Family room reveal after removing a wall
October 29, 2014
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The family room expansion/renovation is DONE. GoodNESS, I worked my butt off on this room!
I will go into a bigger background recap later, but long story short is that we wanted to add on to the back of our house, decided against it when we got the quotes (choke) and then decided to knock down a wall instead.
That wall was the one between the family room and my office, the one with the corner fireplace and the wall to the left:
Our original expansion plans were just to move out from that window wall and make the back part of the house more of a sunroom to extend the family room. We were never going to touch that office wall because I really wanted to keep my office. Turns out I don’t even miss, not at all. Isn’t that funny? It was a BEAUTIFUL room but no one ever saw it anyway! Except you guys, ha!
When my mind started working and the thought that taking down this wall might work, I sent this “real life” shot from my phone to two realtor friends to see what they thought. This really shows you a better angle:
The area to the left is our walk way from the mud room and garage and is where we had the TV. We reconfigured the space like this years back and it did help – but I didn’t like the corner fireplace and didn’t like that the room had different focal points.
It’s funny because I look at that photo and we had a much wider space when it was like that. But now, it’s SO MUCH BETTER because the family room is bigger and the kitchen doubled in size as well.
The space is long and skinny – we didn’t get any additional width to the room at all. In fact it’s skinnier now because everything is situated towards the back of the house. But we absolutely positively love it:
From the day we took down the wall we both said – it was supposed to be like this from the start. Actually every single change we’ve made in this whole great room (moving the kitchen table, switching out the doors, all of it) we’ve said the same every time. It should have been like this all along.
Taking down that wall brought in an insane amount of natural light – we gained two windows from the office. We also added six new overhead lights to the space:
The focal point of the room is now the grand fireplace and built ins:
We had to built it into the room to accommodate the size of the gas insert – we dealt with that by building out the entire thing and adding storage for electronics and all kinds of other stuff.
I went dramatic and gray with the whole thing and I adore it:
To get an idea of how this renovation opened up the space – the old wall went right down the middle of the new fireplace. Because of the angle of the old fireplace we had about two feet, then windows. There was nowhere else to put furniture but right in front of that double window.
I can’t believe that our family room used to go that far into the kitchen! It actually went almost to the right side of that étagère:
Crazy! The final frontier in this renovation is the double doors that will take the place of that window – it was supposed to happen last week but we had a hiccup. :) More on that soon! (And those drapes will be replaced with some that match the other side of the room soon. These are up for privacy now.)
There are little things we noticed right away when we started this process. First, the animals LOVE IT. They are in this space way more than before. It’s weird. Secondly, we love that there’s one focal point in the space. I used to hate TVs over fireplaces but I’m actually falling in love with the look (and I really disliked it!). There’s no competition for your attention, it’s clean and makes the space feel even bigger. Finally, our view in here is SO much better.
I love love LOVE to sit down on this sofa during the day:
Everything is oriented to the outside. Before our view from the sofa was the front door and the TV. Now’s all the light and the trees and our pretty deck and patio. I absolutely LOVE that. It’s completely changed how this room feels.
We have more seating in the room now too – the chair to the right is my new “office.” It’s a super cozy spot! The newly painted dresser and the built in to the left of the TV hold my office supplies:
We get so much light in here now it’s hard to get good shots! I’ll take that problem any day. The natural light is why I knew the space could take the darker pieces. I love how they add some drama.
I have a lot of favorite spots in this space and this is one of them. That spool chair was the only furniture purchase for this room and I ADORE it:
I looked for months for the perfect chair and found it a few weeks ago at HomeGoods. It is spectacular. :)
See? Spectacular. And incredibly comfy too!
I moved what used to be used as a sofa table to the wall where the TV was before:
Since the sectional is floating in the middle of the room the dresser I had on this wall felt too deep. This table is perfect since it’s nice and skinny.
The big mirror was a happy accident – I leaned it up there to see how it felt and it makes the room feel even brighter – when I’ve taken it down to paint behind it there’s a noticeable difference in the room:
I thought this walkway would feel tight but it’s actually perfect:
Before the walkway was right in front of the TV and again – this just feels “right.” I told you we keep saying that! It’s how it always should have been. :)
And finally, this is my view as I sit and write:
That view will look even better when the kitchen renovation starts…next year…a long time from now…cause Mama needs a break. :)
I still want to share more details and photos of the space, some before and afters and all of the sources as well – I will share those very, very soon!
For now I think I’ll join him:
If you have any questions about anything let me know and I’ll be sure to address it!
THANK YOU for coming along for the ride! I don’t think I’ve ever worked harder on a space but not sure I’ve ever been prouder of a space either. :)
See the sources and details of this family room makeover!
That is such an amazing difference!! So gorgeous. LOVE the new fireplace!!
ReplyDeleteIt turned out so great! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI've been following your renos since you started, and have loved watching the progress. Those old office windows sure add so much light to the new space. That's probably been my favorite part about it! I'm all for lots of windows (and my hubby is very quick to close all the curtains the moment he walks into a room!). The only downside of watching your renos is that my fingers are itchy to pull something apart in my house! :D
ReplyDeleteabsolutely perfect! I always love it when there are happy, unsuspected surprises with a project (more natural light and new love of TV over fireplace!). Great job... can't wait to see what you have in store for the kitchen!
ReplyDeleteit looks absolutely fantastic- so bright and inviting! You guys did a great job, and adding some darker pieces was definitely a good choice. :)
ReplyDeleteABSOLUTE PERFECTION!! How wonderful to have that "feels right" feeling now:) Happy for you!
ReplyDeleteThis looks absolutely gorgeous! You did a great job! Your pictures are great, you really showed off the space well.
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS! I lvoe all of the natural light and they gray on the fireplace is stunning :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful space! I am totally in love with the fireplace and built-ins, from design to color, just perfect!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks so nice. I really like it! Kathy
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE what you have done.
ReplyDeleteThere is just one detail that each pan view I notice and for me, takes away from seeing everything.
The rug.
It is not centered on the fireplace and is off center.
I can tell it's because it can't scoot down more because of the wall for the mudroom, but that's all I see is the rug being off balance, whereas, all your accessories have balance.
Please don't take this in a bad way. I love the room and think it looks fabulous!
Thank you Jodi! Yes, I actually mention that in the post. We can't scoot it down without getting it cut down and it doesn't bother me enough to spend the money to do that just yet. ;)
DeleteLove it! What is your wall color above the board and batten? I love it!
ReplyDeleteIt's called Analytical Gray from Sherwin Williams and it's one of my favorites! :)
DeleteLove love love how it turned out. Love the open concept.
ReplyDeleteIt's absolutely right! I love your fireplace so much...I'm swooning!! Job well done! Xo Kathy@The Daily Nest
ReplyDeleteAlso, can you tell me where if you remember did you get those brass wall sconces? I love those! Thanks, Kathy@The Daily Nest
ReplyDeleteTarget! :) (Thank you!)
DeleteLove! Thanks!!
DeleteLong time reader, first time commenter here. Just had to tell you that I love, love, love what you've done with this room. It's bright and cozy at the same time. I especially love the dresser re-do and that new Home Goods chair. I am definitely taking inspiration from you for the look I'm trying to achieve in my own living room. Fantastic job!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt. looks. BEAUTIFUL! Congratulations on a job well done!
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful! Quite the transformation and savings, too! Love all the additional natural light. It definitely looks cozy and inviting. I would have to agree about the rug to move it so it's centered w/the fireplace/entertainment wall. I've seen many decorators (on shows and in mags) where the rug has the furniture half on and half off. In fact, I've seen that recommended. The rugs that don't go underneath at all they say are too small.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is how it should have been all along! Perfect.
ReplyDeleteLonger rug is the solution, I say. Long enough to center on the fireplace, still catch all of the sectional and catch the spool chair on the other side. Have a carpet piece bound if you can't fine a rug the right size.
Totally agree with the rug idea. It would add some needed continuity to that space, I think.
DeleteThis rug is 9 x12 so I can't get one any longer. ;) I love this one so won't be buying anything else for the room (hopefully!) -- but may consider cutting it down sometime to make it centered. We'll see, it doesn't bother me enough to spend that money just yet!
DeleteOh, girl, it was worth waiting for. It's positively GORGEOUS! SO happy for you!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!! I love the Fireplace wall--so worth all your work. And they gray is just stunning! As far as the rug goes--how about stacking two matching "Poofs" or a small ottoman/bench at an angle on the left side of that wall on the hardwood--it might lessen the the off centered look if not too cluttered. Or buy a larger rug and sell the one you have now? If you do nothing--I think it looks great and living with it will tell you if you want to make any changes--and I think that is the best way to decide...
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I love all the natural light you get! The focal fire place painted gray is just stunning...I love everything about it!
ReplyDeleteI love it! Wow, what a difference that wall made. I love the grey fireplace too. I am sure you are loving that light!!
ReplyDeleteAMAZING!!! That is such a great use of the space you already have. Fireplace looks awesome. Trying to convince my husband of the value in painting ours dark!!
ReplyDeleteAMAZING!! I don't comment that often but have been reading/following your blog for years. Watching your home change and transform is so fun! I just love what you did with this space. It's so inviting!
ReplyDeleteLove it Sarah!! Gorgeous and yes, it looks like this is how it was meant to be!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks BEAUTIFUL!!! Great job!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your style.
GS
Everything is just beautiful!! LOVE it all. I dream about having a fireplace like that!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Your room turned out fantastic.
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely perfect. Obsessed with the dark gray fireplace. I couldn't love it more. Also seriously loving the dresser you painted gray. Now I'm dying to do this with our (gasp!) "cherry" wood bedroom furniture. I'm SO over it. But I'm terrified I'll screw it up!
ReplyDeleteSarah, it's absolutely STUNNING! Such a fabulous decision to take down that wall and combine the two spaces. And I still can't get over the beauty of your fireplace and built-ins! What a feature wall! The herringbone tile and horizontal planks above the fireplace add so much texture and interest. And I LOVE that you chose grey instead of white. And your Homegoods chair is perfection. I am sure you are thrilled that it is all done!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love every square inch. It is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYou really knocked this one out of the park, Sarah! The space looks like it was always meant to be that way. And that fireplace is just perfection. Love the new Home Goods chair too! Now go relax on it ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is perfect! And stunning! And...
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong with this room. Perfect! Love the table in the hall.
ReplyDeleteYou're right - it was meant to be this way from the beginning! I love how it all turned out - so warm and cozy, yet light and bright. Can't wait to see what you have in store for that kitchen!
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous - and so bright and sunny! Nice job on the fireplace too!
ReplyDeleteShelley
I am loving this room, SO beautiful and you can clearly tell you put a lot of effort in to it. Fireplace is...just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletewww.endlesshouseaffair.com
This is amazing! Wow... so stunning! that fireplace is incredible, I love the colour :)
ReplyDeleteLove it!!! Nicely done. The TV wall / Fireplace is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteA welcoming, comfortable and functional room.Beautiful job!
ReplyDeleteI've been following along quietly and I now have to say I LOVE it!! Your room is open and sunny and warm and kid/pet friendly and you just bought one chair!?!? Great job, you're right, the room is how it should have been. Love the fireplace and built in's and I've always loved your transitional style. Great job, dear!
ReplyDeleteJane xx
It turned out SO gorgeous Sarah! I love everything about the space!
ReplyDeleteSarah, everything looks beautiful! I know it feels awesome to see the room you envisioned complete. You're going to have such much fun decorating the mantle and fireplace for Christmas this year!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite transformations of yours! It does fit, and look so good! Congrats, it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm insanely excited to see this! I can't believe how fast it went, especially since it turned out fabulous. It's beautiful and comfortable at the same time. It really should be in a magazine!
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely beautiful and you should be proud of yourself - you did a terrific job!
ReplyDeleteYou have such a beautiful home! You're right, it was definitely the right decision to take down the wall. I love the layout of the room and your fireplace and built ins are amazing! This is probably my favorite room in your house :)
ReplyDeleteLove (and I'm jealous of) all of that natural light! Great change-up...
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteIt looks really pretty and y'all did a great job. I can't believe you found your bobbin chair at HG, way to go.
ReplyDeleteLove the creative outcome! Dark grey is beautiful on your dresser (looks like a buffet). Try centering your 9X12 beautiful rug against your fireplace and cabinets by turning rug in a rectangular form. Just a thought. Excited to see your Christmas display. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent job! And thanks for all the pictures from every angle - it really gives us an good idea of how it turned out - fabulous!
ReplyDeletewhoops - I mean a good idea (we need an edit button here :-)
ReplyDeleteIts beautiful!!! Congratulations! And I love your pup! He's so cute :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing Sarah! I love your style and drool over your board and batten. Wish I could have you come here and give me your opinion on our living room, kitchen area. The fireplace area needs something just not sure what,yet ;) could use a hands on tutorial for the planking, and board and batten as well. Curious as to how you hung the mirror over your newly painted dresser so that it hangs on the b&b and the wall?
ReplyDeleteRenee I will share that -- it took some rigging. ;) I basically screwed some wood blocks into the wall above the b and b.
DeleteIt's just terrific, Sarah! When and if I move, I have saved this post as inspiration for a future den of my own. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome! Now that it's done and I see the before and after, I can't fathom how another room ever fit in that space to start with! It really works better now I think... thanks for sharing your ideas! You give me inspiration for our home...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! You inspire me every day to re-decorate....which doesn't make my husband happy :-) Can you tell me where you got your couch from?
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful changes! I love everything about what you've done. Your taste is amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great and I love the natural light. One question...how do you manage without side tables at the ends of the sofa and by your 'office' chair? We simply can not function without somewhere to set drinks, phones, books and such. The coffee table isn't within reach, really (especially if you have a lap full of cat or computer!). I see this look in nearly every room I see online; since you invited questions, I thought I'd ask!
ReplyDeleteWe have a side table that we use as my "desk" but it's there by the sofa most of the time. I use the window sills by my desk when that's not there. :) Otherwise the coffee table is plenty for us!
DeleteThanks for replying! Wish I could get by with that (and also wish I had wide window sills). If I didn't have side tables, my people would be trying to balance coffee on the arms of sofa and chairs and I can't see that ending well!
DeleteSuch a pretty room! Where do you hide your cable/satellite box and wires?
ReplyDeleteThank you! They are all in the built ins next to the fireplace. You can see how I made it work for remotes/overheating here:
Deletehttp://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/09/built-ins-for-electronics.html
Any chance that gold mirror is from somewhere I can run out and buy it???!!! I love it! The room looks incredible, btw!
ReplyDeleteI wish!! It was from HomeGoods and there's no brand name on it. I love it!
DeleteIt is seriously stunning. I love every detail. I was wondering if the wall you took down was load bearing? I have a wall that I want to take down so badly. If I could take a hammer to it right this second, I would. It is a load bearing wall though. I was curious if your's was. I need to let my husband know that it is ok to take it down without it costing a fortune. Again, It is such a beautiful space.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cathy! Our wall was not load bearing so that helped the costs significantly! I talked about that more here: http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/07/tearing-down-wall.html
DeleteI absolutely love your new family room. Your rug is beautiful, and I can certainly understand why you would not want to cut it down to center the rug and sofa with the fireplace. It appears that the only thing preventing you from centering the rug with the fireplace is the wall around the entrance to the mudroom. Would it help to remove the wall behind the spool chair (back to the closet) and around the door to the mudroom? You could then extend the wall around your bathroom door and frame in a new door to the mudroom right next to the bathroom door. You could also extend the hardwood floor in the walkway behind the sofa to the closet and trim out the closet to match your other interior doors. That might give you the room you need to center your rug and sofa with the fireplace. It would also give you even more room between the sofa and kitchen table and let more natural light into the mudroom.
ReplyDeleteFunny you say that because I almost did just that -- but that that closet holds our furnace and it goes way into the mud room. There's not a good spot for a doorway because of it. Brilliant idea though!! :)
DeleteWhere did you find that AWESOME skinny console/sofa table? It's EXACTLY what I've been searching for! LOVE your style!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's the Everett foyer table from World Market and I love it!
DeleteWhere is the sectional from and the little table by the chair from?
ReplyDeleteThe sectional is from Arhaus -- our biggest furniture purchase and we LOVE IT. Here's some more info on it: http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-family-room-sectional.html
DeleteThe little table is from World Market -- it's called a laptop table. :)
I love your family room! What you do with wood is *AMAZING*! I keep looking around my house and trying to think where I could do board and batten;) I can't wait to see the space once your window seat is done. You have added so much charm and character to your home. It's really inspiring! Thank you for sharing with all of us.
ReplyDeleteI love it! The colors are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely, inviting space! I'm super impressed that you went for it because you knew the space could be so much more...and it is! Everything looks really beautiful, Sarah. =)
ReplyDeleteI love what you've done - great job! I looooove your new chair! Any idea who the manufacturer is? I'm unable to find it at my Homegoods.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa! I can't find a tag on it anywhere, I wish I could help more! I will do some research to see if I can find it online anywhere.
DeleteLove all the changes! I simply adore your style! Classic...cozy...and eclectic! Every piece is different and unique but ties together to make for a beautiful room! Off topic....did you do a post where you talked about where you got that cool metal shelf in your kitchen at the end of your dining table? Would love to know where you got it!
ReplyDeleteJennifer I don't know why I didn't see this, I apologize! Just for reference, I talked more about that shelf here:
Deletehttp://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-in-kitchen.html
Absolutely stunning!!! You will enjoy this space so much as winter approaches and forces you to stay indoors more. Wide open and bright --- perfect!!
ReplyDeleteJust came across your site today. LOVE your style!!
ReplyDeleteIt's so beautiful. I love it all. And how gratifying to know that you did the majority of it by yourself. Even if it sucked at times. And yes, for the love of God, coming from someone who has lived through a completely DIYed full gut kitchen (that still isn't completely finished, ahem), wait until after Christmas to start it. Your sanity is on the line.
ReplyDeleteHa! Yes. I agree. I want to get through the holidays without any major messes. I may work on the island before then so we have a big spot to serve/bake on. Not sure yet.
DeleteSorry to be asking you again but I wanted to know the color of your walls and floor. Your house is so beautiful and I love everything that you've done. You're one talented lady!
ReplyDeleteThank you April! The walls are Analytical Gray by Sherwin Williams and the floors are stain called Jacobean by Minwax.
DeleteDo you have the paint color name for the mantle and cabinets!? They are beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristen! That color is Peppercorn by SW.
DeleteGreat looking room! Do you have an article on the mantle build or a cut list? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jared! I didn't build the actual mantel, but shared all of the details and progress photos. I link to all of them in this post.
Delete