This style is simple and can be removed when you leave.
Creating Study or Play Space
We found ourselves trying to build a bedroom in a narrow portion of the basement. With the placement of the hot water heater and window it was impossible to avoid a narrow space.
Building a Wall to Wall Loft Bed
We made up for it with a large walk in closet and a loft bed. Now our daughter is in 7th Heaven and has loved organizing all her stuff on the book shelf and cubby wall.
Bolt Supports Into the Wall
Create a firm bed that won’t creak or move by first building a good support system. I used 1/4″ diameter bolts and ratcheted a bolt into each stud in the wall. With this being a wall-to-wall loft I was able to bolt into the walls on three sides.
Mark where each wall stud is on the wall. Hold a 2×4 up on the wall and mark on the 2×4 where each stud is located. Drill 1/4″ pilot holes where you have marked for the bolt to fit.
To get an truly flat bed, use a level when attaching 2x4s to ensure the support is horizontal.
For the large “doorway” under the bed use 2x4s as shown in the picture below, resting on vertical 2x4s.
Build Shelves Under the Loft Bed
To make the most of the space under the bed you can create deep shelves for cubbies and a book shelf.
Use a level here as well to ensure the shelves are straight. I would hold the shelf level, then measure the vertical support beam.
When finishing the shelves, paint the support boards to match the wall color. As you can see here the supports almost blend into the wall.
Place Supports Under the Bed
Putting supports under the bed also help with making a solid immovable bed. I used one 2×4 length wise and cut notches out for two 2x2s then reinforced each board with metal brackets.
The floor of the bed was made using 3/4 inch plywood.
Build Loft Railing
The railing was a little difficult since the bed was longer. I wanted it to be sturdy and withstand heavy use. First I put a bolt in each rung. I screwed the top railing in place and found it still shook a bit.
I then installed an A frame support on the end of the railing. This worked beautifully and took care of any slight movement.
Smooth Out the Finish
Next I sanded down all the joints. Then I caulked in all the screws, joints and imperfections in the wood. There were still a few problem areas so I mixed up a batch of drywall mud and applied it to the wood, let dry and sanded smooth.
Paint or Stain Loft Bed
My daughter and I decided to use white wash on the bed since the room already had some deep blues and we wanted the bed to stand out.
You can buy whitewash stain or you can make your own whitewash. I used 2 parts water to 1 part paint. The nice thing about making your own is you can use paint you already have on hand. It also made it easy to match our trim since it was the same shade.
At first it looks pretty opaque, but the paint soaks into the wood and quickly gets that beach wood look. You can also wipe part of it away with a rag if you want a lighter effect.
Add a Carpet Landing
We had left over carpet scraps that I used for a comfy loft landing. First put down the padding and secure in place with staples. Then screw the carpet into place on the underside onto the landing. Once you flip the carpet over it gives a nice carpeted edge.
Enjoy Your New Space
You’ve arrived, pull out your organization skills and use those cubbies. I plan on installing some sort of material for privacy between the railing rung. I’m thinking corrugated metal, antique rulers or plain-boring-flat wood.
What would you put in between rungs for more privacy and still have it look nice?
Well until next time, have a great day and keep creating!
There are many phases we go through to become who we are. The eternal wrestle between nature and nurture tug at our behaviors and mind. The home we grew up in, the opportunities we had and the genetics we were born with all playing a role.
But what about us? What about our choice in it all?
I may have opportunities, but choose not to take them or I may have very few opportunities, yet carve out my own path. Who is that person deep inside choosing who I become?
Living Away From Home
In my early twenties I traveled the country living in different sub-cultures, among various religious or non- religious people. I lived among poor and rich. People with many children and people who wanted no children at all.
It is interesting to see how sculpted we can become by the immediate culture that surrounds us.
However, there are also the heroing stories of those who “overcame the odds,” breaking the chains that insisted a person think or act a certain way. How can we over come? How can we have a choice?
A Social Experiment
Each time we moved I decided to share some parts of my personality and not others. It was an experiment to see how others would treat me depending on what they saw.
When I offered free hair cuts and told people I knew how to cut my own hair, I was viewed more as a high maintenance individual.
As an artist I was viewed as creative and the go to person for art related topics, but probably not reliable.
As a home renovator – I was kind of surprised by this one. I was seen as someone with a lazy husband, who had to do it myself because I couldn’t get him to do it. The truth is we were both working on it, but I happened to like power tools, which made some women nervous and suspicious.
As a full time Mental Health Professional I was seen and treated with authority. As a part time metal health paraprofessional I was treated like a warm body.
What I Learned from My Experience
What people see in us at that moment, in no way determines who we are.
The truth is, I was all of these things and cabable of becoming much more. In order for me to choose who I would become and resist the pressure to merrily be sculpted by my immediate culture, I had to keep a mental picture of who I wanted to be.
People Change
Several years ago I shared a study on social media with the words “Wow, I sure hope so.”
It stated, “Science says that we are completely different people at age 77 as opposed to age 14.”
I didn’t, and still don’t want to remain, the same person I was when I was 14. I had different outlooks on life, views of people, different goals. I’m really glad I could change and improve on that individual.
But it made some people very upset. Daniel Gilbert, the research Psychologist at Harvard University, pointed out,
“Is it really the case that we all think that development is a process that’s brought us to this particular moment in time, and now we’re pretty much done?”
From some of the comments I recieved and the arguments that ensued, it seemed some people do want to get to a point where, ‘we’re pretty much done.’
Maybe it means we can relax, because we’ve finally arrived. Or maybe it allows us to push the blame of who we are, onto someone or something else.
Taking Responsibility For Ourselves
Now I know I’m going out on a limb here and may possibly offend others, but I’m going to risk it.
In order to have the option to change and improve, we have to accept responsibility for ourselves.
This doesn’t mean that the actions of another didn’t impact our choices, they often did. It means that if we really want to overcome pain or an annoying habit, we have to put the power back into our own hands.
We have to take the first step and say, “that really hurt, I’m mad – but I want a better life than what that person or circumstance says I can have.”
In order to make a change for the better, we need to see where we want to be. We need to believe we can change. Sometimes it means we need to forgive ourselves or others.
An Epiphany : Try Even When No One’s Watching
When I was in my pre-teen years, there was an incident where I became very angry with my parents. Shocker right?
I worked hard to get good grades because it was the only way I could see to change my future. We were poor and had few opportunities. I wanted a different life. I had a reason to try.
One of my sisters struggled in school and my parents wanted her to find a reason to try as well. This particular occasion, she got a C and they took her out to eat to help motivate her and celebrate.
I had gotten all A’s if not straight A’s and received no acknowledgement. I was mad….beyond mad.
When they headed out to the restaurant, I walked down to my thinking spot and brooded. I wasn’t getting good grades to please my parents, but it would be nice if they at least cared.
After some time feeling bad for myself, I came up with a brilliant, pre-teen, passive-aggressive response – I would start failing my classes.
I would hurt them, like they hurt me. I began to get really excited, this could work, I would show them.
Then a simple thought somehow made it’s way into my angry, hormonal mind –
“You will hurt your parents, but you will hurt yourself even more.”
Shocked by the simplicity of this apparent truth, I stopped and considered my life. If I truly wanted to make it out, I had to succeed even if no one else around me cared. Even if those around me might prefer I fail.
Not saying my parents wanted me to fail. Most likely they were so focused on how to get my sister to succeed they figured I didn’t need anything and they were probably overwhelmed. I could blame my failure on them or I could change my stars, accept responsibility and succeed or at least try.
Choosing Where You’re Planted
A few years later, some youth leaders introduced this whole, “Bloom Where You’re Planted, ” theme.
I think they were trying to say, ‘Make the most of where you are now.’ But I got hung up on the word ‘Planted’ – it seemed so permanent and unchangable. I hated the theme. When I they talked about it, I felt like they were looking right at me.
From then on I did everything I could to replant my life. If I needed to be planted it was going to be where I chose.
Allowing Your Head and Your Heart to Say Their Piece
Before I married, a co-worker of mine shared her engagement story. They had met through a mutual friend and ended up dating for a while.
Then in a tone of defeat, she sighed, “… and I fell in love.”
… and, AND! Bursting inside,
I waited… Just silence.
She was going to marry this guy – because she fell in love, even though her brain was screaming not to.
Her story introduced a new concept –
It is possible to love someone you shouldn’t marry. You don’t have to do everything your heart demands. A wise choice is made with the heart and the head.
Conclusion
Hopefully these three experiences give a little insight into why I personally believe in change. I want to have power to change or I am forever at the mercy of other people or circumstances.
There is freedom in believing you can become the person you want to be.
How about you? Do you like the idea of change or do you like the idea of arriving at permanence?
– are you mad at me? I hope not. Either way I wish you the very best in every way.
A few years ago I created a Bouquet Dinner for my family on Valentine’s. It was an immediate hit. Our kids now look forward to it as soon as they see the Valentine’s decorations go up in the stores (which is like right after Christmas 😅).
The thing I love about Valentine’s Day is we don’t have to spend huge amounts of money to show others how important they are to us.
Of course businesses are often trying to convince us that a diamond bracelet or luxury cruise is the only way to show your love. We all know better. 😊 While those things are nice, real love is expressed in less complex ways.
When I feel truly loved it is because someone remembered me. My husband gives me a music mix of the very best songs from the previous year. I love it because whenever I listen to it I think of him. The CD also introduces me to the latest hits which I have to admit is needed. I quickly get behind on what’s up and coming.
Children are natural Valentine masters. They are so incredibly loving and forgiving and their cards and presents are truly from the heart.
A few of the homemade Valentine’s I’ve gotten over the years. ❤️
Last year my son was struggling with keeping his cool. His teacher used a little post it note to track expected and unexpected behavior and send it to me at the end of the day. This is probably the most beautiful way he could show his love for me at the time. All smiles and no frowns ❤️❤️.
It seemed only natural for me to make a fun, creative dinner to show my affection for my family. I make notes and everything, but this way I can feed their bellies and souls. They also never forget this tradition, their eyes light up when they see Valentine’s Dinner.
It’s exciting to “pick” what you want to eat. With such a unique way of serving dinner the whole room is jumping with excitement.
A few needed items
Flower vases to hold your bouquets
Cooking skewers
Your choice of meat, fruit /Vegitables and bread
Our Bouquet Versions
Each year we try something a little different. One year we had meatballs, smokies and bacon alternating on a skewer. Another year I tried my hand at bacon roses which I thought would be an especially tasty way to my husband’s heart.
Chocolate Covered Bacon
You could also try chocolate covered bacon – which is actually amazing. Here is the recipe and how-to here. Or make bacon roses and then dip in chocolate! I will likely be trying that this year.
Inside-out Chocolate Strawberries
If you look closely, you’ll see these chocolate strawberries have the chocolate on the inside. I found that chocolate covered strawberries were a little messy to eat. The chocolate shell would break and fall off before you could eat it with the strawberry. You’re using two hands, one to eat and one to catch the chocolate falling off.
This version you simply pour the chocolate inside the strawberry. There is often a hole inside so it makes it easy. It’s perfect to eat for little ones and I actually like it better with a chocolate core.
Pigs-in-a-Blanket
Pigs-in-a-blanket are easy to do on a stick as well. To mix it up a little, try one of these versions Cheesy Ranch or a puff pastry crust.
I also just discovered this completely easy to make Soft Pretzel recipe, which I’ll probably do this year for the Bouquet as well.
I was surprised that the Oreo’s on a stick were not a hit. I think the kids had already had so much sugar from school Valentine’s that they were ready for real food by dinner.
My amazing Valentine. He makes it easy to want to make Valentine’s Day special.
There are endless ideas to create a Bouquet meal. What would you put in an edible bouquet?
P. S.
You may be wondering if we get alone time – for an actual romantic dinner? The answer is yes, we will be going out just the two of us on the weekend.😊
Happy baking, until next time – which will likely be a home DIY!
When we bought our first home, we had a lot of dreams. One thing that I couldn’t really change though was the entrance size. It was narrow and tight and the previous owners had painted it a tan color which seemed to magnify the smallness of the space.
Here’s a poorly taken picture to magnify the awfulness of the space. 😉
Because of the floor layout, we couldn’t knock down walls and open up the entrance. One because there was a bedroom on the right and on the left a small weird partial wall which would then create a gap in the beautiful hardwood. I decided I needed to trick the eye and convince people they were seeing a larger area.
Choose the Right Paint Color and Sheen for the Space
The first plan was to lighten the room with paint. The colors you pick can make a dramatic impact on the look of a home. Warm colors do make a room feel – well warm, but they can also make it feel small. If you don’t have a lot of room to start with, warm and/or dark colors might not be the choice for you.
Dark colors, can add a dramatic effect. Add pops of contrasting color, like a large painting or wide trim in a light color, can still trick the eye into not noticing a small space. In general though, lighter colors and natural light help increase the feeling of openness.
Play with different paint sheens. Flat paint absorbes light and is good for theater or bedrooms. Eggshell, satin, semi gloss and, gloss reflect light at a range of levels and hold up to washing better the glossier it gets. Usually people use a higher sheen on trim, like satin or semigloss and a lower sheen on walls like eggshell.
I threw in some texture to lift the eyes and create a feeling of height. To accomplish this I created faux wainscoting that came slightly above 5 feet.
When you entered the home the height of the trim made you feel like there was alot of head room.
It also made the perfect height for a small hook rack for purses, jackets etc.
Use Texture to Keep the Eye Focused
I trimmed out my flat, boring accordion closet doors to create interest and pull attention away from the narrow entrance.
The trim was cut to span more than one door, creating the effect of two larger doors instead of four small ones.
Then I painted the trim, doors and walls of my new fake 🙂 wainscoting up to the top rail in a nice creamy Apple Core from Behr in a satin sheen. Above the wainscoting I picked a gray blue paint in eggshell.
Use Contrast to Pull the Eye Upward
You’ll notice I put the darker color above the light color. You would think this creates a heavy feeling making it seem small, but actually it’s the opposite.
By creating something eye catching up high, it causes you to look up and makes the room seem larger than it is.
Create a Focal Area that Might Otherwise be Ignored
Another trick is to pull your gaze through the room with a focal point.
Our home also came with a narrow kitchen surprise, surprise. We were able to knock out a partial wall to open up the kitchen a bit over the stairway, but it still needed help. I decided to add texture to my trouble wall and make it the focal point.
This was accomplished by stenciling the wall with a light gray semi-gloss over a misty darker blue/gray in eggshell.
This wall became my favorite and went above and beyond what I was hoping. Friends always commented on the wall and with it being right at the entrance from our garage it was a nice welcome home after a long day.
Use Reflection to Imitate Space
Another trick is to add a large mirror in a prominent location, over the fireplace or as a focal point of a room. It’s a great way to elongate a small space and create the effect of a larger space.
In this case the mirror looks like a window and reflects what looks like another room. Though logically we know it’s a mirror it still create a larger, spacial feeling.
A well placed mirror can also reflect natural light creating the feeling of several windows when the room may only have one.
What have you done to make a room seem larger?
Which room in your house do you want to use these tricks on?
Few things motivate me more than comfort and saving money. When we bought our 40 year old home we didn’t realize how important those two things would become.
Why We Bought an Old House
We bought an old house because we were fresh out of school and had a very small down payment. But, the home had good bones and was free of musty smells. I had checked out the utility bills of the previous owners and found the electric bill was $300 in August…
$300!!
And.. we still bought the house, we just knew we had to hit energy efficiency quick. Which the previous owners had made easy because the water heater was broken and they had stolen the fridge – did I mention it was a foreclosure?
That my friends, is how I became nuts about saving energy.
Saving energy became my ultimate challenge. Within three years we had lowered the high utility bill dramatically. It was now half, not just our original bill, half of the average home our size. We were also more comfortable because the heated or cooled air wasn’t streaming out of our house.
How We Cut the Energy Bill
First, we did all the little things found here in my Saving Energy for $10 or less. Do these first. It will help you get comfortable faster and it doesn’t cost a lot.
We Took Advantage of Energy Rebates
Here are the 5 biggest energy company rebate programs.
To find your particular rebate program ever your energy company name and “rebate program” into the search bar.
Refrigerator
We love our Whirlpool refrigerator and it’s an Energy Star. The old units use so much energy. If you have a fridge going out, upgrade to an Energy Star model. It will work better and save energy.
Thermostat
The Nest thermostats are all the rage right now and many times there is a rebate for them. So far we haven’t made the plunge because they are still pretty expensive.
However a regular programmable thermostat can still save you a good amount of money. Allowing you to automatically turn down the thermostat during hours you aren’t at home.
Energy Home Audit –
This is where I found out how much heat we were losing through our floor joists in the unfinished basement and ceiling joists in the attic. We were also reminded of how much heat we were losing through our windows. Again check out my previous post for inexpensive fixes that paid off big time.
If your energy company offers an energy audit rebate I would highly recommend them.
We Bought a High Rated Energy Star Water Heater
This made a big difference in saving us energy it was also awesome for our 6 member family. We never ran out of hot water, it was able to heat water so fast. When family was in town one summer we had 6 adults and 4 kids shower or bath back – to – back and no one had a cold shower. It was amazing. I would suggest shopping around, but this water heater is close to what we installed.
We Invested in Water Conservation
Low Flow faucets aerators and shower heads, may not look fancy, but they feel just as great. They help you get the feel of more water by aerating and spreading the water over a larger surface. They use much less water and are definitely worth investing in sooner than later.
Water Conserving toilets, I hate to admit, I didn’t even know these existed until we were forced to buy a new toilet. They are amazing and use so much less water than the original designs.
We installed a Rain Barrel (which was also a rebate) and used it for watering our garden when the summer rains had dried up.
Plant native foliage that work well with the natural water flow of the area.
Did Energy and Water Conservation Pay off financially?
Well yes. Actually a big yes.
We were careful to get quotes and decide how much time it would take us to actually save money after it had paid for its self. There were things we didn’t end up doing because we wouldn’t benefit from the investment.
We didn’t get new windows. We didn’t blow more insulation into the roof. But we did find things we could do to still improve the windows and attic without spending a fortune – refer to the previous post.
The bulk of the money we made, which ultimately paid for everything, was advertising our energy savings report when we sold. We had people coming out of the woodwork, writing us letters, begging us to chose them. We ultimately accepted an offer above asking price and well above what we paid for it.
The home also sold well because of the cosmetic updates we carefully chose. Which will have to be for another post.
I am still an avid energy and water conservationist. I’ve personally experienced the financial gain and physical comfort from a conserving home and I’ll keep doing it all my life.
What are things you have done to conserve? What would you recommend for big ticket improvements versus doing a cheaper repair?
Hi, I’m Natalie. I’m a mother of four, an artist, and a DIYer that loves to reuse, recycle, and refurbish. I like power tools and teaching others how to save money while improving their home.
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