Input Overload And Apprehension To Make Decisions
It seems that I was much more bummed and deflated over my grasscloth wallpaper than I originally thought. I’m pretty resilient when I run into roadblocks, setbacks, and disappointments, but some take me longer to work through than others. I thought that I had kind of gotten over that hump regarding the wallpaper over the weekend. But yesterday, every time I went into the bedroom to find something to work on, I found myself just standing and staring at this sad sight. I just couldn’t make myself get excited about anything else for most of the day, so it was almost completely a wasted day.
We had a lot more rain yesterday, so I was at least able to go up into the attic during the rain and pinpoint the exact location of the leak. As I suspected, the culprit was the sun tunnel skylight. The leak wasn’t bad, but it was a steady drip the entire time it was raining. I was able to put down a large piece of plastic with a towel on top to soak up the drips (a bucket wouldn’t fit under the specific area and I was concerned that a bucket wouldn’t be wide enough to catch all of the splatters), so at least there’s a temporary solution in place until I can get someone out to fix it, which will almost assuredly be next week since this week is Thanksgiving.
The crazy thing is that just on the other side of the wall, neither the wall nor the ceiling has any water damage at all. Not a single drop. This corner of the water closet in our bathroom is the same wall, same corner, just on the other side of the wall. Obviously, the trim might be hiding any water that got through on this side, but there’s not even any sign of water damage on the ceiling. That surprised me.
So it’s literally JUST the grasscloth wallpaper that was affected. Of course. 🤣 The ceiling on both sides of the wall is just fine. The trim on both sides of the wall is just fine. It’s just the grasscloth wallpaper that was affected. *Sigh* You kind of have to laugh at that.
Anyway, I was really bummed and feeling very unmotivated until the mirror that I ordered from Wayfair was delivered. But to be honest, I was feeling kind of meh about that, too, because so many people in the comments said they didn’t like it. I was so excited about the frame until I read the comments. But then I opened the box, pulled out the mirror, and loved it even more than I thought I would.
I got even more excited about it when I placed the picture on the mirror.
It took quite a bit of work to get that mirror out without breaking it, but I finally got it out and placed the picture inside the frame. Obviously, I’ll need a new mat, but y’all. I LOVE THIS.
It ties in with all of the other wood tones that I have, and I think it’s just perfect. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I only need to decorate for my own taste, and it’s even better than I thought it would be.
I hope to get a new mat cut today, and I’m hoping that they’ll be able to do it while I wait. I’d love some immediate gratification today.
And a lot of people had some input on the drapery trim as well, so I wanted to live with that for a few days before I made my decision. I decided that I didn’t like it wrapped around the edge, but I do like the skinnier version of the trim. So I’m going to fold it, iron it, and inset it on the drapery panel about an inch.
I know that there will be some who like that and some who don’t, but if I keep feeling apprehension to make decisions because some people don’t like my decisions, I’ll never get this room done. I love getting input, but at some point, I have to make the final decisions based on what I like. So I’m going to go with this design.
And I also took a few days to think about my idea for the ceramic birds on the wall. Some of the temporary paper birds have fallen off over the weekend, but I’ve decided that I really love this idea. I think it’s different and unexpected, whereas framed pictures seem kind of expected and not very exciting.
And because I like to go big, I’m going to use all of the birds I have. I still need to work out the exact design. I want to get it right on the first try since I’ll have to put nails into the wall to hang the birds, and I don’t want a bunch of extra holes in the wallpaper.
And finally, after thinking about the options over the weekend, I’ve decided to stick with the idea of using the teal fabric for the headboard and bedskirt or upholstered bedframe. I haven’t decided which one I’ll use just yet.
But I just need to go for it. I have a vision for this room, and while I know my decisions aren’t decisions that others would make, I have to be okay with that. Sometimes it’s hard to move forward with a vision when I know people aren’t going to like it. After all, while I know I’m ultimately decorating for myself, we all want others to ooohhh and aaahhh over our finished rooms. But I’ve come to realize that there’s no decision that I will ever make that will be universally liked. I have to be okay with that. I mean, I really want everyone to love everything I do, but that’s just not realistic. All of our houses look vastly different specifically because we all have different taste.
Anyway, I think I’m over the hump of disappointment and feeling completely deflated over the wallpaper. I’m really excited about getting my framed chapel picture finished and up on the wall. I’m anxious to see a wall filled with ceramic birds. I finally have a vision for how I want the finished curtains to look. And I really want to get that teal headboard made and in place. I want to make the most of this final push before the end of the year. I may not get the whole room completely finished, but I still think I can get most of it done. Oh, and the recliner is being delivered on December 5th! That’s about three weeks late, but at least I have a definite delivery date now.
More About Our Master Bedroom
see all master
bedroom diy projects
read all master
bedroom blog posts
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I love the frame!
I love the mirror frame!!! I’m trying to figure out where I could put it in my house. Such a bummer about the roof leak, so sorry that happened.
I love the frame/mirror so much I order two in black. We are building and I was in the market for new mirrors for the primary bath. Thank you for the assist!!
Your thought process is right on track. If you came into our homes you would like somethings, and hate some things as well. “To each their own” as they say…I can appreciate everything you so masterfully do…and some designs I LOVE…some not as much but it is YOUR domain and you need to make it pleasing to you…end of story! 😂 Still looking forward to seeing more…ALWAYS. Thank you for your posts.
Firstly, Im so glad that Matt is home and on the mend. I surely hope that you got a good bit of rest yourself. Secondly, I’m so so so sorry about that leak! My gosh what a bummer! And of course that couldn’t have happened BEFORE the grasscloth went up? nope, never happens in that order, it’s always some sort of a test, right? Always. If it were me, I would just remove that solar tube. It will leak again in future, they always do. It is just the nature of that beautiful creature. Its a weak point and water will always look for the easiest way in. It may take years for this fix to break down, but it will. So unless you remember to have it maintained and checked, just be prepared. I know it sounds like a downer but we are going thru similar with small sky lights that grandma just loves and refuses to remove. So here we are, constantly repairing and such. Thirdly, I LOVE THAT FRAME….everything about it! shape, color, texture, size! ALL OF IT!! Excellent choice! What an eye you have for things of that nature! Now I am wondering, before you pull down those pieces of comprimised grasscloth, remember when you wiped that other darker piece to lighten it? I wonder if you wipe those stained pieces ever so slightly if the stains will blend back ? Just a thought since the grasscloth is comprimised and dyed anyways, maybe try to save it in place? worth a shot right? Best of luck and wishing you & Matt a peacefull Holiday weekend
Hey Kristi – have a look at some pics of murmurations of starlings. That might give you some inspiration for a sweeping arrangement of the birds on your wall. I think they are going to look fantastic.
For what it’s worth I happen to like the bubbly frame. I am not enamoured with the green dresser and I say that as someone sitting here looking at a soft chartreuse cabinet in my living room that not everyone likes. Lol.
It’s true though that ultimately it’s all subjective – you have to decorate for yourself – you are the one living with your choices and you see them in a context that pictures don’t always accurately reflect.
I love the frame, it’s absolutely gorgeous! You should be so proud of your work. Literally everything you touch becomes beautiful! You took a dismal shell of a house and made it into a stunning show home! Stand tall, straighten your crown and be the Queen that you are!
Love the frame and if it were my frame in my house, I would probably paint it gold. For the birds, I would lay some of the grass cloth down on the floor the length of the wall arrange your birds take a picture with your iPad or phone that gives you a better idea about how the birds will look on the wall, you can even hold up your picture you know in the area where the birds would be displayed. I think it gives you a better visual about what it will look like. I don’t recommend you thinking too deeply about other people‘s comments about your house,you don’t know what their design taste is like you don’t know what their home looks like,most people I know unfortunately have white or beige very neutral homes and they just don’t understand people who like color in their homes and want to live with color. that being said, aometimes others see something you dont but it’s your eye that has to look upon the trim every day so it’s what looks good to your eye. You really have to just go with your gut. Personal the thick orange trim takes away from the luxurious look of the room. The trim goes with the room, but I think you actually just need a hint of orange if that’s what you wanna do maybe something that’s only less than an inch just a tad like a small little cording or something. I think you don’t really need that thick of a trim. You have a lot of orange and your accent color doesn’t need to be so saturated in the room. Good luck.
Kristi-
This is only my second time commenting, but I feel I must.
Our home burned 1/2/24(we are fine, just material damage). I’m only saying that to say to you when we decided to build a smaller home, you wouldn’t believe the comments/opinions I got from someone I thought was a friend. I actually let it get into my head. I spoke to a realtor and everything, even though we’re not ever planning to leave. Moral of my story- be true to yourself, even while considering other’s opinions. They mean well, but ultimately it’s your home, and it’s beautiful!
I am so sorry these things happened to you. My husband and I bought a fixer upper and put a huge $$ into having it redone. You would not believe the hateful comments from family members about our decisions. Advice ignored about taking down walls, etc.
At one point I said, well, we will make sure not to leave it to you, in our will, so you will never have to deal with it.
Amen Mary! I’d hate to leave someone something they didn’t like, wouldn’t you? People can be so rude.
Yesterday when I read about the water stains on your grass wallpaper I had to just close the tab and walk away, it was so upsetting on your behalf. Thank heavens you have spare paper to do an eventual fix and my suggest is keep the stained parts for possible future use — maybe you could stain it even more (evenly) and use it as a accent in some other project.
I like the frame you bought for the church picture — it is rustic but not folksy and the wood color seems a good match for the other wooden pieces you have in your bedroom.
The thing I am anxious to see is the color of your recliner, whenever that is finally delivered. Fingers crossed there will be no weirdness to that fabric color!
I love your choices. You will be ready to rock after Thanksgiving.
This is meant to be helpful and not discouraging: thank goodness you had wallpaper left over!!!
No extra wallpaper + water damage to already hung wallpaper = disaster.
Extra wallpaper + water damage to already hung wallpaper = more work.
And while I am one who sometimes disagrees with choices made, every single thing about your home is gorgeous in the final analysis. And you get to live there!
XO
With the way the water is… I’m curious if it traveled from where you changed the framing of the wall there behind the crown the mudding and repair where the quarter round started/stopped before. It could’ve made it it a super subtle low point. Then water then leaks out the corner of the crown since you used filler or clay vs caulk to fill some crown joints…. the caulk holds the water back, clay/filler lets it weep. The alt of it holding water would’ve had it run and distribute more damage. Thankfully its an accessible corner to identify a leak at. The damage not so fun. It may not be the last. I’d think of ways to creatively decorate or trim the corners. On the parts you plan to replace… See if your lightening technique, with a wet rag, can disguise or redistribute the dye. Curious if there is something to set the ink is best.
Hi Kristi, I was looking at the damage to your grass cloth wallpaper. Instead of tearing both sheets down, why not just cut off the corner that is damaged. Then you will still have more left over, just in case.
Water behind wood trim, drywall and ceilings can’t always be seen. I would suggest you have someone with a moisture tool come and test the places you mentioned in your blog. Even a little moisture left alone will eventually caus damage.
I absolutely LOVE the frame with your picture! It’s unique, creative and beautiful. Go for it!
Kristi I feel bad about my comment on the wood frame for the Chapel photo. You’re in such a funk right now, and I feel I added to that. I’m sorry if I did. I think perhaps going forward I’ll keep my ideas to myself and enjoy looking at your stunning house and marvel at all the hard work you’ve put into it. I hope your days go smoother.
I send my regrets over anything that may have hurt or discouraged you. I think most of your followers are friends who feel they are in conversation with you and sometimes that doesn’t go over well when it’s a one-sided conversation via a blog. I hope you can view most suggestions and thoughts as more of a “have you thought about this?” kind of thing. I think we all know that you’re in the real space and see a bigger and more accurate picture than we ever can. You are doing a fabulous and fun job with your home, and I always look forward to your posts.
I like the frame!
For the trim, I suggest sewing the two edges together so you can put the seam in the middle back of the trim and the visible portion of the trim pattern will be symmetrical.
Hi Kristi, is one piece big enough to wrap around that corner, so you dont have to use two? Just a thought.
I love the frame and the birds for the big wall!! Try hanging them with large sewing needles. They work great for lighter weight items and leave hardly any visible hole.
My mom used to save her discarded sewing machine needles for hanging lightweight items. Worked like a charm.
So sorry for all the stress you’re having to go through right at the holidays, but you’re so clever and I know you’ll figure out the wallpaper. Was thinking about the birds on the wall. It would be kind of cool to look at images of murmurations-where birds fly in a group in beautiful swirls. I’m sure you can find pictures or videos online.It might give you some inspiration about how to lay out the birds. Till then hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and thanks for sharing your journey with us. It’s a bright spot in my day for sure
You go, Kristi!! You are so close to putting this room together and I love that you have mentally reached the point that you are making your decisions and sticking to them. It sounds like you have everything in hand, in spite of the problem with the wallpaper.
Don’t put holes in the wallpaper to hang things! Cut an upside down V in the wallpaper and gently unstick the /\ shaped tab of wallpaper and carefully pull it away from the wall. Don’t fold it down (it will make a crease) but it leaves enough wall space to put in a nail to hang something. Then when/if you change your mind, take out the nail, mix a wee bit of wallpaper paste and carefully stick down that /\-shaped tab of wallpaper. It is very effective with patterned wallpaper and rarely shows; it will probably show more on grasscloth but not much.
Krisit — I’m not sure how heavy your ceramic birds are, but if they are fairly light here is a thought. Try using straight pins to put them up. They will only leave tiny, tiny, holes in the wallpaper. I do this for all my wall pictures unless they are pretty heavy. It works perfectly.
Hoping you & Matt have a relaxing and peaceful Thanksgiving, you’ve been running on overload for many weeks and need to enjoying family and friends can renew your spirit
Lately, I always draw inspiration from your projects and love your detailed instructions and description of materials. You’ve saved me from making some bad choices when you find products that didn’t match your expectations.
I have been disappointed on the some of the choices you’ve made for your bedroom, but if we all had the same tastes, the world would be rather boring!
So, enjoy the long weekend and can’t wait to see how it all looks when completed
The reader that suggested blotting some of the areas with a damp cloth may lessen some of the areas that you will need to replace. Years ago, we had a similar thing happen and I blotted some areas and the dye kind of blended in, in some places I used a cloth dipped with dye that closely matched my wall covering. Once dry, it was hardly noticeable. That said, some areas had to be replaced. This should be done as soon as possible, then reassess the damage AFTER. leaks are repaired and everything is completely dry. Wishing you the best outcome!
I agree. I’d love to at least see whether thats doable or not before replacing it, just for future reference. If you end up with some light spots you may be able to darken those with craft paint. I had to fix some ceiling spots by mixing my own paints when our roof gave up one year.
Loved the frame before, love it even more now!!!! It’s so substantial!
I know you are so frustrated and disappointed about your roof leaking water onto your wallpaper. I have a similar experience going on in my backyard cottage (shed). I’m heartbroken but it can be fixed but the expense. 😕. Back to you. I.LOVE.YOUR.FRAME. Kristi, we love and admire your talent and the beautiful work you create in your home. Your blog is about YOUR HOME, your designs, your choices and bottom line, your money. Yes you occasionally relieve suggestions that you sometimes implement. But don’t spend a single second worrying about whether we like it or not. It’s your home. You do you. And we will be here supporting you all the way. 😁
Kristi – You are never going to make 100% of your readers happy with all your decisions; you know that. Decorate to your taste, to your eye and to your esthetic. When you ask for input, it is just that. There have been times when a reader suggests something that you never thought of and something clicks and you love it. There have been times when a reader suggests something and you think “WHAT are they thinking” but you would never say that 🙂 Don’t let our “likes” and “dislikes” get into your head. It’s your home, decorate it the way that pleases you and Matt. We love watching your thought process. It really helps us when we are decorating to realize what we originally thought isn’t going to work and that it is okay. We just need to re-evaluate. You give us permission to do that. We have learned from you that it is okay to re-evaluate, it is okay for us to decorate to our taste not someone else’s, it is okay to do something not like it and redo it and that is is okay go bold, or neutral or somewhere in between. Our home is just that, our home and we can do with it what we please and not apologize for it. Just like your home is just that, your home and you can do with it what you please and not apologize for it. So please, put aside all those comments and focus on what you love for your bedroom and go for it. It will be beautiful! You are an inspiration to so many of us. Thank your for that.
I just love that frame for your wedding picture! The color of the wood is perfect. I think your bedding choices are just perfect. The 2 large pillows with the bird fabric will be very eye catching! It’s going to be such a pretty, happy room with all the color and patterns!
When I hang something on wallpaper I use sewing needles instead of nails. Leaves a hole too small to see. And they’re steel and strong.
I love the frame with some mat that isn’t white. I still prefer the birds on the bed, but it is your bedroom. I don’t care for the white birds at all, but again, it is your room. So sorry for the rain leak. Be sure to get the leak fixed before repairing the wallpaper. Duh. Of course.
Take a deep breath and move forward.🙂
I have followed your blog for years and the build/remodel of your master bedroom and closet has been one of my favorites! What a learning process it has been for me. I read every comment on todays post and I want to point out something that may be missing from the conversation. For me, your posts are so detailed and informative and the comments from your followers are a helpful addition whether they are positive, negative or just a suggestion for another direction. I have taken more then a few suggestions that people have given you that maybe didn’t fit into your design vision but were a perfect solution for my home. Thank you for all the education and the joy of watching your vision come to life. Btw, I love the new picture frame!
The new frame is awesome…what a great idea to use the mirror frame. The chapel picture is going to be a highlight of the room. I love that you have come to the conclusion that you are decorating for yourself. Your finished rooms always look integrated, interesting and colorful…not everyone can see your vision! Don’t doubt yourself as your vision and abilities are priceless.
I love the frame, your ceramic bird plan, the trim placement on your drapes, and the fabric for your headboard. The room is going to be beautiful!