Project Weekend: A Wreath, Lights, Sink and a Chandelier

This weekend was a project weekend and I finished a wreath, lights and a chandelier!

I mentioned that my in-laws were staying with us for the weekend. They were coming to help us wrap up some projects and spend time together. We had a great weekend and got a ton accomplished. I’m saving the best project for last, so don’t stop reading as you wade through what I consider some of the boring boy projects 😉 Although, I do benefit from all of them and they were definitely all needed!

My mother-in-law and I did some Christmas shopping, helped out with odd tasks the guys had and also made a felt ruffle wreath. My MIL saw the one in the room they were staying in and asked if we could make one for her boss for Christmas. She thought she would love it. It went so quickly with two people! Here’s an iPhone shot of the partially completed wreath.

My husband and father-in-law started their projects by digging around on the wiring in the craft room to see if it was salvageable. Thankfully it was, and with a little heat shrink tubing, they were able to save the wires and install a light we had taken down in another room. A boring boob light, but at least now I can work on projects in conditions other than super-bright daylight! And, better yet, we don’t have to worry about a potential fire.

They were also able to install a utility sink {purchased at Lowe’s for those interested} and additional light bulb in our basement. This was a HUGE help. Currently we have to walk upstairs to change the cats’ water for each of their three meals {first world problems, I know}. But with the addition of the utility sink {they used the rough-in for the bathroom in the basement}, we can be even lazier and fill their dish in the basement! They also added a light to a tiny nook in our basement that is home to all the paint, carpet, flooring, etc. that the prior home owners had left for us. Much easier to find things now!

Saturday night, we also invited over my sister-in-law and her husband and I cooked my mom’s famous Chicken Corn Chowder for dinner. If you’re looking for a great recipe for leftover chicken or turkey after the holidays, this soup rocks!

Sunday we did the best project of all after church and a trip to Lowe’s!

The stairway isn’t usually an exciting location in a home, but the original lighting here is one that pained me the most when we moved in. I was excited when we changed out the sconces here, but now that we have a total badass chandelier I am completely delirious and never thought I could love this space so much. I still need to paint the upper walls, side walls and the trayed ceiling. Basically I’ve only painted the portion the clock is on, but regardless, the light change alone has made a HUGE difference.

I purchased the Control Brands Grand Vasteras Chandelier from Joss & Main two weeks ago during a one-day-only additional 20% off sale and it rang in at $290 with shipping. According to Amazon, retail is $1,122 {they sell it for $613.20 here but it appears to be currently out of stock}. Needless to say, I feel like I got a killer deal and hope I can score two smaller ones at a later date. I think my husband only agreed to the purchase because he knew his dad would be in town to help hang it. It was a little bit challenging installing in the stairwell but they did a great job.

Check out the progress of lights starting with the walk-through, once we changed sconces and now today. I plan to finish painting the walls this winter and I think I will use the Restoration Hardware Slate {like I used in the dining room} on the trayed ceiling portion.

A shot from below. You can really see here how drastically different the scale is. You know I’m not one to shy away from some statement lighting:

And some more random shots because I love it so much. You’ll also see that Hawkeye decided to make an appearance and nearly gave me a heart attack by walking across the railing. And me being the good mother I am, just kept taking pictures. The flesh-toned walls seem even more obvious in these photos since the lights are on. Ugh.

And lastly, a night shot. Neither of these have any editing done. Can you even believe the difference in coloring {especially considering only the lower one wall is painted a different color}? Getting rid of those orange frosted shades has made such a difference!

Thanks again to my in-laws for all of their help and a fun weekend together!