The Story Of Addicted 2 Decorating (And How Remodeling & Decorating My Own Home Came To Be My Full-Time Job)
Some comments on last Friday’s post made me realize that there may be quite a few people who follow my blog who may not understand why I do what I do. Specifically, why do I continue to DIY and decorate my way through my own house, and sometimes redo rooms and projects that are already done (and possibly have already been done two or three times)? So I thought I would explain the back story, and why I do what I do.
I’ll be really honest with you. A few of the comments on last Friday’s post really upset and frustrated me. Granted, I was already in a terrible mood because ever since Matt was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago, I’ve been trying to resolve an issue that happened in the emergency room. At some point between the time when the EMS brought him to the hospital and when they finally let me back to the room to be with him, Matt’s Hoyer lift sling was lost. It just vanished. It hasn’t been seen since.
After spending two weeks trying to track down an extra-large bright green Hoyer lift sling that’s pretty hard to miss, Friday was my last effort to get the hospital to rectify this situation. But after being given the runaround for two weeks, the woman told me that there’s nothing they can do about the lost $350 sling because one of the forms I signed when Matt was admitted stated that they’re not liable for lost property.
I was furious. I can understand them not being liable for property that Matt or I lose or leave in the hospital. But while Matt was pretty much unconscious, and I was still having to wait in the lobby before they let me back to the room, THEY lost his Hoyer lift sling. They should absolutely be liable for that!
So I was already fit to be tied when I began reading comments like, “Continually redoing??? I know you are doing the work but why are you never satisfied.” I should know better than to get online at all when I’m already angry, but I did. And I just got angrier. But I gave it more thought over the weekend (and finally cooled down from my anger over the hospital’s response to losing Matt’s Hoyer lift sling), and realized that some readers may be newer around here. Some just may not know our situation, or how I came to be a full-time blogger who blogs about my own projects around my own house, and why I’ll probably be doing and redoing this house until the day I die (or until the day Matt dies, if he happens to go first). So here’s the story…
I have always loved DIYing and decorating, all the way back to high school (when I asked my parents for a scroll saw as a graduation present) and college (after which my grandfather gave me several of his woodworking tools, like a table saw and lathe). I wish I had pictures of my college dorm room, my bedroom in my parents house after college, and my first apartment to show you. I was always the type who, no matter where I lived, I was going to be DIYing and decorating.
In my first apartment (which really wasn’t an apartment building, but more like a 4-plex), I tore down the hideous wallpaper with the 1960s harvest gold and avocado flowers and put up new wallpaper. I paid for and installed new flooring in place of the outdated and hideous linoleum. I even had brand new carpet installed in place of the old, stained, decades-old carpet that was there. And I did it all on my own dime just because I wanted to live in a pretty place, I enjoyed the process, and I was willing to pay for it. So no matter where I lived, I DIYed and decorated. It’s just who I am. It’s in my blood.
Fast forward a few years to 2001. That’s when Matt and I met. We got married in September of 2002, and three months later, we began building our own house. It was just a builder-grade house. There was absolutely nothing custom about it. I don’t remember being given any options for customization. So when we moved into our brand new builder-grade house, I began redoing. And Matt learned very quickly what he had gotten himself into with me. 😀
Those were the days of Trading Spaces — the “no white walls” days — so I went a little crazy with the color. I’m sure if I looked back at my efforts then, I’d cringe a bit. But I loved every minute of decorating that house and dipping my toe into the DIY end of the pool when I installed new flooring in two of the rooms, built a huge desk, made curtains for some rooms, and so much more. And because it was all mine, and I didn’t have to get permission from a landlord to do any improvements (and Matt made it clear from the day we were handed the keys that it was mine to do with as I wanted), it was like having my own playground. It was addictive. We were very constrained by our tiny budget back then, but that just made the challenge more fun at times.
For our first couple of years, we were living on Matt’s income and my savings. But after being in our house for a while, I decided that I needed to get a job so that I could get out of the house more. So I got a job at JoAnn Fabrics in Albany, Oregon. I loved that job, but it just fed my addiction. Continually being around fabric and craft supplies and creative people talking about their creative projects just fed my constant desire to create.
After being in that house for three years, Matt and I decided to move to Texas to be near my family. One day while at work, I got into a conversation with a customer about how I would love to be an interior decorator so that I could spend my days decorating without having to spend my own money. I could spend other people’s money and decorate their homes for them.
Well, she convinced me that the better money-making route would be to open a drapery workroom once we got to Texas, and concentrate on making draperies and other soft home furnishings for people. She told me that there was a shocking lack of drapery workrooms doing quality work, and that if I would learn to make all the things, I could pretty much name my price, and I’d have an unending stream of business that would keep me busy for a lifetime.
So I enrolled in a “certified drapery workroom professional” course to learn how to make all the things, from lined pinch pleated drapery panels to upholstered headboards and everything in between. To be clear, drapery workrooms are an unregulated industry, and there’s no such thing (at least to my knowledge) as a “certified” workroom professional. But at the time, there were a couple of organizations trying to make that a thing in order to bring more consistency and quality to the industry. I don’t think it ever became a thing, but I will say that their training was very good, and I learned a great deal from them.
But what I also learned was that I didn’t want to spend my days sewing. Or upholstering. Or working to make another interior decorator’s vision become reality. I wanted to be the decorator coming up with the overall vision for the room. So a few months after Matt and I moved to Texas, I started Kristi Linauer Interiors — my own interior decorating business. And I ran my very first ad in a local magazine, and immediately got my very first client. I was in heaven. I had finally reached my dream of spending other people’s money while spending my days decorating and doing what I loved. 😀
That high of being able to do what I thought was my dream didn’t last very long, though. At the time, there was a style called “Texas Tuscan” that had taken over the design and decorating world here in central Texas. Just imagine a lot of faux finishes, and what people thought were “old world” finishes, and lots of earth tones.
In addition to the dominating “Texas Tuscan” style, there was the Pottery Barn obsession. Those years with the “Texas Tuscan” and “Pottery Barn” style were kind of like these last few years have been with “farmhouse” style and “shiplap” everything. It was everywhere, and it seemed to be the only thing people in this area wanted. And I got bored of it really quickly.
Now let me back up just a bit in this story because I need to mention that two years after Matt and I got married, while we were still living in Oregon, we started to notice that he was having some nerve issues, balance issues, etc. After some doctor visits and testing, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. We were devastated, and had no real understanding of just how that would affect our lives. But we pressed on as though everything was normal.
When we got to Texas, Matt enrolled in the technical college here, and he got a degree in computer networking. After graduating, he got a good job, and things seemed normal for a while. But his physical problems progressed. He started having more balance issues. Then that progressed to neuropathy in his legs and feet that prevented him from driving, so I’d have to drive him to and from work. Then his balance issues became worse to the point that he couldn’t walk unassisted, so he needed a cane. Then he needed a walker. And finally, he required the use of a wheelchair.
This happened over the course of a few years while we were living in our tiny little condo here in Waco. So at the same time, I was becoming bored and disillusioned with my work as an interior decorator and feeling like I was having to do the same boring style in every house I was hired to decorate, and Matt’s health was declining to the point that he could no longer work while requiring more and more assistance from me.
It just so happened that shortly after I started my interior decorating business, I also started this blog (in 2007). My initial vision behind the blog was to share all of my decorating wisdom with people. Well, that took about two posts 😀 , and then I was at a loss about what to blog about. For a while, I kept pushing forward, coming up with random things to write about.
And then, somewhere along the way, something magical happened. In order to have a break from the monotony of the never-ending “Texas Tuscan” and “Pottery Barn” cycle that I was stuck in with my professional work, I began working on some DIY projects around our outdated little condo. And as I did those projects, I began sharing them on my blog. And as I shared those projects on my blog, my audience began to grow, and people became really invested in what I was doing. I was shocked that people were actually interested, but I also found that I was thriving on doing my own projects — projects that didn’t include even a hint of “Texas Tuscan” or “Pottery Barn”.
The work I was doing for clients began to feel like drudgery that I had to get through in order to make money so that I could get home and do the things I actually loved doing. I was tearing out, and building, and sewing, and painting, and tiling, and doing a little bit of everything. I was loving every minute of it, and people online seemed to enjoy reading about my progress. And the awesome thing about it was that I had learned how to monetize my blog, so I was actually making money doing the things I loved to do.
That became really important because as Matt’s health declined, it was becoming harder and harder for me to keep appointments with clients. Because we never knew from day to day if I would be able to leave the condo, my business was being affected. I would have to call clients and cancel appointments at the last minute. On a couple of occasions, I’d be mid-meeting with a client and get a frantic phone call from Matt, and I’d have to leave immediately and go home to help him.
That’s not a way to run a business, so I knew my days of working with clients was going to have to come to and end. And miraculously, at the same time I was needing to cut back on client work so that I could stay closer to home and help Matt, my income on the blog began to increase and actually surpass my income that I was bringing in as an interior decorator working with clients.
So I began to put more and more time and effort into my own projects around the condo while cutting back on the client work. And eventually, blogging about my own projects became my full-time work.
Around 2013, Matt and I began to think about moving out of our little condo and buying a house. It just so happened that my very last interior decorating client had a house that she was needing to sell. And just as if it were meant to be, Matt and I ended up buying that house from her. We’ve been here for the last ten years, and we have no intention of ever selling or leaving this house.
It all worked out so perfectly that it almost felt choreographed. I mean, it was. I feel very strongly that God knew what we needed and when we needed it. And for the last ten years, I’ve DIYed and decorated my way through this house, and while I can’t say that I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, I have loved the overall process. I could not have crafted a better job for myself. It has been an absolute dream to be able to do what I love, use my creativity, and make a living doing so, while also being able to stay home and care for Matt.
So why do I redo rooms that have already been done? Because this isn’t just our home. It’s also my creative laboratory where I get to try out new ideas. I seriously doubt that our home will ever be “finished” because I thrive on DIYing and decorating. It feeds me in a way that I need in order to feel fulfilled. So this house will always be my creative laboratory where I’ll try out new ideas and share them with those of you want to follow along.
Just because our house is close to being “finished”, that doesn’t mean that my drive to DIY and decorate goes away. That drive in me is insatiable, and I will continually find ways to meet that need in myself while being able to stay home and care for Matt. And if that means that a hallway bathroom gets five makeovers in the span of ten years, so be it. Or if that means that I remodel our kitchen once every ten years, then that’s what will happen.
But I do what I do because I love it and I thrive on it. And I find ways to do what I love while also staying home because I’m not going to leave the care of my husband to another person when no one else knows him and knows what he needs better than I do. I’ve found way to do both things, and I’m so thankful that so many of you choose to follow along. But for those of you who can’t stand to watch me redo a room I’ve already done five times, I understand that. You can stay while you enjoy the journey, but obviously if it becomes an irritation to you and you just can’t take one more do-over, then you’re free to leave when you need to. No hard feelings. I promise. I’ll be here doing my thing either way. 🙂
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.
People must be new if they don’t understand that this is your JOB. It just happens to be a job you love and benefits you in multiple ways! Keep at it, Kristi. You are inspiring to people and also a teacher. Nothing wrong with that.
I’m in awe of your willingness to redo a room you’ve poured your heart and soul not mention a lot of cash into. I wish I had that luxury. While I still don’t understand how bloggers make enough money to live on I applaud your efforts with each room. I’m also insanely jealous of you being in a position to “do whatever you want”; when my Fella an I sold our respective homes, bought one together and retired to Az , I assumed he take care of the outside and I could make the inside pretty. Yea…not so much.🙃😝
A blessed thanksgiving to you and all your dear family!
I started watching you this year. I enjoy seeing all the things you do.
Pretty much exactly what I assumed. Well done you!
Well said! Just do you! Love what you do! I love it all!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Matt! ❤️❤️
I have followed you for years and I can say I do because we have very different design styles. Your use of color is wild abandon and has influenced many of my current home choices. I also applaud your realistic portrayal of real life and pursuing your passion. So, keep on trucking! Much respect from Katherine.
Kristi, I am so sorry for the comments from people who don’t understand you. Reading through this history gives us all a great background for everything that you are doing, and a reminder of the freedom we have to create, even if we are the only person who gets it.
You’ve inspired me to be more creative with my own home and I am grateful.
Been following since you bought & moved to your house. I love your job and you do it well! I feel like I know you and you are a friend. When I need advice on painting or DIY I search your website and I’m not disappointed. You always have an answer or some type of experience to rely on. I wish you and Matt a lovely Thanksgiving and nothing but the best of everything to you both. 🙂
First, I’m like you and decorating/design is in my blood. I started when I was a kid with a Barbie doll and building houses out of cardboard boxes and decorating the rooms with whatever I could scrounge. The desire to do something with my surroundings has never left me and I have also invested in rentals because I’ve not been able to live in an environment I don’t like.
I redo things because I get bored with a look after a while or I see something new that I really like and want to incorporate in my home. I’m a graphic designer by profession and very aware of trends in design and colour and although I don’t decorate my home according to the latest trends I do incorporate elements of them that appeal to me and so the look of my home is always in a certain amount of flux.
I love that you redo things. I play a game with myself and keep track of what I like about you are doing and what I don’t care for and see how long it takes you to change certain things that I’m not keen on. It’s entirely a subjective thing and not a judgement. I was thrilled when you decided to get rid of the tiled borders in your bathrooms. I don’t mind it so much in your primary suite, it’s more subtle there – but I don’t really care for the look in general. However – to each their own and I’ve watched you do things that I didn’t think would work and yet have had stunning results. That’s why I am addicted to decor blogs like yours where people are working on their personal spaces.
Keep up the great work! I am here every day for the latest developments.
Your blog inspires me! I have no clue how to decorate, so I love reading and watching what you do!!
REgarding the loss of the Hoyer lift: I have found in MANY situations that return/receipt letters to the president, CEO and ALL the board members of ANY institution which whom I have a had an issue (bank, credit cards, hospitals, etc) can yield results. Any letter sent RR indicates I am serious, and if they are not picked up, I march into the institution WITH them and ask to see the people who refused them. I alas CAN believe you had such an issue with a hospital! Good luck, and I very much enjoyed the history of your blog as I have only been reading it a few years! Happy Thanksgiving! Elizabeth Denning
Great advice. Send a letter, reach out and call the hospital CEO, go as high in the chain of command that you can go. You will see results!
My mother-in-law was treated disrespectfully (had dementia issues) by a nurse. I was so angry I typed up 3 letters about what happened and walked them into the hospital to the personnel office. One to the CEO, one to the ER supervisor and one to the nursing supervisor. I got a phone call the next day from the ER supervisor. I could tell he got his tail chewed off pretty good. It’s unacceptable that Matt’s sling was lost and they won’t make it right. Take letters and go to the top. I would even write a letter to the newspaper and whoever else I could think of.
I agree! Also shaming them on Twitter and Facebook often gets results. The people who are saying “Sorry – not sorry!” have no power. You have to get to the seat of power to activate the people who know they should spend a little money to solve this problem. It’s a lot of money to you but very little to them
Excellent advice, Elizabeth. Too many times I see people accept bad situations when asserting their right can be this simple. Kristi, good luck on this! It is unconscionable.
I’ve been following you for a while, but I don’t know exactly how long. I do remember the first time I saw your blog (maybe via Stumbleupon.com?), the cat feeding station made from the small secretary was what caught my eye. But I thought it was red. I loved it. You’re an amazing designer and I appreciate you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your Matt and all your family and friends.
It was originally red. I repainted it. 😀
Love it ! 😂
Kristi, I really enjoyed today’s blog as I look forward to each one. I made the comment on your Facebook page that you shared and I so apologize that it hurt you. I am in awe of everything you accomplish and the last thing I would ever want to do is offend you. I have read your blog a good long time and was remembering the endless changes from dining room to living room and that table. LOL. I guess it is hard to understand when you post a beautiful finished bathroom and then tear it up. But now I understand it better. Love your ” creative laboratory” term. When I see an email with your new thoughts and pics, I can’t wait to open. I can see how you thrive in this and it is certainly not about never being satisfied. After all, you are ADDICTED to decorating!!! Sending you sweet blessings!!
Thank you, Karen. There were several similar comments that day, and on a normal day, it probably wouldn’t have bothered me as much…or at all. I was in such a horrible mood on Friday, so the smallest thing could have made me erupt — a comment on my blog, Matt breathing too heavy in my direction — anything. 😀 But since there were several similar comments, it got me to thinking that there are many people who may not understand our situation. It was a good opportunity for me to explain.
Kristi, I love what you do and create. Your house is incredibly beautiful. I also love how you care for Matt. I think you are amazing! You have found an outlet for your creativity and a way to source income. WTG!
It is no one else’s business what you choose to do! Your life, your house, your money! No one else’s.
You keep doing you! I’ll keep reading and admiring!
On another note: I hope you have been able to easily replace the Hoyer lift. You must protect your back. I care about you.
I don’t understand why anyone else actually cares how many times you make over a room in your own home. They can choose to read it and follow along… or not. As for me, I love seeing everything you do. Even though you love color and I am a neutral girl, you inspire me tremendously. As you know, a couple of years ago, we renovated the home my husband grew up in. You’d probably be shocked to know how many of your ideas I incorporated into my home. And for that, Kristi, I thank you so much!
Happy Thanksgiving! And remember… don’t let the turkeys get you down! 🙂
I love seeing your home. I love than you prioritize taking care of your husband. I love that you realize God had a hand in all of this.
May you and your husband find love and comfort in each other.
I have some of that need to decorate also, but as I age, I find I have lost the desire to do the labor involved, or am just no longer able to do it. I started out as a need also, having lost a job while I was six months pregnant and needing to find a way to still make money and stay home with my babies. I did sewing projects – from drapery and pillows to custom bridesmaid dresses and even a self-designed jacket for my sister-in=laws wedding dress that she saw on the cover of a brides magazine! All of these were projects for friends and family, or friends of them, and it got me through the years until my girls were in school all day. Then I went to work with a neighbor for a silk flower company that supplies silk flowers for Walmart and other stores. We would order, set, restock and maintain the sections in stores in our area. After a few years I moved on to work at a store that combined live plants and crafts (called Franks Nursery and Crafts) and absolutely fell in LOVE with that job!I worked my way through every aspect of the store, from cashier to Craft dept. head and in the spring/summer would work outside in the nursery with live plants and flowers. Hard work but loved it, until the company went bust. Got a job at a home decor/wallpaper outlet store, selling wallpaper and home dec fabrics. and setting appointments for decorators to do home decor for clients. Worked there for 10 years until I retired at 55, as the business was being sold off and new owners were changing things and cutting hours so low , it made no sense to even drive 20 miles to work 2 hours and be sent home because we had no business. ( Our former loyal clients didn’t like the changes either, and the company folded up after 5 years of trying.) I would still do home sewing for friends, but now we live in a small town and have few friends around any longer. Life changes, and I am happy to watch you and others make lovely homes! Be you, and ignore the meanies out there!
Thanks for your comment- I have thought about Frank’s many times through the years. I really liked that store and learned so much! Know that the staff there empowered me to learn so much about plants.
I have been following since the condo and have enjoyed your journey! Appreciate all your hard work and creativity! Happy Thanksgiving!
That’s setting the record straight, Krist! I have followed you from the condo days and I never miss a post. You are an inspiration, and this is from a gal whose design preferences or work style do not match yours, not even close. It’s refreshing to see a blogger who hasn’t sold out. And…you never misspell a work or use incorrect grammar, which would drive me bonkers. Thank you for being you! Happy Thanksgiving.
oops …misspell a word. ha ha
Kristi..I very much enjoyed reading your story. I found you back when you were redoing your and Matt’s apartment. I’m not sure at what point, but I remember you doing the bathroom, hallway, and kitchen. I loved everything you did so much!! Love your colors and sense of style! I also remember you doing a bedroom for your niece, I think she was. So beautiful your redo was! So happy for you and Matt that you were able to make a career out of your DIY creations! I will continue viewing and reading about your projects forever!
When I was reading this blog, I had not doubt that God was intervening in your life. How wonderful. Since tomorrow will be Thanksgiving, (I know I don’t have to remind you) but take some time and count your blessings. Love your work and love you.
I bet money that sling ended up in the laundry with all the hospital’s slings and linen. Was yours labeled? You could check to see if the hospital does their own laundry or contracts it out, and check with them. I hope you find it.
I also have a feeling that’s what happened. I did check. The hospital send out their laundry. They told me that once they send it out, it usually takes a few days to get it back, so I should wait about five days and then check back. That’s what I did, but I doubt that they put much effort into tracking it down, if any at all. I think it’s lost forever.
It’s not likely to be sent back as the hospital doesn’t ‘own’ the linen. They will only send back things that are part of a set order and a random hoyer lift wouldn’t be included in that. They should be reaching out to the linen company and asking for their assistance in looking. I’ve worked in a hospital and things definitely get lost among the linens – cell phones, false teeth, you name it. You aren’t supposed to shake them out as that causes bacteria and virsuses to be dispersed through the air, so it happens easily.
I remember the first time I saw your blog. You were painting your condo kitchen. I’ve been a fan ever since. I love your colorful style and creativity. You have a gift for making regular people like they can do anything. Whenever I need inspiration, I look at your project archive. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. You really should compile everything you’ve done so far into a book!
Wow, what a loving and understanding response to all those who wondered why you can’t leave well enough alone. The perfect post for the holidays, I think. I have only followed you for a few years so I was delighted to read your story. It makes reading about your journey even MORE fun. Thank you for inviting us along on that journey. (And now I am going to have to go look up “Texas Tuscan” – yikes!).
I think you are truly amazing….it must be scary being inside that brain of yours sometime, LOL!!! Just kidding!! I have the same issue in that my brain is always coming up with new thoughts and ideas….nothing like your level of creativity though. Have you even thought of writing a book??? The one thing, among many others that really impresses me is your ability to choose color combinations that are truly wonderful and daring. I’m a bit of a plain Jane in that regard so seeing your ideas is really inspirational. Keep on keeping on. I look forward to your posts. I’m so sorry about the loss of Matt’s Hoyer lift sling. It was obviously stolen by someone. Too bad they don’t take responsibility instead of the staff covering their own butts. Suggestion….find the name of the CEO or the HEADS of the hospital and write a letter. I’ve done that several times on issues and have received good results. GO TO THE TOP!!! Absolutely no one lower. It’s worth the effort. Don’t even discuss it with anyone lower than the top of the food chain.
Just so you know…. I’m not going anywhere! LOVE your blog!!!
I thoroughly enjoy your redesigning. I live vicariously through you. Just keep on being you! I’ll keep on following you.
Thank you for sharing your story with us
I’ve been following you for 10 years and love all your changes and upgrades. I don’t need to understand your process or even your choices to enjoy your blog. Keep doing what you love! We’ll be here. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
I love your transparency. And you have perfectly articulates why I will install something, rip it out, and do it all over again. It stresses me out, but it makes me happy to have a vision and then execute that vision. So as a fellow “I will never not” DIY-er, I will be along for the ride for as long as you want to drive. 🙂 Cheers!
Kristi, I’ve been here for a very long time…since the condo days for sure! I admire your tenacity and spirit. I love your work! Don’t ever lose your positive spirit…it is a wonderful quality!
Thank you for the background story. Hope you and Matt have a blessed Thanksgiving.
I have been reading your blogs for quite some time but did not know your “whole” story. Thank you for sharing it. You two have been through a lot. It is wonderful that you can do what you love to do while supporting your family — in addition, we all get to learn from you as well as derive vicarious pleasure from your achievements. Thanks for sharing your story. It adds to my respect and appreciation for you.
I’m in awe of your willingness to redo a room you’ve poured your heart and soul not mention a lot of cash into. I wish I had that luxury. While I still don’t understand how bloggers make enough money to live on I applaud your efforts with each room. I’m also insanely jealous of you being in a position to “do whatever you want”; when my Fella an I sold our respective homes, bought one together and retired to Az , I assumed he take care of the outside and I could make the inside pretty. Yea…not so much.🙃😝
You go, Girl! I appreciate hearing your story of God’s providence! Such an inspiration to me!!! I needed to hear it – I, too, have a husband that I may have to be staying home to care for in the not too far off future. And, I have been paying monthly for three domains for several years unsure of how or when I will start my own design blog – it’s a long story…
But, I too believe that God’s timimg IS PERFECT!!! And your story confirms it! Thank you – thank God!!!
God bless you for being true to what God made you to do!
❤️
Love your blog. What a blessing that you and Matt have been able to lovingly and creatively adapt to the evolving journey of your lives.
It doesn’t make any difference if I prefer your colors, decor, etc. it’s your joy, passion, tenacity, resourcefulness, authenticity and so much more that keeps me reading. You create meaningful engagement. You are an educator of form, function and process. While I view a variety of sources when I’m working on a product…. design, ideas, how to, product sources, etc. blogs like yours make an old school decor magazine flat in comparison.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Matt.
I still have somewhere in the attic the roman shade made from your tutorial, remember the first shades and drapes you made for the living room, the floral ones? Mine was a poster with the Eiffel tower printed on cloth. I made it for my sons’ bathroom, only changed it a few years ago (they grow!) with a bamboo one, influenced by who? By you.
I rarely comment, I follow you since right before buying the house. I’ve come to understand a little how you go, and I admire you so so much! Also, thank you for keeping the blog. Instagram has killed my joy of reading about so many adventures!
Your condo pics look so familiar to me! I was here for that. I found you when I was looking for advice for mixing different metals in a room and how to deal with my shiny brassy framed shower enclosure. I hope you don’t mind me telling how you were spray painting the metal on a shower enclosure! That must have been a Texas Tuscan client because you were spraying a shiny brassy colored shower ORB. I can’t find that youtube video but I thought you were dynamite and still do!
You should write a book in your spare time. I’m pretty blunt so I hope I’ve never made you mad or hurt your feelings. I would never mean to do either. You are great in what you do. I just wish I had even half your energy.
Some people will never understand Kirsty about why we even do DIY the satisfaction of the process and finishing and seeing what we have achieved when the project is finished for the time being people decorate every year don`t they always changing things and rearranging rooms & Kitchen remodels it`s no different to what you are doing making your Home what You want it to be, I have now come to the stage that me & my husband have to downsize into Retirement accommodation but that won`t stop me from decorating to the way I want it it`s all painted cream at the moment but it will get changed and I have a small private Garden that need s attention so take no notice of these people and carry on you are an inspiration to many of us & full of brilliant advice and tips and showing how things should be done and how to solve problems that crop up, and we love being on the journey with you,
Kristi,
The first time I ran across your blog I was addicted to reading it. The more I saw of what you have done the more I started showing your blogs to my friends and our son. They don’t get as excited as I do but they look and listen to me tell, and show, them what you have done, and what you started with. I think you are amazing and I look for your blog first thing every time I get a chance to get on my computer.
I loved reading your story of DIYing. And, I loved you telling all about your life in high school and college, and meeting Matt.
I agree with you on the folks not understanding your redoing rooms over and over to watch as long as they are interested and then go their own way. I wont ever fit into that group. Keep on doing your thing. I will be 81 in January and I will read your blog as long as I live.
Another note: I also have a gum ball machine. Mine is a full model one and we have had it since our son was about 4 or 5 years old. He is 55 now. I wanted to send you a photo of it but didn’t know if you would want that. About 7 years ago I took it all apart and repainted it the same colors….Red and black. It stands in our living room. When I read one of your bloggers saying she couldn’t believe you had a gum ball machine on one of your tables in your studio…my face lit up like a Christmas tree….because I have one too. Keep on doing your love of DIYing.
I found your blog in the midst of grief. Mom died of pancreatic cancer in 2012. My younger sis in 2013 after a 5 year battle with breast cancer. I retired after Mom died & was executor of a stressful estate. I was so grief stricken & looked for escape. My Clothing & textile degree & subsequent art degree led me to your blog. You inspire, you pose intriguing problems & let us follow your meticulous decision making creative journey. You welcome ideas 💡! I just admire your gumption & creativity so much. Thank you for the grace you show with every post. I love your designs.
Kristi,
I’m so glad you wrote this. I’ve followed you for years, and knew your story, but maybe didn’t always really understand your perspective. We have our differences in decor styles, but you are and extremely talented and creative woman. I admire how you have taken your love and made it a career. I will keep reading as long as you keep writing. Hope you have a wonderful holiday.
Cyndi
You’re amazing! Keep redoing until you are happy and that’s all that matters.
Thanks for a refresh on yours and Matt’s story. I think of your changing and updating as as being a bit like Frank Lloyd Wright. If you go to one of his personal homes, Taliesin and Taliesin West, you discover that were active workshops where he and his protegees tried out architectural and design ideas; even exterior walls were often changed or moved.
I’m sorry to hear that the hospital is denying your claim for their loss of the lift. I’ve no doubt it’s around there somewhere. Maybe if you write your last name boldly on the sling of the next one and scratch it into the base that should at least embarrass them if they try to keep it and use it for other patients next time. Will you homeowner’s insurance cover the theft?
I am NOT being facetious: what a blessing to be able to blog for a living, and fuel your creativity. When you have setbacks, we (your audience) are right there with you. We are all livid that Matt’s lift sling is lost. We are all mad that someone got under your skin. We are all breathlessly waiting to see what color or scheme you’ve settled on for a project. Not only are you fun, but informational. Motivational. Inspirational. I’ve been a reader since the Waco condo days, but not an actual subscriber until the past…. year? Two years? I have been going back to much earlier posts to learn your window trim work, bathroom ceiling wood work, the closets framing the bed. On and on and on. I love seeing your updates in my inbox, and that week you were ill and nothing posted, I was joking that I should leave a proof of life email. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family (Hi, Kristi’s mom!). See your posts next week.
Kristi,
First of all happy thanksgiving. Matt is so blessed to have you! That works 2 ways l’m sure!
I bought my own home in 2009. My first home that is mine alone! At 60 it was a life long dream. Thats when l found your blog and have followed you daily. I have redone every room my self. Some twice! At 74 l am still blessed to be able to do everything myself. My Dad was a carpenter who built houses. He built the 2 story house l grew up in.
Now my son wants me to sell and move closer to him. He’s only an hour away but it’s across the Mississippi and through Baton Rouge. Sometimes its 2 hours.
I’m at the point of putting in in God’s Hands because I hate losing my house that l love. My yard is large and getting too much for me. Ive crawled under the house to fix pluming 3 times. It goes on and on in an old house. As you know well!
He wants mt to buy a used mobile home on a lot. I could still do all the things l love. So l will see what the new year brings in my life! The only thing l know for sure is l will follow your blog as long as l am able! Thankful for you!
I left a post already. There’s one thing l keep wishing. I wish l had printed every story you posted. I would love to have a hard copy of it to refer back to.
If you ever compile it into a book l will be 1st to buy it.
As a nurse ,and a caretaker of my MIL through her dementia, I want to tell you how amazing you are! I know how difficult it is to be the main caretaker of another human being. I know that you are blessed with a deep love in your marraige. But, that does not make it easier! You have really worked hard to create an outlet for yourself to be more than a caretaker. I so enjoy seeing what you are up to with the house. I worry for Matt when he takes a hit from his disease. I quietly say “good for you!” That you take Wednesdays for socializing. You are an amazing human, not just an amazing designer. Keep re-doing rooms, keep us updated on Matt, keep us updated on the antics of your fur babies! I ,for one, will be waiting patiently for your next post. And I am so sorry to hear about Matt’s sling. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for hospital slings to go missing also. I think they get bundled with the linen and get sent out. Then the outside laundry just tosses them. But, yes the hospital would do well to reimburse you. I recommend speaking with the patient advocate and having them assist you in taking it up the chain of command.
Sheila F.
I have been following you since you were redecorating and remodeling your condo. I have enjoyed it all. You do You and pay no attention to THOSE people. You can be with Matt and do what you enjoy while making a living. That is amazing, I too feel like God has been with you every step of the way. Wishing a blessed Thanksgiving to you and Matt.
It appears I’ve been following since nearly the beginning…I remember your condo well.
What I appreciate most about you and your blog is that you march to the beat of your own drum. Your house is you through and through. When you raise something isn’t you or isn’t functional for you or Matt anymore, you admit it and change it. I love that. Your home is a tool for your life, and as such, changing it from time to time is necessary (even if the project had been done before).
Thank you for taking us along on your journey!!
Dear Kristi, I remember the first of your posts I read, it was about building a vent cover from yard sticks. I was in awe and have been ever since. And have learnt so much from you! I totally get redesigning for trying stuff out and redecorating. And I am happy for you that on top of doing it you can earn money from it – AND stay at home with Matt. I have mentioned it before (some years back) that the only project I was sorry to see go was the pony walls. But then again, if I want to see them again, I can still find them on your blog! And if you decided that your house needs change in that area, than who am I to tell you not to? I learnt something new along the way of the next project, so I am def grateful. Thank you for sharing so much, now even more background story, and for being a never ending inspiration! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
I would contact Channel 10 TV and tell them about the hospital not taking responsibly for Matt’s equipment. The hospital has a reputation to keep so I think they will reimburse for the loss. It’s not like you left a pile of magazines behind and want them back. They are hurting a disabled man who needs his sling.
I’m serious about doing this. Good luck.
I found your blog sometime towards the end of the condo days – maybe when you were making the laundry space in the corridor? Yours was the first and, even until now, the only blog I read.
I do know most of the things you wrote about, from different posts, but still, this was an interesting post, brought the entire story together. And you forgot to mention the do-overs also had to do with you discovering yourself and your style, and getting confident enough to follow your heart (I remember your comment about the living room, something along the lines of “who was I decorating for? Not me!”) And this is a great thing really – it’s your own creative journey, along with the home’s journey! 🙂
I first became a follower back when you were redoing the condo.. I can’t believe it’s been over 10 years! Thank you for this blog.. I’ve seen many re-dos of rooms over the years and at times did not understand..but I enjoyed watching the progress and although I don’t need an explanation..your answer makes perfect sense..it’s who you are! Looking forward to watching you re-do and create more beautiful spaces the next 10 years as you continue to take care of your precious husband and explore your creative outlet.
Thanks for the history lesson, Kristi. I had wondered for awhile if the blogging was your full time job. How awesome is that?! You inspire me to try building projects that I would never have considered before. I found your blog searching for wingback chairs and found the article where you built two wingbacks for your breakfast room. Whatever happened to them?
Keep up the great work!
When I do projects like that and then don’t end up keeping them, I generally find someone who can use them and give them away. There have been times that I’ve given items to Goodwill or Salvation Army, but I generally try to find individuals who can use them before going that route.
Its’ fun to read about someone’s life (and thought processes!) that are similar to mine. When you have a creative mind, it’s painful to have to reel it in. I never hated Tuscan or farmhouse and I’m not as colorful as you, but I read your blog anyway. It’s your thought process that is so insightful for me. Anyone trying to make decisions can benefit from hearing how you came to your conclusions. You’ve been very gracious in your responses to perceived negative responses. In that situation, I’m probably not like you at all! Ha ha.
I love you Kristi. :O)
Hi Kristi i love your ending. It could’nt be better. Lots of love to you and Matt. I love reading your blogs and i feel i know you through them. You are a good example to many woman. Xoxo
Thank you for the back story. I have been watching your blog for quite some time and did not know how you began. Yes, he did have the right plan for you. You are a True very talented designer. True designers love experimenting and changing things up. I love it when you finish and then change it. I recently sold three rooms full of furniture so that I can buy new furniture and redecorate it. Everyone kept saying what a waste of time and money. I don’t see that way, I am very excited about it all. So I get exactly what you are doing and why. It puzzles me that people get so upset when they are not using their time or their money. Kristi continue to do you and don’t mind the negative Nellies.
Kristi: If I’ve ever commented anything negative, I am so ashamed. Yes we know you are a creative soul who keeps “fixing” a project until it’s finished. I can’t do that because I am NOWHERE as creative and talented as you. Few things in life can we control (life,death, sickness, etc) but you can control the way your house looks. That would be very satisfying, however, I’ve HAD to live in a less than perfect house, and I just look away at the UGLY sites in my house. You are so special….don’t let any of us get you down, because we are just Jealous. Please take care of your health for Matt’s health.
I have never heard of Texas Tuscan; now I will have to look it up.
I understand perfectly about redoing something because it doesn’t “work”. I am restarting a quilt that I have been working on since February; my seams were off by 1/16 of an inch and the finished product would simply not go together correctly when multiple seams joined forces. My family thinks I am nuts and maybe I am but I am doing it because I am learning and growing in the process. Some people are most comfortable being in a steep learning curve; I think you and I are like that. Some never want to venture in the unknown and that is okay as well. I won’t judge them if they don’t judge me. You keep doing you because I love every post!
I am so glad you wrote this post and I pretty much had figured out what was going on. While at times it did drive me crazy that you were redoing a design I loved I realized your home is your show room and we get to see so many great ideas and there are many! Your talent is never ending and I applaud you for working witha very serious issue and Mat is very lucky to have you. Keep up the great and innovative work. For my two cents I am not a fan of what you are doing in the with the back entryway but I can’t come up with any good suggestions.
Kristi, you are a class act. You are so authentically yourself and so talented. What a combination! Love following your journey and seeing your projects. Keeping going!
Amazing story of God’s perfect timing! I love seeing your work.
I came across your blog because I was looking for a good DIY read. Those who leave negative comments have never felt fulfilled by decorating, restoration, and DIY projects they do themselves. One can only feel pity for them.