When it rains… it’s time to DIY! A DIY accent wall, that is.

Many of you know my recent new move and journey have been related to the weather in many facets. If inclement weather, I work inside. If gorgeously sunny and dry, outside I go!

Since the last weekend predicted not just rain, but storms, I decide to head back to my family room remodel and knock out as much as time affords me.

Here’s where I left off three months ago in late spring.

Yeah, fun to look at all summer, eh?

With storms rolling in, I decide to put my efforts back inside my home.

However, do take a peek at my summer work in these recent posts:

• Backyard official beginning
• Installing my French drain
• Felling the rotted trees
• Clearing the terrace
• Building my stone retaining wall
• DIY slope stairs
• DIY fire pit
• Free hammock stand build plans
• Free lean-to shed plans
• When to stain pressure treated wood

So, you can see I’ve kept pretty busy since moving in less than 10 months ago. What is more, here are the posts showing my previous work on my family room remodel:

• Family Room Demolition Begins
• Family Room Lighting
• Hide Wiring in Open Ceiling
• DIY Open Staircase
• Open Staircase Update
• Family Room Update
• Wall to Ceiling Transition
• Paint an Open Beam Ceiling

whew!

And that doesn’t count all the other projects in this house and more.

Okay, as a glutton for sweat equity stands before you, let’s get this remodel back in the active phase, shall we?

BACK IN THE SADDLE

Okay, so you can see that it’s time the walls get much-needed love. That begins with me finishing the drywall mudding after removing the drop-ceiling and panels on the walls.

If you recall, when I built my son’s bedroom (first project in this home) I find I’m not a huge fan of drywall. ahem

That means I have been dreading the sanding part of finishing these walls.

The mudding part is… meh. But the mess from sanding is totally unfun.

Here’s the result of me spending most of an entire day taping and mudding. Then, it needs to cure until next day.

I mention in my vlog below that I knew I was running out of topping joint compound, so I head to the store.

After that, I pull an executive decision to make a major change that I actually am hoping would come to fruition.

Texture it is!! As someone with European background, I’ve always been drawn to certain styles. This time, I’m making it happen for me.

yippee!!

First, I use the TJC (topping joint compound) to make layers. AND THAT MEANS NO SANDING!

Then, while that cures, I set to start my DIY accent wall on the new drywall at the end of the room.

But first… I do have to sand this wall. grrr…

Here’s my setup to prevent a headache later on.

JUST KEEP ROLLIN’

As if my traps, shoulders, and hands aren’t tired already, it’s time to paint. All the work has paid off, and I can see the end!!

I’m using the same creamy white color I used in my entry, called White Veil in eggshell finish.

I’ll give bonus points to those that know what I use to cover my roller and pan while waiting for first coat to cure. (answer is in my vlog)

Waiting for the paint to cure is the hard part.

But that can mean that leaves time to have at another part of the room.

DIY ACCENT WALL

Last but not least, it’s time to create this accent wall.

Why an accent wall? This gives an opportunity to create dimension in an otherwise boxy room, add style and a bit of color (as my space is pretty dark).

While you can do anything to create an accent, I’m choosing to use the scrap wood from framing my staircase openings.

Thankfully, I didn’t burn them and still have them in the rafters of my garage (see vlog).

First, I add the baseboard to my wall so I can have accurate measurements. Keep in mind your own baseboard depth. Mine is ¾”, so my strips are ¾” wide and no greater in depth than that (my scraps are ½”).

Then, I find center and measure out 1 ½” from center each way creating a 3″ gap between my twelve strips. That also means the strip sections are 22″ apart. Feel free to adjust that spacing for your own needs.

Once, I have all the marks in place, I cut the strips to length and attach to the wall using my nailer and 1 ½” brad nails. However, since these strips are thin, make sure to attach at the center, then use a level to assure straight lines on top and bottom.

Once you have your trim pieces attached, use spackling or wood filler to fill nail holes and sand smooth. I didn’t feel the need to caulk the strips, but you can do that if your walls need it.

OOH… BLUE

And we get to paint again… WOOT!

This time, I’m using Norwegian Blue and the same Pure Earth I use in my DIY arched wainscoting tutorial. I want to bring a soothing vibe to this space and tie in my repurposed door mirror as well as other pieces I already have.

Finally, after waiting the summer months to get back into my family room remodel project, it’s time to see a new chapter.

FAMILY ROOM CONTINUES

The paint really creates an entirely different feel from the before when I moved in. (see link above)

No more drop ceiling, no more only two wall sconces for light (I installed eight instead), no more faux wood panels, and an open staircase that still needs finishing.

And how about that DIY accent wall? eep!

And even more, I adore the texture on the other walls.

As you can tell, there’s still much more to do, so be sure be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to join the family and get updated alerts.

And… pin and share to inspire others too!

Until next time!

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While you’re at it, here is more like this DIY accent wall project: