Many Thanks to Wayfair for Helping us furnish the attic Well.
Thanks also to our friends at Curbly for helping us style the space!
Tadaahhhh! There it is, looking how it usually looks – unmade bed, lazy dog in her spot, and clothes on the chair, because WHY ELSE WOULD YOU PUT A CHAIR IN YOUR BEDROOM. Clearly it was meant to be a clothes chair.
Guys. The completion (and documentation) of this space has been a LONG TIME COMIN.
We moved in to this house in 2013 and said: “Yeah, definitely. Let’s finish the upstairs.” Casually. Like it was the same as picking up a gallon of milk at the store or vacuuming the living room.
Then four years went by, because as it turns out, “finishing the upstairs” is not a small project.
Turns out, also, that I am the world’s slowest house-putter-togetherer. When will it be done? people asked. Well, let’s see – we need three months for construction, and then I’ll need the rest of my lifetime for getting that clock hung in just the right spot. So, uh, never? In the last few years, I have realized that people (myself included, big time) are really impacted by their physical spaces – which is totally empowering and also completely paralyzing. If finding just the right placement for our fourth potted succulent will have a major impact on how I’m going to feel whenever I’m in this room? Um, yes, I will take five years to decide. The mood needs to be right. Don’t rush me.
Are there twelve (not exaggerating – count ’em, TWELVE) holes in that wall over there because I moved those pictures around so many times and ultimately decided not to use them? Yes. Are there sixty five throw pillows in the trunk of my car waiting to be returned to Target? Yes. Are there hours upon hours of my life that I have lost to the deliciously overwhelming idea vortex of Wayfair, Pinterest, and Etsy? Yes.
Putting together a house is hard work. And we are working with a small-ish space here – 900 square feet for the footprint of the house. I have no idea how you mega-house people can do it so effortlessly because I can barely handle this small house situation. Teach me the ways.
Here’s what I’ve decided, using my tiny decision-making muscles: I’ve decided that it will never be perfect. But we love living in it, and therefore it is perfect.
It’s exactly what we want it to be – a cozy and clean space that makes the flow of our home just a little less crowded. It inspires me to breathe deeply. Even though he will never share this finished room with us as we had so carefully and excitedly planned, the peaceful mood of this new part of our home reminds me constantly of our sweet Afton who inspired so much growth in our hearts and in our lives.
So come on in – I’d be honored to have you look around today, courtesy of the internet. And beautiful thing of the internet #4285: I don’t have to vacuum and you don’t have to get dog hair all over your socks. WIN.
So here’s what it looks like when you come in at the top of the stairs.
And here’s my daughter.
And here are the cute baskets we got at Target that double as functional and decorational. I’m very sure that’s a word.
The built-ins with soft close drawers that make me ooh and aah every time I use them:
And the little picture ledge on the wall that holds up our art.
One of several pictures of our real baby:
And one of several nap spots for our dog baby. (Who, I’ll have you know, recently got her teeth professionally cleaned which is why she has a little shaved spot on her arm. Her breath, you guys. It does not kill me every time she opens her mouth. THIS IS A BIG DEAL. And now we’re at that moment when your attic remodel reveal turns into a detailed recounting of your dog’s dental history.)
This cute Minnesota print is life!
And I cannot even with these sconces. They are WAY adorable.
We have a lot of stuff from Wayfair – basically anything cute will fall in this category – so we put together a list of products for you to find what you’re looking for. BONUS: Black Friday sales coming up. Keep your eyes peeled.
Our Fave Decor Stuffs:
- Wayfair Minnesota Graphic Art
- Wayfair Chunky Lumbar Pillow
- Wayfair Down Alternative Comforter
- Wayfair Cotton Sheet Set
- Wayfair Luca Armchair
- Wayfair Down Alternative Pillow
- Wayfair Wool Throw Pillow
- Wayfair Woven Baskets
- Wayfair Faux Fiddle Leaf
- Wayfair Geometry Graphic Art
- Wayfair Star Object Set
- Wayfair Hexagon Pot Planter
- Cultiver 3-piece Duvet Cover Set
- Minted Winter Arrival Art
- Light-Filtering Shades
- Floating Picture Shelf (affiliate link)
- Wire Baskets (affiliate link)
- Bed
- Nightstands
- Pendant Light
In putting together this post, I ended up digging through some of my older house posts and I came across this story from a previous post where I wrote about the emotions of leaving our old (first) house and moving into this house. The story is about a different house at a different time.
But it feels like I wrote it for myself right now, today.
And maybe it will feel like I wrote it for you, too.
The funny thing about these heart-happy memories is that the LAST thing I think about is the warped floor in the kitchen where the dishwasher leaked, the drafty windows, and the faux wood floor carpet (no, seriously) that I disliked so much. I just think about us, and what we did together, and how that little house played a big role in that precious first-five-years-together chapter of our lives. And now suddenly I have a small heartache.
Dear Pinterest Loving, Overly Ambitious, Wanna Havva Perfect House Lindsay: remember this feeling as you unpack, settle, remodel, decorate, DIY, and generally start this chapter of life in your new home.
Home is home because it’s where we are, together. ❤
What a funny thing, houses.
MORE HOME/LIFE POSTS:
Attic Remodel Tour: Phase 1
Home Sweet Studio
Kitchen Remodel: The Final Reveal
Home-Buying Moments
Huge thank you to Wayfair for helping us furnish and transform our blank-slate attic into a space that’s cozy and beautiful.
Hi Lindsay,
I am wondering if you can share for the built ins, were these custom built or did you purchase them from somewhere? We are doing these in our nursery now and would love built ins similar to what you used for your attic space!
Thanks,
Kelly
Did you like your contractors? We are also in MN and looking to do this to our attic, would love a recommendation!
Lindsay and Bjork used McDonald Remodeling!
Hi! I was just wondering what the measurements for your niche are. We are remodeling our bathroom, and I think your layout would be perfect. Thanks!
Hello! I love this space so much, it’s been my inspiration as we do our attic. We started with a similar space and we are doing two rooms. Where did you get the built-ins with the shelves and drawers?
Thank you!
Turned out so great!! Were the stairs already there or did you have to add those too?
You are the sweetest person with the sweetest spirit that has gone through some of life’s toughest challenges and come out undaunted and positive. I have never commented on a blog before now and feel impressed to write to you and let you know you are not alone. We could be soulmates with our life stories. My life’s challenges have given me a greater perspective and compassion for others. You have a gift that enables you to reach people’s hearts. Thank you for letting us into your kitchen and your life. Most sincerely, Joy
ena l
Just curious to see if you have more pics of the unfinished space. My house was built in 1908, we remodeled the house in 2012, but did not touch the attic. We are considering finishing it and would love to see the before pics. Thanks.
Good job…! Absolutely, You have shared an informative information here. Your living room looks beautiful and gorgeous. I am full of inspired now. Thanks for sharing your post.
Four years a really a bit long though, but I really like the makeover, it is gorgeous, everything is perfect.
It was just amazing to see the black and white theme of your new home. I just love that theme for my bedroom with a little touch of greenery. You know a little touch of nature can change a lot, right? Oh! You adopted a lovey daughter anyway//:)
Love love those towels! Where are they from?
I love it. Is the paint color revere pewter? If not, could you tell the color and brand. Thx
Hey Lindsey,
So I took a quick look at the attic with your sofa chair in the corner and the nice plush bag with the dog in it. It looks nice and cozy for a home-based office. How long did it take you to do the attic over in remodeling?
I like the fact that you gave us an inside glimpse of the addict in a before-and-after photo. Pretty cool. So roughly it took you about four years to have the attic completed? You do know that you boost the value of your home when you remodel now and looking to sell it later down the road, right? 🙂
It looks amazing! So bright and airy. Major inspiration for my home buying that’s going to happen this summer 🙂
Hi Lindsay! I was wondering where you got that beautiful blanket ladder from. I’m having such a hard time finding one that is the height I want and yours is literally perfect! Thank you in advance.
I absolutely love this remodel…such a grounded space, clean design, but warm and comfy. So charming! I HAVE to ask, though. Where is Sage’s dog bed from? It is EXACTLY what I’m looking for, for my three rescue pups!
please update my new email address
Hi Joanna, you can email hello@pinchofyum.com if you have a question about email subscriptions! 🙂
It’s beautiful! So clean and simple. Side note re: dog breath: ProDen Plaque-Off. Natural seaweed-based powder you add to your dog’s food once a day. It prevents plaque from sticking to their teeth. It has kept my puppy’s teeth white and clean as she is growing, and eliminated my older dog’s brown build up and bad breath. I purchase it like twice a year, because a little goes a long way, but this stuff works! And no, I’m not affiliated with the company. I’m a pet mom who does not like to throw away $300 on a cleaning and take the risks of anesthesia…
Um, that sounds amazing. Will look into that. Thank you!
It IS amazing! A tiny little scoop for fresh puppy breath? And no brushing? I’m sold, and it keeps on working!! Happy holidays to you and yours.
Love the remodel! Could you share some pictures of your remodeled bathroom as well? I remember seeing a story on Instagram earlier this year and I LOVED the design. The hubs and I are in the middle of a bathroom remodel ourselves and I would love to know where/how your furnished yours!
Yes! I am going to do an Instagram stories tour soon!
How lovely your new attic looks.It will always have Afton’s spirit and memories.xx
Thank you so much! XO
High five, Lindsay! Your new space looks so cozy and inviting. Love seeing how it turned out!
Thank you Kate! ❤️
It’s beautiful! And I love that bed. So simple and clean.
Oh my gosh, me too. I love it so much.
So bright and airy – this is beautiful!
Thank you Adrian!
It’s an amazing job, what a sweet spot to hide away in. Actually, how big is this space?
I would guess 400 square feet? The footprint of our house is 900 and this space is the equivalent of that, except it’s limited probably by half because of the knee walls on the sides. It’s pretty small!
So tranquil! I bet some good zzz’s happen in that room 🙂
Yes indeed.