Tag Archives: DIY

Chalk Paint Update

Posted on by
6

I can’t believe the work week is here and almost gone! I am still in the middle of several Chalk Paint projects – don’t you LOVE my checkerboard coffee table pictured above so far? I adore it. You’ll have to wait to see the final photos though, because a) none of my projects are 100% finished and b) I’m in Florida on business with Gigi (my business partner and friend) for the next two weeks. After that, I’ll be home a day and then off to NYC for a fabulous weekend! I already know its going to be fabulous because NYC is always fabulous. Even on a hot summer smelly day, it just is fabulous.

I thought I’d give you a quick update on my ongoing experiments with Milk and Chalk Paint. Have I told you that I am in love with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint as well as her clear and dark wax? I am in love with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. There, I told you again. Seriously, I can’t get enough of it and the funny part is I really don’t like to paint. But, because I love this stuff so much, maybe now I kinda sorta like to paint.

It started innocently. Really, I could blame it on you. I thought to myself… what is this chalk paint and milk paint that I keep reading about? What is the difference between the two products, how are they to work with and why is every going gaga over them? I mean really,  as a blogger and designer isn’t it my responsibility to explore this trend? So of course because I love you, I dove in and quickly formed some pretty solid opinions on the two.

Milk Paint? Major pain in the behind and that’s being nice, but it does have its unique qualities (it gets chippy in random lovely places) and is quite nice if you have the time and patience for the process. Unfortunately, I don’t have any of the above and therefore I am confident I will not be mixing another batch anytime soon… unless I decide to try Miss Mustard Seed’s new line when it comes out and of course I probably will – mostly because I really do like her and the work that she does. Hopefully, it’s like childbirth in that the distance of time (plus the sweetness of that little bundle of  joy) eventually makes you forget the pain.

Chalk Paint? Have I told you how much I love it? It’s sooooo easy. No priming or sanding required, comes pre-mixed in a can, covers really well, dries fast, look gorgeous. Done… signed, sealed and delivered, amen.

Anyway, I’m probably being overly dramatic, but I really started with a simple metal mirror and before I knew it I had painted two outdoor container pots for herbs, a mirror, a coffee table, a dresser for my daughter, an old small cabinet that was my mother-in-laws and a work table in my office. Plus, when I get back I have plans to paint an entire set of furniture for my guest bedroom. I know. I’m slightly obsessed. Maybe possessed. Either way, I have lots of unfinished projects that eventually I will be ready to share, promise! xo Amy

All About Ceiling Medallions

Posted on by
1
Close up Medallion

Look up at the ceiling.   

Is there anything special up there? The surface that everyone seems to forget when decorating is the ceiling and my bet is you’re looking at one that’s been forgotten as well. Let’s face it, we give our full attention to selecting the flooring, choosing treatments for the walls and windows, but more often than not, we forget about the ceiling. Oh yes, we choose lovely lighting and hopefully we’ve chosen it for both beauty and function - but what about beyond the lighting?  

There’s endless decor ideas for ceilings such as faux painting, stenciled designs, tin tiles and more; typically, we just don’t think to use them. One of my favorites accents to place a ceiling medallion above a chandelier. Medallions are affordable,  available in all shapes and sizes and can be hung as-is or even better; painted.  

I have a medallion sitting in the corner of my dining room that I’ll post about when I get around to finishing it, but in the meantime I photographed a project that my friend painted one day when I was visiting. Here’s some helpful tips for selecting, painting and hanging a ceiling medallion.  

Selecting a Medallion. Medallions come in all shapes and sizes. Your local home depot or Lowe’s, will  offer a choice of assorted white medallions which be mounted as is or hand painted to match your trim or decor. You can also find medallions in a bronzed finish to match your chandelier. They can range from $18.00 to $200.00 and up. Some are very lightweight and others are heavier. Once hung, you it’s pretty difficult to know if it was inexpensive or not. It’s about choosing the style and finish that is right for you.  

Classic Medallion

You can get a simple classic design like this..

 

   

ornate medallion

Or a traditional, ornate style such as this...

 

   

Bronze Medallion

Here's a medallion finished in bronze...

 

   

Dome Medallion

Another that's dome styled

 

   

Giclee Bronze Ceiling Medallion

Giclee bronze medallion

 

   

Wrought Iron Medallion

Wrought iron

 

   

Above are just a few of the many styles and finishes available. The photo’s are from LampsUSA and additionally, you can  find lots of online sources.  

Once you decide the style you prefer, size is your next concern. Now it’s all about proportion. If you have a larger chandelier, you want a medallion that is big enough to provide balance – too small, and it will look out-of-place. The reverse goes if you have a small chandelier.  You want to select a medallion that is proportional in size – anything too big will over power a smaller light fixture. I’ve been referring to chandeliers, but you can really use medallions with many styles of  lighting fixtures; even ceiling fans.  According to LampsUSA, which is where the medallions above are from, here are some thoughts on sizing:  

Sizing rules of thumb:  

  • A ceiling medallion should be two-thirds the diameter of the chandelier.
  • Larger rooms and higher ceilings can accommodate larger ceiling medallions.
  • For a typical dining room with an 8′ – 9′ ceiling, a medallion that is 18″ – 26″ in diameter will usually work well.
  • 20″ – 28″ ceiling medallions work well with 52″ ceiling fans.

Coming up: Follow along as my friend paints a medallion for her home to complement the chandelier below…  

Chandelier

This Chandelier is going to get a Painted Medallion...

 

Designer Quote by Billy Baldwin

Posted on by
1

 

Billy Baldwin (1903-1983)

Billy Baldwin (1903-1983)

“Decorators should never insist on throwing out everything the client has. Even when they are far from perfect, loved possessions add personality.”  Billy Baldwin
                                                                                                                                                                    
I love quotes. It just seems to me, that quotes are full of such wisdom; inspiration that for some it took a lifetime to find. This quote from Billy Bladwin caught my eye today and is as timeless as ever. It’s actually a great quote to ponder as we all battle this difficult economy.  
 
A good designer will take the time to find out what is precious to you. They’ll come to understand what you love, how you live, and use this knowledge to make your house a home. It’s not about buying everything new. It’s not about creasting a showcase. In fact, a good designer knows that it’s not about them, but truly about you. It’s something to remember when starting a DIY project. It’s always nice to have something fresh and new, but sometimes hanging onto to pieces of the old reminds us of who we are and provides warmth when we most need it.