Changes Are Coming

The very first time my husband and I walked through our house with the realtor, I took one look at the third garage and said, “we could close this in and make it a den someday.”  Of course, he looked at me like I had three eyeballs.  Looking back, I like to think it was my trusty woman’s intuition kicking in. 

 

Neither of us realized, though, that we’d be looking for ways to make our house grow with our family so soon.

 

emilyaclark.com

But, here we are, almost two years later.  A family of seven in a three-bedroom house (that we love and don’t plan on leaving).  The twins are still in our room, but have started talking to us until we wake up.  And, the kids have one full bathroom that we didn’t see all five of them sharing down the road—especially when we have a house full of teenagers. 

 

So, here’s what’s happening over the course of the next few weeks.  This catastrophe (or some might call it “the wonderland of riding toys”) will become our new playroom/den, with our current hallway extending out:

 

third garage

 

 

new hallway

 

 

third garage conversion

 

 

The twins will move to my oldest son’s bedroom and the upstairs playroom will become his new room.  (Are you still following?)  We’re converting the toy closet into a bathroom, and the eventual plan is for both boys to share this room. . .

 

upstairs playroom

Yes, I am showing you this never-seen-before room, and now you know why it’s never-been-seen-before.  Let me tell you, this is the room on a good day.  It’s usually a disaster zone from top to bottom that gives me heart palpitations any time I go up there. . .

 

So, that’s the general plan.  And, if you’re excited to see how I’m going to decorate these new spaces, then that makes two of us.  This all happened so quickly from the time we decided to move forward that I haven’t had much time to just sit and think about what I want it to all look like.  (Well, maybe I do have a few ideas. . . )

 

(Follow along on Instagram @emilyaclark  for more updates along the way.)

 

54 comments:

  1. Exciting plans! Looking forward to following along with the transition. Been reading your blog for many months now, and you incredible style!

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  2. So fun, Emily. My how life changes, right. Such a darling photo of your five little monkeys in the bed. Will be fun to watch the progress. Hang in there as I know it can be a disaster. Oh, and our playroom gives me palpitations, too. I never show it!

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  3. How exciting. That is wonderful that you were able to find a way to "make it work". Thanks for being so inspiring! We are all here cheering you on!

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  4. Oh I'm so excited for you guys! I can't wait to see the transformations!

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  5. Great plans. I think this is a good solution. Very exciting!

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  6. So exciting! Looking forward to seeing more :)

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  7. THat picture of your kids is priceless, one to treasure! How exciting to see you'll have a den for the family, I'm sure with your touches it will be swoon worthy! xo
    Kate

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  8. I can't believe how big the twins are getting! I can see why you need the space. Play rooms are the best, especially when they can be closed off so you don't worry about the mess in the rest of the house. Make it comfy for you too because I have a feeling you will be spending a lot of time in there. ;)

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  9. Yea! Can't wait to see the progress. You are very ambitious, but I love the idea of a first floor playroom. It can grow with the kids. I also think as the kids get older that it's very nice to have a hangout room that isn't too far from the rest of the house so you can know what's going on (speaking as a mom of teens). :) I can't wait to see your design ideas.

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    1. This is EXACTLY why the den is going downstairs and the bedroom upstairs instead of the other way around. I'm planning on being in the middle of their business all the time. Oh how they'll love me! :)

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  10. oooh can't wait to see what you do. I love living vicariously through people who have houses!

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  11. What a great way to make room for your growing family. i can't wait to see how it all turns out!

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  12. I love the picture of all the kids in bed, so cute!! Oh this is going to be so exciting, bet your oldest is happy too :)
    XO
    Kristin

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  13. How exciting! Can't wait to see the progress and end result all decorated!

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  14. You will love that first floor playroom - the convenience, maybe not the visible messes that accompany it! But I remember when my kids were smaller they always wanted to be near me - which meant the kitchen!

    Construction is always fun - enjoy! Can't wait to see what you do with the spaces.
    xo~Jill

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  15. I think it will look great! And ditto on the playroom being on the first floor!

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  16. Some ideas....soundproofing! you won't care now, but when they are teens, if they are in a band at all-trust me.

    A door( or a double door/french door) that you can CLOSE that blocks out all the mess. If you are a visual person like me, this is a must.

    Don't focus on decorating the space as much as making it functional. LOTS of cubbies/storage; no floor length drapes or rugs to trip on, furniture that does extra-like flip-out chairs to play on, etc.

    Love the pix of all the kid in the bed. So cute! We have a set of twins-now grown-and it's so much fun to watch their lives unfold. Looking forward to seeing your room swap go to FINISHED :)

    Enjoy the process.

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  17. So excited for you and your family! One of my dreams for my home is to convert our 2 car garage into an room with a bath.

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  18. So exciting! I can't wait to see what you come up with and all I can say is watch out for that littlest boy :)

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  19. So happy for you! Glad you've figured out a way to expand in the house you love! It's a great idea to give the boys a separate bathroom from the girls. The girls will appreciate that so much :)

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  20. I think it's going to be great! I'd do the same thing with that third garage! So much fun to follow along on the renovating adventure.

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  21. Girl, you make me want to tear my house apart and build new stuff... only problem is I live in a townhouse and I don't think the condo board will appreciate it. LOL!

    So, I'll like vicariously through your projects until then

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  22. How fun! I can't wait to see all of the updates! I think it's great that you and your husband know you love your house and want to stay there and make it work for your family, instead of instantly deciding to move to a larger house. And PS- your kiddos in the bed are adorable!

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  23. Changes like this are always very exciting! Congratulations! It will feel like a new house but keeping all the things you love about your home.

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  24. Exciting! You'll love the extra space to breathe a bit. And just think -- blank slates to decorate!
    xo Heidi

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  25. How exciting! I am so happy for you guys. I know it will be amazing, and I'm sure your head is spinning with great ideas! We plan on finishing our cave of a basement this spring, and there is so much to be said for extra square footage in a home! You will add so much value! :)

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  26. I've always loved your house and worried that you were going to move. I'm so excited for you with your new plans for your house. This indeed is something that will benefit the entire family as they get bigger.

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  27. I am so happy for you and would like to see that closet turned into a bathroom in detail. I have wanted to do the same upstairs but do not have any idea how to begin. Keep me posted and I look forward to seeing your new rooms decorated and I know your son is so excited.

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  28. I'll be anxious to see the final results. You've been a great inspiration. Keep it up.

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  29. I love your blog, Emily! I am a new subscriber, and look forward to your posts. Thanks!

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  30. Love it. The pic is too cute. And your comment about the mismatched chair cemetary had me chuckling. Can't wait to see the finished project!

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  31. How exciting! And, such a better use of space. And I too agree with a previous comment...always good to have them close by when they are teens!!

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  32. How exciting and probably a little overwhelming to design these spaces from scratch. We are contemplating an addition in the next few years, so I'll be taking lots of notes.

    Any thoughts on how you are going to handle the outdoor toy storage without a 3rd stall? That is the predicament we have now.

    Can't wait to follow the transformation!
    Amelia

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  33. Such a fun and exciting project! I can't wait to see what you do with the space.

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  34. We had 5 kids too and they did share one bathroom. Lots of knocking on the door and saying hurry up and juggling of schedules but somehow we did it. They are all grown now and we juggle them and their spouses and the grandkids through that one bathroom on holidays! I figure it makes them appreciate home all the more when they leave here :)

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  35. Can't wait to see how beautiful all the new spaces turn out to be! You are brave in working with what you have but I love the attachment to the place. I recently moved and was so sad to have to leave my place :(

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  36. Can't wait to see how beautiful all the new spaces turn out to be! You are brave in working with what you have but I love the attachment to the place. I recently moved and was so sad to have to leave my place :(

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  37. First, you have the cutest family on the planet. Second, I am so giddy excited for you! Such a huge yet amazing renovation! Can't wait to follow along on the progress. We have a reno up our sleeves but have to wait until summer and the minutes are dragging by... :)

    xo!
    Jen

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  38. Holy cow! That is so awesome! Hahaha.....and so so exciting! Can't wait to see the changes!

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  39. Oh so cool that you have the space to do that! I love your full family of kiddos! They are so adorable all piled into the bed!

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  40. Woo hoo, can't wait to follow along with you! Still can't believe you have five kids...

    Also, husbands should never underestimate the power of womanly intuition. ;) I intuit I need a new sofa. You?

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  41. yay! So exciting can't wait to see the finished space!

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  42. What a smart plan! That upstairs room is going to be so perfect for a boy's room! Can't wait to see how these spaces develop!

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  43. Can't wait to see what you do with the place. Especially turning the closet into a bathroom part.

    :)
    mikky
    www.todaloos.com

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  44. Very cool & exciting!!!
    Can't wait to see more!!!
    Have A pretty day!
    Kristin

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  45. What a fantastic plan and how wonderful you have the space to expand! I love the idea, and the boys are going to love that space upstairs! Your family is so gorgeous. Best of luck during the remodel!
    xo Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

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  46. The kids are so cute and I can't wait to see the new room done.

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  47. Women's intuition huh? Those kids are so darn cute.

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Your comments make my day! If you have a question, I'll try to answer in the comment section by the end of the day. Or, you can email me at emily@emilyaclark.com.

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