Inspiring women to tackle DIY projects and home renovations is no small feat, but Annie Williams of Champagne Chaos makes it look like a walk in the park. Annie, a fearless DIY enthusiast, and mother of three, shares her journey of transforming her fixer-upper home. Annie’s latest project—a faux concrete countertop and powder room makeover—shows that with a bit of bravery and a passion for creating cohesive spaces, you can achieve stunning results that perfectly match the vibes of the rest of your home.
Fearless Renovation: Tackling the Powder Room
Annie Williams dives into her powder room makeover with infectious enthusiasm, sharing every step, mistake, and triumph along the way. Her down-to-earth approach and willingness to admit her errors make her relatable and inspiring for women looking to overcome their fear of power tools.
Painting the Cabinets
Annie starts her transformation by painting the vanity cabinets. Using Zinsser B-I-N primer, she expertly primes the doors and drawers. She shares a valuable tip: no need to sand if the surface isn’t waxy or shiny. For those unsure, she recommends a simple test—paint a spot, cut an X, and tape over it. If the paint comes off with the tape, it’s time to sand.
Choosing a rich chocolate brown, Annie applies two coats of Valspar’s “Momentous Occasion” paint. She assures us that the first coat is always discouraging, but the second coat is where the magic happens.
Ornate Trim and Wall Treatments
Annie’s eye for detail shines as she adds fluted chair rail and box molding to the walls, enhancing the space’s elegance without breaking the bank. Her clever use of affordable base cap molding adds an expensive feel, proving that a luxurious look is achievable on a budget.
Tile Backsplash Drama
Facing her first tiling project with determination, Annie chooses a Zellige tile in a checkerboard pattern. Despite the challenge of working with the imperfect, hand-cut tiles, she perseveres, reminding us to “trust the process.” She humorously admits to skipping a crucial step—soaking the tiles—which she later covers up with a hefty amount of thin-set.
Lighting and Crown Molding
Replacing the sconces with affordable yet stylish options from Lowe’s, Annie demonstrates that quality and affordability can go hand in hand. She also tackles the tricky task of crown molding, candidly sharing her struggle and the need for templates and extra pieces.
The Star of the Show: Faux Concrete Countertop
Annie’s faux concrete countertop is the highlight of her makeover. Inspired by Drew Scott of Lone Fox Home and Jenna Sue’s blog, she embarks on this ambitious project with gusto. However, it’s not without its challenges.
Lessons Learned
Mixing Micro Cement: Annie emphasizes the importance of getting the water-to-powder ratio right. Her first attempt, with too much water, ends in disaster. She learns that even slight deviations can alter the color and consistency of the cement.
Working Time: With only 45 minutes to work with the mixed cement, Annie advises working quickly to avoid issues like hard cement balls that ruin the smooth surface.
Edges: Getting the edges right proves to be the toughest part. Annie’s solution? Patience and a willingness to get hands-on—literally.
Sanding Timing: The trickiest part is knowing when to sand before the cement dries. Annie’s trial-and-error approach highlights the need for flexibility and attentiveness.
Final Touches
Despite the challenges, Annie achieves a stunning off-white countertop that perfectly complements her powder room. The total cost of around $250 for materials and tools is a win compared to traditional countertop options.
Cheers to Chaos and Creativity
Annie Williams of Champagne Chaos shows us that tackling DIY projects doesn’t require perfection—just a willingness to learn and a bit of bravery. Her powder room makeover, complete with a faux concrete countertop, is a testament to her creative spirit and resourcefulness.
For those feeling daunted by the thought of home renovations, Annie’s journey is a reminder that the chaos is totally worth it. And as she says, it pairs best with champagne!
Follow Annie Williams on her website and social media channels for more inspiring DIY projects and to see how she handles the beautiful chaos of home renovations.
I would love to see your powder room transformations! Send your DIY projects and stories to me, and let’s inspire each other. Check out my site for more interior inspiration!
Photo Cover Credit: Champagne Chaos
Website: Champagne Chaos
