I have been working like a house elf around here, trying to get all of my master bathroom makeover projects done in time for next week’s big REVEAL! Since this week marks the end of week five of the One Room Challenge (a six-week decorating challenge hosted by Linda of Calling it Home), I thought I’d share five things that I’ve learned in the past five weeks.
You can catch up on my other ORC posts here: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4
(*And yes, this is the second week a Harry Potter reference has made it into my ORC post. Maybe because I wish I could just magic this all to completion?*)
1. Measure once, and measure twice, and measure once again… Because that extra trip to and from the hardware store to return things that don’t fit is really the most annoying thing on the planet. #BloggerWalkofShame
2. Spray paint is a wondrous substance. Possibly invented by Albus Dumbledore? Is it the 13th use of dragon’s blood? I think so. But do be sure to read the instructions on the paint can carefully. If it says shake vigorously for 2-3 minutes THEY MEAN 3 MINUTES!
3. Your spouse’s opinion is the trump card. Sorry, dear readers: he has to live here and, well, you don’t. If he doesn’t like it, no amount of gentle prodding from the Blogosphere will change his mind. 🙂 Which doesn’t mean that your wonderful and supportive comments and suggestions aren’t a HUGE help to us! In fact, they’ve prompted some changes and tweaks already.
4. Stay on budget as much as possible. If you set aside $300 for the entire makeover, do your very best to stick to it. Yes, that $400 light fixture probably would look gorgeous. But it’s no good to you when you can’t turn on the lights because you didn’t have the $$$ to pay the hydro bill! 🙂
(And yes: you got a sneak peek of the light I chose! Here it is again!)
5. Take heart: it’s almost never as bad as you think. Last week I was in the depths of despair about my hardware choices for the vanity. Well you know what? I really shouldn’t have gotten myself all worked up, because I think it’s looking pretty nice right now! It takes time for a room to come together, and there’s almost always a way to balance things out.
So now for the skinny on what we’ve accomplish this week, and what remains to be done in the coming days.
Master Bathroom To-Do List!
Prep walls for paintingPrime walls and doors(Free – thanks mom and dad!)Paint ceiling white(Free)Paint walls and doors Ben Moore’s “Pink Damask”Buy shower curtain- Buy hand towels
Buy bath mat- Make towel hooks (STILL ALMOST DONE!)
Spray paint or replace hand towel rackReplace curtain rodFrame out mirror- Paint frame!
Paint vanityInstall new vanity hardwarePaint inside of linen cupboardLine shelves of linen cupboard- Organize linen cupboard
Organize vanityAccessories- Hang art (we have it all framed and ready to go!)
Buy and install new light fixture ($50)
We’re nearly there! I really hope you come back for next week’s BIG FAT REVEAL POST!!!!
(Can you tell I’m excited?)
I really, really encourage you to check out the other bloggers participating in the ORC. There is some major inspiration to be had! You can find them here.
So what about you? What’s the Top Tip you’ve learned from renovating or decorating? Got some sage advice? Enlighten us in the comments below!
I love that light fixture! Where did you find it?
Home Depot! On sale! It’s from their Hampton Bay line.
Undergoing a renovation is always a learning curve but it is always an adventure as well. Trust me, I know!! Learning new skills and understanding that the best-laid plans must sometimes be adjusted simply enhance your experience level. Each room and each renovation is a journey all on its own. I’m looking forward to the final reveal!
Thanks, Lorna! Definitely learning a lot during this process… 🙂
love your informative tips, especially #3 and #4!!
I giggled at this “Yes, that $400 light fixture probably would look gorgeous. But it’s no good to you when you can’t turn on the lights because you didn’t have the $$$ to pay the hydro bill!”.
SO TRUE 🙂
looking forward to your reveal pics next week
darlene
Hahaha Darlene, I’m so glad you enjoyed them and got a little giggle out of them!
Haha! I love your tips, especially the HP infused ones. 🙂 Can’t wait to see your bathroom!
Thanks, Heather. I love a good HP reference… 🙂
What a gorgeous light fixture! Looks like you have a lot crossed out of your list! Good luck with the big reveal next week. Can’t wait to see!
Thanks, Tee! I love it and I especially love that it didn’t break the bank!
Invaluable lessons. I’ve learned that I really need to love my drill–or at least not hate it–or I’ll hate the project.
Absolutely!
It looks like you only have a few things left to check off your list! I’m anxious for the final reveal!
Thanks, Ruthie!
Great things to learn along the way! LOVE the light fixture! Good luck this week… can’t wait for the reveal!
Thanks, Erin!