{I know you guys are going to hate me, but there are no after pictures in this post. Sorry! There are just too many projects and pictures here. Next post. Promise.}
While Ali and I were shopping for fabric and accessories, my mom tiled the floor with this beautiful black marble. There are lots of great tutorials online for how to tile your own floor. My mom is awesome and fast. This was the last bathroom in their house to redo, so my parents had already invested in a tile cutter and the other necessities, but it is easy to rent a tile cutter from Home Depot or Lowes. We used black grout and 1/8″ spacers.
By the time we got back from shopping, the grout had dried and it was time to get going on the other projects of the room.
First up: the walls.
To save time, I always roll first and get as close to the edge as I can with the roller. Then I cut in with a two-inch angled brush after the rolled portion is dry. Repeat as needed. I rarely use painters tape. Just a steady hand and a wet rag to clean up and mistakes.
The walls in the bedroom were painted RL’s Montauk Driftwood and the bathroom walls were painted Hopsack. We softened the color of the Hopsack by about half with the addition of white paint. The result is a pretty oatmeal color that was better suited for the bathroom space and looked better next to the new pale blue wall color.
While the walls were drying, we painted the furniture.
When I don’t use spray paint, I almost always roll on the paint with a foam mini-roller, let that first coat dry and then come back with a brush for all the grooves.
We used Ralph Lauren’s Smoked Glass on the bed and Hopsack (no white added here) on the night stands. The curtain rods were spray painted Heirloom White.
The antique-glazed white console table was painted Martha’s “Yellow Magnolia”.
I just used a $3 sample pot of paint for this project.
The hope chest got some decorative molding and two coats of a slate blue color we mixed with paints we had lying around to save cash.
The top of the hope chest was reupholstered with the floral fabric.
These little decorative tins were spray painted Heirloom white. We got them on major clearance from Home Goods.
Moving on to some of the more involved projects…
Ali picked up this book in the clearance section of her local library for just a few dollars. We had 400 beautiful botanical plates of gorgeous wildflowers to choose from for framing.
These frames from Michaels are so great and I’ve been using them in lots of projects lately. They come in two-packs for $7.
You can use them without mats, but I decided to use these mats, also from Michael’s, for about $2.50 each.
We measured and mapped out the gallery wall.
And you’ll just have to wait to see the afters! ;) but here’s a sneak:
Remember the giant round mirror from Home Goods? I sanded off the scratches and rough spots.
Then I brainstormed ways to evenly space out these little wooden floral appliques. At first I was just going to find the center point and then draw some straight lines on the mirror with a dry erase marker for registration marks.
Then my dad reminded me about geometry! (who says you never use math in real life?!) It was surprisingly easy to figure out how far to space out the appliques once we determined the circumference of the frame.
I glued each piece down, let the wood glue dry and then put on the first coat of paint (Martha’s “River Mist”). I wasn’t too worried about the paint getting on the mirror because paint cleans off mirrors so easily with a little windex. Any tougher spots clean up very fast with the help of a razor blade, so no tricky painters tape needed.
My mom was a busy little seamstress while we painted. She turned the 18 yards of Barbara Barry Poetical linen into six beautiful panels. We wanted the panels black-out lined, but that lining can be expensive with so many yards needed, so we used $10 canvas drop cloths from Home Depot for the lining.
Also to save on cost, we decided to forgo curtain rings. Mom sewed in a panel with evenly spaced slits for the curtain rod to weave in and out of.
The result is actually really similar to the drape of a pinch pleat (as you’ll see tomorrow in the ‘after’ photos), but does not require rings and hooks and also takes a lot less time to sew than pleats do.
My favorite project from the room redo was inspired by the mirror-on-mirror image I posted about a few weeks ago. Tricia Huntley, who was the interior designer behind the layered mirror image, emailed me after my post and shared her strategy for hanging her mirror on a mirror. Basically, she used a lot of planning, foresight and a contractor. We really didn’t have any of these things, so we just made do.
So I decided to look for a very lightweight mirror. I knew this mirror from IKEA would be perfect. It was light and is sort of reminiscent of a Venetian mirror, but more modern.
Here’s where my secret weapon came to the rescue. Have I ever shared here how much I love 3M Picture Hanging Strips? They are amazing. No holes required and each strip holds up to 10 pounds.
We used six strips on each mirror just to ensure a strong hold.
Measure twice, stick once!
The result is amazing. You’ll love the photos tomorrow!
Once all the major projects we done, we brought all the accessories in and started unpacking. It looked like Christmas morning aftermath. Such a mess!
See you back here tomorrow morning for the after photos!
Jennica I love your stuff- you amaze me. You have me almost as excited about the after pictures as I am for Christmas morning- and it's not even my room!
Congrats.
oh and so funny, I was looking at an old post of yours about upholstery and saw that I left you a comment under John C (accidently logged in for hubby) and you commented back something like "John C, I'd be happy to help if I knew who you were etc etc).
Anyway- that was me.
I still haven't attempted re-upholstery, but when I do, I know where to find you.
Jenny, this post is exhausting! I can't believe all you accomplished. Very inspiring.
Truly amazing and you are truly gifted! And, your mom laying down tile and whipping out panels! Incredible. Your posts are sooooo resourceful – I just got so many wonderful ideas from this post alone that I plan on using. I can't wait to see the after pics – the colors look beautiful! Thank you!
I love the color you painted the bed. I dream of doing this at my sister's house one day – a whole room in a week! I can't wait to see the final result!
And just like Christmas morning, I can't wait for tomorrow to get here! I'm so anxious to see the afters!!!
You are one talented family!!! I loved that you showed so many details that we often forget are so helpful. I have one drawer dedicated to 3M…during x-mas decorating they are my secret weapon! The frames I discovered a year or so ago and used in a tight grid for my son's room…was so inspired to see them used in such a beautiful and more feminine way.
Love seeing your process!
Oh my gosh I'm dying to see the result!
What a fantastic project! Very inspiring and I look forward to seeing the end result.
FlowerLady
Holy wow, I'm going to have to bookmark this one to read over and over just to let it all sink in!! Every single little project completely fascinating! Can't wait to see the reveal!
You are so inspiring. As much as I would love for contractors and designers to come in and tackle my house, that is just not possible. Every time I see your posts, I am encouraged to try more on my own. You are not only incredibly talented, you are a fantastic teacher.
This quick transformation has been so inspiring. Do you like the way the Martha paint goes on? I'm thinking about it for my next project.
Ha you should read my friday post. My frame is just under 10 pounds so maybe if I used a couple of packs? Love how the bed has a whole new life and that yellow could not be anymore perfect.
WOW, what a difference from what we can see already. And the curtains alone look like such an easy DIY! Mirror on mirror is always a hot trend. i'm sure the outcome is going to be very pretty.
Adrianna
AMAZING! Can't wait to see the pictures tomorrow!
Look forward to the end result, will tune in tomorrow!
Thanks for sharing this with us!
L.
I'm on Spring Break this week, and you've just provided more than enough inspiration for me to stay busy all week! Can't wait to see the final product.
Wow, I'm loving it. SO FABULOUS! Just wondering, if you've used the sample colors for projects before… how as it held up? I've been told it's not the same quality as the regular paint, so it's made me nervous to try it on projects…
I can't wait to see everything tomorrow! Thanks for the layered mirror info- I've been intending to do something similar in my master bath for a while. Ikea, here I come!
Oh I can't wait to see the reveal! I'm curious about the yellow lamps. I purchased some black ones that look just like them for my bedroom.
http://decoriadore.blogspot.com/2010/03/bedroom-reveal-part-one.html
I'll be checking back tomorrow :)
I think your parents deserve so much credit for instilling a DIY and a "can do" attitude in everything you touch! Wow, I am impressed!!
Looking forward to seeing the after!!
pve
hi – Love your site and design ideas! But I have to know – how do you keep your kids busy while you do all these amazing projects?!? Please share!
Wow! I can't wait for the big reveal tomorrow! And, thank you very much for the "how to" layer mirror on mirror.
I can't wait to see the afters. I'm sure it will look beautiful, like everything else you do. Please tell me how you get all this done with 3 little ones to tend to, including a newborn?! I would love to be this productive but between meal times, laundry and activities I don't have much spare time, and I only have 2 kiddos!! Very inspiring, indeed!!
Can't wait for tomorrow! Enjoyed reading your post today.
Julia
I am dying to see the final after photos!! Suspense is brutal. It looks like it will be amazing.
Just had to de-lurk to say thanks for the laugh! "Now, on to the more involved projects …" – they all look involved to me! I can clearly see where you get your resourceful genes. Can't wait for the "afters" …
Jenny:
Can we just call you Whirlwind?! I'm salivating with anticipation over "after" shots!
You have worked so fast on this project! Instant gratification! Looking forward to seeing the afters…Janell
Wow, you guys have been busy. Can't work to see the final pictures!
Let me get this straight.
You did this. In a week.
I just don't even know where to begin.
Except, can I please get you in touch with my contractor? I think he needs some inspiration on time management skills!
wow. too tired from all your work to say more!
No wonder you collapsed from exhaustion when you got home!
It's amazing what you accomplished in one week. I can't wait to see the finale.
Enjoying and learning as I follow your posts on doing your mom's bedroom. It's giving me ideas for my own house and inspiring to see you can do it all on the cheap! Thanks and can't wait to see the afters!!
holy cow! i am so excited to come back tomorrow!
You seriously ROCK, Jenny. I feel empowered to do a ton of new things with my house for a lot less money than I would have thought otherwise. All the instructions are so so nice to have. Thanks for being great with the details!
It didn't look like you sanded or primed any of the pieces you painted. Am I right? Is that typical for you? Do you find things chip ever? I think the yellow table is my favorite so far. And the double mirror.
awwww what a teaser! I can hardly wait to see the results =)
great ideas so far!
LOVE THAT!
You are fabulous in your creativity, I enjoy your low key – high result aproach to all your projects and you make it sound so easy, but I can see all the work involved! Can't wait to see it all come together tomorrow. But I can imagine already…
I hope you are feeling all better?
XX
Victoria
I love everything you did hear! Your a girl after my own heart! Ive been wanting to paint my big 4 poster bed black too… hmmmm
This is amazing! I've been reading your blog for a little while now and I'm so inspired to try things myself now!! Thank you for sharing your talents and knowledge!
Amazing!!! I just love all of these projects, and can't wait to see the finished project. I'm especially interested to see how the drapes look….I love the idea of getting a pinch pleat look without the curtain rings!!
Can't wait!
Oh my Goodness, I'm dying!! I can't wait to see the reveal! LOVE the idea of putting the mirror above the mirror. Make it work!
Can't wait to see it all finished up!
I work in a similar manner. I love helping my family with design jobs. They totally trust me so I get to do what I want without getting approvals and normally I only have one week to do it in, which means a massive mess like the one you pictured when putting the room back together and at times tears from me due to exhaustion!
Love the curtain liner idea! Very smart!!!! Can't wait to see the after pics. I feel like I'm out of breath just reading the post!
OMG! I want to be a part of your family! Can't wait to see the after pictures! loving the suspense :-)
Everything looks amazing! I love the mirror! You my dear, are a genius! Well done!
Looks very promising! Can't wait to see the finished result!
(you should totally make a diy book! I would buy it for sure!!)
Wow! I'm loving it. The curtains are fantastic. What a creative treatment.
I can't wait to see more of the after pictures.
you're such a tease! i'm dying to see the fruits of your labor.
Can't wait to see the complete after pics! It's looking to be quite a transformation!!
Question: Do you put a protective coat of anything over the painted furniture? Especially on the desk surface? Thanks!