Matt’s Reaction To Our New Bedroom (And His One Requested Change)
Because Matt requires a wheelchair to maneuver around our house, my messes during a big project (and y’all know I’m a very messy DIYer!) often prohibit him from seeing daily (or even weekly or monthly) progress on my big room remodels. That means that he’ll only see them once or twice during the project, and then he sees the big reveal at the end once all of the tools and materials are put away.
Over the last six months or so, he hadn’t seen any of my progress. He was content to just let me work without moving things out of the way so that he could check out the progress. In fact, the last time he checked in on the progress, my closet wasn’t even finished. The last time he saw the closet, it looked something like this…
I know it was before the floors were refinished, before the cabinets were painted, and before the wallpaper went up. So between then and the moment I moved him into our new bedroom last week, he heard all about my projects. He would ask how things are going, and I would tell him all about putting up the wallpaper in the closet, painting the cabinets, building the island. He got to hear all about the wainscoting in the foyer and bedroom and the grasscloth installation. He would see me making my hundreds of trips between the carport and the bedroom suite carrying cut lumber, trim, and plywood. And he would hear me in there working away hour after hour. But that was the only evidence of actual progress that he had. He never actually saw any of it himself until the day last week when I loaded him up on his Hoyer lift to move him to our newly finished bed in our new almost-finished bedroom.
So what was his reaction? He LOVED it! I didn’t get his reaction on video. I didn’t even think about it, to be honest. I was just so anxious to get him in there and show him everything. But also, even if I had recorded his reaction, I wouldn’t have shared it online. Matt never volunteered for this whole blogging thing. He didn’t volunteer to have pictures and videos of him posted online for the world to see. This whole blogging and online world is something I alone signed up for. I’ve shared the occasional picture of Matt (with his permission) over the years, but since he’s never shown an interest in being a regular part of it, I’ve never presumed that I can or should share his regular life with the online world.
But what I can tell you is that showing our bedroom suite to Matt that first day was every bit as exciting as those reveals you see on TV where the homeowners are kept away from the project until it’s finished, and then they’re brought in for the big reveal. He was amazed. Stunned. I don’t know what he was picturing in his mind over the last several months as I’d describe things to him, but I know that the actual bedroom suite far exceeded his expectations.
I brought him through the foyer very slowly so that he could take everything in. I showed him my closet, and he was very impressed. He loved the foyer. The grasscloth wallpaper and the chapel picture were his favorites.
And then I brought him into the bedroom and turned him slowly in his Hoyer lift so that he could take it all in. He just kept saying, “Wow. WOW!” After I got him situated in the bed, I headed to the kitchen to get him some water, and I could still hear him in the bedroom saying, “WOW!!” I have to admit, that made it all worth it.
I think we’ve been in our new bedroom for about a week now, and Matt has told me every single day how much he loves the room. His favorite thing is the grasscloth wallpaper, but he has pointed out several other things (without me asking) that he really likes. He actually really likes the bird wall. I wasn’t so sure he’d like that, but he does, and he offered that compliment without me fishing for it. Every day since we’ve been in there, he has said, “I love this bedroom,” and the yesterday, he said, “This is the nicest bedroom I’ve ever seen.”
WORTH. IT. That makes all of my hard work, all of the ups and downs, and every misstep and do-over, totally worth it. I could see the progress every single day, and I knew that I was loving how everything was turning out. But for him to be so complimentary of my work every day for the last week is the icing on the cake.
But that gets us to his one request — a new TV. The TV that I had originally moved into the bedroom was the same one that we had in our previous bedroom.
That’s a 55-inch TV, and I thought (and was hoping) that it would work in the new bedroom. But this new bedroom is quite a bit bigger, and the TV is further from the bed. So his one request for the bedroom was a new 65-inch TV.
Y’all. This thing is MASSIVE, especially for a bedroom. 😀
It’s definitely not what I envisioned for our new bedroom. 😀 Our bedroom kind of feels like a movie theater now. But you know what? If that’s what he wants, then I’m happy to work with it. He spends a whole lot more time in the bedroom than I do, and I want him to be happy and comfortable. It will eventually go on the wall. I had to order a new (much stronger and larger) wall bracket for this beast, and it won’t be here until tomorrow. So until then, this is what it looks like.
I still plan to build a frame for it, but obviously, my plans for that frame have to change a bit. It can’t be nearly as prominent as the frame I had planned for the much smaller TV. I’m so glad I hadn’t built that frame yet!
Anyway, the fact that that’s the only change he requested is pretty good. I’ll count it as win that he loves everything else about the room. And if I’m being honest, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this big TV as well. It’s not what I planned, and it’s not what I envisioned for that wall, but I can work with it. And more importantly, it’s worth it to make that one change for him to have a bedroom that he really loves.
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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.
The love you two share impresses me everytime. (I’ve got something in my eye, yes, I’m not crying.)
Just so you know, I am crying! LOL
Same here, onions. It must be the onions!
It’s definitely onions.
We had a 55 inch tv for along time and we moved to a 65, amazing difference n love it.
Kristi- This is awesome. I can hear the excitement in your words. I am glad will have such a happy place!! And a room that grand deserves a new TV. Thanks for sharing.
🙂 When our spouses are proud of us it feels incredible.
I’m not crying… you are!! My heart melts with this support and reaction.
Soooo you are saying Matt had a change to the plan and selected something, well in my books that is decorating… team project!! Yyyyeeeaaahhhh XO
Happiness and appreciation cannot be underestimated. Enjoy!
What a wonderful post! How exciting that Matt loves the new bedroom so much! We all do!
We have a Samsung Frame TV, we added a frame. When not using as a TV it defaults to Art of your choosing. No one knows it’s a TV.
I considered one of those, but I didn’t want to spend that much money for a TV. I might reconsider when we finally have a family room, though.
Have you seen the Hisense version that’s out? Seems like it’s getting promoted a lot these days and it comes with the frame.
Heartwarming, Kristi. Left me in tears. Many times, while following your progress, I have envisioned this room to become a very special haven for both of you. Now it is exactly that. You will enjoy your reading spot and both of you, the Paramount Theater. And I expect the furry residents will find their nesting spots, too.
Hugs.
I’m glad you got that TV reveal moment! And it’s so nice to hear the appreciation and consideration you two have for each other.
As we have gotten older larger TVs have been an amazing lovely surprise for me, so I can relate. Can any man find a TV too large? Lol.
So glad he enjoys the room and you enjoy the TV 😄
Love this post about hearing his reaction!
The larger tv looks great over the chest – the size is proportional and I like it!
You both will enjoy it. Win Win Win! It is so wonderful that this gigantic project is wow-ing Matt!
Matt’s compliment bought tears to my eyes. How lucky you are to have a sweet man who appreciates your work!
Awesome! We all love how your bedroom is turning out, but spousal validation like that is to be cherished!
I am so glad that Matt really enjoys the bedroom suite, so do I and I don’t even live there. I love the closet, the foyer is genius and your artwork is second to none, I love those birds too. I totally get the larger TV, we have a 65-inch TV in our family room and when we first got it, I could see it from the living room 40 feet away, now, I have to squint, but it has been 10 years since we bought it. Perhaps my eyes are growing older along with my body.
Cheers to you both and the Fur Babies!
My brother has been visiting for the last few weeks (he lives on the other side of the country and has been splitting his time between me and his daughters). One of the first things he did was buy me a new TV. I’ve gone from a 27” to a 55” behemoth. To be honest it is a bit large for my small living room but I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. It will spur me on to repainting my living room a dark colour – something I’ve been dithering about for a while – and the dark colour will go a long way to making the TV less obtrusive.
All that is by way of saying I hear ya on the unexpected large TV.
I figured he would not want the rug, for when /if he is in his wheelchair. It’s nice that he compliments your hard work; not every spouse does! As for the TV, we are waiting for our TV to die so we can justify a 65″ one! We have our TV on from 7:30 a.m. until 10 pm unless we aren’t home! I always need the noise in the background for some reason!
We even leave ours on when we’re gone for our pooch. I know she doesn’t watch it–she mostly sleeps and she’s deaf, but there you have it.
I empathize with Matt – we have a 75″ TV in our bedroom, due to my poor vision (horrendously near-sighted). I need it so I can read text while playing video games, as game devs apparently have no consideration for the visually impaired, and have been ever-shrinking texts with every new console release. I’d appreciate even just a font size option in the settings menu- c’mon guys! Anyway, I’m glad hubby talked me into the biggest size that can fit on the wall – he was right; I needed it.
Even with our new TV, Matt still can’t read text if there are subtitles in a show. So I still have to read them to him. 😀 Of course, he refuses to wear his glasses anymore. I’m not sure why. I don’t know if he’s just being stubborn, or if they really bother his face as his sensitivities have increased. Either way, I’m still stuck reading subtitles out loud. 😀 I don’t mind, though. I’m so used to it by now that I find myself doing it when I’m watching a show with subtitles with other people who are perfectly capable of reading them themselves. I even find myself doing it when I’m in a movie theater, although I catch myself immediately and stop. 🤣
You most likely can change the subtitle font size, color, style, etc. Go to the menu settings. I do this on our TVs.
I have a bad habit of talking during movies…so I feel ya there! Hubby has gotten used to it, and just pauses stuff for me when we’re at home so I can comment. I have to remember to be quiet in movie theaters, though!
Now I want a 65″ TV too! It’s great that you both can enjoy and be comfortable in the fabulous space.
Love Matt’s response! His validation of your work and his suggestions is important.
Our tv is 65″ and the perfect size for our family room. Depending on the time of the year, the glare from the side windows can interfere with the sharpness of the picture. You may need to adjust the light coming in from one or both windows, especially in the Summer months.
When you purchase a new TV, opt for one with the highest ratings on sharpness.
My friend has a tv, a year or two newer than ours, and I’m amazed at the difference! She said it was well worth a the extra money and she also said that the tech suggested the best possible cables to use, I upgraded ours and it did improve the picture quality on our tv as well
WOW WOW WOW is right! Your bedroom is beautiful! Even with a couple small things that may be unfinished for now. 😁 it’ll get there. That tv is what I need in my living room. 😍
Compliments from the one you love the most mean the most!
I am beyond happy for both of you being so pleased with your new bedroom. Hurray!
I didn’t realize Matt hadn’t seen any of your renovations in that part of the house. Of course he loves it, who wouldn’t. I hope this doesn’t come across as rude but you said Matt spends several hours a day in his recliner and I know it doesn’t match your bedroom decor but could you bring it into the bedroom so he can watch TV outside of his be. Maybe you can purchase a cover for it in something that wouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb. The only time anyone will see it is when you give a tour of your hard work and it will probably bother you more than a visitor.
His recliner is in the breakfast room, and there’s a TV in there. He sits there several hours a day.
Beautiful awesome reaction!
Regarding your new TV, there are YouTube channels for art, haven’t used them myself but they are easy to find.
I am confused about Matt not seeing the space. Did you not bring him through the bedroom suite to get to your fabulous bathroom? And, through the other door would be an obstacle course as you’ve mentioned.
Keep enjoying your new “suite” you deserve it.
I knew this would bring up questions that I don’t want to answer (for his sake), but no. He hasn’t used that bathroom since last summer. I don’t really feel comfortable sharing all of his business on my blog, but he’s been taken care of. We’re both very glad that he has full access to our bathroom again, though.
“My heart soars high as the hawk!”
So thrilled he loved it, so worth all of the hard work. We had a 43″ TV in the living room. I wanted a 75″, but my SIL said that is too big you don’t need it. So I settled for a 65″ and gosh darn it, I wish I would have listened to myself and got the 75″ for the Living room, so get what you want the first time with no regrets. I was going to put the 65″ in hubby’s bedroom, and buy the 75″ anyway, but then I would have had to buy a heavy duty bracket. Maybe someday.
Your devotion to each other is inspiring to all of us! Sending love!
Loved everything about this post!
The room is absolutely stunning, but as you point out, it has to function for Matt and that is a small (though that TV is anything but small!) ask to make him comfortable. I can imagine how happy you are that he LOVES that beautiful bedroom!
Matt’s appreciation of your work is the best part of ALL your effort on this bedroom suite, in my opinion. I am so happy for you – it fills my heart with joy that Matt loves it and compliments your work so effusively. THAT is everything! Congratulations!
Kristi, I have followed you for so long that you and Matt feel like family. I have to admit, your post made me cry a little bit. Cries of happiness for both of you! Great job, girl!
He’s a keeper!
Hi Kristi
You are a very good writer as well as DIY…I could picture Matt seeing the bedroom and his exclamations were fun hear. I’m so happy to hear he loves the room as well.
God bless.
Linda D.
Surprisingly, the dark TV blends in surprisingly well into the dark grasscloth. The lack of contrast makes it look less large than its dimensions, at least when the TV is off. And this is such personal space, no one will really notice but the two of you. A large TV was the best choice for your husband, and thus, for you as well.
Oh, this made me cry! So happy for the two of you. The rewards of following your heart!
A few years ago I copied your white tv frame and liked it a lot. Recently we got a larger tv and my husband made a new frame for it, but this time the frame is narrower and I painted it black. I was suprised at how much better it looks! It draws less attention to the tv. I also sometimes use a free youtube screensaver (there’s a large variety available) that looks like real art.
That is so awesome!
Matt is every man. 🤣
What a sweet moment! Your joy and love from Matt’s reaction can be felt in the writing. I am so happy for you both! The room is turning out so beautiful. I just love all the colors and patterns. It’s a delight to see from my screen. Enjoy!
Kristi look at Hisense frame tv for reference. We have an 85 inch and the frame is about 1 inch. So sleek and doesn’t overwhelm the tv. We get compliments all the time about the frame!
I’m late reading this post because, well, life, but just had to comment even if you don’t see it. I love how y’all support each other. I love how he gives you free rein to do your thing and you *shine* with all you accomplish. I love how you speak of him and think about his comfort. I know a bit about the challenges of a spouse with disabilities, and it adds a layer to the relationship, but y’all seem to have a beautiful rhythm. And I also love how you are real because you know all of us women feel you on the larger than planned for TV! Enjoy your new room!