Cabinet hanging in the laundry room is still underway (details tomorrow!), and since yesterday’s post included a giveaway (we were amazed that over 25,000 of you took the poll), I wanted to share a short update about three recent redos. Sometimes projects go sideways, and a second attempt is what fixes them—hopefully for good.
Redo #1: The cork bulletin board in our office
A few months ago we assembled a cork tile bulletin board for the office and used Loctite Spray Adhesive because the can explicitly listed cork-to-wood bonding. Over time, however, the cork tiles slowly began to pop off. The spray directions recommended applying adhesive to both surfaces, but we avoided spraying the wooden backing indoors and only sprayed the cork backs outdoors before pressing each tile into place. It’s possible that spraying both sides helps, though a reader reported problems even after following that approach.
To fix it we removed all of Clara’s artwork, reinforced each tile with Aleene’s Tacky Glue on the back, and added a few tiny finish nails at the corners. The nails are so small they sink into the cork and are barely visible, but they hold the corners down securely.
So far this reinforcement method has worked well: the cork is staying put even when the weather is hot and humid. If you’re working with cork tiles for a bulletin board, consider combining adhesive and discreet mechanical fasteners for long-term durability.
Redo #2: Our red Adirondack chairs
We bought professionally pre-painted Adirondack chairs two years ago, thinking a pro finish with polyurethane would withstand weather, heat, and sunlight better than a DIY spray job. They lasted longer than we expected, but after two summers the color had faded significantly. In some photos they looked okay, but up close—especially without the cushions—they appeared very worn.
To restore and protect them we used Rust-Oleum Gloss Protective Enamel in Regal Red, applying three thin coats. The paint includes a built-in primer and is formulated for outdoor wood furniture. To get complete coverage I sprayed the chairs in stages: first flipped them to paint the undersides and backs, let that dry, then stood them upright to spray the remaining surfaces. This method reduced runs and ensured even coverage.
The results are great—the chairs look almost new, and the fresh finish should help protect against future fading. It may turn into a maintenance ritual every few years, but seeing the refreshed chairs makes that feel worthwhile. As a bonus, they now match the red stool by the egg chair, tying the seating area together.
Redo #3: The little light-turned-terrarium
I previously tried a living terrarium inside a small glass light fixture, but the succulents didn’t survive. After posting an update, several readers suggested using faux plants in terrariums. I picked up a few faux succulents at JoAnn and some white aquarium rocks from the pet store, then Clara and I filled the glass case with the rocks and tucked the faux plants inside. Clara insisted on including a small deer figure, which made the display feel finished and playful.
Now I have a low-maintenance, unkillable terrarium that provides visual interest without the worry of watering and plant care. I still have living plants elsewhere that need attention, but it’s nice to balance them with a permanent faux arrangement.
Bonus: The door-hanger “duh” moment
Months ago I painted a small door sign intended to read “Please don’t ring the bell — the baby is sleeping.” The background got painted white, and the project sat unfinished on the kitchen counter while I debated using a thin brush for script lettering. Eventually I grabbed a red Sharpie and scribbled a quick message so it would be finished.
Then I walked to the front door to hang it—only to realize our front door doesn’t have a knob. I laughed out loud at the oversight. The quick solution was to hang the sign on the door knocker instead, and it works perfectly: delivery drivers leave packages without ringing the bell and setting off Burger, our vigilant barking dog. The sign is practical even if it’s not Pinterest-perfect.
The takeaway from these small redos? If at first you don’t succeed, try again—and double-check small details (like whether your front door actually has a knob) before finishing a project.
Update: Want to know where something in our house came from or which paint colors we used? Click the button in our shop section to see details about items and colors featured around the house.