Friday, January 29, 2010

friday finds: Tuscon

This week we'll head to Tuscon, Arizona for friday finds!

First up is this gorgeous pedestal table. I couldn't pass it up for only $59! It's a classic piece that would look great painted or even just refinished.




This bench is outdated but would look great with just a simple coat of paint! I do think it's over priced at $110 but hopefully you could get it for less.



I love finding these brass chandeliers on CL because they're so easy to update! For only $75 you could get a solid brass chandelier that can be painted any color you like!



This little vanity is adorable. And it doesn't even need much work! I'd change out the knob to a glass one but it might not even need to be painted!



Lastly, this French Provincial piano bench is so cute! All it needs is a little love. I'd paint it a creamy white and replace the fabric with a more neutral one but it would be such a quick makeover!



Monica's Armoire

A friend of mine recently bought a new home and was looking for something to use as an entertainment center. After searching Craigslist we found this old armoire that had been used as a china cabinet. It was in bad shape. It has to be really bad for me to say that. It was an awful chippy pink and the inside was fully upholstered in a dated floral fabric. But, it had potential.



The hardest part of this project was by far taking down all the fabric and batting that had been living inside for years. I couldn't believe how many staples there were! I expect that from a chair or settee, but certainly not an armoire!

After getting down to the wood I took it apart and painted all the old hardware in an updated brushed nickel. After lots of primer the outside was painted in Glidden's Antique White. And then of course a little distressing...


I painted the inside in Glidden's Barely Jade. It's a great mix of a light blue/green with gray undertones. I'll absolutely be using it again.

 

Can't wait to see what it looks like in Monica's new house!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

dreaming...

I saw this bedroom featured in last month's issue of House Beautiful and I have not been able to get it out of my mind! I just want to curl up in that bed! I can't get enough of that bright white tufted headboard and the dreamy linens! Not to mention the gorgeous vintage settee.. maybe this will inspire me to finish the one that's been in my basement the last few months!



wordless wednesday: day beds



















Monday, January 25, 2010

A little inspiration...

Someone recently asked me what magazines I subscribe to... well a lot of them. I'm always looking for inspiration so I tend to try every magazine I can get my hands on. 

House Beautiful is currently at the top of my list. They have the most beautiful rooms and great ideas!



I recently started Traditional Home, so I'm still a bit undecided about it...




LOVE Southern Living... I'm a Southern gal at heart



Another recent addition is Country Living. While I wouldn't call my style country I do think they have some great project ideas.



BHG is always a good read.



Another fave of mine is Coastal Living, it makes me long to live in a warm, sunny place.



I have to admit I was thrilled when I first received Sunset but I've been less than impressed. Maybe because I don't live in the west. Worth a shot..



My latest subscription is This Old House Magazine. You can get it on amazon for only $5! It hasn't arrived yet but I can't wait to get my hands on it!



What are your favorites? I'd love some recommendations!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

winter mantle

I love decorating for the winter. It's that in between the holidays and spring. I love using mercury glass, white, greens and birds.

I loved the topiary I recently made so much I decided to make a matching wreath for my winter mantle.


Thursday, January 21, 2010

an easy makeover

A few weeks ago I got this little chest of drawers from my mom. It was in desperate need of a makeover! The top needed to be reattached and it was covered in candle wax. Not to mention all the flowers!





I knew this would be perfect for a bathroom or even to hold jewelry so I painted it my favorite Heirloom White and added some cute glass knobs. A little distressing and it is a whole new piece!


Tuesday, January 19, 2010

a quick makeover

I've been wanting to replace the doorknobs in our home since before we moved in. I've been gradually changing out anything brass that was in the house when we moved in and all that's left are these doorknobs and some faucets.

After figuring out how many knobs we have and the cost to replace each of them I just couldn't justify spending a few hundred dollars to replace them. So they have sat there in all their golden glory....until yesterday.


I spray painted them! I was a little skeptical to say the least, but I've sprayed plenty of metal things in the past so why not! I used Rustoleum's "Dark Bronze" and could not be happier with the results. Here's what they looked like before...






And the lovely after... What a wonderful change for just a few dollars!



Monday, January 18, 2010

farmhouse style

Okay, I know I just posted about Pottery Barn's new spring stuff but I was on there website and absolutely fell in love with their Farmhouse inspired line! It's really fantastic.


I'm on the hunt for gorgeous blue and green bottles for my spring decor!




I have a footed bowl on my dining table filled with artichokes! I love the classic look of a glass footed bowl like this one...







These vintage grain sacks are always on my ebay and flea market lists.








Linen pillows are in my future...