Adirondack Chair Makeover

Earlier this summer I started transforming my patio into an outdoor living area. (You might remember this post or this post.) I can't believe it took me two years of living in this house to realize how awesome it would be to have a little living room outside! Lately, I think I spend more time out there than I do sitting in my actual living room. I'm still tweaking things here and there, and have a couple small project to complete before I can show you the entire space. But I thought I would share one project I recently completed on the patio.

My mom gave me a adirondack chair that had been sitting outside, unfinished for a couple years. It was worn and weather and splintering beyond belief. I decided a bright cherry red coat of paint was just what this chair needed to bring it back to life!

Here's what the chair looked like after sanding it down to the bare wood:

(Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of the crappy condition it was in before sanding. It was pretty bad, you couldn't actually sit in the chair for fear of splinters!)

I used an indoor/outdoor oil based primer (that was tinted gray) and a disposable paint brush to apply the first coat. (Oil based primers are pretty yucky and ruin your painting tools!) I let the first coat dry for about two hours and then came back and did a second coat.

Here's what the chair looked like after two coats of primer. I let the second coat of primer dry over night and came back the next day, ready to paint!

Ooh-la-la, I love this color red! It's actually called just that - Benjamin Moore 'Red'.

Isn't she pretty?! I applied the first coat of paint, let it dry for about two hours and then came back and applied the second coat. I am still trying to decide how I should finish/seal it. I've never painted outdoor furniture myself before, so I need to do a little research and find the best way to ensure that this baby stays glossy and pretty for the long haul.

Of course I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures this morning of my new chair in it's place, next to the mosaic table I made a while back and my surfboard!

Have you completed any DIY projects lately? Painted any outdoor furniture? Please share!

Nautical-Chic Powder Room

I was so inspired by the mirror I featured yesterday in my roundup of products 'I'm digging' this week, that I decided to design an entire powder room around it! Here's what I came up with:

I think a wainscoting done in timeless, white subway tile would look great against walls painted a rich, navy blue color (Benjamin Moore's Down Pour Blue.) The Nautical Porthole Mirror is available here and the pedestal sink is available here. I selected bamboo blinds, a striped blue rug, and farmhouse style light fixture to add to the nautical feel of the space. The sailboat art is available here.

You'll noticed that I wasn't afraid to mix and match the metal finishes (chrome, bronze, etc.)! Designers seem to be pretty divided on this topic, they either love it or hate it. I however LOVE the trend of mixing metals in kitchens and bathrooms. It's being done more and more lately, and the 'matchy-matchy' look (ie: all satin nickle or all oil rubbed bronze fixtures) is headed out the door. However, a word to the wise, hire a designer if you are undergoing a bathroom or kitchen remodel! Mixing and matching finishes can look great if it's done correctly, otherwise you can end up with a hodge-podge of clashyness!

Contact me if you are interested in my interior design services or online-design packages. I offer extremely affordable rates and will work with you to create a home you love!

This week. . .

I'm diggin:

 Ikat Pillow, $50

I love these summer-y, citrus colors!

Overstock Metal Tripod Floor Lamp, $159.99
This isn't a bad price for such a statement-making floor lamp

Jute Chenille Herringbone Rug, $49 - $599

Nautical Brass Porthole Mirror, $239
Wouldn't this look great in a bathroom?!

C-Thru Table, $69.99

Chevron Oval Lamp, $395
A little more than I would typically pay for a lamp, but isn't so fun?!

Laquer White Greek Key Dresser, $1,296
Also, a little pricey, but this is GORGEOUS!!

Jackson Metal Tub Chair, $109
I have been loving the industrial look more and more lately. These are super affordable and would look great as dining chairs or a desk chair

What home decor items have been on your radar lately?!

Room of the day

This room is quintessential Mary McDonald. . . a classic and glamorous feel combined with a bold graphic floor pattern and pops of yummy color. It's so sophisticated yet fun, I love it!

To see more of this Million Dollar Decorators work, you can visit her site here or check out her book here.

Happy Friday!

Is it sizzling hot where you are?! It sure is here. . . I'll be running some errands today and then hitting the pool, that's for sure! Today I have a special guest stopping by to talk about two of my favorite things - LIGHTING and COLOR!

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On the streets and runways we're seeing hot hues as a big trend in fashion. Neons and color blocking trends are putting the focus on color this summer. Summer is definitely the season for all things hot so we wanted to bring you some ways you can dress up your home in hot hues. Enjoy!

Woman's Day (via)

The hot hue of orange walls really pops against the pure white of the paneling, pendant light, chairs and accessories. It's also nicely complemented by blue-gray chair upholstery. Orange and blue appear opposite each other on the color wheel and can be used as contrasting or complementary colors.

Colour Lovers (via)

These colored pencils demonstrate where each color falls on the color wheel. The hot hues include the pinks, reds, oranges and yellows. Cool colors would be blues, purples and greens.

Christian Guys (via)

Red in the bedroom doesn't have to mean the room should be overpowering. A deep red velvet headboard and hot pink striped curtains hit the right notes in this sophisticated bedroom. Add a silver or black light fixture in the middle of the room to complement the boldness of the red.

Barbara Gilbert Interiors (via)

Pinks, oranges and hints of yellow dress up this bedroom. The white balances all the hot hues and gives the eye a break. Such a lovely wallpaper!

Design Wonderland (via)

No hue is hotter than hot pink right now. This color is not only popular in the fashion world but used in the right way, can dress up a room, wall or chair in your home. This formal foyer is all dressed up with pink walls and one of our favorite light fixtures, a crystal chandelier

Style at Home (via)

Hot hues like red, hot pink, orange and yellow can be intense. Used as an accent, like these yellow drapes and pink and yellow pillows, can add impact without overwhelming the space.

Pure Home (via)

Hot hues can bring an international design to a space. This room's palette of reds, pinks and oranges recalls Indian saris or Thai silks.

Home Result (via)

Hot hues, for instance orange and yellow, work well with the warm browns of modern style furniture and décor. Pops of yellowy green add contrast but keep the room's palette on the warm side of the color wheel.

Content provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. Come visit us today!

Wedding Wednesday: DIY Bouquet

FINALLY. After searching and searching for months it seemed like, I finally found it!!! What's that you're askinig? Well, it's a step-by-step how-to on creating your own DIY wedding bouquet. That actually makes sense. AND this tutorial reassures me that making a bouquet is really pretty easy! I knew it would be, but everyone keeps looking at me like I'm crazy when I tell them I am going to be doing the flowers for my upcoming wedding. The reception flowers will be a breeze, but I've been a little leary about the bouquets for the ceremony. . . Anyway, back to the bouquet business. . . go HERE if you want to read the best ever, complete tutorial on how to whip up your own bouquet!

I'm going to do a 'test run' in the upcoming weeks, so I will let you know how it turns out :)
 

Room of the day

I adore this Beverly Hills living room by Melissa Warner of Massucco Warner Miller that was featured in High Gloss Magazine! It's so sophisticated and feminine with it's soft gray walls, tailored furnishings and window treatments and brass accents. While the jolts of  magenta and canary yellow (two of my favorite colors!) make the space feel young and fun! When can I move in?!

I've blogged about Melissa Warner's West Hollywood apartment here and focused on her firm's work here if you would like to see more.

Featured Designer: Caitlin Wilson

Caitlin Wilson has quickly became one of my favorite designers! I've seen bits and pieces of her work here and there but wasn't too familiar with her portfolio until recently. Man, are your eyes in for a treat when you visit her website AND blog. This girl know how to use color in a way that melts my heart! Take a peak at her portfolio and you will see why I love her work so much. (Oh, and you might want to get comfy. . .  I had a really hard time deciding on my favorites. So needless to say this post will be packed with TONS of Caitlin Wilson eye candy :)

Another element that I believe makes Caitlin's portfolio stand out is the amazing photography of her spaces. I really think that the rooms you design and decorate are only as good as the pictures you (or a professional) take of them. While I have a decent sized portfolio filled with spaces I have designed over the last several years, I really  think that the quality of photos is lacking. From here on out, I am committed to either 1) learning how to take kick-ass photos or 2) hiring a professional to shoot my work.

So what do you think of Caitlin Wilson awesome portfolio? Who are your favorite designers?