Road to Renovation

Six years after moving into my current home, I decided it was past due for a makeover. 

Actually, the road to renovation began in fall 2013 when I split the cost of new laminate flooring with my landlord to replace the horrible, cheap-looking, stained, curling-at-the-edges flooring that was in my kitchen and bathroom when I moved in (and God only knows how long before then). Believe me, it was ugly! In hindsight, I should have insisted that my landlord replace the flooring when I moved in, as I was told, and naively believed, he would, but mousy little me wasn't one to ask for more than I was given. 

At that time, I also hired a local handyman that I found on Facebook to resurface my Drano-destroyed bathroom sink and repaint my water-stained living room ceiling. Unfortunately, that was a waste of time and money, since this handyman turned out to be less than handy. He seemed far more concerned with getting home for dinner with his significant other, with whom he stayed in constant phone contact while "working," than with giving 100% to the hired task. As a result, the ceiling stains were still visible afterward, though slightly less so, and I was less than happy, though I paid him without complaint. 

Fast forward a year and a half to the hopeful end of a winter from hell, and to water damage (stained and leaking ceilings, bubbled and torn drywall) caused by excessive snow and ice on my roof, and I was forced to once again take action. I called my landlord last month and insisted (for once in my life, refusing to take no for an answer) that I needed a fresh coat of paint and drywall repair ASAP. Oh, and some plumbing repairs while he was at it. (Thankfully my suffering-in-silence days are over. If you want something, you need to ask for it, sooner rather than later, I've learned.) I asked and I received.

First, my bathtub and bathroom sink were unclogged in short order. (Fortunately without major pipe surgery.) Then a painter arrived, working for two full days while I was at work, sprucing up all four rooms of my apartment, rather than just the water-damaged ones. (The second lesson I learned, besides the necessity of firmly requesting what you want: When your normally tightfisted landlord agrees to open his wallet, go for broke because the opportunity might not come again during your lease...or anyone else's. And then, of course, there's lesson number three: Never again move into a fixer-upper apartment.)

While all of this was happening, I was busy, too, cleaning out closets, bookcases, cabinets, drawers, and shelves, clearing out items that I no longer needed or used or wanted in my new and improved home. In their place, I ordered a small dinette set (my first ever) that offers a comfortable place to sit when I have company (I usually eat in front of the TV, alone, so I didn't see the need for one); a wall-mounted coat rack; a new shower curtain that brightens my bathroom; a new doormat; and a new lampshade to replace the stained, bent shade that was there when I moved in (and, again, God only knows how long before then).

Soon gracing my wall: Henri Silberman's Poet's Walk

I also bought what I'm most excited about: framed artwork from eBay to adorn my freshly-painted but always-bare walls, adding life and personality (my personality). For my bedroom, women (namely Tori Amos and Stevie Nicks) who inspire me, and for my living room/home gym, future travel destinations (Paris and Central Park) alongside world and US maps. 

What took me so long? is the obvious question, and one that I've frequently asked myself since beginning this process. Why live so long in a home that not only failed to inspire me but actually depressed my spirit and kept me from inviting friends and family inside? Well, after the past few weeks, I totally understand why I embraced minimalist living: because the alternative is expensive, stressful, and time-consuming, for starters. 

But it's also rewarding. The finished product is exactly what I wanted, and my gain is more than cosmetic. I've realized through this process that my apartment isn't the only thing that has gotten a makeover. I've changed, too. I've found the confidence to ask for what I want and need, which obviously I didn't have six years ago. And I've realized that my personal happiness is well worth all of the accompanying expense, stress, and time.