Because I started the 80’s house remodeling project with intentions to sell right away, I stuck with neutral paint colors in most every part of the house. Since the bathroom painting project turned out better than expected, I thought I’d go BOLD and paint an accent wall in the kitchen before starting the backsplash project on the opposite wall. Halfway through I was REALLY questioning my choice (what was I thinking? FIREWEED in a kitchen??). Standing back looking at this horrible wall color, I wondered if I just added a little yellow how many visitors would try to order a Big Mac.
I stopped for a break and posted this on Facebook:
Have you ever painted a wall in your home and when you finished you wish you wouldn’t have done it? I sure wish “control-z” (undo) would work with everything… not just on computers.
If I could’ve clicked a button to “undo” what I’d done I would’ve. But then, the paint dried and I redecorated the walls, and it really wasn’t so bad after all. It wasn’t McDonald’s red like it appeared before.
The comments to my Facebook post got me thinking… and not just about paint. How many people continue through life secure — surrounded by taupe and different shades of gray and are afraid to take risks — while others go out and risk it all on a whim or an idea. Going a step further (because I know I’m guilty of this too) — how many will take a risk but back out before waiting long enough to realize the outcome?
Goodness knows I’ve taken risks and have failed miserably, taken more and probably jumped the gun to pull the plug, and even more that didn’t fail or achieve any great success (like my wall). But I’m not 100% taupe, you guys, and I hope you’re not either.
I haven’t shared much in the way of the 80’s house project lately. I could make up a bajillion excuses but the sad truth is… I got lazy. I hate to admit it — but it’s true — it took me a little over 2 years to rework the master bath. I got rid of the truck-stop-red carpet long ago, but never got around to finishing this room. A fresh coat of paint this past weekend along with a few finishing touches and the mirror over the sinks in the last 1980s room no longer screams for big hair. Better late than never. Right?
As a reminder — here is the before photo taken in 2013 (not 1980):
The photos I’ve shared show only one corner of this room. It’s actually bigger than the master bedroom at my old house, and I love the natural light of the skylight. But, I’ve used the tub maybe 3 times since I’ve been here (once to bathe Gracie) and have never used the shower. Ever. I would be just as happy with a small area containing only a toilet and lavatory, but I sure do remember a time when I would’ve killed to have this much private bathroom space. If I didn’t love this house and hate moving even worse than I hate shopping at Wal-mart, I’d be looking for something smaller. What an awesome house this would be for a family with kids.
The big move to Seymour (to the Escape the 80s House) looks like it’s going to happen in about 2 weeks. Within the past couple days, I’ve noticed 2 things that are insanely different than anything I’ve experienced in the Ville…
Changing all the utility accounts into my name I came down to the final one –the City of Seymour’s sewer and trash service. I call the number provided and am told that I can’t start service over the phone. Really? Why? “Because we have to see your face.”
The electric company, cable company, gas company and even the CULLIGAN MAN didn’t care about seeing my face! Still, until I get into their office they are betting my dead uncle is a better source of payment than me. FAIL! Oh, and good luck with that.
Earlier this week I stop to water the flowers and chat with the contractor and find I’m the recipient of a bag that was hanging on the front door knob. I open the bag to find a bakery-box filled with ginormous cookies that look amazing. In addition, there was an envelope with a signed letter inside. It was from the local RE/MAX realtor firm asking me to welcome my new neighbor (the folks who just purchased the home about 2 doors down). You guys, in all the years I’ve lived in Crothersville not one business ever left cookies for me on my door knob. WIN!
Cool marketing — if I sell the house? I’ll think of RE/MAX. When I want cookies? The bakery’s phone number was on the box.
I don’t know if I’m excited (other than dreading the move, of course), or frantic, or scared. All I know for sure is I’m ready to get the show on the road.
That non-blanket of snow up there? Not even close to being a ‘real‘ snow… still, it’s the first on the ground we’ve had so far this winter season. It’s like Mother Nature blew some limbs on the ground and spit a few flakes around — just barely enough to get recognition. A slight nod. Nothing more. And the Escape the 80’s House Project progress? Not even close…
I’m a Thanksgiving weekend Christmas decorator. I started my own decorating tradition the first year I became a homeowner and decorating a Christmas tree with family during the Thanksgiving holiday is important to me. I enjoy it; and I look forward to it. I’m pretty sure this year it ain’t gonna happen. Not even close.
