Hallway Remodel

We finally have one of the three walls completely finished. As promised, I'm posting before and after pictures. Here is the ugly paneling that I painted white when we first moved it. When we first moved in, it was dark brown (you can see the edge of it). The place was like a cave, so I was really happy just to lighten things up. We didn't have a lot of money and we were going for functional, not class, which was OK because since buying the house we've been committed to remodeling it debt-free.

We finally got brave and decided to remove the paneling and put up drywall. We had a friend help us and despite one major hiccup, we managed to get all the taping, mudding, sanding (again and again), primering, texturing, primering again and then painting two coats, all done on three walls. It was a lot of work, but it turned out really looking nice. We didn't get much sleep for a few weeks there because we would work until midnight, then be up at 5am to try to primer or paint before the kids got up. Whew!

Here is the end result. I've never painted a wall anything other than white, so believe me when I tell you this was a BIG step for me to paint this wall "Cracker Blitz". I'm really happy with the results, and it didn't make it too dark in here. I had several people tell me I should do some picture groupings instead of my one long line of pictures going down the hall. I'm so happy I chose to follow their advice. Also, check out those lovely rounded corners.

Here is the hallway looking the other direction. I love this picture grouping the best because I stuck with all dark colored picture frames with the old fashioned look. We got the light switches in Mexico about 10 years ago. They go so much better with this color on the wall. We didn't put a trim up in the hallway because eventually we'd like to do wainscotting ceilings in the hallway, dining room and living room.

We are hoping to get the fireplace hooked up today and the new door hung in the living room. Michael is also working on the trim for the pass-through between the kitchen and the dining room. So, as soon as he's done, I'll post more pictures.

God Bless,
Jackie