Homefront: Reviving a Framed Painting with.... Paint

I got this large, Barbara Hails 1990's print in a semi-lovely fame at a garage sale for $7 a few months ago. It's been sitting here, looking all park bench floraly and very dull, sucking the energy out of the room. I only wanted it to bring some color to this massive brick wall, but the frame drabbed out any colors in the otherwise pretty painting. Obviously, the only clear solution is to paint it, white.

I'm lazy and don't sand, not even when I did my headboard or my mirror. But if you did prime and sand, you will have more longevity on the paint job and it will look better. I really don't mind if I have to touch up a nick, or I may even add intentional nicks to balance out accidental nicks.

 You can dry brush for a naturally shabby chic look and call it fin.

But I liked to pile on the paint, too thick layers, before allowing the first to dry. I'm impatient. I used plain old acrylic craft paint in ultra white. This painting doesn't come out of the frame. But if it did, then a can of spray paint would have been easy.

The print is a textured vinyl, so any paint I got on it, easily wiped off with a lightly dampened paper towel. I even think it would be fun to stencil or free paint some crazy design on here. If your picture surface is also not removable or vinyl, then be sure to cover it, so paint doesn't ruin your picture. I went around right under the frame edge with a piece of paper as I painted and it worked fine.

 It really does seem to brighten up the whole fireplace and give the colors some subtle intensity.

Our inheritance from my husband's grandmother's passing. His parents got this in Germany when he was  born and gifted it to his grandmother. A lovely, huge, vintage scenic candle, handcarved by Johann Gunter.  There are a few broken parts, but it's been moved around 20 times, though it is still very charming.

 I got his lovely bust and The Dicken's Bedside anthology book a few months ago at some antique shops.

 

Love my little bottle collections. This one is from my favorite antique mall a few years back and I glued a vintage brooch on with E6000. The flowers came from the mister. You know how a dying bouquet usually has a few good flowers left? I usually remove those when throwing the bouquet out and add them to small bottles.

Inspired Interiors: Shabby Chic, Le Magnifique!

 updated shabby chic, a modern approach via apartment therapy

If you are looking for a style which is light, airy, feminine and bright, try a little shabbiness. Similar to cottage style, it has a softness which carries throughout furniture to textiles. We mostly all know this style, but it's easy to get lost in the images, so breaking it down will help one pick and choose elements to incorporate, if so inclined.

Painted floors

via houzz, shabby chic redux 

Painted white or pastel coloured floors with simple rugs can be not only inexpensive to implement, but add space and texture to the room.

Roses

via houzz, shabby chic redux 

Chintz style roses or prints are a must. Pink is always good, but if you want to tone down the femininity then you could use another chintz style in a blue hue.

Distressed style furniture

via i heart shabby chic

{Photo Credit: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn}

There is styled furniture available which means you don’t have to go to the trouble of painting and sanding a brand new reclining sofa, but of course if you wish to make the furniture to your own style then you could try this glazing technique yourself. It involves giving the furniture a distressed, battered look. You could paint the furniture in several light, pastel colours and sand the upper layer away in areas such as the corners, drawer fronts and around handles. Stick to white or very light colours to maintain the look. Other touches are roses and little flowers painted on areas of furniture.

Fabric

   

Traditional types of fabric such as lace and chintz cotton fabrics are a hallmark of Shabby Chic. Use these as throws, tablecloths, cushions, curtains and blinds. Bunting is a wonderful touch; hang around the room, across walls.

Lighting

  via love lauren

 

via houzz, shabby chic redux

Lighting usually consists of light chandelier type fittings. This contrasts with the relaxed air of the rest of the room but gives the design its inimitable style. It provides a little glitz and glamour amongst the relaxed softness.

 Hearts

 via i heart shabby choice, notice the heart candelabra?

 

shabby chic heart side table by old new again

Lots of decorative hearts in various styles are a common theme. They can be made from fabric, petal or painted wood and are usually hung on walls, door and furniture handles. They provide a little ornamental touch.

Walls

  

Walls are bright, light and soft. Pastel hues are common, although white is a firm favourite. For those who like wallpaper, rose wallpaper could give a touch of the country, but be careful not to use too much or the room may look old fashioned rather than stylised.

Shabby Chic is a timeless classic, and can be achieved with a minimum of fuss. For the creative it can become a project, decorating furniture and walls, but remember to keep it simple, relaxed is at the heart of this look.

*guest post text by Susan, courtesy of Sofasandsectionals.com, a leading retailer of recreational seating.

Inspired Color: Grey and Pink

Not surprisingly, I've been attracted to grey again. But instead of my yellow/gray fascination, it's come to pink and flesh tones pairings. A perfect summery treat for the ladies and gents such as myself, who shy away from loud colors and keep to the shadowy confines of familiar and flattering gray, whilst grabbing pops of pinks. Interestingly enough, florals also start to show up when I gravitate toward this color combination.

grey zen garden desk organizer by karolinefelixDream

grey mist ruffled tulle cuff by karolinefelixDream 

pink and black house

starlight by the dreamy giraffe

vanilla layer cake, buttercream frosting and sugar spray recipe by bakerella

the home of Jane Atla. I am just loving this chair. All boringified revamped in doilies, paint and embroidery.

I don't know who makes these epic floral tights, but I am quite desperate for a pair. Any ideas?

grey  bow detail, ted baker dress. I could probably wear this every day.

 the white house for moooi by marcel wanders via mocoloco.

Unintentional Pairings: White Warmth

adas art filled apartment therapy

I have been drawn to these images and I couldn't figure out why. But when I pulled them all together, it hit me. There is a common theme of a varied coral hues, spikey flowers, vintage charm, competing textures, natural themes and lots of casual muted white backgrounds. Almost a natural history type of flair, with a bit of eccentric fun thrown in.

It's amazing to see how fashion, flowers, treats, books and interior design can be combined to resemble one another in such an obscure and unintentional way.

brooke white & summer bellessa. the girls with glasses show

glitter cookies recipe via the  purl bee

jcrew 2010

portrait by Emma Corcoran of blue day designs. Emma turns child portraits into edgy works of art.

indoor teepee via moozle home

Inspired Design: French Gray Interiors

 leafy168 blog (via)

Sipping a cafe au lait and eating a croissant in a small cafe with a single candle as table decor near the Champs Elysee or gazing out on Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower are quintessentially French.  If May in Paris is not in your future, you can still live a life inspired by French style and beauty in your own home. 

We're in love with French Gray inspired interiors right now. The French have a way with gray that makes it feel romantic and chic, never dull or boring. French gray can range from dove gray to a blue gray and is almost always paired with warm, creamy white for a classic French feeling.

Here are some of our favorite French gray interiors we hope will inspire you too:

Jessica Lagrange Interiors (via)

We adore the the French-like wingback accent chairs near the fireplace, as well as the matching floor lamps in this living room we spotted in Jessica LaGrange Interiors via Design Shuffle. The creamy gray walls balance the warm neutral furniture pieces, keeping the room feeling light and airy.

Dwelement Home Design (via)

This monochrome gray kitchen is French Country chic gorgeous! We like the white and brown accents from the pottery.  The lighter cabinets keep things from feeling too dark or heavy.

Pleasant Living (via)

Gray walls can go quite nicely with all neutral-tone furniture, just like in this casual living room. Check out the chandelier, candle holders, and wall art right above the accent table. All of these items looks like it came from a Parisian specialty store. So chic and unique!

Busybee (via)

The tufted headboard in this bedroom is so romantic.  Soft gray walls and crisp white and neutral tone linens create a soothing, calm environment perfect for sleep.

Decor Pad (via)

This room demonstrates all the key elements of a French Gray inspired room: soft gray walls, cream and warm wood furniture, a sparkly vintage style chandelier and vintage mirror. What makes it one of our favorites is the blue sideboard.  It's a nice spot of color. Don't be afraid to add accent colors in soft hues -- light pink, moss green, silvery blue, pale yellow all work well with gray.

*Content provided by Arcadian Home Decor, a site that specializes in top quality home decor items at extremely affordable prices. Go visit them today!