Happy Monday! I trust you had a wonderful weekend. Thanks to all of Scott’s fans who stopped by the blog to read my interview last week – there were a lot of you!
Today, I’m sharing the “Afters” of the den makeover. I know I have shown you snippets but I couldn’t show the entire room until it ran in the National Post.
Well, this weekend they ran the story. You can read it here – love how the caption is “Not a Man Cave…” It has details on how I planned out the space and some of the sources. You can also read more info here including the designs of some blogger friends.
I designed the ottoman and chair and my upholsterer created it. This was because I couldn’t find the pieces in the dimensions and fabric I wanted – so when in doubt, go custom! That chair is so comfortable. It’s 42” high so you can rest your head back and the arms are at the right height for reading.
And just so that you can appreciate the After, these are the scary Before photos of the room. As I wrote in the article – very embarrassing indeed! My husband used to watch the tiny TV lying on the “bear” chair – poor guy. He had the Ikea console and bookcase before I met him around 17 years ago. It was time for everything to go including the carpet which we replaced with this berber from the Home Depot.
The TV media unit was one we had in the family room but it always felt a bit too small for the wall so we relocated it to this room where it has more of a presence on this small wall. I also changed out the hardware to these ones from Lee Valley. Photographs of our trips to Portugal, Barbados and Florida and original art frame the TV. My 10 yr old daughter painted the circle painting and the ink painting on the lower left is by Karin Lynn Cumming via In2Art Gallery in Oakville.
All photos: KWest Images
It really has become one of our favourite rooms in the house. We have “reading Sundays” where my daughter and I read lying on the daybed and my husband reads sitting in the chair. (It’s just a way of making reading fun for my daughter who would much rather be on her ipod!) Because the room is so small, it’s really cozy in there!
Have a great week!
Do you have a neglected room that could use some TLC? Contact me at vanessa(at)vanessafrancis.com.
Inspire Me Heather
February 25, 2013Your den looks beautiful – you’ve done a wonderful job!
Lindsey Gerrish
February 25, 2013I love the final product! Looks fantastic. Great wallpaper!
barbara@hodge:podge
February 25, 2013Wow, that looks fabulous Vanessa! It all looks so warm and inviting!
Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt
February 25, 2013It came out great…love the wall paper!
Tammy@InStitches
February 25, 2013What a pretty room and a great idea to have a day bed in the den !
Claire Jefford
February 25, 2013I love the pops of orange and the wallpaper. Nicely done Vanessa!!
Lisa
February 25, 2013Lovely cosy room Vanessa. The wallpaper is lovely and I love the navy side table.
Stacey
February 25, 2013Beautiful transformation! So fresh and bright!
Salvaged Inspirations
February 25, 2013Hi Vanessa…first time visiting and LOVE your site. This “Not a Man Cave” reveal looks great and your daughters circle art is spectacular! Must drop by in2art gallery as I’m just a 20 minute drive away.
Vanessa@decor happy
February 27, 2013Thanks so much! Yes you must and Lisa (one of the owners) is a pleasure to deal with.
Hollie Cooper
February 25, 2013What a nice space. I love the colour scheme with pops of orange.
Pam @ Cherish Toronto
February 25, 2013Such an improvement – great job, Vanessa!! I love the wallpaper you chose, it gives the room a little something special. It’s good to hear that your entire family takes time out to enjoy some quiet reading in the new space. Fun!
Vanessa@decor happy
February 27, 2013Haha…anything would have been an improvement Pam!
Jenny @ Simcoe Street
February 25, 2013The wallpaper is amazing. Love how the space came together. What a great den!
Jenny
http://simcoestreet.blogspot.ca/
Kim@Chattafabulous
February 25, 2013Fantastic makeover! In love with the wallpaper and the color palette!
http://www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com
Jen @ RamblingRenovators
February 25, 2013Looks so good, Vanessa! I love that you use the room as a family on Sundays.
Marsha
February 26, 2013Wow-you did a great job on the room. I haven’t seen the Cow Parsley in a neutral color and I think it makes the room…along with the ottoman and pops of orange. Great blog.
Elizabeth (Blue Clear Sky)
February 26, 2013That is a lovely spot you have created and wonderful that you spend reading time together. The chair looks very comfy.
Lisa
February 27, 2013Hi Vanessa
Love everything in your new den! You did a great job.
What did you use to cover the mattress on the day bed? I have the same one from West Elm and I have a new mattress that is not a pillow top, every fitted sheet I have tried is way too big. I ordered a cover from West Elm, but sent it back because it was very cheap feeling and really only a fitted sheet. Did you have it custom upholstered? Thanks so much.
Vanessa@decor happy
February 27, 2013Thanks Lisa! I keep a mattress protector on it – it is a little big but I just tuck it in. Then I just keep a cotton blanket like this one on top. I plan on getting a cover made by Tonic Living (similar to the futon covers they make)which will make it look more like a sofa and less like a bed. I actually dislike how the blanket looks in the photos – wish I had noticed the messy corners!
Dee
February 27, 2013Great reveal shots! Definitely a transformation. Congrats on it being in the National post too! Wow..
http://www.delolovesdesign.com
designchic
March 1, 2013What a wonderful room – just love the wallpaper!!
Lisa Mackay
March 27, 2013Hey Vanessa, I am way behind on my blog reading and whizzing through posts but had to stop and comment here – this looks AMAZING! You did such a stellar job, I just love it. WOOT!