Friday, August 24, 2012

Almost Perfect (AKA Future Projects)


This mid century style tray recently caught my eye.
I can really appreciate the whimsical simplicity
in the design. It's a bit scratched up, and I think
it will look WAY cuter in bright orange.


What do you think? Can you just SEE it?


But it is not MY style, so it's going to
the consignment place. So will this...


It's a wreck, really. But it has that little chunk of marble base.
And a charming mix of wood and metal. 
So, it's going white and gray. We shall see if paint can
make this little cast off worthy of a trip downtown.


If it doesn't work, nothing much will be lost.

The larger frame will get a coat of glossy white.
The smaller one will stay as it is.


This little gilded mirror looks a bit cheap and cheesy.


I want to try a little gray with some Old White on top of it.


I may keep these as they are...just clean them up a bit.

The next time you see this candlestick, 
it will be a lot different!


Not that it's at all bad or ugly...


It's really pretty. I just want to see
if I can make it better. Just like Liz commented


~ Liz ~ said...
Cute post. You know, I wonder sometimes when I paint something if I would I want to strip it if I found it in the color I painted it, or would I see that and think it needed a change?

I think we just like to change things and put our mark on them. Occasionally I see something that seems just perfect, but usually I just want to redo something to see what else it could be.
Liz

She must have been reading my mind.
Because I found these today:



OK - so they're white, right? And who has been
painting EVERYTHING that does not move white?

And what does SHE want to do with these
white footed bowls? Paint them COLOR. 


See, she already had one just like the second one
and she painted it green for Hannah.




Well, after she stops talking about herself in third person,
she will probably sand them a bit. You know, so the paint
will stick better. And if they happen to look good,
maybe she won't do anything else. Or maybe she will. 

Because that is part of the FUN 
of finding almost perfect things.


We can change them for the better.
They are already good - nice shape, 


quality materials or whatever made them catch 
our eye in the first place. They just need
an optimistic soul with a little vision and a lot of style
to notice how lovely they are. (Don't we all.)


So NOBODY would ever guess they just cost .87c
because they look like a million bucks!

I hope you will check back 
to see how these projects turn out.

Word for the Day:

Hebrews 12:2

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and 
perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before 
him endured the cross, scorning its shame, 
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Linking With

Sunday

Sunday’s Best
Creative Bloggers Party Hop
Nifty Thrifty Sunday
Sister Sunday
Thrifty Treasures
Monday

Metamorphosis Monday
Masterpiece Monday
The More the Merrier Monday
Make it Pretty Monday
Tuesday

Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Cowgirl Up!
Tuesday’s Treasures
Wednesday

Share the Love Wednesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Penny Pinching Party
What’s it Wednesday
Show Me What Ya Got
Thursday

Under $100 Link Party
Thursday Open House Party
Time Travel Thursday
Treasure Hunt Thursday
Home and Garden Thursday
Share Your Cup Thursday
Live Laugh Linky
thrift’n on a thursday
Friday

Feathered Nest Friday
Potpourri Friday
Friday Redoux Link Party
Inspiration Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Rustic Restorations Weekend
Spread the Love
Saturday

Saturday Nite Special




Wednesday, August 22, 2012

How to Choose and Place Art in YOUR Neutral White Space...

Keeping it Neutral...


Now that you are finally going through with the
plan to have an all white room (or home),
Maybe it's not turning out quite like you imagined.


Maybe it looks "unfinished" or like it "needs something."
Maybe it looks "sterile." 

While we all can appreciate slick, white
minimalism in a magazine, it's NOT for me. 
I like things a bit crustier.



And I don't like mass-produced items.
I prefer "original" artwork.

It can be cost a buck at the thrift store...


It can be from a local artist or maybe Etsy,
like this great-looking art piece...


If you're a little less crusty, and more refined, 
you can purchase really nice pieces like this one from Rebecca Crowell.



Art can be many things.

Mirrors...


A Gallery Wall of collected things...


A chalk board...


Something you made yourself...


Let your imagination soar, and have fun!

Here are a few simple rules to help you create a
successful look that is perfect for your home:

1. Choose items you LOVE in a variety of neutral tones. 
 Use shades from snow white to beige to taupe or gray, and every tone in between.

  • If something is not in keeping with these colors, consider painting it. 
  • If painting an item is not an option, put it away to use later.
  • Remember, WHAT YOU OMIT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT YOU INCLUDE.

2. Include LOTS of different textures and shades.
  • Consider weathered wood, shiny ceramic, burlap, velvet, chippy paint, a variety of metals and tarnished metals. 
  • Position items to intentionally contrast with each other.  Place lighter against darker, shiny against matte, rough against slick. The items will showcase each other!
3. As a general rule, use odd numbers of items in groupings.
  • Use even numbers if you want a totally symmetrical, classic look. 
4. When using mirrors, consider what they will reflect.
  • Mirrors work well reflecting windows and gathering places.
  • Keep human scale in mind. Avoid placing mirrors chest-high unless they are part of a mirror collage.
5. Vary the artwork in the room.
  • As great as they are, you won't be happy with a gallery wall on every wall. 
  • Include large-scale pieces and leave some quiet places with no art for a visual resting place.
  • If you need a large canvas piece, consider painting one yourself. It's a great learning experience and it's fun to tell people who ask about it that you did it!
  • Consider plates, 3d items on small shelves, and "non-traditional" items as artwork. (wire fencing, pan lids, house numbers, etc.)
6. Relate your artwork to your furniture.
  • After you have positioned your furniture in a way that functions well, hang your artwork.
  • Many people make the mistake of hanging artwork too high on the wall. It should feel "connected" to the furniture above which it is hanging. 
  • Don't be afraid of overlapping art with lamps, candlesticks and table vignettes. OVERLAPPING IS GOOD. It adds visual depth and looks great. Look for opportunities to "tell a story" with artwork and table vignettes.
  • Keep artwork slightly smaller than the furniture below it, to avoid a top-heavy look.
7. Every rule is breakable in the right circumstance! 
  • To break a rule well, you need experience working within the rules.
  • When in doubt, find a vignette or artwork placement you really like, and try to recreate it. You will be amazed at how much you can learn by an exercise like this!
Word for the Day:
Proverbs 31:27
She looks well to the ways of her household

    and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Potentially Linking With

Sunday

Sunday’s Best
Creative Bloggers Party Hop
Nifty Thrifty Sunday
Sister Sunday
Thrifty Treasures


Monday

Metamorphosis Monday
Mod Mix Monday
Show Off Your Cottage Monday
Revival Monday
Masterpiece Monday
The More the Merrier Monday
Manic Monday
Just a party with my peeps!
Make it Pretty Monday


Monday Marketplace


Tuesday

Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Cowgirl Up!
Cowgirl Up!
Cowgirl Up!
All Star Block Party
Tuesday’s Treasures
Be Inspired
Twice Owned Tuesday

Wednesday

White Wednesday
Share the Love Wednesday
Primp Your Stuff Wed
Piece of Work Wednesday
Restored it Wednesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Penny Pinching Party
What’s it Wednesday


Thursday

Under $100 Link Party
Transformation Thursday

Thursday Open House Party
Share Awesomeness Thursday
Time Travel Thursday
Treasure Hunt Thursday
Home and Garden Thursday
Share Your Cup Thursday
Live Laugh Linky
Doin’ It Yourself
Thursday Favorite Things
Suzy's House Party

Friday

Feathered Nest Friday
Potpourri Friday
Furniture Feature Friday
Friday Redoux Link Party
Frugal Friday
Inspiration Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Free For All Friday
Rustic Restorations Weekend
Air Your Laundry
Furniture Friday
Fridays on Remodelaholic
Spread the Love
Frugalicious Friday
Delicately Constructed Friday

Saturday

Saturday Nite Special
Get Schooled Saturday
Show and Tell Saturday