Not So Extreme Home Makeover

So, I posted before about my home envy, and someone said pictures are required. Well, fine. Here are the front and back rooms for your perusal. Feel free to suggest wall color, decor addition, anything besides replacing furniture, because Santa? He wasn't that jolly this year.

Before I start: yes, I do have TWO living rooms and TWO dining rooms. There's a formal area, and the area in which we actually live. In our part of Middle of the State, Texas, you cannot build a house without formal rooms. Then, you move in, and meet your neighbors, and they all proceed to tell you how informal everyone is, and that you will NEVER USE THESE ROOMS. EVER. But as they are the first thing you see when you walk into my home, you can't just leave them empty or covered with toys and crafts.

And to head off The Man before he leaves a comment to the effect, I told him already he could have a Gauntlet II arcade game in here, but he's too wussy to buy one.

Okay, now I'm ready.

ENTRYWAY


That wall? It just keeps on going. It's a big-a$$ wall. And I've chosen to place a ridiculously tiny chalkboard/key holder on it. I think it might need a little something more. And the wall color? Get used to it. It's EVERYWHERE!!!!!





FORMAL LIVING ROOM


See the picture on the couch? It's a Monet print, and we've had it since the days of no money, or taste really. I've got in back up on the wall, but it just doesn't work. Notice the lack of tables, chairs, etc. It's just the couch, and a floor lamp tucked behind the corner behind the couch. The couch used to be rotated into the corner to the left of the window, but we moved it so we could put the Christmas tree in front of the window. I'm toying with leaving the couch here, because that would allow me to put a sideboard behind it and give the dining room some storage.




FORMAL DINING ROOM


I don't actually mind this room, because what more can really be done in a dining room that has no room for more furniture (except maybe that sideboard)? If The Man were more handy, we would have already raised the ridiculously low light fixture, but his solution would involve twist ties, so there it sits. It actually became ridiculously low because we bought the bar height table, but still.

Question: If you've got carpet, should you still put an area rug down under the dining table, or even in a living room for that matter? I can't figure that out.




FAMILY ROOM


Why yes, that is one big, honking entertainment center. Not only am I addicted to television, The Man designs video games for a living, so the three game systems we have are "research", you see. Since he does adventure games, I can't figure out what research can be done playing Rock Band, but he assures me it was a necessity.

And wouldn't you agree (PLEASE agree with me) that that TV is WAY too small for that spot? Don't you thing a much LARGER screen would be more appropriate? Me too! Alas, that rascally Santa forgot my $50,000 check AGAIN this year.






This sideboard belonged to my Grandmother, and I love it. It's Ethan Allen, but by know means valuable, since it's currently housing even more craft items for the kids. Yes, there is much more besides what's in those plastic drawers. I lobbied after Christmas to have this moved into the girls' playroom, but was outvoted. Damn you, democracy!





Have I mentioned before my not-so-secret love affair with my big green chair? Oh, I have, and you're sick with jealousy? Well you SHOULD be. It's a chaise and a half, and if you sit in it, it's impossible to get up, because I had it custom made and paid them extra to add a secret ingredient that forces you to become lazy and tired and unproductive on contact. ESPECIALLY if you place a laptop in your lap and pull up Google Reader. It's REAL. Ask anyone.





What? That precarious stack of crap? Yeah, that's mine. The little table next to the green chair was too small to hold it all, and the ENTIRE OFFICE THAT IS JUST FOR ME, is way too many steps around the corner from the living room to ever be able to move all that into.

Do you notice? Another living room with no coffee table. Ever since we had kids, The Man has lobbied against them, but I really want to put one here. Think of all the space I'd have to spread MORE of my crap!



BREAKFAST AREA


What can you say? It may be small, but at least it's drab. And what's up with this light fixture? Awkward much?

The table cloth is industrial strength vinyl, since the craft projects are so close and the paint is so not washable.

There it is. Do your worst. Actually, do your best to tell me what to do. But don't let it go to your head.