Empty Nest Redecorating Reveal

Introduction to Empty Nest Redecorating Reveal

A couple of months ago, I wrote a post about my experience as a new empty nester which you can read about here.   In that post, I shared about my grief, but I also let you in on a fun little secret...  How I cope when children leave the nest -  by REDECORATING!  

As the weeks moved toward our empty nest, I would think about the colors I wanted to paint the rooms that would soon be vacant; imagining how I would style each one.  

I decided to paint the guest room a crisp gray which I knew would go well with the black furniture that was already in the room.   It would take some time to find the right gray - a cool gray - as there is only one window in that room which faces east and only gets the morning sun.  I poured over paint swatches (no pun intended - lol) and settled on one.  I brought the paint swatch home and hung it up in different parts of the room at different times of the day.   After much deliberation, I was satisfied with my choice.  

I would like to say that once I painted the room I was completely happy, but with the color gray, it can either have a green undertone or a blue.   Due to the shadowing of my guest room, mine tended more toward blue which of the two, if it had to tend toward another color, I'd prefer the blue over the green.  To help counter the blue hue, which only occurred during certain times of the day, I made sure to pick out a lot of gray accent pieces.

The paint color for my office took a lot longer for me to pick out.  I had settled on choosing a darker tan color for that room which I felt would work well since the room faces west and the sun floods into it most of the afternoon. I was a little nervous because the room was currently white, and I didn't want an already small room to appear even smaller with a darker color.

I was very particular about the type of tan I would paint my office.  I did not want it to have a purple undertone as some taupe's tend toward.  I wanted the color to definitely be in the brown family.   I probably stood in Lowe's paint department for almost an hour trying to find the right swatches.   I found several contenders and brought them home.  The process of hanging swatches and moving them around the room at different times of the day commenced in the office.   I would even put the swatches behind my back and mix them up and then quickly hang them without looking too closely at the names to determine if I would consistently pick the same color, and I did!   My decision was made - one that I could not be happier with!!  I LOVE the color in my office.  It is so warm and cozy.  
Funny how I went in two opposite directions.  The guest room - monochromatic with a crisp airiness to it; and my office - warm with earthy tones.

Once the rooms were painted, I started to search for pieces that would fit what my mind's eye had imagined.   I didn't want to rush and just buy anything, but was deliberate and patient in my choices.  Ten weeks later, the rooms are finished!!  And I LOVE them!! 

So as promised, here are my reveal pictures!  :-)

{I must make a disclaimer here.   You will not find high-quality pictures from a special blogging camera or pictures taken with a photographer's eye for showcasing a room and its contents in their best light, but you WILL find humble pictures taken with my Iphone.}

Enjoy!

THE GUEST ROOM

I knew I wanted to do some type of wall stencil for both rooms.  
I found this perfect one for the guest room!  

Pictures of newly redecorated guest room



Which came first - the tree over the bed or the tree on the night stand?  The tree on the night stand! I found this free Scripture printable and I just loved it!  That's when the tree theme was born!

Printable with an inspirational quote



When my husband and I found the metal tree at Hobby Lobby which matched the night stand picture, we knew we had to get it as it was perfect!  We absolutely LOVE how it looks!

The Guest Room bed



 I was very particular about how I wanted to do the bedding.  Since we have such a high bed, it is nearly impossible to find a bed skirt that goes long enough, and they can be difficult to work with.  I was searching around online and found this great idea which apparently Martha Stewart suggested which is to put a fitted sheet around the box spring mattress, and I did!  The dark gray was the perfect contrast to the colors I had picked out for the bedding.  I found the sheets with the gray accent along the edging at Anne & Hope.  The bedspread was exactly what I had envisioned and I was so happy I found it.

Guest Room



I've had this book case for years which was perfect for housing items for our guests.

Shelves and a Hobby Lobby Picture called "The Guest Room"
That glowing orb on the right is just the sun.  I warned you about my photography skills!  LOL.


My husband and I found this picture at Hobby Lobby.  Isn't it absolutely perfect?!

Close-up of "The Guest Room" print from Hobby Lobby



I've always admired lifestyle bloggers and how they style their rooms which inevitably always have white flowers in a silver box-shaped vase.  lol  I thought that would be the perfect accent for on top of the bookshelf so as not to take away from the picture above it.  I set out to look for one thinking never in a million years would I find it, and sure enough, I did!  On clearance at T. J. Maxx!

Fake flower and vase from TJ Maxx



I knew I wanted the guest room to have lots of Scripture verses throughout.  I found this candle at Hobby Lobby and thought it was so unique and perfect!


Candle from Hobby Lobby with Scripture verse Trust in the Lord with all your heart.



In the gray bin on the first shelf, I have travel size toiletries for our guests to take if they forget something at home.  Imagine my delight when I found this perfect free printable online to go alongside of it!  The printable fits perfectly in this gray shadowbox type frame which I bought at Hobby Lobby!

Close up of contents of shelf


Printable sign for guest room toiletry supplies



I found this free printable online which goes along with the tree-theme of the guest room.  :-)  I love how the verse is written throughout the branches.  The frame I found brings out the colors of the printable perfectly.  And, by the way, this frame is outside of the box for me.  You see I  have a problem.  I need symmetry!  lol.  To have a bronzy colored frame when everything else is silver or gray cool tones was a real struggle for me.  (True story!) But I was like, nope, it's a bit of  warmth and color which adds more interest to the book shelf.  So I am at peace with it.  ;-)

Printable of tree with scripture verse written through it




Why looky here!  A pop of color!  lol.  I bought this chair at Target a few years ago.   It serves as a nice statement piece for the room.

Different view of the Guest Room



I've had this bowl and pitcher for years and liked the idea of having it in a bedroom hearkening back to another era when you would find a wash stand and bowl and pitcher in the bedroom. (I actually just remembered I have an antique bed pot.  I need to go retrieve that!  lol.)

Guest Room facing the window



It was actually my husband's idea to put a clock on this shelf.  I was somewhat surprised since he doesn't like the sound of ticking clocks. I personally find them soothing.  lol.  I can hear this clock ticking from the hallway and I love the sound.  We found it at Hobby Lobby and the gray weathered color goes perfect in the room.

Clock on a shelf


Another Hobby Lobby find in gray. Perfect!

Picture with 1 John 4:19



I was looking around online for free Guest Room printables and found this 
quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson.  I liked the sentiment and placed it in this metal 
frame which I bought a few years ago at Hobby Lobby.

Frame with Ralph Waldo Emerson quote about guests





The Office/Second Guest Room

I absolutely LOVE how my office came out!  The contrast of the white curtains and the white trim against the the tan walls work beautifully together.   As I've shared before, ever
 since I was a little girl, I have always loved curtains; in particular, tie-back curtains. 
 I found these curtains at WalMart, and they were EXACTLY what I envisioned, especially
 with being blessed to have an office space that looks onto my backyard, 
and the fields behind it - a beautiful frame for a very peaceful setting.

My home office, view of the desk


My home office, different view


Home office window view



I wanted a Scripture stencil that would speak to my heart every time I entered this space, 
and indeed, this was the perfect one!

It was important for me that my desk showcased pictures of my son and 
daughter-in-law; my daughter and son-in-law, and granddaughter.  
Sweet reminders of the most cherished blessings in my life.

Scripture stencil above desk of Psalm 46:10



I had went on quite the search for a table lamp that actually used a bulb that would provide good lighting.  I had settled for one that I wasn't happy with, but then randomly found this one at Christmas Tree Shop last week.  The colors are absolutely perfect!

The sweet frame for Lexi's picture I bought at Hobby Lobby, and matches perfectly.

Lamp on shelves of my desk and picture of granddaughter




I had chosen a gold theme for the room's accents.  Coincidentally, I received this vase as part of a Ghiardelli chocolate gift basket from the Superintendent I work for.  I couldn't get over how perfectly the colors matched my theme!  And it was the perfect home for my artificial plant from Ikea.  :-)

Fake foliage in gold and white sparkly container which sits on the desk shelf



I found both of these accent pieces at Hobby Lobby.  I got the idea for using my initial from another lifestyle blogger, and I think it works quite well in this particular cubby of my desk.  :-)

My initial in gold and a gold  hammered bowl on one of the desk shelves


I love all the shelves and cubbies that my desk has; a desk I found at Wayfair.  
The L-shape makes the desk very functional.

Close up view of contents of desk shelves



As you can tell, I am loving free printables!  
I wanted my desk to have inspiring verses everywhere I looked.  

Printable in gold filagree frame that says "Today I choose joy"



As I shared in an earlier post, my son brought back the adorable 
owl calendar from Punta Cana. 

I am a to-do list person and ended up buying this $1.47 small white board at WalMart.  
It seems to be working well in this space.  :-)

It was becoming apparent that I had a need for a month-at-a-glance calendar. 
 I found this free printable online and framed it.  I love it!

Close up of the command center of desk with calendar, pencil holder and small white board



Both of these pictures sit over the desk's extension.  My mom had given me the picture of the Irish landscape with an Irish blessing written on the top right corner.  
I find the picture so calming.  Maybe it's because of my Irish ancestry.  ;-)

I found the plaque at Hobby Lobby.  The inspiration from Micah 6:8 is a good daily reminder for me.

Small painting of Ireland and plaque with Micah 6:8


Another wonderful blessing of having my office located where it is in my house is that the afternoon sun streams through the back window.  I have ALWAYS loved how it looks when the sun casts a shadow of the window panes and curtains onto the wall.  It just feels so cozy. 

View of single bed in my office



When I used to visit my dear friend Bekki at her momma's house, I always admired the vintage paintings her mom had hanging on her walls.  They just invoked such peaceful feelings.  
I knew I wanted a vintage picture for my office.  I found this classic - Charles Burton Barber's "Suspense", and it looks perfect over the bed.  :-)

Another view of bed with artwork above
The color of the walls probably looks the truest in this picture


It took me a long time to find a bedspread, but I knew that I would know the one when I saw it!  And I did!! The colors of this bedspread compliment the colors in the room beautifully!  
I found this on super sale at JC Penney's.

Wide view of bed, artwork and window


My good friend came over when I was deliberating on what type of picture I would 
 hang over the head of the bed.  I showed her my choices.  One was another vintage 
picture which we both loved and another was a nature scene.  I ended up 
going with the vintage picture only to find out a week or so later that they could not locate one in stock.  Back to the drawing board I went.  {No pun intended.  ;-) }  

View from foot of the bed



My friend Debbie told me that when we choose art it's not about being matchy matchy, 
but how it makes you feel.  When I found this picture, I couldn't stop staring at it!  
It's like I feel present in the picture, and it just makes me feel happy and at peace.  
It is called The Oak and is a painting of a scene from California with the mountains in the background.  I just LOVE the colors against the tan wall.  When I hung it, I literally clapped with joy! :-)

Artwork of a tree



I wanted to have a neat space to hide keep all my stuff.  lol.  I bought this nine compartment cube at Big Lots.  The cubby bins match the room perfectly!

View of cube shelving and antique picture of my aunt when she was 5


I'm told I get my love of family pictures from my grandma.  She was always taking pictures.  After she died, my dad gave me her camera.  You know the old kind that had the flash cube which connected on top.  It brings back so many wonderful memories.  <3

So with my love of family pictures, I knew I wanted my cube to showcase family photos of my brothers and their families, my parents and the annual Thanksgiving group shot of all of us together.

The large picture on top is of my Aunt Laura when she was about four years old; an aunt I never met because she died when she was six years old.  I've always treasured this picture; even more so now as her resemblance to my granddaughter is stunning.  How special to see such a strong family resemblance span generations.

Cube Shelving, family photographs and antique picture of my aunt when she was 5


I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into my home.  I've loved sharing it with you.  :-)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While proofreading this blog post, I realized I repeatedly said perfect when referring to the pieces I found.

As I pondered whether I should go to the Thesaurus, I decided to leave every perfect in the post as a reminder of how God showed appreciation for us.

God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. 
Genesis 1:31a

We are His creation.  He sees us as perfect through the blood of the Lamb.

For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.
Hebrews 10:14


The definition of appreciate is to recognize the full worth of...

Our Heavenly Father appreciates us!  He recognizes our full worth in Christ Jesus...

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
Ephesians 2:10a

 Let us all walk in the knowledge of our full worth in Christ Jesus.  Amen!


You might find me on these link-ups:

Grace & TruthWoman to Woman Ministries, Inspire Me MondayA Wise Women Builds Her HomeSpiritual Sundays, Soul Survival,  Good Morning MondaysTell His StoryFaith & Fellowship Blog Hop  Tuesday Talk   Faith 'N Friends Sitting Among Friends   House to Home  ,Wonderful Wednesday , Literacy Musings Mondays,Imparting GraceDance with Jesus Booknificent Thursdays  Fresh Market Friday Moments of Hope Wonderful Wednesdays , Tea & Word Tuesday Heart Encouragement Thursday Hearts for Home Messy Marriage Link-up Friday at the Fire Station Link-up Tune In Thursday Faith on Fire Link-upSunday Scripture Blessings Link-up, Sunday ThoughtsWriter Wednesday, Faith Filled Friday God Sized Dreams Link-Up Sitting Among Friends Be Thee Inspired Graceful Tuesday Link-up Aprons & Pearls Link-up Trekkingthru Link-up  Encouraging Word Wednesday  Grace Moments Link-up  Encouraging Hearts and Home Worth Beyond Rubies Seeking Sabbath Scripture and a Snapshot IHeart Verse Welcome Heart Kingdom Bloggers Outdoorsy Mommy Anchored Truth Tuesdays IHeart Verse InstaEncouragements

Comments

  1. OH, this is just BEAUTIFUL!!! I absolutely LOVE every, single thing, and your photos are just stunning. You did an excellent job...both of decorating AND of photographing. I just loved it and absorbed it all like a sponge! I don't know how to say this or put it into words, but seeing the photos, you can just feel the love of God in your home. I can just imagine that you treat your house guests with the utmost love, hospitality, and care, right down to the last detail. You are a shining example of Jesus' love, and it shows...in your words, in your home, and in your spirit. Thank you ever so much for sharing all of this...it just truly blessed me so much. Sending you much love and many blessings, sweet friend. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cheryl! Awe, thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. I'm glad you enjoyed looking at the pictures. :-)

      Sweet friend, you humble me with your kind and loving words.

      All to the Glory of God.

      You are very welcome! It blesses me that you were blessed. :-)

      Blessings to you dear friend.

      Delete
  2. How very fun! We just moved into a new house and my walls are abysmally bare waiting for inspiration to hit. I picked the paint for the main rooms in a remarkable small amount of time - blew my husband away! Usually, I'm like you and deliberate for a long time! Your rooms look great! Now enjoy them!

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    1. Carol,

      Haha! I love it. Glad you found your paint inspiration quickly.

      Thank you! I am!

      Delete
  3. You did a great job! Both rooms look very inviting and comfortable!
    #InspireMeMonday

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    1. Julie, Thank you!

      And thank you so very much for taking the time to comment.

      Delete
  4. Karen, the rooms look beautiful!! I love how you painted and decorated them and especially how the Lord's light shines through--as it shines through you <3. Everything about them drew my heart to the Lord --and they look so warm and inviting. I love the sunlight coming through the windows, too. The tree theme was such a neat idea! Everything looks so cozy and comforting.

    I love you, Karen; the Lord's beauty and love truly shine through you <3.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bekki!

      Awe, your words bless me.

      All Glory to God!

      I love you too dear friend. :-)

      Delete
  5. Both rooms looks awesome. Love the colors. I am your neighbor over at Testimony Tuesday this week.

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  6. Karen, I could not love this more! Your rooms are beautiful and I appreciate the thought you put into every detail. I also applaud your decision to bypass your need for symmetry with the bronze frame--you're right ... it does add warmth. And finally, the idea to use a fitted sheet on a box spring instead of a bed skirt is one I've never heard before--so glad you passed along Martha Stewart's suggestion about this. (#Unite)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lois, Awe, thank you!

      Why thank you! The frame was just so perfect for that printable. :-)

      I'm glad too. :-)

      Thanks for your kind words Lois! Blessings.

      Delete
  7. Karen, So excited for you and you empty nest decorating! The white against the tan definetly pops. All the pictures look great too and I love that you started with 1 piece like the tree picture on the nightstand and added from there. There is just something about a freshly painted room that makes me feel good, and ready for a new adventure. I found you at #Unite & #TestimonyTuesday today

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie, Thank you so much! I really am so happy with how both rooms turned out.

      Indeed, a fresh coat of paint makes all the difference in transforming a room and giving us a fresh start.

      I'm so glad you visited me from Unite and Testimony Tuesday.

      Blessings,

      Delete
  8. Each one is so pretty and tasteful, Karen! :-) I loved looking at the pictures - good inspiration! :-) Love the wash basin esp. -- reminds me of Jane Austen!

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    1. Hi Alicia!

      Thank you so much for your kind words.

      You're right! ;-)

      So nice to see you here today. Blessings to you and Alex. :-)

      Delete
  9. My goodness, you really mean redecorate! I just love everything you have done with both rooms, and it does seem to be the perfect anecdote for that empty nest feeling! I know it feels marvelous to have this done! Love the colors you chose, perfect with the lighting. Have a great day :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol. I sure did! ;-)

      Thank you.

      Yes, it has been a good anecdote, especially the room that was my granddaughter's nursery before. Now the room is reinvented so to speak, and just seems like a whole new space, one that I love!

      Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by!

      Delete
  10. Love your make-overs.. esp the quilt in the bed. really pretty. I have homeschooled my 4 kids for 19 years and am 3.5 years from the empty nest myself. We have a huge great room that has been the center of our home, but with the kids moving out one by one, it's too big. I am already planning for the make-over for that room! : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen, Thank you!

      I do too! It especially adds to the coziness of the room.

      You sound like me. Planning the make-over ahead helped me to cope with the inevitable empty nest.

      I homeschooled for 11 years and I think as a homeschooling mom, the empty nest is felt more profoundly because our kids are always with us.

      I know once you redecorate you will enjoy your space as much as I am enjoying mine. :-)

      Delete
  11. I'm visiting from Woman to Woman Wednesday, and just loved this! I see you share my love for Hobby Lobby, and I see I need to visit there soon. Right now my sewing room doubles as a guest room, but when my youngest moves out, I want to make an official guest room and have been thinking about ideas. Thanks for the inspiration!

    I didn't find any links to any of the free printables - is it possible to share them? Or, I'm guessing, you may have downloaded them a while back but forgot where they came from - I have a few like that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbara, We only had the Hobby Lobby come near us in the last few years, and as you see, I visit there often. ;-)

      Awe, I'm glad you have been inspired.

      As I was typing the blog post, I was rebuking myself for not keeping track of where I found the printables because I definitely would have liked to include the links with this blog post. Sorry about that.

      I think I just googled "guest room printables" and found the two specific to a guest room. Then I think I googled "tree printables" where I found both of the printables with the trees. The calendar printable I found on a blog through one of the link-up parties I visit. I hope this helps a little.

      Thanks so much for visiting!

      Delete
  12. Very nice! I especially the first one ... so cozy and inviting!

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    1. Donna, Thanks!

      I find myself just going in the room and looking around, taking it all in, and I feel relaxed. :-)

      Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  13. It's a lovely guest room - I think simple things like the metal tree are the best/

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    1. Carol, Thank you!

      Oh I know! I just love that metal tree!

      I'm so glad you visited. :-)

      Delete
  14. Karen, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your process and thoughts behind the redecorating. Your rooms are beautiful. That chair in the guest room really gives it a nice splash of color. Well done!

    Blessings to you! I'm your neighbor today at #ThoughtProvokingThursday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gayl, I'm so glad!

      Thank you so much!

      :-D

      Thanks for stopping by! Blessings to you too!

      Delete
  15. Karen, this is a very inspiring post for me. We bought a small Kentucky farmhouse from my husband's paternal grandmother's estate and I've been working to make it our own. (Although, I don't think we'll ever take down the trivet that says, "Margie's Kitchen". :O) )

    Here's my Booknificent Thursday post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LuAnn, I'm so glad!

      Ahh! I love farmhouses! And how special to have one that was in the family!

      Oh I agree! Such a special keepsake.

      Thanks for sharing!

      Delete
  16. Karen,
    I love how you decorated your rooms...peaceful and lovely! Blessings and thanks for visiting me. Praying we both grow in hope :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dolly, Thank you! I truly am enjoying spending time in these spaces. :-)

      You are welcome! And thank you for stopping by.

      Amen!

      Delete
  17. What a beautiful transformation you created in your home and your new guest room looks so welcoming. What a blessing to be able to create that space. I am not an empty nester, yet, but I am ready to 'redo' the space we have here. After 24 years it is time to do somethings. I am starting small... simplify is my goal for this year. :)
    Blessing,
    Dawn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dawn, Thank you!

      Sounds like a plan! :-)

      Thanks so much for sharing and for stopping by.

      Delete
  18. Beautifully done!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  19. Looks wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week. I'm always so encouraged by what you share!
    Tina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!

      You are welcome!

      Awe, thank you so much for sharing that. You have blessed me. :-)

      Delete
  20. How lovely! Your house looks so welcoming! I love the grey guest bedroom - I find grey a very calm, relaxing color : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anna, Thank you.

      My daughter said the gray guest room reminded her of a spa. :-) Indeed, spas are calm and relaxing.

      I am finding that too!

      Thanks so much for stopping by. :-)

      Delete

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