When we first moved in, I honestly couldn't think anything in the world could be finer. It was a dream come true for us. We were able to get a building loan and built a house just for us. At the time we'd have loved to gone a little fancier, but like most young families, we had a beer budget and were just thankful we had the opportunity to build something to call our own.
Now we're approaching our 8th anniversary of living here and our taste definitely leans towards champagne. Hubby and I have all sorts of ideas of things we'd like to do go give our home a face lift, but like always, there is an order of operations and money must be saved to do the enhancements. It sounds so wonderful to just run down to the bank and borrow money, but after paying off our debts in 2007, we don't want to go back there. It's super hard to save money for something, but I think we end up appreciating it more than we would otherwise.
So while we're planning our remodeling projects, what's a girl to do in the mean time to soothe her love loss? Paint of course!
This past week I got a few gallons of paint, the same colors we currently have, and am in the process of repaint our main level walls and trim. While the walls were starting to look a little tired, the trim was KILLING ME! It was so banged up from Tonka trucks ramming into it and I just cringed anytime we were having company. After two days of painting, I feel like I'm getting somewhere and it's looks soooo much better! I feel like I *like* my home again. I would say *love*, but I'm reserving that for when we have new hardwood floors and lots of beautiful crown moulding, hopefully it will be sooner than later.
I still have some painting to do over the next few days. I am really not that fond of painting, but the end result makes me so much happier and is a great way to start out the new year.
11 comments:
I'm so impressed (and jealous) you have the motivation to paint in this weather and with the kids home! Any pics to show? We just had several more inches of snow fall today. Hopefully it'll rain tonight and wash it away tonight. I don't want school to be cancelled again. =)
Paint can do wonders for a room. Being out of debt is a great feeling. We cash flowed our remodel and it isn't still isn't finished but we work on it as we get the money for the next project.
Good luck with your painting. It isn't a fun job but as you put it well worth it.
I was just going to post on the PR boards about how often you should repaint. I painted my cabinets when I first moved in six years ago and was wondering if it might be time for a kitchen re-paint.
I painted my whole place before I moved in and absolutely LOVE my colors, but I'm not sure I will ever find the motivation to repaint. I'm impressed.
Melissa, remodeling your home while on a budget is super easy. Paint is a great way to start. Doing one room at a time is also fun. When I set up Olivia's room, we started by painting the walls. Then we painted the furniture to match. Then I bought the cutest fabric for curtains for $3 a yard. I made a huge bulletin board covered in fabric and hang pictures of the family on it. I painted letters on the wall. I think I finished the whole room for under $100.
I think rooms need a new paint job every 5-7 years. Trim is easy to apply and cheap to buy, so go for it and fall in love with your home again. HGTV has some fantastic shows that give you alot of ideas too. Ask me how I know.
We move every 4-5 years, so I am used to painting and repainting. It is no fun, but really makes you feel good all over when it is done.
I was just thinking the same thing about my house. All the Christmas cleaning and guest preparations makes you really notice the things you need to change. Mick's dreading it but we're painting and stripping the floors this spring.
I'm at the same out-of-love point with my house too. I'll be starting with the kids' bathroom soon, then on to the rest of the house.
Hi girl!
I'm so happy to have found your blog. And I wish I had your motivation. My DD and I painted her room last simmer and it looks like a million bucks. But our downstairs walls and trim have fallen victim to kids and dogs as well. Definitely post before and after pics so I'll get motivated. :)
Come visit me in whoville!
Melissa, you are are motivating me big time! A coat of paint works wonders. We've just clocked up 16 years in our house. Some of the paintwork is tired and the garden needs some renovation. I hope your motivation drifts across the Pacific and prompts me to tackle it. One step at a time ...right?
I love my house, it too needs some sprucing up but we're working from the basement up I guess! Paint is the easiest cheapest way to freshen up a house. You go girl!!!
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