This is an unedited, unstyled first tour of our new house – five days after moving in. Sometimes real life isn’t pretty.
Well, we’re in. We’ve moved.
The weather on moving day was unseasonably warm which made for a nice clean move (no wet soppy boots on my floors!) But now, four days later, winter is here in full force. (I’m ready to hibernate!)
Yesterday morning the kids started homeschool again – you know since I could find and unpack the laptops – and I’m up to my eyeballs in boxes and packing paper. Thoughts of where do I put this, and how much can I unpack before I paint the walls, are rolling through my brain.
But mostly I’m thankful.
I’m thankful for our old house (I cried big wet ugly tears after locking the door for the last time) and the memories we made in it. And I’m thankful for this new house that we will make so many new memories in.
I’m thankful for friends and professional movers and cleaning ladies (that our realtor provided) and more space than I ever dreamed we’d have.
I’m even thankful for light fixtures and paint colors that really aren’t our style, because it means I get to choose new ones and paint the walls afresh.
I’m thankful for a big open kitchen and the potential it holds.
I’m thankful for the brands we work with and the fact that we live in the suburbs with lots of stores and have internet with lots more stores. You know, because this house has so much potential, but it’s gonna need a lot of stuff (like the 13 gallons of paint that are currently sitting in my entryway!).
I’m thankful for four bathrooms (a huge upgrade from only one).
I’m even thankful for our massive sectional not fitting down the basement stairs – because that meant we could bless someone else with it.
We’re tired and sore for sure. But instead of dwelling on that – and how far we have to go before this house looks anything like our style – I think I’ll try to remember to focus on the good: we’re here, we’re together and we are oh so blessed by that.
xo,
Shannon & Dean (and the kids)
P.S. You can see photos from the night we got keys (the empty house) here.
Oh my gosh Shannon. I am really sooo happy for you. The new house is amazing and so big. I cannot wait to see all the beautiful things you do with it. You are so talented. It is going to be an amazing home for you and your family! I have not been online for a while but I am back now, time to get caught up and I still need to order your book. Good luck and congrats!!
It is definitely larger than our previous homes, yes. Thank you so much! 🙂
Congratulations on the move! Like the others who have posted, I’m looking forward to see what you do to this new home to make it your own Home Sweet Home.
Thank you, Helen.
Shannon, the house is beautiful! It appears to have a lot of character. Seems like all you have to do is change the wall colors to your liking. Here’s wishing you health and happiness in your new home.
There is a lot of character, yes. 🙂 We do need to do a lot of painting and some updating. But it’s a very good house!
I know moving is awful, but once that part is over, and you can see how the house works for you, and what needs improvement, you are going to LOVE decorating a new house! The thrill of shopping and finding the perfect item, the perfect paint color, etc. Have fun with it!
It’s been fun so far!
Oh, I’m so happy you have a new house! I`m especially happy it has beige walls and ugly ceiling lights like my house. Now take us through step by step, room by room to make it beautiful and comfortable and every bit as lovely as your last home!
Lol. Well let’s just say it’s not our style. We are working on it a bit at a time!
2017 will bring you new creations, new inspirations, and exciting new blogs for us to be fortunate enough to watch you create totally new surroundings called “home”! I am so excited for you!
Thank you, Cathy! We’re excited to share it with everyone.
LOVE the new house… can’t wait to see what you do with it! Also please let me know how you like those kitchen lights – will they stay? I have the same one’s only in a nickel finish and while I love them I find that sometimes I stand in my shadow when working at the counters so we’ve installed some under counter lighting but that doesn’t help much… I don’t have overhead other than the bar lights just like I see in your photos so no recessed lights in my little kitchen. I’d be interested in hearing if you are having similar issues and if you’ve got any ideas.
Thanks for allowing us along on this new exciting journey!
The black track lights in the kitchen are actually brand new! The ones that were here were not our style at all. I don’t mind the new ones at all so far!
Shannon, look at all that space! Your home looks amazing. Welcome home! Xx
Thank you sweet friend, Danielle. xoxoxox