We are saying goodbye to the den
and with mixed emotions...
Built in the early 70's our den is paneled.
Some folks cringe at the thought of paneling and I typically do too,
but the wormy chestnut paneling in this room has never bothered me.
This is where my hubby and I spend our leisure time,
it's warm and cozy,
and I've never really thought about painting these walls.
(The bay window will soon be replaced with a sink under it...yay!)
This built-in shelving is in the den
and sits just to the left of the fireplace.
It was here when we moved in.
With dark brown sides and shelves,
and wall paneling visible through the back,
I knew right away that it would be painted.
Everything except the back was painted white.
To cover the back, I cut pieces of cardboard to the right size,
and then wrapped each piece with remnant fabric left over from reupholstering the couch.
When I think of it, there was really no rhyme or reason to the items placed on these shelves.
We moved in with pieces from my shop needing to be stored away,
there were pictures of the kids I wasn't ready to keep packed away,
the World Book Encyclopedia books were still being used (pre www),
and I found myself with LOTS of shelves needing to be filled.
No rhyme or reason, things were just placed...
Along the way a few things have been removed for something being added,
but I pass by this area daily and other than a dusting every once in a while,
it doesn't get my attention.
It's just kind of there, tucked in the corner...
Well,
I'm paying attention to it now because this den will soon be a kitchen.
Packing everything away in boxes for now,
and will divvy up what stays and what goes when I unpack.
There's too much going on to worry about that right now,
but when all the dust settles...I am decluttering!
The great-room floors are almost finished so we will be moving the den furniture in there.
It is exciting,
but we will miss our cozy 70's paneled den.
Join us each week for AMAZE ME MONDAY...
Sharing with: MET MONDAY, HOME SWEET HOME, BE INSPIRED
I absolutely love those curtains, I'm kind of sad to see your cozy den go away. I always liked it.
ReplyDeleteOoh, Cindy - love that occasional chair with crewel work, and that floral concrete (?) urn, as well as the red transferware vase. When we refinished our wood floors on our first floor, it was a great time for changing things up. Once the dust settles, think of all the fun you'll be having!
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteEverything looks great! I like the white and all of your treasures are so pretty on the shelves. I understand the need to update and declutter. My husband and I are going to be doing some building soon.. (can't believe I'm writing this) as we down size a bit. We've accumulated SO much over the years and it's time for change.
I love the paneling in your den. You're right, it is very cozy. And how brilliant of you to wrap cardboard in fabric for the backs of your bookshelves. So much easier than trying to wallpaper or paint the backs. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Patti
I am love that concrete piece near the chair very much. It is exciting about changing this room. I can't wait to see the progress and what you choose!
ReplyDeleteCynthia
Oh Cindy... Although I am excited for getting a new kitchen, I have to agree with some of the others...I will miss visiting your cozy den with all of that gorgeous red and blue! I know it will be beautifful as a new kitchen as well :)
ReplyDeleteI love your cozy den, the paneling and the shelves! I'd be hard-pressed to change a thing, but know whatever you do will be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love a well decorated shelf. It's truly an art to be able to arrange things in a great display. So excited to see your changes to come!
ReplyDeleteI love that poppy set you have (or had) on your shelves. I have a hard time thinking this will be a kitchen... I can't wait to see it, though!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this tour so very much, your home "says," love grows here! I adore your poppy plates and saucers-looking forward to seeing your remodel-
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend,
Jemma
I had paneled walls in my 1st home too. It was in the basement so it was dark and dingy and I had to paint over them. But I can see why you love yours since the den has so much light! It would tough going thru all your treasures Cindy, but I know that what will be left will be things that you truly love and are priceless to you!
ReplyDeleteThose shelves are beautifully style! Very fetching.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
But you'll love the changes once they are made. I sure love the fringed pillows and framed photos. Everything looks very cozy and comfy. You'll have to find a place for all of your pretties throughout the house! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteYour shelves are so pretty and I know you'll miss them but a nice new kitchen is going to be so much better!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a cozy room filled with lots of memories for you to treasure. The shelves are gorgeous. Can they be worked into the design? You know, for displaying iron stone, maybe adding glass doors?
ReplyDeleteJust thinking ....
Hugs,
Patti
What a pretty room..I was drawn to the red flowers immediately on your fabrics! Love your shelves and tea set. I hope you take lots of pictures of your kitchen remodel...would be fun to see it progress! I bet you will miss your cozy den but what a nice way to reuse your space!
ReplyDeleteMiss Bloomers
What a nice room. I'm glad you didn't succumb to painting the paneling. So many people think it's the ony way to go but your room wouldn't have had the coziness it did if you had painted it white or such. So it's going to be a kitchen now? That sounds really exciting. I love that crewel chair- what a treasure! We remodeled in 1996 and I still can remember how excited I was about the new room we added on and though I didn't get a new kitchen it was new in it's essence with new cupboards etc.
ReplyDelete