Perhaps I am beginning to embrace that I am indeed a creative person. I never associated myself as a “creative” until people started pointing out my eye for home décor, event design, and photography. I’m not sure how I concluded that “creatives” must either be an artist, musician, or designer to some capacity. When I look through the pictures of my current space and my last dungeon apartment, I see evidence of pushing my creative limits. With help from a dear friend, I gave myself permission to try something new – nail art pieces and décor on the walls (my family strongly discourages holes in walls), paint different colors in every room with different themes, and purchasing a bold red futon. With no roommates for the first time, I literally had the freedom to design and decorate to my heart’s content! It was foreign and challenging, yet thoroughly fulfilling and rewarding.
Let me share with you some of the obstacles I encountered while revamping my old place. In addition to feeling a bit dark and dumpy, it was a challenging project with weird nooks and crannies.
But first, let me show you the BEFORE pictures:
[PAINT]
FEAR: Paint costs too much!
RATIONALE: Paint is the backdrop of each room. Paint has the ability to create a cold and sterile environment or a cozy and welcoming home. It’s an investment.
ACTION: I committed to a sage green (soft teagreen) for my bedroom, warm gray (hush) for my living room, and a soft white (bit of sugar) in the hallway. The bathroom was another story – I painted the bathroom bright blue (forgot the name) with a flamingo shower curtain for the win.
REVELATION: Paint is worth the investment. Imagining what kind of look and ambiance I wanted for my very own space, and seeing it come together was all worth it!
[HOLES]
FEAR: Dad especially didn’t like making holes in walls because it damages the walls. I avoid making holes like the plague.
RATIONALE: Holes in walls can always be patched with putty. If needed, they can be painted over again.
ACTION: One by one I made holes in the walls. The more holes I made, the easier it became (don’t worry – I didn’t go overboard).
REVELATION: It’s not the end of the world to have holes in walls. And boy, did it feel good to have everything on the walls and not on the floor stacked against the wall. It also feels good to have no unnecessary clutter!
[BOLD PIECES]
FEAR: What if I get tired of this? Will this work in the next place I move to? It doesn’t seem “safe.”
RATIONALE: This is a healthy experiment. Amy, play with your creativity, different themes, etc. Say you do get tired of it AND it won’t work in the next place, sell it! Everything is replaceable. It’ll force you to redesign the place, which is both challenging and fun! EMBRACE IT!
ACTION: Observed my color walls, my current furniture and decor, and brainstormed on how to brighten up the room. I decided to GO BOLD OR GO HOME! I searched on Offerup, Craigslist, LetGo, you name it, until I found a modern-looking red futon for $50. The price was right with the perfect rich shade of red. I purchased the most darling vintage-looking bright yellow curtains at FULL PRICE. It was my biggest purchase, and I totally don’t regret it. They’re my favorite, and they’re coming with me no matter where I move. ♥
REVELATION: I HAD SO MUCH FUN. The bright, the bold, the character. I broke out from being safe and into a free space of self-expression through my decor. SO MUCH FUN!
Now here are the AFTER pictures:
I’m glad I faced the challenge to revamp my humble abode. It allowed me to explore and create something that I absolutely felt proud of and represented me well (which I am also figuring out). I am happy to say I made progress in overcoming “staying safe” by taking risks with the holes in walls and my bold choices, overcoming the fear of spending money (especially on myself), and overcoming the limiting mindsets that paralyze me from discovering and expressing who I am to the rest of the world.
I am forever thankful to my friend who saw the creative side of me and challenged me to dream big. I am forever thankful for a God who designed me so uniquely as he is waiting for me to discover every facet with which he’s created me.
Step by step.
Day by day.
Hand in hand.
This is how Father God wants us to walk with Him. Doesn’t that sound like a fun adventure? He wants you to join in with Him. Are you an artist? Meet the master artist who paints the skies with his hands. Are you a project manager? Meet the creator who orchestrated the creation of night and day, land and water, vegetation and animals, and even us humans. Let’s learn from Him and walk with Him. He loves it when we do. Seriously, I had the most ridiculously fun experience doing this project together with Him! We spent many hours dreaming together and perusing the aisles at Home Depot. With His help I was able to make a space that was a warm, fun, bright, and welcoming. I love how hands-on He is. ♥
Step by step.
Day by day.
Hand in hand.
