We’re being grown up and 2016 is the year of the budget. For real! We’ve tried before in the past but the enticing call of brunches, sparkly things and raising teens got in the way. This year I’ve got the travel bug and we’re determined to save dollars.
Owning a house can be a money pit, ours is 44 years old so there’s always something that needs updating or replacing. Sometimes it can feel like you’re getting nowhere and then there’s the lure of pretty and fabulous homewares.
I’m mad for homewares and have eclectic taste. One day I’m diggin ‘Scandi’, then ‘bohemian’, ‘coastal’, ‘neutral’ and everything in between! Drives my huz bonkers because, money! Apart from planning to purchase a new lounge suite later in the year we’ve set ground rules of no home shopping!
Well, not zero but it’s the year of being more considered.
Can we do without? Could it be updated? Can it wait? Is it a ‘need’ or ‘want’?
I can still satisfy my inner ‘Betty homemaker’ but in a considered way. So just a few weeks into 2016 Betty showed up and I got the itch to do an update. Recently I’ve updated our hallway and entrance with a lick of paint. If you want to have big impact for little outlay then paint is your best friend!
Like most people I indulged in the ‘suede effects’ paint rage around fifteen years ago. First I painted the hall in blue suede paint, then a few years later went over it in a sandy hued suede effects paint, I must have REALLY liked it.
Then I came to loathe it. This is before…
A couple of years ago we painted the whole house white, for a girl who loves colour it was something I never thought I’d do but I freakin love it! And why wouldn’t I! I’m a massive fan of white homes, Scandi and coastal are my two favourite decorator looks.
So over the weekend we headed to Bunnings and grabbed a tin of white paint, a new roller pad, an armful of sandpaper and I headed to work transforming our entrance. Suede effects paint needs to be sanded. ALOT! I have blisters.
The smoother you sand, the better the final result, so sand I did. One wall took me five freakin hours! Thankfully it was only one wall and only one section of our long hallway that needed sanding, I couldn’t have coped if I needed to do all of it. Once I’d prepped and painted I couldn’t believe the difference, our narrow hallway looked so much wider and fresher.
Better already. Now to update the frames and mirror that hang on the walls. It’s no secret that I’m a fan of coastal green and blue, it features in my logo and all over my home so a quick visit to Bunnings to choose a sample sized pot of paint and I was in business. I slapped the paint on heavy when it came to the mirror (for bigger impact) and went lighter on the frames. A quick rub back and all pieces were transformed, I love how they pop against the white backdrop.
After clearing some clutter and swapping out the baskets for a slimline style I was done! Neat, bright, light and happy….a fabulous way to welcome guests to my home. My house might be small but a few changes can create BIG impact. How bloody cute is my dog…watching intently 🙂
What do you think? How did I go?
I bet you’re wondering about details like paint colours and budget?
White wall colour is Dulux Lexicon (half strength), Aqua paint is Dulux ‘Gondola’. I came in a few cents under $100 with paint, sandpaper, roller head and two baskets that I picked up from Target ($15 each). Not bad for such big impact. Betty is content (for now). Got any home projects you’re planning for 2016?
What do you put in the baskets? It all looks so fresh!
Mandy one basket has all the dogs leads and bags and the other basket has my gym bag, thongs for the beach and umbrellas 🙂
Love it Jen. I suede painted as well back in the day lol. I’m about to start reprinting as well x
I think nearly everyone dabbles in suede paint back in the day ? Have fun painting them Bec ?
Looks wonderful Jen we not long ago updated our family room but it was quite costly but I love it !
You did a wonderful job and I’m sure you gave blisters ouch Xx
Enjoy your new update lisa, always exciting ? Yes, a huge blister on one hand, very sore but will heal quickly ?
Looks amazing! I have a blue wall in our lounge, and a mustard wall in our kitchen/ family room. Luckily they’re not suede paint, and only one wall, but after about 12 years, I am so over them! You have inspired me to get happening something I’ve wanted to do for ages! I’ll keep you posted! xx
Deb, for years we had a deep purple feature wall in the lounge and lively orange feature wall in the kitchen (shudder). I love the white these days and adding a pop of colour with accessories 🙂
Think your place looks awesome Jenni. Love the White. My bedroom is white with splashes of blue and pops of yellows . My theme is beachy with shells scattered around. My favourite place where I get to have my time away from it all. Our next transformation is my new outdoor setting which we have just bought. I need to dress it out but don’t know where to start. Ill have to post you a picture and see if you wouldn’t mind helping me xx
I would be happy to help you Jane x
Looks fabulous Jenni did a fantastic job ❌❌?
Thanks Marion, feeling achey but satisfied ? I’m in love with the final result.
Jen, you have done a fantastic job! We have just renovated our small house too. And lightened everything up in a french country coastal theme with lots of texture using tugs, baskets, canvas prints etc! The outside is a different story though ‘sigh’
Texture is the key to a warm inviting home Sally, sounds lovely x
The hardest part is getting going then it’s hard to stop! Love the white always looks fresh and doesn’t clash when you decide to change decor. Back in the day all the bedrooms in our house had federation colours and a frieze the entire way around the room, not anymore the whole house is painted in varying strengths of Dulux hog bristle a great neutral ?
oh, federation friezes, shudder :-)I think friezes have a lot to answer for (we still have one in our toilet). Hog Bristle is a very popular colour.
I love it Jen! Great job. I’m the same and can never decide on one style… boho scandi coastal! X
We’re eclectic Shannon ?
I love what you’ve done to your beachy feel home jen! great!
you find interesting bits and pieces hun! and I agree no one has to spend a fortune to tart something up!
I see you love your foofing too!
all good love m:)X
I love foofing and faffing Merilyn 🙂