Confessions of a DIY Addict
A Few Things I've Learned About Myself Along the Way
If you've been around this redesign space for a while, you've probably started to notice a few things about me. I can find possibility where other people see something past its prime. I own far more sandpaper than any reasonable person should. And somewhere along the way, spray paint became one of my favorite decorating tools.
So today, I thought it might be fun to share a few honest confessions from someone who's been happily covered in sawdust for more years than she'd probably care to admit.
Confession #1: I Have Never Met a Can of Spray Paint I Didn't Like
I'm fairly certain there isn't a single room in my house that doesn't contain something I've spray painted.
Light fixtures.
Lamp bases.
Picture frames.
Drawer pulls.
Tray handles.
Baskets.
If it sits still long enough, there's a decent chance I'm standing over it in the garage with a can of satin black or antique bronze.
I have a vase that's been at least three different colors over the years. Lamps have gone through two or three makeovers as my style has evolved. And my candlesticks may be experiencing an identity crisis. They started out as stained wood, became white, and now are distressed gray and white.
Most people buy new décor when their style changes. I just head out to the garage. I've reached the point where Freddy doesn't even ask anymore. He just smiles and says, "What color this time?"
Confession #2: I Consistently Underestimate Every Project
I honestly believe my current project will only take an afternoon.
Every. Single. Time.
Somehow an "easy little makeover" turns into stripping wood, sanding for two days, making an unexpected trip or trips to the hardware store, waiting for stain to dry, realizing I forgot a supply, and finishing sometime around dinner the following day. You'd think I'd learn.
So far...I haven't.
Confession #3: I See Potential More Than Problems
This one probably explains everything else. When most people walk through a thrift store, they see what something is today. I tend to see what it could become.
That's why a scratched tray became a gorgeous centerpiece in our living room. An outdated credenza became the perfect storage solution for my office and two outdated frames became artwork that is one of the focal points in our family room.
Some people collect antiques. I seem to collect second chances.
Confession #4: My Garage Is Not Pinterest Pretty
Have you ever noticed that people on social media always seem to have spotless workshops? Mine looks like someone has been building furniture, painting cabinets, spray painting hardware, moving lumber, and fighting with a palm tree root. Because...that's exactly what's been happening.
There are sanding blocks where there shouldn't be sanding blocks. Paint stir sticks somehow multiply overnight. And I couldn't tell you where my tape measure is at any moment in time, even though I probably had it shortly before I needed it again.
Then there's the spray paint. It has its own dedicated shelving. At this point, I'm convinced my garage rivals the spray paint aisle at the local hardware store.
Creative spaces aren't always tidy. Sometimes they're just…creative. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Confession #5: I Love the Process
People sometimes ask which project has been my favorite. The truth is, it's rarely about the finished piece. I love the planning. The discovery of what’s under the three layers of paint. The problem solving. The moments when something starts looking worse before it suddenly starts looking better.
I love standing back at the very end thinking, "I'm glad I didn't give up halfway through." That's probably why I keep doing this.
Do I Have a DIY Problem?
Maybe. But if my biggest weakness is seeing possibility where other people see "ready for the landfill," I can live with that.
Every rescued piece teaches me something new. Every project gives me another story to share. And every makeover reminds me why I started The Redesign Habit in the first place. Because sometimes all it takes is a little imagination, a little effort, and maybe...just maybe...one more coat of spray paint.
My hubby’s most heard lie: “I'll just be a minute. You know...just to look around.”
Now, what will you do next to love where you live?
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