No, I wasn’t featured in a reality show on HGTV; I had my dad (master carpenter and super fast worker). I moved into my home almost a year and half ago and have completely renovated or partially re-done my bedroom, kitchen and living room. These changes included knocking out a wall, adding a walk-in closet, vaulting the ceiling and installing new baseboards. Despite all of this work, I still had a guest bedroom that needed an overhaul. This room had been slated for a summer makeover, but my dad had other ideas (or maybe my dog Gage did – he slept most nights there on an old futon - I guess he wanted an upgrade).
Of all of the remodeling projects that had already been completed this one was by far the easiest. The job had four phases - a teardown, installation, painting and trim/lighting finishes.
Phase 1 - The teardown was the quickest step. Because the plan was to add a thin layer of styrofoam insulation over the existing sheetrock, the only items that needed removing were light fixtures, wood trim and some old wood paneling.
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| ick...two before pictures |
Phase 2 - Installation of styrofoam insulation and sheetrock was the most time-consuming step in the bedroom makeover process. After the insulation was secured to the outer walls of the bedroom as well as the ceiling, the sheetrock was laid directly on top of it. This same process was done in all other areas of my home that had insulation added. I have already noticed a tremendous cost-savings during the home-heating season.
Phase 3 - After spackling and sanding the seams between pieces of sheetrock, my favorite step in the process had arrived - painting. After applying a tinted primer coat, I chose a blue/gray color (Wild River by Pittsburgh Paints). Paint stores will tint your primer if you ask them. By doing this, you may only have to apply one coat of paint. Also, some paint brands include primer/paint all in one. You will pay a little more but it is worth it in a cleaner finish and fewer coat applications. Also, I have discovered that it is much easier to paint before adding the window and baseboard trim, avoiding the detail work of edging. But if the trim is already up before painting, make sure that you have a brush with a fine edge.
Phase 4 - Lastly, after steps 1-3 were complete, it was time to nail in the trim pieces and install new, overhead lighting. I was able to reuse some wider trim boards that the previous owner had used as ceiling accents. These former accent pieces now are baseboards throughout my entire home, creating a uniform, consistent look from room to room. Finally, the simple, unobtrusive overhead lighting casts an even glow throughout the entire room.
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| Paint color – Wild River (Pittsburgh Paints at Menards) – I love Menards paint! |
My dad retired last summer so was able to devote a couple of full days to the room and he did an amazing quick job! It was fun to come home each day and see the transformation. This room is very simple and will be used as a guest and sewing room.
