Thursday, March 24, 2011

Playroom Part 1

It is so nice having a spot to contain most of the toys.  Some still make it to bedrooms but I really try to keep MOST toys down in the playroom. 
When we moved in we didn't do much to this room.  We painted the ceiling and the trim but I wasn't sure what to do with the walls.  For one I didn't know what we would be using it for at that moment.

We decided it would make a great playroom.  It's at the bottom of the stairs so you can still hear whats going on.  Plus they don't feel too far away. 
 How could we not have a playroom!  This has been the best thing ever!

The problem to me is that it looks too boyish.  There is a nice sports themed border in there now that I plan to take off.  I would love this room to be gender neutral and have a fun whimsical feel.
I think I want turquoise walls with orange, pink, and green accents.  That's the plan for the moment anyway.

For the first step of taking off the wall paper I am using a trick from my Aunt Gayle. 

1.  Mix Fabric softener and warm water in a container. 
I used the cheap stuff from the dollar store.  It had a good smell that made the basement smell good for days! 
2.  Soak a thin wash cloth in the mixture.
3.  Press it onto the wall paper for a minute.  Longer if you have more patience.
4.  Rip off.  I used a large putty knife to get the edge off and then pulled.  That way I didn't ruin any fingernails.   Not that mine are pretty to begin with. :)

It works really well.  Especially if you can get the print part of the wall paper to come off first.  The mixture soaks right into the other layers allowing you to remove big sections at a time.
I usually worked in two areas at a time.  I would get one wet and while it soaked I would rip off a different area.  This really moved quick for me.  Yeah!

Wall paper is ALL off.  It always takes longer than I think.  Not because the project itself is hard.  But because I have to balance being a mommy and wife too.
Now I just need to make a decision for a fun paint color.
Do you have any colors that you LOVE?

joined The Stories of A to Z tip and tutorial party

Friday, March 11, 2011

Quick Changes

We recently changed out closet door knobs.  One broke and I can't get one kiddo new cool door knobs and not the other, right?  It just wouldn't be fair!  We headed over to our Hobby Lobby and they each got to choose what they wanted.  Lucky for me they were half off!
This was so easy to do!  Just had to screw them in.   And look how fun they are.  They make a big difference!
Z chose blue.  The soccer balls were out or I think he may have gone for those.
My Princess on the other hand could not be swayed once she saw these beauties.
She loves having diamond hearts.  She even gave them a little kiss.
Yes, little things make us happy!

I'm working on the playroom right now.  Taking down wallpaper and choosing paint...