Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Side table getting a "New Look!!"

My side table is getting a "new look." I wanted to distress the side table like I had my chairs. You can say I got the "bug" real bad!! No end to what I'm going to paint next!!


This is what my side table looked like before I started the project!


Using white chalk paint requires you to do at least two coats.  I used Annie Sloan Chalk paint


I wind up using three coats, but then realized two would have been enough, since I'm sanding some of it off!! Live and learn!!


Sand off the "look" you like. The more you sand, the more rustic "look" you get. That's way I love this project, you have control (OK, perhaps I have some issues with control!!). Make sure you do this outside because you will get covered with sand dust!! Once done, apply a coat of clear wax. Make sure you "wax on" and then "wax off."


Last step is to apply the dark wax. You will use a light coat! Make sure you wipe it down good. How can you tell? If you run your finger across, you SHOULD NOT see the streak. What I like to do is lightly use my fingernails across it. If my fingernails lift off some of the wax, then there is still too much wax on!! Believe me, I learned the hard way. You see, the wax gets into the groove of the chalk paint. That's what gives it the distress look! So don't worry about taking too much off!!


OK, all done and next to my chairs that were previously done!! Don't be afraid to try chalk paint!! There is no "wrong" way to do this. Just have fun!!









Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Metallic! Metallic! Metallic!

Metallic! Metallic! Metallic! Where ever I go, that is what I see, Metallic!! What do I see in it
you ask? I see it in:

PILLOWS



POUF


ACCESSORIES

 PAINTED MASON JARS


SHELF LINERS

BATHROOM TILES

BATH TUB

WALL PAPER


Well as you can see, the list goes on and on!! I haven't even mention Metallic in the Fashion Industry!! Safe to say Metallic is here to stay in a big way!!










Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Granite vs Quartz?

The last 10 years or so, granite has been all the rage when it comes to counter tops. While it still is, quartz is steadily heading towards mainstream. Many people are under the impression that quartz is man-made. Not entirely true. Depending on the quality, quartz is 94% - 96% natural stone. Leaving 4% - 6% man-made. That is due to the bonding polymer agents. 

While granite is 100% natural stone, you are limited to what is produce by nature!

Granite

Quartz


You can see from the pictures above, it is a different look. Granite has a more linear look. Quartz has a more speckled look. But not ever piece fits that criteria. Granite, however needs to be maintained. Once a year you need to seal it. Quartz does not. It's maintenance free!! It also has a tremendous selection of colors. Personally I like them both!! And there is nothing to say you can't use them both in your kitchen. I know I did! Which one do you prefer? Or do you have a preference? Either way, quartz is here to stay, and I for one, like that!!

Monday, July 21, 2014

Painting Kitchen Cabinet. Is That Taboo?

When I recommend painting kitchen cabinets to my clients, I often hear a grasp, followed by, " Oh no I would never paint wood." I then ask, "Why not?" Their answer most of the time is, "I just don't think you should." But when I show them pictures of "before and after" of painted kitchens, their resolves  starts to dwindle. Pictures "paint" a thousands words. So here are some "before and after" pictures to show you what a difference painting your cabinet can do to your kitchen.












As you can see by these pictures, painting your cabinets can have a dramatic effect!! It can instantly update your kitchen. It is the least expensive way to achieve an updated look. Image how much it cost to remodel a kitchen? Painting is probably a quarter of that expense. When I painted my kitchen cabinets (pictured above) it costed me $4,000. I had gotten quotes on refacing and they wanted $12,000!! And I didn't like the material they were going to use. Since I save around $8,000, that allowed me to add an Island and eventually I added new appliances Think of the money you can save by painting your cabinets! It is a great alternative to remodeling. What do you think?






Tuesday, July 15, 2014

The Hot Trends In AmericasMart

Back from my trip from AmericasMart, and what a trip it was!! I saw so many beautiful accessories, area rugs, chandelier and so much more. All the latest trends for the next few months/years!!!


I stayed at the beautiful  Marriot Marquis hotel. Breathtaking, to say the least. It had 47 floors! And the ride in the elevator was like a ride!! Awesome!!


I saw a lot of COW HIDE, not just in area rugs, but in pillows and ottomans.


The hot trend in color is GOLD!!


ANIMALS were all the rage, from wall art....


to accessories!! 


And the CHANDELIERS!


In so many COLORS!!




So much shopping and so many stores, it would make your head spin!! This is but a taste of what you will be seeing in the coming months/year ahead. I hope you're just as excited as I am!!