Archive | June, 2011

Meet the New Campaign Style Desk

By admin on June 30, 2011 in Craigslist, Decor Inspiration, DIY, Furniture

Another score on Craigslist! A campaign style desk…not the real thing of course, but a nice looking reproduction. The owner actually had it for 30 years! The desk was originally a really cool green color but she repainted it white ( not the greatest paint job either). It was $40 bucks and it came with a piece of glass she had custom made for it. Double score! Here she is…

When I saw it I knew it was going to be a DIY project. I’ve seen campaign style furniture in so many fun colors, I knew I would be, at the very least, painting it. When I actually examined the condition it was in, I decided it was probably best to strip the existing paint and start from scratch. Being that I’ve never actually stripped paint from furniture, I didn’t know what I was getting myself (and boyfriend) into.

Here’s what I picked up from Home Depot:

15 minute spray stripper(came with spray bottle)
Stripping tool
Chemical resistant gloves
Steel wool pads
Mask
Mineral spirits

And so the journey began…this is what is looked liked with the paint stripper doing its thang…

The first layer of white paint came off easily. It was the original green paint that was tough. What I couldn’t get off with the paint stripper and scraper, I figured I could just sand down to get a smooth finish. Boy! Am I glad for boyfriends! I borrowed an electric sander from my dad and while I finished stripping the paint off, boyfriend went to work at sanding. 5 hours later (I think if he realized it would take so long, he probably wouldn’t have volunteered) it was done. Hallelujah! Next step is the priming. Here’s a shot of the “painting station” with the desk stripped and sanded.

As you can see, some of that green paint didn’t want to budge much…

Never the less, it was smooth. Next step. Priming.

Right now, I’m in the middle of priming it. I’m having a tough time deciding what color to paint it. Did you notice all the paint swatches sitting on top of the desk? Boyfriend really wants “Candy Apple Red” , but I’m not sold. Although I know it would look great, I’m feeling something a little more fun, like “Pencil Yellow”. What are your thoughts? Here’s a closer shot…

or what about…

or…

So many options!!! I would love to get some feedback, so please comment. Especially if you’re siding with my choice instead of boyfriends’ pick.

Here are some great examples of campaign style furniture to help along with your decision

via lonny magazine

via makingmacy.blogspot

via stuartmemberyhomecollection

via boogieboardcottage.blogspot

via twenty-six-to-life.com

Thoughts?

Comments { 4 }

Introducing…Color FUN Fridays! It’s Turquoise!

By admin on June 24, 2011 in Color FUN Fridays, Decor Inspiration

I thought it would be fun to showcase a different color of interiors for some inspiration once a week. The color of this week is turquoise (or aqua). Just one of the many colors I’m obsessed with lately. Its such a great lively color, with so many versatile options. From solids to prints, as an accent, or even so bold as a painted wall/room. There’s no room for gloom (I rhyme on the side) when you’re surrounded with such a great color!

Without further ado…

Check out this great wall color. I love the whole black/white combo with turquoise…

Check out this wallpaper…I like the black and white accent pillows and glass coffee tables but also how the natural material end table gives it a more casual vibe…

Black and white with turquoise seems to be the thing…love it! The splashes of hot pink are great too!!

A fun turquoise painted piece of furniture would be great in any room…

The wood tones with the darker turquoise=LOVE…

Have you ever seen a turquoise floor? Doesn’t it look amazing?!

Subtle, for the turquoise shy…

What a great room for a teen…how creative!

And for my absolute FAV! Forget about the awesome turquoise accent wall, I’m in love with this nursery and the name “Cruz” for my imaginary future son!

(All images via a Google Image Search and Inspire Bohemia, Southern Hospitality, House of Turquoise, Sugar Luxe and Little Crown Interiors)

Comments { 3 }

Seeking: Home Office/Guest Room Inspiration

By admin on June 14, 2011 in Craigslist, Decor Inspiration, Furniture

I’ve decided to take on the 2nd room. We’d like it to be an office space and a cozy place for when we have guests over. Although, I think it will mainly serve as a second room to watch TV in when one of us doesn’t like what the other is watching ( our only TV is in the living room). Right now, its look like a storage unit…AHHH!

Future Home Office/Guest Room

EEKK!

Future Home Office/Guest Room

It’s mostly my books, crafts and office stuff. Boyfriend definitely has a good amount of stuff thrown in there as well. For all he cares it could stay looking like a storage unit. I can’t believe I’ve lived with this mess for almost three months already. Well not anymore! This past weekend I bought a shelving unit I found on Craigslist from Crate & Barrel. It was $40! Bargain! It’s black wood…pretty hefty I might add, they have some weight to them. They break up into four units that can easily be stacked vertically or horizontally.

I’ve already set it up and began to unpack all the boxes and ~~crap~~ stuff I have.

2nd-room-progress-1

Right now I’m just trying to unpack everything. After its all out, I’ll “style” everything much better. I still have to go through all those bins and throw away/donate a bunch of stuff. After about two hours, this is what I accomplished. I couldn’t believe I ran out of room on my new shelves! I still have more ~~crap~~ stuff to unpack/ find a place for.

2nd-room-progress-2

There’s even more piles of stuff opposite this view. It’s never ending! Another shelving unit should do it for the rest of it ( I hope). I’m on the hunt for a desk too. I found a couple on Craigslist that I’m hoping to pick up today. Check back for more updates and progress pics!

I’ll leave ya with some inspirational ideas for home offices…

I like the subtle tones with a pop of color…