The other day, I lamented the fact that I still make mistakes, but most mistakes are due to a new risk and therefore a lesson learned. I generally don’t consider those “silly” mistakes to be part of the creative process. And listen, most mistakes can be corrected with time and money. But from time to time, it will be so hard to undo that you live with it because it is a big mistake, but it is too expensive to fix or it will have a domino effect that will deteriorate your mental health. We’re talking about removing plumbing, electrical, and tile mistakes. So today I’m listing some of my stupidest actions as a PSA for you all.
Improper plumbing in baby shower – Glendale
As you know, I didn’t go to design school or learn from any designers who did. A styling background gives you zero education on rough-in plumbing. So when I went to remodel my first bathroom in Glendale, I foolishly ordered a shower fixture with a hand shower and tub filler, but I didn’t give my plumber the specifications, and he asked for a generic shower and tub filler. I didn’t catch it, we put tile over it, and then when he went to install the plumbing fixtures, he showed me my mistake. We had to go through the closet on the other side (thank God), and he fixed the bad plumbing by changing the 2-way diverter to a 3-way diverter. It could have been fixed because of the closet, but boy did I feel stupid because that mistake was 100% caused by a lack of education (no fun risks taken).
Lights in the Art Barn – Farmhouse
This kills me because it’s so stupid and so recent! I searched for the perfect light for our art barn and spent money on it. I needed that perfect arch that would get as close to the middle as possible and go up and over the window (instead of going straight out, which would intersect awkwardly with the window frame). I needed a plug-in sconce, and I wanted a poppy color. So when I found this on 1sDibs, I pinned it in hopes of finding a cheaper version, but after looking for a few months I realized I would have to spend $900 + shipping for this perfect sconce. They knew I lived in the US, shipping address and everything else, but no, I didn’t triple check that they would wire it based on our electrical voltage (which is very different).
So when I received it, giddy with excitement, I immediately noticed the European plug (and thus my mistake). You might think it’s easy to switch out, just buy a travel adapter! But no. For whatever reason, it doesn’t work that way (I tried). I think the European voltage is higher and not comparable with our outlets. I have three options:
- Get it rewired, which would involve completely taking it apart and rewiring it, probably $200-$300, and I would have to take it down, transport it, etc., pick it back up, and reinstall it. I would totally do it for a customer and pay for it because it was on me to catch it, but I’m less inclined to fix it for myself.
- Stick with it and use overhead lights and cordless lamps on the table (which is what we’re doing). This is definitely a lazy choice, and a waste of time to have this beautiful thing that is just a sculpture.
- Use plug-in bulbs with remotes, avoid lamp wiring altogether. I’m not sure this will actually work. I think the bulb socket thing is also European and probably won’t work with remote-controlled American bulbs. But I’m going to try this.
so annoying. I’m sharing this so you don’t feel alone in your mistakes, knowing that ordering from Europe is specific and probably not a common mistake, so caution is needed. But my collection of “European lamps that need reassembling” is growing every day (I’m now 5 years old).
Sconces in Primary Bedroom – Mountain House
It wasn’t my fault, but it also wasn’t caught by me, so if I were the hired designer, I would feel 100% responsible (and it drives me crazy that people are out there thinking this was intentional or okay). The electrician failed to install the light switches for the sconces above the nightstand, so you have to turn them on and off from the wall. Now, normally this wouldn’t be that annoying; If you want to control it from bed just place a lamp on your nightstand and use that light source at night. But these sconces are big, too big to add lamps to a nightstand. And I sleep on the other side of the bed, oh, and there’s no overhead light, so the only source of light are these sconces. So if I want to read in bed, I have to get up, walk all the way around the bed to the door, and turn off the sconce, and then go back into the dark (or grab my phone to look). Very stupid!
Fix Option #1: Check with your contractor and electrician thoroughly before caulking the walls. I don’t remember if we did this or not, TBH, but that’s on me that I didn’t ask for a walk-through or catch the mistake (or maybe I just didn’t think it was a big deal at the time).
Fix Option #2: Replace the fanciest sconces with sconces that have a local switch.
Cement Tile in Mudroom Floor – Los Feliz
It’s a pity that I’m not sure whose fault it is – the tile, the installer, or mine. I chose cement tile for the small clay floor in my LA house, a beautiful plaid that I love. Within a few days it got dirty and when I went to clean it it looked like it was already slightly stained. I’m pretty sure I contacted the contractor, who assured me it was installed and sealed correctly. I’ll never know if that was the case, and I guess I was so excited to get there and celebrate Christmas a week later that I didn’t follow through. Over the next few years, it started looking dirty all the time – no big stains, just unable to clean it completely. So ultimately, I’m unsure whether the mistake was using it inside in the first place or not sealing it properly.
Now, cement tiles are very porous. I think they are Old World and have a wonderful patina. We installed cement tile on our patio, and the patina looks gorgeous and exactly what we wanted. It’s a perfect, worn-in look that still retains its color, but with a beautiful earthiness. So I’m not against cement tile full stop, but be very careful and careful about putting lightweight cement tile on floors inside your home, and for the love of God, seal it 3 times (or whatever the recommendation is). Again, this may have been my installer’s fault, and he may not have sealed it at all, but I’m afraid light-colored cement tile will never look “clean”, so make sure you install it somewhere that wants patina and age (like our patio).
I have a lot more – things not fitting inside the door, buying something ahead of time and it ending up in storage, choosing the wrong shade of white that could be too good. I’d love to hear from any of you, because unfortunately, cautionary tales are a great way for the rest of us to learn 🙂 Let them rip in the comments, guys. xx
Opening Image Credit: Photo by Tessa Newstad | From: Waverly Laundry Room Reveal
