I Have a Hideous Problem and Need Help, Please!

Would you just look at this wall?! For those of you who say, "Yeah...what's wrong with it?", I apologize for offending you. I think this wall is hideous! I hate it and it needs to be dealt with. I was going to describe it as something out of the '70's but that's not even an excuse; the house was built in '86! So, my dilemma...I need to cover it, affordably and easily. It is at the end of the living room in the new house. The two stairways lead up to the kitchen. If I could, I would take all the wood off and have a large, arched opening-like a window- and then just drywall the rest, but that isn't do-able at the moment. If anyone has decorating ideas or advice, they're more than welcome! By the way, the fireplace is electric and came with the house. I don't know if we intend to keep it there or put it in the garage for now, but it's nothing permanent.

There are a few more things about the house that we don't like, but hopefully that will all change in time. This wall, for now, is the biggest eyesore and possibly one of the easiest fixes. I'm amazed that I have time to blog...well, I probably don't, I should be painting. I worked myself to exhaustion yesterday and need a few minutes of 'me stuff' to keep my head balanced. This is what I tell myself to keep from feeling guilty for not working. But there does need to be a balance in ones' life, yes? I agree! Soooo, speaking of keeping a balance....while I was out at the thrift store yesterday, dropping off my husbands old skis and picking up old sheets to put on the carpets when we move in next week (!), I had to do a little balancing for my aesthetic side. I bought stuff! My husband is definitely not a thrift store/yard sale person. He can't get himself to use other peoples things. I say, "What's the harm? You wash it or clean it off and it's yours!". No, he cannot get around it. So, thrifting is something I usually do alone or these days, with my youngest son, Daniel. He loves it too! It's like a treasure hunt and what better treasure hunt if you get it at a bargain price? Instant gratification! : ) The other part of this particular 'treasure hunt' my husband will not agree with is buying more things = moving more things. Yes, true but I do plan on moving these myself so that there is that balance :) I added to it, so I will subtract. Here are my treasure hunt finds...

One in a set of four...

Okay, about these pictures...months ago while blogging, I was looking for 'London' themed art for a post. I ran a search and this London picture came up (on the far left). It also showed thumbnails of the rest of the pictures. I clicked on all of them and loved them! They reminded me so much of my daughter, Christina. She was once into those 1950's style fashion and model sketches and has wanted to go to New York and Paris since I don't know when. I instantly thought of her and saved all of these pictures in my 'art' folder. I couldn't believe these framed, high-quality prints were at the thrift store. Brand new with a couple of miniscule blemishes on the frame. I looked them up on Art.com, $70.00 each! My lucky day...

I couldn't pass this up. This is one of those tiny oil paintings, painted in front of you and sold to tourists. This one came from Poland. The older I get, the more I love oil paintings. This was cute and quirky, I loved it! I also once had a very close, best friend from Poland that I lost touch with years ago...'Isa, this one's for you!' :)

A huge Sharif tote, presumably from the Home Shopping Network. It retailed at $132.00 when it sold, I think now they go for $20.00 on ebay! haha! I really don't care what the label says or how much it retailed for, I only take note of these things so that I feel victorious in my bargain hunting! heehee! It'll come in great for travelling and hopefully as a carry-on.

Oh! Another picture! And a cat tail! Mi-Mi! I have always wanted Van Goghs, Starry Night. It's a good sized picture and look...someone's already matted and framed it for me! :) Well, I'm sure the reason it was at the thrift store is it looks as if it had gotten wet. The paint on the frame is peeling from moisture and the matting and picture are a little warped on the right side. I pressed the back of the picture-ta-da! Warping gone! As far as the peeling paint, I don't like the glossy black frame anyhow, I'm looking for something of a warmer look, so I will sand it and stain it a warm tone.

I haven't shown any of these finds to hubby yet. This one in particular will have him shaking his cute head. He'll see junk...other peoples junk, mind you. I see a cute spice cabinet waiting for a new life. It has a country look and besides I planned on doing the new kitchen a kind of French country look with a bit of warm red and yellow. He just needs a sanding and a paint job :)

Whats this? Another picture? This is a medium sized oil on canvas. Some art student who wasn't happy with their work. I like it; ocean, cliffs, trees, a little dark in the sky, yeah, I like it.

Well, hope you all enjoyed my little finds...oh! I almost forgot! I was so happy when I got up front to pay. Nothing in this store is marked with a price, they give you a price or you may be able to haggle a little, depending on who is there that day. Oh, lucky day! A high schooler...I felt like I stole from the poor kid, he had no idea how to price things. I had two $20 bills in my purse, it was like a showdown waiting to hear what he sized it all up to be as I waited, ready to haggle, "How about $10.00 for everything?" he says. "Deal!" I say and even gave him a thumbs up, haha! Okay, that was my fun...now for that balance, I must go spackle and paint the downstairs.

~ER~