Category Archives: Paint

paint and paint products for the home

The Union Jack Coffee Table: Part 1

closeup of the Union Jack table

I have always wanted to create a furniture piece that featured the Union Jack design. What kept me from doing it is my fear of taping.  I hate to tape stuff – I am much more of a freestyle decorative … Continue reading

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

Changing Our Great Room Fireplace Mantel: Day Two

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beautiful Pinkney Street in Annapolis MD

I just spent 5 days in Maryland visiting one of my oldest friends, Joanie, in Crofton, Maryland.  Every year I travel there with another childhood friend, Annie – and we always have a great time.  We have all been friends … Continue reading

2 Comments | Posted in Color Roundup, Paint

A Hand Painted Miniature Swedish Mora Clock

Last summer, a friend of mine – Anthony {who is related by marriage} suggested to me that my reproduction Mora clock in the entry would look great if it was painted red.  I would have never considered that color in … Continue reading

26 Comments | Posted in Annie Sloan's chalk paint, interior design, Paint, Tutorials