Something I love to ask people who have built a new home and lived in it for a few years is ‘What would you have done differently?’ You learn so much. If you are building a new home, go around and ask everyone you know this question and take notes! You might dodge a few design bullets.
One friend wished she hadn’t built windows that came all the way down to the ground, because they were constantly filthy. Another friend regretted opting for a loft-space which never got used when it could have become another bedroom.
I took a few lessons from the home I had the opportunity to build a few years ago as well. My number one regret would probably be not getting the flooring I wanted from the beginning. I didn’t at the time, because using our builder’s flooring was like, triple the cost it should have been. I couldn’t swallow that, so I just figured that somewhere down the line we would have it done on our own. It’s probably three times harder that way, and I still didn’t end up with what I wanted, not in every room. It’s such a huge element, it really is worth the investment. That’s just my in my opinion, but go ahead and put that in your Thoughts to Think About notebook.
I no longer live in that home, and currently live in a rental where most of the flooring isn’t an issue. At least, it ain’t my issue. Neutral tile, we get along just fine.
But here are a couple floors that were not the business. First, this little front door space in Medina’s home. It looks ok in the photo, but she says it was super scratched and dark enough that it made the whole area feel gloomy. But she lives in a rental too, and couldn’t do anything permanent. So she used ….
Wallpaper! It’s true! 100% style and 0% permanence. “Okaaaaaay,” you are thinking “But, wallpaper is not a joke. I tried to remove it from a wall once and both my hands turned into claw-stumps and bled for six weeks.” Guess again, friends. Medina has done a wallpapered floor before in her previous home and says it removes with ease.
Take her word for it at Grillo Designs.
This bathroom floor also had a case of the blahs. Nothing a little paint couldn’t cure.
Nope, that’s not new tile! Just a skillful stenciling job bye Helmick Hacienda. The secret is thin layers of chalk paint, with a solid 24 hours of dry time between coats, followed by a sealer. And more dry time. Basically, be sure that thing is bone dry and you’re all set!
Now, won’t you please answer my burning question? If you had a do-over, what would you have done differently in your home?
