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   

Living Room Makeover - Part 2

When embarking on a new project it is often the case that you may already possess items that you want to incorporate into your rooms' decor.  Or while on your travels in search for inspiration you come across an accessory, fabric or picture that becomes your 'jumping off point' for the room.

When I began to source fabrics for Dorothy and Geoffrey's living room Maxwell Fabrics had just launched a new line that I thought would be worth showing them samples of.  We had already discussed ideas for a colour scheme based on hues they were drawn to so I had a good idea of what to look for. 

This is the fabric sample, but the picture really does it no justice.

You need to touch and hold this fabric to truly appreciate it's beauty.  The colours are rich, yet soft and the extra layer of fabric over top the background gives it added texture.  It was decided that this fabric would be used for the draperies and as the inspiration piece for the room. 

The colour you don't really notice from the picture above is the lavish plum that is used for the colouring of the florals with the green and gold.  I suggested that the lead edge of the draperies should be this colour to compliment the purple hue within the pattern. 

 Tiebacks will be added to gently pull the curtains to the sides to allow for maximum light

The draperies were made with 6" pinch pleated goblets and come just to the floor.  When choosing fabrics for custom window treatments it is important to show a sample to your workroom or seamstress so they can confirm that the material is suitable for the application you have in mind.  This fabric is quite thick, therefore once hung they were very full bodied which enables you to admire the beauty of the entire pattern.

These 2 carved walnut Victorian parlour chairs were in unbelievably good condition considering they must be from the late 1800's.   It was agreed however, that they were ready for an updated look. 

The curves of the hip rails and cabriole legs add to this chairs delicate appearance.

This is the 'Mama' chair re-upholstered in plum velvet.

Lillian August offers some of the most exquisite fabrics and this plum velvet was no exception.  We used this 'Dewitt Plum' on the front of the chairs and for accent cushions on the sofa. I suggested using the same Maxwell fabric on the back of the chairs that had been used for the draperies to give it a special touch and additional flow to the room's overall design.

If I'd added throw cushions in this same fabric it would have been too 'matchy matchy'.

Their wing back chair was re-upholstered in a Robert Allen striped fabric.   The colours are more muted but still carry the similar tones of the draperies, minus the plum.  This chair was originally in my client's bedroom and when I saw it I asked if they would consider moving it into the living room.  Always look at what can be re-worked or upcycled from other areas of your home before purchasing new items.  You may just be surprised at what you find!

The camel back sofa with a skirted bottom was a custom purchase that quietly fits in with the style of the room.  The throw  cushions compliment the rooms' colour scheme and the pattern of the golden cushions  bring a more modern feel without being too 'loud'.

Finishing touches have yet to be added.   Photographs were taken by me, please excuse the angle, lighting etc.

I love mixing old and new pieces together to give a one of a kind look.  If you have antiques don't be afraid to include them into your decor, but be sure you have other antique items to support your eclectic style so that they don't look out of place. 

If you want to know a great place to buy older pieces of furniture, check out Aberfoyle Antique Market (one of my fab finds!) when it opens again this spring.  Be sure to read this prior to your visit and you will be better prepared for what to expect and how to shop with confidence.

If you like this living room makeover and are considering a renovation or decorating project of your own, please e-mail me at claire@creatingcontrastdesigns.com. I will be more than happy to help make your dreams for your home a reality. 

Living Room Makeover - Part 1

When I first meet with clients I ask them why their current space is not fulfilling their needs.  We discuss function, colour & style preferences as well as how they would like to 'feel' when they enter that particular room.  Like anything in life it is important to understand why you want to change something before you look at initiating that change. To see more about questions asked during the consulting stages,  click here to read my post about 'Where to Start'.  

When I first met with Dorothy and Geoffrey their living room was painted a dark green tone & there was no fixed lighting in the room.  They wanted the room to be brighter & wished to update the decor by using some of their  beautiful antique items and introducing modern furnishings as well.  

We discussed what furniture was staying, what could be re-worked and what was going to need replacing.

A large tree outside their window blocks a lot of natural light from entering the room.

We discussed how many people they typically entertain for so as to clarify what seating was required.  To address the lighting issue I suggested placing sconces on the wall by the fireplace and adding secondary lighting with floor and table lamps, as drilling into the ceiling was not an option. 

The fireplace had hand painted floral Portuguese tiles and if they were to stay, they would have limited and dictated the style and colours for the room.  It really was essential to replace these tiles to update this room and give it the face lift my client's desired.

Carrara Marble Tiles with the brass insert gives this fireplace a clean, classic and polished look. 

The floor had some damage to it so it was sanded down and re-stained with a natural look finish.  An area rug is a great way to add softness to a room and will help ground the space.  However, until one has been chosen, my client's are enjoying their gorgeous hardwood floors! 

Prior to finalising the paint colour I recommended painting 18" x 18" samples with the 2 colours that they liked best and place then on a larger white background on the wall for 48 hours.  It is important (and surprising) to see how colours change throughout the day and into the evening, so I always encourage this exercise prior to applying the paint.  I know people say 'It's only paint' but by doing this and getting it right in the first place saves a lot of time and headaches in the long run.

  Paint - Benjamin Moore- HC99 - Abingdon Putty.  Still to come -wall art, a rug, coffee table & accessories.

As you can see, the room has been totally transformed and looks stunning.  My client's are thrilled with the way it is coming along and so am I.  We started work on this project in September and were fortunate to have all of the upholstered pieces and draperies completed and recieved before Christmas. 

When ordering customised items it's important to be aware of  timelines for delivery in order to manage expectations (yours or your clients) thoughtfully and carefully.   As I've mentioned before, HGTV makes this business & the process of Interior Design look quick and easy -that just isn't the case.

To see the professional photos - which are stunning!! - head here to the portfolio page of my website.  

If you wish to sign up to my posts, please do so by clicking here.  There is always more fabulous advice and design tips at your finger tips!

Before and After Pictures

My piece of furniture is done and I love it!  Unfortunately my basement is undergoing some renovations at the moment so it will be a while until I can move it to it's new home.  Here is a picture of my buffet and if you didn't see what it looked like prior to being sprayed, then click here to see the photo.  To see it in my beautifully renovated basement all dressed up and pretty, read this.

I am very pleased with the colour and can't wait to add hardware and dress it up with accessories.

Paint it Like New has done some amazing work and I am dedicating this post to sharing some of my favourite before and after transformations with you.  If you are still hungry to see more once you've read this post, please go to their  website for lots of other pictures that are sure to inspire!

Oak cabinets tend to require an extra coat or two of paint because of the nature of the of the wood.

One of my clients had oak cabinets like this and then had them sprayed CC 130 - Ivory White by Benjamin Moore and it looks fantastic.  The hardware still needs to be chosen but I can tell you that the difference in the overall look of the kitchen is amazing.  Even with Oak cabinets the make over will still look incredible when it's done, just look at this kitchen below!

New back splash & counter top to be installed.  This kitchen will be as good as new for a fraction of the price!

Many people have their kitchen cabinetry painted because it is a quick and cost effective way to beautifully update a kitchen.   Creamy Whites are usually the most frequently requested colours, like Benjamin Moores' cloud white, oxford white or steam - from the affinity collection.

Although when other colours are used such as black or an espresso, they tend to have a more customised look as well as covering up any imperfections better than white can.  Janet especially loves when customers' request to paint something a funky colour too, which leads me to this next item. 

Here is another buffet before being painted.

And here it is after.  How bold and fun!

This bright orange hue for the buffet is risky but it works sensationally with  the wallpaper and I'm sure it is the conversation piece of the entire house! 

These pictures below are of  4 very cool planters that would make a statement in any garden or porch.

I have to admit I kind of like the character of the worn and weathered look, but.....

How fierce do these lions look now?!!

If you have something you are considering having painted to freshen up its' appearance, contact Paint It Like New and Janelle would be more than happy to provide you with a quote.  If you would like to give something new life but don't have anything yourself, check out  Upcycle Furnishings.   You can choose from one of the pieces for sale and pick the colour to best suit your decor.  Here is a previous post on Upcycle furnishings if you are looking for some ideas.

I am very excited to announce that Creating Contrast Designs has teamed up with Paint It Like New to offer the following Christmas promotion:   Simply visit 'Paint It Like New' between November 24th and December 24th and be entered into a draw to win $100 towards your next spray painting project and a two hour Interior Decorating Consultation.  The winner will be drawn on Christmas Eve and will be notified by phone or e-mail.  What a great way to start off the Christmas holidays!

My first Christmas newsletter will also be sent out this week to all my subscribers.  If you haven't subscribed and you don't want to miss out on my 'Top Ten Tips for Home Decor at Christmas' then be sure to subscribe at the top right side of my blog and enter your e-mail address.