Bedroom Secrets

I started with a list, an increasingly long list that grew as I looked around my house.  “Where do I begin?” I asked myself.  I quickly realized I needed to prioritize my list.  My fear was starting a whole bunch of projects and not finishing any of them.  A pet peeve of mine is walking into a house and seeing a ton of unfinished projects or improper paint jobs (you know when the red paint like runs onto the white adjoining wall).  I don’t ever want to be that person.

So I started prioritizing my list and setting deadlines.  Deadlines ensured I’d stay on task and in my mind, reduce the likelihood of ongoing, unfinished tasks.  I set deadlines around major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and my birthday. And to further ensure its completion, I planned mini milestone celebrations.  For example, I knew I wanted to host my next birthday party at my house.  So I started with the projects that were must completes for the party.

1st things 1st…know your limitations.  That being said, don’t be afraid to tackle something new and challenging because at the end of the day the rewards are magnificent.  But a licensed electrician and plumber are critical and necessary.  Structural changes require a licensed contractor.  And before taking down any
walls Know The Facts: What’s behind it i.e. electrical, plumbing and HVAC and or is it a load bearing wall.  Certain changes may require a permit, so always check with your local building office before starting any major project.

I had no plans on changing the actual floor plan of my house.  I wasn’t removing any walls and structurally, my house was sound based upon formal inspection. That being said, I did however, need to paint – everything.  A fresh coat of paint is the quickest way to brighten up and freshen an otherwise dismal or dingy space. The rooms included my bedroom, the kitchen, den and half bath.  I started with my master bedroom and closet.  The contractor did the flooring previously.  He installed a pre-engineered hardwood flooring throughout the first floor.  I painted the ceiling and the walls and traded the hideous origami paper shades for a more suitable and permanent window treatment. I wanted to make the bedroom comfortable so that when I was done working on other rooms I could go to my bedroom and have it be a sanctuary. But it was going to take a little more than paint and window treatments to turn that room into a refuge….