BIG RENOVATION UPDATE!
The wallpaper is finally up, and I absolutely love it—it’s exactly how I imagined! The green hue is so peaceful and blends beautifully with the scenery. It really feels like we’re getting close to finishing!
The formal dining area will feature the old black oak dining set from my grandmother. I’m sure the green will complement the vintage furniture perfectly!



For the entertainment area, I had to make a tough and somewhat pricy decision: should I go with light gray behind the TV or dark blue? The dark blue felt a bit too heavy, so I chose light gray, and I’m happy with that choice. I will share more later.



And speaking of colors, remember this picture:

The clay all around us inspired me to go with a terracotta-shade wallpaper for the rest of the living room. What do you think?


I’m so excited to decorate and make everything feel cozy! I’m really hoping we can wrap it all up by March 21st… fingers crossed!
Also, on March 18th, it’s Linna’s 11th birthday! And Jānis’ birthday is on the 20th. We didn’t celebrate her 10th for many reasons, so this year, she’ll have a slumber party. It would be so nice to have a finished room for her to sleep in! Here’s to making it all come together just in time for her special day!
Ilze
Discover more from a day in the life of a latvian mom
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
It’s looking really good, like your colour choices.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Choosing colors was definitely a journey, but I’m so happy with how it’s coming together. Have you ever picked a color, and once it was on the walls, it turned out exactly as you envisioned? When the first strip of wallpaper went up, it felt so right—just as I had imagined!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, been quite lucky at picking the right colours, most of my rooms are a plain colour. I need to decorate my back room this year, I will repaint it in the same colour, much easier 🙂.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like a smart plan! But don’t just settle for “much easier” when it comes to color—go with what feels right for you. A little challenge can often make the space even more special. Do you have any color ideas for the back room, or are you still deciding? If you have any pictures, feel free to share them! The WP community might help spark some creative ideas! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The colour I will use is called Almond White, I would use more colour but the room has a tiled fireplace which has been painted, only seems to look good when it’s the same colour as the walls. To brighten the room up I have some framed prints on the wall including one I took on my first visit to Latvia in 1993.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Almond White sounds like a lovely choice! I can see how keeping the fireplace the same color as the walls would create a cohesive look. It’s great that you’re adding framed prints to bring in some color and personality! That 1993 photo from your first visit to Latvia must hold some special memories. Do you have any other Latvian-inspired pieces around the house?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a few images I would like to get printed, also some prints from a Latvian painter. Leo Svemps. My relatives have given me some lovely small pieces of pottery, dishes and bowls.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Leo Svemps is from this area! 🙂 My girls learned about his work at art school.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful feeling of achievement when you reach such an important stage in the renovation! Congratulations! The marathon is nearly over, just the final spring now. Happy birthday to Linna and Janis – my granddaughter was also born on 20 March – the equinox that year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it feels like we’re almost there now—just a bit more to go! Thank you for your kind words! How special that your granddaughter shares a birthday with the equinox. Do you have any traditions for celebrating that time of year?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It all looks so nice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I’m really happy with how it’s coming together, and I’m proud that I figured out the colors, wallpaper, and layout all on my own—no designer or salon involved! Do you have wallpaper or painted walls at home?
LikeLike
You did great! Wallpaper gives a room its identity, like clothes on a person. My mother and I used to have a little wallpaper shop. I love it and have always had it in my homes in the past. I rent now and am not really allowed to make changes to the house, so all of my walls are craft white. From time to time I look at removable wallpaper but haven’t hung any yet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I love the analogy of wallpaper giving a room its identity, just like clothes! How wonderful that you and your mother had a wallpaper shop!!! I would love to see a picture if you have any, shared on your blog! It’s a shame that you’re limited in your current rental, but removable wallpaper sounds like a great option! I had to go through a lot to finally choose these “rose hip” designs for our living room. I think I need to make a blog post about it! Have you found any patterns or designs you’re particularly drawn to for when you’re able to add some personality to your space?
LikeLike
I will go through sometime and see what I have for pictures. As far as patterns, there are too many I like and I struggle with making a decision, which is why the walls are still white, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally understand! There are so many great patterns out there, it can be hard to pick just one. White walls do give you a blank canvas, though. Do you have a particular style or vibe you’re leaning toward, or are you still exploring options?
LikeLike
I love a cottage look and I am drawn to primitives. It’s a small house (a renovated garage) so I can’t get too crazy with patterns and colors 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds lovely! The cottage look is so cozy and charming. I can totally see how you’d want to keep things balanced with a small space. For me, it’s all about wallpaper with a simple, small floral pattern, like the one I have in our living room—it gives the space a soft, inviting feel without being too bold. Have you found any specific pieces or elements that really capture that cottage vibe for you?
LikeLike
Your space is wonderfully soft and inviting! Most of what I have is old, family stuff. My grandmother’s pie safe, my mother’s rocking chair, a stack of colorful mixing bowls I remember her using, growing up. My grandfather’s writing desk. I have filled in with some neat pieces like mason jar swag lamps and primitive band boxes, country cottage artwork here and there. And tons of house plants! It’s a mish mash but it works well for my space 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like such a warm and meaningful space! I love how each piece carries a story and personal history. The mix of old and new, plus all the houseplants, must make it feel so cozy and full of character! 😊🌿
LikeLiked by 1 person
YAY!! I hope you guys do wrap it all up soon! The house looks great, Ilze, and happy birthday, Linna! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 😊 We’re doing our best to wrap things up! And yay—Linna is excited for her upcoming birthday! 🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy for you guys! ❤️😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John! What’s your plan for the weekend?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nothing, just take the day as it unfolds. 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a good plan 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Every day is the weekend when you are retired. 👍🏻😎😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope for that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The older I get, the faster the days seem to fly by, Ilze…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Crossing fingers for you. I love your choices 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Bee!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your renovations are beautiful. The wallpaper looks great. Happy birthdays!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I’m really happy with how the wallpaper turned out. And thanks for the birthday wishes! 🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your choice of wallpaper! It all looks so pretty!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Ann! I’m really happy with how it turned out so far. I hope to share the finished room soon 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are definitely getting there
LikeLiked by 1 person
It starts to seem so! How is your heating system?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just the same, but the weather is getting warmer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish I could send you my husband to fix it! He is a programmer but very good at all “house problem solving” 🙂 I hope you can solve it soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am confident that the new company will fix it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fingers crossed!
LikeLiked by 1 person