|

Update on Loblolly Manor

We’re back with another update on Loblolly Manor!

It’s been a huge honor to work alongside my parents this summer to make my childhood home feel like a retreat space for our family.

Thank you to everyone who has been cheering us on. 

It means the world!

Loblolly is actually one of the smallest houses we’ve ever lived in. But it’s where our family’s biggest dreams were cultivated.

Update on Loblolly: The Dining Room - The Crowned Goat

Small Town Naivete…

When we first set out to refresh and update Loblolly this summer, I naively thought we’d be able to spend several weeks at a time painting, decorating, and treasure hunting.

But the first week we were there, we quickly realized that wouldn’t be possible. There are just too many items we need that were not available in our tiny hometown. 

There is no Starbucks, movie theater, shopping mall, or Target.

The cute little antique stores are only open a few days a week and the thrift store shopping is hit or miss at best.

While we’ve had Amazon to help fill in the gaps for home décor basics, we’re now looking for unique finds that only a big city shopping experience can offer.

Here’s the most recent update on Loblolly, including changes in the entry…again…

Update on Loblolly: My Sister’s Bedroom…

Recently we went to work on my sister’s bedrooms, our bathroom, my parent’s bathroom, and to troubleshoot some hiccups in my bedroom.

We’ve been moving things around from one room to another to make things feel fresh but also to keep the updates on Loblolly as budget-friendly as possible.

A few weeks ago, I would have sworn we were finished with the entry. 

In fact, I shared an entire post about the updates in the entry. Including a pure white and French linen painted buffet and a three-drawer dresser.  

But the artwork my Mom had originally planned to use in my sister’s room didn’t work out and that sent us shopping the house.

We finally decided to use the IKEA prints that were in the entry above their nightstands, and they look so much better there.

I don’t have any good photos yet but you can see a quick phone shot here.

We also decided to move the three-drawer dresser that was in the entry into their bedroom as well.

My Mom found a gorgeous antique gold mirror, it clashed with the European Oak top I painted a few weeks ago though.

So, I dry brushed Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in French Linen on the top of the dresser and left the bottom white.

Once we got my sister’s bedroom in order, we turned our attention back to the entry.

Changes in the Entry…Again…

This is the piece of artwork we were originally going to use above my sister’s nightstands. The colors were too distracting in their room, but I think it looks great in the entry.

On the other side of the entry, I painted an antique armoire in French Linen. It completely changed the look of that side and my Mom is excited about the way it came together.

I’ll share more about that piece soon! 

Dining Room Update on Loblolly…

Adjacent to the entry is the dining room.

While it mostly stayed the same save for adding the ruffled shams to the painted bench, I repainted the chalkboard again.

A few weeks ago, I painted it white but it faded into the wall.

At first, I tried Valspar’s Faint Maple thinking it would do the trick.

But the black and tan did not look good at all.

So, I painted it in a custom gray mix.

The third time was the charm, I guess because my Mom immediately loved it this way.

Changes in the Primary Bedroom and Bathroom…

Despite planning to stick to a strict color palette of grays, whites, and camels for almost a year, my Mom took one look at these pink chairs and totally fell in love.

Naturally, it changed our entire vision for the space and we found ourselves having to reconsider everything from wall art to linens to lamps.

Speaking of which, here’s a sneak peek of the headboard and nightstand I painted while I was there.

More to come on those projects as well.

Finally, while my Dad was in town he hung the new towel rack for the primary bathroom. It’s new but has the old feel we adore.

The kitchen and the living room are the last 2 rooms that need to be painted and then we’ll be able to focus on decorating and details.  

We still need to work on my room, our bathroom, and the primary bedroom.

We’re also hoping to switch out the small chandelier that’s currently in my sisters’ room for a bigger one.

Little by little we’re getting there.

How are your projects coming along this season?

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo

Similar Posts

21 Comments

  1. CoCo…how fun to chronicle the transformation of your childhood home! It’s obvious you get your DIY entrepreneur spirit from your mom and dad! The hard work is paying off in their “new” home 🙂

    1. They have worked so hard to make it all happen Vicki! I know my Dad is ready for the floors and my Mom is ready for the “fun stuff” ha ha

  2. Looking good! What a great project to help your parents with. I’m sure Loblolly is going to be amazing when it’s all done.

    1. Thanks, Angie, we had to take it all the way back down to the studs so even little bits of progress are exciting!

  3. Donna - Faded Velvet says:

    Coco~
    How sweet is it to return to your childhood home? Your parents are putting their hearts into it and it is looking lovely and homey. I, of course, love all the things you brought to add to it!
    Thanks for sharing the progress with us,
    Donna-Faded Velvet

    1. I think about this place every time I see your storybook childhood home Donna! Thank you so much for your kind words. They have been working really hard. I can’t wait to see it all come together!

  4. Renee @ The Refined Relic says:

    Coco, I love the updates your parents made to your childhood home. The cabinets and beams look great and I know they were a labor of love. I love the cedar shake siding and the garage door adds a cottage feel. I can’t wait to see the completed project. I know your mom and dad are glad you are helping with the color choices and finishes. Oh, by the way you always find the most amazing baskets in your area. I can’t wait to see all of them. Love and prayers!

    1. Thank you so much for your sweet comments Renee! I really appreciate them. They have been working so hard and I can’t wait to see how everything comes together. Baskets are a hot item in my booth and home. I am always on the look out for them! Love and prayers to you too!

  5. What fun! It’s looking great so far, and we ca tell this is a true labor of love. XXoo

    PS: What is it about naming ones home that makes it so romantic?

    1. Loblolly Manor is a definitely a labor of love!

  6. I see where you got your DIY spirit now! So cool that your parents are doing this and you are able to visit and contribute. Looking forward to future updates! Bwg ~~~

    1. They have been working really hard on the house, I am so proud of all they have accomplished!

  7. Hi CoCo – WOW! You guys have been so busy! I can’t believe you painted the chalkboard three times. Although I do love the final color you and your Mom selected. Also, those brass hooks your Dad hung up in the bathroom are gorgeous. Hoping that you will share a link for them in the future . . . It’s so exciting to see everything in the house come together. Thanks for sharing the process with us. (Oh and those chairs your Mom selected are BEAUTIFUL)

  8. The house is looking great! Good luck treasure hunting for more amazing items to add to it! I love how paint can completely change the look of furniture! I have several paint projects I need to tackle this summer! I’ll be cheering you on!! Blessings, Donna

  9. I love everything you post about your childhood home! I love seeing the progress and can’t wait for a full virtual tour when it is complete. It sounds like a fun labor of love.

  10. We are renovating my in laws home right now and I’m so inspired by all your thoughtful touches and design CoCo 🙂 just beautiful!

  11. So pretty Coco, I love the changes. A work of art is being done for your family home.
    The chandy caught my eye…gorgeous. Have fun. xo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *