The Reluctant DIY-er

A few weeks ago, I mentioned a little painting project I had taken on because I was loving the paint I found. I'm usually pretty reluctant to take on projects where I don't hire out a professional, because I think it's important for clients to get the best product they can when they work with a designer, but in this case, we decided to put in a little elbow-grease and I think it paid off.

When we found these sconces, it was hard to know what exactly the beads were made of -- we were hoping they were wood and were a pretty cream, but we knew that there was a chance that things are never as they seem. And, at the amazing price, there was room for a re-do and it would be worth it to either have the beads re-strung and swapped, or have them painted. Fast-forward a few weeks and the beads turn out to be shiny plastic and very yellow. Not so great against the new white paint and waincotting in my client's house.

We also decided that it was something that could maybe be done without the aid of a pro, so hence, my manicure of silver and bronze that lasted for far longer than I anticipated.

Here is a detail of how the paint looks -- it's a mix of bronze hammered base and a light coat of silver hammered paint. I wanted to make sure the white plastic beads were covered, but I was worried about having TOO much silver -- I didn't want it to look cheap or DIY and it HAD to look like it came that way. So hence the base of bronze and more blue tape than you can imagine in order to get every nook and cranny covered.

We also decided to wrap the plastic candle sleeves. My first thought was to use these awesome Kaarskoker sleeves, but sigh, they are out of the pattern I wanted. So we got creative with faux grasscloth in a dark silver.

Another detail

The finished and installed sconce. I'm pretty pleased.

Romo, where have you been all my life?

I'm married to grass cloth. And happily I might add. It's always my go to wallpaper for any room of the house that needs texture or a little color. But, I may have to have a little side fling with Romo Wallpapers. They are gorgeous and just the right amount of pattern to make an impact but not overwhelm the room.

Grass cloth meet Romo. I think you two can live happily ever after together in one house. A little suburban and a little city. A marriage made in heaven.

You can check out the entire wallpaper and fabric collection on their website.

Here are a couple of my favorites.

Mimas - I love this pattern. So fun and hip yet so timeless. The colors are amazing too.

Caruso - A great modern take on a traditional stripe. Looks incredible applied horizontally as well. Go ahead, break out of the box.

Kiku - So glamorous. A nice modern floral. It would be amazing in any room. Especially a bedroom. Yes, please.

Kenzan - This is the one that tempted me to cheat on my first love of grass cloth. The perfect understated statement.

Marenka - This one reminds me of Hollywood and my dearly departed grandma, mom-mom. She would have done her Los Angeles breakfast room in this floral. A little California glam and East Coast tradition rolled into one.

What do you think? Do any of these tempt you to try a fun pattern? I'd love to know.

Hope you're having a good week.

Curious?

I'm working on a powder room for a client and want to do something unexpected yet classic. Something that stops you in your tracks and sends you swooning to the hostess. 

I love this Steven Gambrel powder room as he did just that.  He used the pages a curiosity book to wallpaper the room.  It's so beautiful and interesting.  I especially love how he used the pop of red in the chandelier shades.  The wallpaper is the star of the room - everything else is the supporting star.  

If you accidentally got locked in this bathroom, you could occupy yourself while someone picked the lock with the bobbie pin.  

Hope you have a great Monday.