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DIY, HOLIDAYS

The 3 Best Tips To Help You Create Your Own Christmas Decorations

the-3-best-tips-to-help-you-create-your-own-christmas-decorations

Making your own Christmas decorations is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to the holiday season. It’s a fun and creative activity that can bring joy to both the maker and those who see the decorations. Although it is much easier to go out and buy decorations, when you make your own, your house will stand out from the rest. 

When you make your own decorations and Christmas decor, you can customize them to reflect your personality and family values. They can be kept and passed down through the generations with more meaning than mass-produced decorations. In this article, we will give you the information you need to be able to create your own this holiday season. 

1 – Pick the materials

When it comes to making Christmas decorations, the first step is choosing the right materials. Traditional materials like paper, fabric, wood, and metal are popular choices. Paper is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, from simple cut-outs to complex origami. Fabric offers a range of textures and colors, perfect for creating soft ornaments or festive garlands. 

Wood is always a good choice as it adds a rustic charm and warmth to the decor of the room. It’s natural and also neutral so it fits with just about any decoration style. 

The key is to look for material that will last a long time. Something like polyurethane resin for molds is a good choice since it lasts for decades. This material is a type of plastic that you can mold into different shapes. It’s perfect for creating custom ornaments or detailed decorations. 

2 – Get inspired

When it comes to Christmas-themed ornaments and decorations, there are endless possibilities for design and creativity. The key is to find inspiration so you can create decorations that reflect your personality and style. 

Classic designs are always a good start. You can put your own twist on traditional decorating elements. Think of wreaths, stars, and tree ornaments that can easily be customized. You can get creative with the materials and use things like horseshoes if you are passionate about horses, or quilts if you are into quilting. Use bright, unconventional colors, experiment with geometric shapes, or incorporate themes that are unique to your interests or culture.

3 – Displaying your creations

Once you’ve crafted your Christmas decorations, the next exciting step is displaying them. When it comes to decorating your space, think about balance and theme. For example, if your home has a rustic feel, wooden and fabric decorations can complement this style. In a more modern setting, metallic or brightly colored ornaments might stand out beautifully. 

Combining different types of decorations can also be effective. For instance, placing a homemade centerpiece on a table with store-bought candles can create an inviting atmosphere. Place your handmade ornaments on the Christmas tree alongside commercial ones for variety. Handcrafted wreaths can be hung on doors or walls, adding a personal touch.

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DIY, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

Lessons Learnt From DIY Projects Gone Wrong

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Many homeowners will turn to DIY when it comes to repairs and home improvements. This can be a great way to save money, and many find DIY projects fun, creative, and rewarding. There are many projects around the home that people can complete, and the internet is a great resource for guides and information, but a lot can go wrong with DIY. This article will examine some of the main lessons homeowners can learn from DIY projects that have gone wrong. Hopefully, this will prevent you from making the same mistakes and allow you to confidently complete DIY projects around the home. 

Proper Planning Is Key

First, you should never start a DIY project without a detailed plan in place. Proper planning will help you to stay organized, reduce stress, and work out the best sequence of work for the project. Planning should involve research on how to complete the project, working out your budget, creating a timeline, and gathering all the required tools and materials. 

Obtain Materials From Quality Suppliers

You must always make sure that you are getting your supplies from quality and trusted suppliers. Ultimately, the success of your project will depend on the suppliers that you use, so you should research your options and choose reputable companies. For example, if you are buying aluminum bi-folding doors, you will want to use companies like Now Aluminium, specialists like this provide products of the highest standard. Aluminum bi-folding doors can be a fantastic home improvement project as they can open up your space and maximize natural light, but you need to make sure that the doors perform to a high standard in order to get the most out of them. 

Know Your Limits

One of the most common mistakes that people make with DIY is not knowing their limitations. Many projects can be completed around the house, and the internet makes it a lot easier as you can find instructional videos and guides. It is important to be aware of your skills and knowledge limitations; otherwise, you could bite off more than you can chew. Not only will this make it hard to complete the project to a high standard, but it could also cause damage to the home and put your safety at risk. Know when to call the professionals in, and do not start work you do not feel confident doing. 

Consider Risks Involved

Following this, you should also always consider the risks involved with each project. DIY projects can be dangerous, so you must ensure safety is a priority. You need to identify the potential dangers and risks with every task and then find ways to mitigate these. You should always wear appropriate PPE, use tools in the correct manner, and have a first-aid kit nearby. Having someone around for supervision when carrying out dangerous work is also always a good idea.

These are important lessons that everyone should learn about DIY from some of the most common mistakes. This post should help you to find success with your projects and feel confident in completing each task.

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DIY, FAMILY

DIY Projects to Do at Home With Your Kids

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With the summer months approaching, you may be panicking when you think of things to do to keep your children occupied while on summer vacation or on the weekends. You may not know how you are going to keep them busy and out of trouble while also doing the things around the house that you need to. But what if there was a way to keep them occupied while also allowing you to do the DIY projects you have been meaning to get to?

This post will detail 4 fun DIY projects that you and your kids can do together this summer; not only will your children be occupied, but they will also be helping you make the small home renovations you have been wanting. 

What Are Some DIY Projects to Do With the Whole Family?

DIY projects are great for a number of different reasons. Not only will you be able to create the exact project you have had in mind, but you will also save money and be entertained while doing so. With that being said, DIY projects that include the whole family takes those benefits one step further. Here are 4 DIY projects that will keep the whole family engaged this summer. 

  1. Repurpose Old Furniture

Getting new furniture is costly, especially if you have little ones. But what happens when you desperately need a new coffee table or outdoor sofa? A great DIY solution is to repurpose old furniture. If you have old furniture, consider making it a family affair and redoing it somehow. Consider repainting it, refinishing it, or even reconstructing it for parts. 

This DIY project will save you money and can be done as a family. If you don’t have any furniture that you want to repurpose, consider buying secondhand furniture either online or at a secondhand shop. 

  1. Make Your Own Wall Decor

This is a great way to get the family involved and create meaningful wall decor. Some DIY wall decoration ideas include:

  • A gallery wall; hang your children’s artwork and family photos to cover an entire wall
  • Custom made/painted wooden signs
  • Paint murals as a family to hang on your wall
  • Homemade dream catchers
  • Make your own stained glass pieces
  1. Get Creative With Storage

Storage is something we all need more of, especially if you’re a parent. Creating storage can be a hassle and extremely time-consuming, however, consider turning it into a DIY project with your children. To start creating storage units with your kids, start in their spaces, either their rooms or playroom, as they will get excited and express interest in this DIY project. 

Some other creative DIY storage projects to consider include:

  • Mason jar brush holders
  • Hanging wicker baskets
  • Hang craft boxes
  • Turn apple crates into shelving
  • Repurposed dresser drawers as shelving 
  1. Create a Gorgeous Garden 

When people think of DIY projects, they often think of projects that have to do with crafts or building something, they don’t typically think of outdoor projects or gardening. However, gardening is in fact a great DIY project to do with the family as you can build the gorgeous garden of your dreams. 

A roofing contractor in Voorhees pointed out that gardens can add to the exterior aesthetic of your home so turning it into a DIY project to do with your family can be worth your while. Consider planting flowers, shrubs, or even fruits and veggies with your kids. To make this DIY project one step further, have your children paint pots to plant things in or create garden decorations as a family. 

Start Your Project Today

Instead of worrying about what you are going to do to entertain your children this summer, look into other fun and exciting DIY projects that you can do with them. Be proactive and try to get the supplies ahead of time so that your DIY project runs as smoothly as possible. 

About the Author

Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast and avid beach-goer operating out of Southern New Jersey

KEEP THE KIDS BUSY….

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DIY, home renovation

4 Ways to Save Money on a Home Renovation

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Your home needs to be a space in which you’re comfortable and happy. Sometimes, however, we get tired of seeing the same things every day. The same dull color on the wall, or sitting at the same dinner table on the same chairs. Using the same outdated fridge that your parents gave you as a wedding gift ten years ago.

Whether it’s for aesthetic reasons or to replace outdated or damaged furniture, we all need an occasional renovation. Maybe you need to add space to your house, or just remove a few items.

Big or small, a home renovation can get costly very quickly. Here are four ways you can save a little the next time you renovate.

1. Patience, Budgets, and Savings

Admittedly, that might be three things, but they all go hand in hand. A lot of folks make a big mistake by trying to rush their home renovation. Instead of taking the project step by step, they want everything done as quickly as possible.

This might mean higher contractor fees, costly mistakes, and a lot of loans and emptied credit cards. With a little patience, that doesn’t have to be the case.

First, set a budget. Make sure it’s realistic, as well as one you can meet by saving up. The goal is to avoid using loans or credit cards. Next, talk to any contractors you want to use. Mention that you’ll be paying with cash and ask for possible discounts.

Remember to approach several contractors and compare quotes. You’re not necessarily looking for the cheapest contractor, though. You want a reasonable price that includes everything you need

Pro tip: don’t pay for everything as you go. It’s a mistake that a lot of people make when they do renovations, but it’s a risky gamble, too. There are better ways to create a work schedule with your contractor.

With a little patience, planning, and smart deals, you can save money on your renovation.

2. Don’t Shy Away from Discounts

People can be extremely picky. Some will return a perfectly good piece of furniture because of a small nick, dent, or scratch. Many stores will have a discount section that contains high quality – and fully functional – just slightly damaged furniture.

It’s a bit of a gamble sometimes, but you can mitigate the risk by doing a little research. In the end, you could get expensive big-ticket furniture and appliances for a fraction of their retail price. In fact, you could get as much as 60 percent off.

If that’s not a reason to do a little discount shopping, we don’t know what is.

3. Do It Yourself

While there are a few things that you probably need a specialist for, there’s a lot you can do yourself like a plumbing renovation. For example, repainting a room is simple enough, and it can be a lot of fun as well.

Some suppliers also sell furniture that’s ready to assemble, and we’re not just talking about a few chairs or tables. You also get DIY beds, displays, and great kitchen cabinets, as shown on the Best Online Cabinet website.

All you need is a little effort, an instruction manual, and a healthy dose of motivation. That said, don’t be afraid to get the experts in when you need to. Trying to update old wiring yourself if you’re not an electrician, for example, is a recipe for disaster.

4. Declutter for Profit

When you renovate your home, the chances are that you’ll be left with several items that you don’t need anymore. But your trash might just be someone else’s treasure. Your old sofa might not work for your family anymore, but a recent college graduate might love to have that comfy second-hand couch at an affordable price.

There’s always someone who might be willing to buy your second-hand goodies, and you can comfortably sell them online.

Take Away…

When you renovate your home, you don’t need to spend a small fortune or flounder in credit card debt. Just remember patience and planning, discounts, DIY, and decluttering for a profit. If you remember these tips, you can save money on your next home renovation.

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BATHROOMS, DIY, home renovation

How to install frosted glass film

how-to-install-frosted-glass-window-film

Glass doors, glass walls, glass room dividers, and large windows are very popular right now. But, once all that glass is used and people are actually using the rooms, there may be issues with privacy, sun glare, UV damage, Or security. The glass is fine, it just needs one more step to work better. Window films come in many different thicknesses, colors, and designs that will add design interest while giving people a little privacy.

Why Use a Film?

Installing frosted window film is not a hard project if quality films are purchased to start with. After purchasing good-quality window films, they must be installed by the supplier or by the building owner. The reasons most people decide to add window films are for additional privacy, added design and beauty, or added security. When completed some buildings or office spaces have a lot of glass in windows, walls, and dividers. While all that glass is nice for natural light and the appearance of more space, some people might need a little more privacy or the space might need more decorative elements.

Photo credit: DecorPad

An employee with an office with glass walls might want a little more privacy for meetings or for working alone. Windows might be in places where too many people can look into the office space. Adding a film can add privacy and security while allowing that valuable light to come into the office. Plane clear glass windows might need a little dressing up to add to the beauty of the business. Window films come in many attractive designs. The UV light coming into a space might present a hazard for fading materials or for causing a room to overheat or have an inconvenient glare.

What are 5 Steps to Install Window Film?

The beauty and usefulness of window film depend on how well it is installed. It should not have crinkles, folds, or tears to mar its beauty. There should not be any bubbles in the surface and the film should uniformly adhere to the window or wall glass. Five installations steps should include:

1. First, choose the correct window film for the job. There are lots of films on the market for different purposes and budgets.

2. Clean the glass area very well and dry it thoroughly. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning method and products.

3. Cut the film to cover the window allowing 1/2 inch extra all around. This will be trimmed for a perfect fit. Measure the glass space to be covered carefully because this is a project where there is no room for error.

4. Remove the film backing and wet the film or the window as per directions and position the film carefully on the glass. Reposition if necessary.

5. Finally, use a squeegee or other flat tool to flatten the film to the surface and eliminate any bubbles. Then, carefully trim any excess film.

Photo credit: HomeBunch

Films Can be Replaced

When the film is correctly installed it will add beauty and privacy to the room it is used in. And, there is an added benefit to window films such as these. They are easily removable, so if the building owner wants a new design, it is easy to change window film to a new design or color. When a rental office gets a new tenant, they can remove and replace the window film.

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DIY, HOME STAGING

DIY Ideas and Tricks for Staging on a Budget

budget-staging

Stores and restaurants know how to make people want to buy: the right presentation sparks imagination and desire. It’s why the front of a restaurant shows a set table in candlelight, and why store windows use eye-catching design elements and little scenes as background. These tricks create emotional connection between customers and things for sale.

 

Home staging works the same way, making a house for sale visually attractive and sparking the buyers’ imaginations. It’s especially important in the rooms where daily life happens, such as living rooms and other shared spaces. The goal is prospective buyers saying, “We could host everyone for the holidays so easily here!” or “Imagine relaxing in front of this fireplace. The dogs would love it, too!” There are some basic good ideas to follow in your living room staging, but also specific tricks to make it look its best.

Three “big picture” (and budget conscious) ideas to keep in mind are:

 

  • Declutter: You need an open, spacious look, so emphasize the house’s features and lifestyle with minimal décor. Surfaces should be clean, shelves partially filled, and furniture kept to a few pieces. Accessories should make a statement, not fill space.
  • Depersonalize: A buyer cannot imagine living there if all they see is someone else’s life. Along with the clutter, remove personal things, such as photos and collections, from view.
  • Deep-Clean: Never underestimate sparkling cleanliness as a great first impression. Cleaning companies often have special services for home sales, but you can also DIY. Dust everything, from ceiling to floor. Scrub walls and windows. Polish wood. Vacuum all fabric. Get every corner, every cranny, very clean.

 

Once this “canvas” is ready, here are three secret home staging tips for a beautiful look that will appeal.

Budget friendly tips:

First, use color effectively. For walls and furniture, neutrals bring comfortable simplicity without risk. But you do not have to paint stark white; there are many attractive neutral shades available. Brighter color should be limited to accessories, such as a signature piece of art or an arrangement of throw pillows. Use “pops” of color to direct attention, add visual appeal, and insert that bit of “wow” factor. Plants and flowers have the same effect and add life.

 

Second, create vignettes, or small staged scenes, to display lifestyle so that buyers want to sit right down in your living room! Pick areas close to windows, lighting, or great features, then arrange furniture and other items to suggest wonderful experiences. For example, the corner where the bookshelves meet the window becomes a reading nook with an easy chair. A teacup and pretty book on a tray can finish the vignette. The fireplace area can invite cozy conversation or relaxation with sofa and chairs. Or anchor seating around a view, or just a lovely table with a vase of flowers and some interesting objects. Keep decoration restrained, with impersonal grouped items in odd numbers.

 

Third, remember there are professionals to help. First-timers may be unsure how to place furniture or which accessories are best; often, we can’t see our own possessions the way an objective outsider can. Home stagers can offer advice, check your work after you DIY, or do the staging for you. They have the experience, talent, and supplies for perfect staging. Ask your realtor for trusted recommendations, or explore stagers’ sites online.

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BATHROOMS, DIY, HOME DECOR

Room Reveal : Farmhouse Powder Room

room-reveal-farmhouse-powder-room

Well, my 4 weeks are up and it’s time to reveal my new farmhouse powder room!

It has been a busy 4 weeks – I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone and made a major transformation in my powder room. I love my farmhouse powder room and so have my friends and family.  The new look is truly incredible and I did not go over budget BONUS! Let me show what I did to create my farmhouse powder room….

A look back at my powder room…..

BEFORE

This powder room was dark and dull – the cabinets are right of out of 1981 and the whole room just looked blah…I really wanted to add a brighter colour, make the room fresh and have a farmhouse powder room.

My farmhouse powder room – what I did…

I knew I wanted a brighter and fresher feel in the room.  The big element here was paint.  I’m fortunate because I had almost a full can of a warm beige-y colour (it’s actually the same colour I have in my other 2 bathrooms) HUSH by Benjamin Moore This new colour on my walls has made a huge difference! The powder room looks so much bigger and brighter (honestly I still cannot get over how fresh it looks).  The next paint project was painting that vanity! I love the look of chalk paint and I thought to get the farmhouse look a chalk painted vanity would be perfect! I chose a great chalk paint colour from Rustoleum ‘Country Gray’ and I love it!!

I was going to paint my existing hardware but after doing some looking around – I found these bar pulls in an oil rubbed bronze – they have a more modern look than my old ones, they are a great price and I had room in my budget so it was perfect! I did have the brushed nickle in my cart but I then realized with my existing hinges (and limited budget) I should stick with the oil rubbed bronze – I love how this vanity looks like a piece of furniture with the new paint and hardware. These bar pulls make a big difference in updating my farmhouse powder room.

 

I have always wanted to do something with my window but I never really figured out what – I found an awesome tutorial for a new-sew window valance and that was the plan but then I found this valance at Target – it fit in my budget and the colour is perfect! The rod was a great deal, too!

 

What I didn’t get done…

I purchased some spray paint that was supposed to be used for my counter tops – it has not yet arrived so this did not get done during the challenge.  I’m a bit disappointed as I was really looking forward to changing it but now that everything else has been painted – I’m not sure that I need to paint it! I’ve asked friends and family what they think and it’s a 50/50 split of whether to paint or not – let me know what you think I should do, I’d love to hear your thoughts…..

 

Styling my farmhouse powder room….

I lucked out with some art from my sister that she was no longer using.  I also have this old wood ‘mailbox’ piece that I purchased years ago and I have always loved it but never found a home for it – it has been sitting in my office collecting dust for about 6 years – it is a great piece that works with the farmhouse look I am after so I was super happy to give it a ‘home’. I used this amazing product called ‘Gorilla Hooks’ to hang it – so easy!

I also had some decor items here that were just sort of extras like the wicker basket with my ‘guest towels’, the large mason jar with some faux greenery that I took from an arrangement in my dining room (just two branches), I had the ‘iron’ owls from my family room.

 

I used some white bar towels for my guest towels and rolled them up and put them in the basket -so simple – but that’s what farmhouse is all about, right?

My towel bar, lighting and mirror were there before – but with the new paint they kind of look new, too!

Get a farmhouse powder room with only $100

So here’s my budget breakdown …

Chalk Paint                                        $24.64

New cabinet pulls                             $4.79 (x4)

Paint starter kit                                 $8.00

Curtain rod                                         $3.99

Curtain Valance                                 $10.99

Spray paint                                         $30.05

Mirror                                                  already had

Wall paint                                           used left over from my other 2 bathrooms

Art                                                        already had

Decor accessories and towels         already had

Gorilla hooks                                     already had

Total spent                                          $96.83

Even though I have not yet used or received my counter top spray paint I still included it in my budget – without it I would have only spent $66.78 !

Farmhouse powder room photos

 

 

 

I still cannot believe that this is the same room – the transformation is just incredible! I feel great about the end results and I feel great about all of the painting that I took on – there’s a first time for everything! When you ‘shop your home’ it is really amazing what you can find and what you can give new life…

Be sure to check out the other participants in this round of the $100 Room challenge – it is reveal week and there are so many amazing projects in this challenge –


 

 

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BATHROOMS, DIY

$100 Room challenge: Week 3 – powder room

100-room-challenge-week-3-powder-room

3 weeks into this round of the $100 room challenge and I’m happy with the progress in my powder room….I am still amazed by the power of paint and how it can completely transform any room….take a look at how my powder room looked 3 weeks ago…

BEFORE

This is my second round of this challenge and it is so much fun! I love how it keeps me on track with my budget and focused on getting the project finished.  It is also really inspiring to see what other bloggers and IGers are doing. Did you catch Erin on the Rachael Ray Show? So many great ideas from Erin and all the other bloggers in this challenge – it is really fun to see how others stretch their budget and creativity! I have to say that this round I have ‘stepped it up’ from my first challenge.

Powder Room progress ….

Last week, I tackled painting the walls of the powder room and I’m loving the difference this ‘new’ colour has made so far.  I used paint from another project in my home and the colour is making such a difference already! I had to paint a second coat of paint on the powder room walls and if I am being honest – I wasn’t overly motivated to stay inside and paint.  Not because I’m not happy with how it is looking (quite the opposite) but….it seems like summer has finally arrived here and the weather outside is hot and sunny, so I really want to enjoy that while I can!

I did find that painting the second coat seemed to go much faster than the first coat – now maybe that is just me being motivated to get out and soak up some great weather!

I have also painted the vanity in this amazing shade of ‘country grey’ in a chalk paint! So exciting!! Originally, I planned on using a deeper charcoal tone for the vanity but my husband talked me into this mid-tone grey….I admit – this colour is a good choice – there is still contrast in the room and with this tone my new hardware pulls will stand out more!

I was going to recycle my handles (see below) but it was almost the same cost as buying new handles, so I purchased 4 new pulls instead.  The new ones are cleaner looking and still in the oil rubbed bronze finish (to match the existing hinges).  The new handles (although there are only 4) will give the vanity a fresh new look – I’m dying to install them!

 

‘Powder Room project’ confession time….

There have been a number of firsts for me on this project and I’m almost embarrassed to tell you but here goes….this my first time painting a room. ( Erin was completely honest about her DIY experience so I feel I should be, too.) Yep! I have painted my fireplace and a front door but never an entire room! I’m happy with how it turned out!

Something else I learned…how to patch the holes in my cabinets – this tutorial from Rainonatinroof.com is amazing and so simple….

Another first….I have never used chalk paint! I have to say I love chalk paint and I’m already trying to figure out what I can paint in chalk paint next! I was a bit nervous about it but it goes on so smoothly, the coverage is great and I love the super matte finish.  This has given my vanity new life! The image below shows off the new wall colour and 2 coats of chalk paint on the vanity – what do you think?

Yes, my doors are still attached to the ‘box’ of the vanity and I know the doors should be removed, painted and once complete, re-attached.  I didn’t realize the condition of my vanity until I started painting it this weekend – it is about 35 years old and it’s showing it’s age….I was worried that I may not be able to re-attach them. So I kept them on and painting them that way – not ideal but I’m making it work.

Counter tops…

Many of you have asked and comments about painting my counter tops. I am really excited (and a bit nervous) about painting my counter tops.  The paint has been ordered – I had to order online since all of the local stores were SOLD OUT! The paint has not arrived yet and it is cutting it close! I checked my order and it is supposed to arrive between Sept 20 (that’s today) and Oct 2…..so I may not get these counter tops painted before the 1 month timeline of this challenge is up….Well if I don’t get it on time – I will be sure to have a new post dedicated to painting my counter tops!

And I have to admit with all the fresh paint in this space – my counter tops that were already looking dated and dull look even more so….

 

Powder room to-do list:

  • prep and paint the walls of the powder room
  • paint or purchase 4 new cabinet hardware pulls
  • start (and finish) painting the vanity in chalk paint
  • install new cabinet hardware
  • hang up window treatment
  • touch up paint
  • paint counter top (waiting patiently for paint to arrive….)
  • hang up mirror and art
  • style the space with towels and greenery

The remaining items on my to-do list seem lengthy but it’s a lot of small jobs and I’m so excited to finish up this powder room, motivation will be driving me to get this done!

Budget so far….

4 new bar pulls for vanity ($4.79 each)

Chalk paint for vanity ($24.64 on sale!)

paint brush, roller and tray starter kit ($8.00)

counter top spray paint ($30.05)

curtain rod ($3.99)

I found a pre-made curtain valance for $10.99 at target so I purchased that instead of making my own but I want to try this DIY valance by 12 devonshire in my family room!

95.84 is the total spent!! Maybe I can find a cheap greenery piece at the dollar store!

Be sure to check out the other bloggers participating in the $100 room challenge…


Every time I pop into my powder room I just can’t get over the difference already – so I cannot wait to get this makeover done !

Next week is the room reveal….so exciting!

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$100 room challenge: week 2 – powder room

100-room-challenge-week-2-powder-room

It is week 2 of this $100 room design challenge and let me tell you about the progress so far….

But first, let me bring you up to speed on the challenge –

I decided that my room that needed an update (that was over looked when we did some renos 6 years ago) is our powder room.  Our powder room like most other homes is a high traffic room with lots of visitors ranging from family to friends.  The room was dark brown with cabinets right out of the 1980’s (when our home was built) and some laminate counters.  With this challenge I decided to really focus on giving this powder room a fresh look with a bit of a farmhouse look.

Take a look at week 1 , HERE

BEFORE

 

BEFORE

Design challenge decisions…

I knew that this room needed paint – and pretty much everywhere. With a budget of only $100 I didn’t want to just spend that money on paint – this room needs so new decor accessories, maybe some towels too. Sticking to the budget and making a big change is really the premise of this design challenge. So for my wall colour –  I knew I had some paint from other painting projects in my house.  I had 2 cans of paint that were almost full – so I had to decide which of those two colours I liked best for the space.

Paint option #1 – Benjamin Moore ‘HUSH’ AF-95  This is a great warm neutral (my other 2 bathrooms are this colour, too) I’m not why I have almost a full can left but I did!

Paint option #2 – Benjamin Moore ‘JUTE’ AF-80 This is the colour seen in the main part of my home.  It’s a soft neutral a bit on the cooler side compared to HUSH.

I compared both colours in the powder room and decided on HUSH.  I like the warmth and the JUTE hue was looking a bit green and I’m really trying to downplay the green tones in my floor tile.

Now that my colour was selected, I was ready to start painting except I could not find my paint brushes ANYWHERE….I looked all over my house – the basement, the garage etc…no luck. So I had to buy some new brushes, I really did not want to spend any money from my budget on brushes but I really had no choice. I lucked out and found this great little ‘starter’ kit at Wal-Mart.  maybe not the best quality of brushes but this handy little kit had 2 rollers (one large, one small), a brush, drop cloth and the tray for $8.00

Time to get started on the challenge….

Paint colour is picked and now it’s time to start.  I wanted to get the paint colour on the walls first for a few reasons….1 – I wanted to see the colour on the walls since I was undecided on what colour I want to paint my vanity. 2 – The walls are the biggest painting job, so I wanted to get it out of the way.  3 – With the walls being so dark, I knew I needed to tackle those first as they would probably need the most paint and …4. I had the supplies on hand.

And so far, so good….

Already the difference is incredible…..

The first coat is done and I need another coat for sure but the difference is amazing.  The bathroom is SO much brighter and clean looking, too! My husband is loving it, too (usually he doesn’t say much when it comes to home decor)

Check out the other room makeovers in this challenge….


Next up…..

2nd coat of paint (possibly a third but only if necessary).

Painting of the vanity is next – I’m thinking a charcoal chalk paint….

Painting the counter tops (so excited to see how that turns out!!)

I like my vanity light and mirror – so those will stay …

I have some ‘new’ art from my sister (she always has decor stuff lying around…)

If my budget allows, I’m hoping to find some greenery (faux) to add some freshness to the bathroom

The budget so far is not blown so hopefully I can stay on track with the workload and budget…fingers crossed!

Let me know what you think of the change in my powder room so far….

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BATHROOMS, DIY

$100 Room Challenge : week 1 Powder Room

100-room-challenge-week-1-powder-room

$100 Room challenge …

It’s time for the $100 room challenge! This amazing and really fun challenge was started and is still hosted by Erin from LemonLavenderandLaundry.com. Basically here is what this challenge is all about – a bunch of bloggers and IGers take on one room in their home and in one month’s time and with only $100 – they transform the room, tracking and sharing their progress week by week to share with you. Want to know more and check out some past projects? Click here

This is my second challenge – my first challenge was a homework station for my kids (which I needed to get done before they headed back to school).  This time around I have something different in mind….

Powder Room Makeover!

We moved into this house 6 years ago this month and when we moved in we had big plans for this dated and dark powder room but with 2 little ones and the third on the way – we had other priorities but now that 3 of my 4 kids are in school – I can take advantage of some free time during the day and at bedtime to transform this space.  Let’s take a look…

So this is it! Our powder room – it has a lot of cabinet space and we have looked into a whole new vanity to give this room a fresh look but the cost is higher than we would like as it is a custom size.  The counters are laminate and the walls are a deep and dark brown.

My powder room plan

The whole room needs to look and feel fresh so I’m going to be using A LOT of paint.  I’m painting the walls, the cabinets and the counter top!

I want to create a bit of a farmhouse look in this room. The cabinets are kind of a ‘nothing’ colour so I’m going to paint them in a chalk paint – deciding between a warm white or a country grey – I have never used chalk paint before so I’m a bit nervous but I can do it!  Which ever colour I pick for the cabinets will determine my direction for the counter tops – I’m so excited to be able to paint these ugly laminate counters!! I also planning on replacing or painting the hardware of these cabinets.

I am also planning on changing out my art – I know someone in my family will have something hanging around in a basement or closet.

I have that long counter top – so I want to add some easy decor their too – like some greenery and perhaps some jars – I will be looking around the house to see what I can re-purpose.

Materials list for my Powder Room Makeover

  • paint for my walls (I have lots left over from painting my house)
  • chalk paint for my vanity
  • spray paint for the counter tops
  • art for the walls (checking my house and asking friends and family)
  • 4 handles for the vanity doors
  • accessories like towels, decor pieces and greenery (will see if I can find some deals in stores or re-purpose from my home)

Powder Room inspiration

Photo credit : Jenna Sue Designs

I love this bathroom – the soft paint colour with the white plumbing fixtures keeps the space looks fresh and clean.  I also love the decorative accents like the reclaimed wood, the greenery and the white plush towels.

Photo credit : unknown

I love the warm grey colour of this cabinet and this is one of the colours that I am considering for my vanity. I also love how fresh and bright this bathroom is and the accessories are cute, too!

Be sure to check out the other $100 rooms in this challenge….


I’m really excited for this much needed transformation and of course this timeline is going to keep me on track – Wish me luck and as always feel free to offer me advice and your opinion!

SHOP BATHROOM…..

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