home decor

A huge selling feature of our home was the sunroom or three-season room. When the weather is right, that room is paradise!

But, a big drawback of this southern and western-facing room is the intense sunlight at the end of the day. It was so bright (and hot) that the room became unusable. (Look at my poor pup panting in the heat! Don’t look at how dirty my windows were.)

Thank you to Graywind for sponsoring this post. All information and opinions expressed herein are my own. In addition, this post contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my disclosure policy.

With the addition of Graywind motorized shades in my sunroom, everything changed! These rechargeable, remote-controlled motorized roller shades give us the light we want (when we want it), and the shade and privacy we want and need at other times.

Plus, Graywind blinds were named among the best motorized shades by Bob Vila, so you don’t have to take my word for it! (I feel like I’m on Reading Rainbow with that line- ha!)

Whether or not you have a sunroom, I bet you have a room that gets too much light for your liking, that has hard-to-reach or extra tall windows, or that could use some extra privacy. Keep reading because you’re going to find the perfect spot for motorized shades of your own!

Motorized Shades Installation

Before finding out about Graywind’s motorized shades, I considered hanging curtains, but didn’t like how much of the view they’d block. Then I looked into having shades installed, but didn’t like the price tag.

When I discovered that I could install these motorized shades myself and save thousands of dollars, I was sold.

Plus, there were so many fabrics and styles to choose from that it was easy to pick the perfect look for my space. I chose the Graywind Motorized Light Filtering Shades in linen beige, and I the adore creamy color and beautiful texture my sunroom shades have!

Measuring was easy, thanks to Graywind’s helpful measurement guide video, and shipping was extremely fast. I received my shades two weeks after placing my order. Considering that all of Graywind’s motorized shades are custom made to fit your windows, that is very impressive!

Step One: Charge the Motorized Shades

Immediately upon removing the shades from the boxes, I plugged them in with the included USB charging cords. (Sidenote: with all of the USB devices we all have these days, I highly recommend getting a USB charging port like this! I also use it to charge my wireless under cabinet lights.)

I let the shades charge for the recommended 10-12 hours. With this amount of initial charge, the motorized shades should operate for 3-6 months (depending on frequency of use).

And don’t worry – to recharge them once hung, you do not remove them from the wall or ceiling! The included USB cords are very long and allow you to charge them right in place!

Alternatively, solar charging panels are available to allow the shades to constantly charge. Or, if you’re fancy pants, you can have them hardwired into your electrical!

Step Two: Hang the Shades

While the shades were charging, I began the installation process. I’ll admit that I was a little nervous about this. I’m not sure why, but once I got the first shade in place, all my fears went out the window. Installation was a breeze.

The shades came with all of the hanging hardware, which was brackets and wall anchors. Since I was hanging my shades from a plywood ceiling, I purchased short hollow wall anchors, but those will be unnecessary for most people.

I simply drilled pilot holes, pushed in the anchors, attached the brackets, and popped the motorized shades into place.

For the two extra-large motorized shades, I needed my husband to help me get them into place. I wasn’t strong enough to lift and position them on my own. For regular size windows, an average-size woman like me should have no problem installing Graywind shades on her own!

Step Three: Hang and Configure the Remote Control

The last step is to install the included battery in the remote and hang up the remote control holder. I am SO glad that with a dedicated spot, this remote won’t go missing like all my TV remotes – ha!

Then, you can configure the remote to control all of the installed shades (up to 15 shades!), AND you can raise and lower them all at once or individually! It is seriously awesome!

One other bonus of Graywind shades (that didn’t apply to me because I don’t have these things) is that you can also configure them to work with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Mind blown.

Is it Worth Getting Motorized Shades?

I’ll admit that before having motorized shades of my own, I thought they were a bit of a gimmick. I mean, how hard is it to close your own shades, right?

But now that I have them, I want them EVERYWHERE!

First off, roller shades on these extra tall windows would’ve been very difficult to close manually. The motorized opening and closing completely eliminates that issue.

I know motorized shades would be a lifesaver for elderly people and people with physical impairments, too.

Secondly, there is something so satisfying about seeing them all open and close at the same time (when I have that option enabled. Don’t forget, you can control Graywind shades individually, too!).

Finally, it’s actually a timesaver! I imagine that if you have a lot of windows with shades that you open and close daily, that could get tedious!

Since installing our Graywind motorized shades, my family has been spending a lot more time in the sunroom. And don’t worry – I finally got around to washing the windows, too! Ha!

Make sure to check out Graywind motorized blinds for your home by visiting Graywind’s website or Graywind’s Amazon storefront. And remember, Average But Inspired readers save 10% through July 23, 2022 with code BRE on shades purchased through Graywind’s website!

I just finished my DIY kitchen makeover, so it only makes sense that I would jump right in to another large makeover project.  Ha!  Truthfully, I am feeling the push to make over my kids’ bathroom because it’s also our guest bathroom . . . and we actually have guests coming to visit this summer!  So naturally, I want them to have a nice bathroom to use (forget my kids – lol!).

My kids’ bathroom is in pretty darn good shape, so we have no renovation plans.  It’s a little bland and worn in spots, so a makeover will do wonders for it!  I have big plans for a vintage bathroom look that flows with the rest of the house vibe, and I’m super pumped to share my modern vintage bathroom plans with you!

Current State of the Bathroom

Alright, let me take you on a little tour of the bathroom in its current form.  Please know that I did not decorate in here at all after we moved in: I just used a rug from my master bathroom at my old house, a shower curtain from my basement bath, and wall baskets left from this home’s stagers before we moved in.  So it’s kind of a random mix of stuff currently.

Not sure if you can tell, but it’s a very large bathroom.  We joke that it’s “stupid big.”  Lots of wasted space.  This is a big change from the kids’ tiny bathroom at our house in Illinois, which we renovated right before we moved.  You can see that 1920s bathroom remodel at that link.

The flooring, vanity and countertop in here are in great shape.  Lucky for us, I love the hexagon tile!  I know some think it’s a yucky relic of the 1970s, but I have always loved hexagon tile.  I even used hexagon tile as the backsplash in my old kitchen.

The bath tub was reglazed at some point and has signs of its avocado green past peeking through.

The toilet hardly functions and needs to be replaced.

Bathroom Makeover Plan of Attack

So,  my plan is to do all of the makeover myself, EXCEPT for replacing the toilet.  I will hire a plumber to do that because . . . toilet . . . eeeew.

Here’s what’s on the to-do list:

• Paint the walls (they lean too purple for my liking) (I did it! Check out the new paint and the DIY Polka Dot Accent Wall here!)
• Paint the vanity and replace the hardware
• Possibly paint the mirror
• Replace the sink faucets
• Replace the lighting
• Clean floor grout and re-seal
• Paint the tub (I did it! Click that link to see the process and how good it looks now!)
• Paint the tub faucet/hardware (This is finished! Click that link to learn how I spray painted the faucet and fixtures)
• Replace the toilet
• Decorate!

How long will this take me?  The truth is, I don’t know!  I can’t put myself on any timelines, but I hope to have it finished before August when our guests come.  (Check out the Office / Guest Room Combo Makeover I recently completed in anticipation of their arrival!)

Update: you can see the completed bathroom makeover at that link!

Modern Vintage Bathroom Design Plan

Now, it’s VERY unlike me to put together a design plan before I tackle a space.  I usually just see where things take me and design as I go along.

In this case, I was really struggling with a direction, and putting together a plan helped me get myself organized.  I didn’t have a vision for this room like I usually do with others, but seeing this all come together on a digital mood board gave me the clarity I need to make this bathroom look updated with a modern vintage feel.

So this is the direction this bathroom is heading, and I’m really excited about it!  The blue/green paint for the vanity is beautiful, and I love that it’s staying true to all of the green accents throughout my home, while bringing in some blues that I love, too.

Here are the sources for these modern vintage bathroom decor pieces, in case you’re interested (some of these are affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here):

• Matte black faucet
• Wood shower bench
• 5-light vintage vanity light
• Black dot artwork
• Vanity paint
• Machine washable vintage-look rug
• Dome ceiling fixture
• White hexagon floor tile
• Round wood wall shelf

So, there you have it!  I hope you’ll be excited to follow along as I update this bathroom over the next few months.  I’ll make sure to share updates here, as well as on Instagram and TikTok!

Our ‘new’ home has one more bedroom than at our last house, and because of that, we had no furniture for it.  It’s pretty tiny, but with some creative planning I turned it into an office and guest room combo space that easily pulls double-duty, making it a totally functional WIN for my family!  

With more of us working from home these days, we’re all looking for ways to get more mileage out of our spaces.  Using one room as both a guest room and office is a perfect way to do that!  

This post contains affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

Before the Makeover: The Extra Bedroom

I’m embarrassed to even post these photos, but of course you want to see what this now office and guest room looked like before I made it over.  The prior owners used it as a dance studio- hence the wood floors and floor-to-ceiling mirror wall.

We just threw some random things in there, and when my husband started working from home last spring, we added a desk space (and he added the dart board for his own amusement).  It was a really sad work environment!  I didn’t even like going in there.

When I decided it was time to overhaul this space, my 10 year-old daughter insisted that we paint the walls a bold color. She’s a budding designer and decided we needed something other than white. 

We sampled some deep green shades that complemented the oak trim and woodwork.  

We ended up choosing the one in the middle – Benjamin Moore’s Night Train (aka Smoky Mountain).

After: The Office and Guest Room Combo

After I painted the room over the course of a weekend, I got to work updating it (especially the mirror wall – more on that mirrored wall makeover here!), furnishing it, and decorating it.  It looks and functions like a whole new space, and I’m excited to share my tips for creating an office and guest room combo!

1. Use a daybed, murphy bed, or convertible couch for overnight guests

Since this guest room and office combination room is very small, and since we don’t have overnight guests regularly, I chose convertible chairs that easily morph from chair to bed for sleeping.

I pushed two together to create the look of a couch, and this is a lounge space that we use regularly.

These chairs unfold so easily to become twin beds, or a full bed when pushed together as I have them.  You can see just how quickly they convert in the video I uploaded as part of this post.  I will pop a foam mattress topper on there for extra comfort for guests, and I think this will work great!

If space and budget allow for it, a murphy bed is a great option for an office and guest room combo.  

Daybeds also work nicely in combination rooms, however those can be taste specific and tend to look more like beds than seating, so they may not be the look you’re going for.

2. Add window coverings for privacy

I wish I had a picture of the hilarious temporary shades my husband tacked up on the windows.  They were way too small and only fit part of the window.

Since guests will be staying in here at some point, I knew we had to get real window coverings up in the room to give guests the privacy they need.  Privacy is a must in any office and guest room combination!

I chose these cordless woven wood shades in Sarasota Camel, which are the same color as the oak trim, and then these inexpensive light-filtering curtains to add some softness and brightness.  The shades pull down easily for privacy, and the curtains can also be closed to block some of the harsh sunlight that floods in late in the day.

I hung these window treatments high (higher than the window) and wide (wider than the window), which I learned to do from reading Young House Love.  I’m so glad I did because this makes the windows look so much larger!  

3. Use a small desk for the office space

To keep guests from feeling like they’re an afterthought and sleeping in an office, use a small-scale desk instead of an overpowering one. 

Flexispot gifted me this amazing electric sit-to-stand desk, which my husband loves and which fits this office and guest room perfectly!

4. Layer the lighting for all of the room’s purposes

To ensure maximum productivity and relaxation, make sure to layer the room’s lighting.  Include task lights in the office area (like the beautiful brass task lamp I used), so that you can see what you’re doing, but choose soft white lightbulbs as opposed to harsh, bright white light.

Also have lighting available in the guest room area of the space so that visitors can relax and read in comfort.  I found this lamp at a thrift store and made it over with a can of spray paint and a new lampshade.  I love that it has a table attached to it so that guests have a spot to set their phones, water, etc.  Remember: it’s all about their comfort!

5.  Include storage for office items as well as guests’ items

Finally, make sure to have a spot (or two) to stash all the “stuff” that goes along with an office and guest room combination!

In this room I placed open shelving with lots of baskets to help contain and hide the typical office things, like printer paper, notebooks, etc. (And PS if you like the basket wall decor, check out what they used to look like in my old home!)

When guests come, I can empty or swap those baskets to give them space to put their things.  There is also a closet in this room, but if you don’t have a closet, make sure to find somewhere for guests to hang their clothes or at least set their suitcases.

With those things in mind, I really believe that you can create a guest room and office in just about any space!  (Oh, and if you do have guests coming, make sure to read my post on 5 Tips for Getting Your Bathroom Guest-Ready!)

Have you created a double-duty office space in your home?  Let me know if you have any tips to add!  And let me know what you think of my room makeover! 

Is anyone else shocked at how expensive large art is?  Of course “real” art has a hefty price tag, but even large artwork from Target isn’t cheap!  

I needed large art for a wall in my living room, and decided to save some money by doing a modern thrift store art makeover instead of buying “real” or new artwork at the store.

It was the PERFECT way to get that fancy-pants look of original artwork without the expensive price.  Love that!

I know some of you want original artwork in your homes, too, so I figured it would be helpful for me to show the process of this thrift store painting makeover.  You may be saddened to learn that you need ZERO artistic talent to pull this off.  So really, anybody can do this!

Supplies Needed for a Thrift Store Art Makeover

This post contains affiliate links.  Click to read my full disclosure policy.

• Thrifted painting – it doesn’t really even matter what it looks like!  Just find a painting on canvas and you’re good to go.
• Large-scale stencil (I used this FolkArt Delicate Lace Stencil)
• Iridescent paint
• Acrylic craft paints in desired colors
• Paintbrushes

Also, if you’re new to buying thrifted home decor, check out my blog post on 8 Home Decor Essentials to Buy at the Thrift Store.  It will really help you!

How to Give a Thrift Store Painting a Modern Makeover

Before we start, I have to reiterate that I am not an artist and certainly am not a painter!  So if you’re an artist, please don’t judge my work too harshly.  Understand that this tutorial is for people who just want to modernize a thrift store painting and not create a world-renowned work of art!

Now that I’ve got that disclaimer out of the way, let’s jump in and update this painting!

Step One: Tape Off the Frame and Place the Stencil

Because I wanted to keep the frame that came with the artwork, I taped it off to protect it from getting paint on it.

Next, I set down a lace pattern stencil in the center of the artwork.

I started with the stencil in the middle of the painting because that made the most sense to me.  I don’t think it really matters if you put the stencil elsewhere.

Step Two: Stencil Over the Painting with Iridescent Paint

My goal for this next step was to dull-down or mute the original painted image.  I didn’t want to totally cover it; I just wanted to obscure it.

To accomplish that look, I used an iridescent paint in a pearly white color.  It was a little translucent so the cityscape painting could show through a bit.

I repeated the stenciling process until the entire canvas was covered with the lace pattern.

Step Three: Blend the Painted Stencil Edges

As you can see in the photo above, there is a line where the stencil edges meet.  That doesn’t look great, so I dipped my brush in the same iridescent paint and then wiped most of it off.  Then I gently brushed at each of the stencil seams to soften that edge.

I also did this along the border of the painting and the frame.

When this part of the thrifted art makeover was complete, the painting looked like this:

It was okay, but not the exact look I was hoping for.  The underlying landscape image was still too visible for my taste, so I got back to work.

Step Four: Add Brushstrokes of Different Color

To really take this thrift store art in a modern direction, the next step was key!

Here I chose three additional acrylic paint colors to add to the canvas.  They were all in the same general color family, but different enough to stand out from the iridescent painted stencil pattern.

I added a little bit of each color to a paint brush and added lines across the canvas.

I also finished things off by painting the frame.  The original gold had a lot of dings and damage, so painting it was a good option.

The Completed Thrift Store Painting Makeover

Once I finished, I was so happy with my thrifted artwork update!

Notice how the stenciled pattern shows through in certain places, as does some of the original painted artwork on the bottom layer.

A thrift store art makeover done the way I did it lets you keep some of the original look while giving it a fresh spin!