Small Improvements

Something was bugging me. That’s usually where the inception for a new project begins. This bathroom was fine before I jumped into fix-it-mode, but that’s just it . . . fine wasn’t going to cut it anymore. (Like how I present an extra messy portrayal for the "before" pics?) ;-)

I’m constantly looking for ways to beautify my surroundings—ways to improve. This minor project ended up costing me next to nothing. I already owned all the paint for the cabinets, mirror, walls, and the floor. Pinterest was my friend, teaching me to be brave enough to paint tile.

Over the course of a few months, a few baby steps at a time, and this bathroom got a makeover. It’s nothing to scream wow over, but it makes me smile. And it feels fresh and updated.

Now if my girls would only stop trying to create toothpaste art on the counter.

Working on a project lately? Feel free to share pics.

Splotchy Solution

Two rooms down, one to go. I’m in painting mode. When it came time to paint my youngest daughter’s room, my husband and I took a step back and let out a “Ruh-roh.” We bought the gallon of chipper blue paint before we thought about how we’d move the massive bunk bed in her room. With each move it has taken multiple men to haul that beast (and that’s before they put it together). Our heads spun as we proposed a few ideas to our daughter. Paint only one wall? Chevron stripes? It seemed every idea was quickly shot down.

Until . . . stencils.

I got excited, found one she loved, then went to work. When it comes to painting I’ve never been an obsessive perfectionist, but I wouldn’t consider myself sloppy either.

That’s why my heart sunk when I peeled off the first try.

Maybe it was the brush. Or I went to fast. Or I focused on making the color too dark.

But this is what showed up . . .

I then brainstormed ways I’d solve my solution to the original problem. Use the original paint and paint over my splotchy attempt? Fill it in and create a polka-dot wall? My brain began to hurt.

Enter kid.

She liked it. She really liked it.

Still, stubborn as I am, I wanted to prove I could paint the stencil on the wall the way it’s supposed to appear.

And this showed up . . .

 And she liked both. Something about the variety spoke to her. And you know what? I agree. I’m a fan of how it’s turning out.

Oftentimes in life what we believe to be mistakes end up being the exact opposite. Splotchy solutions have merit. Perspective reigns, creativity thrives, and open-mindedness is an excellent teacher.