Farewell to Our Chicagoland Home

We've accepted a job in Houston, TX and have the house on the market. I thought it a great time to photograph the home so we can always remember it. So be prepared for a LOT of photos.

Outside

Foyer

Den

On your right as you enter, is our den/office. I've blogged about it's progress before, but we still love how it turned out and how it functions for our family.

Dining Room

Straight forward from the foyer is where we put our dining room. The home originally had this as the sitting room, but we didn't like how it backed to the family room. We wanted the sitting room to be more isolated so the kids could practice their instruments without the TV bothering them. So we swapped the two rooms.

Family Room

Next we enter our two-story family room. We loved how light-filled it is and have enjoyed the openess (though now that the kids are older, we're ready for things not to be quite so open in the next house.)

Kitchen

This is looking up from the split of the stairs that comes off the kitchen side.

Sitting Room/Formal Living Room

Here's what was originally the dining room and that we now use as a quiet place to read, practice instruments and keep in nicer condition for company.

Now we've come full circuit back to the foyer. On your left is a 1/2 bath and the door to the basement,

and then on your right is a coat closet, the door to the garage and the laundry room.

Upstairs

At the top of the stairs, we have a small landing where our elliptical sits, a hall bath and four bedrooms.

Younger Boys' Room

Teen Boys' Room

Hall Bathroom

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

Basement

I've done quite a few posts on this before, so if you want to see more visit my archives. As a refresher, the slide entrance is just to your left as you descend the stairs.

At the base of the stairs, you go left for the two bedrooms, straight for the bathroom, and right is the main rec room.

Bathroom

Main Room

From this shot you can see the slide exit just to the left of the stairs.

And that's it. A tour of a house we turned into a home. We have ten years of memories here and look forward to making many new ones in the next house.

Collected ideas from the internet

I have to admit that I'm not usually a pink-rose-coral kind of girl in decor, but this pairing with the gray and linen is just stunning.  It adds just the right pop to this room. Of course, I still don't think my kids are ready to deal with that much upholstery at a table with real, actual food!

I loved this idea of art by the blogger teal and lime.  What a fun addition for little cost.

I love so much about this room. First the floors are just to die for! I love the gallery wall with the framed TV, I think, in the center.

Found this look at Forever Cottage. While I don't have mounted deer's head, I love the use of the rustic frame around it.

I adore the use of this old door for the pantry. 

Sure, I'll take this kitchen.... The beams, the large island, white stone countertops, built-in china cabinets and the great floor. I also love the touch of the blue and white Chinese ware.

Look at the stunning use of trim on these large walls.  It's placement and chunky composition really bring comfort to this vaulted room.

I love the look of marble for a kitchen, but I'm not sure I'm up to the upkeep.  I love that there are some alternatives out there, like these Quartzites.

Here's a sample of how stunning White Princess Quartzite looks!  I want...

These have got to be the cutest DIY beds I've ever seen (by tidbits.)

This bunk room by Tracy Hardenburg is amazing.

The blogger Number Fifty-three was really creative with her unused fireplace. Instead of a black hole, she filled it to the brim with vintage books. Great idea.

Delight by Design showed a simple but great decor idea from a cafe.  How easy would this be to do with inexpensive wooden spoons and a few stain colors?!