Kimberly Dalferes | Author

Crazy, Southern, Irish Gal, Author

Stripping Lessons

by

I’ve tackled many DIY projects throughout my 1980s colonial style house. You’ve experienced my “joys” as I’ve described my budget powder room makeover and my trash to treasure patio re-do. Hubs and I have painted almost every room, pulled up nasty green shag carpet, replaced cabinet handles and hinges, reupholstered chairs and benches, and completed a honey-do list that is varied and extensive. However, for the past 13 years we’ve chosen to ignore one particular room: the spare bathroom upstairs. Why? Because it possessed a hideous case of 1980s floral wallpaper.

the horror with text

It’s never a good idea for this Virgo gal to have down time. Two weeks ago as I faced the perfect storm of delays between contracts, coupled with being caught up on writing assignments and/or in editing lockdown, I pondered how to fill my time. I ambled into the guest bath and, seized by what must have been the demented ghost of bathrooms past, reached over and tore at a strip of peeling paper. At that moment of impulsive stupidity, I had committed to taking on this long avoided project.

These weeks of scraping, tearing, swearing, peeling, rubbing, scrubbing sanding, and stripping have, surprisingly, brought some unique insights. OK, it hasn’t been akin to reaching inner peace or connecting with my chakra. However, I discovered that there is a kind of introspection to the wallpaper removal process that offers some life lessons, stripping lessons if you will. These include:

  1. Nothing is ever as easy as you think it will be.
  2. It’s going to get worse before it gets better.
  3. Patience is a virtue.

 patience with text

4. When you scratch the surface, you might be surprised by what lies beneath.

5. Sometimes you’ll need to tear down to build up.

6. Everyone has an opinion of how something should be done.

7. There are few moments in this life as fulfilling as when you manage to remove all the wallpaper from behind a toilet.

behind the toilet with text

8. Small steps lead to big reveals.

9. A little wine always makes any task more fun.

10. Ya gotta commit to putting in some hard work, no matter how boring.

I’m happy to conclude that after patiently waiting for 13 years, the spare bathroom has now been given the updating it so desperately needed and deserved. I’d love to say I’m officially done, but there’s always the garage, and both offices, and the basement, and the laundry room … oh please let that new contract start soon!

How about you: have you ever received divine inspiration in some unique way?

Cheers,

Kimba

PS: oh, and here’ a glimpse of the new and improved bathroom. I think she’s mighty purtee…

after bathroom #1 with text

PPS: And in the interest of full disclosure, I discovered, this morning, this hiding under the sink…

found wallpaper with text

Comments

  1. I ABSOLUTELY would not have the patience to do that! In fact, I just hired a person to remove wallpaper from a house we just bought. It’s in every bathroom (4) and laundry room. I would be insane if I attempted. I’m sure there would be some introspection – but probably more #$@& instead. Congrats on your project. Looks great!

    • Yeah, I don’t think I could tackle four bathrooms. Money well spent on your part!! Oh, and congrats on the new house.

  3. You had me from the beginning!! I love the way you presented this. From one Virgo gal to another, thank you for the laugh and inspiration!!

  5. As always each of your insights is brilliant Kimba, but I’m especially fond of #7 and #9. Too funny about the surprise under the sink! I’m currently renting so DIY projects are pretty much off the radar and the 2 homes I did own were both brand new, so I must confess to being a novice when it comes to projects like this, which is probably why I have a special appreciation for stories like yours. 🙂

  8. Ha ha! Can you come over and do mine next? I bow to your competence and patience. I would have either 1) painted over the wallpaper 2) hired someone to scrape it off 3) rationalized that the wallpaper was now vintage and I was a trendsetter.

  9. I had that wallpaper too, it must have been very popular:)
    Having just finished scraping the paper off our powder room walls I can just say you are right on with your stripping tips.
    I still have to do the painting and tiling part.

  10. Ah..the perfect makeover, once again!Is that a new curtain rod also? I seem to remember the space was tight in the shower. Great job!

  15. That is a JOB. I’ve only attempted to take down wallpaper borders. My mom — God love her — is a wallpaper freak. V. old school with her interior design. You did a great job.

    • Your Om is a freak in that she love wallpaper, or is freakishly good at removing it? I hear that wallpaper is making a comeback – really?!

  17. Your bathroom’s new look is beautiful!!! Your story is inspiring, because it makes me feel like it’s never too late to jump back in and tackle an old project that’s been on the back-burner.

    ~Christina