Power of Paint and a Giveaway

Today I'm sharing a sneak peek on a project as well as a fun giveaway!  First, the sneak peek.  Since Christmas, I've been quietly working on a few projects here at home.  I was really hoping to have them completely finished before sharing them with you on the blog.  But, I just can't stand waiting any longer.  So, I'm going to give you a sneak peek of one of them.  

For Christmas this past year, my daughter asked for a bedroom makeover.  We are almost finished, and I plan to share all the details of this makeover with you as soon as we are completely finished.  But for today, I wanted to show you what has naturally evolved from that project.  It's her adjoining bathroom.   This bathroom is shared with our guest bedroom.  Because of this, it's never really felt like her bathroom.  

There is the main bathroom area with a three piece.  Then, in the room beyond there is an additional sink with a vanity area.  It's hard to tell in these images, but the stripes were hand painted in a purposefully loose way (by the previous homeowner).  For some reason, they marked the stripes with a red pen and you could see these marks on every single stripe.  Made me crazy.  It also had a "circus" quality to it.  Don't ask me why, but it reminded me of a circus mural. 

The tile in this bathroom is contractor grade and super basic.  One thing that always stood out was the taupe tone in the tile.  The purple stripes seemed to really accent this this. Again, making me crazy. 

 One other tidbit to note, I really REALLY dislike painting.  So, my very gracious sister-in-law, Rosemary, agreed to come for a weekend visit and do it for me!  I know right?!  Very sweet.  

After removing all the switch plates, Rosemary got busy.  She started with a very cool trick to keep your paint can clean during the process.  

She punched holes in the can's edging so any excess paint would drip back into the can.  Then when you replace the lid, these holes will be covered for an air tight seal. 

We were fairly certain the stripes were an oil based paint, so we (notice how liberally I'm using the word "we" here - I did absolutely nothing) used a primer specifically made to cover an oil based paint, and allow you to paint over it with a latex based paint.  This is a wonderful solution for these situations. 

I chose Sherwin Williams Sea Salt, and the color is wonderful.  You will notice in the different images below the color really changes based on the light in the room.  This is the vanity area, and it looks more green in this room because there is less natural light.

I've got big plans for the large wall to the right.  If you recall, I had three large framed marbled papers stacked there.  We decided to use one of them in the bedroom, so we are starting fresh on this wall.  The color in the image below is the most true to the real color in the room.  The lighting along with my very poor photography skills made it challenging to get a picture of the true color. 

OK, this image your are looking into the bath area and notice how different the color looks with all the natural light.  So, interesting.  I love a color that changes like that from room to room.  

We removed the medicine cabinet over the pedestal sink, and I found this mirror.  A bit sad they chalk painted it, but we have plans for it too!  

Last thing, my daughter wanted a pop of color in the space, so we found these watermelon pink towels and had them monogrammed.  It's finally starting to feel like her bathroom, and she's thrilled about it.  

The Giveaway

Now for the giveaway!  One thing I learned from Rosemary during this entire painting process is you must be patient and make sure each coat of paint is completely dry/cured before you paint another coat.  This small bathroom took three days to paint.  She would paint a coat and then wait until the next day to paint a second coat.  Well, today's giveaway is going to make this process of waiting much easier.  The Paint Brush Cover is a wonderful product that allows you to store a wet brush between coats of paint.  You will also not believe the price point on this product!  The cover actually seals the brush in such a way it stays wet and fresh without washing it out between coats.     

I have a project I'll be using my cover on very soon (it involves some painting in my daughter's room).  But in the meantime, The The Paint Brush Cover Company has generously agree to give one to a lucky reader of the Muse!  

Here's are the details on how to win!

1. To be eligible you MUST click over to The Paint Brush Cover, watch the video, then come back and leave a comment about what you thought of the product.

For additional entries(increase your odds, people!):
- Pin your favorite painting project on Pinterest and come back and tell me about it (you will need to include in your comment a link to the pinned item for me to see).
- and if you're a blogger, post on your blog about the giveaway

Be sure to include a separate comment for each extra entry including contact information (so I can contact you when you win)!  Winner will be selected by random.org.  

Deadline for entering is next Wednesday March 5th at 5:00 PM Central.  

Good Luck and Happy Painting. M.  

Rethinking Side Lights

There are lots of homes where side lights are the most appropriate option for the style of the home.

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  However, there are times when I see homes with sidelights that could really benefit from a different entryway door.  It's often a super ornate/grand door style paired with a ranch style home.  To add to this, I find the door style is completely opposite from the homeowner's personality and sense of style.  Many will have a very laid back casual style inside their homes, but you would never guess this from the street.  I think the main reason is the door has always been there, and it doesn't even cross their minds.

While catching up on a few back issues of my favorite magazines, I saw this gorgeous image from The Cottage Journal and instantly thought, "that's it!" This could be the perfect solution for an entry where the you need the additional light, but don't want the traditional side light look.  They actually fold back to create a nice breeze way into the home.

Once I noticed this, I started seeing more of them as well as simple french doors as the main entrance.  Don't you love how that happens?  Love it!  So, if you are considering one investment this year, think about your front doors and how this can single handedly change the entire look of the exterior of your home.

Traditional Entry by Atlanta Architects & Designers Frederick + Frederick Architects

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Traditional Entry by Memphis Interior Designers & Decorators Jennifer Estes Interior Design
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Monday Musings

It's Monday.  My children are home yet another day.  Between all the snow days and then today with an e-day working from home, I feel like my world has been turned upside down.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous yesterday, and this did help to brighten outlooks at our house.  But I think it's the routine I'm craving at this point.  Routine helps me focus, and feel organized.  So, I just couldn't seem to pull a detailed post together for you today.  Instead, you'll be treated (I'm using this word liberally here) to the randomness of my thoughts as they weave in and out of lots of different topics.  Just a few images of things on my mind lately.  Some are ideas I'm working on for clients.  Some are simply ideas I've been preoccupied with over the last few weeks.   

I'm loving this antiqued mirrored wall in a bathroom.  I'm not crazy about the mirror vanity, but the wall is divine.

Contemporary Bathroom by Houston Interior Designers & Decorators Laura U, Inc.

Look at this one.  Lovely.

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And this one with so much of the reflected material removed that it's almost black.  

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Switching gears.  I love everything about this image.  This home was designed by Pierre Yovanovitch, and he's on my radar big time.

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In fact, his entire portfolio is mesmerizing me as of late.  Another from his portfolio (which blogger will not let me center for some strange reason?).

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If I did my hair like this, I would look like I needed to be washing the car or mopping the floor.  She, on the other hand, looks totally fantastic and fresh.  Wouldn't it be fun to wear your hair in a new way, if even just for a day?   

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Which reminds me.  I think the transition from Winter to Spring is one of the most difficult times of the year to figure out what to wear.  You know, when it's still winter, but Spring is almost here.  You're totally tired of the winter coat and heavy sweater look.  But, it's too chilly for your fun new Spring items.  I've been trying to get inspired by Polyvore.  And it's helping.  

winter to spring by htotheb showing how to wear a stretch waist belt

Another.  Think layers and pops of color.

Winter to Spring with Bold Colors and Prints by angela-windsor featuring brown jewelry

Back to design - If you must have screened doors, then make them count.  Love the chippendale design on these.

Sometimes I love the idea of details just for the sake of being pretty.  No practical reason, just pretty.  My practical side wants that niche to serve a purpose, but then I go back to how pretty it is just being pretty.  Very torn here. 

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I'm working on a design plan for a client, and I'm including a solid tufted ottoman.  I'm pretty excited about it too.  Can't wait to show the client!

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OK.  Hope you enjoyed my brain purge today!  Just a few ideas swirling in the mix.  Happy Monday. M.

The Weekend Extra

I have a special Saturday addition to the blog today.  I have a couple of things today I wanted to share that just couldn't wait until Monday.  First, we have a winner of the natural fir cheese board.

The Prize

The Deal

Now for the inside scoop!  I have mentioned this deal to several clients.  Rugs USA host these amazing sales a handful of times a year.  I do not exaggerate here - they are amazing.  Right now the sale includes rugs that are 70% off.  So, you are paying 30% of retail for these rugs.  The deals are so amazing that you can see the quantities of these rugs dwindle by the hour.  If you can visualize people on line grabbing and snatching rugs from each other that is what I'm talking about here.

So, I wanted to get the word out to those of you who are in need of a great, well priced rug.  Additionally, here are my tips for buying a rug online.  Many people are afraid to purchase an expensive item, sight unseen.  I totally understand this.  In fact, the first rug I purchased from an online source was a complete bust.  But, I learned a lot from that experience, and I wanted to share my thoughts on how you can avoid this and get one amazing deal. 

Tip One

If you are worried about the rug looking cheap, make sure you only purchase rugs in a 100% natural fiber (like sisal, sea grass, or wool).  With any of the rugs in a "blend" there is a risk that it will look cheap upon arrival.  This was my mistake.  I got a bit greedy and went for a rug that looked like the wool one but it was a blend.  The price was rock bottom, and when it arrived it looked a bit like and outdoor rug.  Since that experience, I've purchased two rugs from this company that were 100% wool, and both of them are fantastic.  Go for the 100% wool, and you will love it.   

Tip Two

Keep it simple.  If you've narrowed your selections to a few options, go with the more neutral one.  I've found over the years it's nice to switch up rugs in my rooms for a fresh feel.  If you have a very color specific rug in a room, this will not be an option.

Tip Three

Make a mental note of return shipping.  In my case, the return shipping was very expensive.  It ended up being about $30 less than the total I paid for the rug.  Complete bummer.  Again, lessoned learned.   

Tip Four

Measure and remeasure your spot to make sure you are ordering the proper size.  Here are a few great diagrams to help you figure this out. 

Dining Room

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Bedroom with Twin Beds

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Bedroom with Queen Beds

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Living Room

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Good Luck and Happy Shopping!  Enjoy your weekend, whatever you're doing. M.

Open Letter To My Sweetie

I've spent the past 16 Valentine's as your wife.  

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While big changes have happened in our marriage in each of those 16 years - changing cities, moving to a new house (you letting go of your beloved bachelor pad), a new baby, big changes in our professions, another baby, another move, (I could go on!), one thing has not changed - my love for you. 

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I dare say it's even deeper than when I married you.  I knew you were a good egg, but had no idea how attached I would become.  You are my best friend.  Your love and support of me in all my endeavors has meant more to me than you will ever know.  

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Because of your steady and unwavering support, you've allowed me to try my wings and fly in a completely different profession than when we first married.  This change has brought me some much joy, and I love you for allowing me to figure it out.  I'm overwhelmed with gratitude and feel blessed beyond measure.  I could not say it any better than this note . . . 

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What a wonderful gift the Lord gave me when you entered my life.  Much love to you on this romantic day.  Love, Your Valentine. 

PS: Today is your last day to enter my giveaway!  Click over and enter to win. 

Millions of Mullions and Muntins!

Did you know the small pieces of wood (fiberglass or metal) around your window panes have a name?  You may not think calling these items the proper name even matters, and probably for most it really doesn't.  But what if you are building a house and want a very specific type of window designed for your home?  Then, these terms become super important in communicating with your builder.

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Knowing the lingo also sends a very subtle message to the window purveyor you know what your are talking about.  Let's face it, you don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling when you realize they see the fear in your eyes.  For me, that's having the car serviced - I have not a clue!  Trust me, the mechanic knows it too, and sometimes I can actually see the twinkle in his eye!  I'm thinking, "Is this guy going to take me to the cleaners? Because he totally could.  I've not clue what anything means that just came out of his mouth."

So, with that in mind - here's what you need to know about windows to look like a pro.  First, here's a great diagram of a window and it's parts.

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Notice in the above diagram that mullions is not referenced.  This is because the window above is a single window, and a mullion is the separation of more than one window in a series of windows.  

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See.  Super easy to be in the know on this one.  Now for a few beautiful examples of using windows as a focal point in a home.

Traditional Kitchen by Saratoga Springs Design-Build Firms Witt Construction

Mediterranean Entry by Atlanta Architects & Designers Summerour Architects

Just look at that gorgeous window near the tub.  Love the soft frosted glazing with the metal muntins.

Mediterranean Bathroom by Los Angeles Interior Designers & Decorators Tommy Chambers Interiors, Inc.

When I see these doors, it makes me think of the movie It's Complicated.  True confessions, I have that movie DVRed just so I can go back and look at her house and shop.  They are stunning.  That movie single handedly made me wish I had metal windows and doors in my house.

Mediterranean Entry by Atlanta Architects & Designers Summerour Architects

I've shown you this image before focusing on the fabulous layout of the space.  Just love the shape of the chaise (which is almost a loveseat in style), and how it's perfectly suited to this room.  But today, I wanted you to focus on the transoms above the windows flanking the fireplace.  Transoms are a great way to add detail and light to a space.  Not only can they be added to an exterior wall, but they also look amazing above interiors doorways between main living spaces.  Just lovely.

Traditional Bedroom by San Francisco Architects & Designers Gast Architects

Now, let's see if you can work some window lingo into your conversation at work today.  While chatting with your boss about a project you're working think about throwing in some small talk, "Wow, look at that!  Have you ever noticed the stile of those windows is a completely different color from the stool?"  If I had a dollar right now for every one of you who will now go back and study that diagram!  Ha!  Happy Hump Day. M.

PS: Don't forget to enter my giveaway - Friday is the deadline.  Click here to enter!

PSS for other Bloggers: Is it just me or did Pinterest change something preventing direct links to images on their website or even images you click through on in Blogger now?  (may be a blogger problem?) I've not heard anyone commenting on this being a problem, so I wondering if I'm the only one experiencing this issue?  What's weird is it's rather sporadic as to when it will let me link? 

Accessorizing A Room and A Giveaway!

Today's post is sponsored by Natural Wood Decor, and you are in for a treat!  Danielle contacted me and asked if I would be interested in hosting a product review and also agreed to give one lucky winner the same piece.  Two of my favorite things - a product review and a giveaway!  At the same time, I've been getting lots of questions from you on how to accessorize spaces.  What type of accessories do I need?  Where do I go to get them? How do I pull it together?  I love it when I can connect the dots!  So, I've selected one very versatile accessory and styled it three different ways to give you some ideas on what you can do in your own home.  Then, one lucky reader will get the same accessory for their home.  Fun, right?!

Here's the scenario, you have the bones of your room established.  The right layout has been developed, the proper scale furniture pieces are in place, and you've selected fabulous fabrics for draperies and pillows.  But, the room still doesn't feel quite right.  The problem?  The room needs to be styled.  Just like with fashion, you can select the perfect top, pants and shoes for an outfit.  But, this foundation alone will not get you there.  

Casual Chic by thelifeoftheparty showing how to wear shirts & tops

Without proper accessories and styling, it simply will not WOW you.  This is also true of a room.  You can have all the foundation pieces, but without proper styling, the result will be lack luster.  When selecting accessories, you really need to think about where you will use the accessory and then try to mix up the materials.  I'm also very practical, and I love accessories that can be used in lots of different ways and areas of your home.   It gives you more opportunities to change and mix things up for a fresh look.   Based on this, I've selected a simple fir wood cheese board as our accessory.

OK, for starters, you all know a cheese board can be used for serving - taaa daaaa . . . cheese.  No brainer, right.  I whipped this up over the weekend to nibble on during the cocktail hour.   It can really make a simple block of cream cheese feel special!

There is something really organic about these cheese boards or wooden trays in general.  These boards from Natural Wood Decor are harvested from the root of a fir tree.  So, every one of them is unique with a little different shape.  I love the irregular shape of the one they sent me.  

 Now, when your done snacking, this board can be used in other areas of your home to add a nice natural element.  Here, I've paired it with my cloches.

Really like the contrast in color of the wood tones here too. 

Another idea for styling is to use the board to soften a very cold area like in a bathroom where you have lots of tile and hard surfaces. 

Remember, the board does not have to be large enough to hold everything.  Just the layering effect with a few of the soaps and lotions on it is enough.

Lastly, even using an accessory for a utilitarian purpose can help a space.  Here, I've placed the board under an orchid to protect my furniture from a spill.  A sweet friend gave me this orchid recently, and it totally brightens my day to see it when I walk in the room!

It's incredible to me how such a small addition can really change the look of an area.

Now.  Who's ready to win a cheese board of their very own?!  Here's what you need to do.  

Details to Enter

1. To be eligible you MUST click over to Natural Wood Decor, look around, then pick your favorite item AND come back and leave a comment about it.

For additional entries(increase your odds, people!):
- While over at Natural Wood Decor, pin your favorite item to Pinterest (you will need to include in your comment a link to the pinned item for me to see).
- and if you're a blogger, post on your blog about the giveaway

Be sure to include a separate comment for each extra entry including contact information (so I can contact you when you win)!  Winner will be selected by random.org.  

Deadline for entering is this Friday, February 14th at 5:00 PM Central.  

As a special treat, through Valentine's Day Natural Wood Decor is offering 30% and all orders over $75 ship for free.  Go check it out - they have lots of great items.  I'm loving this zig zag wood side table - reminds me of the iconic chess piece side tables.  

Happy Monday! M.