Spring 2016 ORC Dining Room Makeover {Week Four: Behind-the-Scene Challenges & Progress Update)

I should know better by now.  When you have a 60-year old house with not perfectly flush everything walls, even what-I-thought would be a straightforward DIY project proved to be quite the time-consuming challenge in our dining room makeover.

Despite some challenges, the focal wall is DONE!  It took several days/weekends, but the wainscoting is up and so is...

removable repositionable peel and stick wallpaper walls need love one room challenge CAD INTERIORS dining room focal wall

...the wallpaper!!!  I LOVE the graphic punch it gave the space.

When I first showed my hubby the paper (yes, I ordered this black floral pattern without consulting him!), I was expecting some protest.  But his reaction was positively unexpected.  He said, "It looks okay" - and I'll take it!  He's either adjusted to my eclectic taste, or simply knows that a happy wife makes a happy life. :)

Here's a look at the finished wainscoting before the wallpaper went up:

molding trim home improvement one room challenge CAD INTERIORS dining room focal wall makeover

If you have ever installed wainscoting, then you know there is A LOT that goes into the process.  I am now less likely to freak out over any exorbitant carpentry estimates down the road.  Because we added cove trim, it meant more spackling, sanding, priming, painting, etc.  BUT the end result is worth it.  It took the millwork from board-and-batten to a true albeit simple wainscoting.

Here is a pre-painted close-up of the millwork with and without the cove molding:

molding trimwork wainscoting diy home improvement carpentry

While we did make real progress in the room, I also wanted to share what's been happening behind the scenes.  This is called the One Room Challenge for a reason.  Challenges definitely arise during the process, and we have experienced our share in this makeover.  Here's what we've been dealing with:

  • The "seams" where the plywood panels meet started becoming noticeable (we experienced a similar issue with the drywall in the family room).  After doing some research, we applied Bondo an automotive product and it seems to have addressed the problem.  A thick coat of Bondo (the pinkish stuff in the photo below), some power sanding, primer, and four coats of paint later (on the lower wall)... problem fixed!
diy patch wall seams cracks home improvement old house

  • My hubby had to fix a hairline crack that we noticed in the ceiling.  It is a messy job that ultimately led to repainting the entire ceiling in the dining room.  Good thing it's a small area!
  • I underestimated the process of hanging peel-and-stick wallpaper.  The process is more tedious than difficult, but time-consuming nonetheless.  Matching up the repeat pattern took a lot of time.  It unexpectedly took us three weeknights.  So fair warning if you plan to hang wallpaper!

Anyway, now that I whined about shared the challenges, let's focus on what's left to do:

  • Install light fixture (in process).  The junction box is being moved/centered to the table, and the existing opening will be drywall-patched.
  • Finalize seating.  The chairs I sourced are not currently available, so I've been on the hunt again!
  • Finalize rug?!

It is definitely going to be a race to the approaching deadline!

Follow me on Instagram @cadinteriors for updates and sneak peeks.  In case you need to catch up, click on the links to previous related ORC posts:  Week 1 // Week 2 // Week 3

Sharing with: TOHOT

26 comments :

  1. I can say the three weeknights you spent to hang this wallpaper are totally worth it!!!
    It's absolutely gorgeous!
    I love it and it will definitely add that Wow factor in your dining room :)

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  2. Dat wallpaper tho. Sooo pretty. Can't wait to check back for progress!

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    1. Thank you Molly! I am so relieved the wallpaper did turn out okay. :) Thank you for following along!

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  3. Mmmmmmmmm, love the wainscoting! The cove may have added work but it also added finish! Can't wait to see it done!

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    1. The cove trim definitely took us to task, but it all worked out. :) Thank you so much for following along!! :)

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  4. Carol the wallpaper!!!! The wainscot!! Oh they look amazing!!!!

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    1. Thanks Lisa!! I am SO glad both worked out because it was so much work...and it's only an 11-foot wall! :)

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  5. I am with you on carpenters being worth their expense! There is so much work that has to be done after the wood goes up! Can't wait to see everything together because I already love it all!

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    1. Thanks Erin! I want to add molding to other parts of the house too, but I'm going to go collect some estimates first. Ha! :)

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  6. Trim work is the difference between custom and builder, it just takes everything up a notch. This is going to be so great when it's done!

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    1. Thanks so much Maggie! I definitely agree with you regarding the trim details. Now that it's up, I've almost forgotten the grief experienced during the process. Lol!

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  7. A lot of work but you guys are rising to the challenge.
    Those little cracks, curvy walls, drywall seems, are tedious, time-consuming hell!

    That is one impressive wallpaper, can't wait to see it all.

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    1. Omg, our old house is certainly giving us a run for our $$!!! Thanks for following along and providing much-needed encouraging support (as always)! :)

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  8. The wallpaper is beautiful! It's hard to tell in the picture but is the main color black? How cool.

    Keep going....you're almost there. Happy TOHOT. :)

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    1. Hi Stacey! Yes, the wallpaper is black and white, with some blended B&W tones. The physical DIY work is finally behind us, so I hope this last week goes more smoothly. :)

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  9. Thank you for joining us at TOHOT!
    The wallpaper is amazing!
    Can't wait to see next week's update.

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  10. that wallpaper is everything!!! Love it!

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    1. Thank you!! Thank goodness the wallpaper worked out because it took us so much time to hang! Lol :)

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  11. Love, love the details that you are adding to your home!
    Thanks for joining us at TOHOT!
    Jemma

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  12. I so love that wall paper ! Love the details!

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  13. THAT wallpaper! I am a bit late to the TOHOT party this week due to my college semester finals but I'm so glad that I didn't miss this. Have a wonderful week.

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    1. Thanks so much Laura!!! I hope your finals went well. Only a few days left until the ORC reveal...waah!!!

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