Everything That Has Gone WRONG During My House Renovations

[@erin9868]

For future projects if you are using multiple cans of stain, don't test them! Get an empty metal can and dump all the stains together and mix them in one big batch so you know that every single one is absolutely identical. If you just visually match them, they might not actually match when viewed under different light or on different types of word or, worst of all, after you seal them. One giant can eliminates any variables.

[@thethriftyfawn]

Oh my goodness, that is a BRILLIANT recommendation!!! Thank you so much for sharing this

[@thiadesg]

I don't know if they do it for stains, but for yarn it is always recommended to pick yarn from the same lot, to ensure they are exactly the same color. I don't have a can of stain on hands or I would check it for a lot number, or date of production, etc.

[@jenniferadam2258]

Yes! This is the advice I was given years ago and I have always followed it for any paint or stain.

[@bythewater1963]

Exactly what I came to the comments to say haha, great advice

[@winterrenes1249]

That's brilliant, I didn't think of that, thank you 😊

[@123bandgeek]

I run a hardware store, and honestly it's kind of nice and fun seeing our regulars come in multiple times for things they forgot. Even the professional tradesmen who visit us make second trips often. Its nice sort of vicariously living through people projects and seeing the progress unfold. With certain types of projects its just inevitable and a hassle, but we never judge people for it

[@ArielBissett]

Haha I love this! Thankfully I love the people at my hardware store and I show them pictures of what I’m working on and ask them lots of questions. They’re in on the adventures!

[@thethriftyfawn]

That is SO SWEET... your store sounds like a wonderful place that ANY community would be delighted to have access to!

[@SaraSmiles29]

I always wonder if the people in the hardware store remember me coming in again 😅

[@123bandgeek]

@SaraSmiles29 if it's a smaller store we definitely do ^^ especially the more difficult or unusual the project is

[@ericrabinowitz6390]

When I die and go to heaven, it's going to be a Hardware Store!

[@Brie.W]

As someone a year and a half into reno'ing a 40's place, and we have replaced a lot of the guts (and skull) of the house, and haven't even gotten to really work on the aesthetics of the inside of the house, I deeply, deeply appreciate you and your candid videos on this, and very much enjoy living through you vicariously as you do your place.

[@CallMeKells89]

Same

[@L0U1SE]

Yes for sure, you are very real about it but you continue to smile through the tears 😂

[@donschamun273]

I work with professional contractors and all the problems that unpleasantly surprised you also happen to them. Mismatched batches, expired product, color on the swatch not matching color on the surface, old coating not bonding to the new. It's not if it will happen, it's when and how you adapt. And you adapted magnificently.

[@aaardie]

I never really comment on youtube, but Ariel this video was fantastic. I’ve been renovating a 1969 airstream with my partner and it seems like every step forward sets us two steps back. Watching you renovate your home has helped me stay motivated, but this honesty and discussion of mental health when things go so SO not to plan was exactly what i needed to see. Thank you. We’re not professionals, we’re just doing our best out here!

[@ArielBissett]

Oh how COOL! Every time I see an airstream I’m like 😍😍😍😍 I believe in you guys! One step at a time we’ll get there!

[@aaardie]

@@ArielBissett Thanks so much!! Sending you good luck on your next reno project ✨✨✨

[@heatherg754]

Ariel, this is literally every project my husband and I have ever done in 33 years of marriage. We now rate projects at the end by how many trips to the hardware store we had to make. Just keep on trucking, girl! You’re doing great and your house just gets lovelier all the time.

[@ohjoannabanana]

Ditto. My husband and I always joke about how many trips we make to Home Depot and Lowes for every project we do. The television remodeling shows never show that part of the process, and give a false impression that you can remodel a room in one weekend.

[@thethriftyfawn]

Myself and my best friend help each other with projects at our houses and always go to the hardware store together. It's always funny when we go and buy stuff, then sometimes return the next day to buy something else, and it's the same person serving us who says "YOU again!" when we return! 😂

[@hiloglenn]

As a self-employed handyman, I concur, Frustration management is one of the most important skills in undertaking projects. Mistakes are valuable because they help to educate as well as help to refine the vision of the project. Knowing when to walk away and come back another day is also a good skill to have. Good work,Ariel, i love your videos,

[@wrustria]

Renovating is single handedly the most satisfying fulfilling thing while also being the most soul sucking frustrating experience ever😭.

[@emmalawson5931]

You should eventually turn the scary upstairs room into a library. If you fitted it out with cool shelves and a cozy nook that would be perfect!

[@MicD123]

Idea! Paint book spines on the risers of the hallway stairs!

[@marzi6123]

Not sure if this would help at all with feeling pressure to have a "finished product" or needing a simple video out for revenue, but i would enjoy half baked videos just as much, so we can see baby steps of progress in real time over a few different projects. So impressed with how far you've come and your fortitude and perseverance. This was such a great and realistic video ❤. Also, you hair looks FABULOUS like this!

[@bijoubijou7500]

Thank you, Ariel, for your honesty and transparency and your mom's suggestion that you record the video. It is so easy to become frustrated and temporarily defeated, but I continue trying to make small steps toward progress for the place that I call home. Patience, laughter, and grace are the necessary attributes for all homeowners.

[@ArielBissett]

It’s all small steps! It all adds up!

[@belorama8]

What a lovely enjoyable reality check 😂

[@GustavMorgan-mf3it]

Another low stress video idea, you could show us online "window shopping" of home decor or Facebook market place.

[@peggynorton5145]

We all need to help you $$ by rewatching all your videos. Also do a live show while ripping the kitchen apart..donations during lives help out too!!

[@lordofgraphite]

Yes. Genius idea. ❤

[@samanthaa.6055]

Love this❤

[@ginasmitasin479]

I have it going on my tv and on my I-pad at the same time.

[@northwoodfalls1403]

The running joke in every DIY house renovation channel is that the hardware store is their second home, that they could navigate the aisles blindfolded at this point. You’re not doing anything wrong at all lol. I so appreciate your vulnerability and honesty in this video, Ariel. I’ve done my fair share of renovations on a limited budget with limited skills and sometimes I watch renovation videos and think, “Well, I guess I’m just not as psychologically robust as them because I have never done a project without a few moments of utter despair and frustration but they seem to be gliding through it effortlessly and cheerfully.” But that just cannot be the case. There’s a reason why moving is cited as the most stressful event next to a death in the family and I think major renovations has to be up there. It’s such a disruption, it costs so much in time, money, and effort ….. You’re doing an amazing job with your home. It’s beautiful, personal, and inviting. Owning a home is a never ending list of “to do” projects. Once you get “done” it’s time to start all over again with repairs, updates, etc. But the confidence, skills, and perspective grow as well, so it does get easier. And it’s deeply satisfying to make it into a nest where your heart and soul can come to rest ❤

[@hailbee222]

My husband and I were supposed to buy his grandparents house, but decided against it. They've been the only ones to live there since it was built in 1956, and it showed...We realized it was not worth the stress of having to work full time, come home, and renovate every single room in the house for probably the next 2-3 years. It would have ruined our mental health for sure, and we didn't even really LIKE the house in the first place. I applaud your resilience Ariel, it is not for the faint of heart!

[@SJP43]

Your mom is brilliant! It’s the whole point of YT to see the hiccups in real time. This whole edited perfect outcome is something we can see on HGTV. We want to know that we can do it too. So all the mistakes, running back and forth to the hardware store, the picking of paint color etc. is exactly what we want to see!

[@frostedjosieos3193]

I’ve always been infected by the I-can-make-that gene. Mine primarily rotates around fiber arts, but I work in theatre, so I’ve also dabbled in construction DIYs. My recent motto I’ve developed based on all my adventures is “it’s not that deep.” I’ve always been a perfectionist, I’m very particular, I set myself unnecessary parameters, and often expect myself to do something well the first time I try. This has made me extremely emotionally fraught, and I realized that almost every time, I am the only one who cares. It is unhealthy for me to care about messing up something anything less than life-changing, so I just don’t do it anymore. Certainly harder to apply this motto than it is to say it, and it’s taken some time, but I’m more sane for it.

[@ah649]

The hardest I cried was when my shower stopped working while I was in it. The need for mental fortitude you described is so real!!!

[@BunnyLang]

I feel your pain, woman. My house is a 1932, small farm house. When I bought it the bathroom floor was almost half gone, the toilet--forget it, my son put biohazard tape on the door way so no one would go in. I had to be the brave one. So much money went into this house just to make it livable, I had to forgo the air conditioning and heating for two years. I I've totally made mistakes with paint colors and had huge swatches on my walls for a long time, too, lol. This year I retiled the kitchen counter for the first time and used these dime sized white circle sheets, they're adorable, but I don't think they're for kitchen counters, the grout gets so dirty, ugh, I think they were meant for bathroom walls, lol. Stay Strong, life has its ups, downs and its ins and outs. I find sometimes if I just do something fun like decorating with a new chair, or new art, I get motivated to do the harder work. All the best!

[@mosha3007]

When using multiple cans of stain or paint I find it helpful to mix them all together in a 5 gallon bucket, that way the color is consistent throughout.

[@angiemcdermid4845]

I feel if your kitchen takes 10-12 videos to complete, we all win. Breaking down a task into little steps is good modelling for mental health

[@samiansley5740]

Fortitude, persistence, tenacity, these are the muscles of our character. We are cheering for you!

[@smarterthanawaffle]

forgetting the pain of renovation is like forgetting the pain of childbirth. 😂 your house is very unique. for paint color choices, may I recommend painting a large piece of white poster board to check to see if you like the paint color first?

[@MellieMcK]

Ah, the struggles of an old house. Our house was built in the 1920s and all we do is constantly fix things lol the people that lived here before replaced broken things with cheap alternatives 😂 already replaced the roof, the boiler, the driveway, the floors & staircase

[@dingalingdongly]

We have a 1910's and I am learning Soooooooo much. Our realtor noted some 'farm fixes' that we will eventually get to getting a better solution, but they work for now 😅

[@lolabecool7923]

I loved the transparency in this; so often when we’re taking on any new endeavor we think we’re the only ones making these “dumb” mistakes when they’re not dumb at all. We all make them and we can all learn something from them, big or small. Even the professionals made these mistakes at one point and it just make them better at their job. Thank you for posting this 💜

[@katelynfields2345]

This is exactly the video I need right now! Staining is the bane of my existence and I keep ordering stuff that doesn't fit/work out the way I envision it 😆

[@bijoubijou7500]

Same! I get so frustrated with myself, and then I remember that I am approaching tasks as a single, first-time homeowner. Grace...

[@AsiaOKK]

Ariel, I think I can speak for most of us when I say we love to learn along with you! 💚💚💚 Your health and happiness are a priority! And, in saying that, I love videos about the ongoing stages of a project without a start and stop points. In fact, some of my favorite KZbinrs just take us along for the long ride... and every once in a while do an overview video showing progress with before and afters... 💚💚💚

[@cypriennezed5640]

Your mom is one smart cookie.

[@erinmaclean5064]

If you don't have a project to film, these little chats are nice as well. Little life/house updates. When I follow a channel, I have to like the host as well as the project. So I'm here for your delightful personality just as much as the amazing old house. Never feel nervous to post a shorter video just updating us all on whats happening and how the plans have changed

[@conniechuha3113]

OMG! The hardware store! 😂that's me. Last weekend the lady at the cash register just randomly applied a $5 off coupon. She is my best friend.😂😂😂😂

[@ArielBissett]

Hahahaha I love that. I’ve become good friends with my hardware store staff too 😅

[@lilybee_]

Paint is such a struggle. I painted a bathroom a "beautiful" blue color I saw on pinterest. It was hideous in our house. I went and picked a light seafoam and ended up loving it. As I was admiring the room I realized the paint was the exact same color as our master bath I painted a year earlier. Lol. Ever since, I stick to what I know I love.

[@erikar694]

Ariel, I don’t know that you’ll ever see this but, I have wanted to say this: I started watching your house videos in a time of my life when me and my partner were looking to buy a house. Months & months went by and nothing had changed about our living situation and it felt like we were stuck. Meanwhile, my mental health was declining because of how unhappy I was in our apartment. I went into a pretty deep depression for me and during that, I found comfort in your videos. The days of laying in bed, watching your videos and snacking on seaweeds snacks, live vividly in my mind. As a creative, your use of colors and creativity with personalizing your home began inspiring me again and I started playing with color again and you planted little seeds of joy back into my life again. I’m happy to report we’re in a new house now and I finally feel like we are home and I want to thank you for your videos during that time. I still very much enjoy your videos, but hearing your “behind the scenes”- if you will- in this and your “Tidying & Resetting for Spring” video really resonated with me. Mental health can be so invisible and I can only hope that your videos, the production behind them, the work and stress of renovating your home, is seen and not taken for granted from your viewers. Please take your much deserved rest when needed and we will be here happy to greet you when you are ready. I wish and send nothing but happiness your way and a big hug for being there for me when you didn’t know you were, and for you, when maybe you need a hug too. 🩷

[@susanmei9980]

Your experience so resonates with me. I’ve been looking for a new place for 6 1/2 years. My apartment keeps flooding; even hvg sewage back up through the floor drains and shower drain! I’ve spent 3 months (2 times) in a hotel while they rehabbed my apt (which was brand new when I moved in) once during Covid. The housing market went into chaos, and it’s still there! I live in upstate NY; ppl came out of NYC in droves to buy up all the “cheap” real estate (compared to NYC) once they learned they cd work from anywhere. It feels so unfair and it’s depressing. I keep putting offers in, but they are always over shot by others who are desperate; that is when I can find a house that’s not FULL OF MOLD! 99% of houses on the market are FULL OF MOLD! (I’m highly sensitive to mold, so I can t live in those!) The smart ppl, who hv good houses, are staying put! My stuff is all packed up in boxes and it looks like a warehouse in here. They moved my stuff, and jammed it all into another room, helter skelter, when I was at the hotel. I’m not in good health, don’t hv much energy, and I can’t find anything. Every time I start to get reorganized, there’s another flood. I feel like what’s the use. It’s just gonna happen again. It’s enough to suck the life right out of a person. 😢😭😩😬 All that being said, I’m glad you finally found a place and I hope things are going better and it turns out to be a good investment. 🌷

[@erikar694]

@@susanmei9980 I am so sorry about your experience and what you’ve gone through. It sounds incredibly stressful 🥺 your feelings are valid. I hope that you find your home soon and good things come to you in the near future.

[@susanmei9980]

@@erikar694 thank you! 🤗🌷

[@albiesspace]

This made me think of how a lot of the quirks that I absolutely love about my grandparents' house are things that have gone wrong. Like all the marks on the floor that show even when you re-paint them, mismatched kitchen cupboards, slightly wonky stairs, that sort of things. All of them kinda have a story (and I might be a part of the story of the marks on the floor, oops). You can see the marks of the people who made everything and the people who lived in the house. Your house seems to have a lot of that sort of charm.

[@gregorynick6725]

You should consider converting that attic or what you called it “creepy room” a library. Create floor to ceiling shelves for all your books

[@alexiscardenas9147]

Staining my room furniture took a full year because the paint got messed up, I didn’t have time and energy to handle it. So the fact you have continued your renovations for so long is really amazing!

[@kata3827]

One thing that would reduce your stress would be to post videos about the progress on a project. I think it would be great for us viewers as well to see more of the process than when there is a half hour episode of the whole thing crammed in. It would give more realistic viewpoint and I`m sure there are more people like me who like to see the mundane tasks getting done and not just the end results 😊

[@rosiea9520]

watching this to calm down from a multi-hour bathroom reno breakdown. impeccable timing

[@Victoria-dh9vb]

I think a fun low stakes video idea, (for the times you don't feel up to completing a projects), would be to film shopping in some second hand stores. There's always interesting things, and if you find any good deals or things you might need around the house, that's a bonus. I also like the idea of having a chat while feeding the ducks. Who doesn't like ducks? Doing something artsy could be a fun break from house stuff as well. Maybe painting or modeling clay? Oooooh make and fly a kite?

The mental health stuff is SO REAL. It's so frustrating to feel like you just can't drag yourself to your projects. And running a business, which you're also doing, obviously, takes an equal amount of mental fortitude. Thanks for being so real!

[@FrogeniusW.G.]

Don't worry about the discoloured floor in the coastal room! If it bothers you, you won't have to sand and restain it, you can just remove the carpet and then the area will keep up and darken like the rest. ☺️

[@ChristieScott-q5i]

My dream has been to own an old house in New Hampshire. 8 years ago we bought a greek revival (1847) farmhouse in about the same condition as your place. This is a great video! Really enjoy following you. We got 90% of the way through a massive 2 year project and just couldn't do any more. We were exhausted and burnt out and needed a break. I am a painter and art teacher and did just those two things for a few months. I am the primary house renovator. My husband has a less flexible work schedule. He still isn't really ready to get back into house projects. I am doing what I call "chunking" I decide on a small project and chunk through it. Never more than 3 or 4 hours right now every few days. The last one was mudding, taping, priming and painting a hall ceiling. I want my enthusiasm for old house restoration back. I think this is a way to manage what needs to get done while increasing my sense of accomplishment and excitement for the next thing, whatever that might be. You are smart to pace yourself. Have you decided on a plan for your kitchen? I would love to see a video of you just chatting about how you are thinking about the renovation. No tools required!

[@K_1019.]

New video idea: you should do a title / deed search of the house and find out more ab the home's history!

[@jennifergraham3752]

Thank you for this video! It is refreshing to see someone on social media talk through the things that have gone wrong and the anxiety that renovations can cause. Renovating is stressful in and of itself and I can’t imagine also dealing with the added pressure of filming it and meeting those deadlines. 😮. I also appreciate that you mentioned that paint and stain are expensive. Many decorating videos say how it is such an inexpensive upgrade. Of course, in comparison to ripping out walls or replacing floors it is cheaper but hundreds of dollars in paint is not something one wants to mess up! You are doing a beautiful job and I look forward to watching more videos.

[@_sarathedreamer]

It’s such a funny coincidence that you’re posting this video today and talking about the stain because I stained my bookshelves last year (inspired by you hehe) and I went to add more shelves to them this week and realized that the stain has changed DRASTICALLY because of the sun 😂 so I guess we’re in the same predicament 😌❤️ also sending you the biggest hug!!!

[@katymerk1750]

This video was so refreshing!I was honestly a bit intimidated by your videos because they all seemed so seamless and flawless as you just transformed the house room by room. I would certainly appreciate seeing more "behind the scenes" or process-oriented videos rather than just "before-after" style videos. And it sounds like that may take some of the pressure off for you too! Thanks to your mom for the suggestion and to you for making another lovely video!

[@lizregan1949]

DYI is always a learning experience. The floors are beautiful in the dining room. It's one of the worst things is to find a picture of something you love, try it, and it doesn't work out. We have all been there.

[@bookbong]

I am a new homeowner of an old house that needs some work and I really appreciate this video. I constantly beat myself up because I get discouraged easily with projects even as small as shelving! You gave me some perspective that these things happen to everyone!!

[@MS-yh5lf]

It is not only when stuff goes wrong that is nerve-wraking, but just the fact that there is SO much decision making involved... That alone is really stressful for me, and I've been tackling a much more tame and easy renovation with my appartment. So mad props to you for having the courage and will power to carry such a massive renovation through, while also making content for us all. One day you'll look back and you will know all of it was worth it. ♥

[@busy_isy]

Thank you for making this video! I'm about to buy a house and plan to do as much as I can on my own. Hearing someone talk about the hard parts of home renovation is reassuring and refreshing.

[@reminiscentoss681]

Your hair looks FABULOUS in a high ponytail! The volume and curls are beautiful.

[@messengerofgoodnews]

For someone who has no interest in renovating a house and has obviously never done it before this video was by far my favorite of yours Ariel because it allows perfectionist like myself to remember that things go wrong and it's okay in nearly every other area of your life as well. This I can apply to projects that I take on with the children that I teach I can also apply it to things that I might do in terms of when I choose the apartment I live in it can apply to so many aspects of life in general that I really really really appreciate you being open and honest about the process because to be honest I never thought anything went wrong for you when you did all of these things and I think that sets us up for failure when we are comparing in that way. So from one perfectionist to another and it's not a bad word thank you thank you thank you thank you!!! 🙏 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@MiriamPendleton]

Hi Ariel, we built our house ourselves and multiple trips to the hardware store in the same day is just part of the territory especially the plumbing. The hardware store people know us really well! Also if you take the rugs off your wood floors, they will change and end up matching the parts that were exposed to sun from the git go. We didn't use stain on ours so maybe you might have a different outcome, but I kind of doubt it. We have really come a long way and are HIRING the pros to refinish the original floors in the first 24 X 24 foot structure! Amazing! Spent the last few days getting everything out those rooms and are so grateful that we don't have to now refinish. The DYI is exhausting so take care of yourself and allow yourself some fun. And you are the only person who notices all those mistakes - everyone else is super impressed!

[@deepersoul689]

a book shelf extension that goes around the fireplace and up and connecting to the old one would look so good!

[@shyman5736]

Your channel has been such a safe space and really makes me look forward to owning and upgrading my own home one day. Also I think a pretty runner rug would look beautiful on those stairs and would solve the chipping problem haha

[@chispitablanca]

This is incredibly relatable. I’ve had so many moments of frustration and outright breakdowns while renovating my house. Soooooo many.

[@covergirlbooks]

Ariel! I’m so glad your mom gave you this content idea! I’m sure you just made soooo many new homeowners feel less alone. I’m still renting, but your videos make me look forward to filling a house with my books, picking paint colors, and being patient and creative with renovations. 🤗

[@TerminalThiccness]

Ahhhh yes. I now realize that tears are a mandatory part of any home reno project. I STILL haven't finished the doorway transitions for the areas I put new flooring down because every time I try, something fluffing goes wrong and I just lose it. So many tears of frustration have gone into this already, I just don't have any in me right now. :D

[@kimberlypugh50]

This is so great. I love the inclusion of missteps and stresses. It's so easy to watch reno or crafting videos and feel like the only person struggling. So nice to have some transparency on the ups and downs. Also a great reminder that desperately trying to complete something when you're too hungry or too tired is always going to make things seem worse than they are

[@armorclasshero2103]

It's always good protocol to combine the cans of paint or stain and mix them thoroughly when you know you'll be using more than 1.

[@rosea570]

My first reno was a Victorian terraced house. It took 4 years to get about two thirds of the way through before we moved house... only to start all over again in our 1930s bungalow. Despite the emotional turmoil of starting all over again, I feel that we have learned alot from the last house and we're being much more considered with this one. If nothing else it's been character-building!

[@debbiel7736]

I live in Florida and the first thing I did was to put UV film on the windows to protect the walls, floors, furniture and curtains. It is a do it yourself job.

[@amy83079]

I’ve been reading the comments here and they’re so inspirational 😊 When I’m stressed about my house, I’m going to re-read these comments. Or, better yet, frame some. Thanks everyone 🙏

[@hanul0]

Every time i'm starting a makeover i'm telling my boyfriend "You know that we won't finish it on time? You know that something will go wrong? I'm wondering what it will be this time" and it makes going through every fail easy. Because as we starting we already know that something will go wrong and it's so funny when it happens again... :D Ariel You are my favourite person here! I keep my fingers crossed for You. And I absolutely looove Your entryway. I think it's my favourite space so far :D

[@margaretmarks6685]

Yes! Renovation has it's challenges! Im glad you can vent! 😊 a tip for any time you're using more than one container of paint or stain. Keep an empty contractor's 5 gal. container on hand and pour both containers of paint or stain into it and mix them together. If you're using quarts, keep an empty gallon bucket. I get your frustration. Energy for restoration ebbs and flows. Be easy on yourself. Go do some fun things for yourself! And keep posting! I love hearing about your life and thoughts! It doesn't always have to be about the house. Love you! ❤❤❤❤

[@samanthasoccshoeboxes]

I don't know what led me to your channel but I have been ENGROSSED for months! I love seeing your progress on the house but most of all I just love watching you and your amazing personality shine. You truly seem like the girl next door that we all want to be friends with and invite into our lives. 💜

[@ArielBissett]

🥲 this is very nice ♥️

[@paulapare2095]

The day I came home to the contractor’s legs through the ceiling and water running out of the light fixture because of a flash thunderstorm. We realized that stuff goes wrong for everyone. Keeping a sense of humour helps. Paint colours can be changed. Enjoy the process. And remember to laugh along the way. ☮️💜🌞

[@susanmei9980]

😮😱🤣😂 Gotta keep that sense of humor! 😁

[@beachysands4036]

It is nice to know I’m not the only one. All these things and more have reached a critical mass in my brain and in my reno. For the first time ever I have unfinished projects, no vision for the rooms, and I’m mentally and physically spent. Been taking a break and I’m finally ready to jump back in. Thanks for sharing!

[@MohrMuses]

You have a wise mom! Life is frustrating, and stress does drain one. It is good to share both the ups and downs. You're doing a great job!

[@mariegeiser5279]

YES! Home renos absolutely require mental health! Thank you for sharing and listening to your body!

[@clevelandmel8287]

You should buy an extra long runner in a fun pattern for your stairs. No more paint chipping and it will make it feel cozier. It could be a real statement peice.

[@caileymanktelow1256]

Thank you for making this video! I'm currently doing renovations, and everything is going wrong, and hearing you talk about it made me feel a lot better!!

[@ginasmitasin479]

Every time I see your gothic window I think of this restaurant in a neighboring town (Independence Oregon) it’s called the Pink House and it’s gothic style and I adore it.

[@clarecarter9172]

My dad builds custom homes and things go wrong literally everyday!

[@superpenguin1291]

I feel so seen, and so much better about my house and alllll the work/stress/tears I have put into it. I just have felt like a failure so many times about the same sort of problems so seeing that I'm not alone in it and that other people feel the same way I do really helps.

[@champagnemommy]

You have no idea how much this video has helped me. I watched a ton of DIY and renovation videos on KZbin, because I’m always looking for ways to update my space. But every time I do something on my own, I end up feeling so incompetent because things go wrong or it’s not perfect. It’s so nice to know that other people have the same issue, and I’m not stupid. I just need to problem solve, Lol 😮😊 thank you for this.

[@janehollander1934]

So true that extensive renovating/decorating takes a toll on our bodies, mind and spirit. And when bodily and mental exhaustion slip in...it can really mess with one's mental health. And sap all our willpower and creativity. Sooo grateful you lifted the curtain on this particular subject. I hope we all, who are in similar situations, can give ourselves Grace in & under those difficult circumstances ✌🏻❤️❤️❤️.

[@sassysaguaro4906]

Wow this hit close to home for me. A result of my own ambition and subsequent burnout is I have been having to learn (by necessity) how to do things in phases. I know sponsorships are a factor in your deadline stress, and I can't speak to contract terms you may have, but maybe you could do part 1 and part 2 videos.. especially as the projects get bigger. In the beginning you tackled most of the small area but big impact stuff, so now that you move to bigger projects that take more time and phases etc, I think we would all understand your needing to take more time on something big. Also, I would love to see some chill time videos of the creek and the ducks and maybe a garden, or sharing sketches of future plans, or videos like this one. Maybe even a cleaning video or a pick up wood video. You're doing great!

[@sofiarocha9907]

Is it crazy that I like the tone of the sun-bleached stain way more than the original one??

[@gingercollier7949]

Ariel I love you’re honesty in your videos. Here’s something I learned as a visual merchandise manager planning is the key to any project. I’d encourage you to put together a binder by room. Include paint brand, paint color with a swatch and numbers and the year you purchased it. Include all fabrics with the same information, any hardware like lamps, plumbing. The more information you have the easier it’ll be if you have to replace something like hardwood floors. Also include measurements in detail for example window and door measurements or weird alcoves. Then start planning. Use painters tape to layout designs or the size of a piece of future. I used to volunteer and do design projects from teachers lounges (they are all different in size) to redoing a boys foster care home. It takes me three months to design, shop (always on a tight budget) and often do projects before hand. I then do a map layout, supply list, and installation steps. For example: empty room, clean everything, lay down drop clothes, edge tape, then paint. I’d also suggest to either hire or get your bf or family help you clean up, before you install everything. Also have a space where you can keep your tools organized and where you keep supplies and items for new products it. Try to keep new items labeled and separated by room. Hope these tips help.

[@FilomenaJackStudio]

Sitting in my 1897 Vickie and LOVING your series…but please, when you say “renovating on your own” please remember all the talent and help from your family. For some of us without family it hits hard. I get that you probably mean “without professional help”. :) Thank you for these delightful videos!❤

[@theremakery]

I hope you always feel the freedom to take breaks, take time off, embrace downtime, and give yourself grace when it comes to mental health. We all need our “fallow time” - it’s a crucial yet under-appreciated part of being a creative person. Remember: nothing in nature blooms all year! ❤

[@KagomeMorino]

Ok just remember to get some drop cloths and plastic for the kitchen Reno. Put the drop cloths down leading to the kitchen so when people walk threw they don’t scuff and leave dirt and such. And use plastic to block off areas that you don’t want dust and such. Also if you have floor vents cover those so you don’t have to go back and clean them out.

[@TheTdavey]

Ive stayed in many homes in the east coast. The ‘coastal room’ with the faded floors, its such a coastal vibe. Let it be. It’s totally fitting

[@warmbreeze43]

I think you are doing such a great job. Be happy with yourself and give yourself grace. Enjoy your content.

[@leashylou]

Ariel i loved this video! I too bought a home in nova scotia over the pandemic that i’m renovating. Was so consoling to hear you having the same frustrations and breakdowns as me lol I feel like my energy just came back a month ago after a few months of not being able to accomplish much. It’s a process. You’ve done a great job, excited for the kitchen.

[@tessahaldeman2502]

Thank you so much Ariel for being so vulnerable and open in this video, it was really cathartic to hear about the the physical obstacles and how your handling the emotional side effects. It related to how I am currently feeling and I appreciate you sharing, it made me a lot feel less alone. Sending peace and love, thank you for hosting my favorite corner of the internet.💞

[@poodlegirl55]

We have remodeled eight houses. I am always formulating plan B and C before we even start because things never work according to plan. You never know what you will find when you open that can of worms.

[@lisabrk756]

Mental health is such an important aspect of renovation and lot of people don't realize how straining renovation can be. I can totally relate to the way you described your panic attack, sometimes it just takes some seemingly minor setback to push you over the edge and as you said mistakes happen all the time in renovation. I think before starting a big task like renovation, it's crucial to have a realistic idea of how the process can be.

[@randomkatherine]

Your picture of the hallway with all the color samples looks just like my home office right now. I've painted it a few times and never liked the end result. It's so hard to choose, especially with the windows making the light so inconsistent! We've become regulars at our hardware store and always bring our dogs so we feel like celebrities now because everyone knows us and our dogs, mostly the dogs 😁Thank you for sharing your success, including the obstacles!

[@kaitlynr9271]

Hi Ariel- I got emotional when you talked about working so hard on something for it to fall to shit/experiencing a panic attack because of things not working out over and over. Sometimes when I’m decorating my space I feel those terrible overwhelming feelings where I never think I’m going to figure it out- and then you do after a good cry (or slight freakout lol). I’m so happy you were able to finish the dining room floor because I know how frustrating it is for things to not pan out repeatedly.

[@tinysealooter]

Good to pull back the curtain on the other side of home renovations for a DIY life! Great job! very glad to hear you're feeling better! I love the house and can't wait for your next project no matter what it is! This summer in NS has been wet and hot!

[@allisonvandenberg3032]

This resonated with me so much...to all the other people also going through renovations - we got this! We'll get through it! Eventually!

[@kellyreadingbooks]

I’m so impressed with everything you have done to this home and now your vulnerability. I honestly wouldn’t have the courage to do any of these renovations or repairs to a home because I would have a fear of feeling stupid even though everyone struggles to learn something when they are brand new at it. I’m nervous to even paint my townhome because it’s something I’ve never done before and I don’t want to make a ton of mistakes. Anyway, I wanted to comment say how much I enjoy your channel and have now for many years and to thank you for the content you put out.

[@tanyawales5445]

Pine when exposed to sunlight turns more golden yellow and cedar when exposed to sunlight turns a much darker reddish brown. I found that out when we used interlocking pine board to cover the walls of a study, It has nothing to do with the clear floor covering (varnish, tung oil, lacquer or polyurethane) you used to protect the wood. BYW if you want a floor to wear like iron and not get scratched use basketball court polyurethane as the final coat. Two coats is even better.

[@evalita9]

Thanks for the honest words. Your DIY videos are always delightful but it is also good to see that things do happen and get you frustrated since you are a human being and all. Glad to hear that you are doing better!

[@DorkyGirl]

On the part of the stairs that chips. I have seen people use wallpaper or tile on their stairs in that area. It was even in an issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

[@ukomdesign]

When you are doing a house project and haven't been to a hardware store at least twice in one day are you even doing anything? Your house is so beautiful. Can't wait for the kitchen renovation.

[@ChristyLou]

I know what you mean about keep having to go back to the hardware store. When I'm working on cosplay I always end up going to the fabric/craft store multiple times because my plans change, I mess something up, or I just need more of something!