Annie Sloan Chalk Paint makeover

I wanted to share with you my latest victim of Annie Sloan chalk paint- have I mentioned how much I love this stuff?  The fact that I dont have to sand or prime a piece of furniture totally has me doing a happy dance everytime I use it.


I've had this little table for the kids from Target for ages- its been colored on, painted on, permanent markered on, you name it its been through it.  Oh-and the boys currently use it as a diving board to get to their beds *sigh*.  




Before:  Boring, bland, white legs, blonde wood top....

After:

I used the graphite chalk paint on the legs-then applied a wax. This color almost looks black when you wax it- but for a grayer color just add some Old World White.

For the top- I just sanded it down a bit and did a wash of Chalk paint in Old World White, then used Fiddes & Son wax in Jacobean- this is THE best wax/stain ever.

I am *thisclose* to being done with the boys room.  Here's a sneak peak at the drapery, headboard and wall color (Restoration Hardware-Graphite).

Valspar Spray Paint

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Valspar and they asked me if I would like to sample their new design on their spray cans and their new line of colors.  And you all know me and my love for spray paint-I would have been a fool to say no!

Since I was in the middle of a makeover for the boys room- I decided on the Island Orange.  The new design boasts:


--Even, consistent coverage.

--Quick dry formula.

--A twist and lock mechanism with built-in cap that reflects the color of the   spray paint within the can.


--A finger pad that requires 35% less finger pressure than other can.

--Minimized dripping and "spitting".




The first thing I noticed is the trigger is larger and much easier on the fingers- anyone else hate getting those blisters on your pointer finger from too much spraying?  I will admit I do miss being able to use my little spray-gun attachment- I liked feeling like a Charlies Angel with paint.

And I love how fast it dries!  I am an impatient spray-painter and loved how I could spray a coat- go grab a drink of water and get right back to it.


Im loving all the new colors!  Blues, greens and even 3 different shades of cream!


I decided the boys desk chair needed a little punch of color- Island Orange.

You can visit Valspar here or on their Facebook page here for more info on their new design and color selection.  Thank you Valspar for the opportunity to try out your new design.

Weekend Re-Cap

Is it Friday yet?  You know your tired when on Monday your already wishing for Friday. 


I had a great weekend and got quite a few things done.  Saturday was my alone time day.  Every Saturday my husband watches the kids so I can clear my head, drink some Starbucks, and shop- A-LONE, no kids screaming "I want this" "I need that".  I of course went to HomeGoods, then a stop over at Hobby Lobby for some drapery liner, Home Depot for spay paint (of course), and Sherwin Williams.  


I tackled painting my daughters room yesterday- here's a sneak peak (with the camera phone-sorry).  Its SW Waterscape- I first had it tinted at only 50%, but it was too light so I went back and got it full strength.  It looks really light in this photo, but is actually a bit darker.  I hope to install the drapery today, add some finishing touches and show you the afters next week.

I also got some new fabric samples in and I am trying them out as possible trim for the dining room drapes.

And I also finally watched Breaking Dawn- I know, I know!  

I didnt go see it in the theater.  Hubby watched the previous ones with me but finally had enough and told me he couldn't bare watching another one- so I waited till it come out on DVD.  I have to admit I thought the first 20 min or so were cheesy, but it got MUCH better after that.

Coffee With...

I am so excited to start back to my "Coffee With" Series.  Today I have one of my favorite and funniest blogger/Designers.  Sherry Hart from Design Indulgence.  Sherry has an amazing eye for design and her sense of humor just keeps you coming back for more.

Here's what Sherry had to say:

 When did you know that Interior Design was your passion?

 

I was quite interested in how my room looked as a kid growing up....and now when I think about it, my Mom had a keen eye for decorating also.    It wasn't until my husband and I bought a home and renovated it that I had my official "ah ha" moment!!!  There was NO stopping me after that.....I was like a horse at the starting gate.....

Where do you find your inspiration?

I can find inspiration everywhere.  Seriously, and I know some of you can relate to this....one little thing can spark a whole room re-do.  A color scheme.....a good paint color...a new fabric....being able to do it for other people helps so much!  I don't have too much time to work on my own place and often projects just sit around getting cobwebs on them.....

I think there is inspiration in the seasons also...I can tell when things were bought in my clients homes....warm tones [fall and winter] and then there will also be light and colorful [spring and summer] items.

What is your favorite book/magazine on design? How about your favorite site?

I'm not sure what my favorite book is right now...I am loving Holly's [Decor8] book "Decorate" ...and an old favorite is Atlanta Bartlett's "At Home With White".  White is one of my go to colors.....As far as magazines...I still miss Cottage Living.....that one was the perfect mix for me.

What is the most frustrating aspect of your job as a designer? And the most rewarding one?

The most frustrating part of my job is when people fight me.  They call me for a consultation and then they want to tell me how the room is going to look, or argue with me on certain issues.  I am very conscious on how people use a space AND how to make it function for the family.  Of course I don't believe that they have to do everything I say......but after doing this for 20 years, I think I have learned a thing or two :)  On the other hand....they are paying me to give them the best design I can....so please let me do my job!

The rewarding part is watching their response after install day......finally they  see how my plan came together......it is like a huge sigh of relief knowing  that I have earned their trust for future work.

What decorating techniques/ideas/projects would you recommend to a homeowner who wants a quick fix to their room?

Quick fixes are all over the place...start with just taking everything out of your room.  [hello husband...are you busy?] Everything.  Empty.  Step 1 .....after that.....  replace the large pieces of furniture first.  Then the rug.  Then the tables, lamps, artwork, pillows and accessories last. Shop your own home to bring new items into the space.   I guarantee you will have a couple  boxes of things left over.  EDIT......don't feel like you have to have something in every corner or art on every wall.  Remember, the eye needs a place to rest.

Then the usual...paint, new pillows....reframe items....and sometimes just some fresh flowers!

What’s something you should never skimp on when decorating your home?

I am a big believer that in a family room get the BEST furniture you can afford.  That way it will keep it's shape and you can have it recovered down the road.  Also...nice lighting.  And lot's of it.  Check for scale with lamps.  King size bed...larger lamps....high ceilings taller lamps.  I love a lamp in the kitchen on the counter, if you have space.

What’s your favorite color combination lately?

I know that the soft blues are not the color of the moment, but I am a fairly neutral gal...and I am still loving them.  I gravitate toward blues, greens and earth tones.  Still love gray as a backdrop on walls....it is so neutral and goes with everything.  I am not a huge pattern person, I  get  tired of it quickly so I usually keep that for things that can be changed out easily.  I doubt I would ever do a big pattern on a sofa unless I had some slipcovers to cover it 6 months out of the year.  

Your Most cherished possession?

Of course my most cherished possessions  are my family.....but if we are talking material things....well....I have this old metal sign that I have had for years and believe it or not it is one of the few things that is still in it's original space since the day I hung it!!!

I hope you enjoyed Sherry's interview as much as I did.  I especially loved her advise on a quick-fix for a room- take everything out, start with a blank slate and shop your house.

In case you missed the previous Coffee With's:

Emily A. Clark

Abbe Fenimore-Stuido Ten 25

Kirsten Krason- 6th Street Design School

Emily Hewett- A Well Dressed Home

Stacy Curran- Conspicuous Style

Liz Caan Interiors