Sunday, February 1, 2009

Third Metamorphosis Monday

Welcome to my Metamorphosis Monday post for this week. Thanks to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for so graciously hosting this weekly event. Visit Susan's blog at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ to see a list of this weeks participants.

This week, I've decided to share a project that is still ongoing. Our family loves to read, and our book collection was getting out of control. We were also tired of the massive entertainment center and bookcase system that seemed to be taking over the living room.


We really wanted a cleaner, simpler look for the room. We looked high and low for just the right wall unit, yet couldn't find anything we really liked that was within our budget (remember, we've got one in college!) Everything we found was either too country, too ornate, or just the wrong finish. We finally found a media stand that was exactly what we were looking for. Unfortunately, it was one that we had to assemble ourselves. So DH set to work.

What, no words?
We then added two much smaller bookcase/display units that we felt would work in the space. This is the view of the left side unit
Here is the right side unit.

We then installed two uplight wall sconces to bring some light to this side of the room and voila,
our new entertainment unit.
Can you believe we condensed that original mess into this? We sold the center unit, and are using the two end bookcases in our daughter's room, which will be turned into a guest room/small reading room. We purged alot of books that we gave to charity, and the rest were dispersed throughout the (numerous) bookcases throughout the house. I have also purchased a leather storage ottoman to replace our coffee table, but that's a post for another day! We aren't quite finished with this area. We need to find artwork for above the television, but are waiting to find just the right piece. I will also be painting the light cords to match the wall color, but since we will be repainting this room sometime this year, I decided to hold off for now. I'm sure I will be tweaking the display items for a while, but we are pretty satisfied with the results!
Hope you enjoyed our entertainment center redo, now head on over to Susan's and see what everyone else has been up to!

32 comments:

ellen b. said...

I like the black. Wow you really did condense the stuff and it looks so neat and tidy!! You've got me thinking about going through my books and purging...

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Redo looks great! Looks like you purged alot! (I know that is the hard part!)

Anonymous said...

It doesn't look like the same room! You certainly did edit all your things.
Nice new look.

Kathy b

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

Wow!!! That is quite the before and after. I bet it makes the room feel better. I can't get over your purging. I need to take lessons. LOL

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Kathy! Wow! What a difference! It is a really clean, streamlined look now! I am so impressed that you were able to purge so successfully! Great job! Have a great week! Hugs...Debbie

Dixie said...

Kathy... isn't "empty nesting" great! I really like what you've done and can't wait to what to completion! Have fun! Dixie

Kathy said...

What a great renovation!

xinex said...

Hi Kathy! I like it! It looks a lot more airy now. You must have given a lot of books away. I also like your wall color...Christine

Margaret said...

purging is something I need to do! Love the black!!!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

You really did a nice job of streamling. Looks good! cindy

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Wow Kathy, your new unit is just gorgeous. You really did purge those books. How wonderful to donate them, other can have the blessing of reading great books. I love the lights you added above the bookcases, they add such interest to the wall. Great job. Hugs, Marty

Lisa (aka) French said...

Love the black...amazing what we can get rid of when we set our minds to it;) French

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Kathy, Wow...this looks great! I love your wall sconces...really changed the whole look of that wall! Great job! Susan

Lori said...

OMG!!!
This looks great!
I like this a lot better!
Thanks for sharing your photos....
Have a great week!

Unknown said...

Great job, Kathy, I love the streamlined new look. Have fun with artwork search!

Kathysue said...

Hi Kat,Wow what a difference,You are a great purger,I need you here to help me with my pantry and closet.This looks so wonderful.The sconces were the perfect addition to your new streamlined look.Wonderful job,Can't wait to see the rest of the room.kathysue

Bo said...

Wow...I'd have given up as soon as I saw those instructions Mr. Emptynester is looking at...LOL...
Pat him on the head & tell him he did a great job (so didyou!);-) Bo

Linda Q said...

Great Met Monday job! Looks so much lighter and updated.
Linda Q

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

*closing this window out real quick before hubby sees it & gets ideas*

Happy Met Monday!

DesignTies said...

BIG difference, Kathy! And don't you love having things cleaner, lighter and more streamlined in your living room?! I'm a big fan of clean, contemporary lines to furniture and these new pieces really fit the bill.
Excellent!
Victoria (one half of DesignTies)

Beth at Aunties said...

The black si pretty. I am amazed you were able to condense it all. It gives me hope for some closets!
It's time sort and purg! Thanks for the inspiration:)

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Your transformation is really lovely and very current! I love the way the black looks so crisp and fresh and classy. By the way, you commented on my painting above the sewing machine....well, my MIL painted it from a picture I saw in a magazine....how's that for talent!

nikkicrumpet said...

It looks really great...although I don't know how you got rid of so many books. But it does look much nicer and I love the black!

~CC Catherine said...

Tremendous before and after pics! The black really does look great! Super job! ~CC Catherine

Salmagundi said...

I love the color of the entertainment center with the color of your walls. Looks classy!! Sally

Blondie's Journal said...

Kathy,

I really love the new shelving and the upright lamps are a great idea to add light seperate from the TV.

I have book shelves all over my house and like to see them in magazines for ides on how to make them look better. I learned a trick of standing some up and lying some down-stacked. It adds a little interest & you can leave a little room on the stack for a picture or knick-knack.

Tell hubby he did a great job!!

xoxo
Jane

Unknown said...

I love the redo. It is beautiful and much cleaner. Thanks for visiting my blog.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Wow girl.. this is incredible. We love books around here as well. I purged many of them over the past few years.. they are slowly growing again.. lol.. thanks for swinging in.. The lamp my daughter gave me for Christmas a few years back and is on 24/7. Have a super evening. hugs ~lynne~

Anonymous said...

Well done.And doesn't it make you feel so good that dh did it himself?...ann

Lynette said...

Umm, Kathy, I'm not sure to be honest? I just posted mine when I got them in the mail. Kimm and I didn't plan to post them the same day - it just worked out that way? I don't think it really matters though.

Maybe I need that "Dory" award after all?

Oh, your room looks great!!

lvroftiques said...

KATHY!!!!! Awww girlfriend it was sooo great to hear from you!! Thank you so much for your prayers! Mom is doing much better. Girlfriend I wish I coulda been there for that book reduction...I'd love to pick up a few more. I'd eventually like to have a great wall of books *winks* Your redo looks so great and sleek! Very hip and modern! Thank goodness for our hubbys who can put stuff together using those wacky instructions...I am always completely lost when I read those things! I'm lucky my head is attached by my neck or I'd probably lose it! Lol! Anyhoo I'm so happy to be back and bloggin' Sure missed you guys! Vanna

April said...

Hi there!
I've seen you on the Muse's blog and thought I'd drop by. I see that you are an empty nester. Well, my oldest daughter will be off to college next year...I am so not ready for it, either! I know it has to be a big adjustment. Anyhow, feel free to drop over anytime...I love meeting new people!