Now, I’m not talking about painting a portrait, but a room. I would have never thought that people didn’t like to paint until my friend hired someone to paint her new home. My husband and I had also recently purchased a home. We had limited funds so hiring someone to do anything would have been impossible. The job was ours to complete and I had no idea how rewarding I would find it. I wasn’t exactly known as a person that liked to get dirty, so this was a surprise to me. I found the feel of the paint gliding against the plaster walls soothing. The radio played in the background as I wiped the spilled paint on my clothes. I learned to wear a bandana or a baseball hat to keep the paint out of my hair. There was nothing, but me and the paint. A chance to turn something old new again was a powerful feeling. I felt a little like God on 7th day when the job was complete and I looked around and thought “This is good.” I could make something out of nothing. That has always been and still is my super power. Looking back, it was so much more then I had thought at the time.
The textured look was in and it was perfect for the old farmhouse we purchased. The walls were cracking and even after numerous spackling jobs the cracks remained. A flat finish would never work. My masterpiece was our future living room. When our original plan didn’t work I discovered a solution in the pamphlet I picked up at the store. Plastic wrap! It took 2 of us non-stop to complete that room. To this day people still think it’s wall paper and not the work of 2 crazy do it yourselfers!
I wanted to avoid the sponged look because I had seem too many jobs that had gone horribly bad, but I did it anyway. This was going to be my son’s room and I had picked 2 perfect shades of blue. I unwrapped a real sponge that we had picked up on our honeymoon in Greece. I knew I had saved it for something. As I painted I thought about the wonderful trip we had and how someday my son would appreciate the bit of family history in his walls.
Our bedroom has a not so romantic story I’m afraid to say, but this pattern came from my second son’s cloth diapers. I had given several away, but a few were too stained. These were actually the perfect no mess applicator. I still laugh to myself when I think of how this room came to be.
I’ve noticed quite a few people are afraid of color. I had someone once give me a tour of their home and while every room seemed to be white to me they had a name for it. ( Eggshell, linen, etc…) I like to take chances. It’s paint. It’s forgiving. We changed the apt kitchen (Our house was a two family home when we purchased it.) into my son’s room. We kept the cabinets up for storage and painted them playfully. This is still one of my favorite rooms although its do to be painted again. Boys!
All these thoughts were brought on by my latest project. We are moving my son into a larger room and he picked this beautiful color. All the memories of all the painting came back to me. It’s my zen place. This room although not complete already has memories for me. The big smile and hug my son gave me I’ll remember for a lifetime. This is all about him and his choices. Instead of being told, “This is your room.” he’s being given a chance to express himself and make decisions. I had no idea how much of myself was present in these walls. When I look around I can say, “Hey, we did this. All of this.”
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I HATE painting almost as much as my husband does. When we need something painted, we pay someone else to do it & it’s well worth the money 😉
Jessica Harlow says
A lot of people I know hate painting, including my husband. There’s some kind of stress involved in getting it just right, I guess. I don’t mind it though and find it’s kind of relaxing! I really love it when the project is finished and you can step back and appreciate all your work!
Milena Barrett says
I find it relaxing too! I’m not interested in perfect.
andrea says
You are so brave to take on a painting job! I’m not the DIY type but I am in awe of those who are!
Tiaras & Tantrums says
I am totally a do-it-myself type of gal. I painted our entire house when we moved in. My MIL was appalled that I selected just bold, bright colors! Who wants boring white walls!
maria @closetohome says
I would love to paint some things in the house but my husband does not trust me. I can be a little messy. Do more crafts than house DIY’s
Christy Hoover says
I have been doing a lot of woodwork lately that has required me to stain. I am falling in love with the process
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Painting is not my favorite thing to do, maybe that is why we have not repainted the inside of our home for 10 years. It is never a quick job!
Catherine S says
My husband usually takes care of any painting. The smell of fresh paint seems to bother my allergies.
Laura Funk says
I am a huge painter! I absolutely love love love to redecorate and create something with my own hands
Lorane says
One thing about Painting is that it teaches you patience .. to paint all those walls ( accurately ) and to watch it dry . I don’t mind it at all …the reward is priceless 🙂
Liz Mays says
I did paint a few rooms in the old house. I can’t say that it was a lot of fun!
Dawn McAlexander says
When I moved in with my husband, his house was painted the same color throughout. he loved it, I hated it! Guess who won out? Now every room has different colors!
Stacey- Travel Blogger says
I love your son’s room! I think you are totally right, don’t be afraid of color! It looks great!
AJ @ Nutrifitmama says
I really like that color you chose in the first pic! Pretty teal. I am definitely a DIY type of person- we are working on painting our RV now.
Jennifer aka Baby Making Mama says
I am so not a DIYer, but I want to be. I’m so sad I hired people to help paint rooms in my house. I’m hoping next time around I can take some of what you learned and apply it to my experience.
Rosey says
We’re def. not a ‘do it yourself’ family except for my oldest son who is amazing at fixing/creating most anything. You’re right about paint though, it is easy to remedy if you don’t like it. I did the kitchen in peach once and hated it, the re-do was easy (and now I love the newer color).
becca says
I like DIY projects but I’m not good at them. Though I am willing to try.
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
I definitely love to DIY, but my main problem is knowing when to turn over the reigns to an expert. Usually it’s for the sake of time. It’s just not as easy to get things done with two little ones under foot! But soon, I’m sure they’ll be my little helpers.
Victoria says
This was very interesting to read. I have never painted before but I have to soon because my kids walls definitely have to be repainted.
Krystal says
I’ve never been great at house painting. That color is very cool. I wish I could DIY more!
Elizabeth Towns says
My son and I painted his room, and it was at first scary to me – but we took some chances and had some fun. The finished product was wonderful and we learned some stuff too! Loved the experience and now I am ready for my next DIY!
Rhonda says
I’m always so impressed with people like you who are talented at diy projects. Especially painting! You must be really proud of your work because it looks like a great job.
Ashley @irishred02 says
I am a DIY person sometimes, I do like to paint but then I also hate it! We need to paint around here but I am dreading it
Lois Alter Mark says
Good for you! We have never painted our own rooms but I give you a lot of credit for doing it!