Decorating with Wendy

BrickBratz

I had previously posted some pictures of a "brick wall"  that I created from joint compound and paint.  I've had a lot of people ask me how I made the wall.  In addition to the paint and compound, I used a faux finishing tool called "BrickBratz".  They really made the job simple.  The fun part for me was to paint them, but, if I had to make each brick freehand, or with tape, I would've lost my mind.  I was so impressed with these tools, that I contacted the inventor to see if I could post them on my site. 

The name of the woman who invented these is Brenda Brunderman, and she created this tool to assist her in creating a brick wall look with less work and mess.  She's an amazing artist, by the way.  To check them out, or purchase the BrickBratz, click here.  As soon as I get a chance I'm going to try to do a stone wall using these tools.  They are versatile, in that you can create small or large brick or stone walls.  What a cool invention!

The pictures I posted are of the brick I added above the cabinets.  My dad suggested I go over my cabinets with the brick, to sort of complete the look.  I'm glad I did, because now that the wall is gone, it's a straight shot into the kitchen.  The brick adds dimension and charachter.  I was a little concerned it would be too much, but it actually ended up adding a lot of warmth and charm, in my opinion.

I still have some work to do on the upper corner of the wall, where you will notice the drywall.  That couldn't be avoided, because we had to remove a beam that went into part of that wall.  I'm thinking I may just put some plaster over that spot, to save some work, and also to give it a more old-world feel.  I don't know what I'd call my kitchen now.  Is it old-world?  Cottage?  Farm house?  I can't put my finger on the look.  I just hope it doesn't look "manufactured".  I want to feel like it's always been here.  That brick wall is older than the house itself, wasn't I saying that?  It's always been here, I think.  Oh, did I say I made that.  I was just making that up!  Well, that's what the faux look is all about.  Making people forget it isn't real.

 

Which Color to Paint?

Our long awaited kitchen "renovation" will be happening this Friday!  And, I am so excited to get this process underway.   We have some incredible friends who are taking this project on with us, and also giving us step-by-step instructions in the way of preparations.   And, thanks to these friends this project has been surprisingly organized, with all the planning done, materials on hand, with nothing to do but wait for the project to begin.

Everything had been going swimmingly well, and without a hitch - that is, up until the time that our friend mentioned  the word "paint".  It's such an inadvertent word, but the images it conjures up for me can literally play in my head for weeks on end.  It's not that I hadn't thought about the new paint color, either.  Of course, I'd wondered, and looked at my fan deck for ideas.  But, something about someone else saying "you need to think about what color you are going to paint".  Well, say no more!  I was on a quest.  A light bulb went off in my head, and I have done nothing but think fervently about paint color ever since.

Nothing, until 2 days ago, that is, when I decided to stop just thinking about the colors, and get them on the wall.  I went to the local Benjamin Moore paint dealer, and bought some samples, so we could actually see the colors.  And, because it is important to see how light will affect color, it made sense to paint "locally" and "generally".   I've painted on both sides of the windows, above the door frames, below the window frames, on both sides of our large mirror.  And, also, next to the back splash, next to the brick, and next to the cabinets.  Also, since this will be a joint-room venture, I had to get the same color samples on the dining room wall.  We are talking a lot of color on my walls right now. 

This works out just fine for me, as it gives me time to process my elimination.  Unfortunately, my husband, the extremely patient man that he is, has one quirk, and that is that he doesn't do so well with disorganized spaces.  Apparently, the paint colors all over the wall look disorganized to him.  I, on the other hand have an uncanny ability to overlook the hodgepodge of colors, knowing out of the dysfunction will come beauty and function!   He doesn't see it the same way.  Anyway, I was thinking maybe it has to do with his profession.  My husband is a former health inspector.    Maybe our walls look a little "sick" to him.

They say marriage is a lot of give and take.  In my husband's case, it's a lot of giving.  I'm the lucky one in this marriage!  And, he does put up with a lot of change in this house.  Things may be one way when he leaves for work in the morning, but many times they are another way when he walks in the door at night.  So, in all fairness to him, I have got to pick a color, and paint it on the wall as quickly as possible.  As much as I love the process, he loves the result.  He would like to have calm, subdued walls, and I can't blame him.  And, the sooner the better.  So, with that said, here's a picture of the colors that don't work:

It's funny how different paint looks in the jar, as opposed to on your wall.  This sent me back to the paint store again, in search of new samples.  This time, they kindly gave me larger samples of the new choices.  Here they are:

So, without further ado...drum roll please...my final choice is....paint #2.  It's called 'Danville Tan', a Benjamin Moore color. 

At least that's my choice today.  I may change my mind when I get to the paint store...but, I'll save that for another entry. 

Living Room "Revamps"

Does  your living room scream 1980's?  Does your decor need a face lift?  Dreary or outdated interiors do nothing for our "home-esteem", and they  detract from our own enjoyment of our home.  Sometimes, a change of scenery is just what we need.  And, the good news is that change in small increments can make for big impact, and doesn't need to cost a lot.  All it takes is a little imagination. 

Some ideas for living rooms:

Adding pillows is a great way to update the look.  They can introduce a new color, add warmth and texture.  I often shop for them at discount stores or hobby stores, or wait for them to go on sale.  Often, they are marked down 50%. 

New lampshades are a wonderful way to bring in a new look.  They can cost very little, yet bring a whole new look to a room.  Lighting, which the lampshades help define, plays a big part in the mood of the room.  And, also consider that our eyes are drawn to the light. 

Texture, texture, texture.  This can be added  in the pillows, in a throw, in the accessories.  And, it is found naturally in all sorts of places in the room (i.e. fireplace, flooring, fabric).   I love rooms that have different textures in the furniture fabric (i.e. leather and fabric upholstered furniture) because of the different textures introduced.  Texture is interesting and pleasing to our eyes.  So, add it wherever you can.

Artwork does not need to be elaborate, extravagant or expensive.  But, you do want it to reflect who you are, and what you love.   It is so personal and unique to each person, that it's really something that you only know when you see it.  I have a framed copy of artwork from the Museum of Folk Art, New York, that contains the actual plans for a village.  I purchased it years ago, and I have always loved it.  I don't even know what drew me to it, but it just seemed to be exactly what I love.  It hangs as the focal point in my living room, and my whole color scheme is worked around it!  But, artwork could also be a sculpture, or iron scroll work.  Again, whatever you love, you should use.

Paint is the last thing I want to mention.  Do not underestimate the power of paint!  It is the least expensive way to give the most dramatic change to a room.  It can add drama, warmth, and/or sophistication.  There are lots of great places to look on line for color advise if you are unsure.  And, remember that if you pick the wrong color, you can always paint over it.  And, if you would like a big change to your living room, nothing will transform it like paint.

Whatever you decide, remember to have fun doing it! Decorating is really just a way to express ourselves, and it should be a fun experience, not a stressful one.  Remember to start small.  Look over your room, and decide some key elements that you would like to change.  You'll be surprised at the difference even a few new accessories can add.  Enjoy!

Lost and Found

Isn't it a great feeling when you find something you've been searching for?   Or how about when you find something you weren't looking for...but it turns out to be just what you wanted!  My favorite finds are usually free, or close to it.  I love a bargain, but I also love the fact that I found something that someone else once loved, too.

Maybe they replaced the object, or perhaps they grew tired of it...but, for some reason I never grow tired of the hunt for these great finds.  And, they can be anywhere - garage sales, thrift shops, hand-me-downs, or even on the side of the road.  My friends and family occasionally laugh, because I am forever bringing things home that catch my eye.  But, let me tell you - I have found some great keepers.  I thought I'd share some photos of some of the "keepers" I've found.

Here is a very old copper utensil set that I discovered in a thrift store.  It cost me $5.00, if that.  And, yet it really is an eye-catcher on my wall. 

This is an old picture frame that my sister-in-law actually used as an old photo album.  It was so creative, and always is a conversation piece.  I think she found the frame.

This is an old frame given to me by my dad.  I put cork board on the wall, and put the frame over that.  It is a collage of pictures.

Someone actually saw this and thought of me.  It was an old iron headboard for a twin bed.  I soldered this part off of the frame, and set it on top of the molding above our front door.  We can put anything in it, to change the look, or just leave it alone.  Either way, I think it adds architectural interest to my entry way.

We found this at a garage sale on a rainy day after a night of camping out.  I remember being so glad we stopped to look at it.  We debated getting it, but I just loved it so much, and knew I'd find a place for it.  It was around $40.

Here is a great 6 paneled solid wood door, that I actually found a pair of.  And, best of all, I found them on the curb!  The funny thing is that my husband saw them on the way to work, and he said that he noticed they were gone on the way home - he had an idea of who might have taken them!  I wish I had a picture of the door that was here before.  What a difference!  This is used in our downstairs bathroom.

These are just a sampling of the treasures I've found.  I would love to see what kinds of things other people have found in their searches, as well.  So, if you have any pictures you'd like to share, I'd love to see and hear about them.

Hitting a Brick Wall

Well, the "re-doing my kitchen" fever has come over me again - but this time I'm hitting a brick wall.  Well, actually I'm making one.  This is a narrow wall between my kitchen and my dining room, that I used a faux technique to make look like brick.  I did this on both sides of the wall (so, it looks like brick from both rooms).  This is the view from the dining room.

And, here, is what it looks like from the kitchen: 

And, the side view:

I've always wanted a brick wall somewhere in my home, and now I have one, without laying a single brick! I'm so happy at the way it turned out, that I'm going to expand the brick look into other parts of my kitchen.  I love the natural, "old world charm" it adds to a room.  And, it has a sense of permanence.  It's one thing in our house that I'm sure won't be "here today and gone tomorrow". 

I hope to have the completed project done by the end of the week, so I will post more pictures when it is completed.