Category: Decor

Spray paint can be a bit underrated, but I recommend one doesn’t overlook the number of items this heroic can will save around your home. Yes, it can perform miracles. Well, sort of.  Whenever one thinks, ‘I need a new (insert whatever item comes to mind)’, you might want to reevaluate that thought and wonder, ‘Can I spray paint this instead?’

Now that we have shifted our thinking, let me tell you about the lifesaver that vigilantly sits on one of my paint storage shelves. This cape-wearing can (at least in my mind) is the Rust-Oleum Metallic Paint & Primer in one. I opted for the oil-rubbed bronze which will be the featured exhibits I will provide, but it comes in different colors and finishes so everyone can experience the same level of excitement. This amazing product can be used (according to its written claims on the can) on “wood, metal, plastic, and masonry.” Although, this wonder product covers all kinds of things, I will be focusing on specifically the legs of a table I purchased and my glass screen door’s hardware.

Every time I opened my glass screen door, I felt the need to wash my hands. Perhaps it was the fact that people tend to touch door handles, maybe because I’m a bit of a germophobe, or because the brass color had overstayed its welcome and aged after years of use. In actuality, it was the latter. This tired handle needed a rest. So I gave it a vacation and had it sunbathe in my yard until it tanned and transformed beautifully into an oil-rubbed bronze color by the simple touch of my index finger pressed against the rust-oleum can’s trigger. There is no sweeter sound than the hissing of color being sprayed as it rejuvenates its target. It’s a fountain of youth of sorts.

Once the screen door hardware proudly flaunted its new facelift, I decided to take on a riskier rescue – the legs of my brand new office table. I had envisioned a table of specific dimensions with a white top and bronze metal legs. Sexy, right? I thought so too. After searching and coming up empty handed, I decided to purchase something close to my desired wishes and DIY-ed the rest of it to what I was looking for in the first place. The original leg color of the table was a boring, washed out silver and since I don’t do well with boring, I chose to give it a few shots of liquid bronze so it could stand more confidently in the middle of my office party. The end result was marvelous! Once again, the rust-oleum spray paint had saved the day performing another session of CPR (Color Post-Renovation).

These simple projects are easy and can be completed in one weekend. Who knew a small can of spray paint could bring so much joy and beauty to one’s home?

To complete these projects you’ll need to work outdoors and these are the materials needed:

• Rust-oleum metallic paint and primer in one (2 cans of spray paint for this particular project)
• 400-grit sandpaper (two sheets were plenty for both table legs and one for the glass screen door hardware)
• Respirator mask – A Charcoal Mask is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to protect one’s lungs from damage due to dust particles (metal, wood, etc.) and specifically fumes. Our lungs can’t dispose of metal and the fumes are toxic.
• Surface to spray paint on (cardboard will work just fine)
• Microfiber rag or towel to wipe off dust after sanding metal
• Disposable, latex, or cleaning gloves
• Safety glasses
• I would advice to remove any jewelry to prevent spray paint particles from adhering to and damaging jewelry
• Hat (optional to protect hair, but not necessary)
• (If removing screen door hardware) –  screwdriver and an Allen wrench/Allen key/hex key

  

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I’ve provided a video for the table legs project below and hope this helps you with your own projects at home. Happy spray painting!

 

 

 

Getting Creative

Bathroom decor can take many directions. It can be simple or more complicated (ie. adding shelves, built-ins for towels, and accessories, etc). However, creating a unique look for your bathroom vanity doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. One can purchase a few decorative items and make a simple statement that defines one’s style. The days of old-fashioned potpourri disappeared long ago and one can find many great scents and visually pretty styles to help with the look and theme of your bathroom. In this case, I chose the pink peony scent from Potter Barn because it’s reminiscent of spring down to the details of the potpourri itself. This particular scent includes seeds, leaves, and pink flowers. It, also, smells amazing! When selecting potpourri, just make sure everyone’s allergies are accounted for within the home.

How I created this look

I purchased a clear rectangular plate from a local store for about $3 after it met the width requirements for my bathroom soap and lotion containers. I knew this was going to be the base in which these bathroom essentials would sit on just to keep in line with the clear look of the dispensers. I wanted to add an organic, natural look to the display so I added some decorative river stones and dispersed the potpourri on top to complete the look. The soap and lotion containers are nestled between the stones for stability and for a cohesive look. I used the K. Hall Design soap and lotion in the milk scent sold at Pottery Barn. The style is simple and easy to combine with different looks since the label is gray and white. This is one of my favorites, but they have a variety to choose from such as roses, oranges, grapefruit, and jasmine amongst many others.

Once the main look was complete, I added a picture frame I had laying around my home that fit the color scheme I was aiming for in this case.  I found an image online that fit the theme best and printed it on glossy photo paper. The message in the image was perfect for my purposes as it reads, “wash your hands.” Another option would be just to type “wash your hands” or any other message that speaks to you in black letters and print it on glossy paper. I like how the image I found for this bathroom is gray and white as it matches the labels on the two dispensers. If you’re decorating a children’s bathroom, you could buy stick on letters in different colors matching the decor or print a photo of the child’s favorite cartoon, toy, or superhero.

There are so many ways to get creative with bathroom decor, but this is just a simple way to at least get started. It has character, a creative aspect, and adds a signature scent. If this isn’t your style, I hope it inspires some new ideas of your own. Have fun creating the perfect bathroom look that’s meant to make you proud and excites you the most!

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     One of the greatest challenges for many when it comes to decor is the use of patterns. There are a few rules that you can apply to help you achieve this look flawlessly. They’re fairly simple and will save you from making some decorating mistakes. 

     First, choose a color scheme that will work with the room, sofa color, bed, bench, or chair where you will be placing the pillows. Also, consider the wall color, flooring, drapes (pattern and color), area rugs, and artwork in the room. The colors should either tie into the sofa, chair, etc. or complement it in some way with the rest of the room. The key is to use unifying colors even if they are of varying shades within the same color family. This will ensure that one’s eye will not wander and lose focus of the look you’re trying to create. A similar color scheme, even if monochromatic, will portray harmony within the different patterns.

     The same unifying theme with a separate accent color can finish the look. In the picture above, notice that within the varying shades of gray, the lumbar pillow features a mustard-yellow which differs from the neutral color scheme throughout the pillows which are beige, ivory, and gray. The purpose of this is to add a “pop” of color. This is what breaks up the monotony of the neutral color scheme in this particular case. Without this additional color, the pillows would look incredibly boring. The accent color doesn’t necessarily have to have a pattern since it can just be a solid color pillow. The key in this case is to make sure to add the same accent color with a throw or with a work of art that includes that color to tie it all in and complete the look. 

     Herringbone throws such as the one featured are great for adding not only pattern, but texture to a room. The small scale of the herringbone pattern itself allows the decor to introduce yet another pattern that is more subdued yet permitting the patterns on the pillows to make a more profound statement. Throw blankets add a homey feel to any room and make it look more inviting. The key is to make sure that they are in line with the pillows added to the room. However, they should not be the same as all the pillows because it leaves the room devoid of visual interest.

     As a general rule, designers operate by the rule of three’s. This means that an odd number of pillows is your best bet in elevating your home aesthetics to a more designer look. Instead of two pillows, use three or five and ensure that one has pattern or a different solid color to avoid a drab look. Often times, people will accessorize their sofas, love seats, or sectionals with just two pillows (one on each end) and maybe a throw blanket all in the same style. This is a common mistake, but luckily it’s one easily corrected. By just adding that third pillow to break up the monotony, you can create a more inviting and visually interesting look.

     Another challenge for some is the use of stripes in their decor. Stripes can add a sophisticated look when combined with a pattern. The thicker the stripes are, the bolder the look and the bigger the statement even when featured as in the above image with neutral colors. You can even combine stripes with a check pattern as long as there’s a solid or pattern pillow in between the two.

     The key to mixing patterns, stripes, and solid colors is finding a balance usually by using a similar color palette. If you follow these simple designer rules, you’ll already be at the top of your design game. I hope these few guidelines give you a better sense of how to create an interesting visual space within your home. In addition, I hope they help dissipate any fear you may have had regarding the use of pattern on pattern. I can assure you these insider tips will enhance the aesthetics of your home and give you the look you’ve been striving to achieve. When decorating, don’t be afraid to try different things and make it your own as each space should reflect our individuality, personalities, and the best of our creativity.

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