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Saturday, November 30, 2013

So I Took a Stab at Upholstering

I tried upholstering once before- several years ago, on a wing chair I inherited from my parents. It didn't end well at all. It was simply catastrophic. I've steered clear of anything more than recovered seats for dining sets since. I'd really really like to learn though, and I figured a good way to ease my way in would be with a fairly simple project. I picked up this antique settee and chair set at my local consignment shop over the summer. I've been sloooowly picking away at the project here and there since. I do so much refinishing for other people that it's hard for me to justify working on something for myself without feeling guilty. But here's the set finally completed!
        I think we can all agree I am still very much in my gold phase. I dry brushed the frames of the chairs with an oil based gold paint. I wanted them to have a slightly aged look, and to have the wonderful carvings remain dark to pop more. I removed the ugly old-lady floral seat covers, which was insanely hard, luckily I was watching Tangled whilst desperately trying to tug the old fabric away- so it wasn't too unpleasant. I recovered the chairs with a velvet fabric somewhere between mossy green and gold, and then used gold piping to finish it. It was surprisingly easy all in all- though in retrospect, my piping really should be a bit straighter...but I'd had two glasses of wine at that point, so close enough.
Next up I want to try a chair like the one pictured all the way at the bottom- with an upholstered seat and back.
Happy Saturday!
before and sooo ho hum
Oh my god and those horrible floors on my porch. Someday soon we're gonna put in pine floors in there. Not soon enough.

After and very Golden Delicious!













Friday, November 29, 2013

Gold, Green, and White

I get on these little kicks where I'm fully obsessed with a certain style or look. Right now I'm really really into this French Provincial style with greens and golds set on a neutral background. This all started when I realized I really wanted a  velvet sofa. Then I realized I didn't just want any old velvet sofa, I wanted a green velvet Duncan Phyfe sofa, and an armchair to match, and really I want to make my entire house match that look. I've got a good base, I've been compulsively collecting gold mirrors for sometime now. I'm thinking I might paint my antique step back cupboard white too, just to further the look. Here are some great examples.
This is the couch of my dreams. My favorite color, and a spectacular Duncan Phyfe form. 

A breathtaking pair of chairs. I love the rustic cream fabric with the high glam gold frames.

This is exactly the look I'm going for. Decadent details in a rustic environment. Also, OMG that chandelier.

A more subtle take on the look in this dining room. The green and gold can be found in the armoire and little picture frame, with the rustic table and refined runner adding contrast.

I absolutely love everything in this room. This is what made me decide to paint my step back cupboard white. That emerald green chair in the foreground is unbelievably beautiful.

This is has a French Country meets hacienda look that I'm totally digging. What really caught my eye was the chartreuse chair in the background.

I have the inside line that I might be getting one of these spectacular French mirrors for Christmas. As you might remember it was on my list of things I want for 2014. I'm wicked excited, and already have a spot picked out for it.

This gorgeous little tufted chair would look perfect pulled up to a sweet little desk.
Here the gold and green gets a little accent from lilac- which looks sweet and fresh.

These floor to ceiling green curtains are so fabulous when paired with the crystal chandelier and herring bone floor. I'm not quite sure why they wrapped their chair like a mummy though.

And finally, the perfect chair to compliment my velvet couch- though I'd do them in matching shades of spring green velvet. I've got a couch on craigslist right now that I'm obsessing over- hopefully I'll be able to score it and recover it. It's perfect.



Tuesday, November 26, 2013

All I Want for Christmas is...Spring

Confession time: I'm exactly 0% a winter person. To say I hate winter would be an understatement. Every year it's a long slow slog through the bitter cold and darkness and yucky mucky snow ugh. The only thing that gets me through it is the certainty that Spring will follow, and Spring in Connecticut is a glorious thing. I've already started planning my Spring 2014 decor, and it will go up on New Years day. It's a nice way to get a fresh start on the year. Here are some beautiful Farmhouse Spring looks that are inspiring me this year.
Someday we're going to renovate our kitchen, and when we do,
I'd love to get a sink with free standing legs like this one.

Lemons, tulips, and a chippy white painted carrier. Spring perfection!

Muted tones highlight the textures of the cowbell, cutting board, and pussy willows here.

A gorgeous still life vignette of a white water can, hydrangea blossoms, and a stunning little antique table.

I just want to stroll into this picture, preferably with a glass of white wine and a big brimmed hat. 

An adorable farmhouse kitchen looks fresh and welcoming here. I alllllmost bought a pig shaped cutting board a couple weeks ago, and now I'm regretting not doing it. 

There are few things as indulgently pleasant as eating outdoors in fine weather. I love the way all these chairs in slightly green emerald shades compliment the rustic weathered table. I may have to steal this idea for my own yard.

An absolutely stunning space made from handmade and salvaged furnishings. I love how clean and bright it looks.

There's a little cupboard just like this one in my shop right now. Is it really bad that I hope no one buys it so I can take it home for myself?

A sweet Spring inspired table setting it oh so inviting. I adore potted mini daffodils.
They're a staple in my house every February! 

Sunday, November 24, 2013

The Farm Table with Chairs

I love this set of six white press back farm chairs. I think they look so perfect with the farm table I built a couple weeks ago. I painted them in my new favorite paint, Amy Howard's one step, and they have a wonderful smooth finish. Pretty cute right?









This post is partying at:

A White Pedestal Dining Table

I love the simplicity and freshness of a white pedestal dining table. I just finished this beautiful oak one yesterday. I prepped it, primed it, and finished it with Amy Howard's new one step paint . The paint adheres like a chalk paint, with fabulous grip and durability, but it's less chalky and more silky smooth- so no waxing is necessary. I finished the table top with several coats of polyacryllic though, as it's a table top, and needs to be very waterproof. I couldn't be happier with the outcome! I staged the table with a set of six white press back oak chairs. I haven't decided if I want these to go with the round table or my farmhouse table. I like them so much with both!
Before

After!












This post is partying with:
http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2013/11/amaze-me-monday-34.html
http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2013/11/craft-o-maniac-monday-with-my-christmas.html
http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2013/11/inspiration-monday-guest-hostesses-and.html
http://rainonatinroof.com/2013/11/give-goods-link-party-36/
http://bebetsy.com/2013/11/24/brag-about-it-31/
http://knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/search/label/Knick%20of%20Time%20Tuesday
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/11/192nd-inspire-me-tuesday.html
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/
http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/11/one-project-at-a-time-112613.html
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/11/wow-us-wednesdays-146.html
http://www.diybydesign.blogspot.com/2013/11/fall-into-fall-its-party-145.html
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2013/11/show-ya-got-148.html
http://www.domestically-speaking.com/2013/11/205th-power-paint-party.html
http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/
http://theblissfulbee.com/work-it-wednesday-no-25/