Living-Dining Room Makeover | The Final Reveal!

November 30, 2016 66 Comments

It’s done. Finally! If I hadn’t initially proclaimed it would likely take me forever to finish this room re-do, I might be feeling even more sheepish than I currently do sharing the reveal over a WHOLE YEAR from when it commenced. Yikes! Am I really that sluggish? Wait, don’t answer that. Anyhoo, I got there...…READ MORE

Easy DIY Mudcloth Pillow | Ikea Hack

November 8, 2016 9 Comments

Has anyone else been crushing on mudcloth lately? Well, just in case you’ve missed seeing it (absolutely everywhere!), and are yet to learn about its origin, mudcloth (also know as bogolanfini or bogolan) is a traditional African textile characterised by relaxed geometric symbols in predominantly neutral tones. It has a thick nubby texture and its...…READ MORE

How to Turn a Photo into a “Vintage” Portrait Painting

October 31, 2016 22 Comments

I’ve been slightly obsessed with vintage portrait paintings for a while now. Whether a solo artwork resting casually atop a hutch or a striking gallery which consumes an entire wall, they seem to impart such a lovely sense of depth, interest and character. Source Source Source Source Source Source Source Source Source Source Source Source...…READ MORE

A Super Easy Lamp Update

October 18, 2016 26 Comments

One of the elements I was struggling to decide on for the living-dining room makeover at my parent’s house was the lamp. I know it seems like a simple enough item, though everything appropriate I came across was just soooo expensive. I think the main problem was my aversion to anything super trendy. Not that...…READ MORE

Painting & Stenciling a Floor

October 12, 2016 27 Comments

This project has been on my “to do” list for waaaaay too long. Over three years ago now we ripped up the terrible old carpet in my parent’s retreat (“retreat” sounds super fancy though it’s really just a modest sitting room adjoining their master bedroom) then pondered what we could do to cheaply and easily...…READ MORE

How to Create a Vintage Industrial Look on Furniture…using Chalk Paint & Black Wax

August 9, 2016 49 Comments

I love it when the launch of a new product provides the perfect excuse to tackle a well over-due project. Such was the case with the release of Black Wax by Annie Sloan. Teamed with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in “Antibes Green” it seemed like the perfect way to jazz-up some blah file drawers I bought...…READ MORE

How to Create a “Vintage” Wire Basket from a Plastic Coated Caddy

July 27, 2016 22 Comments

I have a thing for old wire baskets. You? Well, if you do too it seems we’re not alone. Have you noticed how pricey they can be at old-wares stores and antique markets nowadays? Man! Anyhoo, after I shared this pic of Charlotte’s new bedroom shelves a few weeks back… …I received quite a few...…READ MORE

“New” Blue Cane Chairs…plus how to use a paint sprayer

July 18, 2016 60 Comments

Ever since painting my Chippendale desk chair….by hand…with a brush…over the course of several hours…a paint sprayer has been high on my ‘to buy’ list. Some of you may recall I have sprayed furniture in the past using our air compressor, though that big, noisy, heavy piece of equipment isn’t something I like to reach for too...…READ MORE

Re-Love Project…before & after

June 30, 2016 143 Comments

I’m so excited to finally share this! If you’re not new here, you’re probably aware of my involvement in the Re-Love Project and what it’s all about. For those of you who don’t know, in short it’s a Feast Watson campaign in collaboration with Salvos Stores which sees seven design personalities “re-love” a neglected item of furniture...…READ MORE

How to Stain Timber | A Video Tutorial

June 2, 2016 37 Comments

If you’re a regular visitor here, you may have read snippets about this “secret” project. Well, a few months back I was lucky to be invited to take part in and style a professional video tutorial for Feast Watson! It was like nothing I’ve ever done…and I loved it! I can’t thank Feast enough for...…READ MORE