Clark and I recently moved into a new condo and we’ve been working hard to take it from a plain builder-basic space, to a home that better reflects our style and personalities. We didn’t want to spend thousands and thousands of dollars for a huge reno, so we knew we needed to be creative in our approach! I had a vision for a wall in the dining room that was clean and simple, but I wanted something a little more interesting than a simple, painted wall. I settled on a grid created with simple trim and I was convinced we could do it ourselves! I mean, why not! Right?
This probably seems like a relatively simple project, but for two people who don’t own a single power tool (well, that’s not entirely true, we do own one drill) it might be a bit more challenging! Determined not to let our lack of power tools stop us, we developed a plan!
Here’s what we used to complete this DIY project:
- pre-primed white trim
- hammer
- 1 1/2 inch nails
- wood filler
- level
- hand saw
- miter box
- measuring tape
- sanding block or sand paper
Here’s the step-by-step instructions we followed:
- Decide on the grid pattern you want. I recommend drawing it out on paper first.
- Your first piece of trim should go along the entire length of the wall at the very top (this is assuming that you already have trim along the bottom – if you don’t have trim along the bottom, put trim there too.)Use your saw and miter box to cut to exactly the right size. Place it flush against the ceiling and use the nails and hammer to attach it to the wall.
- Next measure from the bottom of the top piece of trim to the top of the bottom piece on the far left side of the wall, and the far right side of the wall. (Did you catch all that?) Cut it to size and again, nail and hammer away! This should create a box framing the entire wall.
- Next add the vertical trim. You might need to put those math skills to good use here to figure out how far a part each piece should be. It’s totally up to you! We added 5 vertical pieces, each with a 21.5 inch space between them. Make sure you use your level here!
- Next you’ll add the horizontal pieces. We decided to create a square, rectangle, and square, which meant that we cut 2 21.5 inch pieces per vertical box.
- Once your grid is in place you’ll need to use the wood filler to fill the nail holes and any small gaps in the trim seams. Once it’s dry, sand it smooth and paint in the colour of your choice! (We used Benjamin Moore Cloud White)
Here’s our plain wall before, and the trim wall after! Such a transformation! I LOVE it!
In addition to our dining room wall, we also decided to do the small wall inside our front door. Because we don’t have a ton of storage in the condo, hooks inside the front door seemed like the best option to catch our bags and coats. We found these 3 brass and leather hooks at anthropologie, and I love how they work in the space!
Here’s a closer look at those hooks!
In the dining area we changed the light fixture, and styled the space around a Craigslist find, this ridiculously heavy, 72 inch concrete table! Our existing chairs and the bench we had in our front hallway of our old condo worked perfectly! The brass candle holders were a $2 garage sale score.
I was so rattled when I discovered that this place didn’t have a linen closet! It must have been some kind of design flaw, but there was literally nowhere to put towels and linens. Since the main bathroom was just to the right of the dining area, I thought a sideboard could work to house the extra towels.
This cabinet serves double duty. It’s the perfect place to drop our keys etc, and it works perfectly to hold all our guest towels! Also, how awesome is that 20 x 30 picture of Clark and I above the cabinet? Luke Liable is a photography genius.
There are still minor things we need to finish, but this is the front entryway and dining area of our new place! What do you think? Not bad for no power tools, right?
Now, who’s coming over for dinner?
DETAILS: Light Fixture (Anthropologie) | Brass Candle Holders (Yard Sale Find $2) | Concrete Table (Craig’s List) | Bench (HomeSense | Chairs (Home Outfitters) | Entryway hooks (Anthropologie) | Wood Cabinet (HomeSense)
Definitely coming for dinner…just not sure when😀
Condo looks great. And the ‘Linen Cupboard’ is perfect.
Perfect fit and goes so well with the ‘wood’ accents.
Thanks for the peak into ‘home sweet home’❤️
Glad we solved the “where do we put the towels” crisis 🙂 Can’t wait to have you!
We’re on our way!
Don’t joke Steph! We’ll set a place for you!
your place looks FABULOUS …I would LOVE to pop in for a coffee sometime …
I would LOVE that Renee! Let’s do that soon!
STUNNING!! What a lovely sneak peek! I thought I was looking at & reading a high-end design magazine. I’m waiting now to see your own DIY TV show! The ideas & creativity the two of you have is endless. The union of 1+1= way more than two!!! I am so happy for the both of you, & although I miss seeing you & being with you guys, your blogs, writings, & photos help. GOD is good. Love ya both. Yeah TEAM Moran!🌟🌟
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