idea, hope you don't mind)
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful! Love, love LOVE the idea of cutting out more transoms. I wondered if you would do that now that you saw how wonderful just one is. :) Hurray for natural light!
ReplyDeleteWow! I am literally sitting here with my mouth hanging open. I LOVE EVERYTHING!!!!! It seriously looks like it's straight out of a magazine! Well done! The transom windows are awesome!
ReplyDeleteabsolute, total loveliness!
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing....Kim
It just looks gorgeous and I love the plate idea.
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing. I love the idea of chalkboard paint on a door - my kids love chalkboards and you could continue to leave each other those cute little "coded" messages.
ReplyDeletesimply beautiful you two! great vision for the house. i'm so happy when i, too, finish a project:)
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother has a slim door like that...she hung two rectangular antique mirrored perfume trays on it. Here is one on eBay that is similar:
ReplyDeletehttp://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Perfume-Tray-with-Brass-Rim_W0QQitemZ360193284490QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item53dd31598a&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Very exciting and very well done!! I love how you described it being able to breathe now. :) Also off topic but when you put up beadboard do you use the big sheets on the smaller interlocking panels? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful! I vote for a transom above each doorway leading into the hall. We have opening/closing transoms above each hallway door and they're great for airflow and light flow!
ReplyDeleteWow that is just beautiful! I too once had a sweet little old cottage built in 1901. There was the cutest old panel door with frosted glass panes. It was so wonderful because it provided privacy to the bedroom but allowed light to filter into the hallway. Glass pane doors would give even more of an open feel to your hallway. I could see that small door painted a very light shade of robin's egg blue. Also have you ever considered hanging a panel of drapes inside the reading room doorway? Maybe a light camel colored linen fabric?
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic of course! It may have already been said, but I think that if you are going to hang plates, why not hang numbered plates that say "1,4,3" too. As a reminder of the love note left and a repeat from the dining room chairs.
ReplyDeleteI know a few others said that the numbers on the wall next to the reading room would be a good idea and I agree! I don't know if I'm repeating what someone said, but some large dark antiqued numbers would look beautiful against the white walls.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is you are both very talented and the transformations are inspiring! I am sure which ever way you decide to finish your hallway it will look great. Your home is like a breath of fresh air! take care, Maryann
ReplyDeleteWOW WEEEE! Love, love the tongue and groove:) You have to use the "1,4,3" in the hallway. By all means add another transom it would be perfect:))
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you both:)
Carol
love all these great improvements, just remarkable how different it looks!
ReplyDeleteI would definetly do the transoms and maybe you could incorporate stained glass on that door?
Aw...you took that "lovely" wrinkled, dirty carpet up? It was so...vintage. lol. Beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteyou are amazing. The space is beyond belief when comparing before and after. You just HAFTA do the 1-4-3. Big old numbers? Or black & white photos of numbers? Or just paint them on the wall in black numbers????
ReplyDeleteLOVE the planks on your entry, and the serene feel of your living room. I second the idea of the plates 1 4 3 made in an earlier comment.
ReplyDeleteHi Layla! I just can't stay away from your home!!(blog home that is!lol) I am always inspired here!!!! My suggestion don't know if already suggested) is to have someone cut LARGE #'s in wood duplicating the message Kevin left you done up in black of course or even dark mahogany! Just a thought! You two are my idols!! Sincerely, Jeannette
ReplyDeleteI think Susie should definitely go with the 1st sign example styling. Perhaps a "143" with your initials or "LC" (Lettered Cottage) & maybe your house number as picks! You've given me the bug to make my own now. Thanks for the continued inspiration!
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion for the small door - it would be really neat if you could make it look like or actually have (if you're up for cutting it) a frosted glass like you would see in a vintage bathroom door. I think it would be cool to see large fluff white towels & bedding outlined through it!
ReplyDeleteYour house is so beautiful! I adore what you did in the hall! The transoms make me smile!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog tonight! Love your style! Your house is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYOUUUU asking us what we'd do? That's a laugh and a half! We all want YOUUUU to tell us what to do!!
ReplyDeleteI'd hang vintage and vertical, three or five.
I'd only paint the door because you're putting glass on it so it will stay light. I love the gray tones you've used elsewhere and, of course I love black, but I'm thinking it's too dark for your hall....
Do you two ever sit down and relax? I somehow doubt it... :)
ReplyDeleteIt all looks amazing and it is so inspiring~ The before and after shots are always wonderful as they have such impact being as the difference is stunning!
Bravo my friend! Have a wonderful Sunday~
xx
I would definitely have Kevin paint the '143' back onto the wall...except in a muted down taupe on the white wall. I loved it there. Big like he did it the first time...with the roller! :)
ReplyDeleteWow! I think it is all absolutely gorgeous! I love it. You both did such a beautiful job making it your own! So beautiful.
ReplyDelete"...anxiously awaiting accessories. I was thinking of doing a vertically-hung row of vintage plates. What would you do?"
ReplyDeleteOh, I would commemorate that lovely message from your hubby with three large numbers - 1, 4 & 3!
I love your ideas! Just makes me want to come in and put my feet up and sit a spell. As far as your skinny door, I love the mirror idea. What about mimicing the 6 panel door to the side of it with 6 same size panel mirrors? Kind of a reverse mirror effect? I like the ideas of his 143 to you on the wall. You will know just what to do and it will look fantastic as always!
ReplyDeleteLayla~can't believe the difference. Absolutely stunning~can't wait to see the wood sign. I love the idea of the vintage plates, but maybe mounting some old iron numbers (1,4,3) on them for memory sake? :)
ReplyDeleteUmmm, yummmm. Rather than just a place to walk through, your hall is now a place to walk TO. How fitting that a part of your house that you use every day would now look so much like it belongs to you!
ReplyDeleteI think vintage plates would look wonderful in that space, although I love the idea of somehow retaining your 1-4-3 wall there. Wonder if you could hang 1 large platter, four small plates, then 3 medium size plates?
What a breath of fresh air! Makes me want ti paint everything I own white!
ReplyDelete:)