Thursday, March 4, 2010

Reading Room Ceiling Re-do (Part 2)


Howdy folks!
Are you having a good week? Hope so!
If you downloaded, left me a comment or emailed me about my book- I want to say thank you! You're a real day maker and I appreciate your thoughtfulness so much!

:-)

On the homefront- things are moving along nicely in the reading room. That being said, Kevin has had a lot going on musically lately, so he hasn't had quite as much time to "fix 'er up" as usual. (That reminds me, quite a few people have asked about his music. This is one of my favorite songs/videos of his. Kevin's a pretty shy, low-key guy, and he'll probably make me delete this part when he sees I've included it- so watch it quick if you want to see/hear it!)

So far, he's removed the drywall from the ceiling, to expose the wood planks that were hiding underneath...



For those who asked about how exposing the wood ceiling would affect our power bill, I'm happy to report that the planks are tongue-and-groove and there is a thick layer of insulation above them. There's also a plywood floor on top of the insulation in the attic. And for those who wanted to know what was on the ceiling before the drywall was installed, well, all that originally covered the wood ceilings was a thin layer of wallpaper that had a fabric backing that was secured to the ceiling with little tacks. Weird huh? The wallpaper was sort of a dusty mauve color, and had little silver lines on it that resembled fireworks. We have found it underneath every bit of drywall we've removed from the ceilings on this side of the house, so apparently someone was into it. Big time.

Kevin painted the ceiling in the reading room a light blue color (that has just a touch of green in it) called "Sea Salt" (Sherwin Williams). We had about a half a gallon left over from when we painted the walls in the guest bathroom.



The light fixture is from Ikea. It's called Ottava. We bought it last year for $29.99.

I loved the look of the fixture itself, but the black cord was contrasting with the rest of the room too much. So I used some jute twine I had from another project to cover it up...



First, I tied the twine in a knot, closest to the fixture. I covered up the short end of the twine by holding it flush against the cord and wrapping the rest of the twine around it.





After we hung the light I tied the other end into a knot. Then I cut end off and used some Tacky glue to hold it up against the cord. I used a piece of painters tape to hold the loose end in place while the glued dried...



As for the electrical stuff, well, we had to cut the cord a little shorter to make it look right. If you ever need to do something similar, it's really no problemo.
Just figure out where the cord needs to be cut, and carefully score the outer part of the cord with a pair of scissors (unless you are fortunate enough to own the tool that electricians use to do this type of thing)...



Once you've got it scored, slide the outer cover off...



Inside, you will find a black, a white and a green wire...



Carefully score the covering around the wires...



Finally, whatever you do- do not leave the room to go check your email at this point. If you do, your husband may not remember to take any more photos of this process because his hands are full, and he's sitting on top of a ladder with live wires in his hands.
(Yeah. Oops. Forgot to turn the power off before we started working. Don't recommend doing that either.)

Because I did leave the room to go check my email, I don't have any photos to show you the next few steps, but it's really pretty simple. Twist the black wire around the black wire in the ceiling- then cap it off with a wire nut. Twist the white wire around the white wire in the ceiling- then cap it off with a plastic wire nut. Twist the green ground wire around the ground wire in the ceiling- then cap it off with a plastic wire nut. Easy breezy!


(Plastic Wire Nuts)

Design is definitely in the details, and since our fixture hangs way above eye level, I took an extra step to make sure the unsightly light bulb looked a little less unsightly by frosting the glass on the fixture.



Also, because this bulb hangs above our heads, the light was a little too harsh without the frosting. Now it isn't as difficult to look at the light fixture. I think we're going to install a dimmer switch to decrease the harsh factor even more, too.


(available at Lowes and Home Depot)

I sprayed on two coats, and let each coat dry for about an hour.



So, here's last weeks light fixture...



And here's this weeks light fixture!



I think we'll stick with this weeks.

:-)

Next up, window treatments! Kevin built some shutters and I made some cafe-style curtains out of vintage linen napkins. More photos coming soon!

Happy Thursday,
Layla

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Check out my e-book "Creating an Inspired Home"!



109 comments:

Jennifer@Pieces of Me said...

Gosh, I love your posts, your narrating and your pictures!!
Cannot wait to see the final projecT!

TheVirginiaHouse said...

The new light already makes a difference and all I can see is the ceiling. Can't wait to see the final look!

Jenn said...

Fantastic, as always! You have been such an inspiration for me in our household projects {we did the beadboard treatment you have in your dining room in our entryway that is still in progress...my blog:www.redberrybarn.blogspot.com}
Have a delightful day!!!

Yolanda said...

Wow. Two super smart ideas with that light fixture: the jute-wrapping of the cord and frosting the glass. These are the kinds of simple touches that can take an simple, inexpensive lamp from good to great. Will definitely be filing these ideas away.

Sjn said...

I love the contrast of the sea salt color on the wood planks of the ceiling. Lookin' good girl!

DustyLu said...

Great inspirational post! Awesome job as usual guys. Amazing! ~lulu

The Little Red Shop said...

It's looking wonderful, Layla! And when you do get the correct tools for wire stripping...or maybe even two of em'....don't forget where you put them...each and every time you want to re-wire a lamp...which is what I do...each and every time!

I still don't know where they are! Can't wait to see the window treatments!


: )

Julie M.

My Cottage Charm said...

Ok, just need to know...does Kevin have curly hair now from handling the live wires! :)
Love how you covered the cord with the jute, too clever!
I wanted to invite you over to my blog for a party! :) I'm having my first ever Treasure Trove Thursday and thought you might like to put in a link to something you love! (which, to me, would be anything you've posted about on your blog, cause I LOVE it all!)
Happy Thursday!

Unknown said...

Layla,

I think the little changes that you made to that light fixture make such a big difference! LOVE that ceiling color!

P.S. When do you sleep???

Unknown said...

Looks great! I love Sea Salt : )

Lynn Kellan said...

This goes to show that paying attention to the little details sure does make a room special!!

megs said...

layla, i LOVE your blog. the first thing i do in the morning is check to see what new inspiration you have for all of us. you are so cheery and i just love your home. thanks for all you do.

Shandell's said...

The twine covered cord, simply brilliant.

Terry said...

I am new to your blog and have found it a mass of interesting articles with many handy tips.

I would just likie to say thank you and hope to read many more articles.


steam rooms

Ginger@cottageonrosewood said...

I love the color. My living room is painted the same color and we have the exact same light fixture. Can't wait to see the rest. Awesome job you two.

Julie B. [Holland] said...

Very very cool! Im with LauraPARINGDOWN... do you sleep ? haahah!..... Julie in Holland :)

Lana Manis said...

It's looking great! Taking down the sheetrock ceiling and adding the new light fixture made a world of difference!

duchess said...

It's lookin' great. Can't wait to see the whole room put back together.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info on the frosting spray. We just re-painted a ceiling fan in our breakfast room and were looking for something to frost the glass on the light kit. Stop by and see my post about it if you have time.

It looks fantastic - just like I knew it would :)

KellyMellyBoBellyBananaFanna said...

Watched the video -- what a talented husband you have, Layla!

The ceiling looks GREAT. I love the wood. Gorgeous. I also like the twine wrapped light fixture (though the exposed bulb wouldn't have bothered me). The whole thing looks fantastic!

Kelly

Francine Gardner said...

Just discovered your blog Via Joni at Cote de texas.
How fantastic! I now design for high end clients but at home (I live in a renovated stables... renovated by me, mostly) I am very hands on and do all the gardening too. You are absolutely brilliant, it is so much fun to read your prose and look at your pictures...you make everything look so easy.

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Really great! It's coming along nicely. The new light is fantastic - the frosted glass is perfect.

Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors said...

Beautiful. I love the paint color, the rustic/homey feel of the wood ceiling, & the twine cord detail on the lamp.

Miss Obara said...

What? frosted spray paint...when did that happen? Love your room, awe heck....love your whole house!

Melissa's Thoughts said...

I love that light. I have really enjoyed your blog.

Cheryl said...

Layla, I love the light fixture and how you disguised the wire. Very clever.
Oh my, y'all gave me a scare by not turning of the power. Y'all be careful.
Looking forward to seeing your cafe curtains and the shutters.

Amanda said...

i'm in loooove with that light and may use it in my little guy's bathroom whenever the time comes to tackle that project. looks uh-mazing in your reading room. love the "sea salt" color on the ceiling. AND, cannot wait to see your curtains! lovely as always little Layla. :)

salty tots said...

that looks AWESOME!!!! WHAT COLOR DID YOU PAINT YOUR CEILING?

the Hawks said...

oh yes, girl (and boy) you did it! This is fantastic. Very very cool. something tells me Ikea will be selling out soon...

Mothership said...

I love the idea of wrapping the wire that way. Natural and beautiful. Thanks for the idea!

geri said...

I think that would have to be turned into my bedroom. It may be worth the smaller bed. hehe
Love it all. Can't wait to see the window treatments.geri.

dewgiesgirl said...

Tell Kevin not to quit his day job, but don't quit singing either!!!! You are so blessed to have this talent right here in your home :) I'm going to show our son this video, I think he will love it, (he serenades us at night with acoustic guitar playing and singing because his room is right across the hall from ours). Both of you keep up the great work!

Sabrina said...

You are so smart lady! I saw when you first purchased this lamp and then I checked it out myself on a recent IKEA run. WOW, the frosting makes a HUGE difference. Now, where can I use one of these in my own house?? ;)

Grover said...

Great transformations. Tell Kevin from another Kevin and Musician that the music is great. Keep it up!!!

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

Awesome! Love the new light fixture, especially against the pretty painted "new" ceiling! That room is one of my favorites in your home.

Oh, and I also wanted to tell you how much I truly enjoyed your lovely e-book! Everything about it was beautifully done! The photos...gorgeous. The information...loved the space planning part especially. Loved it all!! :) And if you're ever in the Chicago area and want someone to flea with at the all-nighter in Wheaton (that's where I live!) or another one of our great nearby flea's I'd love to meet you! Have a beautifully blessed day :)!

Blessings,
Stacey

AnNicole@Our Suburban Cottage said...

Aw, look at your cute hubby. Loved that song!

And the light fixture looks amazing. Love how you wrapped the cord - it gives it that extra sumpin sumpin :).

Screaming Meme said...

I am IN LOVE with it...:) Great job...Your hubby is so sweet, so a great unit, you two...:) Meme

s as in tset said...

Love the light! You two make electrical work look easy...although, I am still scared of it.

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

What a great light! Love how you added the frost!
Take care
Kristin

Grace @ Ruby Moon Designs said...

This room is coming along beautifully...I love all the extra touches y'all put in it...frosting the glass, covering the wire with the twine...and I just love the color of the ceiling too!

I watched the video...just so I could see it if Kevin really does make you delete it! He reminds me a lot of my brother...at least when it comes to music. My brother is extremely talented, but is the most low key guy ever!

Blessings, Grace

Heather Henderson said...

i love how you personalized the light fixture - those are some great ideas!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Love the light fixture. The ceiling looks wonderful. Can't wait to see the finished room. Hugs, Marty

Rebekah said...

A beautiful change!

lisa said...

The first time I showed my husband your blog, he immediately recognized Kevin! He loves TRUSTcompany, has his cd (maybe even two of them) and has been to a concert too. I just love that to the same degree that I completely admire your work, my husband admire's kevin's!

Anonymous said...

I'm loving everything about that room, especially the new light fixture. And I never would have thought to frost the glass bulb cover-- genius!

Anonymous said...

What an improvement on the lamp -- I love the twine wrapped around the black cord.

Country Contemporary said...

Terrific job - so clever in wrapping the light fixture cord with jute and frosting the bulb! Oh, and that tool that electricians use to expose the internal wiring within a cord is called - wait for it - a wire stripper.

Cheers!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Layla...Love the new look/light...frosting it was brilliant! And, please let Kevin know he's got Lettered Cottage Groupies now! :-) Loved his music!
Susan

Folkman's said...

I love the transformation! You're just Sickley talented like I said before! Love it!

priscilla said...

we got those same IKEA pendants to hang in our kitchen and love them. but what i really love is how you doctored it for the room. it looks perfect!

Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating said...

Love the light! And your addition of jute and frosted glass makes it just perfect. Can't wait to see the window treatments!

By the way, if you're changing a single-pole light (a light controlled by one light switch) you just have to turn off the light switch. There's no need to turn off the power at the breaker box.

Crib Tales said...

You are A-MAZING. Both of you! I love the tip about the jute to hide the wire. And using frosted spray on the glass. Genius, yet so simple. Lovely!

The Brick Cottage said...

Ok, that's twice this week that I've seen that pendant. And the weird thing is that a very similar one came with our 1945 house and I was convinced it was an original fixture. It looks great in your reading room!

Faded Plains said...

You guys did a wonderful job...love the new light fixture...I'm having trouble figuring out what kinda light to place over our dining table...uugghh...and I'm so happy to hear Kevin's working on his music too...I have their cd and was wondering when they might be making another.

Gail said...

Cool the way you wrapped the cord in the rope. Very ingenious. I've never liked light fixtures like that for that very reason...but now..I'm realizing there ARE ways to cover the ugly wires. Thanks for the inspiration!

-Gail

Kacey said...

Wow - it's looking great! I'm anxious to see the final product (as you guys must be!). I would have never thought to cover a cord with twine - genius.

The Haynes Family said...

Wow, just a shocking change!

Hey Layla & Kevin, I'm not sure if I've commented before, but I love your blog :) So inspiring, even though our design styles are very different. I love how you can see a piece and know how and where it will work! That is amazing. And, of course, I love your wilingness to DIY. :)

Kelsey said...

That light fixture is GORG! I adore tin light fixtures! They are kinda modern but also look like they should be on the porch of a victorian house. LOVE! The ceiling is amazing too and I so wish I had it in my house! Love your blog Lady!!!

Anonymous said...

Feel better soon! ((hugs)) Susie Bloop~

Room to Inspire said...

Your new light fixture and ceiling look great - I wish we could uncover wood planks in our ceilings :).

Chelsea

Deb said...

Wow, that looks awesome! I especially love the twine wrapped around the cord, great idea!

MeenyMoe said...

Love the new light fixture! Loved you adding the twine to the cord and frosting the glass. That's really thinking outside the box and that's what inspires us blog readers about you! Checked out your hubby's band...wow!! I really liked that song! He's got a really great voice and you can't tell at all that he's shy! I peeked quickly too in case he makes you delete it! ha!

Unknown said...

Oh, I love it. So very cool!

Shana said...

Wow, I love Kevin's music! Think they'll ever make it to the Salt Lake City area? :) Awesome. You should post some more. :)

And the light fixture is super cute too.

Beth said...

I watched the video of your hubby. Way cool! I also love the ceiling. I have that very same color on my bedroom walls. Your house is amazing. It's really inspiring to see how far it's come. I got a little too inspired and started ripping up the floor in my kitchen without the budget to do anything to it... oops!
:) Thanks for being you.

nell ann said...

Love the frosting!! Excellent touch. I have some lights at my home that need some frosting, too.

Joanna Gerber said...

Hey Layla and Kevin!
Do you know what happens when you don't post for TWO days?! We get withdraw symptoms...

I love that frosted look on the lamp. Looking Good as always! HUGS!

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful...amazing how you can take something that is already a great light fixture and make it better! Love it!

DonnaK said...

May I ask what manufacturer makes the Sea Salt color? It's just beautiful and might be perfect for my office.

Staci at Craftify It ! said...

Love that you covered the cord & frosted the glass...took it one extra step, or I guess 2 & made it look AMAZING instead of just great.

PS. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't EVER do ANYTHING electrical with the power on. I like you and Kevin too much & want you back for more tutorials & inspiration. Please...for me???!!! I have heard of too many sad scenarios in that area...

Staci at Craftify It ! said...

PS...Kevin I love your music, but my husband is going to love it even more. It is just hist style. I can't wait til he gets home from work so I can let him listen...(so don't delete it!)

Sarah said...

I LOVE how you made that light fixture your own. Very creative.
I can't wait to see the shutters and cafe curtains!! Please post the photos of them soon.

Audra said...

Looks really great!

Anonymous said...

Layla,

Looks great so far. Can't wait to see your curtains and shutters.

Enjoyed the video of Kevin.

Deborah

Jessica @ Simply A Farmer's Wife said...

Love what you did with the new light! Looking forward to the shutters and cafe curtains. And Kevin's voice.... Amazing!

Thanks for sharing.... You are definitely a huge inspiration in my own home remodel!

Tracy Hall said...

I really like your Reading Room progress, but you have gotten so many comments about your renovating...I wanted to rave on Kevin's song. I love it! Where can I find more to hear?

Tracy

P.S. I had fun following your trip to Virginia Beach. CBN/Regent used to be my stomping grounds. My husband graduated from the Regent Law School in 2008.

Beatnheart said...

Fun, informative reading...how cool are you...may I follow please..Cynthia Wolff

Amanda said...

I love your blog!

Mary Frances said...

I used to have this fixture above my kitchen sink...I used a silvered light bulb...you have to get them at a lighting store, Home Depot & Lowe's don't usually carry them, but they are industrial grade and last almost a year...and only cost about 3-4 bucks! My wonderful fixture finally kicked the bucket 5 years after installation...now I have a lovely teardrop mini-chandelier...very different, but works just as well in my very eclectic kitchen!

Lilianne said...

Frosting the glass on the light fixture...great idea!
Love the detail with the cording too...
Love to Lettered Cottage every day!! Yes you guys are becoming a verb!!

Evidence of an Artistic Life said...

Wonderful room so far!!! Loving the ceiling-tried it on one of mine-icky plaster and lathe!! Kevin is wonderful in home reno and music, too!! Bravo-you guys are truly an inspiration!

judi said...

Layla,
You and Kevin rock! (no pun intended) Your decorating, revamping, renovating abilities give me hope that I can do this too. My hubs isn't quite as talented as Kevin but that's ok..he works hard so we can hire those areas out. :) I am motivated to make a trek to Ikea (4 hrs away) just to get that light...love it!!! I am lovin' this reading room makeover.
~judi ;)
the1829farmhouse.blogspot.com

beachvintage.com said...

I love this. I love how you say " at this point dont check your emails"....too funny.

vignette design said...

Love your new reading room and planked ceiling. Its funny that I just did a post on my new reading room and how I planked the cracked ceiling with tongue and groove. I also just hung a light fixture with rope wrapped around the cord!
I love your blog and am going to order your book.

Stephenie from Decorating Addiction said...

I am new to blogging and am so inspired by your blog. Love your home and love Kevin's music! Thanks for all the inspiration

angela | the painted house said...

What a difference! Especially like the color. We faked original charm by installing tongue-n-groove in our bathroom last year after our plaster ceiling got all moldy and gross, ugh, so gross. It added so much texture so I can see why you would rip out all your drywall in your cottage.

(and, ps, don't touch your beautiful locks :) and I don't mean in the doors! )

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

Loved the video of Kevin singing. He is very talented. He looks so young in that video. Great song!!! Love your light fixture and how you changed it. The ceiling looks great in the reading room. Love & blessings from NC!

chris said...

Looking Good TLC Couple. Love it. By the way I did get to buy your book and had so much fun reading it. It inspired me to start... anything. I painted a few projects... so far so good.

Thanks Layla for all you do.

Kim @ Twice Remembered said...

It looks great, Layla! I just found that color on the BHG site tonight and posted on FB about it...SOOO pretty on your ceiling!

Loving the twine on cord - genius! Looking forward to seeing the shutters and curtains!

Roeshel said...

I love the ceiling. How awesome that you have it and exposed it's beautiful character. Great light fixture and your jute solution is awesome! (I enjoyed the video too!)

TGIF!
Have a great weekend you two!

Roeshel

Anonymous said...

This is a Stunning transformation!! I love the idea about wrapping the twine. I can't wait to see the final project outcome.

Anonymous said...

I just realized this is the same light I have in my bathroom. GMTA!

Deborah

momentum said...

Kevin's video and music were GREAT!! I love his voice. My husband, too, plays guitar and sings, but doesn't do it for a living...although it would be his dream! Like I said, he still jams and makes music and occasionaly gets together with the guys to record and mess around. Anyway, wanted to know where Kevin keeps all of his equipment. My hubby has a decent sized closet, but I wish I could incorporate more into our decor. Any ideas?

BTW, love the reading room and the light...totally my style.

Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Layla,
I just wanted to comment and tell you that you are such an inspiration! In fact you are such an inspiration we are having a ladies retreat at our church Saturday and have to do a tablescape, and I used your farmhouse table (white tulips/cutting board etc) as my inspiration. You really have a way with decorating. It's so fresh and beautiful and I've told everyone that I got the idea from your blog! Your blog rocks! Also, loved Kevin's song...WOW it was beautiful. What a talented duo you 2 are! Thanks again for sharing your life with us!

Love from a fellow Bama girl!
Amy

Anonymous said...

great idea! Dd

Holly Austin said...

It looks great, I'm in love :)

As for Kevin, I knew you had mentioned that he played in a band but I had no idea it was that big a hit!! He has an AWESOME voice!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the frosting hint - specially useful for hiding hideous but eco-friendly spiral fluorescent bulbs.
Have you seen these great lamps: http://remodelista.com/posts/shoppers-diary-summer-house ? They make me want to raid my grandfather's shed!

Robyn said...

Hey GUYS...it looks AWESOME! I'm so inspired by your absolutely BRILLIANT IDEA of wrapping the cord...fabulous! I didn't know they made frosted paint either, and I feel like we live in Home Depot and especially the paint department...so thanks for the INFO!

Last weekend we were watching tv and a commercial for some type of rock combo album came on, I can't remember the name, and my husband Matt said, hey Roby there's Kevin. It was funny like we know you! As the wife of a drummer (who's band never made it like THAT) I'd like some ideas on how to HIDE our music room with the 2 drum sets and the hard cases and the paraphenialia that goes with it! I'm SO glad to see that you posted the video, we still watch Trust Co video's on youtube!

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

Very clever changes you made to the IKEA light. I'm going to have to keep that in mind. I've always liked that light but thought the bulb would be a bit bright.

Ronnie said...

Cote de Texas sent me. She loves YOU!
You and Kevin are doing a great job here. Love that sea salt paint color. etc, etc, etc, etc,
Love Trust Company's music. I thought Kevin was going to lick the inside of my computer screen at the end.
YOU'RE ON MY BLOG ROLL!

Perfectly Lonely said...

Love the fixture and LOVE Trust Company as well. I have heard their stuff before.Awesome.Glad things are looking up muscially for him and keep wowing us all with your remodeling!

carebear3117 said...

The new ceiling and light fixture looks wonderful. I love all that you have done to your house.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the song "Downfall" by your husband's band is on my kids' Xbox Pro Skate game or at least I think that's the game it was on. It is the background music while you are skating around in the game. So cool!

Amy said...

We have this same light over our kitchen sink! I love it so much but have never loved the black cord! Thanks for the great tip!

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

Layla,
That fixture looks soooo much better! That was a great idea to frost the glass part. I'll have to remember that one.
It's turning out beautifully!
Great job,
Traci

The Weathered Bungalow said...

Oh my goodness you are just so creative! Love your style and your work! Thanks for sharing:)

Meredith
wwww.meredithstarrettdesigns.blogspot.com

Staci said...

I've been wanting a "Beachy" feel in at least one room in my house & I am slowly converting over our hall bath. Today I decided to make a Beach Clock...using you and Kevin as inspiration! THANKS for inspiring me, along with the rest of the world!:)

Bohemian chic said...

Oh my goodness. It is looking fabulous! Can't wait to see the final thing.

Laura Trevey said...

The after room is stunning! Love the neutral tones and great lighting!!

xoxo Laura

Amber said...

Using the twine to cover the cord was ingenious! I am not a huge fan of the bunched fabric cord covers, so I loved this new idea! The new fixture adds so much character.