Welcome back to another edition of home improvement adventures! While the laundry room cabinets are still a work in progress (stay tuned for those exciting details tomorrow!), I wanted to take a moment to share some recent “redo” projects that remind us all that sometimes, the second (or third) time’s the charm. Yesterday’s post, which featured a fun giveaway, saw an incredible response with over 25,000 of you participating in our poll—John is still ecstatic about the infographic glee! Today, however, we’re diving into the more tangible aspects of home renovation, focusing on three particular projects that initially went a bit wonky but were ultimately brought back to life with a little perseverance and ingenuity. It’s a common tale in DIY: you start with high hopes, encounter a snag, and then find an even better solution. Let’s explore these transformations and see what lessons we learned along the way.
Revitalizing Our Office Space: The Cork Bulletin Board Makeover
Our first redo project took us back to the office, specifically to our cork bulletin board. Just a few months ago, we enthusiastically embarked on creating this functional piece, opting for Loctite Spray Adhesive based on its promise to bond cork to wood. The idea was simple: create a large, stylish space for Clara’s artwork and important notes. However, despite following the instructions, which suggested spraying both surfaces (a step we partially skipped, only spraying the cork outdoors to avoid indoor fumes), the cork squares slowly but surely began to detach from the wall. We even heard from a reader who sprayed both sides and still faced similar issues, suggesting the adhesive might not have been the best fit for this particular application. This left us with a somewhat disheartening sight, as Clara’s beautiful creations started to peel off, compromising the aesthetic and functionality of the board.
Realizing a more robust solution was needed, I carefully removed all of Clara’s artwork and set about giving the bulletin board a proper, lasting fix. The chosen method involved a combination of Aleene’s Tacky Glue applied generously to the back of each cork tile, along with a few strategically placed tiny finish nails at the corners. These nails were so small that they could be gently tapped into the cork, disappearing almost entirely from view while providing essential reinforcement. The Aleene’s Tacky Glue, known for its strong and flexible bond, paired with the discrete mechanical fasteners, offered a powerful solution.
The results have been remarkably successful. The cork is now firmly in place, even through the most challenging conditions like super hot and humid weather, which often tests the limits of adhesives. This redo taught us the valuable lesson that sometimes, a multi-pronged approach to adhesion, combining both chemical bonding and mechanical fastening, is the key to long-term durability, especially for high-traffic or temperature-sensitive projects. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the board not only holding strong but also looking neat and tidy, proudly displaying all of Clara’s masterpieces without a single sagging corner.
Bringing Back the Brilliance: Our Red Adirondack Chairs Get a Fresh Coat
Our second project involved a beloved pair of red Adirondack chairs that grace our backyard. We purchased these beauties two years ago, making a conscious decision to “splurge” on chairs that were professionally painted with polyurethane for enhanced weather protection. Our reasoning at the time, as proudly stated in their introductory post, was that “Chairs that came pre-painted by the pros with polyurethane paint for protection against the weather, heat, and sunlight definitely appealed to us as something that would hopefully stand the test of time. Just didn’t want to spend less but end up with something that looked shoddy by next summer.” While they certainly lasted more than one summer, the reality two summers later was a rather drastic fading. What was once a vibrant, regal red had transformed into a dull, almost pinkish hue. Though they sometimes managed to look acceptable in photos, in real life, especially without the decorative pillows, they presented a rather sad and neglected appearance.
It became abundantly clear that these chairs required not just a fresh coat of paint but also a renewed layer of protection against the relentless outdoor elements. Our goal was to restore their original bright, happy color and ensure they could withstand future sun, rain, and humidity. The fading not only diminished their aesthetic appeal but also highlighted the need for a more durable finish than the original “pro-paint” had offered in the long run. This project wasn’t just about color; it was about investing in the longevity of our outdoor furniture.
For the rescue mission, I chose Rustoleum’s Gloss Protective Enamel in their Regal Red color. This product was ideal for several reasons: it’s specifically formulated for outdoor wood furniture, boasts a built-in primer, and offers a durable, glossy finish. The application process was meticulous: I applied three thin coats to ensure even coverage and maximum protection. A crucial tip for successful outdoor furniture painting, which I employed, was to flip the chairs over first, resting them on their seats and arms, to spray their backs and undersides. After allowing that side to dry thoroughly, I then stood them upright to tackle all the other visible parts. This technique ensures every surface is coated, preventing missed spots and enhancing the overall protective barrier. This systematic approach is key to a professional-looking and long-lasting finish on outdoor items.
The transformation was instant and incredibly satisfying. The chairs now look absolutely brand new, radiating that vibrant, cheerful red that initially drew us to them. The glossy finish not only enhances their appearance but also provides that much-needed layer of defense against the elements. Only time will tell if this will become an every-few-years ritual, but seeing such dramatic and positive results truly inspires me to undertake such maintenance tasks again in the future. It’s a great reminder that a little effort can go a long way in refreshing and preserving cherished items around the home.
Beyond their renewed beauty, a delightful bonus is that the chairs now perfectly match the small red stool positioned near our egg chair, creating a cohesive and polished look in our outdoor living space. This small detail ties the entire area together, making our backyard feel even more inviting and thoughtfully designed. It’s these little harmonious touches that truly elevate a space and make DIY efforts so rewarding.
From Failed Flora to Faux Fantastic: My Little Light-Turned-Terrarium
Our third redo involved a small, enchanting project: my light-fixture-turned-terrarium. I initially shared how I crafted this unique piece, envisioning a thriving miniature ecosystem. However, despite my best efforts and green-thumb aspirations, everything I planted inside quickly gave up on me, as chronicled in a subsequent post. The live plants, perhaps struggling with the enclosed environment or my inconsistent watering habits, simply couldn’t thrive, leaving the terrarium looking rather bleak and forlorn. It was a clear sign that my initial vision needed a pragmatic adjustment.
Eagle-eyed readers, however, started noticing a shift in the terrarium’s fortunes in a more recent update. The change was subtle but significant. Inspired by numerous comments suggesting “I use fake ones in my terrarium!”, I decided to embrace the practicality of artificial greenery. A trip to JoAnn yielded a handful of realistic-looking faux succulents. Coincidentally, while picking up new food for Burger, our beloved pet, at the pet store, I stumbled upon some beautiful white aquarium rocks. They were perfect for creating a clean, bright base for the terrarium, so they quickly found their way into my shopping cart.
Once home, Clara and I had a delightful time transforming the terrarium. We carefully filled the glass case with the pristine white rocks, creating a fresh and appealing landscape. Then, we “poked” the faux succulents into place, arranging them to mimic a natural, thriving display. Clara, ever the creative director, insisted that the charming little deer figurine, which had been part of the original setup, should be reinstated. Within a mere five minutes, we had a finished product that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also entirely maintenance-free. This redo proved that sometimes, letting go of the ideal and embracing a more practical alternative can lead to an equally beautiful, and certainly less stressful, outcome.
While I still cherish and care for my real plants, which demand consistent watering and affection (much like Michael Scott, they want me to fear how much I love them), it’s incredibly refreshing to have a piece of “unkillable” greenery mixed into our home decor. This faux terrarium offers all the visual appeal of a living plant arrangement without any of the worry or upkeep, making it a perfect addition for busy individuals or those with less-than-green thumbs. It’s a wonderful example of how embracing faux elements can simplify life while maintaining a beautiful home aesthetic.
The “Duh!” Moment: A Door Sign Design Flaw
And now for a delightful bonus story, which isn’t so much a redo as it is a giant “duh!” moment that perfectly encapsulates the charming chaos of DIY. A few of you with exceptionally keen eyes might remember spotting me painting a door sign way back in this post, where I was also busy making tiny desserts for Clara’s tea parties. Many of you correctly guessed its purpose: a “please don’t ring the bell – the baby is sleeping” sign for our front door, a common necessity for households with napping infants.
After painting the background a crisp white, the project stalled. For months. I had grand visions of meticulously hand-painting elegant, scripty words onto it with a fine brush. But as the blank white doorknob hanger sat on the kitchen counter, silently taunting me with its unfinished state, procrastination won. Finally, in a moment of exasperation and a desire for completion over perfection, I grabbed a red Sharpie and swiftly scribbled out the message. “There,” I thought, with a sigh of relief. “It’s not Pinterest-worthy, but it’s done!” The simple, bold Sharpie message felt like a victory against my own perfectionism.
Proud of my spontaneous completion, I walked over to the front door, sign in hand, ready to hang it with a flourish. And then it hit me. A wave of uncontrollable laughter, bordering on tears, washed over me. The stark, undeniable reality was that we don’t have a doorknob on our front door. How much of a “duh!” moment is that, seriously? I mean, the door hanger had been sitting on the kitchen counter for months, in plain sight, through countless cups of coffee and meal preparations, yet this crucial detail had completely escaped me. It was a truly epic lapse in basic observation.
But in true DIY spirit, I channeled my inner Tim Gunn and made it work. I simply hung the sign over the door knocker. And you know what? It works perfectly! The friendly Fed-Ex drivers now leave packages without ringing the bell and inadvertently setting off Burger, our resident barking maniac. It’s a small victory for peace and quiet, achieved through an accidental but effective workaround. I just knew you guys would get a kick out of that relatable moment of absurdity. Feel free to pin your little heart out (wink face!). It’s a testament to embracing imperfections and finding humor in our DIY endeavors.
The overarching lesson learned from all these redos, and even the “duh!” moment? If at first you don’t succeed, indeed, try, try again. Perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from mistakes are paramount in any home project. And, perhaps more specifically, always check your door for a knob before you embark on making a door-hanging sign! These experiences, whether grand transformations or simple fixes, underscore the journey of making a house a home—one lesson, one laugh, and one successful project at a time.
Update – Wanna know where we got something in our house or what paint colors we used? Just click on this button to explore our home sources: