Our new family room is finally painted and organized!

**Daisygirl** · 12-01-2009, 09:19 AM

Well, I finally got all that dark woodwork covered with fresh white paint. I am posting pictures of what used to be our dining room. I have converted it into a warm, cozy family room. I still have to build the breakfast bar facing the adjoining kitchen.

I invested in: paint, thermal curtains and an electric space heater (high efficiency - looks like a wood stove). My goal is to drop my heat bill by heating mostly the kitchen and family room as opposed to the whole house. Our former living room (huge, high ceilinged room in the front with an open stairway) is now serving as an office/ dining room/ library/ reception area. I only need to have it warm and cozy when there is company or when we want to eat at the dining room table (as soon as I get one, haha).

Here are some pictures - let me know what you think.

**pinetree** · 12-01-2009, 12:36 PM

I think it is fantastic! It looks warm and comfortable! I would love to sit in front of that " fireplace " you have with a nice cup of coffee...

**Daisygirl** · 12-01-2009, 12:56 PM

We love it - it is so much warmer than the front room! And when I am in the kitchen I can still hang out with the kids! Thanks, Pinetree!

**ravenmaniac** · 12-01-2009, 11:15 PM

Very nice! You should be proud of yourself! We are converting our living room into a casual living room. It is right off the kitchen. We are going to cut a big pass through in a non-load bearing wall. That way when I am cooking or baking we can all talk. We'll still have the family room downstairs for the kids and us to play video games/board games and watch tv.

**frugalfranny** · 12-01-2009, 11:38 PM

Really nice daisygirl. Congrats on getting it done. Was that a 'pass through' window I saw? I would love to have one of those!!

I almost missed the dog............he blended right in with the couch.......he is cute!!

**sinopa27** · 12-01-2009, 11:50 PM

thanks for sharing those pics!!

**Surilda** · 12-02-2009, 12:06 AM

It looks great, Daisygirl!

Very inviting. Those couches look so comfy!!

Thanks for sharing!

**AnW819** · 12-02-2009, 12:44 AM

Very nice!!! Beautiful!

**Libby** · 12-02-2009, 01:57 AM

Great job Karen! I love the white walls, so much brighter eh?

Love your curtains too. I too would love to cozy up to your space heater....where'd you get that?

**Daisygirl** · 12-02-2009, 09:59 AM

Thanks all, glad you like it. Libby the space heater was on sale at Canadian Tire for $80. I had that bare hearth which I have hated since I bought the house - there was a woodstove there long ago. I decided to spend the extra money to get a good-looking space heater that would enhance the decor. I am really glad I did.

Yes, Frugalfranny it is a pass-through that opens into a door on the other side. (not visible in photo.) I am putting a wide shelf just below it at table height to use as a homework area/breakfast bar. I will have that done over the weekend and will post more picks.

Thanks everyone!