Before getting to the Reader Redesign goods, we have a quick Burger-related story. Yesterday was a very scary day for us. Burger was sitting on Sherry’s lap and Clara and I came home and Burger was so excited to see us that he jumped off her lap (as he’s done a million times before) and somehow lost his balance and flipped in the air and landed on the floor on his back and neck. He yelped and Sherry scooped him up to see if he was ok but he shook his head and acted fine. So we put him on the floor but he couldn’t walk. He had no balance and walked into the walls and wouldn’t put weight on either of his hind legs and kept falling over.
While rushing to get everyone in the car to get him to the vet, Sherry called them to tell them we were coming and while she was on the phone Burger had what we think was a small seizure (he was very rigid and his eyes were open but he wasn’t focusing on anything and he was shaking violently). It stopped after about twenty seconds and by the time we got to the vet he was acting completely normal. He could walk and all of his vitals checked out. They think the stumbling and loss of balance along with the possible seizure was from the shock of the impact but he restored all function and checked out all of their many tests so we’re just so thankful he’s ok. They said we had to watch him for the next 24 hours for any signs that something’s off, and we’re still a few hours shy of that mark but he’s acting just like his old self and is jumping and running around (as hyper as ever, haha). Whew. He scared the heck out of us, but we’re all so thankful he’s ok.
But back to the reader redesign! Now that we’re shifting from kitchen to bathroom brain, it should come as no surprise that we’re gravitating towards the bathroom makeovers popping up in our inbox these day. And we’re especially charmed by ones like Michelle’s – because it (like ours) isn’t a total gut job. Instead, it’s just a few manageable updates that go a long way. And for Michelle, those big impact changes are paint, pattern, and molding (I was this close to an alliteration there). Check out her note below.
As fellow stenciling survivors, I thought you might enjoy our powder room make-over!
We added some moldings and used the Nova Trellis stencil from Royal Design studios to transform our boring powder room into a quirky new space!
The white is Ultra White by Valspar. The black is Black Leather by Dutch Boy.
We still need to add crown molding and wall art. I might also switch out the mirror and window treatment. This room is a little bolder than my usual conservative style but I’m digging it! – Michelle
We are too, Michelle. Thanks for sending the pictures our way. We love a bold pattern in a small space like a bathroom (rooms like that will never look giant anyway, so embracing them and turning them into something special is such a great call). It really wakes up the room in a nice way. And the molding and trim adds tons of style too. To read more about this project, visit Michelle’s blog. But first let’s hear what you like best. Is it the crisp white molding? The rich wood floors? The pedestal sink? Or the brave stencil job?
Emily says
Oh, that bathroom is YUMMY! Love that wallpaper.
kalibrooke says
so glad lil’ burger is OK!
side note: is it “molding” or “moulding”? i’ve always thought the latter, but i’m curious if both are acceptable…thanks for indulging a grammar nerd!
YoungHouseLove says
My understanding is that molding/moulding follows the same rule as words like color/colour or honor/honour. We Americans drop the U, but folks in England, Australia and Canada leave it in. I could be wrong, but that’s what I’ve read.
-John
Shelley @ Green Eggs and Hamlet says
Oh my gosh, how scary about Burger! My Boston Terrier, Hamlet, and I are super relieved to hear he’s ok. Here’s to a fast and full recovery.
Regarding the bathroom, I love the molding especially but the whole thing is so chic, I love it.
Rachel says
Dog: glad he is okay now…
Bathroom: what a statement! Thanks for sharing.
Jessie says
I’m so glad Burger is ok! Something similar happened with our mini dachshund, but for her it made her instantly paralyzed in the back half of her body. We were able to get her emergency surgery and over the course of a few months she slowly regained her ability to walk. Now she can run and jump and play again. The only thing left from it is that she lost the ability to scratch her ears with her left hind leg, so now she walks up to us and sort of moves her head towards her left leg with a look that says “well aren’t you going to scratch my left ear since I can’t?” It was sooo scary, so I know exactly what that feels like!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow, what an ordeal. Glad to hear she made a mostly full recovery – the assistance she needs scratching her ears actually sounds kinda endearing. :)
-John
Amy A says
Glad to hear Burger is doing better. I’m sure that was so scary for you all.
Salina says
Poor little guy! A few years ago my bug (boston/pug) had a similar accident while leaping to catch a toy. We thought he had injured his back as he couldn’t stand very well and was staggering around, but he was actually seizing. Possibly the most terrifying thing a pet parent can experience. My little guy now has to take daily anti-seizure meds as a result. I spoil him a little more because of his epilepsy, but I don’t think he minds. He always gets the best spot on the bed! Sending love to you and Burger!
YoungHouseLove says
Never heard of a “bug” before – that’s sounds like a fun combo! And glad to hear he’s okay and gets spoiled rotten. :)
-John
Joy says
Love the makeover of Michelle. So happy Burger is ok… my heart sunk also.. we have a Chi that has seizures all the time and it is a hard thing to watch.. Hugs to Burger
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the hugs, Joy!
-John
Jeannette says
Oh my!!! my first time leaving a comment, but belive me i had to!!! I am soo glad burger is fine!! i stopped breathing until i can towards the end and you said he is fine. whew!!! hug him for me!!!
and since i am here… love your posts! you guys are hilarious!!!
Toni says
So glad to hear Burger boy is okay! It’s so scary when something happens a pet. I have a chihuahua that has seizures from time to time and the vet says he’s perfectly healthy. Glad to hear he’s feeling better :)
Love the bathroom!
Ciscley says
Feels like my husband and i have experienced every pet related crisis / tragedy imaginable including a small dog fall with seizure episode like Burger’s, but we don’t have children and somehow adding a toddler to the mix seems like it would exponentially increase the stress. Our hearts go out to the four of you.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Ciscley – our hearts go right back to ya, since it sounds like you’ve had more than your fair share of “adventures.”
-John
Erika says
I’ll be praying for Burger and all of you humans. I love this blog and everything you share with us!
Stacy says
Sorry to hear about Burger’s accident. Glad to hear that he’s doing better. As a owner of 2 Jack Russells, someimes I think small dogs do not realize how small they really are. In their minds eye, they’re Great Danes. ;)
My parents had a chihuahua. He was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 4. The vet we had at the time said he wouldn’t live a day past 7 years old. Through medication, tracking his seizure activity ( he had seasonal seizures. His worst times of year where spring and fall) and becoming educated about epilepsy in dogs in general, he lived to be a ripe old age of 15.
I have a relative that had a Doberman that also had epilepsy. His seizures were awful. Any type of seizure is awful regardless of what the breed of a dog is, but his were violent. He’d thrash, urinate all over the place, ect. He never bit anybody while in a seizure, but he was always at high risk of injuring himself via a head injury due to the trashing. Not fun.
As for the bathroom, I have a tiny bathroom so I don’t think such a stencil would work in our house, but if it works for the homeowner, that’s all that counts.
YoungHouseLove says
So glad to hear your parents’ chihuahua was able to defy the odds like that!
-John
Silke says
Omg ! Poor burger, and poor you guys ! That sounds like pretty scary thing to witness, I am just wondering how Clara took the whole thing? Did she see it? Was she scared? Was there crying?
So glad Burger is okay !
YoungHouseLove says
Oh, Clara was oblivious to the whole thing. She was still in her car seat when it actually happened (since us coming home was the cause of Burger jumping down) so she missed all of that. She was just happy to see other dogs at the vet’s office. :)
-John
Maggie says
Burger is one tough dog despite his size, good to know he’s doing fine. Scary stuff!
I should say your powder room is impressive and I really like how you used stencil to add appeal, thumbs up!
Susan says
I love how the molding repeats the lines of the pedestal sink.
Feeling inspired by the before/after..the molding really transforms the space!
Kristin says
Thrilled that Burger is doing better. Dog emergencies are the worst, especially the unexpected type like that. Hope he continues to do better!
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says
Holy Cow! So glad Burger is seemingly ok.
And fun redesign, the black on white combo is so clean and fresh…very apropos for a wash room :)
Karah
Hillary says
So glad your little pooch is okay!! And I couldn’t be more impressed by your powder room!! (Ka-powder room is right!) The best before and after I’ve seen in a long while–GREAT job!! :)
Sally @ Exploits of a Military Mama says
Poor Burger :( And poor y’all! I’m sure it was terrifying. I’m glad he’s okay. Sweet, little guy.
I really dig the stencils on the bathroom. I’m sure it took quite a bit of patience, and it paid off in the end. Unique and interesting!
Clara says
Just wanted to say don’t be too worried about Burger. I have two small yorkies who have done the same thing at least once. With small dogs they tend to freak out when things like that happen. Just recently ours were chasing each other around the coffee table and Roscoe’s legs slipped out from underneath him and BAM head to floor contact. He reacted the SAME EXACT way Burger did. But he’s fine now. It’s happened to both of my dogs. So keep your head up, I’m sure he’s fine! Oh and that bathroom looks great too! =]
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Clara. Burger’s been acting totally normal the last 24 hours or so, so we’re definitely not too worried at this point. It’s a comfort to hear that again though!
-John
DanielleR says
I have a mini dachshund, and my vet tells me constantly not to let her jump. They said she can injure her back, legs, etc and do major damage. They also told my sister the same thing about her Pomeranians, and her Pekingese. Little dogs are a lot more easily injured that big, I used to let mine jump around everywhere til they told me not to. They also suggested that if she insists on going on the bed, couches, etc that you can build a little ramp/stairs for her to go up and down so there is less impact on her body. Maybe a fun project for you and John? Burgers new stairs! lol She’s 9 now and still going strong, best of luck to you guys and Burger, I love seeing his handsome little face on your site! He and Clara are the cutest.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we have ottomans and benches everywhere (near the windowsill, near the bed) to keep him from jumping up or down from a high height (the benches or ottomans are half the height, so it acts like a stair to bridge the gap). Our dog recommended it too, and Burger seems to like the help!
xo,
s
Kelley says
Awww, Burgs! SO glad he’s feeling better. Dog falls are so scary because they can’t tell you how they feel. Poor guy!
jeanie says
Our pet family is as beloved as our children. Those precious ones hold dear places in our hearts forever. We raised 3 adopted children w/ the most loving rescued dog named Lucky. We were honored to have him 19 years and now our grown kids have such sweet memories as you & Clara will always have.
Stay strong Burger. U all r friends in my head…
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Jeanie! Lucky sounds like an amazing dog.
xo,
s
Lucy says
I miss your Burger stories, but this is not the kind of story we want to hear :-( Much love to the little guy and keep us posted on how he is doing.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, if you miss our Burger stories hopefully you’re checking out younghouselife.com – that’s where we usually chat about him and his random teeth cleanings, adventures around the house, and he even makes it into a fair amount of videos. Admittedly it’s mostly a Clara show since we make lots of talking/singing videos these days (wish Burger could talk and sing! but rest assured he gets tons of love!).
xo,
s
Shanna says
SO glad to hear Burger is doing ok!! I completely feel your pain – it’s so scary when things like that happen. Feel better Burger!!
This redesign is great – I’m very inspired by the stencils. I’ve been meaning to ask you guys – do you think it’s possible to stencil a staircase? As in, a vine/branch-like stencil that sort of grows up and over the stairs? We really want to try it but are a bit intimidated..
Thanks so much!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, if they’re wood stairs and you use porch and floor paint I’m sure it would look amazing!!
xo,
s
Amber says
So much love for little Burger!! Glad he is feeling okay now.
I would love to experiment with a stencil using two different finishes of the same (or very similar color). The background being more of an eggshell or matte finish and the stencil being glossy. I think that effect would be super cool in a small powder room like this! Especially with that great geometric pattern.
Alas, I have textured walls (sigh), so no stencils for us.
Happy holiday weekend!
Brittany says
This EXACT same thing happened to my dog last year!! Seriously, exact same story, down to jumping off the couch and hitting her head, running into walls, a seizure, and being totally fine when we got to the vet – who thought we were nuts. Scared.me.to.death. My boyfriend (now husband) was there and was a total champ in the “emergency situation”…made me realize he’d handle kids pretty well :) SO glad Burger is ok!
YoungHouseLove says
So scary! So glad your dog was ok, and so glad the boyfriend (now hubby) was so good under pressure!
xo,
s
Caitlin H says
Aw Burger baby! I’m so glad he’s okay–seizures can be so scary and can make you feel so helpless. My childhood dog developed mild epilepsy when he was six and I remember so clearly the fist time he had a seizure–it was terrifying. He had symptoms just like Burger (without the fall first), and as my family rushed him to the vet, I was certain he wasn’t going to make it! But he was fine by the time we got to the vet and he lived a long, happy life with only one to two seizures a year. I hope Burger (and you) never have to go through that again!
stef says
OH NO! My friends chihuahua broke his back jumping off the couch so that was my immediate fear when I started reading the story.
Glad to hear he’s doing ok though! Poor little guy.
The Undomesticated Wife says
Poor little Burger! I’m glad he’s ok.
Pamela @ Pink Hammers & Sippy Cups says
Oh dear poor burger! That post brought tears to my eyes because I just found out yesterday my dog (a chihuahua as well!) ate a ton of dark chocolate. The vet said that because she already vomitted 3 times there was no point to bringing her in but to watch her closely all night. I haven’t heard the news yet because she is at my parents but I’m hoping no news is good news! Silly dogs getting themselves in such predicaments, I’m so glad Burger turned out okay though!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! I’m sure your dog is just fine and totally agree that no news is good news. So glad she vomited it up!
xo,
s
Rachael @ Fresh Squeezed Home says
O Burger!! I am glad he is ok now, poor little guy. Our dog starts treatment today for thyroid cancer, it’s so scary when they are hurt.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Rachael, we’re so sorry to hear that. Lots of love and crossed fingers that the treatment works!
xo
s
Urban Wife says
I’m so glad Burger is back to normal! It’s definitely scary when something is wrong with a beloved pet.
My fav part of this powder room are the lights above the sink.
Wendy says
Oh my gosh. I’m SO relieved to hear Burger is okay! There’s nothing worse than a family health scare, for two- and four-legged family members alike.
Stacy says
Stencil job! I’ve never seen anything like it!
Sarah says
Those little Chi’s are so spastic, they just can’t control themselves sometimes! (I have one and he is a complete nut – he always hurts himself but bounces right back!)
Lindsay says
I actually thought the bathroom looked better the original way. I guess I find the all white kind of boring. I also have a similar green in my kitchen with white cabinets and love it.
-glad to hear burger is ok. I would be scared to death if that happened to my dog!
Whitney Dupuis says
So glad Burger is ok! It is really scary to go through something like that.
Love the powder room! I am becoming a big fan of pattern and that stencil just does it for me. Good job, Michelle!
Taylor says
I had to reply before I could even finish the post…so GLAD Burger is okay! I can’t imagine how horribly scared you guys were…..
Amy says
Oh my goodness…the start of this post made me tear up thinking about poor Burger! I’m so happy he’s feeling better! My chihuahuas, Quigley and Kia, send him their love! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Amy!
xo
s
Shannon says
Thank goodness little Burger is okay!!! I saw his cute little face and smiled, but then started reading the post and got scared! I have two chihuahuas who are definitely part of the family too so I know how it feels to worry about them:) Get well Burger xoxo!
Beth W. says
I’m glad to hear Clara didn’t see it. When I was growing up, I was home alone as a tween (my parents had gone out for just a couple of minutes) and our family dog, a cocker spaniel named Shadow, had a seizure for the first time. It was horrible being so unable to help her and not knowing what to do. Thankfully my parents came home soon after. Shadow had seizures a couple other times, but she had a long life and the seizures didn’t seem to affect her health. I’m sooo glad Burger is okay!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Beth. Shadow sounds like such a sweet pup!
xo,
s
judykr says
I’m so relieved that Burger seems ok. Those little guys fill a big place in our hearts. The powder room looks awesome! I need to give mine a little more punch.
Pam says
Burger, glad you are feeling better. Hope it never happens again.
It’s so scary when things like that happen to our furry loved ones!
HerLateNightCravings says
So relieved to hear that Burger is back to normal and feeling good. We have furbabies too and they are our heart! Give him lots of love from all of your readers!!
Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings
Wiggs says
Oh, my god, that sounds terrible for you and Burger. My dog almost died on Saint Paddy’s Day and I still can’t talk about it without getting emotional. Baxter had a completely different issue but I’ll share in case you guys give Burger bully sticks or rawhide: Bax had a bully stick that got down to a nub and when I tried to take it from him to throw away, he swallowed it. It lodged in his throat and suddenly he started weaving and stumbling, then fell over. He wasn’t breathing. I used to be a lifeguard so I think my instincts just kicked in – I grabbed him, lifted his chin so his airway was straight, and reached into his throat to scoop the bully stick out. It was very deep but I have small hands and got it. He sucked in a breath, puked, and then was fine. We took him to the vet and she said that she’s seen this a bunch, but usually with a tragic ending. So! My PSA for this post is to keep an eye on any edible chews or chews that can get small.
Glad your boy is okay! Our furbabies are such wonderful blessings!
YoungHouseLove says
So so so scary! So glad Bax was ok and your lifeguard instincts kicked in! I was a lifeguard too and as soon as you started telling the story I was thinking “straight airway and finger sweep!”
xo,
s
Gabbi says
Poor Burger! You guys must have been so scared! I’m glad he’s okay now…and fingers crossed he makes it thru the full 24 hours with no issues! Xo!
Jenn says
The same thing happened to our Maltipoo! She landed on her head on the ground and did the exact same thing, plus vomiting, but she was fine and still is!
YoungHouseLove says
So glad she was ok!
xo,
s
Bethany says
Glad to hear he is better. BT dubs: LOVE the yellow background pic of burger! This looks like a poster!
~Bethany