Week 4 of the #ORC One Room Challenge and things didn't go exactly how I had planned. But can I say this week has been a week of therapy for me as an interior designer. I realize I have a little OCD when it comes to getting wood perfectly cut and measured. I never knew that about myself.
With this amazing, interesting discovery about myself as an interior designer! It's common to have personal strengths and weaknesses that affect our work, and it's great that I can recognize this attention to detail and precision as an asset in my work, but also acknowledge how it can sometimes get in the way of progress.
It's important to remember that perfectionism can be both a blessing and a curse. While it can lead to amazing results and a polished finished product, it can also cause unnecessary stress and anxiety, and potentially slow down the design process.
As an interior designer, it's important to find a balance between striving for perfection and recognizing that sometimes good is good enough. I want to try setting realistic expectations for myself and my work and recognize that small imperfections can add character and uniqueness to my designs. Additionally, seeking feedback and collaborating with others can help me gain a fresh perspective and approach design challenges from new angles. Overall, it's great that I chose to do the ORC challenge, I am reflecting on my experiences and using them as an opportunity for personal growth and improvement as an interior designer and business owner .
Here are some tips I learned when staining wood for my laundry room redesign.
Sand the wood: Use sandpaper or a sanding block to smooth out any rough spots or imperfections on the surface of the wood. Start with a coarser grit sandpaper and gradually move to a finer grit to achieve a smooth surface.
Clean the wood: Use a clean, dry cloth or a tack cloth to remove any sawdust, dirt, or debris from the surface of the wood. Any particles left on the surface can affect the finish of the stain.
Apply pre-stain conditioner (optional): For certain types of wood, like pine or birch, it can be helpful to apply a pre-stain conditioner to help the wood absorb the stain evenly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying time.
Apply the stain: Use a brush, roller, or cloth to apply the stain evenly to the surface of the wood. Work in the direction of the grain and avoid overlapping brush strokes to prevent uneven staining. Wipe off any excess stains with a clean cloth.
Allow the stain to dry: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time. It's important to allow the stain to fully dry before applying any sealant or topcoat.
Apply a sealant or topcoat (optional): Depending on the type of stain and the intended use of the finished product, you may want to apply a sealant or topcoat to protect the wood and enhance the color of the stain. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying time.
Let's go week 5
~ Wandra