Any project has it’s ups and downs, but this tiny project has been a handful. Time to share the Powder Room Makeover Saga. I am amazed at how long it is taking me to get this project underway. I cleaned everything really well, got my paint, and then started to work. The first mistake was to buy Iron Ore paint color. It is really black and gorgeous in so many homes. The feature wall in this Powder room is already in a darker recessed area of the room. The dark black really looked bad. I needed to have something just a little easier on the eye. Something that didn’t glare.
Back to the paint store with my can of paint and have them add a bit of white to create a charcoal color. This was so much better. It still looks black but not so harsh. The charcoal gray was the perfect color.
This area is only 3ft wide, so getting a ladder in here to reach the ceiling was another problem. The ladder had to straddle the toilet. This is the only ladder that would fit and it was really tight. I had to crawl in and be really careful. Trying to paint in such a confined space was not easy.
Then we also had the problem of the texture walls. You can see in this picture a little bit about how textured my walls are. (See the light reflecting off the outside wall. That’s a lot of texture that doesn’t look bad, but really creates problems when painting an accent color.)
Here is a close up of that texture in the bathroom. Up close that really is a ton of texture. How do you get a straight line and edge on something like this?
Trying to get a nice clean edge is almost impossible. I used tape and it looked like this. That won’t work at all.
The only solution was to get out a small paintbrush and freehand things. This is how the other side looked after some really tedious painting. Not perfect by any means, but it will work. Now I just have to finish up the other side and do some final touch-ups.
Next problem was the shelf I ordered for the wall. I loved the style and color of this one from Target. It is gorgeous. Problem is it hangs from two screws on the wall. I really didn’t think that was going to be strong enough to hold anything, so I sent it back.
Trying to find one that was reasonably priced and in a pine finish was not easy. I finally found one I liked at Home Depot. Only thing – it came as a package of two. Hopefully, my daughter can use one somewhere. This one hangs on the wall with metal rods that insert into the back of the shelf. It should be much more stable and sturdy.
I also ordered a new towel bar for the sink area and am working on art and accessories. So stay tuned, this will get off the ground eventually I am sure. (Just remind me not to ever paint an accent wall in this house again, too much texture to fight with.)
Oh, those Arizona textured walls! I don’t miss them at all. Can’t wait for the reveal.
Marty, there is always an issue even for a small room but I think you have it covered. Looking forward to seeing the end result.
I’ve been contemplating doing some painting projects. I always think “I can’t” you inspired me to think “I can.” Now I just hope I can stay on the ladder. LOL.
Your hand painting to even up the line of dark paint is so very well done! I’m sure it took a long time and it had to been very uncomfortable at the very top and very bottom of the wall, but you did such a good job. It is going to look great.
This is beeutiful!! My sister used to live in Arizona and New Mexico and encountered the same challenges. You did an awesome job! I think I’d go with two shelves keeping them apart to perhaps have pic sitting on the top one? Either way love the new look and can’t wait to see the finish! What does your daughter think?
You will have this looking so wonderful with your eye for what looks great. Cannot wait to see it done. Have a good week.
xoxo
I learned from a handyman that the answer is to run a line of caulk and smooth out as usual. Then use those paint edge things (I don’t remember the name) to keep the paint brush from touching the opposite side and paint a smooth straight line. Ceilings in particular need the caulking for any paint transition. Unfortunately in new home the painters won’t take that step unless instructed to do so….all about keeping their time and costs down. That’s why we see so many ceilings with wall paint bleeding over.
I give you a lot of credit, Marty. You don’t give up and your determination pays off. I expect this will be stunning when it’s finished.
Showing us your other homes and the way your decor slowly evolved was very interesting. I can’t imagine not changing things up in our homes after awhile. However, there are plenty of people who are just not up for a new fresh , look. Too bad, I say. They don’t know what they’re missing.
Oh textured walls – look so cool but such a pain. You poor lady, holy smokes!
It does look REALLY GREAT – so you found a solution. Sorry it hasn’t been easy.
Hope the rest is for you. Big hugs.
Painting a bathroom is a bear! This will look very nice when it is all finished and you have added your magic accessory touch.
So anxious to see the final result!
I do not know why builders use textured walls today. Like the paint color, marty!
Definitely I empathize with your issues with the walls as we have them as well. But I’m really looking forward to seeing what this looks like when you’re done. I’m sure it’s going to be beautiful when you’ve finished and you’ve added in accessories!
This will look so stunning when you have it completed! So proud of you and the obstacles you faced and overcame! Take your time and don’t think you have to have a certain deadline to print the final powder room post. This room is all you! God bless you and your efforts!
Good job. I can see me with that ladder over the toilet. If only your paint choice came with a matching Sharpie to fill in the edges !
One time I bought this beautiful fabric that had a shade of plum in it. When I painted the area by the window, the paint looked like an ugly brown and nowhere near plum. As they say “Been there and done that” LOL
I’ve never tried this but in theory it works for painting a clean edge as long as you have paint the same color as the wall you’re about to paint over. Tape the area like you normally would. Paint along the tape on the side that will be the new wall color but with the paint of the ORIGINAL COLOR OF THE WALL. That will seal the tape so the new paint color can’t get underneath it. After the paint dries on the tape, paint the new color on the wall as planned. When you remove the tape you should have a clean line since it was sealed with the same color. It should work great with textured walls.
Any tips on how to paint behind an already installed toilet? Looks great so far, can’t wait for the end result!
Having lived in California (earthquake country), I think textures walls are easier to patch when cracked from quakes. There’s a product sold in cans called “spittle” or “orange peel” that can be sprayed on and pressed to hide damage. Otherwise, I don’t know why textured walls are used. Now if we can just get the textured ceiling trend to go away………
HI Marty, I have textured walls and rounded corners. I have also taped the edge and run a bead of caulk, but there is another technique that works wonder. Your post reminded me I need to update my post. My sister just bought Iron Ore and had the same comments.
Thanks for stopping by last week. Not sure what was up on my images, but I appreciate the heads up!
laura in Colorado PS Is the real estate market as crazy as it is here?
I have the same texture & found myself freehand touch up too. Then I discovered a better less frustrating method. Tape the edge. Then paint the edge of tape sealing it with the opposing wall color. Then paint accent color, no bleed thru . Love your accent color and the results.