This is how we usually think of our son James.
So we were pretty impressed and definitely surprised
when our son, at nineteen, bought a home.
We didn't buy the house.
He did.
It wasn't our plan for him.
We thought he should stay in school.
I'm learning that maybe college isn't for everyone.
He has his own plan and with his determination, work ethic, sense of humor and his extensive technical knowledge and ability his plan may just work.
(That last sentence was a shameless Mom's brag out)
His dad and I love houses and have shared a passion for renovating and building since we were married.
I'm beginning to think James has that same love.
How else do explain buying your first house at such a young age?
This blue heaven is the place he calls home.
Earlier this spring we helped him redo his bathroom.
This is the only before picture but imagine a whole room of lime green tiles.
Now I tried to sell him the idea that they were vintage and cool.
I tried to convince him to work with it.
We could come up with a workable color scheme like green and navy.
Maybe green and his favorite bright blue.
Green and brown would be good.
In the end there was no winning that argument.
I am a stubborn Norwegian and apparently so is our son.
So in the end we schlepped over to Sherwin Williams and bought a primer and a paint that works on tile.
Then he picked out this great granite color for the walls.
It really did look pretty "sweet" when we were done.
He and Mr Rosie added this cabinet/sink combo and a new faucet.
Don't even get me going on the plumbing issues.
Let's just say that the rule should be that after three trips to the hardware store looking for the right part so it won't leak,
it's time to just admit defeat
and call a plumber.
Well this past weekend I was busy painting my front door yellow and thereby probably becoming fodder for gossip amongst my neighbors.
The phone rang.
It was James.
He was asking for decorating advice.
The Heaven's opened and my heart sang.
My little guy was growing up.
He really was starting to take an interest.
His decorating style was moving beyond posters and beer bottles.
Better yet,
he values MY opinion.
This is huge.
He wanted to make some minor changes in the bedroom.
He was rearranging his wall art and buying new bedding.
I guess he thought he was getting too old for snowboard bedding.
Really? When did that happen?
I still kind of liked it.
He told me he was working with a khaki comforter he already had.
A great start.
Frugal too.
He had a black bed skirt
and black panel curtains.
This was all working in my mind.
Then he told me he had bought navy sheets.
Hmmmmm. I just didn't see it.
I suggested something like creme or even black.
He told me the high thread count he was looking at didn't come in those colors.
When did he ever learn about thread count?
Who was this in my kid's body and what did he do with my son?
We talked a bit more and he told me he was returning the navy set of sheets.
He would call me later.
He did and sent these photos from his phone.
Dark red. Good choice. It ties in with the Japanese art on the opposite wall.
I love this wall of built ins. This is the great stuff you find in this era of home.
Nicely done James.
You decorating dog you.
One more thing,
when did you learn to make your bed?
Love you,
Mom
I thought I'd link up our story of painted tile with the Power of Paint at Domestically Speaking. Jump over there for more painting inspiration.
