Category Archives: Decorative Finishes

This category will encompass the world of faux effects – glazing, stenciling, Venetian Plaster, Tuscan textures, gilding – plus furniture finishes like Chalk and Milk Paint…among other great products being used today

Changing Our Great Room Fireplace Mantel: Day Two

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Linda
antique photo in a bottle

For Mother’s and Father’s Days, I made the great room mantel more personal…reflecting the people in our family.  Purposely, I displayed photos of mothers with daughters especially for Mother’s Day. I brought out a cherished picture of my mom that … Continue reading →

Leave a comment | Posted in Decorative Finishes, Holiday Decorating, interior design, Makeovers, Paint

My Great Room and Mantel: One Room Three Ways, Day 1

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Linda
gilded and antiqued mantle and onlays on a fireplace mantle

I am participating in a special link party where we have to show a room decorated in three ways.  Here’s my “first” version. When my husband and I embarked on a major home renovation several years ago, I decided that … Continue reading →

Leave a comment | Posted in Decorative Finishes, interior design, Makeovers, Paint

Fast and Beautiful DIY Finishes for Accessories: Part 2

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Linda
Miss Mustand Seed's Typewriter Milk Paint on an old book with a Royal Design Studio stencil

What I love about reviving accessories that are sitting around my house collecting dust is that it’s such a quick fix and that it saves you money.  All you are investing is a little time and some paint.   Here are … Continue reading →

2 Comments | Posted in Annie Sloan's chalk paint, Decorative Finishes, Makeovers, Paint, Tutorials

Fast and Beautiful DIY Finishes for Accessories in Your Home: Part 1

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Linda
a candleholder and frame revamped with Annie Sloan Chalk Painr

If there’s one thing that I do when I only have a little bit of time, it’s revamping an existing accessory in my home.  I’ve done it for photo shoots, gifts, home staging…or “just because,” I can always squeeze in … Continue reading →

11 Comments | Posted in Annie Sloan's chalk paint, Decorative Finishes, Makeovers, Paint, Tutorials

A Blog Reader’s Wrought Iron Staircase Dream Come True

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Linda
closeup of wrought iron flower with gold paint

I just love it when readers of my blog call or email me to help them create a dream they have in their head for their home.  One reader (actually a husband and wife) emailed me a few months ago … Continue reading →

2 Comments | Posted in Decorative Finishes, interior design, Makeovers, Paint, Tutorials

Napoleonic Blue and Old White Chalk Painted Demilune with Stencil

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Linda
closeup of Chez Sheil stencil on half moon table painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paints

Here’s a great little $5 demilune table that I found on Craigslist. The owner said to me “It’s only half a table and that’s why it’s $5.”I said “No problem – I’ll be right over!” I guess she didn’t know … Continue reading →

3 Comments | Posted in Annie Sloan's chalk paint, Decorative Finishes, Makeovers, Paint, Tutorials

Creating Some New Finishes and Designs for Cafe Havana in Smithtown NY: Part 1, The Grasscloth Finish

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Linda
green and brown color scheme in Cafe Havana in Smithtown NY

Back in 2008, I had the pleasure of meeting Eddie Rivera, who was taking over an Italian eatery – and turning it into a Cuban restaurant. We got along very well at our first meeting and soon I was helping … Continue reading →

Leave a comment | Posted in Benjamin Moore, Decorative Finishes, interior design, Makeovers, Paint, Tutorials

Revamping an Old Chair for a New Purpose

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Linda
a rocking chair finished with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

This week I was asked to stage a vacant home in Malverne NY.  It’s a lovely Dutch Colonial that has a great, homey feel to it.  When I looked at the home for the first time, I jotted down my … Continue reading →

15 Comments | Posted in Annie Sloan's chalk paint, Decorative Finishes, Home Staging, interior design, Makeovers, Paint, Tutorials

The Fifth Wall: The Importance of Decorating Your Ceiling

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Linda
Modello design on ceiling with metallic plaster

While I am awaiting the news of my new granddaughter’s birth (it should happen within a few hours…I can’t wait!!), I thought I’d share a project that I did in my home recently…my dining room moldings and some metallic plaster … Continue reading →

38 Comments | Posted in Decorative Finishes, interior design, Makeovers, Paint, Tutorials

Using Art as a Starting Point for Choosing a Color Palette for Your Rooms

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Linda
art as decorating inspiration

I love to use artwork to inform a color scheme in rooms that I am working on. Artists use and combine colors in such unique and beautiful ways…so it’s virtually foolproof letting a great piece of art be your guide … Continue reading →

5 Comments | Posted in Color Roundup, Decorative Finishes, Home Staging, interior design, Makeovers, Paint