Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Window Seat

So as long as I can remember, I've wanted a window seat.  They're just so cozy.  Early 70s era ranchers, like I grew up in, weren't really architecturally compatible with window seats, but when we moved into this house, with its lovely bay window, I saw possibilities.

Seven and a half years later, we still hadn't done anything about those possibilities until I came across a window seat tutorial on Pinterest.  It was just the look I'd been dreaming about -- and the author of the blog said it only took them three days!  The perfect project for a long weekend!

I was only semi-serious about it until I showed it to C.  He immediately started measuring and writing out lists of materials we'd need.  I figured if he was enthusiastic, we should do it.  He could learn some skills.  We could bond.  Initially, I figured C and I could do most of the work and wouldn't have to involve G too much since he's so busy, and it was all my idea.  He's unfailing gracious and patient with me, but I think he sighs to himself when I come up with projects like this that are supposed to be so "easy."  :)

Of course, we didn't have all the right tools.  Materials were harder to find than we anticipated.  The walls and floor weren't even close to level, so that required a lot of shimmying and fudging.  (Sometimes I wonder if the workmen who built this house were even licensed....)  The windows were lower than the tutorials we read so we had to pull off extra trim.... It took a little longer than three days.

I had only the vaguest idea what I was doing, and G had to jump in and work with C on most of it, but I did do all the demolition and helped C cut boards and drill the holes for the pocket screws.  It was fun.  It reminded me of why I took shop in jr high.  Power tools are empowering.  :)  C did a lot of work on it too, and it was so good for him to see the difference between reading about making things and how the work actually goes. 

But here we are with the finished product (almost, since I need to give the top one more coat of paint and make a cushion for it...) and it is AWESOME!  I love that it allows more light into the room, now that there's not a couch in front of the window.  I love that the kids can still peek out the front window, even though they don't get to hang over the back of the couch any more.  And once we get the cushions on there, I think it will be a nice spot for a little reading and dreaming.



5 comments:

  1. Oh, I love it! I've always wanted a window seat, but, alas, have never had a good window for it. Isn't the truth, though, that projects are always harder, more complicated, and take longer than expected? J usually has to come and save most of my big projects :)

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  2. Looks great! Now do you want to come to Minnesota and put one in for us?!

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  3. Oooh, I love the window seat! What a great project. The (wainscoating?) looks so nice. Well done indeed.

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