My Own Chair Love
Here’s a chair that I inherited and eventually redid. I love these basic old wood chairs, but the white chipping paint and scratches on this one were in need of some help.
First I sanded the chair down until it was nice and smooth using a palm sander. I then made sure to clean and dry the chair very well. I first painted the bottom portion of the legs black. Once that was very dry I taped off each leg at the same place and proceeded to paint the rest of the chair with a fun silver spray paint. The final step was an idea I wanted to try, which proved to be the most work of all. I used black nail head trim nails to form a pattern around the seat. I measure where I wanted the nails to go and made small marks with a pencil. Eventually, this step proved to be useless and I was off of my marks anyways. Ah well, trial and error with a new project. I also learned that tapping these nails in with a hammer scratched and smashed the nails, as they have a black finish on them. I found that covering the nail with a small piece of cardboard from the packaging after it was in place, and giving it one good tap with the hammer was the most effect and precise way to apply these. My pattern still ended up a little bit off, but overall I like the idea and would love to try it on one of my chairs for the shop now that I have my technique down. I lastly tied on a pink and purple vintage scarf to tie the chair into the bedroom (which you will all see eventually!) So, here she is…
What do you think?
The Lounge
There is an extra bedroom upstairs that I did not have a particular use for at this time. Why not use the room as a chance to have some fun and make a relaxing lounge where I can work on some projects?!
Here’s a little tour:
Bright, no? But, I love it and find it so cozy. Remember that couch from before I bought the house? The trunk was my birthday present a few years back and it now holds scrapbook and craft supplies. The bright flash made some of the paint look patchy, but I promise, it isn’t so. The door knobs and latch plates are from doors that were found rotting away in the garage when I moved in here. I couldn’t keep the old doors, but also couldn’t part with the the hardware. Any suggestions?
Touch of Spring
Here’s a quick peek at the bit of spring I brought in today…
And just a little sneak peek into the kitchen and living room. Hope that helps brighten the day!
An Inspiring Blog
“Ultimately your home is so much more than just a decor style, it’s a life style,” as said by The Paris Apartment (a new favorite blog.)
Her quote comes from a clip of her book. I find inspiration not only in her quote and the rest of the clip of the book, but also in each and every post and photo she posts. Check out these gorgeous rooms and then check out her blog here: www.parisapartment.wordpress.com
Read the rest of the book excerpt here:
http://parisapartment.wordpress.com/2011/05/26/going-by-the-book/
So-Ugly-It’s-Cute Chair Love
This little guy is just so ugly he’s cute!
Some Kitchen Inspiration
I ran accross this awesomely unique idea on Apartment Therapy today.
Isn’t this a gorgeous idea?! I feel inspired to do something similar when I get around to the kitchen…
See the post here: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/kitchen/diy-inspiration-leather-kitchen-cabinet-pulls-147756
Virtual Tour-Starting in the Dining Room
I think I will give you a little before and after tour of each room as I update them in the new house. Besides the bathroom, the dining room was one of the first rooms I refinished. I decided not to mess with the beaded board walls or drop ceiling at this time, and the carpet may someday come out to reveal the… hardwood floors! But for now… the before:
Yeah, not much for a dining room, right? And After…
I really wanted initially to get rid of the blue ceiling fan. However, family and friends convinced me to work around it. The fan was new and it had a remote and a dimmer. They swore it would be handy. Turns out, they are right! So, I covered a large lamp shade in silky black ribbon and attached it to the fan over the light bulbs. I also hung a crystal from the pull. I think the set-up helps a lot!




On this wall will eventually be a buffet I am refinishing. Stay tuned for that project soon.

And remember the armuoir I turned into a mini bar? So, what do you think so far?
DIY Art for a Bathroom
Once I got my budget bathroom remodel completed I was pondering how to add a bit of art that was also inexpensive, but unique. I then came across a box my grandmother had given me. In it I found a set of vintage metal hair rollers. Light bulb! I had the idea to frame the curlers in a shadow box with a funky background or bright colors to match the room.
The curlers I found:
A little hot glue, some magazine cut outs, scrap book paper, and a basic shadow box frame…

Simple and within budget, but funky and vintage! What do you think?
Dining Room Inspiration
I found this dining room photo on flickr and just couldn’t resist showing you all. This room is just awesome! I love how elegant and glamorous it is, even when paired with the rustic wood table. I love the mirrors on the table; what a simple yet glam way to dress the room up. The wall paper makes the room bright, but still in the shades of gray that I love right now!

untitled photo by uydurrukcu on flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/uydurrukcu/5033782889/
Chair Love
I love the round shape of this vintage chair… and also the cabinet behind it!



















