Family Room Makeover (Part 5)

Once again we have been quite busy and trying to get as much done on this makeover!
Here's the update:

We ended off with the window being installed.

Now that the window is installed, we needed to get the stucco repaired.

The stucco guys came over and did a pretty good job.

I have learned that stucco is pretty darn hard to match 100% perfectly.

We don't have a 100% perfect match, but I'll take what I can get and keep it positive ;)
(The gray color is not the final color...it is pre-color)

Asher took all these shots for me.  I think he did great job.

Once that part was over we could focus on the part I have been waiting for this whole makeover process.

THE MANTEL AND SURROUND!

When designing the room there were a few things that were really important to me:

1-storage

2-family friendly layout and usage

3- and of course attractability

I wanted lots of storage but didn't really want built-ins along the side of the Mantel for fear that it would look to busy.  I figured I would just find furniture that will double as storage for blankets, books, and games and all the other things that we will enjoy doing together as a family in this room.

Then I had a LIGHT BULB moment.

Why not add storage into the mantel surround?

Cory and I discussed the possibilities and if it was feasible and he was on board and we went for it.
On the right and left side of the surround there was plenty of room to build shelves inside the unit from the floor to the ceiling, without interfering with the fireplace and the requirements of         spacial safety.

So this is what we did.

When installed they will not stick out.
The shelves are deep enough to hold games, blankets, and books.

Cory decided to construct each box and then glue and nail them all together once we knew they fit.
Here they are with 2 coats of primer and a coat of high gloss paint on them.

This took a ton of work and patience on Cory's part and he did such an awesome job.
I can't say it enough about how lucky I am to have him be as amazing as he is.
He is a man with many talents!

 Front view of how they tucked in nicely.

He built shelves that go all the way up on the other side.
Lots of storage and an awesome addition to this space for sure.

We also were able to get the trim up around the windows.
(Yay for Thanksgiving holiday's and days off work!)

I am so happy it is December, aren't you?
I can't wait for my kiddos to be out of school so we can spend time together and play and visit family and friends and enjoy this amazing giving season!
Sending a little Christmas spirit your way :)

Loves,
Jill