Project Diary #13 – Floral Wallpaper Mural

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Posted on May 16, 2019 by Roeshel

Woo hooo! Work on the #helloredreno series continues and is back with motivation to get the renovations completed by {hopefully} July 1st, 2019! That might be a tad ambitious but that’s the plan! This past week I installed a beautiful – stunning! – floral wallpaper mural! And you guys, I love the look of wallpaper. There are so many fun patterns/colors/designs – I could (and have) looked for days! But after lots of not-so-fun wallpaper removal in my past, I swore I’d never ever install wallpaper again. Well, the lasted all of a decade or two. I just couldn’t resist this. It’s just a small space, right?

I LOVE that I have creative freedom in this little slice of apartment oasis space to be bold and dramatic! Be still my heart. So many beautiful details and an inspired vision. The plan is for an airbnb rental but oh man, I want to live here. Think guests would mind? lol

Let’s take a little trip down memory lane, shall we?

• how it looked when I took ownership…

• good-bye blue carpet…

• hello gorgeous hardwood floors…

• before (and still a work in progress)…

• current photo…

(notice any other decorative changes?)

What’s new?

So, this isn’t a sponsored post. Just a review of what I purchased and a little overview on my installation experience. I ordered the wallpaper mural from MuralsWallpaper and the entire experience from start to finish was so easy that it’s something anyone can DIY! (Do you use “DIY” as a verb too?)

This specific design is called Vase of Flowers by de Heem. This Vase of Flowers by de Heem Wallpaper Mural from 1645 is a beautiful design that will completely reinvent your interior with minimal effort, a wonderfully striking piece of classic art that will be sure to impress. This wallpaper will be particularly eye catching as dining room wallpaper, but the stylish floral design will work well in most rooms. It was love at first sight for me.

The best part? It’s a custom! This mural was made to be the exact size of the wall space where I wanted to place it (with a little extra thank goodness, because old house = not square!). They send a mock up with quote for my approval BEFORE I paid for it. And because I wanted more of the colors on the left hand side, I responded with a request to ‘mirror image’ the design. No problem! The entire process was friendly, quick and easy.

Ordering in three steps:

1) Select your image. Choose from the extensive collection of mural designs and photo wallpapers.

2) Specify your dimensions. Measure up your wall full height and width.

3) Produced and shipped within 3-5 days. For a custom order, it arrived quickly! Yay!

It comes in one continuous roll (with awesome packaging to ensure no damage) with printed instructions to use a straight edge and box-cutter/X-acto knife to split it up into pieces. My design size was divided up into 4 vertical pieces.

I originally was looking for a removable peel and stick type wallpaper and shopped EVERYWHERE so when I finally decided on this, I completely forgot and overlooked that I was looking for a self-sticking adhesive backing. But, this actually was a lot easier than I thought!

What I did:

I picked up a wallpaper paste and brush from the hardware store along with some other recommended tools: a seam roller and wallpaper smoother tool. Other tools: level and utility knife.

The installation probably took around 1- 1.5 hours. I unrolled the wallpaper on the floor, used a piece of cardboard underneath to protect the floor and using a straight edge, I cut along each dotted line to divide the roll up into 4 pieces. It has a nice durable thickness and the pieces were labeled.

Next, I brushed the wallpaper paste onto the wall, picked up my piece and starting from the top left, smoothed the wallpaper down the wall over the wet paste. I used the smoother to remove air bubbles and to smooth the wallpaper into place. I had a wet rag on hand for cleaning up excess glue. So much easier than I anticipated. Hurray! The key is making sure that first piece is nice and level!

There is no overlapping. Each piece butts up against the other, lining up the design. There is a little extra wallpaper to trim away on the top and bottom. I used the seam roller on seams, wiped away any excess wallpaper paste. Top and bottom of the wallpaper was trimmed using a straight edge and X-acto knife where wallpaper meets trim.

The last piece was a little trickier because it was wider and a lot of the right hand side had to be cut off. Again, I just used a straight edge and trimmed away the excess.

Ta-da! The result:

STUNNING! I am SO in love! It’s exactly what I wanted. Maybe even better!

Photoshoot:

And makes for a beautiful photography backdrop, doesn’t it? lol I told you it was love at first sight! Seeing it ON my wall makes me so happy! The vision for this space is happening!

This specific print is so interesting too. Each time you have a relaxing seat and gaze at it’s loveliness, there’s something new to discover. An ant or butterfly, a spider. The photos don’t do it justice.

I can’t wait for the entire room reveal! Stay tuned!

Share your thoughts!

What do you think? Wallpaper fan? Not your thing? Not your style? Know what I mean when I say I sure loathe the removal? Willing to change your mind and take a risk when you fall in love with a print/pattern and it’s just want you and in mind for making a dramatic statement? I felt like this print was less trendy, the design is traditional. I absolutely love that it’s an art print mirror image. I can’t wait to design the rest of the room!

Next up:

More details on the fireplace and finishing the feature wall!

More about #helloredreno

The building has so much historical charm. It’s about one block from our town’s Main Street. The bus stop is literally steps away. There’s a gorgeous Butler, PA Bed & Breakfast across the street called Suite Retreat (how cute is that?!) and an antique shop nearby. There are breweries, the YMCA, shops, restaurants, salons, florists, candy/coffee shop, holiday parades and festivals within walking distance. So fun! If renovation from blah to ahhhhh is your thing, stay tuned!

So subscribe and be reminded of updates as the renovations progress! I’ll share before and after photos, projects underway and updates, plans and design boards, sources and links as they relate as well as fun events going on in and around the downtown area. I’ll be using a specific hashtag on social media to keep things all neat and tidy and organized.

#helloredreno

I welcome your thoughts and ideas! And as always, thanks for your encouragement and support and for sharing in my joy and vision! Watch for #helloredreno!

The #helloredreno project diary:

Project Diary Entry #1 – Hello Red Reno!

Project Diary Entry #2 – Efficiency Apartment

Project Diary Entry #3 Color Passive Paint

Project Diary Entry #4 – Full Bathroom Demo Day

Project Diary Entry #5 – Sealing A Wood Plank / Shiplap Wall

Project Diary Entry #6: Bathroom Flooring

Project Diary Entry #7: Sealing Brick

Project Diary #8: Hardwood Floors

Project Diary #9: Carpeted Stairs

Project Diary #10 Vinyl Floor Tiles

Project Diary #11 – Living Room Before & After

Project Diary #12 – Christmas at the Studio

Project Diary #13 – Wallpaper Mural

Project Diary #10 Vinyl Floor Tiles

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Posted on October 11, 2018 by Roeshel

Finally! I know. It’s been a while since the last update. Lots of work! There is something to report in the #helloredreno series, a bit of progress that includes beautiful new vinyl floor tiles and walls in a back entry and main floor restroom area for the workshop. I’m still working on final details like getting a sink/vanity installed, trim work, some fun DIY projects and decor but I just can’t wait to show you this beautiful flooring!

Back Story // Before:

Real quick: the “painted cardboard” walls were removed to reveal very dirty lathe? I’m not sure but it was filthy. Oh and the ceiling tiles are gone as well! We installed some insulation and my sweet Mr. DIY guy put up some fresh new drywall. Side note: It was a very verbally colorful experience since nothing is square in this 100 year old building but thank goodness it’s done! Now Let’s get the the before shots from when it just changed hands from the previous owner to us…

back entryway – everything was so dirty

back entryway looking into the main {half} bathroom area

back entryway and what we call the hobbit door (watch your head!) leading to the basement stairs, front door and staircase

bathroom before

bathroom before ownership

bathroom before – those cabinets were from the original kitchen over 100 years ago!

Okay, the floor before had blue industrial carpeting (in.a.bathroom!, you guys!). ::gag:: That definitely had to come out! Good bye flimsy walls. Good bye ceiling tiles. Good bye carpet! Good bye!

Demo day:

Behind those walls? SO much black sooty dirt. It was everywhere! Fingerprints for months!

We kept the original pine floors throughout the rest of the main floor.

Product Choice:

I chose these gorgeous grouted vinyl tiles for their durability, beauty and warmth – a perfect choice for this space. It’s a product from the Shaw Fairmount collection. Design is “Sweetbriar”.

Fairmount Sweetbriar

From the Shaw inspiration gallery:

Fairmount is a 12×24 rectangle vinyl tile. I love the color variation and that it’s super resilient! And boy can we ever attest to that!

Installation:

Mike, a subcontractor with A&S Carpet in Allison Park, PA utilized a glue-down installation in a brickwork pattern. The fun part? This product can be installed with or without grout! How cool is that? I went with the grouted installation.

See how the flooring was installed before the walls? When I say this floor is durable, I speak from experience! More on that below.

Progress // After:

Since it’s not fully completed, I don’t have true reveal photos just yet but here are some sneak peeks. This space is a back entryway which will also house a small beverage station, built in wine storage and a place to hang coats.

view through the back door

back room

And this is the main floor restroom for the studio/office/workshop. I love the durability and warmth of the vinyl tile, especially since we may be working with glass…a harder surface wouldn’t have been as forgiving or functional in that case so this softer surface was a pretty and wise choice.

So, what do you think? Isn’t it gorgeous? If you’re choosing a vinyl flooring for it’s warmth, durability and beauty, you’re going to want to add this to your list of options for sure!

Stay tuned for a completed reveal of these two spaces!

Care and Maintenance:

How do I know this floor is durable and the right choice? Because of timing, the flooring was installed prior to the walls, so you can just image the mess (drywall mud and dust, caulk, paint, dirty shoes, tools, renovation, etc.). It stood the test of time and workers! All of that grime and dirt, dragging ladders, tools, supplies and drywall, all that comes along with renovating, the behind the scenes not so pretty stuff. And despite my warnings, I didn’t see a drop cloth in sight!

No worries! When I reached out to Shaw, they provided me with some great vinyl floor cleaning tips:

Proper care will help protect and maintain the appearance and performance of your Shaw resilient floor!. A care program consists of key areas: 1) Preventive maintenance; 2) routine maintenance; and 3) spot and spill removal.

1) Preventative Maintenance

Always protect floors when moving heavy objects to prevent permanent scratches and tears.
Walk-off mats should be used at all externally facing entrances to absorb soil and moisture.

2) Routine Maintenance:

Daily removal of dirt and dust is important to prevent particles from abrading the surface of resilient floors.

Sweeping, dust mopping and vacuuming are recommendations to remove soil particles that can result in scratches and worn appearances. IMPORTANT: Do not use vacuums with rotating beater bars on hard surfaces.

Periodic wet cleaning will be necessary to help maintain the floors appearance.

3) Spot and Spill Removal

Absorb wet spills as quickly as possible by white paper or cloth towels.

Recommended by Shaw: Use Shaw’s R2X® Hard Surface cleaning products or products formulated for vinyl floor cleaning.

Remember: The most effective part of any floor maintenance program is the simplest: sweep, dust mop, or vacuum your Shaw resilient flooring daily, or more frequently if needed.

Next up on the renovation:

Baseboards and door trim, a fun door DIY to dress up the cheap hollow bathroom door, light fixtures, sealing brick, a wine cubby and beverage station, decorating and then the reveal! Then we’ll be back in business!

The building has so much historical charm. It’s about one block from our town’s Main Street. The bus stop is literally steps away. There are breweries, the YMCA, shops, restaurants, salons, florists, candy/coffee shop, holiday parades and festivals within walking distance. So fun! If renovation from blah to ahhhhh is your thing, stay tuned!

#helloredreno

I welcome your thoughts and ideas! And as always, thanks for your encouragement and support and for sharing in my joy and vision! Watch for #helloredreno!

Project Diary #9: Carpeted Stairs

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Posted on August 22, 2018 by Roeshel

The #helloredreno series continues! The stairs at the studio needed some attention. We started with carpeted stairs and I knew that I wanted to go in the same direction. Choosing carpeting for the studio space from the entrance of the commercial area to the residual space upstairs makes a lot of sense.

My choice: Shaw Carpet Final Piece Coatbridge

The before:

A commercial grade glued down blue with no padding.

At our house, our stairs are noisy and the painted risers show a lot of scuffs so while I don’t anticipate daily use of the stairs at the studio, I wanted to soften the vibe, cut down on the noise, and add warmth to the space. I also wanted something more neutral than the original blue as well as something that contributed to adding a beautiful statement to the area.

The landing will be the entrance to the future studio apartment. So I want something warm and inviting.

My choice:

As a member of the Shaw Styleboard, I had the opportunity to choose from their carpet collection. I wanted something neutral but with texture, something durable but pretty. Read the description: Warm up rooms and reduce energy bills with the natural insulation and comfort of carpet. With many styles to choose from and the best stain-fighting technology in the industry, Shaw carpet brings color, texture and value to your floors. Create distinctively stylish looks when you play with texture, loop, pattern and twist options.

Shaw Carpet Final Piece Coatbridge

A perfect fit! I chose the color “coatbridge” from the “Final Piece” collection. It feels timeless and classic. I like to switch things up when it comes to design and decor so this option gives me the freedom to go any direction when it comes to decorating. It’s the perfect base palette and texture for any style.

Installation:

The same installer, Mike, who did worked with me on the Floorté vinyl floor planks in our home installed the carpeting. We had removed the former blue carpets to prepare for placing the new carpet.

The stairs before:

The landing at the top of the stairs before:

He set to work with the underlayment and prep work. Who knew that carpet padding is just as important as the carpet itself? I kind of assumed it wasn’t something really necessary but luscious, soft carpet padding minimizes noise, maximizes warmth and extends the life of your floor! I had no idea!

After:

You guys! IT IS GORGEOUS! I am in love with my choice! The texture and pattern add interest to the space, without an overpowering or super trendy style. It’s the perfect base for whatever I choose to do with wall paint and decorative accessories. It’ll work when I change my mind and swap out decor. It’ll work with seasonal decorating colors. It’s warm and inviting.

The stairs:

Shaw Final Piece Coatbridge carpet meets SanFrancisco hexagon tile.

The landing at the top of the stairs:

Shaw Final Piece Coatbridge carpet meets Monterrey Grandview rustic wide plank hardwood floors.

And that padding? Luxurious! Seriously. I don’t think I’d need an air mattress if I decided to camp out in this space! It’s that cushioned! Slumber party, anyone? Oh! And ever accidentally bounce down the stairs on your back side? This makes for a better ride and less painful experience. lol

More decisions:

I cannot wait to get started with decorating and to call this area complete. I’m still deciding how to finish it. Options:

To make it an entry space for the apartment with a bench, shoe storage, coat hooks, plants and a side table. (The apartment will not have a full time tenant. It’s for overnight/short term guests.)
To furnish it with a small writing desk in front of the window, book shelves on either side, plants, a lamp, curtains, a comfy chair, fun wallpaper on the back wall.
To suspend some swinging chairs or a bamboo-type porch swing, fun wallpaper, a coffee table, plants.
A small conversational area with a love seat or two comfy chairs.
A window seat and comfy reading nook, plants, diffuser, book cases.

So many options. I’m all set with a beautiful blank slate, gorgeous cushion-y textured patterned floor that I love! I’m leaning towards the window seat and a hanging chair with a shelf for plants and a small accent table for a cup of tea or a good book…a little escape and restful spot for meditation with the vibe of a private porch area only indoor and then creating a small entry area inside of the apartment right inside the door instead. What do you think? What would feel more welcoming to you as a guest?

As we keep checking projects off of the ‘to-do’ list, I’m getting so excited for fun parts – decorating and furnishing! I can’t wait!

Next up on the remodel:

Clean up the railing and banister, paint, baseboards, installing doors, light fixtures, fun feature wall, possibly creating a kitchenette then furnishing, decorating and then the reveal! Then moving in! Okay, not that last part but I do plan to extend the invitation and welcome you to visit!

#helloredreno

I welcome your thoughts and ideas! And as always, thanks for your encouragement and support and for sharing in my joy and vision! Watch for #helloredreno!