The Armoire

Remember this armoire that I purchase for $50 way back in June?

What about the yucky cardboard backing? Ring any bells?

Well, the inside of the unit got a new beadboard backing and a couple coats of primer followed by Vintage Orange gloss enamel.

This picture does not to the colour justice. It's a beautiful bright orange that possibly hums a bit as you approach. It certainly glows. I was a bit worried when I started the painting, thinking perhaps I was being a bit too bold, but I figure that deep in the midst of a dreary cold winter, this dash of orange will make our days.

The outside of the armoire got a good sanding following by deep conditioning, new stain, and a polish of beeswax and orange oil. I'm happy with the way it turned out, but I think it looks a bit inadequate for this space. The 6 foot armoire that looked so big in the door is dwarfed by our 10 foot ceilings. I think maybe we need to add some feet (Javier's suggestion) and a fun door knob, maybe from Anthropologie.

In the end though, I have a fairly inexpensive solution for coat storage this coming season. Altogether the armoire cost about $130 with paint and everything.

Working and decorating

That's all I seem to do anymore. Not that I'm complaining. I spent the years I was in school dreaming of the day when I'd have a little more cash available to pretty up my home. And I spent those school years preparing for work, so I can't really complain about working too hard!

Here's some of what I've been up to.

I swapped out my farmhouse table with another slightly larger one that my in-laws gave us. I know...there's an awful lot of brown wood in my kitchen, which I'd love to change but not an option at this point. I meant to take the farmhouse table downstairs but I kind of like the island that accidently happened. I need another opinion on this. Too busy? I hope to find some different chairs at some point so add a dash of colour.

I finally sewed one of my Airstream embroideries into a pillow. Perfect fit I think.

And recovered my bed's cushions with some new covers as well. Embroidery by me. My room is really coming together...albeit very slowly.

One of my new obsessions is spray painting ugly mirrors and accessories white. I've got a similar set on the other side of the window. I plan to collect more and cover the walls. But it's a start.

My latest project is working on the cabinet I bought a few months ago. I hope to reveal it in the next few weeks. It should be fabulous (I hope).

Saturday morning

...making popovers and listening to 2 "tween-age" giggling girls debating the symbolism of Twilight on the couch. All I need now is a cup of coffee.

Happy weekend...

Almost, but not quite

One of the items on my wish list is one of the classic Eames armchairs. Really any of their chairs made of fibre glass would do. Alas, finances and lack of  really great vintage furniture available locally has worked against me. 

Still I hoped...

This weekend we took a family road trip to Billings, Montana and look what I found!

This pair of chairs stopped me dead in my tracks. Literally. I covered my mouth with my hands and looked excitedly over at Javier & Lizzie. I'm pretty sure I let out a squeal of delight. The dancing came later.

Admittedly they are not Eames chairs. I call them my faux-Eames. 

But they will do. 

And I don't really have to tell anybody, do I?