In fact, just the other day, I was walking from the kitchen into the dining room and hit my arm on the door trim. Just thwacked it.
In her book, Make Room for What You Love,
Melissa Micheal's talks about a home being able to help us move gracefully through our days.
Isn't that a lovely idea?
I stub my toe at least once a week on this chair.
Of course we'll be clumsy if we're tripping over things on the floor, grumpy if we're late again, because we have to root through the piles.
Having my dresser cleared off and displaying only what's essential to me to get my day going is vital to achieving "poise and grace," as Melissa would say.
And she's right. The bedroom, I think, should truly be a sanctuary--a place where we can go at the end of the day and not see anything that nags at us to be taken care of.
It doesn't show up that much in pictures--but,oh, the dog hair on this thing! Definitely not sanctuary-like!
I am grateful I've developed a great morning routine which keeps this room mostly picked up and presentable every day.
But I still trip over myself!
The next challenge is all about making it easy to pamper yourself.
Mom and I were just discussing decorating her 1/2 bath on the main floor, when I happened to notice that the semi-annual insanity known as the One Room Challenge was about to happen.
Let's do it for the ORC, I said. Ever game, (and a great Mom), she said yes.
For those new to this, the ORC is a five week event where designers, decorators and style icons, invited by Linda of the blog, Calling It Home, transform any room of their choosing. Linda lines up sponsors for the invited participants and hosts the whole thing by link up on Wednesdays.
On Thursdays, Linda opens the floor to anyone who wants to join. I love it, really. It can be extraordinarily stressful--but it is a fabulous way to focus on getting a room done, start to --squeak under the deadline-- finish!
We've done this before. Four times. We've done two of her spaces (the master bedroom and her dressing room) and two of mine (the living room and dining room.) I've created a page where you can check out all the links to each project (tab above.) So you can read it while you watch the paint dry. Or something.
Ok. So. The Powder Room.
The room is teeny tiny, but it has two doors (of course), a window, an intrusive ceiling box, and a wonky angled wall. Nothing is ever easy at my Mom's.
A year ago, the room had a dropped ceiling, a lino floor and wallpaper. Unfortunately, I cannot find a picture of it.
Last fall, we removed the wallpaper, took out the false ceiling, and hired some professionals to lay a vinyl plank floor.
See that yellow line above the door? That is how far the ceiling dropped.
See that hole under the sink? It needs a patch. My mother's projects always seem to involve drywall!
Then, we had the venting pipes boxed in---and this is where we start.
Yes that's an extension cord plugged in up there. Sssh. It is in the hole cut for a ventilating fan. We don't have one. Yet.
Inspiration
Whenever you begin thinking about transforming a room, it is important to get a feel for here you want to go. A Pinterest board is perfect for this. 20-30 images is a good start. (I think we're over 100, now.) Then, analyse them--and since I am designing this room with my Mom, we've had many conversations about them.
This is from an ORC participant last fall. It's a full bath, but we loved how she included a marble backsplash for her vanity. The whole bathroom is quite beautifully done.
High wainscoting adds interest, high contrast adds drama.
In fact, we liked the idea of carrying the tile all the way around the room as a "chair rail".
There's no money for new fixtures, so we will create the magic with those good old decorating standbys: fabric, paint, moulding, tile, and smoke and mirrors.
I've already started sourcing our supplies. I've looked at hundreds of light fixtures already--and my idea of a reasonable price is not hers! So, this should be interesting.
I hope to have a moodboard ready for you next week. I'm just learning photoshop!
Here's our To Do List.
1. Remove old tile
2. Patch, sand and prime walls and ceiling for paint and wallpaper
2. Hang bead board wallpaper
3. Put up trim for tile
4. Put up tile
5. Put up top piece of trim, reattach loose window trim
6. Install baseboards
7. Paint: walls, beadboard wallpaper, trim, doors
8. Source mirror, art, lighting, bath hardware
9. Spray paint, and paint things burnished bronze/gold
10. Install curtain rod
11. Source fabric
12. Make drapes
I think that's it!
House Beautiful--a sponsor this year--has done a lovely look back at some of the finished rooms from prior years, here. It is simply amazing what can be done.
Oh, I am so excited. I applied --and I was chosen!-- to be a member of Melissa Micheal's launch team for her new book, Make Room For What You Love. (Yes, it's an affiliate link! My first.)
I joined Melissa's 5 Week Make Room Challenge. You can too which is great because in my efforts to keep house over the years, I've found that doing it alongside kindred spirits has been so helpful. I hope you'll join me. It's open to everyone
This week, it's time to focuson the Master Bedroom. First, to switch the seasonal clothing (Part One) and then do a bit of spring cleaning. (Part Two). (It's a looong post, folks, sorry.) But First: Background.
As most of you know, I don't have a lot of clothes. I wear a uniform of sorts to work (just so I don't risk getting paint on my everyday clothes) and I don't need much.
But even so, it's unbalanced. There are odd gaps and entirely too many of other kinds of things.
Last fall, as a way to get a handle on what to wear, I paid Alison Lumbatis to send me a shopping list and 21 outfits coordinated from that list. Then, I spent a mad few weeks trying to buy what was on the list. (I posted about what I wore for a couple of weeks. Week 1, Week 2.)
I considered doing the same thing for Spring, but it is more expensive this year...and what with the exchange rate on the dollar, I thought I'd pass.
As a bonus to the package I bought in the Fall, I did get the shopping list and outfits from the Spring of 2015. So, I used that to help me figure out what to keep, what to let go and what I might want to add.
After all--that's one of the reasons to let go of things, right? To make room for new.
So, one evening, I emptied out my closet and my dresser. The Closet.
I worked from the door to the wall (so, right to left).
I tried on nearly everything. I used one of Melissa's questions: Would I buy this again?
I made the following piles:
1) too small (S)
2) donate/consign (D)
3) give to my daughter. (D)
4) pack away for winter (W)
First up: Cardigans.
I have 6. Six! It's absurd.
And they are all black or dark blue or dark grey. Blech.
Two cardigans were exiled to the "too small" pile.
I kept one I was iffy on because it was a gift from my Mom. It's awkward to wear (it is essentially a blanket in poncho-type form), but I decided to give it another year.
So, I left myself three plus the poncho thing. 2 black and 1 dark blue. I really wish at least one of them--maybe two--were in a fun, happy colour, as my Spring List suggests.
Party Jacket: 1
Black and sheer. It's one of the things I bought last fall and it'll be fine to wear out and about. Like so:
Vest: 1
My fur vest from the Fall shopping list? Obviously winter wear. However, I think I'll try and consign it next fall. It was fun...but extremely silly.
3 Flannel shirts
2 collarless shirts, one black, one striped
1 burgundy tunic
2 jersey knit tunics, one "snakeskin," one black
2 sleeveless T's. One Eileen Fisher, white linen, 1 black and white plaid.
From the Fall shopping spree, I have two flannel shirts that I did not wear nearly enough. I absolutely love them!
But it isn't flannel wearing season anymore, so those have gone to the hamper to be washed. I gave another thin plaid flannel to my daughter.
Somehow, the collarless shirts survived the Great Purge of 2015. This time, the striped one went to donation and the black to the "too small" pile.
I put the sleeveless Eileen Fisher linen tank top in the "too small" pile, even though it fits. I found it extremely hard to clean. I'd like to consign it, I think.
Here I am wearing it in the summer of 2014 when I bought it. I was much thinner then than I am now.
I lent the plaid tunic to my daughter. I love it.
2014, again. old glasses.
I broke up the two long sleeved jersey knit tunic tops from H&M.* I put the snake patterned one into the donate pile, and kept the black, though I suspect it'll be too body-con. I also have a lovely burgundy light weight long sleeved tunic blouse. It's good for all but the hottest (and coldest) weather. It stays. "Fancy" Tops: 2
A long sleeved top with a silver threaded center panel and a tank top made with sequins (shown above).
They stayed.
Pants: 9 10
2 pairs ponte knit pants, 1 grey, 1 black.
5 pairs of jeans. 1 dark wash "skinny" ; 2 boot cut, dark wash (same one, two different sizes); 1 white, NYDJ; 1 burgundy.
1 pr black leggings
1 wide legged yoga pants, black
Let's see, my 2 pairs of ponte knit pants are clearly winter wear and joined my flannel knit tops.
Of my five pairs of jeans, three; the NYDJ (I could cry), and two dark wash ( skinny and boot cuts) were too small and so exiled with the sweaters. So, I was left with a pair of boot cut jeans and the burgandy jeans. That left my leggings and sweat pants, which stayed.
Not in my closet, and, I had, in fact, forgotten all about them, are a pair of flare jeans I bought as part of the Fall Challenge. They need to be taken in at the waist, so, I removed them from the closet. I loved how I looked in them, though, and they fit, so I just may resurrect them for Spring. Full length jeans are too hot for me to wear in the summer.
I do have to wear the right height heel for them to work.
That gave me a few hangers!
I brought out the box of summer things I keep under the bed.
Blouses, tanks, shorts, tees and a pair of pj's. The warm weather essentials.
Blouses: 4 (all sleeveless)
All of my summer tops except one are sleeveless--and it didn't make the cut. I really need more short sleeved tees!
Cami/Tank:1
I've never worn it, but I'm sure I'll wear it someday!
I made short work of my dresser. Only two drawers (middle and bottom right) were of concern: one holding bulky sweaters, and one holding lighter knit tops. Three long-sleeved jersey knit tops stayed in the drawer. I had a short sleeved burgundy T-shirt, but I didn't like the way it fit, so I gave it to my daughter. I kept an old sleeveless black T shirt--I like to clean house in it!
My jersey knit turtleneck was packed away with my four sweaters and I donated a heavy knit purple turtleneck.
same tub as before, now packed with essentials for winter!
I put my two pairs of shorts in the sweater drawer. (I need more shorts!)
Wow: that's 30 items. That seems like lot to me. And yet....not quite enough.
Here's the closet, after:
Hmmm. Rather dismal.
Donation Pile:*
Alison's Spring list would have me purchase some light and bright coloured shirts, but I looked on-line and ran away from the prices. I think I can manage without.
But I do need/want to purchase at least one more pair of shorts (black) and two pairs of capris (dark wash denim and white). (Fortunately, I can source those locally, but still, pricey.)
I'd also like a few short sleeved tops--maybe 2 or 3? Plus shoes. And that should do me, I think. Well, OK, I just might get a pair of culottes--to go with my sequined top!
*Also, I want to mention H&M's fibre recycling program. You can take any clothing or textile in any condition whatsoever into any of their stores for recycling and re-use.
Emma went to Costa Rica as part of a school trip over March break and, with her permission, I cleaned her room.
Ladies and gentlemen...
I present to you....
the floor!
And it's clean.
(Though I didn't get a photo of it. Trust me, there's nothing on it that shouldn't be.)
We'll start here, behind the door.
This wooden dresser cam from my mom's last fall when we created her dressing room.
Unfortunately, her lights don't quite reach around the room. We should have bought more at Christmas...but the hooks had come off the walls and we weren't sure we could get them to stick. I put up quite a few new hooks this weekend. Fingers crossed they stay there.
I put reflective window film up n the bottom half of the window--I even made an emergency ru to Home depot to pick up a squeegee. But it wasn't until I was rolling up the film when I found the detailed instructions...and sure enough I'd done it incorrectly. (I had been going by what it had said on the outside of the box!) I ran to check on it--and sure enough, the piece I had cut and affixed to the window was gone.
Not only do we need more lights--we need more bulbs!
Emma got the double bed and the Expedit last fall.
Funny story. I looked for the bed on Craigslist...and our second call resulted in finding this set. When we talked to the guy, it turned out he taught at a local high school--the very one Emma was going to start attending! She actually had two classes with him. Apparently, he never said one word about the bed.
If you're curious, you can see previous incarnations of her room here (along with the other bedrooms in the house).
As most of you know, I do very little promotional-type stuff on my blog. When I am approached by companies wanting meto mention them in a post I usually tell them, "Thanks, but no, thanks. This is a hobby blog."
So, imagine my surprise when I reached out to another blogger looking to put together a "launch team" to promote her latest book.
"Pick me, pick me, I heart you," I wrote. And I did, and I do and she did.
Who is she? Melissa Micheals. She's written her third book on homemaking. This one focuses on organizing and simplifying in that wonderful, coffee clatch "it's just us, here, talking about our homes together" writing way she has. It's called Make Room for What you Love.
Indeed.
That book is half price today, only. (And at Barnes and Noble, in the States. But whatev.) It's a pre-order as well.
I wish I could tell you more about it. I only started reading it yesterday. It may be the slowest book I will ever read. Every few pages I get inspired to get up and tidy and clean and declutter.
Melissa Micheals, of the blog The Inspired Room is posting little Love Your Home assignments every week. I quite enjoyed the first week I did them, so I thought I'd do the second.
Day 15 – Making Memories: Gone are the days when we send all of our photos to be printed. While there are some good things about the technology shift to digital, the not so good thing is many of our favorite photos live on our phone or computer. Today take a quick look through your phone or computer images. Pick a few candid moments or special memories and send them online to a photo printer (or print them out at home right from your phone! Here is a phone printer that looks really cool). Update your frames and send a few through snail mail to family! You’ll make everyone feel loved.
Wow. I don't think I have any recent photos of the kids. Not even from Christmas. (My daughter got quite upset when I tried to take a few shots Christmas morning, so I put the camera away. Then I got busy.) I should take some.
Day 16 – A Place of Your Own: Do you have a special spot in your home, a comfy chair or a desk? Today treat yourself to a little love by improving or designing that place of your own. Add a spring pillow on a special chair, declutter your desktop and add a vase of flowers, find a special cup for your morning coffee or afternoon tea, or gather a new stack of books and magazines by your reading spot. Treat yourself to an inspiring place of your own.
I finally found some daffodils! I decided to put them on my bedside table. I don't often put flowers there since it is so small, but I've been enjoying them enormously. I also stacked all my current library books neatly on my shelf.
oops, typos.
Day 17 – Lovely Linens: Today we are going to streamline and refresh our linens. Pare down excess sheets and pillowcases and only keep to what you actually use. Tidy up the shelf or closet where you keep bedding! Now, make a fresh linen spray to keep your room and linens smelling divine! Here’s my current favorite blend: mix drops of lavender and lemon essential oil with water in a small glass spray bottle.
I have tidied the linen closet many times: I do not have anything we don't use....except for my yellow duvet cover. I haven't used that in along time. So, I re-dressed that and the bed. I didn't make a linen spry. I wouldn't know how to use it--and I probably wouldn't remember, anyway.
Day 18 – A Gracious Giver: Where do you keep your gift wrap? Is it hard to find, wrinkled and crinkled? Do you have pretty ribbons, gift tags or embellishments for gifts? Today gather what you need to set up a newly organized space. What will inspire you to give each gift your own special touch? Make or print a few gift tags, visit a pretty paper store to pick out something new, or just organize what you already have.
Am I strange? I just don't give gifts all that often....
My gift wrapping supplies are still here in the drawers in the basement where I keep them.
Day 19 – Make it Sparkle: Today let’s make the bathroom sparkly! Clean the whole room if you are motivated, or focus on one part that could use a little TLC. Clean the mirrors, polish the faucets or reorganize a drawer. Make it shine and step back to admire your progress!
I am definitely willing to make the whole room sparkly--but it will take more energy --and time--than I currently have. All of the grout needs a scrub.
I started.
I also cleaned the fan--which is way more difficult than it should be.
Day 20 – Music to Your Soul: Music moves us, improves our mood and inspires us! Today get your home soundtrack organized and ready. Set up a house cleaning soundtrack, put together a fun dinner playlist or round up inspirational songs that speak to your soul. You can set up music with an online service or app for your computer or phone (Amazon Music, Spotify and Pandora are all great options).
Hmmm. Two things.
1) When I was cleaning out my old files in the basement, I came across lists of composers and their works to study from when we were homeschooling. So, I made some requests at the library.
2) I also listened to my favourite music playing radio station while I was at the computer and wrote down the artists and song titles of tunes I thought would be great to clean with. However, without a phone, an ipod, or mp3 player, I don't actually have any way to listen to songs as I clean and move from room to room.
Day 21 – A Cleaning Frenzy: Today we are going to clean as much as we can for 15 minutes. Before you begin, grab your phone and snap a quick BEFORE pic of the area you intend to tidy or clean. Now, crank up your cleaning playlist and set a timer for 15 minutes. Ready, set, GO! When your timer goes off, grab the camera and take an after pic! Amazing, right?
I chose my desk.
I am not doing every one and I'm not doing them every day, but here and there, as much as I can. I'm afraid I am a bit behind! (The week starts on Sunday and ends on Saturday--this is last week!)
The flowers have wilted, the desk is messy again and the playlist hasn't progressed much beyond that first burst of enthusiasm, but it's still good.
,
Melissa Micheal's talks about a home being able to help us move gracefully through our days.
. (Yes, it's an affiliate link! My first.)
