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The Details Matter

by - Thursday, October 25, 2012

Before I get into this post, I wanted to thank all of you who participated in the survey. You were able to confirm for me some things I had been thinking in my head and also gave me insights into things I didn't know. I'll be sharing the results of the survey with you soon and I'll be making a few changes around here based on your input. Thanks again!

One of the changes I've been thinking about for a while is a blog redesign. I still really love the current design but I'm feeling it doesn't fully represent what we Rambling Renovators are all about. I've been thinking about what "that" is exactly and I think it comes down to this:

the details matter. 


At the core of it, that's really our philosophy around here. We are a couple who think about things, plan things, analyzes things. We research and consider options. And when we execute, we take time and care. We relish in the tiny details... because when you sum up all those little bits and pieces, you end up with something unexpected, uniquely yours, and memorable. The details make all the difference.

I was reminded of that when I recently stenciled Chloe's playhouse under the stairs. I had never stenciled before and thought it would be so easy and quick. Well, it was fairly easy but in no way was it quick. This little room? It took me about 12 hours to do. That's 12 hours crammed in a narrow space barely 4.5' tall.


I was barely a quarter of the way finished when I wondered if I should just stop and cut my losses. I could just paint over it and buy some vintage wallpaper on Etsy. That would be a more expensive option but also quicker and easier and likely end with more dramatic results. 

Testing out the baseboard
But I decided to plod on. As I worked on the little room, Chloe would be playing in the basement and she would occasionally come over and say "That looks so pretty Mommy! I love it". It was just the encouragement I needed to keep going.

And, finally, at the very end of it, I was happy. I was happy that the pattern turned out more muted than I thought it would be initially. I was happy that the leftover paint colours I used worked with the cushion and pillow fabrics. I was happy with the imperfections which make the nook that much more charming. And when I led Chloe eyes-closed to this little room which I had styled with a few pillows and a blanket and her favourite stuffed cow, and she squealed and lay down and pretended to sleep, I was the happiest ever.


"That took a long time, Mommy", she said. Yes it did. But I'll bet this little room and its wonky stencil and laminate floor and green and pink pillows will stay in Chloe's childhood memories even longer. The details matter.

****

Sources:
Polka dot pillow: IKEA
Floor cushion: Custom sewn by Tonic Living. Fabric Links Citrus and Hibiscus Pink
Laminate: Kamina Oak from Home Depot
Stencil: Classic A4 from Meretant

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