Happy Friday!!! I finally finished my son’s room makeover. Poor kid has been asking for over two years when I was going to work on his room.
It feels so good to be done and be able to share the final reveal with you. The theme started four years ago when I converted his extra closet into a reading nook. The blue, white and red work beautifully together. Read more
Today I wanted to approach a subject that is often questioned by homeowners. The folks at Allstate Insurance have graciously sponsored this post, which will help you decide if now is a smart time to start that home renovation project.
When do you know if it’s time to embark on a home renovation? Is it a good investment? Do you have the desire? Can you handle upheaval? I can tell you from experience that there are times when a home renovation is a smart decision and there are times when it makes more sense to deal with your home as is for a while.
I hope this article helps you make your own decision as to whether now is a good time to start that home renovation. I do know that it is wonderful to be able to create the home that you will enjoy living in. Hopefully you’re up for the challenge!
Do You Really WANT to Renovate?
I’m going to be totally blunt about this, having your home renovated is NOT FUN. It’s a huge upheaval for you and your family. Having walls torn out or even just painted creates dust, chaos and a mess. You can forget about privacy because while the renovation is going on, you will have workers (almost complete strangers) traipsing through your house. Even if you do the work yourself, you still have to be ready to have inspectors show up unannounced to approve any work for which a permit was pulled.
Depending on the room you are renovating, you will likely need to make arrangements to avoid using that room. Where will the furniture go? If it’s in your kitchen, how can you cook and do dishes during the kitchen renovation? If it’s a bathroom, do you have other bathrooms you can use in the meantime?
How long can you wait for the renovation to be completed? In today’s era of extreme home makeovers, oftentimes a homeowner subconsciously thinks a home renovation is a quick and easy process. I can tell you that much of the process on those makeover shows happens behind the scenes and off camera.
If I haven’t scared you off yet, let’s tackle some of the other factors that will help you decide whether or not you should proceed with that home renovation project. Read more
Today I can’t wait to show you how to easily add dimensional interest to a focal wall in your home. Installing a Brick Wall Mural is definitely a DIY project you can tackle if you have a friend or two to help you. When Wallpaper Direct contacted me to offer to let me try some of their products, I was still a bit wary (having stripped my fair share of wallpaper.) But, then I stumbled upon the white brick wallpaper and saw how cool it looked. I decided to give it a try and let them send me a wallpaper mural specifically for my son’s bedroom. But, let’s back up. Remember last week when I admitted to being a procrastinator? Well, this is what I started with:
After staring at Nickelodeon green for 6 years, my son and I decided it would be calming to paint the walls a soothing gray. And, I thought it would be really cool to create a loft look by installing a giant wall mural of white brick. (Note: The large mural panels has since been discontinued, but you can purchase white brick wallpaper that looks very similar and may actually be easier to install by yourself.)
I ordered the mural and it arrived safely to our house in a few days. I quickly organized a few friends who had installed wallpaper to help me.
To install a wallpaper mural, you’ll need a few tools.
(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)
Materials:
Prep Work:
Before wallpapering your wall, clean it with a mild cleanser (diluted TSP is wonderful, but you can use regular multi-purpose spray cleaner.) Patch any holes or imperfections with spackle (joint compound). After the compound has dried, lightly sand the wall. Read more
When my sister brought me on to the Topsail Beach condo renovation, she had a laundry list of DIY projects she wanted me to complete. One of them was dressing up the hollow flat doors with moulding panels. She showed me a pin that led to One Life to Love’s DIY beadboard panel doors. After seeing the photo, I knew it would be a great DIY upgrade to make. But, we decided to use real beadboard (instead of beadboard wallpaper) because it had to hold up to the stress of being a rental.
Start by measuring and marking the doors to determine the size of your panels.
Draw lines 5″ in from the top and two sides of your door.  Draw the bottom line  6″ up from the bottom. Finally, leave 5″ between the top and bottom panels.
When marking your doors, use a pencil and level to draw your lines.
After we had our panel measurements, Caitlin and I headed to Lowe’s. But, she refused to push me in the cart (party pooper!)
We pulled some 4′ x 8′ beadboard panels and took them to the lumber cutting area. We gave the Lowe’s employer our measurements and asked him to cut the boards for us. While he cut our beadboard, Caitlin and I gathered the rest of our supplies.
Take a tour of this Topsail Beach Condo with a top to bottom makeover including new flooring, paint, and bathroom fixtures.
Topsail Beach Condo RenovationMy stepmom, Diane Chamberlain (the famous author), purchased a fixer-upper beach condo in Topsail Beach a few years ago. She hired my sister, Caitlin, to work her interior designer magic on the place. My sister then convinced me to come put in some manual labor. We had a blast renovating this Topsail Beach Condo together and hopefully get the chance to work together again (especially because she lives on the West Coast and we’re on the East.
(Please excuse our sweaty appearance. This was midway through one hot and sweaty day.)
After a few days of sweaty labor, (and some additional work done by her contractor), the beach condo is ready to be enjoyed. Luckily, my stepmom gave us permission to stay in the condo anytime it isn’t rented! That’s a deal I definitely couldn’t turn down!
Without further adieu, I’m giving you an all-access view of the renovation with before and after images.
Welcome to 118!
The old door was dried out and had some chipping in the veneer. To save it, I sanded the door down, fixed some of the chipping veneer, painted it, added new numbers, and a door knocker. Now it’s a welcoming door more fitting with the beautiful renovated rooms inside.
My sister and Diane picked out the knocker. Sea turtles are strongly linked with Topsail because of the sea turtle rehab and rescue facility on the island.
When you enter the condo, the kitchen is on your right. The old kitchen had dated Formica doors and countertops. None of the cabinet doors were hung straight. And the sink was barely deep enough to wash pans in.
The cabinet boxes were primed and painted by the contractor and new doors were installed. The appliances are the same, but they look so much better with updated cabinetry around them.
A new sink, faucet, and countertops were installed. To free up space on the counters, a microwave was hung over the stove.
The kitchen opens up to a bar and the dining area. Before, the wall was broken up by the back of the cabinets. And a 3″ molding strip blocked the view from the sink.
The bottom three inches of trim were cut off below the cabinets. Sheetrock was installed to cover up the oak and tie it into the rest of the walls in the condo. Caitlin created the clock collage and purchased new bar stools.
To add more lighting, puck lights were wired and installed beneath the overhead cabinets.
I painted the “We’re Always on Beach Time” sign for her collage.
Behind the bar is the dining area. The dated mauve chairs, ugly light fixture, and teal carpet had to go! Just getting rid of the carpet alone was a big change in this condo.
The after is simple but elegant. An oval dining table allows for better flow around the table. And the new light fixture is perfect for the elevated decor.
Can I point out those floors?! They are vinyl planks that look like wood. Update: I can’t recommend this flooring as the planks started separating within a year. We’re not sure exactly what caused the warping, but unfortunately Diane had to have them replaced. Currently, the condo has waterproof laminate that we love, but only time will tell if it wears well.
The living room was frump-alicious with lumpy sofas and more dated decor.
My sister picked out a beautiful blue and tan coral patterned sofa and loveseat. A coordinating chair and ottoman rounds out the grouping.
The coffee table, side tables, and console table were painted to give them a fresh new look.
The oyster shell lamp also got a new coat of paint and a new lampshade. My stepmom wanted to get rid of it, but I’m so glad we kept it. Now we laugh about the lamp everytime we see it, because she likes it.
All the furniture got two coats of Annie Sloan French Linen paint. The console table looks brand new and blends well with the new furniture. Hooray for reusing old!
Unfortunately, some things needed to be retired. Like the dated bathroom fixtures.
It is hard to believe this is the same bathroom! New everything. Well, almost everything, we did save the medicine cabinet and had the contractor gave it a fresh coat of white paint.
The bifold door was discarded and new built-in shelving increased the storage potential for this small shared bathroom.
Speaking of dated bathrooms, this was the master bathroom. UGLY!
Caitlin’s vision for this bathroom was incredible! I wouldn’t believe it was the same room if I hadn’t witnessed the transformation. New vanity, mirror, lighting, toilet, and a fresh coat of paint.
The condo is filled with photographs by John Pagliuca, Diane’s spouse. They are all photos taken from Topsail.
The master bathroom is accessible only from the master bedroom. The dated art, furniture, and floral bedspread had to go!
Now, the transformed bedroom is truly fit for a king! New carpeting, furniture, paint and bedding makes a huge difference. You can read the tutorial for how I created that rustic wooden plank headboard.
The views from the master bedroom are stunning! The sun comes in the sliding door at day break and you can see the ocean from bed!
Down the hall is a bedroom for the kids. The before isn’t too bad.
Okay, so it was bad, especially because the after is amazing!
The mirror was a $15 score at a thrift shop. I transformed it with Miss Mustard Seed Tricycle paint and some wooden scraps.
New furniture, lamps, carpet, paint and bedding transforms this room into a nautical retreat. The vintage oars aren’t really vintage. I made them myself. You can read the tutorial to create your own vintage painted oars.
Caitlin and her friend Michelle painted the stripes on the wall. What a fun way to add some more color to this kids’ room.
One bedroom left! This is the queen bedroom. But, I’m not sure what Queen would appreciate this eclectic floral explosion.
My sister picked out a beautiful color scheme in this room. Restful green walls, khaki linens, and accent pillows of beautiful coral pink.
The queen bedroom overlooks the sound. The views from this condo are gorgeous from every window!
My other sister, Alana, is the photographer of the art over the bed. Yes, I know, we are a talented family.
I added beadboard and molding to all the hollow core doors to give them a more attractive look. Here’s the easy tutorial for adding molding to a flat panel door.
My sister, Caitlin, did an amazing job! For more before and after transformations, be sure to check out her facebook page. Also, if you live in the San Jose area, she can help you with your next design project.
I can’t leave you without a quick view of the ocean from the condo deck.
Wouldn’t you love to vacation at this beautiful beach front condo with your family?
Unfortunately, this Topsail Beach condo isn’t available to rent, but you can rent Diane’s 2 bedroom condo in the same complex. Both are on the water and both have been renovated.
When you book a rental in one of her condos, you’ll have to read one of her novels, (they are perfect beach reads!) If you haven’t read her books yet, they are phenomenal!
I hope you enjoyed this Topsail Beach Condo Renovation tour. It was so much fun taking this space from dated to dreamy!
Source list:
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Paint Colors (all are Benjamin Moore)