Number 2 in a series on how we (I) am trying to help my
husband deal with his Bipolar with ways other than traditional medicines (which
we have tried – long story there).
My paint choice and why. I had read online in my searching for ways to
help with Bipolar and Depression that colors can affect moods. So naturally the
bedroom makeover had to include a new coat of paint. But what color? Then I thought about what I
wanted in the bedroom. I wanted it to be an oasis from the world. A place where
we can close the door on everything and just be me and my husband. Relaxing and
sleeping. Sleep being a big thing, since
my husband has a very hard time getting a good night’s sleep (which effects MY
good night’s sleep). So we both wanted
the bedroom dark. We have always used black out curtains – why not darken the
walls too.
So I got onto pintrist and searched dark bedrooms. And
somehow came across the picture of this bathroom. (purple and grey) And our colors were picked. And I read on a color chart of how colors
effect moods … a purple room can calm the nerves and allow relaxation. AWESOME!
(Purple has always been a favorite of mine – it was an easy sell)
Then since the picture was two colors … I figure the best
way to replicate that and come out a bit cheaper was a simple chair rail. But here is where the research got sort of
interesting. While searching how to
install a chair rail I came across a great article about how high to place
it. Here is the quick version of what I
learned. If you follow classical design proportions (started by the Greek and Romans
in there columns) you need to split your room into 3rds. Place the chair rail
at 1/3 the height of your room. I looked
at many examples and the article was right. A chair rail at 1/3 the height of
the room WAS a more soothing and comfortable looking room. So there is your
simple trick for a more soothing room. Split it into 1/3’s!
And here is my painting adventure. Tip for painting -a good
paint job is in the prep work. Clean the walls. Take the doors down and hardware
off. Don’t try to paint around them. I have tried that before and trust me it’s
just about the same amount of time as doing it right in the first place and
looks better in the long run. Take out
the furniture – it’s easier than working around it. Cover the floor. Use
painters tape. And this is very important … buy good paint. I LOVE LOVE LOVE
Behr!!! I have tried other brands and just ended up doing more coats of paint.
So I use Kilz2 primer EVEN on Behr that says primer is included. Because I have
just found that if I do that the color is true and covers in 2 coats every
time. And I use a Shur-line edger. I don’t cut in because every time I have
tried it you can tell the difference in the places I used the brush.
And if you get in the right frame of mind … painting can be
soothing. You just stand there and do it. 1 wall at a time, and then you move
on. Let it dry and repeat. Soothing ……
#1 empty the room.
#2 protect the floor
#3 painter tape - tape it off
#4 work from the top down
#5 paint 1 wall wall and then move to the next one. I do right to left.
#6 add the trim. I painted it in the garage and then just did touch ups once installed.
#7 its the little things that make it work. vintage switch plate from eBay.
#8 Take up all prep work (floor coverings and painters tape)
#9 rehang the doors, put hardware back on
#10 add your furniture back in.
Now things next on the list to complete our bedroom makeover ....
I want to add crown molding.
Then I will make custom curtains.
Then I will make a headboard.
Then I will make the bedspread.
I will need to buy a sheet set that matches the bedspread.
I am looking for second hand furniture that will be all ours. Possibly paint it.
I am also looking for a neat electric heater fireplace. 1 for warmth in the winter and 2 watching the flame even a fake one can be relaxing.
So that is the rest of the plan ..... it will take time and effort, but I am confident it can be done.
No comments:
Post a Comment