Paint it Black...Paint It Like New!

One of my lovely sponsors for the 'Delicious Room Makeover' contest was Burlington based company Paint It Like New.  If you've followed my blog for any amount of time, you probably already know that I am a big fan of theirs.  Owner Janet Hamilton stands for all that I believe in when it comes to upcycling and repurposing items for home and office decor.

Painted Pew for sale at Paint It Like New!

Painting an old piece of furniture is not a new concept but I can tell you that it is still very much on trend in the world of interior design.  If you are looking for a change, the easiest and most cost efficient way to transform either a piece of furniture or an entire room is to use paint.

Source

To celebrate Halloween, Paint It Like New are currently offering an extra 10% off anything sprayed in their 'custom black' until the end of October.  Janet says "Painting an inexpensive piece black, instantly makes it look more expensive" and I agree!  To prove it, here are some before and after pictures of items sprayed black at their shop.

Great for the entryway or as an alternate to chairs at a kitchen table.

Love the curves on this piece.

Drum side table

Looks like new!

If you don't have something that you can paint, visit second hand stores like Value Village, the Salvation Army or Reuse centres.  Alternatively, click here to see the 'Upcycle' section on the Paint It Like New website where you can pick your own piece and customise the colour to suit your decor.

Don't limit your choices to just wood and wicker pieces, brass items can be sprayed too. Check out this classic yet modern light fixture Janet just had done for her new home.

Fast forward and use your imagination to visualise how items will look once done and in your home...

Neutral hallway with hits of black

 And here is a headboard freshly sprayed in custom black...

I found this bedroom photo with a black headboard that totally pops off the wall and looks amazing!!

The black painted headboard is the star of the show in this bedroom

Thank you to Paint It Like New for sponsoring my contest and congratulations to Kris who was our third place winner of the $100 gift card towards spray painting services!  Email Janet at paintitlikenew@bellnet.ca for a free estimate if you have something that you would like to have sprayed and added to your ~delicious decor~.

If you liked this post, you might also want to see:

Before and After Pictures

Antique Market Season

Is Reupholstering worth your while?

Over the next few weeks my blog postings will be addressing questions from readers who kindly sent me their design dilemmas. Be sure not to miss a post and become a subscriber by entering your e-mail address below.

Do you have a space you would like decorated before the holidays?  You still have time to get your place looking fabulous for Christmas!  Contact me and I can help you create a space that you are happy to come home to, share with family and entertain in with friends.  E-mail me: claire@creatingcontrastdesigns.com   

Check out my first guest posting!!

A few weeks ago Tina at Living Fresh wrote a fabulous guest posting for me on how to make a beautiful floral arrangement with flowers from your own garden.  To read the tutorial, click here.

I returned the favour by writing a post for Tina's blog all about wooden furniture and my latest trip to Aberfoyle Antique Market.  It's been a while since I wrote a post about furniture and Aberfoyle so to get your fix, please click on the link below and happy reading!

Guest blog post:   Who wooden't love this old furniture?

Hope you are enjoying the final week of summer before the kids go back to school!  Can't believe the summer is nearly over, where does the time go?!!

See what's new in Furniture for 2012

January is a busy month in the world of design with many trade shows to excite Interior Designers and get us pumped up for the year ahead.  One of the shows I recently attended just outside Toronto was TCHFM - The Canadian Home Furnishings Market and here is my review from the show:

Every year Pantone releases their colour forecast trends in both fashion and home decor.  Over the past couple of years we have been moving towards oranges and other vibrant hues that add wild 'pops' of colour and work especially well with the now popular neutral gray.  

The Pantone colour of the year for 2012 is Tangerine Tango.  'Tangerine Tango is a spirited reddish orange that continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.'  Although this tangerine in the photograph above is not as red or intense, I still found it to be vibrant, refreshing and indicative of the current colour trend.

Industrial inspired - notice how the gray comes alive with the orange backdrop.  

Outdoor furniture today is stylish and fun so there is no excuse for boring backyard decor.

Continuing with the gray's and punches of colour, this modern outdoor patio set (above) is from American Home and Patio Company.  Materials used for outdoor furniture should be durable, made to withstand various weather conditions and most importantly be easy to clean.

This unique table pictured below is one I was especially drawn to because of the mix of old and new styles. The modern table top is a gray stained wood while the base is clearly an antique design with curved legs and a caned bottom shelf.

From their 'Old Pine Wood Collection' series, I fell in love with this rustic piece (below) from van Dam International Trading Inc. When I eventually move to the country into my dream farm house my desire is to have an item of furniture like this to greet guests as they enter the mudroom.  The space will need to be large with high ceilings to accommodate this grand beauty!

Moving now from the country to a more sophisticated style of decor, these hanging pendants are truly elegant.  I'm thinking that they would add just the right amount of shimmer to any room.

More 'bling' for your buck....

M&L Art Furniture Makers Ltd.

This Cinderella carriage bed is magical.  I love the lanterns fixed to the sides and the sparkly buttons as accents on the head board.  Any little girl would have sweet dreams in this fairytale bed.

Dog lovers may go barking mad for this whimsical porcelain poodle lamp!

This Art deco chair with a glittery, classic image of Audrey Hepburn would be a well suited and glamourous addition for a chic, contemporary walk in closet.

I did think the upholstering could've been pulled tighter and finished with more care.

Nature inspired lamps with plenty of textural interest

Lastly, my post would not be complete if I didn't mention at least one item with British influence and flare!  Here is one of my favourites that I wish I had a room for in my house.

The Union Jack is dominant within Canada and is incorporated on the flags of Ontario, BC and Manitoba.

Europe often sets the scene for many trends, from designer fashions and colours to  home decor.  My friend and fellow blogger Lorrie Shirton wrote a post last year titled   'The British Invasion'. It's worth a read as it re-affirms British influences  are world wide and very much a part of what we Canadians love!

Tomorrow I am looking forward to attending the CGTA - Canadian Gift and Tableware Association.  It has more of the items you see in boutiques including fashion accessories like jewellery and handbags as well home decor items.  Upon my return I will share with you more photos of what I consider  to be 'delicious decor worthy'.  Stay tuned!   

Upcycle for Fun and for the Earth

The word 'Upcycling' refers to taking something that is old or useless and giving it new life.  This process has become very popular and to save on our planets' resources it is now more important than ever.  I would like to share with you a couple of my upcycling projects on items that may of otherwise been left to the curb.

My chair

I found this lonely old contemporary styled chair and immediately saw potential.  I had no idea what I wanted it for but I was up for the simple challenge to reinvent it's look.

After an hour of removing staples, I was nearly there!

I purchased some new foam, chose a contemporary flocked fabric and began the process of  re-upholstering the seat. I found it best to start at a corner, pull the fabric tight and begin stapling.  The wooden piece was painted a creamy white and I freshened up it's thin legs and frame by spraying them in a semi-gloss black.  I screwed it all back together and...

Just a little bit of TLC and the chair is better than new!

My other project was to convert a french provincial style mirror into a cork/eraser board.  This project was a little more in depth than the chair and I was excited about the process.

Here is the mirror...and me!

After removing the mirror I lightly sanded down and primed the frame. I applied a black satin finish paint  with a  small foam roller to the wood. (although spray painting it would work too).  I purchased an eraser board from Staples that was just the perfect size to fit into approximately half the frame.  After painstakingly removing its' frame, I placed the eraser board into the top half of my newly painted frame.

At Home Depot I purchased some thick cork board which they very kindly cut for me to the exact measurements to fit into the remainder of the frame.  I glued a small silver t-bar between the cork and eraser board to hold it securely in place.  I added some simple, colourful detail to the top of the frame and re-applied the backing.  The final outcome....

Not the best picture, but you get the idea.

 What do you think?  Both of these upcycled items now have a place in my home office & I love them! 

This was used as a filing cabinet 

I found this piece of furniture for Janet, owner of  Paint It Like New.  It's a bit deceiving as the extra hardware makes it appear to have 4 drawers when in reality it only has 2 really deep drawers.  Here is what Janets' dresser looked like after it had been sanded and sprayed...

The piece is totally modernised and I especially love the hardware

Janet painted the dresser the same colour as her head board which gives a cohesive look to 2 completely different pieces of furniture.  The paint is a pearl finish by Benjamin Moore, colour  'Nightshade' 2116-10.  A pretty big transformation from the dull filing cabinet. Nice job!  If your hungry for more makeovers, check out this blog on 'Before and After' projects.

 I highly recommend Burlington based company 'Paint it Like New' where Janet and her team provide quality re-spray painting of furniture. 'Upcycle Furnishings!' is a new service they offer that allows you to purchase a one of a kind item and spray it in the Benjamin Moore colour of your choice.  Visit http://www.paintitlikenew.com/  to find out more.  You'll be glad you did your part in salvaging something and giving it a new life!

Have you upcycled something?  I would love to see it.  If you are you looking for a specific item, I can help.  Contact me by e-mail:   claire@creatingcontrastdesigns.com. 

Read this before venturing out to a local Antique Market

There is such a variety of old and often quirky items at an Antique Market that you will be spoiled for choice.    I have been attending the Aberfoyle Antique Market for nearly 20 years and I never tire of strolling by each vendor’s stall to peruse the goods. 

The inventory is constantly changing (a bit like Home Sense) so you will always have different   treasures to set your eyes upon.  My suggestion is to arrive early because those that are serious about antique hunting, know that if you leave it too late all the best stuff will be gone.

Aberfoyle Antique Market

I recommend that you have an idea of the type of items you are looking for or what room you may be thinking of furnishing while on your hunt.  Otherwise you may come home either overloaded or overwhelmed. 

If you see something that is a must have, make an offer and purchase the piece straight away.  Many times I have seen, or I myself have missed out when someone else was quicker at making the deal and walked away with what I had hoped would be mine.  It can be heart breaking!

One thing to always bear in mind is that when you are looking at older furniture, although it may require some work (which is what I think is half the fun!) the majority of the time you are still getting a bargain. 

If you compare a dresser like the one in the above picture to a dresser in the IKEA catalogue, I can tell you something right now…THERE IS NO COMAPARISON!!  I’m not knocking IKEA, but I think you would agree that its like comparing apples to oranges. You are more than likely getting better quality, more value for your money and something that is one of a kind to boot.

Mirrored trays are perfect for displaying your perfumes or as platform for your latest tablescape

 

Spray paint one or two of these to match your colour scheme for great little accessories.

I just loved this old barn filled with so much stuff! From antique hats in their boxes, to frilly lamp shades and old toys, even if you don’t want to buy you can’t help but want to look.

Great vintage fashion accessories

My other bit of advice when touring an Antique Market for the day – and I urge you to make a day of it – is to carry cash.  If you are going to barter on prices, be sure not to insult the dealers.  Many dealers price items with the intent of maybe taking slightly less, but that doesn’t mean half the listed price. Some dealers may mark items as ‘firm’ and this means there is little to no room for negotiating. I would walk away if you don’t want to pay what they are asking.



Outdoor ornaments, gates and birdbaths too



Bring a big van or truck to take your new purchases away in, otherwise most dealers should offer delivery for an extra fee.  The Aberfoyle Antique Market is open  Sundays until October 30th from 8am - 4pm and only costs $2.00 per adult.  For directions and more information, check out their website at:  http://www.aberfoyle-antiques.com.  

You may already have some older or unique pieces of furniture, but just aren't sure how to work them into your homes' decor. If this is the case, please contact me and  I will be happy to help create a place that you are happy to come home to, share with your family and entertain with friends.  My e-mail is claire@creatingcontrastdesigns.com. 

Write a comment on my post with your Antique Market Experience or after you’ve visited one let me know how you got on.  Happy Hunting! 

Where to start?

No matter what the task, starting something new can be a daunting experience if you are not sure where to begin.  Whether it is a decorating project, pursuing a new career or making any change to your lifestyle, knowing where to start and making a plan can make things a lot less intimidating.

Source

For those of you thinking of re-decorating, allow me to provide you with some considerations and advice to ease you into your project.  However, be forewarned!  As with anything in life, there are no guarantees that everything will go according to plan.  Obstacles that you least expect are bound to pop up, but being prepared for these road blocks will help you adapt and cope with them more easily.  Never forget, that you are embarking on this project to make your space more enjoyable and functional, so it will all be worth it in the end.

 Pottery Barn

Prior to commencing work with any client, I discuss with them in detail what it is that they ultimately hope to achieve by changing their space and how they want their surroundings to look and feel.  If you haven’t yet talked your other half into hiring me as your interior decorator, then you can start on your own by thinking through answers to the following questions.

FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE STARTING YOUR DECORATING PROJECT

*Why have you chosen this room to re-decorate?

- Understanding why you want to change the look or function of a room is important and will help you determine what your priorities are for making the space work for you.

*What are the hobbies/interests of the people using this space?

- Furniture requirements, lighting, and adequate storage are just some of the things to take into account when asking yourself this question.

Martha Stewart Craft Room

 *What is the sun exposure & when is the room occupied most?

- Sun exposure can be tricky and I could do 100 posts on this topic alone! When deciding on a paint colour, remember that a south facing room gets a lot of sun and a north facing room will always feel that little bit cooler due to the lack of sunlight.  Careful consideration should be taken when choosing your window treatments as well, as these can play a critical role in protecting your flooring and furniture and filtering the light as necessary.  If the room is used mainly in the evening, think about on-looking neighbours or the view from the outside to make sure you have enough privacy.

Hunter Douglas Window Treatments



*What items do you have that could be used in this space? 

- Re-evaluate the furniture and accessories you currently have and only keep items that you love and that are functional for the activities taking place in the room.  If you have pieces that you can re-work, it can free up some money to put into another item that may desperately need replacing.  

Beautiful Bright Floral Pattern for a Nursery

* What is your budget & when do you hope to finish the project? 

-Ah, the question of money rears its ugly head!!  Take a moment to sit down and think realistically about your budget.  If you are making any structural changes, be prepared to spend some extra money especially if you are not doing the work yourself.  And although we all want things done yesterday, you need to be practical about the length of time it will take you to complete your renovations.  Forget about the shows you see on HGTV and how they transform a space in one week or less.  You need to think about when the best time is to undergo your project and whether you want to do it in stages or all at once.

Ralph Lauren

If you get really stuck, I am always here to help.   I can be your guide for the initial steps to get you on your way or you can count on me to lead the project and see it through to completion.  Either way think about the big picture before making decisions, choose pieces that you absolutely love and have fun! 

You can e-mail me at: claire@creatingcontrastdesigns.com.  It will all come together in the end, it’s just knowing where to start.