May 27, 2014

Kid's Bathroom Reno & Design Board

Renovation on the kids bath is completely under way!  It's so exciting to finally get these bathrooms done!  I can't believe we've been in this house for almost 2 years.  Time has flown by.  Usually my entire house is done and decorated within a year, but this time around, we are taking our time.  After all, this is our 'forever' house... haha how many times have I said that?!?!

Anyway, here are some "before" pics of the kids bathroom...




And here is the design board I did up for the bathroom...


I really want this bathroom to be fun, fresh, and kid-friendly.  I bought this awesome vanity I found at Costco and sort of used it as my jumping off point.  Then, I found that adorable shower curtain from Anthropologie and  went from there.  

I purchased all of my tile from The Tile Depot in Burlington, and the light fixtures and faucets are from good ol' Home Depot.  

The room is gutted right now, but tiles are going in tomorrow... stay tuned!!


May 14, 2014

Corner Hutch with Chalk Board Paint

Here is a peek at a corner unit hutch that I just finished.  I painted it in Annie Sloan Old White, with a bit of distressing and 2 coats of clear wax.

The owner loved that it had lots of storage, but didn't like the clear glass, so we decided to do the doors in real chalk board paint.  I love how it turned out, and now when she hosts her skin care home parties, she can write what ever she pleases on the doors. Such a great idea!!



I didn't want the orange stain to come through when I distressed, so I did a coat of Graphite around the edges before the white.



And here is the finished product!!


To finish the doors in chalk board paint, I used 2 coats of Kilz primer directly on the glass and then about 5 coats of chalk board paint.  I applied it with a brush.  You get a few brush strokes, but it works better than a roller.  The roller leaves horrible air bubbles.




I am OBSESSED with finding pretty shelf liner!  haha


May 1, 2014

Telephone Table Before & After


I just finished working on this fabulous telephone table for a client of mine.  The colour is Annie Sloan's Paris Grey.  How gorgeous is this piece!!!  I just love it and wish I could keep it!!


Here are a few Before and Afters!!



More Before pics.... (mind my horrible, dungeon basement workshop!!)



And some more After pics...




I have 4 other pieces that I am finishing up in Paris Grey.  Will post pics when I'm all done!!

Apr 12, 2014

Rocking Chairs in Old White


I had a wonderful new client drop off this rocker a couple of weeks ago.  I must admit that when I saw it had a cane back and seat I was instantly stressed.  Cane takes forever to paint!!! But, the end product was worth it!  This piece turned out beautiful.


 Painting cane with a itty biity brush.... not fun.


 Here it is all complete.  (Her friend brought one over as well!)



Soooooo much "Old White" this week!!!


Mar 28, 2014

Coffee Table Before & After

Here is a quick before & after...


AFTER!





I gave this piece a few repairs and painted it in Annie Sloan's Old White.  Turned out gorgeous.  I recently sold it to a lady who then commissioned me to do a matching side table, and 2 rocking chairs.  I'm keeping busy!!!

Mar 3, 2014

Design Boards

One of my favourite things to do after the monkeys go to bed is to create design boards.  I have a zillion for my own home, so I love when I get to do some for other homes.  It's a challenge, becuase I am usually working with other people's pieces that they don't want to let go.  But it's great to be able to show people they can have a whole new room with just a few new additions.  

Here are a few that I worked on for a friend...















Feb 17, 2014

Painted Furniture and LOTS of pics!!

I still can't believe how much painted furniture I have seen in designer rooms these days.  It really has become a huge trend.  And, it's not just for us lovers of shabby chic, it really is for any style.


The best part of painted furniture, is you can save a ton of money by repurposing the pieces you have laying around your house.  No need to spend money on new pieces - just bring it back to life with a few coats of paint.

I have many clients who have heirloom pieces that are beat up and dated, but they can't bear to give it away or trash it.  So, the pieces end up wasting space and collecting dust in the basement.  Rather than have the piece be forgotten, I paint it, and they are proud to make it a part of their home.



Traditional Dining Room by Princeville Media & Bloggers Kasey Buick

My husband and I are celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary this year.  In the first couple of years of marriage, we purchased a lot of quality furniture pieces with the mind set that it will last us forever.  After a couple of moves (okay, several moves) our pieces are banged up, and some are looking dated.  We spent so much money, I don't want to replace anything.  And, it's such a shame to sell the pieces for a fraction of what they are worth.

I hear this complaint all of the time.  Especially from folks that purchased that quality, 'Amish' made, honey oak furniture that was so popular 20 years ago.    The pieces really did stand true to their quality claims.  They look brand new, but unfortunately, the 'look' doesn't look so current.

These are the types of pieces that are fabulous to paint.  Give them new life, and they will last another 20 years.



Eclectic Hall by Dublin Architects & Designers Optimise Design

All of my examples can be found on Houzz.com or by clicking on the pictures.
Do you have a piece of furniture that you would like painted?  Send me a note!!