warm caramel (paint) saved my life

If we were having coffee this week, I would not be able to keep from telling you this story!  We'd probably sit on my couch and I'd give you a choice of tea or coffee.  You'd likely comment on the unfinished look of our kitchen, in a polite way, but still wonder why there's a gap in the corner of the counter and unpainted walls.  I'd say I'm glad you asked because I can tell you about a project that's more finished than any other 'round here!

You see, it all started last weekend.  We didn't have any real plans.  My husband said he wanted to get some things done around the house and I hoped to do some preparation for an event I have the next weekend.  But then I said it.  I asked the questions I've been considering for months: How much work & time would it take to paint the upstairs bathroom?  As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I knew it was going to be an adventure.  The mister's eyes lit up and a grin came across his face, "Home Depot is bringing in new inventory this week, so they're sure to have things marked down."  Have I ever told you how much he loves a project?  

He's been working on the first floor of the house since we moved in last spring.  It's not finished, but it's quite livable.  The upstairs bathroom may function fine, but it is embarrassing.  I cringe every time I walk in it, which is every day since it's the only place we have to shower and was the only working toilet/sink up until the week after Christmas.  So before I claim a Saturday trip to Home Depot improved my quality of life, I want to share the before and after photos:

Part of me wishes I would have taken more photos before the pedestal sink, complete with gold trim and floral accents, lilac walls, and gold fixtures were removed.  But then there is part of me that's so thankful what I just described is a thing of the past.  I will never again walk into that bathroom, with its chipped enamel sink having barely enough room to set my toothpaste down, nor stare at myself in an oval mirror decked in floral-ness (pretty sure that's not a word, but described the previous bathroom situation).

It all started with my question, thinking we would buy some paint, then come home to search Craig's List for a "cheap" vanity. After all, that's how we acquired the pedestal sink in the 1st floor bath; we paid a mere $20.  So, as we entered Home Depot last Saturday, I was feeling somewhat apprehensive about the prospect of finding what we needed to perform a lil' bathroom reno on a budget.  Boy, was I wrong!

First, we went to the area with the sinks and vanities.  We had decided if we found one we both agreed on for $50 or less, we'd be in good shape.  What we found was better than expected.  There was a sink/vanity combo marked $60.  It was cute and the kind of thing I would pick out.  Then a salesman approached and asked if we needed help. We explained we're in the market for a vanity/sink and he told us the vanity was the floor model, so he could give it to us for $30, along with mirror/medicine cabinet (still in its box).  I said, "yes, please."  And then Brandon started looking it over.  They got to chatting and I wondered off to look at faucets (those are sold separately).  Next thing I know, Brandon wheels the vanity/sink around the corner in our cart and tells me to look at the price tag.  The guy had written $20 on it.  By this point I'm thinking, we should get going before they change their minds... 

All said and done, we spent less than $300 between the new light fixtures, faucet, paint, towel rack, TP holder and sink.  I feel like we have a whole new bathroom.  Honestly, the shower needs to be re-done, but we couldn't afford that nor do we have the time want to go without a shower.  But I'm telling you, the quality of life that comes from some paint and pretty fixtures is amazing!  When I tweeted about it the other night, I asked Brandon if he thought adding #gliddenwarmcaramelsavedmylife was over-the-top.  He just shrugged, but I think it's true.  Paint makes me feel better about our home.

Wanna know the next best part?!  We have enough paint left to tackle the master bedroom...goodbye dark olive walls!

What projects are you working on?


I'm linking up with Alissa