Thursday, May 13, 2010

Our Dining Room "Wonder Wall"

Remember that hidden doorway I told you we recently discovered in our dining room...

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Well, today I thought I'd post the video we shot the night we uncovered it.

(Warning: The following video contains un-styled hair, an un-made up face and creepy lighting conditions. Those with weak stomachs may wanna skip it.)



Ta Dah!

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Whaddya think?

Wait!
Before you answer that, keep in mind, I'm not done accessorizing yet.
I still need a couple of these frame risers...

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I'll use them on these two frames...

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...which, by the way, will be centered in the nooks they're currently sitting in, not resting on the ledges they're currently resting on.

And the driftwood sailboat up here...

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...will go back into the guest bedroom, and will be replaced with a shorter one that has a white sail, and an oatmeal-colored flag.

And I still need to figure out what to put here...

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And I also need to switch out some of the photos inside some of the frames- but the wall should be done by the time we need to take everything down because it's time to refinish the hardwood floors.

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(Am I the worst, or what?)

If you like the way our "wonder wall" looks, but don't have horizontal planks hiding beneath your drywall- it would be pretty simple and inexpensive to replicate the look.
All you'd need are some nails, some lumber, and some construction adhesive.
Just figure out how you want to space everything, and go to town!

We actually like the look of it so much, we're considering doing something similar on the headboard wall in our master bedroom. It would wrap around the windows...

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If we do decide to do it, we probably won't do the short horizontal 2x4's between the vertical ones. But don't quote me on that!

We figured it would only cost about $120 bucks to do the whole wall, and it would really make our newly-added on bedroom feel more like the older part of the house.

As for the rest of the dining room, well, we've still got a bench to paint, some rattan chairs to re-do, some pillow covers to purchase, and some new curtains to hang up- but once we've got it all together, I'll post some new pics of the whole shebang!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I better go see if Kevin needs help demo-ing the Kitchen.

KIDDING!



Evolution of our Dining Room...

BEFORE:

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DURING:

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NOW:

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(Notice I didn't say "AFTER".)

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102 comments:

Unknown said...

I love it! You have such vision- I would never have been able to "see" that for that room. Way to go! I have one question- what about insulation? Do you remove it altogether? Is it hiding on the other side of the wall?

Destiny said...

ummm. hello hello...is this thing on!!! Where are all the commenters! I LOVE IT! PERFECT in EVERY WAY!! I hope your doing a little dance for yourself!

Angie Holden said...

I am in total L.O.V.E. with that wall!! Great job!!! Color me GREEN with envy!

Beth Eaton said...

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I wanted to let you know of a swap I'm doing right now with another blogger. I hope you can come and visit.

KellyV said...

wow - that is amazing! way to trust your instinct and just see what could happen :) great job!

mimi said...

OMG! that is fabulous!!sheer genius! I love,love,love it.Very entertaining video too!

Gina said...

Oh it's gorgeous!

Kerri - Driftwood Interiors said...

Oh Layla, if only I could tear out a wall and find something like this! It looks fantastic, particularly the way it's given you so many display options. Ok, get back to work on that room....we need to see everything finished, stat! K xx

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

Fabulous! Not bad at all for a blondie, not bad at all! I like the idea of recreating that in your bedroom. Something anyone with a newer house can do! Hmmmmm

angela walker jewelry said...

You guys are amazing! I love how you just jump in. : )
Love the new look!
Health and happiness to you and Kevin!
Angela

KellyMellyBoBellyBananaFanna said...

You all are so adventurous! I LOVE YOUR SPIRIT! The video was the best! How Kevin just kept saying, "Are we crazy? Are we just crazy?!" And you're all, "It'll be fine!"

Great job, Layla and Kevin. So much fun. Love seeing the insides of the walls.

Kelly

Unknown said...

wow!

Angie :) said...

WOW, I absolutely love it! Amazing that you could create all that in your head and have the guts to tear down the drywall! Great Job!! I'm jealous!

Love the Decor! said...

What team you two are!!
This is fabulous but all that you do is fabulous!!!
Loved the video Kevin is too funny with the sheet rock/ crow bar /hammer thing : )

Paint Me White said...

Hi Layla, I thought you and Kevin were a hoot. I loved the way you got so excited when Kevin uncovered that hidden door and all that timber. You have both done an amazing job on the finished look and I cannot get over well you both bounce off each other. Loved the video I laughed in some spots but mostly enjoyed it all. Sandy Palmer (nice surname too)

Anonymous said...

amazing! i love it! and the video is hilarious! i love your creative designs!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

I hope you are still doing the happy dance. This wall looks fantastic!

Cheri said...

First I congratulate the two of you on your bravery and second...stunning. It looks so much more like the rest of your house. Great job!

priscilla said...

that is absolutely astonishing. you guys have totally transformed that room into something with the utmost of character. i adore it. well done!

Dianne said...

What can I say? You two are amazing. That Kevin is a keeper for sure!!!! :)

Cathy said...

I totally LOVE it! The thing is... if we found something like that...I would never be able to convince my hubby to paint it. He likes the cabiny natural woods. I like the white beachy look. *sigh*

Emily said...

Oh please, no need for a warning...you look beautiful unstyled and makeup-less! The dining room looks so nice...you guys do have amazing vision, and you are so lucky Kevin will stay up and rip walls down with you during the wee hours of the morning! Getting most men to do anything around the house is like pulling teeth! :-)

Alyssa said...

That is wicked cool! I love your new wall! Looks so nice, bright, and clean! Nice job!

emily said...

you guys are cute. Nice work on seeing a vision for the room and taking the risk.

Sindy said...

Hi Layla,
So awesome! I seem to love each "stage" --I mean how can they get any better! And then you outdo yourself and create a wall like this one! I love the coastal cottage feel of this room--well done!
Sindy :)

Staci at Craftify It ! said...

ok...I honestly wanted to CRY when you said it was your dining room wall, because I have been a HUGE FAN of your beadboard wall shelf thing & is on my to do list somewhere in my house, but my jaw dropped when I saw the finished product & all of the sudden I'm thinking, "Whats beadboard?" Seriously...it is astonishing! I LOVE it! I also REALLY LOVE that you started the project at midnight! great ideas can happen at all hours of the day...or night.

I love it! And I'm coveting. Isn't that breaking a commandment or something? ;)

Bonnie said...

Simply AMAZING!

Frugal Home Designs said...

Stunning, gorgeous, amazing--just like all of your work. Great job.

Rosemary said...

I love every inch!!
It's amazing!!
Rosemary

liz @ bon temps beignet said...

Layla, only you would think of something this cool. I'm kinda mad that we put sheetrock back up when we remodeled our kitchen/dining/living room. Can we see it at night with just the new wall washer lights on? Pretty please?
::placing cheery on top::

heidig said...

Wow! I love it!

Sawdust Girl said...

Wow, it looks amazing! I'm in awe and I'm loving how well you two work together on your projects. At least what I see on your videos.

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

Oh my goodness! Absolutely beautiful! You amaze me time and time again. Love it!

Gina said...

How fun is that video! LOVE the disclaimer :O) The dining room wall looked amazing before the demo ... now I'm just left speechless. WOW. We're demo-ing our kitchen right now and are using your kitchen journey to inspire us to flip ours into something A M A Z I N G -- thank you for forging the way! Gina :O)

Michelle said...

Wow, I LOVE it!!!! Your accessorizing made the wall and I Love the way the screen door pulls the color from the bench! Awesome job. My new motto "Big risks bring big rewards"
XoXO
Michelle

Emily said...

You two are soo cool. I love how daring you are. Makes me what to take a sludge hammer to my walls. Way to go, it looks sooo Awesome.

Anonymous said...

I hope there will never be an after...keep em' coming Miss Layla! Love ya! Susie Bloop~

Unknown said...

I just watched this video with my nine and six year olds and we loved it!!

And yes you guys are totally crazy. My husband would DIE if I ever suggested doing that at midnight which I totally would. Couple after my own heart.

Love you guys, you are the cutest.

Sadie at heyMamas

Debra from Bungalow said...

I liked it before and I love it now. I would never have thought to do that, you guys are brave!

Tracey said...

Hi-I have something perfect for that empty space! I seriously want to send it to you...but don't know how. I am starting an Etsy shop soon...but would love to send you one of the things I make if you let me know where to send it-I would love to give you one as a gift...for all of your inspiration! My e-mail if
farrell4t@yahoo.com

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Nothing is ever completely done, is it?! This looks fabulous, and I do hope you recreate the look in your Master! Janell

Marcy {pine creek cottage} said...

You are doing a wonderful job - love how the wall is turning out. I think it is a fantastic idea to add that trim to the bedroom as well. What fun to accessorize!

Sylvia said...

Stunning, simply stunning! Growing up I had relatives who had these kind of walls but it wasn't done for style. I really like it a lot.

Beth said...

How in the world do you come up with all these wonderful ideas!!! Hello???? The during photo was fabulous but the after??? Incredible! I love that wall and agree that it would be wonderful in the bedroom, too!!!

Quick question...why the frame risers as opposed to just hanging the frames in the center of the space? Is it that you want a sort of 3D look? Anyway, totally love, love, love it!

And bless your husband for helping you with all these changes!!!
xoxo Beth

Bohemian chic said...

Seriously are you kidding me. That looks fabulous. You totally have my wheels turning. I just don't think I am that brave.

Skye McLain said...

Oh my goodness this literally took my breath away when I saw the "now" picture! What a beautiful transformation! Thank you for once again being brave enough for us to all live vicariously through your adventures!

Cheri said...

Love the video! My husband and I watched it and laughed and smiled. Reminds us of our younger days and learning remodeling techniques, and demo-ing walls! You two are too cute! I'm so glad I found your blog! You are inspiring this older lady to be more daring --- and paint my antique furniture....and knotty pine paneling ...(once I convince hubby and adult kids)!

So fun to watch you kids feather your nest together!

michiganhome said...

Okay, ditto what everyone else said. Truly spectacular. But unless I missed where you already explained this, WHAT prompted you to take down the drywall? I mean, since you already put the beadboard up and everything. Did you suspect that there were wood planks back there? So, so, cool.

Michelle Hughes said...

I love it! I saw your sneak peak on twitter today and I fell in love... I wish I had some planks like yours hiding behind my walls.

Have a great weekend!
Michelle

s as in tset said...

Oh my goodness. You two never cease to amaze me. Very nice!

amy jupin said...

you guys are incredible. i love it. just about perfect!

TheCatLord said...

ok, i had to come out of lurkdom for this one! i have to say you guys ARE crazy- but in a good way! your wall looks absolutely fabulous!! you are so fortunate to have a husband to kick around ideas with and then execute them! i get so stoked when i come here and see your amazing projects!

Cathy M~(checkitoff) said...

awesome Layla!!!!

Rosy Inspiration said...

Wow! Wow! Wow! That is amazing, love love love it.

Krys said...

Love seeing your home evolve!

I have an idea..The frame riser resembles the little "L"-shaped brackets that hold up shelves. I wonder if it would be possible to make one out of those?

Tina Ramer said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Herlings said...

I am wondering how you came to the final decision that there would be a door under there? You must of had a reason otherwise you wouldn't have done what you did. Another great project...good job.

Kristy said...

I love everything you've ever done to your house and I know many other's do as well. However, you are making your home so taste specific. Do you ever worry that if you choose to sale it that you will have difficulty in finding the right buyer?

Sandra said...

Wow - you guys had the guts to tackle that wall and what a pay off! It looks great.

Another thing I learned today - frame risers. I had never heard of them before but in the right place they would add just the right touch to a photo/print.

(the other) Sandra

nell ann said...

K & L-- Honestly, you two disgust me. Your lovey videos, your luck with all that wood hiding in your walls, and your ability to make most anything fabulous is just enough to send me right over the edge. Sheesh. I love the look of the new dining room and am more jealous than should be humanly possible. Hmph. : )

Simply Complex said...

That is absolutely lovely! Does that kind of renovation affect your utility bills to a large extent by removing some of the "insulation" that the drywall provides? I've been wondering that since you have been taking down all of the drywall on the ceilings as well....

j said...

You guys AMAZE me every time I log on. You guys rock~
xoxo
j

pieters said...

Amazing. Your creativity and thinking outside the box.The wall (and room) are just so fantastic! congrats you guys! lauren

Jeannine | The Small and Chic Home said...

"I'm scared."
"Are we out of our minds?"

THIS is why you two are so appealing. You don't pretend to have it all figured out. You don't come off as having the perfect plan.

THANK YOU for not feeling the need to present a perfectly polished "story" on this blog and in your videos. :)

Cottage on the Hill said...

Love the new wall!!! As for the small space you were questioning what to put there...A beautiful piece of drift wood would be gorgeous...but you've probably already got some wonderful idea that will amaze us all! Keep up the great work!! :)

Anonymous said...

SHUT ........THE FRONT DOOR!!!! O my<3 is racingggg. Taste specific....you betcha! O and isn't that an interior wall? Who cares about insulation? Isn't insanity grand! You guys are the best.Props props and more Great work! <3 Donna

BaseballSmith said...

You guys are so fun and inspiring to watch! Could you mention what kind of planks you used?

Poindexter said...

looks fabulous - y'all are both so very imaginative and your home is very inspired. I like the way you don't use the word "after." I so know what you mean. Just a few months after I "finish" something I decide it's just not quite right and then change is completely inevitable.... have a great weekend!

Nadir @ Hodgepodge said...

WOW! What an amazing transformation! It's litterally like your dining room metamorphasized into a brand new space. It's beautiful!

Kim-A Creative Spirit said...

OMG I love it. The two of you are sooooo ambitious and creative. I would absolutely LOVE that look on a wall in my kitchen around the double door to laudry closet... OK, so now all I have to do if find a handy gorgeous man to do the work for me. :o) Thanks for all your inspiration

danahollis said...

Wow! You two rock!

I just love it. At first I thought the "after" was a picture of how you wanted it to look... like one from Potter Barn!

Very cool! I have to find a way to do some of that in my home.

PS... love the "unstyled" video. You are still adorable. :)

Merritt said...

Stunned. It's so gorgeous, unique, it's really, really fantastic. As usual, you've inspired me! Now I can just convince my husband that we need to do this in our living room...

Anonymous said...

you too are hilarious & brave.. and i applaud you!!! great job!! it looks beautiful & inviting! :)

Gina said...

Good Morning Layla :O) I did it! I blogged all about you and Kevin in today's post :O) http://ginamillerdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/05/before-i-get-ahead-of-myself.html
I just couldn't hold it back any longer ... I had to share with the world what your blog has fueled for our own cottage in the making ... blessings! :O)gina

Lisa said...

I think this is my favorite video of all you've made. I love the look on Kevin's face when he was contemplating the hammer :). The wall looks awesome!
Blessings,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

My jaw just hit the floor. I am in awe. When you look up coastal charm in the dictionary the above photograph should be listed.

Beautiful, my friend, simply beautiful.

Deborah

Cookie said...

All I can say is...YOU GUYS ARE ROCKSTARS!!! I love ya!! :D

Cass@Happiness Lives Here said...

This is absolutely GORGEOUS! You are an amazing decorator and a true inspiration for many. I am always enchanted with your projects and style.

Miss Mustard Seed said...

What fun to pull down the drywall and find such a cool hidden treasure. You are going to have a blast playing with this.

Shauna said...

Love the new look in your dining room!!! I'm so amazed at everything you and (especially) your husband have done to your home! Getting my husband to do ANYTHING is a frickin' miracle! ....and when he does do something, it usually involves duct tape. Nuff said.

I'm curious though about your plans for your bedroom...... The wall that you are contemplating demo-ing is and exterior wall. I'm not sure where you live, but wouldn't that wall have some serious insulation going on?? And if you rip down the drywall, won't you expose the insulation that is keeping your room nice and toasty??? I'm sure you have probably contemplated this and come up with a fabulous solution.....so I'm super excited to see the end result!!

Marie Anne said...

I love it! I love how you have those planks behind the wall!

It looks perfect now but I can't wait to see "after" picture!

Unknown said...

great video! Although, you were killing me with the suspense! I kept thinking,"tear it down! Just rip it all down already!" But, I'm one of those "just do it and think about it later kind of people" I don't make a good example. haha.

Unknown said...

I'm jealous- we had those walls in our old house and I never thought to expose them- what a waste!

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

I gotta admit, when I first saw the beautiful beadboard wall I thought, they tore THAT up??? But the new wall is gorgeous...and so...so...TLC! Love it!

Kimberly said...

How wonderfully fabulous! Looks lovely!!

geri said...

Layla and Kevin.

You have so many fabulous ideas.
This takes the Cake, the cookies and the sweet buns!!!!!!!!!!
TERRIFIC LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!
( p.s. you are so young and so pretty in the video layla. No need for any makeup at all)
p.s. My Glenn is hiding the sawz all. hehe.
Get some sleep.Have a wonderful weekend. geri.

Unknown said...

this is just such a classy looking wall! So shabby chic/beachy! Love it! Passing on the sunshine blog award. Pick it up at www.lissyinitaly.blogspot.com
Melissa

Becca Ross said...

This is incredible! I think I've found inspiration for my long, blank hallway wall!

Becca

Gail said...

Lucky again! Wow...it looks so awesome. :) Kevin must really like doing home projects. It's so cute to see the two of you working together and enjoying it so much...even at 12 o'clock at night!

Blessings,

Gail

Stacey said...

i dont' have to tell you, you already know...it's awesome! can you please come to my house and fix it : ) you guys are soooo good at what you do!

Stacey

Laura Lynn said...

What do I think??
I think you two are crazy in love and it's cool.
Love the wall!

gretchen said...

oh, it's looking so darn good! i love that you are doing this on the 'cheap' and not hiring some expensive contractor to do everything....it's like people that buy a cool old vintage car and just hire someone to do it all- it's just not the same as having grease under your nails!

Unknown said...

Love the new wall - though, I have to admit - I really liked it before too - a little more refined - but since this is a cottage - the exposed look works!
Love how you photoshoped the other walls/table/light back intot the photo :)

Keep in mind that the master bedroom is an exterior wall - you may have to make it look exposed, but also hide some insulation under there!
Best wishes~

Anonymous said...

This is awesome! I love the wall and everything on it. I love following along the metamorphosis of your house! Not to mention getting all the great ideas along the way :)

Amber said...

It is lovely and SO full of character!

Katie said...

I'm OBSESSED with this room! Maybe one day I will be able to recreate something that ooks just like this! Great inspiration :)

Dan & Heather said...

Absolutely Incredible you guys!

SewPaperPaint said...

I just love your courageous spirit with this one!!! Now, I'm curious, did you do the same thing to the ceiling? I noticed that it is wood as well. I have high ceilings that go up into a point in the center and have a 6x6 beam down the center. Unfortunately it is all sprayed with that hideous pebble ceiling stuff!! :( I desperately want to open this up and have exposed wood, but am afraid of insulation issues. Help!
Thanks for the amazing inspiration you provide,
Autumn Clark

Amy Bennett said...

Gorgeous!

Darlene - Our Creative Life said...

WOW you two are BRAVE!! It looks stunning!! Looks like a photo from Pottery Barn!

Unknown said...

You guys are BRAVE and it paid off! That is awesome! I laughed my head off (quietly, because my family is asleep), as I watched your hubby nervously put a hole in the wall with a hammer. I could see his fear. ha!

I'm wondering if I can manage this - but I live in a 100 year home with plaster walls and somehow I don't think I would have such good luck. I'm brave, but perhaps not that brave.

I always love visiting.
Lynnette
Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground

decor4poor@blogspot.com said...

Loved your video, it turned out so great! Love it.