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I really like any home (or dwelling decor product) that will come with a one of a kind backstory, and my rental is no exception: It was the moment two neighboring motel rooms on the north facet of Chicago.
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The quirky rental has its perks (a huge grasp bedroom, stroll-in closet, and two wood-burning fireplaces), but like most hidden gems, it wanted serious cosmetic upgrades, and the two at the top of my listing were the residing room’s fireplace and the uncovered brick — the latter is controversial, I know.
I made a decision to kick off my condo’s facelift with the hearth. It is the to start with matter you see when you stroll in the doorway, so I was eager to swap the dated black square tiles for a present day statement. I identified a magnificent massive-format porcelain marble-seem slab to use on the fireplace but was discouraged attempting to obtain a coordinating tile for the wall.
Which is when a style and design-savvy pal challenged me to take the tile all the way from flooring to ceiling, the fantastic option for generating the hearth the statement my residing room desired.
I loved the notion but was nervous to dedicate to this sort of a daring design. What if I chose the incorrect tile? What if it tends to make the home search lesser? Eventually, I little bit the bullet, hired professionals for the installation, and held my breath as they meticulously established the 30-pound slabs. The very first huge hazard paid off the fire turned out stunning and appears appropriate at home future to 1 of my favourite parts, my white lacquer console.
The future enhance on my record — also a big style and design threat — was changing the uncovered brick on the entrance wall. Brick is definitely spectacular in the correct placing, but this uninteresting brown backdrop was making a home now missing in all-natural mild glimpse even darker, and it clashed terribly with my new fireplace tiles!
I debated portray the brick for more than a calendar year and ran the notion earlier plenty of men and women who warned me it was an irreversible alternative I would eternally regret. Lastly, I trusted my instincts (and my Photoshop mockup!), determined to deal with the undertaking, and headed to the hardware retail outlet.
Prep function is the most critical component of revamping brick. I scrubbed the wall with a TSP mixture, let it dry overnight, then sealed it with a thick coat of primer. Following building absolutely sure the brick was completely dry, my father and I rolled on a satin end brick paint by Behr that arrives pre-tinted pure white.
A few hours later on, the home was out of the blue sunny, inviting, and all set for a home furniture facelift. I switched my gray sofa for a barely-used Inside Outline couch I sourced on Facebook Market, replaced the glass espresso tables with a wood and rattan 1, and tied the home collectively with a washable rug. My most beloved piece of decor in the space, while, is a loved ones heirloom lithograph of Winston Churchill that was passed down by my mother, who handed away in 2019. I enjoy how the white brick produces the fantastic backdrop for the print.
The lesson right here? It can be daunting to make drastic style and design modifications, specifically when friends and spouse and children check out to influence you to play it secure. In the stop, no 1 appreciates your residence improved than you — so have faith in your gut, seize your instruments, and know that the upcoming time they stage as a result of the door, they’ll definitely acknowledge you ended up suitable!
