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I like any residence (or residence decor merchandise) that comes with a novel backstory, and my rental isn’t any exception: It was as soon as two neighboring motel rooms on the north aspect of Chicago.
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The quirky rental has its perks (a big master suite, walk-in closet, and two wood-burning fireplaces), however like most hidden gems, it wanted critical beauty upgrades, and the 2 on the prime of my checklist had been the lounge’s hearth and the uncovered brick — the latter is controversial, I do know.
I made a decision to kick off my rental’s facelift with the fireside. It’s the very first thing you see while you stroll within the door, so I used to be desperate to swap the dated black sq. tiles for a contemporary assertion. I discovered a stunning large-format porcelain marble-look slab to make use of on the fireside however was pissed off looking for a coordinating tile for the wall.
That’s when a design-savvy good friend challenged me to take the tile all the best way from ground to ceiling, the proper answer for making the fireside the assertion my lounge wanted.
I liked the concept however was nervous to decide to such a daring design. What if I selected the unsuitable tile? What if it makes the room look smaller? Lastly, I bit the bullet, employed professionals for the set up, and held my breath as they rigorously set the 30-pound slabs. The primary large threat paid off; the fireside turned out attractive and appears proper at residence subsequent to one in every of my favourite items, my white lacquer console.
The following improve on my checklist — additionally an enormous design threat — was altering the uncovered brick on the entrance wall. Brick is completely beautiful in the proper setting, however this boring brown backdrop was making a room already missing in pure gentle look even darker, and it clashed terribly with my new hearth tiles!
I debated portray the brick for over a 12 months and ran the concept previous numerous individuals who warned me it was an irreversible alternative I might ceaselessly remorse. Lastly, I trusted my instincts (and my Photoshop mockup!), determined to deal with the venture, and headed to the ironmongery store.
Prep work is crucial a part of revamping brick. I scrubbed the wall with a TSP combination, let it dry in a single day, then sealed it with a thick coat of primer. After ensuring the brick was utterly dry, my dad and I rolled on a satin end brick paint by Behr that comes pre-tinted pure white.
Three hours later, the room was abruptly sunny, inviting, and prepared for a furnishings facelift. I switched my grey sofa for a barely-used Inside Outline couch I sourced on Fb Market, changed the glass espresso tables with a wooden and rattan one, and tied the room along with a washable rug. My most favourite piece of decor within the area, although, is a household heirloom lithograph of Winston Churchill that was handed down by my mother, who handed away in 2019. I like how the white brick creates the proper backdrop for the print.
The lesson right here? It may be formidable to make drastic design modifications, particularly when family and friends attempt to persuade you to play it protected. Ultimately, nobody is aware of your property higher than you — so belief your intestine, seize your instruments, and know that the following time they step by way of the door, they’ll undoubtedly admit you had been proper!
Supply: Residence Remedy
