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$100 Room Challenge Week 2

This is my least favorite part of a new project… prepping. In week 2 of the $100 room challenge, I’d hoped to have some really cool progress photos to show you, but unfortunately we’re squarely in the middle of the phase I like to call “It has to get worse before it gets better.”

So instead of pretty photos, I’m sharing a bit of reality today. Here it is in all its glory…

Yikes! No one can accuse me of being one of those bloggers that only shares perfect pictures of their homes! Paint cans, towel racks, lots of tools, and several empty coffee cups are the only indication that something fabulous is happening.

It’s hard to tell in the photo, but the cabinets are already painted. The doors are off as the paint cures. I used the exact same cabinet painting method I recently used on my kitchen, because it worked so well. You can check out the original post on the best kitchen cabinet painting method if you’re considering painting your cabinets.

The other thing that you may not be able to see from this photo is the preparation for wall paint. The ugly old towel racks are gone, and the holes are patched.

A Word About Drywall Anchors

Speaking of patching holes, let me take a moment here to make a public service announcement about drywall anchors. Two words, people: E-Z Anchors.


Don’t ever use those cheap plastic anchors that come in the packages for hanging heavy objects. Someone someday will want to remove those anchors, and they will curse your name. And that someone may just be you, so do yourself a favor and pick up some E-Z Anchors when you buy your towel racks, curtain rods, mirrors, etc. They’re easier to install, and waaaaaay easier to remove, but work just as well.
Thank you for humoring me. Now back to the task at hand. I finally was able to remove the hideous metal drywall anchors, following these instructions from Lowes. Thanks Lowes!

Also, if you’re going to do this, wear your safety glasses. I didn’t even think about it until I was done and found a tiny shard of metal in the skin of my hand. Better there than in my eye! And yet another “Do as I say, not as I do” moment for me.

Nothing like drilling a bigger hole in your wall to remove a small hole.

And then patching all those huge holes.

The good news is the wall already looks better without all those funky towel bars.

Imagine how great it will look with a fresh coat of paint, and some artwork!

So far I’ve spent about $40, all on paint. That doesn’t leave me a lot of room for all the fixtures and accessories that I’m going to need, but I love a good challenge!

Next week: concrete countertops! I hope…

Hopefully some of my blogger buddies are having more luck with their remodels. Check out what they’re up to below.


If you missed my first post with all my optimistic plans for this room on a $100 budget, be sure to go catch up. And check back next week for more progress, and the following week for the big reveal.

Week 1 ~ Week 2 ~ Week 3 ~ Week 4

Wait. Only 2 weeks to go? I better get back to work!

Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge

Thursday 19th of January 2017

It really does always get worse before it gets better, doesn't it? Although it looks like you've made lots of progress! Can't wait to see how the concrete counter turns out.

Meredith

Monday 30th of January 2017

Thanks Angie, I feel the same way!

Kathryn Baugher

Wednesday 18th of January 2017

I wasn't thrilled to show progress this week, my kitchen definitely has a ways to go! lol I appreciate your real life pictures and can't wait to see those walls painted and the artwork!

Meredith

Monday 30th of January 2017

Any progress is good progress, right? ;)

Amy | Stow and TellU

Tuesday 17th of January 2017

OMG love your kitchen cabinet tutorial. Saved it to reference when we do our kitchen. Lord knows, I like easy and your's looks like the easiest I've seen. It looks like you're right on track with the rest of us on the room challenge. Keep up the great work! Gonna have to try those EZ Anchors, too!

Meredith

Monday 30th of January 2017

Thanks Amy! It really is the easiest way I've done it, and I've tried a few different ways!

Tracy S

Monday 16th of January 2017

The cabinet looks really good painted!

Meredith

Monday 30th of January 2017

Thanks Tracy!

Erin @ Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry

Monday 16th of January 2017

I always love a dose of reality. Let's face it, rooms that are in transition never look pretty. And the prep work, while time consuming, will make such a difference in the end.

Meredith

Monday 30th of January 2017

You're right, it's all about the prep work when it comes to getting a good result!

ABOUT MEREDITH


Creating a color-filled life. Conquering my little world one DIY project at a time. With lots of coffee and chocolate. Albuquerque NM. Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Facebook