$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!