it's only been a year or so

Some things just take a lot of time.

Redoing a living room with a horrible 4 foot by 8 foot monstrosity dominating a good chunk of it is one of them.  That is if you do it yourself and on the cheap.

This is the before, it also was done DIY and on the cheap.

It was here when we bought it.

The tile did not survive actual use as it was thin and cheap. 

Every time wood was brought in, more tile died out of shear fear of something being dropped on it.

I had this idea that if I used small tile it would be harder for it to crack.  Not to mention I love the look of glass tile and it seemed easier to clean then the other stuff.  The one thing I don't love about it, is the price.  So after much sleuthing on the net, I found this website called cool tiles and found these tile for less than 3 dollars a square foot. 

Needless to say I bought them and brought the size down to 4x6 instead of 4x8. 

See?  Starting to look better already...it's shiny :)

 

So half-way through this project my plans got changed for me.  I had to revamp my column and chunky wood mantle idea.  So I went with a floating shelf with molding. 

Ok the shelf is floating and the paint is inching over but there were still things I needed to do.

Like doing something with those chairs.

I got them for about 35 a piece brand new but the color was more purple than beige because they are big fat liars as it stated. 

I thickened the black tile to visually support the other stuff.  Now I am thinking on the fly here and probably made a bunch of mistakes. 

Do not be fooled, the chairs are only half-way done.  The top is just draped fabric and the mantle was not complete.  But it is soooo much better than the beginning. 

Ok now it's the Taaa-Daaa moment!

Almost, would love to make a ruffle cover for the stove but my last attempt at ruffles have left me quivering in the corner  

        

But  faking upholstery is becoming my signature thing.

 

 

Even when I mess up and don't order enough fabric to do the job proper like. 

This part took me the longest since I had to cut and sew pieces to fit it tight.

I have to say it's the best one yet, and if I even got some real professional training I would be totally awesome,.....just saying. 

I'm thinking of doing something with the shelves but not sure what.

Anyone got any ideas?

 

So this is the big finish, at least for this area.

Before and After 

After I clean up my clutter and smooth out a few things I'll take more pics of everything.

Since I finally got out my sewing machine and succeeded in the chairs I may just do those pillows I've been putting off for well, quite the while.