Showing posts with label Stripes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stripes. Show all posts

11.04.2013

Creating Interest in a Not-So-Interesting Place.

What to do with Hallways and Landings?--Feather Your Nest Transformation

I always say, "Paint is your friend". And, really it is.  If you don't like that end-table anymore, paint it. If you are tried of that terricotta pot, paint it. How do you update or lighten-up a space? Yes, you got it--Paint it!

Meet the drab:

This picture is looking up the staircase, duh, from the first floor to the the second floor landing.  There was a broken stair tread so that had to be replaced.

This is the original plaster wall on the staircase....where the "other" home-owner covered up the need for repair work with wallpaper--then painted over said paper...so this was a lot of fun to remove and see what was underneath....nothing a little plaster-paris couldn't fix.

This brown paint started at the stairway landing and turned the corner all the way to the 2nd floor landing.  It was a cool color but made it all look so dark and gloomy.

Another look at the 2nd Fl landing. This landing truly is the gateway to all of the rooms on the 2nd floor...three bedrooms, and office you see here with blue walls and a bathroom that you can see here in major need of work.  Notice, this is also the first sanding of the hard-wood floor.

Again 2nd floor landing...with tiny, non-descript light fixture.

From the 2nd fl landing down the steps to the first floor.....this is a shot of the wall-paper that is hiding repair work needed underneath. Doesn't look so bad, except the floor....but the paper is quite hideous.

From the stairway looking up to the landing and into the nasty blue bed-room beyond.

Now, the FAB

Funny how creating an interesting wall of paint and some "punch you in the face with color" curtains, instantly changes this space.......well, minus the step-repair seen here that still needed stained.....

This is looking from the 2nd Fl landing down the steps. The stripes were carried from the left side of the wall at the foot of the steps, up the stairway, around the small landing and up the wall to the 2nd Floor landing.

Here is a look at the 2nd floor landing...so much brighter and lighter. The wall is painted medium grey from the same paint as in the stripes. The light fixture is from Shades of Light in Richmond, VA...A big whopping $99.00 for such a statement.  The rug is from Target and holds all the colors of the pallet from everyone that extends from this landing....notice the orange and blue room there in the distance.

A look at the stairway from the 2nd floor landing......

A close up of that crazy light again.

How do you do it?

Here is the "before" picture again.......Any surface you need painted, needs repaired and primed. 
Choose a color idea and get paint cards with 3-6 colors on them. Choose 3 or all if you want that much contrast. Paint the wall the lightest of the colors.  Then measure off and tape areas. I chose 18 inches for the stripe width.  I painted the next color and so on.  It is a bit time consuming....But, I did this stairway from beginning to end in a weekend.

AFTER:

Just find a color you like and choose three shades from the same card.  I skipped a color in between to give some contrast.  So, really with some time, elbow grease and $70.00 in paint.........a transformation.

Show us a project with paint or comment below to share your ideas.  

ENJOY


3.10.2013

I am seeing stripes


I am not the zebra from lucky stripes, but I am definately inspired by chevron these days.  This pattern is eye-catching and a safe, full-proof way to add "punch" to your decor.  Check out the ideas below for every room in the house.

Happy looking.
For your Bedroom, a Chevron throw


For your Living Room:  A chevron chair


Paint a "rug" in your kitchen or hallway


Hang a Chevron Curtain in Your Office or Den


Use chevron tape for lampshades, journaling or just for fun anywhere


A small collection of chevron for anywhere and everywhere:  Love the ginger jar


Chevron underfoot makes it the star of the room:  Like this dining room--it brings all the colors together


If you are afraid to go bold: use the classic touch--put a small chevron pillow on a chair


Again a painted floor. This looks like a boutique, but could easily work in an entry, hallway or kitchen.


How about chevron for yourself? A dress--mod or retro? You decide


Are you now seeing stripes:  Go forth and create chevron!
Enjoy