DIY

11.16.2023

Create Your Own Island Escape: Add Color to Your Kitchen Island

Island escapes are something we all dream about, but you can create your own island escape (and make your dreams come true) simply by adding color to your kitchen island.

This post is a sponsored post by FrogTape. I take pride in reviewing only products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. While this post is sponsored, all the opinions are my own.

Each year, FrogTape and celebrity interior designer Taniya Nayak team up to determine the top interior design trends to inspire DIYers looking for fresh decor ideas.

The 2024 FrogTape Design Trends are:

Island Escape – Liven up your island and make it a destination spot with a fun color that stands out.
Color Splash – Paint a door and/or trim in an unexpected color that will elevate your space.
Murality – Let out your inner artist and create a one-of-a-kind mural that is uniquely you.
Wainscot Just a Minute – Add some color to a space with a painted wainscot.

I was given the Island Escape trend, and I was excited to make my white island more special.

Supplies Needed:

FrogTape
Paint Brush
Small Paint Roller
Primer
Cabinet, Door, and Trim Paint
Screwdriver
Painter’s Paper Roll
Heavy Duty Cabinet Cleaner
Paint Deglosser
Fine Grit Sandpaper

*If you are adding molding, you will need molding, miter saw, nail gun, and caulking.

Step 1: Select a fun, bold color for your kitchen island.

*If you’re planning to add decorative molding, use FrogTape to create a design on the island.

The kitchen island is a place you can have fun with a brighter color. I would suggest painting a smaller board (or boards) with the paint color and test the color near the island throughout the day as the light changes.

When selecting a color, consider all the colors surrounding the island.

Step 2: Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware

Using a screwdriver, remove the cabinet and drawer hardware and doors.

Step 3: Tape off the Kitchen Island using FrogTape

If you have wood floors, be sure to use the yellow FrogTape for delicate surfaces.

Step 4: Clean the Cabinets Doors and Island

I used a heavy duty TSP Subsitute cleaner. Be sure to wear gloves.

Step 5: Prep the Cabinets and Island for Painting

I used a paint deglosser to remove some of the finish before sanding with light-grit sandpaper.

Step 6: Use a primer on the Island and Cabinet Doors

Be sure to use a high quality primer, and you can have it tinted.

Step 7: Paint with a high quality Cabinet, Door, and Trim Paint in a Semi-Gloss or Gloss Finish.

As with high qulity primer, high quality paint is important and worth spending the extra money.

Step 8 (optional): Add decorative molding to the sides and back of the island and paint the molding.

This will require additional time. You will have to plan the design and cut the molding with a miter saw. Use a nail gun to install the molding on the kitchen island and caulk around the molding for additional adhesion and to hide any gaps. Paint the molding.

Step 9: Remove FrogTape, add hardware back, and install doors and drawers.

Using a screwdriver, put the hardware back on the doors and drawers and install the doors back on the island.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Enjoy your kitchen island as the best destination spot in your home!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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Paint

04.01.2020

How to Paint a Room

With so many of us home, it is the perfect time to tackle those projects that have been on your list forever, and it is definitely time to learn how to paint a room.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of FrogTape®. All opinions are 100% mine.

Whether you have never painted a room on your own, and or you have but you need some tips and tricks, you have come to the right place.

How To Paint a Room:

PREP

Prepping the space often takes more time than painting, but it is worth it. The more time you spend on the prep, the better your finished paint job will look. Clean surfaces and repair any defects. If you need tips for patching drywall, check out this article.

PRIME

If you are painting new drywall, primer is a must. Although a coat of primer is recommended for almost all painting projects (it is a sticky, flat paint that adheres well to the wall and provides and consistent base for topocoats), it is not always necessary. Primer tip: If you are using a darker paint color, you can have the primer tinted to match.

PAINT

PAINT FROM THE TOP DOWN. If you’re painting beyond the walls (ceiling, molding, casings, and trim), paint the ceiling first. Work from the top down: begin with the crown molding, then the walls, then paint the casement molding around the windows and doors. Finish with the baseboard molding.

PAINTING TIPS

USE PAINTER’S TAPE FOR CRISP LINES

I only use FrogTape® brand painter’s tape for my projects because IT WORKS. FrogTape® is treated with patented PaintBlock® Technology, a super-absorbent polymer that reacts with the water in latex paint and instantly gels to form a micro-barrier that seals the edges of the tape, preventing paint bleed and the need for touch-ups. The results are crisp, clean paint lines the first time and it will save you the time and hassle of fixing seeping paint.

TIPS FOR SELECTING THE BEST PAINT ROLLER

If you want more texture on your wall, choose a roller with a longer nap (3/4″), which holds more paint. Use a shorter nap roller (¼” and ½”) for the smoothest finish.

AVOID LAP MARKS

To avoid stripes, keep a wet edge by painting the full height of the wall and then moving over slightly so you can overlap the last stroke with the next.

LOADING THE PAINT BRUSH

You want as much paint on the brush as you can control without dripping. To do this, dip your brush around 1-2 inches into the paint, then tap each side of the brush against the side of the can (which knocks of the drips and forces paint into the bristles).

HOW TO PAINT BASEBOARDS ON CARPET

This is one of my favorite tips because it works so well! You can read more about it in detail HERE, but you just need a roll of FrogTape, a roll of packing tape and a wallpaper smoothing tool (or a putty knife). I recently discovered the wallpaper smoothing tool works amazing well because it is SO long.

HOW TO PAINT DOORS

Painting doors aren’t as hard as you may think, and I paint them on the hinges. You can see more on how to paint interior doors HERE, but one of my favorite tips is to use Frogtape on the hinges of the doors. Place the tape down, use an exacto knife to cut around the hinge, and removed excess tape. You will protect your door hinges from paint.

TIPS FOR PAINTING BREAKS

When taking a break, be sure to cover your paint and use a plastic bag to wrap around your roller(s) and brush(es). You can even put them in the fridge or freezer if you’re taking an extended break. Colder air prevents the paint from drying.

DOUBLE-CHECK WORK

Between coats you may need to sand off any bumps before applying the next coat – check the surface for drips, roller flecks, or other imperfections.

WHEN TO USE A SPRAYER

There are some spaces where it may be easier to use a sprayer. I used one in my bonus room, and you can read more about that HERE.

Have any other paint tips or tricks to share? Comment below!

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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Decor

06.03.2019

Library Makeover Reveal

I am so excited to be sharing my library makeover reveal with FrogTape! When FrogTape contacted me about participating in the Paintover Challenge, I was thrilled and honored. I have closely watched this challenge every year and am a huge fan of FrogTape.

However, what really motivated me was that FrogTape will gift the winner’s charity with $10,000. I know I was created to create, but sometimes sharing pretty photos of my home feels trivial. However, when I am able to use my gifts and passion for a greater cause is when it all comes full circle. If I win, my charity Second Harvest Food Bank will be able to feed 40 families for AN ENTIRE YEAR! You have the chance to help feed the needy – CLICK HERE to vote for my library!

For this space, I was given the Luxe Modern design Trend. The overall style is “modern glam and minimalist with a bold statement”. I was encouraged to mix metals and create striking and unique juxtaposition while making a bold statement.

I painted the walls an off-white and painted a gold metallic diamond pattern complete with medallions. I painted the bookshelves a moody black and added my kids silhouettes to complete the look.

Here’s a breakdown of the project supply costs:

Project Supplies totaled $207.26

Wood medallions $34.79
Gold paint $28.21
Off-white wall paint $49
Paint brushes from hardware store $19.97
Dropcloths from hardware store $20.56
Ribbon for hanging silhouettes from craft store $3.99
Bookshelf paint $50.74

My vision for the space was centered around painting the Modern Lux wall pattern and painting the bookshelves a deep black.

FrogTape’s PaintBlock technology is amazing! It keeps paint out and keeps line sharp.

Using a quality tape like FrogTape was necessary for my black bookshelves – the last thing I wanted was paint on my white ceilings and/or marble tile!

For decor, I spent most of my budget on the curtains. The elegant space was screaming for velvet curtains, and I felt they added softness to the modern wall pattern.

I also added a few busts (every library needs a bust or two), plants, curtain rods and a rug.

Here’s a breakdown of my decor costs:

Decor supplies totaled $737.07

Curtain rods $132.11
Velvet curtains $272.69
Rug $159.86
Bust planters $65.26
Plants $69.44
Mozart bust $37.71

And I am happy to report that I came in under budget with my total:

GRAND TOTAL $944.33

From now until June 14th, I would love your help! CLICK HERE to vote for my library makeover. If I win, FrogTape will donate $10,000 to one of my favorite charities, Second Harvest Food Bank. $10,000 will provide meals to 40,000 people – how amazing is that?!

Second Harvest Food Bank distributed 7.2 million pounds of food to 8 counties in central Indiana last year. Their goal is to put themselves out of business by ending hunger. You can see more about Second Harvest Food Bank by going HERE.

Want to see the tutorial for the wall treatment? GO HERE!

UPDATE: Unfortunately I didn’t win the competition, but it was an honor to participate. I was interviewed by our local tv station, and you can watch that interview HERE.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of FrogTape. All opinions are 100% mine.

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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Paint

05.27.2019

Paint Accent Walls & Bookshelves

How to paint accent walls and bookshelves with FrogTape

As I announced last week, I am participating in FrogTape’s Paintover Challenge. I was given a bucket of FrogTape and a $1000 budget to makeover a space. I’m sharing how to paint accent walls and bookshelves with FrogTape.

I am making over our home library which was previously ALL GRAY. I have always wanted a more exciting space, and I was inspired by the Luxe Modern design trend.

I began by painting the gray (and trim) walls an off-white. I used FrogTape to tape off the trim.

After the trim and walls were painted I began scheming about my wall treatment using FrogTape. I was inspired by a wall treatment I saw on a recent trip to Chicago (see more on that in this post), and I drew out a plan on grid paper.

Once I figured out a scale, I transferred the pattern with pencil onto the focal wall.

It was a little bit of a process. I first measured and drew out squares.

Once I had those in place, I created the diamonds.

I was then ready for the FrogTape. I taped a piece down the center (this piece will later be removed since it’s where I will paint).

Next, I added to strips of tape to either side and then removed the center piece.

I did this to all the lines going in the same direction and painted them.

Once dry, I removed the FrogTape.

FrogTape’s PaintBlock technology is amazing! It keeps paint out and keeps line sharp.

Once the first side was done, I repeated the entire process with the lines going the other way.

I did discover a little trick. I was using so much FrogTape, and I wanted to be sure I didn’t miss pressing any of the tape down. I ran a fine-grit sandblock over the tape to seal the tape.

The result was pretty impressive!

As in my inspiration wall treatment, I added medallions to the wall where the lines intersected.

I found these medallions on ebay for next to nothing and painted them gold.

I used my nail gun to adhere them to the wall.

I completed the wall treatment by adding organic dots along the geometric lines to soften the space.

Next up was the giant bookshelf!

I used Frog Tape to tape of the outside of the shelves as well as the ladder rung.

I used a rich matte black on the bookshelves, and it is gorgeous!

FrogTape left a perfect line and protected my marble floors and white ceiling.

FrogTape was also helpful in adding metallic paint to some accent pieces.

I can’t wait to show you the reveal next week!

UPDATE: Want to see the final reveal? GO HERE!

How to paint accent walls and bookshelves with FrogTape is a post written by me on behalf of FrogTape. All opinions are 100% mine.

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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Decor

05.20.2019

FrogTape Paintover Challenge

I am thrilled to announce that I am participating in this year’s FrogTape Paintover Challenge!

If you are not familiar with FrogTape, it is THE BEST painter’s tape on the market. You know I love paint, and I have been using FrogTape for years. It is my go-to painter’s tape for all of my projects.

There are five bloggers participating in this challenge, and we are all completing a one room makeover challenge using FrogTape and interior designer Taniya Nayak’s 2019 Design Trends.

I decided to makeover my home library. I recently replaced the carpet with tile, and I want the rest of the room to feel more stately.

Here is a before of the space:

The bookshelves are also going to get a makeover. I played it safe when I originally painted them this pale gray. I want them to be more of a focal point, so they are going to be repainted.

Each blogger was assigned to one of FrogTape’s five 2019 Design Trends, received a bucket of painting supplies and a $1,000 budget to redesign a room.

I received the design trend Luxe Modern. The matchy-matchy days of keeping one specific metal is long gone, and the hot trend for 2019 is to mix and match metals and mediums.

Luxe Modern

Colors: Bronze, Rose Gold, Matte Gold, Pewter, Iron

Patterns: Metal is incredible rigid and durable yet has the capablity to mold into any shape you desire. Geometric shapes for hardware and wall applications are what we are seeing pop up everywhere these days.

Vibe: striking unique juxtaposition bold statement

Overall Style: Modern glam and minimalist with a bold statement

When I envision Luxe Modern in my home, I plan to mix the old and new for a fun juxtaposition. I am using lots of golds with touches of silver and copper and luxurious velvet fabrics. I am mixing whites and blacks for a bold statement, and I am adding a metallic wall treatment.

I was inspired by a recent trip to the Blackwell Hotel in Chicago. I love the wall treatment in their restaurant and how the medallions rest where the lines meet.

Next week I will be sharing my progress of the space and in two weeks voting will begin! I would love your vote. If I win, FrogTape will gift one of my favorite charities (Second Harvest Food Bank) $10,000! $10,000 will provide 40,000 meals to people in need, and you can help feed them by voting for my library!

UPDATE: Want to see the final FrogTape Paintover Challenge reveal? GO HERE!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of FrogTape. All opinions are 100% mine.

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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Decor

12.04.2016

DIY Guest Room Makeover with FrogTape

This DIY guest room makeover may be my favorite yet. Our guest room was overdue for an update, and that makeover included an easy (but high impact) DIY paneled wall.

Before I share that DIY tutorial, I want to talk about my design board for this space. My first goal in designing the room was to make my guests feel pampered. I decided the best way to pamper them is with a beautiful space to rest and sleep. Here is a before photo of the guest room:

And here is an after:

While envisioning this space, I saw luxury. To me, luxury is dreamy colors (I chose a blush, gray, and gold color palette) and layers of gorgeous textures and inconsistent repetition.

I used textures of all sorts from velvets to knits to plush furs. I also softened the walls with a lighter gray (Behr’s Silver Drop) and added texture to the walls with the DIY paneled wall.

DIY GUEST ROOM MAKEOVER PANELED WALL SUPPLY LIST

1″ x 4″ x 8″ primed MDF boards
Wood Trim for top detail (also in 8 ft length)
FrogTape®
Nail Gun
Caulk
Level
Measuring Tape
Pencil
Paint Brush

This paneled wall (I already had everything but the boards and paint) cost me around $100. Because there is a door on my wall, I decided to begin the paneled wall at the top of the doorframe. I used my nail gun to install the wall, and I hit studs whenever possible (and used a level to make sure I kept everything straight).

I was only able to get 8-foot pieces in my car, so I was not able to get pieces large enough to span the full length of my wall. There would be a seam somewhere, so I decided to put mine in the center of the wall (I like symmetry).

I added the vertical boards after my horizontal boards were installed.

I kept everything evenly spaced and straight with the measuring tape and level. Once the paneling is installed, it can be caulked.

Once the caulk is dry, it is time to prep for painting.

The paneled wall and the other walls in the room were painted a pale gray (Behr’s Silver Drop). The off-white trim moldings were protected by using FrogTape® brand painter’s tape for crisp clean edges every time.

I am a huge fan of frog tape, and I love to partner with them whenever I can. It is a product I really couldn’t live without. I use it in all my painting projects!

I love this room dreamy room and hope my guests feel pampered when they visit.

All the bedding sources will be shared soon in an upcoming post.

What special things do you do to pamper your guests?

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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*This post contains affiliate links and is a sponsored post by FrogTape®. I take pride in reviewing only products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. And while this post is sponsored, all the opinions are my own.

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Paint

04.21.2015

Painted Swiss Cross Pattern

Learn how to create this painted swiss cross pattern wall. It’s a great alternative to wallpaper!

At the top of our stairs, there is a fairly large landing. The wall just seemed to be screaming for some attention…

I have been admiring all the swiss cross patterns I have seen in home decor lately, and I decided to paint swiss crosses as an accent wall.

I have painted several patterned walls with painters’ tape, and I always use FrogTape. It really keeps the lines sharp!

I began making my game plan, and I played around with FrogTape to see how large I wanted my swiss crosses to be (and how far apart I wanted them).

And then I measured the wall and sketched out my pattern.

Now, you can definitely create the swiss crosses by taping them (like I did above) and painting over them. However, I have a slight case of OCD, and I wanted my crosses to be the same size and spaced apart perfectly.

I used a level to created horizontal and vertical lines. Then I taped them.

I painted over the entire wall with Valspar’s Notre Dame.

Then I removed the vertical tape.

(Each step of the way, I discovered a cool wall pattern that I was almost tempted to keep.)

Then I removed the horizontal tape.

My daughter loved this “square pattern.” Seriously? Aren’t all these transformation fun?!

Once the tape was removed, I went through and crossed off every other intersection.

After I had crossed off the intersections I wasn’t going to use, I got to work taping off the swiss crosses.

I measured two inches on top and two inches on bottom for the top and bottom of the cross. I then taped off each cross. I painted around the crosses and painted over the intersections I didn’t want.