Down Home DIY

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Living Room Redesign


Here is a link to my photo album from one of my recent Interior Redesign and Color Consultations. My clients struggled with furniture placement and selecting the right colors to work with her existing pieces.

So, we addressed her focal point...err points in this case. She actually had 3! The fireplace, the tv and the view (they live on a golf course!). We successfully managed to create an intimate conversation area while working with the existing angles of the room.

She really wasn't too far off with her original color in the living room, all we had to do was darken it up a bit to create that warm and cozy feel she was after. I "measured" the color in the window treatments to make sure it coordinated with them just perfectly.


The kitchen was the biggest transformation. It was out with the old wallpaper and in with a new, fresh and clean color. The cabinets and counter tops were staying so that was our guide. Don't you love the new color?


We had a great time "shopping" her house for treasures. She had a lot of great pieces tucked away. It was so fun to see her reaction.

Next stop...the basement. We are doing some finishing touches to the media room and creating a family photo wall in the game room. Can't wait! I just love my job.


Let me know what you think!

Happy decorating,

~MB


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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

So You Think You're Crafty


Well, the auditions are posted at "So You Think You're Crafty" for the season 4 contest. And, yes, I like to craft with the best of them. I am one of the 13 hopefuls who loves to get down and crafty. Each week, contestants will submit their creations based on the theme and people will vote for their favorite. Only 10 get to participate. And, once you are voted out...game over!

Each project is listed anonymously so I can't tell you which one is mine. Rats!! But those who know my style and passion just may be able to figure it out.

I encourage you to surf on over to see the projects, be inspired and vote. Hopefully you pick me! I totally want to participate in this challenge. Wish me luck!

Craft on,
~MB
www.addressingspaces.com
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Saturday, June 12, 2010

Form vs. Function

My husband and I took a recent trip to Destin, FL. We toured the neighboring towns and landed in Watercolor, FL and Seaside, FL. I totally want to live in a town named Watercolor!


You may have heard of Seaside before since part of The Truman Show movie was filmed there, starring Jim Carey. We came across this interesting piece of architecture. It was a spiral staircase headed to nowhere. I immediately was like "hmmmm, is this form follows function or function follows form?" I assume you can see the ocean when you reach the top.


According to Wikipedia...
"
Form follows function is a principle associated with modern architecture and industrial design in the 20th century. The principle is that the shape of a building or object should be primarily based upon its intended function or purpose.


In the context of design
professions form follows function intuitively seems like good sense, but on closer examination it becomes problematic and open to interpretation. Linking the relationship between the form of an object and its intended purpose is not always by itself a complete design solution. Defining the precise meaning(s) of the phrase 'form follows function' opens a discussion of design integrity that remains an important, lively debate."

I think this could strum up a "lively debate!" Interesting huh?

~MB


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Thursday, June 3, 2010

Charming Victorian for Rent in Winston Salem




This house had me at charming! I recently had the pleasure of helping a client update a charming Victorian which is conveniently located in Winston Salem. It has so much character. The fireplaces, yes that is correct, I said fireplaces, are so unique and beautiful. The rooms are also a good size and there is a lot of storage space to boot!

We updated with some fresh new colors throughout.


The kitchen is now so bright and cheery!

Here is one of the fireplaces. The other has a beautiful tile surround.

You are seriously like 30 seconds from Christopher's fine Dining that offers Global cuisine. And, just minutes to the new Dash baseball stadium.

If you are looking to rent a great home that is full of charm, than look no further. Here is the flyer. Just double click the link to enlarge. Did I mention that they have priced this at an extremely affordable rate? Give them a call today, I don't think it will last long!


Happy, Renting
~MB
www.addressingspaces.com

Bringing new life to your decor and more

Down Home DIY - Family Style



It seems as soon as the temperature starts to rise, my need to redecorate and paint kicks into over drive. I don’t like to rush out to buy all new furniture. I simply reuse, refinish or repurpose the furniture that I already have. And, why not make it a family affair? So, this month we are focusing our Down Home DIY project on repainting furniture…Family Style.

So, let’s head on outside and give an old piece new life. What you’ll need: a piece of wood furniture, sandpaper (I prefer an electric sander), primer, paint color of choice, paint brushes, mini paint roller with a high density foam roller, clear polyurethane, rag and a drop cloth. I also recommend a mask and protective eye wear, especially for the little ones. Constant supervision and safety are a must. So, find a shady spot and let the games begin.


  1. First, sand the piece of furniture by going with the grain of the wood. It is not necessary to remove the entire finish; however, the surface should feel fairly soft and even to the touch. The object is to create “tooth” on the surface to allow the primer to effectively “bite” onto the surface and adhere properly. My four year old loves to sand with the electric sander. Just use your best judgment as to the skill sets of your child. Safety first!
  2. Once sanding is complete, thoroughly clean the surface with damp rag or dust cloth to remove all of the dirt and dust. Let dry.
  3. Grab your primer (mix it well before opening) and a paint brush. I use the brush to get in all the nooks, crannies and corners. Then I use the roller brush for all the flat surfaces. Use long, smooth strokes. Paint over any drips or bubbles right away. Let dry.
  4. Next apply your first coat of paint using the same technique and steps as the primer. Follow up with a second coat of paint if necessary. If you are feeling brave and adventurous you can do additional faux techniques to age the look of the piece either by sanding the edges or using an antique glaze.
  5. Once the paint is completely dry, we want to protect your new masterpiece. I use clear polyurethane. I often do up to 3 coats. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to the proper dry time. You may need to sand in between coats for the optimal finish.

Safety Notes: Make sure to test for lead paint before you begin. Do not let your kids help remove any lead paint. A big No No! And I suggest using a Low or No VOC paint, especially if the little ones are helping. I typically use latex or acrylic, not oil based paints. And, I don’t recommend that kid’s help with the final sealing stage either. It is pretty potent so it is best to avoid it. Just tell them to run a few laps to see who finishes first.

Sanity Notes: I tend to be a perfectionist so if my kids are helping paint; I often let them do the backside of the piece where no one can see it. They don’t know the difference and they still get a wonderful sense of accomplishment. So, everyone is happy. You may want to start small, with a wood stool or bookshelf. Once you master it, move on to a larger piece with more substance. Paint will be your new best friend.


This is a photo of the finished piece at my occasional sale. It is silver with a gold, bronze and antique glaze. Very Hollywood Glam!


Happy Painting,

~Marybeth Barrett

Addressing Spaces

Studios@ 625 Trade St.

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For more decorating and DIY tips please check out my website or join one of our workshops or events.


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Splish Splash - Here's a Backsplash Give Away


It may be that time of year where we splish and splash in the pool, but you need to check out an even bigger and better SPLASH event!

So, put that inner tube down and don't head to the pool just yet, zip on over to see Stacy at Walkabout Tile for a chance to win a fabulous new backsplash. She has a great showroom in Advance, NC with amazing and totally unique tiles and more. (I was like a kid in a candy store the first time I went there!)

And, if you win...give me a buzz. I can help you pick out the perfect color palette to go with it!

Happy Splashing!
~MB
www.addressingspaces.com

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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Designer Finds Occasional Sale this Weekend


If you are local, we hope you can make it. We have some great stuff!

~MB
www.addressingspaces.com
Bringing new life to your decor and more
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