Has a room ever had you in tears? Made you question your sanity? Want to throw entire projects out the window? Made you sleep in the guest room for forever because it stunk so. very. very. badly?
Yep, you guessed it. This room did all those things. I hope the rooms in your house are nicer to you. This one needed a stern talking to before it was done. (oh wait, maybe that was me)
The beginning is always a very good place to start, so let’s go there.
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Room Makeover – Intervention Needed
Friend, before I show you the before pics, I feel it necessary to warn you to have a seat and brace yourself. You thought the garage before photos were nasty (well, they WERE) – these pics are nasty on a whole new level. I’m talking this room could have won a spot on Hoarders. It was the catch-all and indeed, it CAUGHT IT ALL. Bless it’s heart. I’ve since apologized to it.
Are you sitting down?
BEHOLD.
Completely horrific!!! I’d had enough. It was about to get real up in here. Ginormous heavy duty garbage bags in hand, I got to work.
After all was said and done, anything that was still in good shape was donated (including about 75% of my clothes) – hello, capsule wardrobe, and the rest was thrown away. It felt so good to be rid of that mess.
Painting Wallpaper (oh yes, I did)
The wallpaper in this room HAD to go. The darkness of it made it feel very cave-like in here. However, I didn’t want to deal with ripping off wallpaper again (like we have in every.single.one. of the rooms on the second floor of this house) – so I decided to paint it. My beloved Aunt Judy had done so with spectacular results and I was willing to give it a go.
After the wallpaper was done (it took four coats because I’m stubborn and don’t usually prime), it looked great.
(this pic is after the carpet came up, but it’s a good shot of the walls, so I’m putting it here.) 🙂
Hardwood Floors Uncovered
At some point along the way, I got a wild notion to take a peek at what was underneath the carpet. As I suspected, HARDWOOD!
It was in horrible shape, though.
I thought about painting it or leaving it and putting down a rug – because I did not want to deal with the work of sanding down and refinishing hardwood floors. But the more I thought about it, I knew I would love it best with gorgeous, newly refinished hardwood floors.
When all was said and done, the one thing I thought I DIDN’T want to do was the exact same thing I errrr….we ended up doing. My sweet Mr. 1915 is the most amazing man out there (sorry, ladies, he’s mine) and he sanded the floors *on his hands and knees* (remember, we’re on a $100 budget, so renting a floor sander was out of the question).
Is that true love or what?!
The floors cleaned up beautifully. All the spilled paint and nail polish (NONE of it from us!) disappeared and the floors were ready for stain. I chose Minwax English Chestnut and I love the depth of color.
The Stench
OK – here was the stinky part. The temps here in MN at the moment are NOT conducive to staining and sealing a hardwood floor. I’d never stained anything before – much less, an entire floor – and the fumes were SO bad. I was literally crying to my friends, wallowing in MAJOR project regret. Mom guilt weighed on me like a ton of bricks. “All the fumes are so bad for the kids! For you!” Finally, in a fit of panic, I opened almost all the windows in the house, had a fans going and said 1,389,235 prayers of forgiveness for subjecting my family to the hellish fumes. And immediately took the kids to a park for a few hours while the house aired out. Sigh. Chalking this one up to experience- of what NOT to do.
After the poly dried and I had wiped away my bitter tears of regret, I had to go back around and touch up the trim, where I had painted next to the carpet. (yes, I totally did this in the wrong order, I KNOW)
Boob Light GONE
A dear sweet friend BLESSED me with a chandelier she no longer wanted. I thought about painting it, but I’ll be honest, I both ran out of time AND kind of liked it as is. I figure if I decide I don’t like it “as is” down the road, I can always paint it later. But for now, I love my new/old chandy.
Here’s the room, all completed and ready for use! I brought my dresser back in; a chair I got from my Mom (which I will recover one of these days), and a few other items I’ll use. I even had Mr. 1915 hang this mirror my Dad made for me years ago as my full length mirror – even though it’s not really full length because of the wood pieces in the middle. 😉 Can you guess what this piece used to be?
I’ve been wanting a Fiddle Leaf Fig plant for forever now and a sweet Instagram friend, Cynthia, shared her secret with my about getting faux banches and arranging them to look like the real deal. Yay for a plant I can’t kill! 😀
Here’s a close up of the floors. You can find similar sheepskins (real and faux) here.
Instead of hanging my scarves, I decided to roll them and place them in a basket – I hate the visual clutter of a bunch of scarves hanging off those special hangers. Maybe a weird quirk I have?
Yes, this is actually my wardrobe. Remember up above I said I loved a capsule wardrobe? I wasn’t kidding. 😉 And no, my dresser is not overflowing with clothes. It actually has a couple drawers that hold craft supplies and my painting clothes.
These cute hooks I’ve had for years and never used until now. They’ll hold items I use most often…my grab-and-go things.
The little white cabinet holds the shoes I don’t wear as often. And the dresser has quite a story (I’ll spare you the details) but to be perfectly honest, I almost edited out the flaws on it – the scratches and missing pieces of veneer, but I decided “No.” – this is real life – imperfections and all. So it is what it is and I love it.
The “do it scared” sign is from the sweet Jenny from Down Grace Lane. She custom-made this one for me and I could not love it more. Such a perfect reminder to step out and do what makes your heart sing…even if that means doing it scared. My friend Rebecca (visit her shop here!) said those words to me one day and they immediately took root in my heart. So powerful.
Thank you, Jenny, for making the sign – and thank you, Rebecca for first speaking these words to me.
Room Makeover Final Cost
Items I already had (shop the house!)
- Paint: leftover from my guest room makeover
- Chair
- sheepskin rug
- baskets (for scarves and plant)
- side table (found on curb and painted)
- dresser
- cabinet
- hooks
- sign
- thrifted pitcher
- faux flowers
- Chandelier (gift from a friend) still can’t get over that 😀
Items I purchased:
- Sanding belts for sander (coarse and medium): $9
- Mouse sander pads for finish sanding: $6.44
- English Chestnut stain: $7.88
- Polyurethane: (gallon was $26 – used 1/4 of it) = $6.50
- bulbs for chandelier: $2.98
- clip rings for curtain (not pictured) $9.48
- Fiddle Leaf Fig branches (didn’t really buy for this room, but I’ll include it here) $24
Total Cost breakdown: $66.28
Was is easy? No. Refinishing the floor was extremely labor intensive and way more fume-y than I anticipated. But if I had not decided to tackle that project with my oh-so-sweet Mr 1915, then yes – this room would have been a piece of cake. Do I love it? Absolutely. Just wish they made a not-so-smelly-poly. But I digress. 😉
So don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t complete a room makeover for under $100. It CAN be done (this is my third room that I’ve made over for less than $100). The home office, which I’m using at this moment, and my guest bedroom are the ones I’ve documented for you here. But there are others in my home that just didn’t make it onto the blog…yet. 🙂
I LOVE the challenge of seeing how much of an impact *just* a hundred dollars can make. Oh, and that “full length mirror” in my closet? It came off the front of a piano. It used to be the piece that runs along the front to hold music. ;)Fun, right? 😀
I’d love to know: which $100 room makeover here on the blog is your favorite? I’m all ears…and don’t forget to check out more fantabulous makeovers below!! So much you can do with $100!
Nancy says
September 20, 2017 at 9:58 amEveryone has said it, but I will say it again….Amazing! the most wonderful “closet” I have seen! Everything from the floors to the chandy…. absolutely amazing…..
Nancy
wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com
1915house says
September 20, 2017 at 10:16 amOh, thank you so much, Nancy! I’m so happy you like it. Have a lovely day! 🙂
Debrashoppeno5 says
September 19, 2017 at 6:43 pmWhat a beautiful transformation. Mr 1915 is a gem for sanding the floors. They look so good.
1915house says
September 20, 2017 at 10:14 amHe really is!! Thanks so much, Debra! 😀
Kim~madeinaday says
September 13, 2017 at 3:17 pmWow, what a difference! I’d be pulling up all the rugs! Although I know the smell of refinishing them! Love it! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
Kim
1915house says
September 18, 2017 at 1:32 pmThanks so much, Kim!! And thanks for hosting! 🙂
Amber Harrop says
April 11, 2017 at 3:45 pmThat is a gorgeous makeover I love the chandelier ( that is a good friend !! ) and I love the hardwood floor !! Gorgeous
1915house says
April 11, 2017 at 8:03 pmThank you for the kinds words, Amber! You’re so sweet! Have a lovely day!
Susie from The Chelsea Project says
April 7, 2017 at 3:49 pmBeautiful job! I’m so sorry about the fumes. Note to self —don’t refinish floors in winter. 🙁 Love that you now have such a lovely place to keep your things. Great job. Susie from The Chelsea Project
1915house says
April 7, 2017 at 5:01 pmOh my goodness – right?? Huge lesson learned! 😉 Thanks so much for the kind comment! Have a great day!
Kristen says
April 4, 2017 at 9:02 pmWow, Kudos to your husband for sanding that floor down by hand! Looks very beautiful! Nice to meet a fellow Minnesotan!
1915house says
April 6, 2017 at 10:34 amThanks! He is the sweetest ever. 🙂 And how to fun to “meet” you, another Minnesotan! Have a lovely day- 🙂
Sheila DelCharco says
April 2, 2017 at 6:30 amWell done you two! That floor is amazing! WHO would cover that??? I love that you’ve given it a new life! The white walls are so soothing! And I love that you have a little corner. You inspired me to go through my closet. I did not pare down to capsule wardrobe size but I did get rid of 3 bags full of stuff! Some didn’t fit (sigh) and some I just didn’t wear/love.
1915house says
April 4, 2017 at 10:18 amSheila, I’m so glad you like the end result! <3 And as for your wardrobe - give yourself lots of grace and just take baby steps. 😀 Have a fabulous day, sweet friend!
Susanne says
April 1, 2017 at 8:41 pmSarah your closet is wonderful, like all of the other rooms in your house. I know of what you speak, our bedroom still smells like stain…ugh. Bravo on your capsule wardrobe, I need to pare mine back down again. You have a wonderful talent for making any space look oh so fabulous!
1915house says
April 4, 2017 at 10:19 amSusanne, you’re such a dear. Thank you for the encouraging words! <3 Have a great day!
Mary-the boondocks blog says
April 1, 2017 at 1:50 pmBeautiful job Sarah! I can’t believe you painted over the wallpaper. But why not, it looks fantastic. And that floor is a beauty too. I know it was labor intensive but so worth it. All in all your closet looks more like a beautiful little room to relax in and not a closet at all. Oh and that chandelier… don’t get me started.
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 4:48 pmHi Mary! Thank you so very much! I’m so glad you like it, too! 🙂 have a lovely day!
Kimm at Reinvented says
April 1, 2017 at 10:37 amOH my gosh, Sarah, it’s BEAUTIFUL!! I love everything, the walls, the floors, and that genius capsule wardrobe! Unfortunately, I’m not sure that I have even that many clothes that fit. 😉 Amazing job!!
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 4:49 pmThank you Kimm! <3 Downsizing my wardrobe has been such a weight off my shoulders. And getting rid of almost everything was so liberating. 😀 Have a great day!!
Amber says
April 1, 2017 at 10:33 amI love it!!! Fabulous idea!
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 4:49 pmThanks so much, Amber! 🙂
Lora says
April 1, 2017 at 9:05 amThose floors are incredible. LOVE. And what a hero your hubby is for doing that by hand!
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 4:50 pmThanks, Lora! Yes, he’s definitely a hero in my book! 😉 Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment – I really appreciate it. 🙂 Have a great day!
Janice@sawdustsisters says
April 1, 2017 at 8:38 amOMGeeeeee!!!! Sarah! This closet. I love everything about it! So nice of Mr 1915 to volunteer his elbow grease!! 🙂 it must be a joy to get ready in there every day! Beautiful work! I’m all too familiar with those fumes. But it was all worth it. Your floors turned out Fab!!!!
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 4:51 pmJanice, you’re such a dear – thank you so much! Now that it’s done, I can say it was definitely worth all the work. Next time, I’ll just wait til it’s warmer so I can open all the windows so the house can air out more. 😉
Leigh says
April 1, 2017 at 8:29 amThis is absolutely gorgeous! And now you have a special little Mom corner too! I can totally see you sipping on coffee and doing devotions in that chair! Fabulous job! I love all the little touches and that dresser is gorgeous as it is! ?
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 4:52 pmAw, thanks Leigh! I do love the room now. It felt so good to get rid of all that garbage!! 😉 Have a lovely day, sweet friend! <3
Stacy Thompson says
April 1, 2017 at 7:51 amLove!! Love!! Love!! Amazing work my friend. I wanna come for a tour.
And the capsule wardrobe….that is my current goal.
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 4:53 pmThanks, Stacy! 🙂 I LOVE my capsule wardrobe! I’m guessing we both found inspiration in the same place…Magnolia Magazine, perhaps? 😉
Kim says
April 1, 2017 at 7:37 amI can’t even deal with how fantastic that room looks now! That wall paper would give me the spins lol the white over it looks great. I also love your floors, despite the agony of the process. It’s such a beautiful color! You have also inspired me to pare down my wardrobe again and give more things the boot!! That piano mirror gives me all the heart eyes, and the fiddle leaf fig trick is GENIUS. Awesome job, girlfriend!!!
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 4:54 pmThank you so much, Kim! You’re such an encouragement, my dear. Hugs to you! <3
Anika says
April 1, 2017 at 12:04 amThat is the coolest master closet makeover ever!! Those floors look gorgeous!! I can’t imagine all the work you and Mr 1915 put into it !! It truly paid off!!
Everything in the closet is perfect!! I could just sit there all day 🙂
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 4:55 pmThank you, Anika! I’m so glad you like it! <3
Toni | Small Home Soul says
March 31, 2017 at 11:39 pmWow Sarah, this turned out so beautiful. Great job on the floors. I know what hard work that is, all my brothers work in the flooring business. They turned out great. All the little touches in the room are beautifully done, and having your sweet momma’s stuff ensures you have a little bit of her with you to start the day right <3
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 4:59 pmThank you, Toni – and you’re right…I love having my momma’s stuff around me. <3 🙂
Denise says
March 31, 2017 at 4:54 pmSarah this turned out absolutely beautiful and that chandelier is a perfect fit for your dressing room. Love it all.
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 5:00 pmThank you, Denise!!! Your chandy in your closet was brilliant and I knew I needed one, too. Thanks for the inspo! Hugs!! <3
Sherry says
March 31, 2017 at 3:57 pmYour closet looks fabulous and it sounds like you have a wonderful husband. I got blessed with a husband who helps me too! Great job!
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 5:00 pmThank you, Sherry! I am so blessed with him… 🙂
Pat Lingner says
March 31, 2017 at 3:32 pmSarah,
I love your closet makeover! My favorite part? The seating area with that great chandelier! The floor is lovely and your “not a real full length mirror” has so much character! I love it all! Thanks for sharing with us! ?
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 5:01 pmPat, you are always so kind and encouraging. Thank you so much! I’m so glad you like it. Have a lovely day!! 🙂
Sarah @ Sugar Bananas says
March 31, 2017 at 2:28 pmSarah, it’s amazing! You definitely worked a miracle in your closet. What a beautiful space…worth every single tear! I’m intrigued with the capsule wardrobe?
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 5:02 pmThanks, Sarah! I really love my capsule wardrobe! Makes getting ready so much less stressful in the mornings. Less choices = less stress. 😉 And I only keep things I love. 🙂 I hope that helps!
Kelly says
March 31, 2017 at 1:41 pmOk girl you rocked that makeover!!! I have some serious closet envy!!!Loving your floors !!!
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 5:03 pmHi Kelly!! Well thanks so much!! I’m so glad you liked it, too! Have a lovely day! <3
Lisa says
March 31, 2017 at 12:35 pmI think I could just curl up in there and take a nap. I can’t even believe how stunning this room turned out.
All your hard work, sweat, and tears paid off, and now you can sit back and reap the dividends.
XOXO,
Lisa
1915house says
April 1, 2017 at 5:04 pmThank you, Lisa! Thanks for being part of my cheering squad and helping to talk me off the ledge when the fumes were gonna suck out all my brain cells! 😉 Have a most lovely day!