Just another week in paradise....

Me: I lost my truck key but I have the VIN number and need a new one cut.

Dealer Dude: Okay, the key is $177.

Me: I expected it to be pretty pricey.

Dealer Dude: After we cut the key you will have to bring the truck in so we can program it.

Me: Will the key start the truck?

Dealer Dude: No

Me: Then how do I get the truck here to program the key?

Dealer Dude: You will have to have it towed in.

Me: So I have pay to have it TOWED?

Dealer Dude: Yes, and there will be a $60 charge to program it.

Me: So I have to pay $177 for the key, the cost to tow the truck AND $60 to program it.

Dealer Dude: Yes

Me: (Not something I want to admit saying on my blog.)

Suffice it to say, I had no transportation Wednesday and sat around waiting on Waste Management to call me back to see if MAYBE I inadvertently dropped my keys in the recycle bin that was picked up first thing in the morning. I finally conceded and called a guy to come to my home and cut a new key. Fortunately, I decided to take one more walk around the yard. And there they were...on the brick ledge right where I had laid them. A day of frustration !

I would also like to add that while I have always prided myself in keeping a clean house, I pray no one ever looks under the furniture. N.A.S.T.Y!

My life.

On the upside, I made good progress on my entry. And just for the sake of healing time, I am grateful the travertine tile and new stair treads will not be in until next week!

Sheetrock repair is done and all the paint is done. The switches may have to wait until Thanksgiving when my SIL comes...makes my brain hurt just looking at all those wires!

I am still debating whether I will just put down new trim or if I want to go all out and add wainscoting or board and batten. I can't decided and since it is the last thing to be done, I think I will wait until the new flooring is down and the stairway is reconstructed before I decide on trim and lighting.

I have finished several pieces lately, and even managed to remember to take a few before AND after pictures...so I will share those in the next few weeks. Until then, I am going to enjoy a weekend with ALL my babies....Sarah is coming in for her birthday and Mitchell is headed home for a short visit!

Info

Comment

IT'S DEMO DAY!!!!

First, I blame it all on my realtor, John. He was the one who pointed out that my little entry was a bit "tight." Seriously, up until then I never really noticed it, but once it was pointed out I have done nothing but obsess about it for over a year.

Then there is Chip Gaines...yes, Chip from "Fixer Upper." He always seems so pumped about demo day! And if he can demo an entire house in one day, how hard could it be to demo one little ole' closet?

Both of them should come give me a massage and hold the ice pack on my injured leg...and bruised arm...and wrenched back. When a 52 year old woman falls off a ladder onto the stairs and a 2x4 with 12 penny nails sticking out of it, there is going to be some pain!

Not that I don't demo all the time...I am forever having to rip up subfloors at the older apartments. People let water rot bathroom floors and then there are the animals tenants are trying to hide, so they never take them outside. One guess as to where they do their "business." Trust me, there is NOTHING that will get months of animal urine out of wood subfloors!

The difference is, this is my home. And I live here and I don't want all the saw dust and sheet rock dust and mess all over the house.

Want in one hand, poo in the other...see which gets full faster. (Again, dad's words of wisdom!)

So my plan was to remove the entry coat closet. Seriously, NO ONE in this family hangs their coats in that closet...it was filled with stuff that had not seen the light of day for YEARS!

After obsessing over this for over a year, I was pretty sure I knew exactly what I wanted to do and how I was going to do it. But as with all projects, there are always the unexpected. Like that pesky electrical wiring that feeds the light switches and the living room fan. Matt and I discussed wrapping it in Washi tape and starting a new "trend" by leaving them hanging.

But I am not a trend setter so I moved the wiring. A few other small issues....I can't get the outlet wire down the outside wall because of the insulation and the wires for the switches are too short so I will have to create a "junction box" in the attic and run new, longer wiring.

I also discovered that the "header" for the opening actually sat on the outside corner of the closet. This means I have to crawl up in the attic and scab in a new header. Curses. Is it a "must do?" Kinda...since the roof rafters and wall framing all sit on that header and it now is just suspended in mid-air with no support...yeah, I kinda have to do something with it.

OH. MY. GOODNESS! I think home remodeling is like giving birth...you forget what a nightmare it can be. If we REALLY remembered the pain and hassle we would only have one kid and NEVER do any remodeling to our homes!

Sooooo, after two days of back breaking work, all I have to show for it are a few missing walls and a bunch of short wires hanging out of the wall. And of course dust and insulation ALL over my house!!!

One thing I have always wanted is an entry space that would allow me to "stage" a little table. It just so happens I recently acquired a small walnut table that was once my grandparent's. While it is not really "my style" it is my first love on two fronts...an heirloom piece and walnut. It will fit perfectly in this space if I ever get it finished!

I am mulling over installing board and batten on the walls, but I know without a doubt I want travertine tile on the floors. Hardwood is NOT something you want next to an exterior door!

Once this project is finished, but before the new flooring, I want to make some modifications to my stairway.

This is my "inspiration" from Remodelaholics!

I am not going to rebuild the post or change the stain...just expand the bottom 2 steps and move the post up. Simple project...remove the post, replace the bottom two treads with wider boards, cut down the bannister and remove a few newel posts, reinstall the post, stain it all to match. No biggy. HA!!!!

Eventually I want to paint the living room walls and restain the treads, risers and railings....but that's a whole nuther project!!

But it is progress. This kind of mess and disorder would have driven me nuts years ago, but I am coming to terms with the fact that I can't move as fast as I use to

Hopefully next week I will have a finished project to share...but no promises!

Info

2 Comments

A special birthday celebration!

If you follow me on Instagram, you know my dog has become my "fifth child." Yep...that is what happens when you become an "empty nester." You take and post waaaay too many pictures of your animals and, of course, you celebrate their birthdays!

Wednesday we celebrated Cleo's 2nd birthday! If you go by "dog years," I officially have another teenager!

Our grandpuppy, Zoey, came to celebrate with us!

They LOVED the pup treats...the hats, not so much! Zoey wouldn't even wear one for a picture....party pooper!

And of course I have a TON of projects in the pipeline....three chairs to reupholster, five little dressers to repair and rehab and who knows how many other little projects piled in the back of the garage!

I did get a few pieces finished and ready to take to 410 Vintage...this shelf/desk is only one of many...but as usual I either forget to take before OR after pictures...in this case, the before.

Imagine honey oak...eeeck! A little KSTP treatment, and again, another lifetime of awesomeness!

I know I harp on it, but it bears repeating. The ugliest piece of furniture can be dolled up with a little paint!

I have four dressers lined up in the driveway ready to strip and paint IF the weather will cooperate. I think that is one of the biggest problems this time of the year. One day it is 70, the next we have a freeze warning. So I shuffle stuff around and work on what I can depending on the weather. Some days it is too cold or windy to paint, so I use those days to do repairs or work inside on upholstery projects. Then when it warms up a bit, I paint, but if it is too windy I can't spray paint. Curses!

Not going to complain because in few short months I will be gripping about the heat! And honestly, this is what I love about Arkansas...four seasons! I just wish it would make up it's mind from one day to the next!

Info

4 Comments

Spring is in the air!

When the Bradford's bloom and the hostas start to peak their little heads out of the ground, I know it is time to get busy!!

Last week my daughter and grandson, Ashton, came to visit. I offered Ashton $25 to empty out my decorative pond...even tried to bribe him with the potential sighting of a frog or two that always take up residence in all the muck. No deal man....that kid is no fool!

Putrid...but no frogs this year!

Rather than clean it out Monday or Tuesday when the temperatures where in the 70s, I decided to make a chore of it today. Not that it's not warm today, but we're sliding back into the 50s for the rest of the week. Typical Arkansas spring....Tuesday I wore shorts on our evening walk...by the weekend I'll be back in my sweats!

Temperatures can't be a factor when there are things to be done to get ready for spring planting. It is way too early to plant flowers but the perfect time to clean out the beds and pond, put down mulch and empty out the pots!

I love my little water feature. But it should be a warning to all you 30 and 40 somethings who want ponds and floor beds and massive decks. You WILL get old and those things WILL need maintenance...about the time you hit your 50s....and 2 hours of dredging rotten leaves and fermented worms will put you on the couch for 2 or 3 days!

Whatever....at least I can hear the wonderful water fountain while I am laid up in bed!

I usually keep the pond cleaned and treated from spring to fall. The first time it freezes over I unplug the pump and it pretty much turns in to a rancid smelling mess of leaves, pine needles and earth worms.

I decided early on I didn't want fish...too much hassle! To keep it clear during the warm months I dump a handful of chlorine shock in it and skim it every week or so to get out the leaves and dead worms!

And this little pump is a life saver!!!

Still a major chore, but it's a lot easier to pump the water out rather than use a 5 gallon bucket!

One chore down, so many more to go. Mulch going down today. Still have to empty pots and add fresh soil. A few doggy dig holes to fill.

This time next month, everything will be ready for new plantings!!!

Info

2 Comments

TV cabinet makeover...

The bad news is I have had a lot of vacancies this past month...the good new is I have had a lot of vacancies this past month!

The reason it is bad is because it means I have pretty much had to bust it every day...cleaning, repairing, rehabbing! I. AM. EXHAUSTED!

The reason it is good news is because OCCASIONALLY I find a decent little piece I can work a little DIY magic on. Before I started "rehabbing for resell" I would either toss this stuff or give it away to friends and neighbors....often after spending days rehabbing and refinishing! Seriously, I just gave away stuff! Now I will make repairs, paint, refinish...whatever it takes to give the piece another lifetime of use!

This piece is a prime example...

Dated, worn and just down right ugly. Very similar in style to this piece but a little sturdier so I thought it was worth giving a little makeover!

This piece was a prime candidate for a little KSTP treatment I shared here.

It originally had a little shelf but it was missing so I cut another out of a sheet of plywood. Other than that, it really didn't need any repairs! I painted the cabinet a slate blue I mixed up using a blue and black latex paint I had on hand, painted the drawer fronts black and the hardware metallic gold.

I liked the style of the hardware but definitely not the color.

This is one of those pieces I took to "base neutral" (in other words, primed) and then let sit because I just couldn't decided what color to use on it.

Obviously the colors were okay...it sold 3 days after I took it to 410 Vintage.

Info

Comment

Simple makeovers for the worst offenders...the KSTP treatment!

There is NO excuse for ugly furniture. With warmer weather just around the corner, it is time to start looking at your furniture with a critical eye and making a list of pieces that CAN be changed with just a little bit of work!

We all have it...those "cheapo" pieces of furniture that are, at the very least, offensive! Maybe they were given to you, maybe you bought them at a "discount" store...maybe you bought it at the thrift store to fill space in a room.

Pressed board construction, laminate tops, dated finishes, pieces you put together with a little allen wrench thingy that came with the worthless little "screws" that promptly strip out and leave the piece wobbly and worthless!

It's ugly and cheap, but seriously who has the money to buy "real wood" furniture when you are struggling from pay check to pay check and having to buy shoes for a kid whose feet seem to grow a size every month.

I get it...I've been there. Fortunately I have learned to shop resale and auctions for "quality" pieces...and even if they need a little TLC, I have the tools, knowledge and time. But not everyone has that...or the money to buy and refinish high quality pieces.

That is why I advocate the KSTP treatment. Let me explain....

First, before you even get to the KSTP treatment, ALWAYS give the piece a good cleaning. On the nastiest, I use ammonia water but some can just be wiped down with a little water and mild detergent. Whatever you need to do to get the gunk off the piece! If it is "stuck" on just scrape it off with a razor! No matter if you scratch the finish...you are going to paint it!

Second, make any and all repairs that need to be made...and if you don't know how to repair it properly, google it!

Okay, now the KSTP treatment....

K- Kilz (my favorite primer but any QUALITY PRIMER will do! That is why this is the KSTP treatment and not the PSTP treatment!)

For smaller pieces I use a spray can only because it is easy and gives me a nice smooth finish. On larger pieces I use a brush and 4" foam roller! TIP! Always shake the can longer than the directions recommend. Kilz will spray on with a "grainy texture" if you don't shake the can well! No biggy since you are going to sand anyway, but just makes it a little easier! Also, pay attention to the temperature recommendations...it matters!

Many paints SAY they are a "primer and paint in one." Sorry, I am old school....I ALWAYS prime and I personally recommend it. If you want a superior finish that will hold up to use and abuse, prime!

S-Sand. A 220 grit paper will usually smooth out the piece after it is primed. I wrap a piece around a sanding sponge block!

If you have "ornate" legs or detailing, use 000-0000 steel wool.

USE YOUR HANDS, not your eyes. Feel the piece.

Trust me, if it isn't smooth, it WILL show after you paint it! Sand it until it is smooth to the touch! If you cleaned the piece well, scraped off all the gunk, this step really should only take a few minutes.

T- Tack cloth. A MUST after you sand but before you paint (or apply any finish). Blow or brush off as much as you can, then use a tack cloth!

You can purchase it at your favorite home improvement store...usually in packages of 2 and relatively inexpensive (around $2)! You can wipe a piece down all day with a clean cloth, but you WILL leave "stuff" on the piece if you don't tack cloth it. Tack cloth will remove EVERYTHING. If you still feel "stuff," hit it with the sand paper again and then tack cloth again!

P-Paint. This is where people usually freak out. My favorite for wood or laminate furniture is oil-based but it can be a tricky paint to work with for a novice and difficult to clean up. Fortunately latex paints have come a long way and are much more durable these days! QUALITY spray paint is probably your best bet for smaller pieces. I say quality because you can buy spray paint a tad cheaper at discount stores, but I am not a huge fan of cheap paint for ANY project! I usually buy Valspar or Rust-oleum from Lowe's.

On smaller pieces of furniture the difference will only be a few dollars but will be worth it in the long run.

Each of the brands come in LOTS of great colors...just find the color you love! I have found very little difference between the two brands...the Valspar tends to dry a tad quicker....but both are quality paints! ALWAYS shake the cans well and follow the directions on the can!!!

I have followed every tip in the book to get rid of the occasional "striping" on large, flat surfaces...like dresser tops or table tops. It doesn't seem to matter how I spray, what the temperature is or how hard the wind is blowing...sometimes I get stripes.

My solution has been to purchase the little "sample pots" of paint custom mixed to match the spray paint I am using and roll it on the large flat surfaces with a 4" foam roller!

Penetrol and Floetrol are a MUST any time you roll or brush on paint...oil or latex!

Use it. It will eliminate the brush and roller marks and give you a MUCH smoother finish!

These are just a VERY few projects using the KSTP treatment (I have done hundreds!)....world of difference for a little bit of work! I am working on a piece right now that is in the S stage...primed and sanded but now I need to figure out what color I want to paint it...soon!

Even light fixtures and paddle fans can be spray painted!!! On metal pieces and furniture hardware, I use metal primer primarily for the "rust retardant" factor!

One last important TIP when using ANY technique to paint anything....ALWAYS give the piece time to cure before you put it to work!

I was always skeptical of those "two day" makeovers they did on tv where they would paint something and then "stage" the pieces with all kinds of stuff within hours of putting a final coat on. (Kind of like getting your nails painted at the salon...even though you dry them for 10 minutes, you are still going to ding them if you dig in your purse for your keys! Unless you get gel polish...awesome stuff!) Trust me, that is the fasted way to ruin a finish! Don't do it...be patient and give the paint time to harden (cure) before you set a lamp on it or try to hang the fixture (trust me...I have had to repaint many pieces because of impatience!)

One dated, nasty, cheapo piece of furniture can ruin an entire room. Toss it or paint it! YOU CAN DO IT!

*I have not been compensated for pimping these products! These are the products I use and work for me!!!*

Info

Comment

Dining room table makeover and my recent angst!!!!

Choosing fabric for a piece for "resale" is a tad easier for me than when I have to make a decision for my own home! It is still a struggle, but not nearly as difficult as choosing a fabric for myself.

Primarily because I know how much work goes into reupholstering a piece and I know if I go too "trendy" I will end up having to redo it in a few years. It is one reason I "stay safe" with bigger pieces like couches and chairs...then I use throw pillows, blankets and rugs to pull in the "in" colors. Those things are easy to change...and I don't cringe too much if I have to donate a $15 pillow vs. a $2000 couch!

Example...I bought this ugly table and chair set at an auction....

In this condition, not appealing in the LEAST and not fit for any space...very dark and dated! But this is the kind of thing I know I can work a little "DIY magic" and make it perfect for another lifetime of use!

Not that I don't struggle with deciding paint colors and fabric for these pieces...this one sat for a while. I knew I would have to paint the top...it is laminate so it couldn't be "refinished." The legs on the table and the chairs are solid wood and in halfway decent shape but the vinyl brown seats had seen better days....that had to go!

I chalkpainted and distressed the table legs, primed and painted the top a flat black and painted the chairs a "steel blue." I found an awesome black/grey tweed upholstery fabric for the seats.

I saw several tables on Pinterest with this upholstery nailhead detailing and knew immediately I wanted to do it when I found the perfect table...and this table is perfect!

That little detail really makes all the difference, was relatively inexpensive (about .50 each!) and was not difficult. I just measured and marked where I wanted each nailhead to go, drilled a tiny hole, then hammered them into place! Cute as a bug's ear!

Obviously someone else thought it was cute as a bug's ear...it sold the day after we took it to 410 Vintage.

Which brings me to my recent angst! Chairs for my own home!!!

When I remodel my den last year, I knew I wanted to add a teal club chair. I bought this little MCM style chair a year ago and it has sat in my den since, waiting on time and inspiration! It is the perfect size and style for this space, but of course the upholstery is all wrong!

I finally went to the fabric store last week and pulled a bunch of fabric samples that caught my eye. I THINK I have decided I like this teal tweed fabric. This fabric works well with the style of the chair and is pretty much the color I was leaning towards.

I found this chair just last week and I THINK I want to use it to replace my big fat leather chair in the living room!

It is a tad more "traditional" than what I really like but that is okay...again, that is the great thing about having a mosh-pot of styles...or "eclectic" as they say!

One of the reasons I want to replace this chair is because it has become "the dog's chair." In other words, Cleo has claimed it as her own. She sleeps in it, sits in it and jumps on it when anyone comes to visit her (and EVERYONE is coming to visit HER!) As a result, it is in pretty bad shape.

So naturally, she has to check out the new chair to make sure it is comfortable FOR HER!

Not nearly as roomy as the leather chair, but she looks pretty comfy!

Again, fabric samples and nail biting choices....

I kinda sorta like the idea of doing a "two fabric" design. The grey geo on the sides and back, and the black for the cushion. But then again, I worry about being "trendy" with something that is going to require a lot of time and work, so I am leaning towards the simple, one fabric choice in blue.

What to do, what to do. For now I am taking my own advise. Looking to Pinterest and Google search for "inspiration." Looking for chair upholstery I LOVE that will work with this style and in my space!

It is the ONLY way I know how to make a decision and know it will be one I will be happy with for many years.

Info

Comment

Mid century chest makeover....

On rare occasions I find a little treasure hidden among all the garbage my tenants leave when they move in the middle of the night! I found this little table years ago and it started my love affair with Lane Acclaim tables....

It did NOT look like this! I remember I picked up the nasty little thing and started to toss it in the back of my truck. But it was sturdy and I could see quality through all the "muck" so I brought it home. I googled the markings on the underside and found that it is a walnut and oak Lane Acclaim table manufactured in 1959. With a lot of elbow grease and a little tung oil, it is now one of my favorite little "treasures." Along with the others I have purchased and restored over the years. Still waiting on the desk and a round end table...but someday...

Now I look at furniture I find a little closer.

This dresser is one of my recent finds. A true mid century piece. Completely intact and sturdy as the day it was built. Unfortunately someone had done a REALLY bad job painting it!

I cleaned it, primed it with Kilz, sanded it and wiped it down with tack cloth....then I painted it with one of my favorite flat "charcoal" greys. The ole' KSTP treatment! The drawers were in mint condition and just needed a little cleaning!

Beautiful! Because of the style, I kept the finish simple. While I hesitate to paint MCM pieces, this is a prime example of "enhancing" a piece.

Now I am going to share a little DIY frustration because I know I make this stuff LOOK easy sometimes. I first painted this entire piece with several cans of Valspar flat spray paint. I like spray paint because I normally get a nice smooth finish. For some reason I kept getting that "stripped" look on the top and sides...the drawers looked fine. Not a problem I normally have with flat finishes when the temperature is decent. I ended up buying a quart of latex flat paint, mixed to match, (and added floetrol...a must!) and used a 4" sponge roller to get a uniform finish. Worth the extra effort!

I know I have said it a thousand times....don't overlook those "ratty old" pieces.....neglected or abused or poorly "restored." With a little bit of your time and attention, they can be beautifully restored and ready for another lifetime of use!

This week I will be sharing this project at...

...love their features and their site!

Info

1 Comment

An old dresser makeover!

Occasionally I raise my hand at an auction THINKING I am bidding on one thing...only to find myself buying something I really don't want! This is what happens when you aren't paying attention or get distracted...or scratch your nose....THIS thing....

I had removed the old hardware and started puttying the holes before I remembered to take a picture....

There is nothing wrong with it...other than the fact that it is a "press board" dresser...or rather a "lingerie" dresser. Course I'm thinking if you can afford real "lingerie" (something other than cotton panties and wool socks) you might buy something a little nicer for your fine unmentionables. Regardless, not something I really want to mess with.

But I own it...so I have to do something to make it appealing.

I decided I needed to do a little something on this piece since it really didn't have much going for it, so I looked to Pinterest for a little inspiration...and found this precious dresser on Pottery Barn Kids....

Enter the birds.

It's no secret...I kind of have a little thing for birdies...

Light fixtures....

My laundry room....

Pillows....

In the kitchen....

In the den....

Even my Christmas decor!

To be honest, I did not realize how much I use birds until I started digging around for this post! I have "bird issues."

I gave the entire piece a little KSTP treatment and then gave it a touch of whimsey with some birds!

But I like the look. I had a large wood dresser I painted dark teal several months ago and it sold pretty quickly so I decided to paint the box of my dresser teal....off white drawers...changed the hardware to black and painted the birdies on the drawer fronts!

Fortunately I have the ability to look at some graphics and "free hand" my design. Not everyone has that ability. I would suggest heading over to The Graphic's Fairy. They have THOUSANDS of awesome printable pictures and graphics...and they even have tutorials for transfer methods. Awesome site! Normally I will free hand my design on paper and then use sewing trace paper to trace it...in this case I taped 5 pieces of paper together and drew the design. It allows me to play with the placement and get a good visual!

Moral of this little DIY project? Even if you have a "cheapo" piece of furniture that is as "ho-hum" as they come, you can dress it up with a little paint and creativity!

YOU CAN DO IT!

Info

2 Comments

Exploring the changes...open shelving.

I've made a lot of changes to this house over the last 16 years (Cruise around this blog a bit...you will see quite a few!) Usually I spend a lot of time looking at inspiration, planning and second guessing before I actually start a new project. I think the "indecisiveness" helps...it forces me to REALLY think about what I want (and don't want) and I really envision the process and the change before the first hammer flies!

One of my favorite changes has been my kitchen "reset." I call it a reset because truthfully I didn't really "remodel"....I just moved cabinets, added trim and built open shelving.

I wasn't sure I would LOVE open shelving. But I do! I love having the things I use every day in my line of sight and at my finger tips! I like being able to display my dishes and change them up for the holidays! I like that I kept the cabinets for storage for things I only use occasionally.

I LOVE the reeded glass inserts in the cabinet doors above the dishes!!!

Rhoda at Southern Hospitality posted an entire photo inspiration of beautiful "open shelf" projects...I have no doubt one would work in just about any kitchen.

I can NOT stress enough the importance of "finding your inspiration" before you start making any changes in your home! Big or small! Start every project with A LOT of research! You may fall in love with a concept, but it may be completely wrong for your space and a paint process could be all wrong for a specific style of furniture (one time I tried to "shabby chic" a "modernish" coffee table...huge mistake!)

Fortunately we have some great bloggers like Rhoda who can make that job super easy with their "one stop shop" posts! Also, "google" and Pinterest are your friends when the bug to add or change hits you! You can find a world of inspiration just by googling or searching "open shelves" or "teal walls" or "farmhouse decor." There is nothing new under the sun...if you want to change it, someone else has probably posted a picture of it online! Look at LOTS of photos and do your homework! That is no guarantee you won't run into problems, but if you have the "final vision" in your head, it will be a lot easier to work through those issues!

Realistically know what you can and can not do...or even what you don't want to do. I knew I wanted under counter lighting, but I also knew it was something I did not want to tackle myself...especially since my super awesome son-in-law, Joel, is an electrician! He installed my under counter lighting in a matter of hours...it took me ALL day to add two lights when I reset my kitchen! If you can't or don't want to do something, make sure you get several bids on the cost of labor. Always know what your cost will be for materials. Remember the beautiful reeded glass I fell in love with for my laundry room door? One of my ALL TIME favorite projects, but I neglected to get a bid on the glass...that was a pretty big unexpected hit in the ole' pocket book.

Does open shelving fall under one of those dreaded "fads" that may fall out of favor in a few years? Very possibly. But in my case, I made sure to construct the changes in a way that can easily be changed in the future! I didn't actually tear up any cabinets, or paint them, or rip out walls. (I even kept the original doors that were replaced with glass doors!) I just did a little "rearranging." If or when open shelving becomes a thing of the past, mine can somewhat easily be removed and the original cabinets moved to their proper place!

If you THINK you want to make a change, whether it is an entire room or just a piece of furniture, take time to do a little research. Look at photos, read blogs, read reviews, study tutorials, get bids. I even suggest people go to open houses to look at what is "new" in home construction if they are considering a remodel!

It took me many years to finally know what I wanted in my master bathroom! But when it was all said and done, it was exactly what I wanted. Four years later I still love it!

Don't fall in love with a picture of someone else's kitchen or dresser. Find a vision for what YOU have and fall in love with that...then JUST DO IT!