Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Inspiration: An industrial style guest cottage

I've got to brag on my bud, Cabell.  
My client, Donna, and I were headed on a thrifting adventure this weekend
when we stopped by to check out his almost competed guest cottage "man cave."
Cabell has an incredible love of industrial repurposed materials. 
And you know me, there's nothing that makes me happier than finding a new purpose for some cool item.
Take a look at some of the fabulousness!!!!!! (hey, it's my blog.  i can make up words if i want...)

Here's the little kitchen area....
Old soda crates have been repurposed into sliding drawers....
Dairy crates with the original glasses.....reclaimed wood....
Everything has it's place...
Countertop.....I love the patina on this little wall shelf.
I spotted Wendy Umanoff's light fixtures right away - 
repurposed from old insulators.
Cabell hung a vintage school map as a shade.
Scored this on Etsy...........
My client Donna and Cabell converse about industrial school art...
She may have a source...
What? No kidding?  I'm really interested!!!
(Don't you just love networking??)
Here's a sliding chalkboard on a track. It moves over for privacy 
and to reveal a burlap memo board.
You never know when an idea's gonna strike!

These two pieces were picked up at Governor's Antiques 
and combined to make a storage piece.
Amazing.
Everywhere, industrial items have been reused..
Here old pipes and plumbing pieces are used to create bookshelves...
 
Wendy U. also helped Cabell with this repurposed design: 
An antique factory cart with awesome industrial casters becomes a chaise lounge...
More industrial pieces in the sitting area.

Upstairs, Cabell is still working on a little en suite....
 
I see Wendy has been working up here, too. 
Check out the fun wall sconce.
 Tiniest clawfoot tub I've ever seen.

 Bedroom furniture to come. 
But for now, the stage has been set.......

Thanks for the inspiration, Cabell!
It made my day.  
(Along with these fun things I scored today!)
 Vintage rocking horse.
Antique sewing machine covers.
 With  a metal aquarium stand, 
instant plant stand!

 Metal storage baskets...
 And a set of ratty victorian parlor chairs........
 I couldn't wait.........I already did the paint finish on one:
 ASCP Antibes Green over Arles.
With heavy wax.
I'm drooling!!

Stay tuned for all the transformations!
And yes, they're for sale!!!!!

Happy Day!


































Friday, May 18, 2012

Bringing Outdoor Spaces To Life

Among other things, I've been working on outdoor spaces this week
Take a look at this little front porch retreat I just finished:
Isn't it sweet?
 Couldn't you do a little rocking here while
sipping on your mint julep?

It didn't look so great when I discovered it!
But I loved the vintage feel of it and the fact that it was a glider.

...and this little discarded table needed some work, too.
I spray painted everything a glossy white.
And I used a shower curtain to make pillows and seat cushion 
so that everything would be "outdoor user-friendly."

 Next, I went to the backyard deck....
There were several sets of porch furniture on a barren deck......
 ...and a pitiful little potted plant....
 There was also a table and two chairs in this same finish 
that I forgot to take a "before" photo of...
AFTER: ...that now look like this!


Beautiful color called Exotic Sea.

For the 4 small chairs, I used a periwinkle..
A trip to Lowes for flowers....
delphinium and dwarf sunflowers really spruce up the place...

Leftover Mother's Day roses.




My client was concerned about the state of her backyard 
when company comes this weekend.
Heck, who's going to be looking at the backyard???
All the poppy colors are going to keep your eyes right here on the deck!
Love this medallion plant stand that I painted in Ivy Leaf.

For a four seater, just pull up two of the periwinkle chairs. 
Periwinkle and turquoise. Yum yum..
Look, even Sophie's toy and tag are color coordinated!
One more trip to Lowes for additional plants...
(This gal has her party hat on!)

....and an outdoor rug....
...and we are open for business.
Is it the weekend yet??