Back Hallway and Stairs: Before and After(ish).

I want to show you the progress we've made in the back hallway. When we started, this was one of the most horrific areas of the house. It still isn't done, but it's sssoooooooo much better!

We eliminated an awkward door (above on the left) and bumped out the exterior wall (below, thanks Tony and Uncle Jay!), and in its place created a laundry nook.

We also used grasscloth to add texture and warmth to the walls. The hardwood floors have transformed the house, and it's no different in this area. I cannot over emphasize the impact bright white moldings have had on this space. Backdoor = chalkboard = most fun part of the house!

The area isn't done. Soon we'll add a folding counter over the laundry machines. Once that's installed I'll create a fabric skirt to hide the harsh machines.

Also, we plan on creating an ever evolving gallery of images from our travels and adventures in the stairway. Accessories such as a rug, chalk on a bright string and natural sea sponge will finish off the space.

Thanks for visiting today! I love sharing bits of this little house with you, and involving you in the process of turning our house into a home.

On The Subject Of Wallpaper: Grass Cloth.

I'm using a lot of wallpaper at the house. Read: more rooms are being papered than painted. It's not loud, in your face paper, but it's paper none the less. And I've had many odd looks from workers and friends alike when I explain the decor plan of the house.

I get it. Most people not immersed in the world of design hear wallpaper and go running with nightmare-ish flashbacks of bad 90's paisley avec border or grandma's floral from who knows when. I'm not saying all wallpaper is created equal, certainly not. And much of the paper you find at big box stores is plain B.A.D. But don't hate it all! Some options are down right beautiful.

One of my favorite types of paper is grasscloth. I'm using grasscloth in the master bath, walk-in closet, and back hallway and I'm very excited with the results so far (it's being hung while we speak). I love grasscloth because it reads as a solid but has more depth than paint. It's a really nice backdrop for art work and textiles alike, and it has a way of making a room feel a bit more expensive.

Here are a few of my favorite spaces with grasscloth. You don't know how hard it was to edit this collection down.

Images via My Pinterest

A quick shout out to the lovely bloggers Bryn (glasscloth is even the background of her blog!!) and Bri for including grasscloth in their powder room and closet respectively (included above)! Well done ladies, well done!

Obviously I'm in love. What about you?

Do you like the look of grasscloth? Or does paper terrify you?

Would you be more open to it in your own home after seeing some of these beauties?