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My home has a strange tandem room tacked on to the back of it, which has essentially become a dumping ground for my kids’ least favorite toys. It looks as though it has been struck by a hurricane at all times. Adding to the ugliness of it all is the hardwood floor that is in absolutely awful condition.
I am sick and tired of neglecting this space, which I think could become valuable real estate in my home. So I’ve come up with the plan of transforming it into a vintage schoolhouse-themed study room for my children. They’re a little young for it now, so I envision making over the space slowly but surely. Then when they start having regular homework, I will have a space ready to go that’s stylish, comfortable, and conducive to good study habits!
{Rug || Clock || Blackboard || Hardwood Floors || Light Fixture || Desk || Lockers}
I bet you’d want to do your homework in a room with these finishes, wouldn’t you?
It’s going to take a lot of work to get to a beautiful place though because here’s what I’m currently working with. (NO JUDGMENT PLEASE!)
It’s a MESS! And I wasn’t exaggerating about the state of the current hardwood floor, either! It has got to go.
Now, I’m pretty much a DIY type of girl (or maybe a HTHDI (Have The Husband Do It) type of girl), but there are some things I’m just not going to do myself. One of those things is installing my own flooring – especially hardwood flooring, which can be persnickety and diva-like. I’d do it wrong and would probably bruise my knee or staple my hand during installation. In my mind, that is definitely a Don’t Do It Yourself (#DDIY) project!
That’s where Carpet One comes in.
See, unlike at other flooring stores, Carpet One employees are design and installation experts, and they offer FREE in-home measurements so I can’t mess up my order. They also offer a unique “Beautiful Guarantee,” which means that if I’m not 100% satisfied with my new floor, they will replace it for FREE.
Carpet One stores also have a huge variety of flooring types and exclusive brands. During my visit to my local Carpet One store, I was impressed to see lots of styles that are reflective of the local aesthetic (we have a lot of Prairie and Victorian-style homes in the area), which I haven’t noticed at other flooring stores I’ve been in. I’m assuming this is because Carpet One stores are locally owned and operated, which helps them be in tune with what local consumers are looking for.
When I spotted some red oak Mirage brand hardwood floors, I knew they would be the perfect replacement for my damaged hardwood. They’re high quality, priced right, and will blend in with the rest of the hardwood flooring in my home.
They will take my vintage schoolhouse study room from an F to an A+ (sorry you guys, I HAD to throw a bad school joke in here somewhere!).
If you’re thinking of replacing any flooring in your home, save yourself the hassle and don’t do it yourself! Check out Carpet One’s Don’t Do It Yourself (#DDIY) Flooring Sale, which is running from March 6, 2015 through April 19, 2015. You will save up to 50% off select Lee’s carpets, and get up to a $500 instant rebate (10% off), on select hardwood, tile, laminate, LVT, and more.
And then with all the time you’ve saved yourself by not doing the installation, watch these hilarious videos of more #DDIY moments, courtesy of Carpet One. (I hate to admit that I could have starred in a few of these myself. ::hangs head in shame::)
Now that I’ve shared my “Don’t Do It Yourself” plans for a vintage schoolhouse study room, tell me what projects you’re planning to NOT do yourself. I’d love to hear about them!
– Bre
Christine says
Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Bre says
Thanks, Christine!! 🙂 Do you like the blue and gold color scheme? 🙂
Sarah Nenni Daher says
I can’t wait to see the ‘after,’ but your before isn’t too bad – it looks like a room that kids really enjoy playing in! I love, love, love that lamp fixture – Schoolhouse Electric in Portland used to be a client of mine and when I saw your pick for the fixture, I just knew it was one of theirs!
Bre says
Hi, Sarah! Well thanks! I think the mess is just embarrassing! Like, hello, could these kids pick up their toys once in awhile?! 🙂 And oh my gosh, yes, that fixture is fab. Schoolhouse has beautiful things and I think the lamp will compliment the blues of the rug just perfectly! Thanks for your note!
Sharon says
I love the gold and blue colors. It gives you a bit of sunshine even in winter! This will be a great place for the kids to come learn and make memories! #client
Bre says
Hi, Sharon! Thank you so much! I have to say . . . the blue and gold is a nod to my alma mater, Marquette University! Hopefully a good place to do homework will make my kids super smart so that they can receive full-ride scholarships! (A girl can dream, right?) Have a great weekend!
Gilly @ Colour Saturated Life says
This will look lovely when it is finished! I love the vintage style lockers!
Bre says
Hi, Gilly – THANKS so much! Oh man I love those lockers, too! I’m kicking myself because my high school was auctioning off its old lockers a couple of years ago and I didn’t buy any. Now I wish I would have! But I will just settle for imitation vintage lockers. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful evening!
Jenny says
I love your ideas for a vintage school house room. I especially LOVE that light fixture. I have to say your floors are really not bad. It is amazing what stains and scratches will come up with refinishing. (Ever seen Rehab Addict). People pay top dollar for reclaimed hardwood floors with character. Sand it down and stain it “gunstock” if you like the red oak look. Refinishing your original hardwood would give you a TRUE vintage feel for your vintage school house room.
Bre says
Hi, Jenny – thank you so much for these tips!! I do love Nicole Curtis, and she does work wonders with old things . . . maybe she will come redo my floors for me! 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to comment! Have a great night!
Julie S. says
Love that light fixture and the vintage lockers! What a fun way to house things.
Bre says
Hi Julie! Thank you so much! I thought those were fun finds, too! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Angela, blue i style says
I love everything about school house vintage – but I especially can’t get over how great that striped light is! Thanks for linking up at The Creative Circle! I hope you’ll join us for the party again this Thursday – I can’t wait to see what you’ll have to share!
Bre says
Hi, Angela! Thanks so much!! Love your party and I will definitely see you again this week! 🙂