Autumn has ushered in a season of renovation around here.  There is probably a metaphor in there somewhere, at least for me who sees metaphor at every turn.  I've been documenting the work but if I don't post early mornings that time does not materialize later in the day.  Hence, the story has not been told here. 

The project that got us into the swing of things again was the sconces.  We had a lot of 70's/80's brass in the house when we moved in.  Some was bright yellow gold and some was this greener oiled brass, not to be confused with the cottage or tuscan style brown oiled brass popular today.  Children of the seventies will instantly recognize….

 We have two large carriage lights in our entry which I wanted to keep but have been torn about finish options. We ended up going with dark brown-black oiled brass which goes with the English cottage vibe on the main floor. 

The after, below.  I am sure I love them yet, but they are improved considerably and the finish is consistent with what we have chosen for faucets and fixtures elsewhere in the house. 

We got our toes wet beginning the main floor painting since we moved some large furniture into the space and didn't want to move it later if possible.  It was a hair-pulling ordeal for me to find the perfect sand color.  Who knew?  We brought home a ridiculous number of samples (per my husband) and one after another had distinct undertones of yellow or gray.  We finally settled on this:

From Valspar's National Historic Trust line this is Cliveden Sand.  I heart it.  So much!  Morning, noon, and night it has me swooning. (I'm a little sensitive to color. ; ))     

We have much more to paint in that room but had to break off while we tackle the lower level.  Our walkout level was finished in early 80's rec room style when we moved in.  It has seen a lot of teen party action in its day.  There are currently three different carpets going on down there – a patch of commercial indoor/outdoor sort at one end, then a more recent beige, and finally orange shag.  The whole space is a hot mess, let's just say.  Needs help.

The trim was a low gloss red oak.  Ish.  We debated a long time about painting it but the decision was made and we are sooooo happy.  The low ceiling space has visually opened right up as we have worked our way around the room.  

Up next – that floor I mentioned.  That's gonna be a big job.  Big job.  

Big. Stinkin'.  Job. 

We are getting back on track with telling the story though.