1950’s Antique Cedar Chest – Part II

I left off last week after staining this trunk. I then applied clear polyurethane as a protector and

sealer. Then to revive the cedar inside the trunk I used a fine-grit sandpaper.  For fun, be sure to read

my original story here.

(before)

( after)

 

 

  I designed this trunk to be dual functioning - a cedar chest for storing linens,  clothing etc.,  and as a bench.  Ideas for where to use this bench include, mudroom,  entry,  foot of a bed. I also fashioned the chest with a trendy burlap cushion for rich visual texture.  Another finishing touch is the piping, a designers signature touch!!!

Do cedar trunks really work? { shrug} who cares? I just love the smell and come on now I live in Southern  California.  I don’t own a wool sweater  (wink).

 

For design inquiries,  write to Laurie at me-n-you@verizon.net

Redeemable Mother’s - Day Part II

N ine years ago Mom and Dad found the home of their dreams to suit their coastal California

lifestyle. This beautiful home is nestled in the foothills of Ventura County. Today I will reveal the new

updated exterior paint.  In case you haven’t heard, Robert, my loving husband painted their shutters,

garage doors and front door as his Mother’s Day gift to my Mom,    Yep. . .

 (Before)

 

(after)

By turning up the color- artistically- I incorporated this rich dark  paint against the light colored stucco. These are the palettes that inspire me. It gives this elevation a rich contrast. 

This home really has a presence now, doesn’t it ???

. . It’s a  stop the car, head turner!!!

 

(Before)

This photo shows single car garage. The landscape designer and  Mom designed the approach wide enough,  so that her guests can be side by side, not single file,  as they enter the home.

 

 

 

(after) 

Stunning landscape display!!!  The front door is just below the turret ( little tower).

 

 

(Before)

 

(after) 

 

 

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!!!

For design inquiries,  write to Laurie at me-n-you@verizon.net

Arts & Craft Fair

My dear friend and confidant, Jacquie, owner of California Chic, and I decided to exhibit our handmade items at a local arts and crafts fair in May. Sorry about the photos everyone, I did my best.   

I hung all my table runners on rolling garment racks, and asked my husband ( Robert) to place the ottoman directly in front of our display. He asked, “ Are you sure that’s where you want it ? Shoppers might decide it’s a good resting spot.” I confidently reassured him, “I doubt any shoppers would be daring enough to do that.” Little did I know Jacquie had one ear open.

More about the ottoman later. . . .

After I rearranged our exhibit 100 times. I realized not only do I have to constantly tweak the decor in my home, I had to do the same with the show. (wink) 

 

Jacquie and I went “fity- fity” on the craft fair entrance fee of $250.00.

 

There is a certain charm in burlap that can add appeal to your home.

 

Here is a better photo of the ottoman I made.  We heard a lot of stories about the famous hotel Chateau Marmont; it was quite an attention getter.

 

Jacquie did her thing too . . . 

Look at the darling rag-style quilted handbags & diaper bags,  blankets and accessories she uses dreamy fabric & colors. For an added splash, the baby blankets can even be personalized at your request …

nice touch Jacquie!

Although our items received a lot of attention,  this craft fair wasn’t a money maker for either of us. We didn’t even sell enough to cover our entrance fees . . Urgh

 

Soooo . . . . remember the  ottoman I  decided to place right out in front

Yep  . . . .

Caught on Camera

By Jacquie. . .she’s a prankster !!!

 

 

 

For design inquiries,  write to Laurie at me-n-you@verizon.net

Redeemable Mother’s Day Gift

My talented parents have spent many a days involved in home renos.  Now that they are approaching the golden years their reno skills are limited.  Ever since we spruced up our exterior,  mom has been boasting about how stunning it looks,  and hinting  that she wishes her exterior could be painted, too.

. . . Soooooo

Robert (my Husband) came up with a novel idea for Mother’s Day.  Yep, you guessed it. . .

Exterior of Mom and Dad's home.

 

I just love the beautiful landscape.

I selected Behr paint  ( french roast),  for the garage doors, it’s a dark rich brown.

Is it behind door number two??

   

 

 

 What a catch !!!

 

My Dad will paint the shutters and front door.

I will post on the completed exterior this week. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!!!

Have a terrific day everyone!

Want to experiment with color ?

My dearest friend, Melissa(Missy), has a plethora of talents,  nurse,  devoted mother of three girls, who are pure eye candy, homemaker,  etc.  etc. She has a large suburban home which has good bones, but it’s time to change the Swiss Coffee throughout the whole house. This home is perfectly suited to her family, and is poised for a redo. She approached me to design this nest.  First up with this design project:  paint selection.  This is truly an area where amateurs struggle.  Quite frankly, it can be very scary. I often ask my clients, “ Are you struggling with the paint color?” They usually reply, “ YEP!” I reassure them it’s only paint,  and it can always be changed. That usually gives them the out they’re looking for. Now that Missy is informed, I want to inspire her with color options.  We can create and visualize the final result before any paint is applied.

  

WHO wants to see a preview of what their room will look like after it’s been painted ???

Show of hands please! 

I will use Color Visualizer from Sherwin Williams. All you have to do is take a picture of the room you would like to paint.  Upload it here.  You can experiment with different colors that you would like your room to be.  There is even a toggle that lightens or darkens the color you’ve selected.

Missy wants everything to go except the beautiful recently purchased Bombay chest.

She has decided on custom white plantation shutters for light control and privacy.

Gone is the children’s playroom in the dining area, to the back of this photo.  In comes her new sophisticated, functional decor. Flooring throughout downstairs to be replaced with hand scraped wood – for the real wow factor! I’m pushing for Seagrass rugs, we’ll see!

View  from other side of room showing foyer.

Formal dining room begging for a chandelier!!! (wink)

 

Larger base moldings would be a nice touch.

 

Dining room is adorned with three windows.

Entrance to kitchen from formal dining.

Missy has patiently waited nine years for this makeover. We’re both dreamin’ and schemin’ about the completed redesign. YAYY!!!

 

  

 

1950’s Antique Cedar Chest makeover

 

Hello everyone! So sorry I have been MIA  this last week. I wasn’t able to

blog due to computer issues. Well, $800.00 later, I have a new notebook and I’m back in the house,  long story.

 

. . . Now on to the fun stuff 

I purchased this cedar blanket chest at the Salvation Army for ten bucks. . .Yep !  Sorry about the photos,  this chest is nice and straight not bowed although it appears that way in the photo. Can you believe someone wrecked  this elegant beauty? I love this old hardware with the key hole. Nope, it didn’t come with the key. . . awe shucks

 

First application of stripper, can’t wait to see what’s underneath this baby?

 ANTICAPATION is making me wait . . .

Second application of stripper.

WOW. .  Check this bad boy out!  I am so Jazzed!

 

After two days of stripping fun, it’s time to sand.  Oops, I forgot to take photos of the sanding process. Oh well, moving onward. . .

I infused dark walnut gel stain with oil base raw umber, still pretty wet. 

 

This chest is going to be super dreamy and full of treasures when it’s done.

 

I hope I can encourage you to grow and try new things, to me it’s a great way to give back.

Arts & Craft Fair

My dear friend and confidant, Jacquie, owner of California Chic, and I decided to exhibit our handmade items at a local arts and crafts fair in May. Sorry about the photos everyone, I did my best.   

I hung all my table runners on rolling garment racks, and asked my husband ( Robert) to place the ottoman directly in front of our display. He asked, “ Are you sure that’s where you want it ? Shoppers might decide it’s a good resting spot.” I confidently reassured him, “I doubt any shoppers would be daring enough to do that.” Little did I know Jacquie had one ear open.

More about the ottoman later. . . .

After I rearranged our exhibit 100 times. I realized not only do I have to constantly tweak the decor in my home, I had to do the same with the show. (wink) 

 

Jacquie and I went “fity- fity” on the craft fair entrance fee of $250.00.

 

There is a certain charm in burlap that can add appeal to your home.

 

Here is a better photo of the ottoman I made.  We heard a lot of stories about the famous hotel Chateau Marmont; it was quite an attention getter.

 

Jacquie did her thing too . . . 

Look at the darling rag-style quilted handbags & diaper bags,  blankets and accessories she uses dreamy fabric & colors. For an added splash, the baby blankets can even be personalized at your request …

nice touch Jacquie!

Although our items received a lot of attention,  this craft fair wasn’t a money maker for either of us. We didn’t even sell enough to cover our entrance fees . . Urgh

 

Soooo . . . . remember the  ottoman I  decided to place right out in front

Yep  . . . .

Caught on Camera

By Jacqkie. . .she’s a prankster !!!

 

 

 

For design inquiries,  write to Laurie at me-n-you@verizon.net