Bedroom in Progress

There is a closed door in the WarLock house that hides a shameful secret. Adam's insane pyromaniac first wife? Far worse, I'm afraid. A bland, undecorated bedroom. Ahhhhh, the horror!

Not for much longer. Over the last few months, our embarrassing bedroom has undergone a slow transformation. First we swapped mismatched dressers for a pair with gorgeous Regency styling. Then I painted the dingy walls with Behr's soothing "Misty Morn" (a big step for a girl who's a bit color-shy).

I removed clunky shuttered closet doors and bent-up old window blinds and upgraded to simple bronze curtain rods. Menswear-patterned drapery panels accessorized with gold clip rings will add texture and give our low-ceilinged hovel the impression of height. I'm considering a coat of blue paint on the ceiling to add to this illusion.

There isn't much wall space to work with, but I'd like to frame and hang our print of a vintage skull illustration. My vanity will get a chic new mirror as soon as budget allows.

But first, we can't ignore the biggest thing in our tiny room: the bed. And this is where I need your input. Is this fabulous, or is Adam's first wife actually crazy?

We'll be using a gift card to purchase the stripe sheet set in feather gray from West Elm, which is both affordable and practical. I'd originally thought that I'd want to top the bed with a plain gray duvet, but then... I fell in love with the Heirloom Rose comforter cover and shams from Garnet Hill. I'm mad about the combination of stripes and oversized floral. The gender-neutral color palette prevents the roses and ruffles from getting overly romantic, and the mix of pattern and scale is so bold. 

Am I this bold? Can I commit to this look without being committed? I'm 99% sure that I can, but I want your opinions!

Here & Now: Modest Improvements

After 6 months of working on my Berkeley apartment (I know, I can hardly believe it either) we're almost there. It's becoming evident in my weekend to-do lists. We've checked off "unpack books" and "paint bathroom." Now it's time for the finishing touches- "style china cabinet" and "hang inspiration board."

Who would've thought our dumpy bathroom could become one of the prettiest spaces in the apartment?

I love the way our art pops against our moody greige walls.

Here's to Friday and to wrapping things up this weekend. I can hardly wait to show you the whole apartment!

D-I-Whyyyyyyyyy!

Here's a pet peeve for you: when a weekend project stretches into a Monday project.

Consider this a PSA to all you DIYers out there. Having run out of my go-to aerosol paint stripper, my enthusiastically green local hardware store guilted me into trying Ready Strip. The label states that the product takes at least 30 minutes to be effective, but I figured I was better off killing time than braincells. Ha! Let's see if I can reenact the process for you.

30 minutes after application: Is it ready to strip? Hmm. No.

1 hour: Ready? No.

4 hours: No.

8... 12... 24: No, no, NO!

Hour after hour, this useless goop just sat on top of the paint. When I finally got frustrated with all of the pointless scraping and reapplication, I gave up- only to find that cleaning up this disgustingly sticky mess would take another hour of scrubbing. Now I've got a patchy chair and a whole lot of aggression (though I guess that might help with the sanding process).

What a disaster! Anyone else have a DIY-Gone-Wrong to share?

Perfect Hue

Three weeks of waffling over paint chips and an hour at the paint department, and I've concocted the most beautiful color for my kitchen, hall and entry. It's a deep, velvety greige. It's lavender-toned in daylight, lustrous Earl Grey as we turn on the lamps in the evening. I'm obsessed. I'm going to slather it over every bare wall in this place.

Since it's a custom color, it didn't come with a catchy name. Any votes?

Here & Now: Chiaroscuro

My plants and I are enjoying the trickle of sunshine that comes through our front window.

When I painted the living room I left the strips of wall surrounding the windows white. It wasn't a stylistic decision: I just didn't feel like going to the trouble of scrubbing and taping all the metal window trim! I think I'll pretend it was on purpose. The difference in color is subtle, but the white seems to multiply every beam of light in this shady room. 

What do you think?

Life at the WarLock House

Another mellow morning in Berkeley. It's gray and chilly today, so I'm lingering over a second cup of hot tea before I venture outside. This afternoon's errands will have me zig-zagging all over town, so I'm sipping extra slowly...

Tildy is savoring some quiet time as well, lounging on her favorite chair in my newly-lavender dining nook.

Poor Matilda. Her moments of peace are always brief thanks to the pesky new kitten.

Happy Friday, RIP Camera

In my mind, blogging requires only a few basic materials. Ideas, camera, computer with internet connection. It seems like my poor bloggy has been wobbling for the last few months- the iffy internet during my move, a bout of severe writer's block, and now... no camera.

This weekend I'm using my handy-dandy iPod to shoot a few videos around the house of War-Lock. Perhaps a tour of my newly painted living room or neatly organized closet? Exciting, right?

Until then, here's what's inspiring me...

Victoria's industrial-chic herb garden

Image Courtesy of sfgirlbybay

This. (No more explanation required.)

Image Courtesy of ethanollie via simple blueprint

And the very last snaps taken with my defunct camera at the Ace Hotel in Portland

Images "Courtesy" of Deceased Camera

Until Monday,


Elizabeth

Decorating for Two: Battle of the Sexes

You live with someone for four years, you think you know them, and then one day the truth comes out: they have a design aesthetic, and it's not quite the same as yours.  

The fact that Adam has his own taste is a shocking revelation for me. Call me oblivious, but all these years he's never voiced an opinion! It's amazing how the give and take of a relationship works- he gave me total sovereignty over our shared abode, I pretended to enjoy watching televised poker tournaments (sorry to finally break it to you, Adam). Those days are over though. From now on we're going to be watching a lot more Project Runway and Adam's been promoted to design consultant.

Last night we held design summit with the help of Skype screen sharing, and Adam worked on his visual vocabulary. And boy, did he ever. He had a lot to say- both about what he likes, and what I like (that he doesn't). I may have created a monster, but I asked for it (and I probably had this coming after I threw away his Bob Marley and Scarface posters).

He responded to this bedroom immediately- the stormy walls, the majestic dark wood bed, the fireplace. He even knew what style of chandelier that was (making me look like a total fool). I was intimidated by this pick, as it seems more formal than our budget and pocket apartment can provide. What I have to learn from this is that I do need to decorate to accommodate my 6'7" fellow, and that I should think twice before painting over wood furniture.

Image Source Unknown

We were in complete agreement about these two rooms.  He liked the wood floors and architectural details, I am very into that table and chandelier. Very.

Images Courtesy of Unknown, Anna Wolf via Dwellings & Decor

These are a couple of my favorites that he stuck up his nose at (I saw you Adam, video chat!).  He hates having furniture floating in the room like this round table, instead preferring to have everything anchored to a wall.  As for the second image (the one that's been on my Berkeley apartment mood board)... the color scheme was vetoed firmly.  Good thing I hadn't bought any lavender paint yet, argh!

Images Credits Unknown

Adam had very strong notions about organizing- stacked and visible. In Adam's world if you put something in a cabinet and close the door... it no longer exists (which makes hiding Christmas presents a snap in our household). He repeatedly pointed out neat images of kitchens and craft rooms with open shelving, many of which had a sophisticated mercantile feel.

I'm all over this, as long as we pick out beautiful furniture and showcase our things in a pleasing way!

Images Credits Unknown

Conceptually, we both love this first image. In real life, we have neither the private property or the self-confidence for a bathroom like that! Thinking more practically, Adam chose images of bathrooms with deep double sinks, large and tall mirrors, exposed pipes, basket storage, and patterned hex tile flooring. That's my kinda man!

Image Credits Unknown

Adam shares my love of curiosities, but we didn't see eye to eye when it came to display. While I prefer a more naturally staged approach (like Mr. Puffin there), Adam liked seeing the objects laid out in the glass case. I guess that's a scientist for you.

Image Courtesy of Spagat, AT

Remember this stunning loft that I mentioned yesterday? He liked it too- except for the drapes, calling them "too feminine." I'm in disbelief here. I suppose he's not a fan of these either?

Image Courtesy of Loft Life Blog

Many of my favorite homes have a fairy tale quality to them. Stone buildings with peaked roofs, all swallowed up in vines. Mazes of nooks furnished with mismatched antiques, and lots to be discovered. It was a dream come true that Adam picked out these images as HIS favorites as well! He didn't even bat an eye at the floral mural in that odd green room, acknowledging that it just added to the charm.

Image Credits Unknown

One of the most important design decisions we'll make together will be about how to store and display our rather large library. I'm afraid this could be a point of contention. Adam liked grid shelving, pointing out every room with an Expedit unit (very subtle hint, boyfriend). He noted how this bookcase made from crates combined rustic and geometric elements that he favored. On the other hand, I prefer floor to ceiling bookcases with a little more drama... 

Images Courtesy of Unknown, Domino Magazine

This is a very broad and eclectic spread- it's going to be fun to help him narrow down his vision and start blending it with mine! I'm envisioning a major decor purge as soon as I move. Perhaps he'll wish he'd kept his mouth shut when I've turned the house upside down? Heh heh.

What do you all think of Adam's first dip into the image pool? Is this something you'd consider doing with your partner or spouse? Any design professionals out there who want to chime in? I'd love to know how you help your clients define their personal style- your techniques might come in handy here!

Junk on a Trunk

I recently received an email from my darling friend Kalin with the subject line "helpppp." With that many "p"s I knew we were dealing with a serious problem- like whether leggings are fashionable or just ironic (both, clearly), or if it is acceptable to bring Miller High Life to a wine and cheese soiree (hellooo, it's the champagne of beers...).

Sure enough, we have ourselves a conundrum. Says Kalin,

Ok, you gotta help me here.
We got an old trunk... and it's needing to be cleaned up and whatnot. Here's the problem: it's metal and wood, and has some weird rust going on...

So i'm thinking scrub it, but i think maybe it needs some paint. I'm guessing the color is just going to be weird and uneven in a not pretty way. If i paint it what color would be good (also, what paint adheres well to metal)? I'm thinking leave the wood...well, you know, clean it off, stain it if it doesn't look so pretty.

I don't know. You should help. I'm sending pictures. Please????

And she did indeed send pictures...

Oooh, is that potential I see?

...under layers of weird rust?

I'm going to go ahead and assume that Kalin got this brilliant idea from yours truly... but I suppose it's possible that she was inspired by old-fashioned trunks popping up on AT or in our favorite retail stores, like Pottery Barn:

The oh-so spiffy Voyager Trunk, which will set you back $799.00.

Kalin, here's my advice: This a trunk with great vintage appeal, but unless you're hankering for a Tetanus shot... you're going to have to get cleaning. Your trunk won't ever be pristine again, but you can certainly make an improvement!

Visit the hardware store and pick up a wire bristle brush, several small and angled paintbrushes, rust converter (or, at the very least, a rust remover), a quart of oil-based paint in the color of your choosing, and some blue painter's tape.

No matter which route you go, you'll be working with some really reeky chemicals. So, my dear, if you don't want to murder those honors level brain cells, I suggest taking this project outside. Start by brushing off as much of the flaky rust as possible, and wiping down the entire surface with damp cloth. Make sure that you dry the surface thoroughly before you move on to the next step.

Tape off all of the wood, trim, and hardware and treat the panels first. If you decide to use rust converter, you'll want to follow these instructions. Rust converter acts as a primer, and will give you a better protected finish in the long run. If you use a rust remover, follow the instructions on the bottle. Either way, your finished surface will not be perfect. You'll have some pitting that might make it a little difficult to paint over.

I suggest picking a paint color that is dark and NOT glossy. A glossy finish is just going to draw attention to all the little bumps and imperfections. Paint in very thin layers to avoid drips and puddles- a dead giveaway of a DIY paint job.

When your paint is dry, you can turn your attention to the trim and hardware. I'd say... don't do much. Touch it up a bit with rust remover, call it good, call it "patina."

Improving the look of the wood should be the easy part. I'd just sand it all down lightly (especially if it's splintering at all), and give it a quick rub with some brown wax. This should preserve the distressed look while evening out the color.

When you're all finished, you'll want to endeavor to preserve the results of your hard work- prevent rust in the future! If you're using this as a coffee table, pick out a cute tray, or at least a set of coasters. You might also consider putting a protective mat of some sort underneath it. Spills happen, and, (I speak from unfortunate experience here) rust stains are impossible to remove from carpet... without scissors. Heh.

Hope that helps, Kalin! Can't wait to see it when I come visit you in Portland!!

Getting Existential, Hopefully Existing Through the Week

My fish, Guildenstern, is dead.

We named our pair of fish Rosencrantz & Guildenstern thinking it might be amusing when they inevitably went belly-up, but no, it was actually just disappointing and sad. Especially disappointing since I caught a rather satisfied glint in Matilda's eye at his funeral, which leads me to wonder if his death was due to natural causes... or if the feline assassin has struck again. 

Adam made me a chicken sandwich to make me feel better. But there was a bone hidden inside.

So, if Boy and Cat are in cahoots, I may not be safe in this house. If they don't kill me, work certainly will! Leeeeetle bit of stress at my 8 to 5 7 this week.

Aaaaaaand, I'm in the middle of a major project! Since Adam was off at Hoopfest last weekend, I tore apart our bedroom, made a trip to the Benjamin Moore mis-tint shelf, and turned my yellow Ikea Hemnes bed...

Lavender.

Well, "Sandlot Gray," to be exact.

I'm totally enamored with this color.

Adam needn't worry about emasculation or such nonsense- this pastel look is actually just the base coat. Next step is to apply a few streaky layers of tinted glaze in "Stardust," a few dashes of pale pearly gray, and a brown wax finish. Basically, I didn't get as much done last weekend as I'd hoped.  But it's not my fault~

Matilda didn't even raise a paw to help.

So, it's off to the purple bed for me- but I'm sleeping with one eye open in case the furry one tries to smother me.

Fixed: Because I'm Just that into Spoons

Yeah, spoons aren't really my thing. Here's an easy way to adapt this week's fixer to display your jewelry collection:

• Paint or paper the interior.
• Select a wire mesh, perforated metal, or piece of caning (simple mesh at your local hardware store, neat designs from McNichols or other online specialists), and have it cut to size.
• Use small brass tacks or nails to secure it to the front of the spoon rack.
• Hang up your favorite jewelry- using little brass s-hooks if necessary.

Like so...

Utility... but not for utensils.

This will work well for earrings, bracelets, pins, necklaces, hair accessories, scarves, you name it. A cheap way to showcase your expensive gems (like the sparkly things from Anthropologie that caught my eye- especially the Beams & Sparks bracelet and the Stormy Night earrings, *sigh*).

Reflections on Mirrored Paint

At long last, my overdue review of Krylon Mirror Finish Spray Paint.  Why the delay?

• I discovered that I can't trust anything printed on the label, which meant that...
• One can did not cover the promised square footage, and...
• I ran out halfway through my project, and...
• I could not find another can anywhere.

"One Step." HA!

I tried to be pretty thorough in testing this product. I started with an apothecary jar (as I mentioned here), but when I experienced some trouble with the curved surface I decided to test it on a flat surface and compare the results. I found a frame with cracked glass and gave it a go. I followed the directions exactingly, and these are my findings:

The BAD, and/or The UGLY

• The manufacturer's 5 coat suggestion is hilarious.  After 5 coats all I had was a blotchy shimmer- still completely transparent.  After 10 coats I had a hazy silver.  After 20 I had run out of paint, but was still only moderately pleased with the results.  This also means that their square footage estimate is wayyyy off.  
• The paint is intended for use on glass, but it drips, runs, and puddles- even on a completely flat surface. This makes a mockery of their label, which shows several different vases (with sloping sides) sporting a perfectly even reflective finish. I can't see how they could achieve this by spraying this watery mess from an 8 inch distance. Impossible!
• The finish is apparently water soluble- the tiniest bit of moisture will cause it to melt off. It is also easily scratched. A clear topcoat of some sort would need to be applied to prevent this.
• This stuff smells NASTY. I've been exposed to all kinds of wild-smelling art supplies before (turpentine, oils, fixatives, you name it), but this was too much for me. One spray was like swimming in nail polish- I feel like I sacrificed way too many brain cells for the sake of this experiment. The things I'll do in the name of science decor!
• The price is outrageous, especially considering the low yield.

 

See the drips?  The strange grainy finish?  That's the UGLY.

The GOOD

• I feel like this product has potential. When I painted the framed glass, I decided to simulate an antique mirror or mercury glass finish, and I'm pleasantly surprised by the results. I splotched on some black acrylic paint between coats and intermittently tossed in some gold dust. Because the spray paint's finish is naturally cloudy and distorted, I think this really maximized the effect.

Which do you like?  My antiqued look, or straight from the can?

My recommendation? Don't buy this if you're not willing to put in a lot of time and creative energy. Following the instructions is bound to disappoint!