This Wasn’t The Break I Wanted, But It Was The Break I Needed
I don’t know if you remember this, but back in March, I was just finishing up the studio bathroom makeover, and at that time, my plan was to finish that bathroom and then jump right into the storage room project. But the closer I got to the end of that bathroom makeover, the more I realized I needed a break from room remodels.
I had just finished a few major projects, like turning a bedroom into a walk-in closet…
Those were pretty big projects that included refinishing the floors (twice!), building a room full of cabinets, sewing draperies and bedding, hanging grasscloth wallpaper, building and upholstering a bed, installing tons of trim, and on, and on.
I jumped from that project right into the studio bathroom makeover, and while I wouldn’t place that in the “major remodel” category, it went a bit beyond just a quick and easy makeover, especially when I decided to do a crazy painted wall design with about 30 different paint colors.
So as I got closer to the end of that project, I thought there was no way I could jump right into another room remodel, no matter how small it is. I decided I needed a break. I needed to take some time and do something fun and easy. What I said in that post that I wrote back in March was that I wanted to take some time to do some “fun, crafty, artsy projects just for the fun of it…” I envisioned myself sitting in my cool air-conditioned studio at my worktables and doing one craft project after another for about a month just to give myself a break from the heavy lifting and power tools for a bit. And I also wanted to take some time to get some smaller projects done that I had been putting off. That’s when I did the entryway makeover (which you can see here) and put up the mural that I had been holding onto for well over a year.
But then, instead of heading into my studio for that month of sitting in the air-conditioned studio and doing small, fun, creative art and craft projects, I decided to head outside. And I did the very opposite of small, fun, creative arts and crafts projects while sitting at a table in my air-conditioned studio. Instead, I have spent the last almost-three months doing some pretty significant projects that included loads of heavy lifting, sweating profusely while working in the direct central Texas sunlight, working in temps at and over 100 degrees (with “feels like” temperatures up to 118 degrees), and doing projects that have been unlike anything I’ve done before — projects that have pushed me beyond my comfort zone.
My comfort zone is working on interior rooms, building things out of wood, and decorating. My comfort zone is sewing, painting interior walls, installing interior trim, and hanging wallpaper. But for almost three months, I haven’t done any of that.
I learned how to make my own silicone molds…
And I made my own faux concrete stones…
And then I used that knowledge that I gained from that project and took it a step further to replace ugly Hardie trim around our bedroom door and create faux stones out of concrete by hand without using a mold.
And let me tell you, while there have been difficult moments during these last almost-three months, this has been exactly what I needed. I almost feel sad that it has come to an end (for now) and that I’ll be heading back inside for the rest of the summer. As it turns out, I didn’t need a month of sitting at my worktable in my air-conditioned studio doing small, inconsequential craft projects. I needed to get outside. I needed to sweat and do some heavy lifting. I needed to push myself beyond my existing skill set. I needed to learn new things. I needed to push myself beyond what felt comfortable and safe. I needed to remind myself that DIYing is a continual learning process and that the only limit is my willingness to try new things.
This definitely wasn’t the “break” that I had originally planned, but this was the exact break that I needed.
Yesterday, I spent several hours outside getting everything cleaned up from my projects, and I stood back and looked at all of the progress I’ve made over these last few weeks. I can’t even tell you the sense of pride and excitement I have over what I’ve accomplished. I hope to get all new pictures of the front of our house today, and I’ll share the before and “progress” pictures with you either tomorrow or the next day. There’s still a long way to go with landscaping and other projects I have planned, but I’ve reached some pretty significant milestones over these last weeks, and I can’t wait to share the full view with you!
More About Our House Exterior & Yard
see all exterior &
yard diy projects
read all exterior &
yard 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.
Kudos- inspiring perspective. Keep up the good work ♥️
Looking forward to seeing the new pictures.
You inspire me! These outdoor projects are all just amazing and your problem solving and tenacity is a SPECIAL trait you can be so proud of!
What you have accomplished outside is amazing and definitely something to be proud of. I’m delighted you considered it a break. I considered it several major projects. I hope you get as much satisfaction out of the storage makeover as you did the outside. You have accomplished so much this year already.
Yes, I have thought several times that your break was going to be – supposed to be – crafting, but silly me. I assumed all that you did outside WAS crafting! Just with a pirouette is all. Without A/C. Big tools instead of jewelry making tools. You know.
Looking forward to the pics. Victory lap!!!
I continue to be so impressed with all you accomplish and your confidence in teaching yourself new DIY skills. You are my favorite creator to follow. Bask in all you’ve done. I’ll be cheering you on from Portland, Oregon!
I can see you and your super-hero cape just blowing in the breeze, you have done an amazing amount of work, and this year is just only half over. I love how your outdoor projects have turned out; you are giving me a lot of inspiration for some things that I couldn’t figure out how to make them look better. Enjoy the indoors now, as we here in East Tennessee have turned into a very large sauna outside, doesn’t matter, 6am, or 6pm, it’s a sauna on high.
Cheers to the Superhero Team!!!
You did a great job out there! I love doing projects outdoors too but our weather in az is even more iffy than yours. I really need to get out there in the winter and do my projects. I loved the faux rocks. Im your mom’s age and while i do have a broken brick short wall across the front of my house that could use that sort of thing, i think its beyond my energy level these days. Its cool what all these products we have these days can do tho.
Same boat here in S Az, Marion.
I feel house bound like I did in winter in Ohio, and
I can’t wait to be able to get outside and get things done!
I am in awe! These are not small projects you are doing, and they require much thought and creativity. Your strong will to keep going and not give up when things get hard, to keep your eye on the final goal yet be able to pivot to something even better than the original plan is incredible. You have done so much already this year! Be careful not to get burned out, and be sure to take time to admire these beautiful projects!. Kudos to you!
You’re an amazing, talented, hard working woman!
I’m so glad to hear that you’re proud of the work you’ve done. I say this because your mind works in ways mine never will. Sometimes I wish you weren’t so exacting about some things and just let “good enough”
be, well, good enough. You should take pride in your work and shout it out for all to hear!
Looking forward to the photos
Kristi, viewing these pictures of these rooms you have created, one by one, was a treat just now. I am remembering each puzzling choice of design, whether to make something new or use what you have to accomplish something new and so much more. Amazing!
Each and every room is a marvel on its own. Individual pieces of furniture you have made—the dressing room haven, the bathroom towel storage cabinet, and the walnut cabinets in master, the bubble light fixture, (makes me smile) the tiles in the pantry, the redo of the hallway cabinet and on and on. I love the welcoming entry, using that fabulous mural and the pop of the pink lamp base next to it. The studio makes me drool as I imagine you sitting at your desk, planning the next creative possibility. And now, the front of your house! Certainly worth every tear and drop of sweat to make it happen. I hope you have moments to sip your tea and enjoy sitting on the porch as you relax and smile.
I have followed you for years now and am waiting with anticipation to see how your workshop will look when you get to that project. All in good time. The landscaping will be a work of art when that adventure becomes reality. The storeroom will be such an advantage for you. And, beautiful, I am sure. Thank you for taking us along and sharing a little of your life with us about Matt, and the furry friends. It is a gift to read it and experience the feeling of joy you have.
I send warm hugs.
Amazing woman!
You have done a wonderful job of hanging in there and pushing yourself on these outdoor projects. I am extremely proud of what you have accomplished. What does Matt and your mom have to say about all of this?
Everything looks amazing, Kristi! Very well done! Just one observation which you can totally take or leave … Have you considered painting the bricks on the side steps (the part that shows underneath the brown flat part)? Either grey to match the siding (1st choice) or white to match the look on the front steps with white risers. It’s probably WAY more work than you’d want to consider, but using the same technique you used on the bedroom door to make it look more like the stone siding would be cool, too (real 1st choice 😉😅). It’s been neat watching you learn to create faux stones. You’ve done a great job!
This post made me laugh! When I was younger this was me-only not on this level and with this much skill. But with this much will power, determination, willingness to sweat and I cannot be stopped attitude, barely able to crawl to the bed at the end of the day but waking up the next morning to go directly into get er done mode again. Kristi, watching you go after it is almost as much fun as when I was able to do it myself. Thank you for sharing you with all of us.
👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏
Amazing and inspiring. Kinda seems like you are up for redoing the sun room and old master bath since you can pretty much do anything now!
OMG Kristi. I knew you had done all that work in the last few months, but I didn’t put it all together that you did ALL that work in three months…it looks like you did a year’s work in just that small period of time. And it all looks so good (although I miss Jabba). I hope you realize just how talented you are!! Give all a hug from me, including yourself. Amazing!!!!
You never cease to amaze me! I can’t wait to see your pictures. The outside will be as pretty as the inside!
I was exhausted and overwhelmed just reading your post! Now, take the time to cool down in your home and relax, watch a lot of movies and drink your favorite cold beverage (unfortunately mine is Coke Zero). I think this may be hard for you! Thank you for all of your pictures, showing us how it’s done and the great instructions. You’ve done so much this year!