Friday, April 3, 2009

Perfection is Painful

I am having my family and Craig's family over for Easter dinner. That's 16 people for those of you keeping score at home. Also, my brother and his wife and son are be staying with me that weekend. Needless to say, my Southern hospitality genes have kicked into full gear.

This has also been the perfect excuse for me to conquer the wallpaper-clad guest room. Thursday morning, armed with my Paper Tiger, scraper and Dif-filled spray bottle, I attacked. It didn't put up much of a fight. I started at 10:30 and was done by 3. There was only one layer of paper this time, thankfully. I figured that this room was the easiest to strip because I wasn't under a tight deadline and the wallpaper wasn't feeding off my stress. You know, like when you're trying to print a last-minute project and the printer decides to be as uncooperative as possible? Either that or the guest room had witnessed my unrelenting scorched-earth policy on the other wallpaper around here, and decided to just surrender. Either way, it's outta here.
Friday morning I painted, hung the curtains, polished the furniture and put it all together. I was all shades of proud of me. It was by far the fastest, easiest, most-drama free renovation I've done in this house.

Well, until this.

This used to function as the TV in the guest room. Until I killed it. See how the screen is, uh, not attached there at the top? The impact knocked it askew.

Helpful hint - if you put a TV on a bed just for a minute so you can pull the dresser out to access the electrical plug, put the TV in the middle of the bed. Apparently, I did not do this. I heard an ominous creak, and turned just as it was beginning its journey to its untimely demise. As I shrieked, it bounced off my knee and hit the floor. I burst into tears. Not because it hurt, but because my perfect makeover was now FAIL. And I wanted everything to be just right.

Or maybe not. Here are the before and after shots. You tell me.
Oh look, wallpaper.
Bare walls and windows, just waiting to be decorated. (Note the TV in the corner, in happier times)
The same window, dressed in sheer white drapes, against a light bluish-gray wall.

I was going for a relaxing spa feel, by using silver and blue. I suppose you don't need a TV in a spa retreat, right?






9 comments:

Zip n Tizzy said...

Very nice!
Except, ahem, the t.v... sorry to hear about that, but I've certainly had similar experiences.

I have painters envy. Every room in our house needs to be painted. Little boys are fast destroyers, and since they're always underfoot, there's no time to paint. I fantasize about a weekend alone to paint the whole house.

I hope your guests enjoy their spa visit!

Unknown said...

Looks lovely! I bet if you get on freecycle you would be able to find a tv that works for free!

Jeannette E. Spaghetti said...

When I was a teenager I knocked a TV over and basically the same thing happened, but the thing still worked. Shhhh, don't tell my parents. (Even though the TV is now long gone, I still don't want them to know I was irresponsible.)

Sh. said...

What a great transformation!

Our guest room hasn't really been used much for visitors, other than those friends who drink too much and can't drive home for the night. My father-in-law is staying with us for a week in May and I'm panicked that the guest room won't be up to par! (Maybe I could send him your way?!)

:) Happy Opening Day!

Allison Burger said...

Hi Kim,

I was the one that introduced myself to you at Tiffany's shower yesterday. I came home and told my mom and my sisters that I "met my hero today." I just wanted to let you know that you are so inspirational to me. I pray daily for your continued healing and strength. Thank you for sharing your story. Your blog helps me remember that I am so very blessed and that I shouldn't take anything for granted.

So, thank you.

Allison Burger
allisonburger@hotmail.com

She Who said...

The room looks wonderful. I'll let you paint for me anytime. Tee hee.

Make sure you keep us up to speed on the Easter menu.

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Zookeeper said...

That room is lovely! I'd enjoy a stay in there even without a TV. When can I book my spa weekend?

Marrdy said...

I love the new makeover! And so sorry about the TV. I hate when those things happen.