April 16, 2010

An Introduction . . .

Hello dear blog readers. Meet my basement. Basement, meet my beloved blog readers.

I'm sorry it's taken me three years to properly introduce you, but I've been a little hesitant. My basement is dark - don't let these pictures fool you. My basement is musty smelling, or so says the Queen. My basement is a constant mess of arts and crafts supplies, Wii remotes and tiny legos that embed themselves into the bottom of my feet. My basement has an ironing board and pile of wrinkled shirts as year round decor. I think what I'm trying to say is that my basement is pretty much my secret shame.

But that is all about to change, because I've had an epiphany. Oh, how the Hubby hates it when I have epiphanies!

It all started with a little idea I like to call The Seven Year Deadline. When we moved here six years and eleven months ago, the Hubby made this very declarative statement: "We'll live here for seven years and then reassess." Upon reassessing, we both agreed that we love it here and don't see ourselves moving any time soon.  His job is great, the schools are amazing, we love our church congregation, we have amazing neighbors and friends and we live near family.  Pretty sweet deal, right?

But just shy of seven years in our unique {read: quirky} house and I am itching.  Itching for change.  Itching to mix things up a little.  Our family has grown, but the house has not.  It is time to make more effective use of our space and spruce up the things we've lived with and worn down over the past seven years.
 
The reality is that we spend the majority of our time in two places in the house - the kitchen/family room area and the basement.  The kitchen/family room area, which I've photographed extensively on the blog, is lovely.  The basement - not so much.

So, Phase I of the Lee Family basement redesign has begun.  It started with the table in the photos.  It was a nasty orange stained piece of junk that I found at Salvation Army for $20.  It has lived in our garage for almost three years.  I finally channeled all of my post partum horomones into sprucing it up and now the table that nobody liked has found a home in what is going to become my new creative space.  A place where I can craft, write, photograph and enjoy.

The next big change will be taking the large den and playroom areas from a boring sea of beige, tan and cream to a fresh palette of blues and whites with brown accents.  And there will be molding and artwork and some great Ikea furniture thrown in the mix. And I may even repurpose a dresser and invest in some chalkboard paint to cover a large portion of wall space if I feel like it.  Ooohhh, I definitely feel like it.

The buzzing of my brain in this decorative direction is making me feel really happy - like my old pre-baby self again.  I can't wait to see how this turns out in reality, because in my brain it is fan-freaking-tastic!

I'll try to document as much as I can here on the ol' blog.  Won't you come along for the ride?

Ps.  How is half of April already over?  Give away details next week!

dragonfly signature

8 comments:

christy said...

I can't wait to watch the transformation. Maybe it will give me some much-needed inspiration.

Apis Melliflora said...

I'm buckled in the front passenger seat. Let's go!

My Franken-basement will have to live vicariously through your fairy-tale basement.

The Queen Vee said...

You've come up with a great plan, now go out an execute it....know it will look fantastic.

Kasey said...

Such an exciting time. I'm glad you are feeling like your ole' self again. I love what you did with the table. It looks great. Bravo!!

KitKat said...

At least it's already finished! My basement is a vast expanse of concrete floor and cement block walls. But, it's a good place to rollerskate in the winter!

Carri said...

I cant wait to see the transformation. How coolt hat you stuck to your 7 year plan reassessed and realize you love whwere you are. Nothing could be better, well maybe not ever having to pay another bill could but you know the world cant be a perfect place.

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Emily said...

Cute Table! Can't wait to see what you do. I know it will be amazing!

Tobi said...

Our potential new house has a basement so I need all the tips and tricks I can get. Onward and upward Sam!

p.s. AM's comments made me snort. Very funny stuff Apis!