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...
...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:
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.
Anyway, now that Iwhined about shared the challenges, let's focus on what's left to do:
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
Despite some challenges, the focal wall is DONE! It took several days/weekends, but the wainscoting is up and so is...
...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:
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:
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!
- 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
- 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