Hello beautiful friends! Boy are you in for a treat today. You get to see real life, y’all! If you missed the full empty house tour, you can see that HERE.
I also shared what we got done prior to moving in HERE. Then…total chaos! It has been five days since we moved in and my house is definitely a hot mess right now, and I thought you might enjoy seeing it ha ha. It will make you appreciate my progress when the rooms are complete, right?
But first, I have had many people reach out to ask why we are selling our old house. It seems we finally had everything just the way we wanted it. (Isn’t that always the way?) We have been wanting to sell for a while now. Our home was lovely, and being able to bikeride to the beach was a treat for sure, but we just needed more space, both indoors and out. Our old home was three bedrooms and the first floor was basically one big open space that we all shared. We needed space to retreat to, especially with a teenager.
I also needed more room to work. My office was a desk in the living room, and the garage was my work space and storage area. I needed a dedicated storage space so the garage could be a more functional work space.
The last reason was our outdoor space. I absolutely loved my gardens and I will miss them for sure, but we could almost reach out and touch our neighbors (good thing they were so awesome!), and our back yard backed up to a 55mph roadway. Talk about noise pollution. SO there you have it! We made the house work for us the best we could, but it was time for a change.
I spent most of yesterday cleaning it (with my Mom’s help again… I love you, Mom!!) to get it ready for the market. I have some painting to do over there tomorrow and then it will be ready!
Whew! On to The Hot Mess Tour of our new house!
Moving day!
These guys were awesome and worked non-stop! They were able to fit everything on the bigger truck except for hubby’s recliner and my largest area rug. They had that thing packed tight!
The first thing I noticed when they unloaded my furniture is that all of my furniture needs a major facelift! That creamy white I have loved for so many years looks so out of place next to my bright white walls…
They will eventually get a new paint job to freshen them up.
What do y’all think about that light fixture? My Mom and MIL love it…me, not so sure?
This was how my dining room looked as of today. I don’t want to do much in there until I change out the floors to match the ones I installed in the living room and paint. Hubby thinks the water cooler is a great addition. Um, no.
My office doesn’t look much better:
I told the moving guys to leave the top of the desk off and face the desk towards the window so I can see out. Perfect…except when I sit behind the screen, I can’t even see around it ha ha. And who didn’t bother to paint the back of the desk ahem?? Yep, that was me…oopsie.
(I told you this was real life, right?)
I shared this pic on my Facebook page on Saturday…getting a whole lot of nothing done, except lunch of course.
I did get my slip covers washed and put on and rolled the rug out. I also unpacked a bunch of my accessories onto the built-ins:
I can’t wait to style them! My sectional will not work in this space so I am just going to use the sofa portion of it for now.
I asked for your input on hanging the TV above the fireplace. I really did not want to and most of you agreed, but as you can see the room is just not working with the sofa under the window:
The room is wider than it is deep and is better suited for positioning the sofa in front of the fireplace, hence the TV will likely end up there. It is not my first choice but at least I’ll be able to see the TV from the kitchen that way. Thanks to everyone who chimed in!
I also got several questions about the ceiling. Sometimes the way the light hits it, it almost looks 3-D, but it is just swirled like the walls.
Here it is close up:
I still have a few boxes left to go through, but not many at all. Unfortunately my storage room has become a dumping ground for anything décor related and anything else we just don’t know what to do with at the moment.
The garage is even worse:
Real life, y’all.
I did create a pegboard tool storage area though…real actual bonafied progress!
Let the record show that I have accomplished something. I have no earthly idea where my camera is (these are all cell phone pics), but I can tell you exactly where my upholstery staple remover is!
I also got Brennan’s room pretty much done. I am still working on a few details and then I will share it. I also let the boys pick out new décor for their bathroom. They did a pretty good job! I will work on that this weekend.
I also picked out a few things of my own…
I went in looking for this:
HomeGoods is dangerous!
I’m also still working on a solution for a kitchen table set. My old house didn’t have an eat-in area so I am looking forward to that. I have priced new sets and I. just. can’t. I just can’t bring myself to buy new, so I am on the hunt. 🙂
That’s it for now, my sweet friends! I hope you enjoyed The Hot Mess Tour! I’m just going to keep plugging along and it will eventually get there!
If you need a thrifty makeover fix, how about this oldie but goodie?
See how this very boring thrift store bookcase I scored for $12 became a real charmer HERE.
Have a great weekend! (You know what I’ll be doing!)
UPDATE: One of these rooms got completely organized! See which one it is HERE!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Christina in FL says
OH my, Christy, this is a tiring process! I yawned just looking at the photos! Where are those minions when you need them? :))) Beautiful home and I know you will have it styled (and restyled…) gorgeously!!!
Christy says
Ha ha it sure is, Christina! I could really use a day off…or yes…several helpers! Thanks for the encouragement! XOXO
Paula says
I had no idea that your old house backed up to a road. I always pictured it being right beside the beach. 🙂
What you’ve already accomplished in your new house is pretty amazing. To have a new floor, paint, and a few rooms unpacked would take most people a few months.
Your pegboard looks like what I want our workroom to look like. We do have pegboard but we have not much of an organization and it drives me nutty.
I look forward to your next update!
Christy says
Thank you, Paula! I appreciate your encouragement! Yes our house was very close to the beach, but one of the main roads that takes you there was right behind my house. It could get pretty noisy out there in the Summer months.
I don’t have much in the way of decorating done at all. I need to paint the rest of the rooms first, but the kitchen and bathrooms are all organized and functional. The next logical step for me was to figure out a way to organize my tools. The rest of the garage is next! I’ve definitely got a lot to keep me busy! XOXO
Sandy says
I love that you kept it so real. Having moved last year, I can so relate. Moving means chaos. No way around it!
Christy says
Oh you are exactly right, Sandy! It is total chaos for sure! XO
Mary Kaiser says
I love it, I remember that look from the times I have moved over the years. It will be fun to see how it all comes together. HAVE FUN!
Christy says
Oh yes…there is no way to escape the chaos ha ha! Thanks, Mary! XOXO
chris tucker says
oh but isn’t it fun ha ha xx
Christy says
No…no it isn’t ha ha. Okay, maybe a little…the really fun stuff is coming though! XOXO
Lori says
I can just imagine when you get all straightened out your home will be beautiful.
I would hate to think us moving, after 20 years being here all the stuff to pack – for sure would have to hire a moving company to pack it all up 🙁
Christy says
Aww thanks, Lori! I hope so! You don’t realize how much stuff you accumulate over the years until you have to box it all up. Moving is great for getting a fresh start though, and yes…hire movers! XOXO
Cecilia says
Oh moving…a joy yet so much work! The light fixture in the dining room is definitely unique lol. You could make it work but if not, give it to one of the moms since they like it. ????
Have fun with it all. It will be lots of fun to follow along!
Christy says
I know, right? Fun, but exhausting! The light was too much for me at first, but I think it might be growing on me…wondering how it would look if I painted all the silver parts white?? 🙂
Marcie Lovett says
Love the tour, Christy! Thanks for keeping it real. The pegboard wall is phenomenal! Do you think you might actually fit a car in this garage when you’re not painting (hahahaha)?
I think you should paint the dining room and keep the furniture the way it is. Although it really does look yellow in that room. I spy the blue kitchen cart, looking forlorn. Is it going to end up in the booth? So many decisions to make. Have fun with it!
Christy says
Ha ha glad you enjoyed it, Marcie! No, I don’t think I will ever be able to fit a car in my garage because it is also my workspace, but wouldn’t that be nice? The furniture all needs a freshening up anyway, so I don’t mind giving it a lift…might need to bust out the sprayer though since there are so many pieces I want to paint now! Yes, the sad blue cart. If I can’t use it anywhere, it will head to the shop. It was a good little cart while it lasted. XOXO
Amy says
This post today made thousands of women and men feel good about themselves!! It’s totally real life! I think the tv will look good over the fireplace (mine is too and wish it didn’t have to be) because you have those wonderful bookcases on either side that you can style whenever and however you want! That’ll make up for it! And as for that giant computer screen, that needs to go on an angle so you can stop and at least see the roses when you need to! 😀 hahaha
My dining room set looks like your furniture, can you call my husband and tell him it really needs to be painted? Nah, nevermind, I’m just going to paint it and be done with it! I’ll do it while he’s at work. Can’t wait to see each and everything you do with your new home, it’s all so exciting isn’t it?
Christy says
Ha ha well I am thrilled if that is the case, Amy! Yes this was absolute real life! We were watching football tonight and we hated that we couldn’t see the TV without going around the corner…so above the fireplace it is. You’re right, It will be fine since I have all the bookcases to display pretty things! Yes…paint what you want…I don’t think they really care anyway even if they do put up a fuss about it! I’m so glad you are enjoying seeing the house unfold… I am too ha ha! XOXO
Candy says
Your new home is wonderful and I am sure it will be just gorgeous with your added touch.
Blessings,
Candy
Christy says
Thank you so much, Candy! XOXO
Sherry Stuifbergen says
We need “chaos” before everything is put right. Things have to get “stirred” once in awhile. I understand why you moved. I think the TV will be okay above the fireplace since fireplace is black too. (coordinates)…what I could see. I hate that the TV is the big “focus.” I can’t wait to see what you put on your built-in’s. Don’t get in a hurry with your house redecorating. Live in it awhile and make sure on your decisions first…(MY advice.) I loved your sectional and hate that you can’t use all of it, especially after you worked so hard to recover it. I look forward to many interesting blog sessions as you go through the “process.” You have very good taste. I love unpainted wood, (antiques and aged pieces) but I like what you do with paint too.
Christy says
Thank you, Sherry! I am definitely taking your advice about taking it slow with the decorating. I love my home to feel collected over time, so I am trying to take my time. I was bummed that I couldn’t use all of my sectional either after making all the covers. The sofa piece looks pretty though so at least I get to use part of it! XOXO
DeAnna Moore says
Oh, I just love watching all this come together! Keep the pictures coming.. love to see what you have in mind for your decor! Your living room rug is awesome, by the way!
Christy says
I’m so happy to hear you are enjoying even the “ugly” photos, DeAnna! I may not have any pretty makeovers to share for a bit, but I do need a few pieces for this house. It will be fun being able to make over some pieces for my own space for a change! I bought that rug a couple of years ago along with a couple of smaller versions that I used in other spaces. I’m excited to see that they will work here too! XOXO
diane says
nay to dining room fixture. let mom and MIL toss a qtr for it. or use somewhere else in the house.
Christy says
Ha ha I am feeling that way exactly! I am curious how it would look if I painted all the silver parts white though. 🙂
Addie says
Moving is fun!!! ….as long as you are doing it!!! I am sure you will be up and running in know time. It will be fun to watch.
Christy says
Moving is fun in a weird sort of way, but yes a ton of work! It has been nice to be able to go through every space and really purge though. 😀
Julie Briones says
Okay… first off… you are doing GREAT! I can’t believe you got a garage peg-board already set up. (Aside… I was just given a Canon Rebel XSi, used but new to me… I’m so excited.)
Is that the Campfire Ash where your dining room set is? Isn’t it odd how new paint ‘changes’ furniture colors?! 😉 I need to remember that! Still love the wall color… LOTS. And your buffet/sideboard still looks perfect in there! Don’t really like the chandy… does not go with your farmhouse/cottage/coastal style. Maybe in a bedroom?
Love the ceiling texture.
Okay… that is all. 😉
Christy says
Thanks for the encouragement, Julie!! You know getting my tools in order is a priority, after the kitchen and baths of course. We need to eat and be clean more than I need to find my level lol. Congrats on your new camera! Push yourself to learn manual mode as soon as you can. It is literally three settings, and once you learn what they do, you will be amazed at the difference in your photos!
The dining room has not been painted yet. I used the campfire ash in the living room and master so far, but I will eventually use it in the dining room as well. I think the furniture just needs a refresh, but it could use it anyway. I agree about the chandelier…kind of wondering what it might look like if I paint all the silver parts white though? Add it to the project list! 🙂 XO
Julie Briones says
Yep… totally have the camera already set to manual… ISO 100, plus f-stop and aperture, right?! Working on it. Looking at everyone’s blogs to see if they have tutorials. If you know of any, let me know. My kids are both wedding photographers, so I will have that help, too! (Though, I had to explain to my son about taking room photographs with a tripod… he didn’t understand that, at first.) 😉 So I schooled him! LOL!
Christy says
Oh you are lucky to have your kids to help you! And yes photographing people that are moving is a little different than still shots…that tripod is the key! I took Kevin Palmer’s Shoot Fly Shoot class and honestly learned as much as I needed to get started in the first couple of classes! He used a Rebel to teach when I took it. 🙂
Sherry Darlington says
I love You! I love that you’re real…that your house is a hot mess…that you didn’t paint the back of the desk…that things don’t always work the way you intended. It gives me hope & inspiration! Thank you for being you.
Christy says
Oh ha ha thank you for that, Sherry! I’m glad you approve of the real life photos because that is my life right now lol! XOXO
Leanne says
Love it! You just can’t beat real life!
We are doing our outdoor -large two tier deck Reno and it’s true real life! Inside and out! Lol
Have fun and thanx for letting us enjoy your “fun” with your new home!
Can’t wait to see the updates!
Christy says
Thank you, Leanne! Yeah, girl…real life is real messy around here right now and it sounds like it is at your place too! I’m sure the hours of enjoyment you will get out of your new deck will be worth all the mess! XOXO
Joan says
Oh My! I’m exhausted just reading your last few posts! You can get more accomplished in 2 weeks than anyone I know! Installing floors, painting, packing, cleaning, unpacking… Whew! Love you new place and can’t wait to see all that you do with it. You will have so much sunlight for flowers in the backyard, I’m jealous! And your dedicated storage room and office are so nice for you. Do you have basements in your area?
I hear what you mean about the TV above the fireplace but you do have all those wonderful shelves for display. Also I was so hoping you would be keeping the light fixture in the dining room – I think it is beautiful and so different for a chandelier.
Thanks for the updates with your home’s progress and best wishes for many happy years and experiences there!
Christy says
Ha ha I AM exhausted, Joan, but it feels so good to get things done, and I know it won’t be this chaotic forever. I am excited to tackle the outside in the Spring, and make it beautiful again. And the storage room? That was a deal-maker for me for sure! I cannot wait to get that space organized and functional. We do not have basements here since we are so close to sea-level, so that extra room will be appreciated for sure!
Thinking about keeping the chandelier but maybe painting all the chrome parts white? I love all the glass on it but I think it looks a bit too shiny and new for me with all the chrome. We shall see! Thanks for the well-wishes!! XOXO
Margie says
Oh Christy bless your heart I have a headache looking at all that’s left to do????????????.You’re going to have a wonderful space to make new memories. Light in dining room not sure till you see what you might do with furniture. Can’t wait to see all the progress.
Christy says
Thank you, Margie! We do have a lot left to do, but it will get there eventually lol! XOXO
Tammy (Pa.) says
‘Thanks for keeping it real… Can’t wait to see it all set up..!!
Christy says
My pleasure, Tammy! Always willing to share my mess with the world lol. XOXO
Diane says
I can’t wait to see how you decorate this home! I know it will be gorgeous!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Diane! XO
Crystal says
Ha, love the real life posts, but wouldn’t it be easier to paint your rooms than repaint all the furniture? Since you love the ivory finish? Or are you tired of the color and want to paint the furniture anyway? Just curious…..
Christy says
Hi Crystal! My furniture is about due for a refresh anyway, so they’ll be getting a touch up here soon! 🙂
Patty says
Christy I really don’t envy the job you have to face unpacking and putting everything away, that is one of the worst parts of moving, I just always would tell myself just look at your new beautiful home and all the space you have, haha, it didn’t help much, but somehow I always got it done.
I love the chandelier in your dining room I have never seen one like it before, I would love to see it all lit up, and I think it goes well with your furniture.
I got tickled when I saw the tools all organized in the garage, that would be my husband, no dishes unpacked to eat off of but his tools are organized, I have been there and done that.
Your home will be beautiful when you are done, I’m sure you have a long list of things you want to change and I have no doubt you will get it all done.
Christy says
It really is tedious work unpacking and finding a home for everything, but yes I tell myself the same thing lol…look how much space you have! It will be wonderful when it is all done! I’m going to live with the chandelier for a bit. I think it starting to grow on me. As for the tools in the garage, my hubby could live with them in a big bin all thrown together…not me! I need to be organized…so glad I can find the tools I need now. Thanks so much for the encouragement, Patty! XOXO
Becky says
Oh wow. I’m glad it’s been 5 years since our last move. And that I plan on dying in this house, haha! : ) Grab yourself some coffee, and good luck!! : )
Christy says
Ha ha thank you…I need it! XOXO
Pam says
I love this post….it’s how we really live. I get tired o seeing ‘perfection’. There are just so many new opportunities for decorating and making it your own; I cannot wait to see what you do with it. You have such a good eye and sense of style that I know it will be an evolution to gorgeousness…and your style may evolve too, to fit the new house’s personality. When I moved a few years ago, I think people were surprised at some of my decorating choices but I had to change things to fit the new place….things I had purchased for the old house either no longer worked or needed to be used in different ways…and I think that’s OK. For what it’s worth, I really like the light fixture in the dining room…it looks like it would be beautiful at night.
Christy says
Aww thanks, Pam! I’m so glad you enjoyed my real life tour because this is real life at my house right now ha ha. I worked all day today and it still doesn’t seem to look much different! I am taking my time deciding how I want to personalize each space and I think you may be right…I may find that my style will evolve a bit here. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all comes together too. The chandelier is growing on me…might be a keeper! Thank you for your thoughtful comment! XOXO
Stephanie says
I love this post! Moving sucks, but I would love to do it right now. My hubby & I bought a fixer upper 10 years ago because it was in our budget and between him and the cats… it’s still a fixer upper. Yay. I would use moving as an excuse to throw everything away and just buy new stuff.
I mentally redecorated your house as I read the post. Hope you don’t mind, but that white canvas was begging for a touch of my imagination.
The dining room – I’d paint the ceiling turquoise so that chandelier pops out like sea glass. Those swirls up there look like the ocean. Is that all through the house? Who does that? Maybe it’s better in person. And the walls would be one of those grey-taupe colors with a name like Labatts Pewter Light or Smoked Cottonmouth.
The living room – I don’t like fireplaces at all. Not my thing. I’d take it out and paint the hole left behind white and hang a seasonal wreath in there, or something. Then the TV can go over it and the couch across from it. Then you won’t have window glare on the TV either. That floor is gorgeous!! I love the fact that it doesn’t have accidental gorilla glue dropping or cat yack on it.
Garage – Love the peg board!! You did a great job. My hubby has one in his shed. He outlined all the tools so he knows where they go. He has zero talent with a marker though, so when a tool is missing it looks like an amateur body outline at a crime scene. “Who murder the hammer?!”
Thanks for posting your new home move-in progress! I had a great time visiting! : )
Christy says
Oh my gosh, Stephanie, your comment made me laugh! Who murdered the hammer?? Insert crying/laughing emoji here!! I don’t mind you decorating my house at all since I haven’t even gotten to that point yet! XOXO
Sheila DelCharco says
I don’t envy you but I look forward to the changes you’ll make and how it will all come together!
Christy says
Ha ha thank you, Sheila! XOXO
Paula says
I am jealous of the peg board in the garage! I need to make myself one of those asap! Thanks for the inspiration! Amazing job on the new house! I love the chandelier! Maybe once you freshen up the paint on the furniture it will fit in more and be more to your liking. I look forward to your next project!
Christy says
Ha ha thank you, Paula! It is really nice to have my tools organized! And I am thinking the same thing about the furniture! 🙂
Cathere says
I feel for you 🙂 I was living with my mother and all of my grandmothers and great-grandmothers things that my mom couldn’t let go of. Then mom became ill and passed a year later. Everything went into storage to deal with when things were a little less emotional and I could just pack them into my moving van when it was all done and move to North Carolina….except that after being single for forever I met my husband during that last year of mom’s life (I know she sent him to me so I wouldn’t walk the planet alone 🙂 ) and well, after a week in NC without him (went for a month long trial rental before moving) I came back to AZ. he couldn’t move (elderly father and a great job of over 20 years) so I stayed. We got married and finally built a house after looking for several months. I got the house pretty much the way I wanted but now dad’s manufactured home (dad died just before we moved in) is filled with my family stuff AND his family stuff! We’ve now been in over 2 years and finally getting the interior painting done (we tried, we failed, lol! Stick to the things you’re good at!). We’re still finding pieces of furniture, only 2 new – the guest bed and the Ikea white couch. So good luck with the move, happy you found a place that works for you. This looks like a newer development as opposed to the old house – which I myself miss, but as long as you love it, its home, right? Thanks for sharing your “I’m normal too” photos and many blessings to your family in your new place!
Christy says
Thsnk you, Cathere! It seems like you’ve had a lot on your plate! So happy your Mom sent you your sweet hubby! <3 This development is only about 10 years old, and you are correct...our old home was built in the 80s. It is really nice to have a newer home! And yes! I am definitely normal too ha ha. XOXO
Debbie in TX says
Everything is coming together. I think you could paint the chandelier white and if you don’t like it at that point, sell it in your shop and put a different one in your dining room. Don’t know the exact measurements, but it seems like you might be able to use your sectional sofa if you ran the longest part directly across from the TV and the shorter side toward the bookcase (and put the recliner on the other side). Just a thought. Had to laugh when I saw the back side of your desk as well as the heaping Home Goods basket!!!! Keep on trucking, girl!
Christy says
I like your idea for the chandelier, Debbie! I think I’m going to try and add some white and see how it goes. I also have the option to put it in the entry way up above the staircase, so we shall see! And yes I never did pull that desk away from the wall to paint it ha ha. It had that big hutch on the top of it and it was just too heavy! That home goods trip with one of the few times I was in the store by myself without my boys… And I took advantage of it! Thanks for the encouragement! XOXO