{The Vinegar Experiment} Cleaning Stinky Drains

My experimentation with using vinegar around the household continues this month.  Last month, I showed you my results of using vinegar to remove hard water buildup.  This month, I’m tackling a stinky sink drain.

My daughters went on a trip with my sister and her husband and during their absence, their bathroom started to smell of mildew.  It took me a while to figure out the source, but it ended up being their sink drain.  Turns out that my little girls shed quite a bit of hair and then apparently wash it down the drain… leading to a nice hair plug (see what I did there) that was mildewed.  Ick.  I removed the hair and cleaned the drain plug but it still reeked of mildew, so I put vinegar to the test again.

The first step was pouring baking soda down the drain and letting it sit for a bit.

Then, pour in your vinegar.  This part is fun (remember those middle school science experiments with volcano “lava”?) – it bubbles like crazy!

This part would probably be fun for your kiddos to “help” with, although it doesn’t smell the best…

The final step is following the vinegar and baking soda with boiling water.  I used a large mixing bowl (about six cups of water) that I heated to boiling in the microwave.

While you can’t smell the results for yourself, this method did work on my stinky drain!  I had to repeat the process once to remove the smell completely, but haven’t had to bother with it since.  I’ve also started using this same method to clean my sink disposal in my kitchen – I follow it with running a lemon slice through the disposal and it smells amazing.

So two vinegar experiments down and so far it’s proving to be quite the useful, eco-friendly, and inexpensive household helper.  I can’t wait to share the next vinegar experiment.  I’m already doing it and loving the results… stay tuned!

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Transforming an old Armoire into a Computer Workstation

When we decided to sell our custom home to make the move to a neighborhood, we left behind an office with fabulous built-ins.  This home technically had space for an office as well, but since we decided to use that room as a multi-purpose room, that left us without a dedicated space for our computer and files.  We did, however, still have our old TV armoire and since it hadn’t sold yet on Craigslist, we decided to give it a new purpose:

When we began working on this, it was your average, everyday armoire from a big name furniture store… with a huge hole cut out in back for the pre-flat screen era!  Mr. home.made. removed the original backing and replaced it with plywood.  Originally the backing was painted turquoise, but I changed my mind and “wall-papered” it with some weathered wood paper from Hobby Lobby that I found in the teacher section.  Adhesive vinyl chalkboard paper was added to the interior of each door for inspirational quotes and notes and drawings.

My handy hubby built and stained the upper shelving that we use as a charging station for our devices and he built a sliding shelf for the laptop.

It’s now a place for me to blog and for my kiddos to play computer games, all within the safe viewing distance of us, which was one of our goals for a centralized computer station.  With the addition of some cute office accessories from Target, it’s also a place for me to pay bills and file mail.  The lower cabinets are used to house our printer and as an area to file away paperwork.  It truly has become a workhorse!

I have another post planned on changes in our living room, but here’s a little peek to show you how the workstation fits into the layout.  When we have people over and don’t want the office area on display (meaning when it’s a mess of papers…), we simply close the doors and shut it away.  I’m still toying with the idea of painting this beast so there’s not such an abundance of wood tones, but the hubby is resistant so I’m holding out for now… 

This little makeover has really served our family well and turned out to be a lucky Craigslist failure.  Have you repurposed an old piece of furniture by giving it an entirely new function? 

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A New Bookcase and Reading Corner

 

Hey, hey friends!  It’s been a while since I’ve blogged (I’ll get to that later…) but I’m back and so excited to share this new little reading corner in my living room.

Since rearranging the layout of our living room, I wasn’t quite sure what to do with this corner area.  I had thought of doing a reading nook but just couldn’t visualize how I wanted it to look.  Enter this guest room from Melissa at the Inspired Room.  As soon as I saw her bookcases, I knew it would work for my corner!  I plan to have a piano on this wall eventually so I went with just one bookcase for now.

I followed Melissa’s lead and purchased the Threshold Carson bookcase from Target.  When we were stuck at home a few weeks ago during the Icepocalypse, I got to work putting it together.  It was a fairly simple assembly minus all of the teensy screws that hold in the back panel.  There were no pre-drilled holes for those so it was quite the chore.

Once it was assembled, I got to work loading up the shelves.  I had two boxes in my garage from our move (three years ago, don’t judge) full of books and photos so I finally gave them a home.  My girls had fun looking through their baby books (which – OMG I just realized they must’ve decided to peruse again because look at that bottom shelf – ha!) and I was overjoyed to finally have emptied those boxes!

I moved the slipcovered chair from my bedroom to this corner for now.  I like it there but it’s not very comfy so I may replace it eventually with a chair with a little more cushion to it.  I found the adorable sign at Hobby Lobby for half-off – it’s the perfect sentiment in my favorite color so I had to have it.

Here’s one final look at my new favorite space – I can’t wait to put it to good use!

Now… just a little update on what’s been going on around here.  A few weeks ago, I came home after work to a neighborhood filled with police and fire trucks and cars lining the street because a terrible accident had just occurred.  A little boy was struck and killed by a truck while he was riding his scooter.  We’ve all been a little numb since, just trying to process this tragedy.  As with anything like this, you take a good hard look at your priorities in life… and that meant spending more time with my girls rather than behind a computer or working on a project.

Refocusing on priorities has also led to other things, namely a job change that will allow me to stop commuting and be closer to my family. It will allow me to work and develop relationships in the community where I live. While it has been an emotional last week as I made this decision, it is one that I have no doubt was all part of God’s perfect timing.

He is good.  All the time.

And I am ever so thankful.

Hope you’re having a great start to your week!

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New IKEA chair and Goings On

Things have been buzzin around the home.made. abode… I’m still in the process of revamping our living room, and I’m so happy with the latest addition to our furniture: this IKEA BYHOLMA wicker chair!

My awesome sister was kind enough to make a trip to IKEA and pick this up for me (since you can’t order online) as I have been kicking myself for not getting it a couple of months ago.

I love this chair.  It’s gorgeous and it adds such a fun mix to my living room furniture.  The cushion and the pillow make it a comfortable spot to curl up – it’ll be even better tomorrow when I’ve got a fire going in the fireplace (thank you cold front!)

The living room makeover is still underway and there’s just a little bit more to do before the full reveal:

Paint Trim

Haul Piano from my Dad’s House

Add Bookcase

Add corner chair

Add wall art

Find round, smaller coffee table

See, doesn’t sound so bad, right?  If any of you have great tips about moving pianos, let me know please!  I don’t want to fork out a lot of money to pay for movers!!

Some other things that have been keeping me busy around here:

I spent a lot of time the past couple of weeks repainting my laundry room cabinets.  If you follow me on Instagram, you were able to see some progress pics.  I’m happy to say they’re finished and hanging and such an improvement – I can’t wait to show you!

I’m also busy prepping to have a booth at an upcoming Christmas event.  It was a last minute decision to do this (and personally, I’m a little intimidated by it) so I’m in mad-crafting mode trying to put together some fun items for my booth.  I have so many ideas that it’s been a challenge to keep my focus small, but I’m trying…

So much going on!  I can’t believe Thanksgiving will be here next week… you for sure wouldn’t be able to tell around here since the only decoration for the occasion are the turkey pumpkins my kiddos decorated for the mantle.  I’ll admit it – I’m a slacker for Thanksgiving this year.  All of the other projects have taken priority and since I’m lucky enough to not have to host Turkey day… I’m not very motivated to decorate.  Heck, I might just even put up my Christmas stuff early this weekend… I’m a rebel like that.

Here’s one final look at that chair for ya… and as if I don’t have enough to do I’m thinking of painting that armoire in the background.  Off white would be good, yes?

Hope you’re having a great Friday – make it a great one!

Living Room Sofa Search and Layout–Help!

Part of my home improvement budget is a new sofa and chair(s) for our living room – our current furniture is a mix of our ten year old gigantor leather sofa and big boy chair and a *gasp* futon.  Wanna see?  You know you do…

Niiiiice, right?  The futon cushion is practically sliding off the frame and there’s kid stuff everywhere too – real life right there.  Now back to the leather monstrosities – we bought these for our first home and this style was pretty popular at the time.  Big furniture was where it was AT, yo.  Seriously, the armrests alone span a good twelve inches.  Each.

The sofa and chair have served us well and made for very easy cleanup of the various things spewed by our children over the past eight years, but their time is up.  I’m done with the leather.  I’m done with brown everything.  I’m ready to get some style in this place!

Here’s my dilemma though – how do you place furniture in an open room like this that’s a decent size, but not huge?

The entry leads to the right side of the living room so it seems odd to have a sofa on that wall.  I’m thinking my grandmother’s piano would be great there if I ever figured out how to move it here or if I happen to find $500 laying around to pay a moving company to bring it to my house…

Since the TV and fireplace are in the center of the room, the placement pretty much needs to be in the center, don’t you think?

I was thinking of going with the EKTORP sectional from IKEA placed facing the fireplace and kitchen.  I love this from My Sweet Savannah.

I’m worried it’d be too big for the space, but who knows…

Looking at this angle however, it might work, especially with the piano behind it (and the plate wall I have daydreams about).

Another thought?  The EKTORP loveseat with chaise on the end and then two chairs flanking the fireplace?  Ugh – I just don’t know!  I’ve searched oodles of Pinterest rooms and can’t find much but here’s one from Hooked on Houses…

I’ve read mixed reviews on the EKTORP, but I’m not worried.  My sister’s had some EKTORP furniture for a long time and hers are still in great shape.  Since my budget is limited and has to last through the other plans I have, I can’t afford to spend a big wad of cash on furniture.  My sister and I might also be stopping by IKEA this weekend so hopefully I’ll get to try these out for myself and can get a better idea of size so I can plan my room.

What are your thoughts on a good furniture layout for this room?  I need help!

{My Sister’s House} The Turquoise and Yellow Bedroom

My sister lives in an amazing 1940s home in our hometown and she has infused every inch of it with charming vintage style.  She recently redecorated her back bedroom (which my girls lovingly refer to as “their” room) in a turquoise, yellow, and grey color scheme and it totally knocked my socks off, so she was kind enough to let me take pics and share with you!

The room gets a ton of natural light from from the windows that wrap around the far end – IKEA curtains filter the light to create a beautiful glow.  The blinds are original to the home – can you believe it?  They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore… *sigh*

The vintage metal beds were originally red – my sister repainted them in a metallic grey finish to go with the  new color scheme.  The yellow and grey sheets match perfectly and the turquoise throw and pillow throw in a fun pop of color.

Between the two beds is the Arles Yellow and Wood Vanity that I redid for my sister earlier this year, when she was just starting to think about this room makeover.  I added the turquoise knobs back then in anticipation of this!  Now that the mirror is in place, the vanity is even more beautiful.

The gallery wall above the beds and vanity is filled with fun sayings and anecdotes in an array of colors.  The “Think Happy Be Happy” art is my favorite – it truly sends the perfect message about this room and the children who are so blessed to get to stay here with their auntie.

I am so thrilled to get to share this fun room makeover with you – and I can’t wait to show you some more peeks into my sister’s house.  I know you will love it as much as I do…

Think Happy and Be Happy this Monday!

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White and Aqua Hutch Makeover

 

Last summer I came across a great china hutch on Craigslist while I was searching for a dresser for my daughter’s room.  (Isn’t that always what happens on Craigslist?  It’s worse than Target!)  Anyhoo… because I had quite a few other works in progress at the time, this hutch sat in my garage ever since, waiting to be given a new life.

Because my future plans for my kitchen include painting a darker wall color, I knew I wanted this piece to be white so it would pop against the color of the wall.  This color is Annie Sloan chalk paint in Old White.

 

 

I painted two coats of the Old White and then topped with a third, watered-down wash of Old White to help give the paint a smooth finish.  I decided to forgo distressing and just left it all white, then waxed with AS clear wax.

 

 

Rather than paint the interior white as well, I went with an aqua wash – this color was created by mixing AS Provence with a little bit of Old White, and then mixed that with an equal part of water.  I simply put it all in a mason jar and shook it up, then painted the interior, trying not to be too precise since I wanted it to look like a wash of color.

 

 

I love the seeing my white dishes against a sea of aqua.

 

 

I’m still tweaking the hutch styling, but for now it includes some of my vintage Rose Point china, a few collected pieces of Ironstone, vintage Pyrex, and some vintage dishes and pottery that I inherited from my grandmother.  I look forward to changing things up on the inside for holiday and seasonal touches.

 

 

I toyed with the idea of replacing the hardware, but changed my mind.  Sometimes it’s better to keep the original hardware, and this was one of those instances.  I want the hutch and its contents to be the star here.

 

 

And since I know how much you guys love pictures, here are just a couple more for ya:

 

 

 

My girls are on a trip this week with my sister and brother-in-law so I’m taking advantage of the free time and working on some projects around here, in between a few dates with Mr. home.made.  He deserves it, since I’m putting him to work too… hazards of being a DIYers’ hubby, right? ;)

 

What about you?  What are you working on this week?

 

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Home Update: Fresh White Trim

A while back, I wrote about the sage green trim in my home, leftover from the prior owners.  I’ve been living with this color for nearly three years now, and even after re-painting almost all of the interior walls, I’m ready for it to go.

This is my entryway, just to show you what the trim currently looks like.  The entire entry, living room, hallways, and kitchen have this color trim. 

This past week, I got a wild hair to repaint the trim in one of the hallways and was amazed at the difference.

Isn’t it incredible how much lighter and brighter it looks just with the white trim?

I originally started painting with Behr Ultra Pure White, straight off the shelf.  I have since come to the realization that ultra pure white does not go well with an older home where white doors have yellowed a bit over time.  I then switched to the color I used for the trim in our den and in our master bedroom: Muslin White from Glidden.  It’s still white, but warmer in comparison to the pure white.

One more peek at the before…

And the after…

Big difference right?  (Pardon the lighting… it’s a hallway, thus not a lot of natural light.)

Now, only two rooms, a hallway, and an entry to go!

Have any of you had colored trim that you’ve since changed?

{My Home} Blue and Yellow Guest Bath

This is the first of (I hope) many posts to come about the spaces in my home; most of the rooms are in 75% mode, meaning I accomplished about 75% of what I had intended before jumping ship to start on another project (please tell me you can relate).  I wish I’d had the foresight to take photos of the guest bath when we first bought our house – it had a mixture of dark painted wallpaper and a brown paper bag wall treatment that made the room feel a little claustrophobic since it is a narrow bathroom.  Narrow bathroom also translates to: "very-difficult-to-get-a-good-photograph bathroom, so bear with me.

After removing the wallpaper and paper bag cement, the walls were textured and repainted in Martha Stewart Enamelware.  It’s the perfect shade of soft blue and really helped lighten up the room.

Behind the door is a great built-in cabinet for linens and a hamper.  The original orange-y oak cabinetry was restained a dark walnut color to more closely match the plantation shutter. (Don’t be jealous of my brass door handle circa 1990s.)

Since replacing the existing faux marble wasn’t in our budget, we made do and decided to just update the (brass) fixtures with oil-rubbed bronze.  It was a small improvement but a huge impact if you’d seen what was there before.  I hope to add cabinet hardware soon…

 

A vintage turquoise McCoy planter keeps washcloths at the ready, and mason jars corral toothbrushes and toothpaste.

I still have more that I’d like to do in this room, but those ideas will come to fruition in time.  My home décor budget is not extravagant so we just make do around here until then.  Some of the things I have planned in this little head of mine:

Add Cabinet Hardware

Repaint Trim

Add Shelves above toilet

Replace faux marble and tile floor

That’s not too long of a list, right?

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Antibes Green Side Table Makeover

In addition to nearly every other room in my home, I’m working on a room makeover for my youngest daughter, one that allows a bit more of her personality to be infused into the space.  (Which may or may not be a good thing…)  Since starting kinder this past fall, she’s been waking up like a big girl to an alarm in the morning – I thought it was high time she had a side table so she wouldn’t have to get out of bed to turn off her alarm (or annoy her older sister while she lay under her covers, ignoring the constant beeping).  Rather than go buy one, I shopped my home and found this:

I actually bought this for her nursery way  back when *sob* to hold toys and books but it made its way out of her room during one of our moves.  It’s not bad as is, but it was a little too cream for a room with white walls and a white bed – not anymore, however…

Say hello to Antibes Green, another fabulous color of the famous Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

The original finish was a distressed cream color.  I wanted to have some of that peeking through so I used a watered-down “wash” of the green on the side cutout panels and the top rim.  I used two full-strength coats on the rest of the piece to really make the green pop.

The blogger in me wanted to completely stage this table, but I decided instead to keep it exactly how my baby girl likes it.  She was quite excited to set up her “new” table with all of her necessities: lamp, alarm clock, handmade clay bowl from art class, special books, and of course, a bright orange Furby.  She’s really a fun age right now and makes my heart smile.

In case you’re wondering about said room makeover, it’s a work in progress as is every makeover in the home.made. home right now.  Little by little, I’m knocking out my project lists though so hang in there.  Here’s a sneak peek just because I love ya…

Hope you have a fantastic weekend… we’ll be celebrating my oldest turning 8! *weep*  Where does the time go?

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{Glazed Turquoise Front Door}

As soon as we moved into our home in November, I knew I wanted to make over our front door.  For starters, there was a nice plastic No Soliciting sign "welcoming" all those who entered.  Yeah.  That found its way to the trash can pretty quickly.  Next, I didn't love the color.  It was a pale beige-ish yellow that didn't do anything for me.  I don't have a decent picture, but you can sort of see the color in this photo...

I wasn't quite sure which direction I wanted to go with the door until I saw this, from Sonya at Beyond the Screen Door.

I know.... gorgeous, right?!  While I didn't go quite this bold (yet), I do now have a turquoise door of my very own.

I used True Turquoise paint from Glidden, found at Home Depot, which is a beautiful light turquoise/robin's egg blue.  After priming with an oil-based primer, I applied two coats of the paint. Having never worked with oil-based paint before, it was a learning experience.  For starters, it goes on kinda sticky and not as smooth as latex paint.  Then, it took forever to dry.  I realize I painted in January, but considering I painted on a mid-70 degree day, that surprised me.  I had to wait almost 24 hours to apply the second coat. 

I applied the first coat with a roller brush, but I didn't like the stippled effect it left on the metal door.  So the second coat was applied with a brush.  I wanted some brush strokes to be able to grab onto some of the glaze later on in the process.

I initially was going to apply a glaze/paint mixture similar to Sonya's method, but then I found a can of Wiping Stain in my garage and decided to use that instead.  I used an old rag to apply it to the painted surfaces in long strokes, concentrating more stain around the trim and door patterns to accomplish more patina.  I let it dry about 10 minutes, then wiped some of the stain off with a clean rag until I acheived the look I was going for. 

I'm pretty happy with how it turned out...

I love walking in through my pretty new door... in fact, sometimes I go in that way instead of the garage just so I can look at it again!  Care to join me?  Come on in!


Now I just need to figure out what I'm going to do on the inside...