I had high hopes when I found out we were moving to NM. We volunteered for this assignment (my husband is in the AirForce) thinking we would get closer to the mountains and have the opportunity to explore the wild west. I envisioned adobe buildings, turquoise, and lots of historical indian culture to explore. Unfortunately, we found flat prairies and an abundance of cows.
We moved to Clovis, NM in April 2009 from Charleston, SC. When we drove into town the first time, I cried. Charleston, SC is so full of history, beauty, southern charm and grace. Clovis is on a plateau in the dustbowl. The wind whips, the grasses blow and often times you can get a very strong whiff of cow when you step outside. Quite a shocker for a girl that grew up in the mountains and then lived at the beach.
Clovis is a sleepy little small town just on the border of NM. We have a Hobby Lobby, Lowe's and Wal-Mart, which have become my saving graces. When I want anything else, we have to order online or drive an hour and a half to Lubbock or Amarillo, TX. We're adjusting, and many people love it, but for us it has taken awhile to get into the swing of things.
Fortunately, we have our house! It is my oasis, my sanctuary, my get-away.
We bought one of the oldest houses in town, a 1954 brick rancher. Unfortunately, it is not an adobe house (I really wanted an adobe living in NM), but we don't have any in Clovis.
We have diligently been renovating it since we moved in in April of '09. However, it is still a work in progress.
Today I thought I would share some before/after pictures. I already see some of my tastes changing and once again I am getting the itch to change things....shhh! don't tell my husband. I'm secretly in plan mode, nothing big...just a little bit here and there.
Bedroom Before:
Bedroom After:
Our Hallway
Hallway After:
Kitchen Before:
Look at all of that "groovy gold!"
After:
I am in the planning stages of more kitchen renovations. This was a weekend project mom and I did to get rid of the gold. We used the left over paint from our bedroom, changed the knobs and handles, painted the countertops (there is a really cool countertop paint out, it worked great) and removed some of the cabinet doors. I will probably lighten the paint color, add some molding to the cabinets, etc in the next reno.
Dining Room Before:
Can you believe, rustic/green barnwood in the Dining room? It was paired with a BEAUTIFUL crystal chandelier! I guess the rustic/elegant trend was in style in the 50's too!
My wonderful and very talented husband built the wainscoating! We started pulling off that funky barnwood and found nothing but holes behind it. I love the wainscoating my favorite addition to our house.
Dining Room, Entry, Living Room Before:
Entry After:
Can you see the mustard ceiling peaking through?
Living Room After:
TV Room Before:
TV Room After:
Unfortunately, we're still living with "the bachelor sofa, " black microsuede, with a recliner option. I keep hoping and praying that we will be able to replace it soon! Then I can really plan the design of this room.
Cloffice After:
I have big plans for this room! My very talented husband also built the built-in bookshelves here.
Last, but not least our Guest Bedroom After:
Isn't it funny how designing is never finished? We have the major stuff completed, with the exception of the bathrooms and maybe some kitchen stuff. But a designer's work is never done. I look through these pictures and I'm fairly happy overall, but I still see soooo much that needs to be done. In another post I will tell you all about it.
For now I'm signing off to conquer our other big renovation, the Airstream!
Hope you enjoyed the photo tour.
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