How to Paint a Chevron Wall

Well, after a long debate, I finally decided to go for it. I was very iffy about painting a chevron pattern on my main wall in the kitchen, as I did not want to mess it up. I am so glad I went for it!!!

Make sure you have one of your colors you want to use on your wall. I painted my entire wall with Sherwin Williams Navajo White.

I began by taking the measurement of the walls height and width. I then divided the width by how many columns I wanted. My wall is 10'-6" wide. I divided this into six sections (21" each). I then took my level and made a vertical line, floor to ceiling, every 21" with a pencil.

Next it is time to decide how thick you want each row. I liked the scale around 9"-11". The height of my wall is 95". After playing around with math, I found that 10 rows at 9.5" would be best. From here I measured down every 9.5" and again took my level and this time made horizontal lines at every mark I just made. This gave me a grid on the walls with long rectangular boxes.

 Beginning at my top intersection of the first box, I took the corner of the tape and made a diagonal line down to the next intersection. Shown on my graph here.

Make sure to use a straight edge and cut the tape so it makes a perfect point at each tape intersection. Also, don't forget to tape the outside of the lines with the row you want as your accent color (see photograph).

Time to paint! Decide which row you want as your accent color. Using the base color (Navajo White), paint every other row that will eventually be your accent row. The reason for this extra step is to avoid any bleeding. Then the waiting game begins. I let this dry overnight.

The next day it is time to break out your accent color. I am using a color from Restoration Hardware, Buttermilk. This is the color of all my woodwork and built-ins. Paint over the rows that were painted the day before in your color of choice, Buttermilk for me!

It may need an additional coat. If so let this one dry and then proceed with the second coat. Then...DO NOT LET THIS DRY!!!! I let mine get "tacky" but not dry. If you pull the tape when it is dry you risk the chance of cracking the paint.

Pull away...carefully to reveal your masterpiece!
(next we need to finish the back of the bench, base board and to hang the new light fixture!!!)

Fall 2011

This is turning out to be a great Market this Fall. LOVING all the fresh color combinations. Here is a sneak peak (oh, and these are three of my favorite looks so far!!).

Genious!

Okay, I typically HATE to take something from another blog but I saw this post on Ohmigosh Design Blog and had to share it!

Overlay's takes a standard table and turns it into a designer peice

You can use it for the glass doors on your cabinets.

On even on a mirror that has been hanging in the same spot looking the same way for years now.

Simply take a peice of furniture, paint the overlay the color of your choice and apply!

I am in love with O'verlays! Not typically a DIY girl, but I am all for this! Check out their website!

Modern and Classic...

One of my favorite ways to add character to a room is to mix two or more design styles together. There is nothing better then seeing a traditional chandelier hanging over a modern seating area. Not only does it add a layer of sophistication, but it gives you many opportunities to add your own personality to the design.

Go with what you are Attracted to: Achieving a well done eclectic space does require some knowledge...not rules, just some general guidelines. Many people are drawn to a certain commonality, whether this is color, lines, or scale. This is where you can begin your design for cohesive harmony. You may be drawn to the lines of a traditional wing back chair. Why not take those lines and find a modern fabric that coordinates with them and upholster the chair in it?!

Create Balance: Finding the "balance" is key. The best way to have your eclectic space look intentional is to give more of one style and take less of the other. Try for a 80/20 or 70/30, 80% of one style and 20% of the other. One of my favorite tricks to achieve the eclectic look is to make all the lighting fixtures and rugs traditional and all other elements modern, or vice verse. This gives the correct amount of balance and looks beautiful.

Consider the Elements: Before putting those five pillows together consider what they do to one another when put side-by-side. By throwing all these pillows together it could look very "hodgepodge", but finding one element that works with all five elimantes this issue. This could be one color found throughout the pillows or even the scale of the patterns. This "guideline" applies to furniture as well.

Art: Art is one of the hardest parts of the room for some people to envision. My rule is: GO FOR IT!! Art does NOT need to match your room. If you like it and the proportion works, use it. Art is meant to be seen not blend in.

The art of mixing old and new and having it work together but in the same token be completely different, can become confusing, but, when done well, it can be breathtaking.

Photographs: Google Image, www.houzz.com, www.decorpad.com, Lee Meier Studio

Near Completion II, A Stunning Master Bedroom Nestled on the Lake

As I promised in a previous post, here are the final photographs from the "Near Completion" post

At the heart of this residence is a beautiful Master Bedroom, perfect for the homeowners needs and wants. It is just the right amount of elegance while keeping comfort in mind.

Notice the headboard fabric and area carpet as these were the inspirations for the entire space. The headboard sits in a prominent spot at the center of the room with a spectacular view of Lake Erie.

The stunning oil painting graces the seating area where there is a nice play on colors and patterns.

And thus, the customized chests that serve as nightstands flank the gracious bed.

Near Completion

I thought it would be fun to share with you one of our latest "near completion" projects. Paul and I designed a Master Bedroom together recently and had so much fun customizing some bed-side tables. I must first apologize that this is NOT the completed project. Lamps still have plastic on them and there are no accessories/artwork, as well as some technical items that still need to be relocated. But, I have decided on sharing this with you early because of a post on Lort's blog that I was very excited to see. Below is our unfinished project:

The two bed side tables are pieces that we customized from Lorts:


Today, we were reading the blog I mentioned above and vuela! They photographed our piece and look how beautiful it looks!!!!!!


I will be sure to share pictures of the finished project!

Photographs taken from Lorts.

Loving Mid-Century

If you like mid century design I have fabrics for you! The newest fabrics from Villa Romo are a modern twist on Mid-Century and they are GORGEOUS! The colorways and patterns have been perfected and I am so excited to start using them!

All photographs are from www.villaromo.com

Latest Wallcovering!!!

We were lucky enough to get a preview of our newest wall covering books before they arrive here at the studio. Oh how I love them. They range from sophisticated, fun, vibrant and soft patterns. Take a look......

I would love to see this installed horizontally!

Great for a feature wall or in a bookcase!

LOVE THIS ONE!

All photographs come from www.harlequin.uk.com