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Transforming Log Cabin into Our Farmhouse
I will do my best to list in the chronical order that this process morphed into our home. Firstly, I am not big on documenting time-lines. Thankfully, my hubby had the foresight to document most of the process. Secondly, we changed almost every room since we first started building 8 years ago. However, money was hand-to-hand at the time and we made do with what we had. Thirdly, and most importantly, we have the bones of a great old home to change however we see fit. We learned a lot about what is important and what we could let go of during our construction. In conclusion, we are humbled and grateful to have the farmhouse home that comforts us with love.
Brief Introduction
We started out with the traditional log cabin. Which was short-lived since we already had built 2 prior to this one. We converted everything into very Primitive which we kept for almost 5 years. Although we loved the Primitive look, we found it was sort of sad and depressing. Maybe because we had too many things that we collected over the last 20 years or so. It was time for a change. I, and I am sure, Ray is hoping this will be the last time for a change. I am in a happy place with the colors and feel I may be able to pause, maybe for a while. But, that doesn’t mean building new rooms or buildings, does it?
Minimalism
We gathered all the things we had accumulated over all those years and took it all to auction. We netted over $5,000 if that indicates anything? You will see in many pictures all the things we collected. Looking back at all the things we owned, gives me a bad taste that we were borderline hoarders. We are constantly purging as we continue to grow towards minimalism.
Why Minimalism Made Us Happier
My mother set a great example for minimalism, it took me a lifetime to realize she was right. Her thoughts were to make use for the purpose it served and get rid of it. I used to get upset when she didn’t save my school papers or things I made growing up. But with 7 children she would have had to have a lot of room. The only thing she did save was pictures and any letter we ever wrote her. My grandmother was the same way and now I am that way. I am much happier and actually feel lighter in spirit with less stuff.
If you have ever wondered what is minimalism is all about and would it make you happy; start with Marie Kondo and how she revolutionized the minimalism movement that has spread throughout the world. Marie is also being featured on Netflix starting January 01, 2019 in an eight-episode series! For more information on her Netflix series or her blog, visit her website here!
Out with the Primitive colors and in with the light colors
The first thing we did was paint all the Primitive colors to white, black and gray. If it was dark, we chalked painted it white. We mostly had primitive colors throughout the house. The furniture, walls and even floors had the dark earth tones that are very popular for the primitive look.
Chalk Paint and a Safety Warning
I chalk painted for nearly 6 months. I learned a lot about chalk painting along the way. The most important thing I learned is to always wear a respirator when sanding the chalk paint. I developed a sinus infection so severe that even two weeks of 800 mg of Penicillin could not cure it. My infection lasted over 6 months and it was so severe the doctors were talking about doing a medical procedure to try and fix it. I let it run its course and eventually went away. Hence, the saying, “safety first”!
Working as a Team
We are very fortunate. Ray and I make a great team. I dream it and he builds it. He laughs when I come up with something off the chain, but humors me and makes my dream happen. Looking back on the last 28 or so years, I have to admit I have brought home some things that would have been better off in the garbage heap. But, Ray can work miracles, even on the things I get free or nearly free!
Follow Along with Us
I will be adding new content each week. Follow our building process over the last 8 years. We have finally arrived at the place we now call our “Farmhouse on the mountain-top”!