A Teenager’s Bedroom Wish List
November 1, 2024
We are running headstrong to the finish line for Lorelai’s bedroom to be completed. With an ambitious deadline of this Friday penned in our calendar—the drywall, pod lights, plugs and light switch boxes, and two pendant light fixture boxes have been installed. The mudding (or crack-filling as is more commonly termed here) and sanding have been done. We are now in the last phase of priming the walls in preparation for the lime wash coats to be applied in the next two days.
A Teenager’s Wish List
If you are wondering what a giddy and ecstatic teenage girl sounds like—step into this lively home under intense transformation. As of late, much of the hustling and bustling revolves around this girl’s furniture wish list. Her eye for colour, class, and balance in the realm of interior decorating is impressive. Tasteful yet functional are terms I would describe her style.
As a means to reconcile the inconveniences of this growing and independent teenager—sharing a large, open room with her younger three siblings: doorless; curtainless; and privacy-lacking. Michiel and I, early one Tuesday morning, hopped in our van, stowed all the seats away to create a flat bed, and roared away on the highway to IKEA as quickly as we could safely go—to collect the items on her list.
Salvaged Artifacts
The kids cleaned and clear-coated several old boards original to this house—built in 1812. Michiel had salvaged much of the materials he had removed from the interiors during the gutting process. Some interesting artifacts have been uncovered during the cleaning process: A newspaper dated 1893–plastered to a large, rectangular board.
Hoping to retain some of the history and architectural remnants tied to this Acadian home, Michiel installed a few of these beautiful, golden-brown boards in the dormer—right under the window—where Lorelai will be spending her quiet time lounging on cushions and pillows while gazing out her window, and basking in the sun.
Lime Washing and Experimenting
We chose to lime wash our walls primarily for health benefits. It is alkaline. It has no latex and no chemicals added. It is a breathable mineral-based paint—perfect for damp environments where mold can sometimes flourish in the walls.
Apart from the health benefits, we also do enjoy the textured, “old world“ look—which reminds us of our few trips to different parts of Europe—mainly though, of our honeymoon in Italy where we vacationed in the Tuscany region. It is the Mediterranean breeze; the landscape and the villas; the deep history and culture; all things earthy and preserved. It seems that we like to bring home specific elements from some of our most cherished travel destinations.
Since lorelai prefers her walls to have less texture, we had to experiment with different brush sizes and brush materials as well. She decided she wanted the smaller brush to make smaller strokes, and therefore more subtle texture.
Two coats of the paint was washed over the primer. Tomorrow morning will be the grand reveal day: we are hoping that Lorelai will love the wall colour she carefully chose. After all, she will be spending much of her ‘going to bed’ and ‘waking up’ time in her soon-to-be little haven.
We will keep you posted on our project’s progress. We are so excited that the bedrooms are so quickly becoming finished! The kids are all very much looking forward to having a space to call their own.
Good night and sweet dreams to you, dear friends and family.
