Renovation Update: The Living Room

Renovation Update Living Room

It feels like there is a chill in the air these days. The days may still be long and sunny (ish) but there is a definite sense of autumn round the corner. My thoughts have turned to restocking our wood store and wondering if the latest batch of new windows will keep out the cold. Annndddd the next phase of living room renovations is complete!

Honestly, I think NO-ONE moves as slowly as us but I know it will all be worth it in the end. So what’s the latest? Well after replacing the windows, shutters and installing a log burner, things had come to a bit of a standstill. Now though it’s full steam ahead. This year we’ve decided we really want to focus on the living room especially as it’s one of the rooms we spend most time in.

We’re now finished with the electrics in this room. The central pendant light has been replaced by four downlighters – we’re not really ones for ceiling lights of any description but the downlighters give off far greater light and also aren’t too obtrusive. We’ve also had three new plug sockets added, one in the alcove behind the TV and two down in a corner by the sofa where the wi-fi is connected up.

Next, the dreaded gas tap is no longer! When we moved in, a hideous gas fireplace was alive and well. One of those ones where you turn a tap next to the fireplace, light a match and hope for the best. Super safe wouldn’t you say? We always knew it needed to come out before we replaced the floor but I kept putting it off. And then every so often we’d get the faintest smell of gas and I kept thinking it had to be sorted out. And you know what? It cost just £80. I’ll forever wonder why I took so long.

Renovation Update Gas Tap

Renovation Update Gas Tap

Last but by no means least, the whole room has been replastered. It wasn’t in bad condition but the entire room was covered in lining paper. Lining paper that I knew was a ticking time bomb before it would eventually start bubbling as the structural cracks underneath gave way. Plus, we had artex-effect wallpaper on the ceiling. Because why not? #eyeroll

Living Room Replaster

Renovation Update Living Room

Renovation Update Living Room

Now the radiator has gone (we took it off, left it on the drive and within 24 hours someone had taken it off our hands), the old cracked skirting board has gone to the tip and we have beautifully smooth walls, all ready for the next phase. We’ve since had a quote for the painter to come round AND we’re looking at new flooring so who knows, by Christmas we may *almost* have a finished room…

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16 Comments

  1. August 27, 2018 / 8:09 pm

    One of my favourite things about your renovation is that you’re slow! Yes, I know that in blog world things seem to happen overnight but I love the reality of everything you share. Also, there’s nothing quite as exciting as freshly plastered walls (does that make me weird?) Anyway, can’t wait to see the finished room! x

    • Lins
      Author
      September 2, 2018 / 10:06 pm

      Aww thanks Christine that makes me feel so much better! I just don’t know how people manage to do things so quickly, where do they find the money?! And no, you’re not alone – I too love freshly plastered walls X

  2. seasonsincolour
    September 1, 2018 / 6:08 pm

    Lins, looking forward to the paint going on those really smooth walls – when will you share your mood board for this room? As for taking your time? There;’s no one rushing you right? Contrary to you, I am going super aggressive for our bathroom renovation as I have my mom over next month and I am strating at a new job. The builders have 2 weeks to complete each room and I am giving them an extra two for * whatever goes wrong *

    • Lins
      Author
      September 2, 2018 / 10:02 pm

      Well this is true, I think the only person rushing me is myself. I can understand for you though, starting a new job too and with your Mum visiting!! I can’t wait to see the end result X

  3. Nicola Capper
    September 1, 2018 / 8:01 pm

    Renovations are so exhausting but so worth it once they’re done! Can’t wait to see the next stage x

    • Lins
      Author
      September 2, 2018 / 10:01 pm

      Thanks Nicola, it is always worth it isn’t it? Sometimes it’s just hard to see the wood for the trees X

  4. September 2, 2018 / 9:58 am

    I really believe that slow renovations work out better long term. It give you more time to make decisions and really think about the consequences xxx

    • Lins
      Author
      September 2, 2018 / 10:00 pm

      You’re so right Susan – we would have made very different and dare I say it incorrect decisions if we’d whizzed through things. Good things come to those who wait after all! Congrats again on the rebrand Xx

  5. September 2, 2018 / 5:05 pm

    I love a good renovation update! It is work but you will be so happy you have done it on Christmas morning! 🙂

    • Lins
      Author
      September 2, 2018 / 10:00 pm

      Oh fingers crossed Claire, wouldn’t that be a lovely feeling X

  6. September 3, 2018 / 3:13 pm

    A living room renovation is so exiting! We spend a lot of time in our lounge and when we renovated ours, we felt like we moved to a brand new place for months after that. I second the comment above about freshly dried plastered walls; I am so fond of that raw soft pink colour.

    • Lins
      Author
      September 23, 2018 / 9:33 pm

      I can’t wait for more progress now, I totally agree that it will feel completely different I think even just by laying the floor and getting the walls painted X

  7. Pati Robins
    September 3, 2018 / 6:09 pm

    yeyy i love a good progress photograph hun xx its closer than ever now x

    • Lins
      Author
      September 23, 2018 / 9:23 pm

      Ugh we’re getting there, bit by bit!! XX

  8. September 3, 2018 / 9:41 pm

    It’s all coming together and it’s going to look great. I’ve always annoyed myself with how slow the progress is at our place too and it’s my own fault. I find it really hard to make decisions as I’m so scared of making the wrong decision. I over think everything. But I’ve got to say I’m so happy with everything we’ve done so far. Not sure I could say the same if I’d rushed in.

    • Lins
      Author
      September 23, 2018 / 9:23 pm

      There’s definitely something to be said for being patient isn’t there? I would have made very different decisions if we’d rushed it so I’m glad we waited for sure Xx

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