An On-Line Furniture Buying Success Story - Delivery Day

Amy's New Wydeven Designs Settee

Yesterday was a glorious February day in Georgia.  The weather was mild (up to mid-50's in the afternoon) and the sun bright.  It was a perfect day for an excursion!

I had sold this lovely settee to a former client who had moved to Carrolton - about 1.5 hours from my house and west of the city.   She had been so pleased with her prior purchase of two cream wingbacks that she was very comfortable buying this piece on-line.

I had previously delivered her chairs and offered to deliver this piece as well so this was the day to do it! I asked by recent college graduate son who is in the midst of job-hunting to accompany me to her home.  I always do my around the city and beyond traveling between 9:30 and 2:30 to avoid the major traffic we get in this area.  It was a lovely drive and good company and Amy was thrilled with the piece.

So - a great day for a good drive and a lot of satisfaction that this lovely settee (sunburst bonded silk fabric - very special) has a new home.  I love Amy's color coordination here!

Buying More Fabric at Fabric World

 

I have previously written about the great fabric deals available in the Atlanta area at Fabric World.

Fabric World Incorporated(770) 413-76551555 E Park Place Blvd, #C,Stone Mountain, GA
Given my strong passion for fabrics and the fact that you just never know what you will need, I try to get over there at least every couple of weeks but have been pretty busy since the holidays (and  recent big trip) so I neglected to do due diligence until yesterday.  I discovered that the parking lot was unusually busy and I had to hunt for a shopping cart.  Because of their super low costs, you are basically on your own including hauling down bolts of fabric and getting them to the registers.  I wouldn't be surprised if injuries have occurred.  
Once inside, I noticed long lines at the registers and then noticed that all trims and fabrics were $2.00 per yard.  This really started my heart racing although their usual price of $3.99 is not bad and has resulted in more buying sprees than I want to acknowledge.
I found that the sale had been going on for two whole weeks and noticed that the racks were pretty low - I was getting depressed.  Once I started looking, however, I did find some really nice fabrics - four of which I have already dropped off at the upholsterers for pieces waiting to be redone.  
I got several fabrics that fit nicely into the color scheme I discussed this week from Benjamin Moore with blue "wythe" as its star (a seafoamy blue).  Several of my pieces fit into the color scheme suggested by the paint company.

Benjamin Moore Sky and Sea Colors for 2012

   

In addition, I bought several creams (both duck cloth and a weather-friendly cream and pale gold tweed).
It is not too late for locals to visit the shop and particularly if you need trims - their trim collection is outstanding including very high end pieces.  Good hunting!  
I will try not to go back until this sale has passed - my fabric room is getting pretty crowded.

More Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Project Results

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - Off White with Dark Wax

I now have three finished Annie Sloan Chalk Paint chairs and am loving the results.  I have been reporting on my efforts to find and use these fine paints for about three months.  The addition of the fine upholstery (by the experts at Lee/Song's Upholstery in Norcross, GA) has really made a big difference.  I am excited about trying more projects - all of these great pieces are available through my website http://wydevendesigns.com

2012 Color Trends from Benjamin Moore - Earth and Sea

Wythe Blue Background - Other Earth and Sea Colors

The venerable brand, Benjamin Moore link is in the business of selling their paints and has much to gain from getting involved in both creating and reporting on color trends.  They have identified THE COLORS for 2012 in several ways.  One way is to categorize them into groupings - one of which is the Earth and Sky Colors shown below.

Benjamin Moore Earth and Sky Colors

The grouping is calm and peaceful with both warm and cool colors.  One source defined them as the Eco Trend (lots of labels here):



Flora and fauna, water and sky, moss and rock. Nature's elements unite in a style-savvy look that transcends its organic roots. Refreshing white and blue balance the palette, offering a calm, relaxing respite from the busy world.

The star of the palette is the wythe blue - link:

Benjamin Moore color experts are forecasting that blue will be big in 2012 as the population seeks out a sense of calm, trust, and the tried-and-true. The paint company’s top color pick for the coming year is Wythe Blue HC-143, a blue green hue with a cool gray cast to it.

“It’s interesting that Wythe Blue is from our historical color collection,” said Sonu Mathew, ASID, IIDA and Benjamin Moore’s senior interior designer. “We’ve actually cited it because it has a modern edge, yet it’s so rooted in history and is respectful of what’s classic and enduring.”

As Mathew pointed out, the blue family is such an ideal backdrop for other colors and materials. “It’s an excellent partner to various wood tones, and complements the grays and whites that have become current decorating basics.”

My own (Wydeven Designs - link to website) Highland House Chair in Fresh Olive Linen

Wythe Blue

Earth and Sea Colors

Earth and Sea Colors

Great Do it Yourself Ideas - Courtesy of BHG

From BHG - A Custom Storage Unit at Base of Bed

It is not often that I find an article and images that together make a great blog by themselves but this article  on the Better Homes and Garden Website is just wonderful and speaks to my strong passion for furniture repurposing and refurbishing!   link to full article.

DIY Furniture Transformations

Make the most of your furnishings by repurposing pieces into custom creations that look good and work hard. With these simple, affordable ideas, you'll be able to transform your ordinary furniture into fresh finds for your home.

By Leslie Marshall

Leslie shows some amazing transformations and ideas that are not only stylish but very, very clever.  Here are some examples.

Take your tired, throwaway bed frame and change it from to junky to funky. Cut the footboard in half vertically and fasten one half to each end of the headboard using screws and wood glue. For the seat and front rail, cut pieces of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and attach using screws and wood glue. After sanding, priming, and painting, stylize the settee with nail head trim. Use a foam pad and batting wrapped in a colorful, patterned fabric for a comfy cushion.

Large mirrors with fancy frames can break the bank. Save the money and construct a custom frame by building your own around a mirrored closet door. Incorporate a piece of paintable textured wallcovering to the inset panel above the mirror. Try adding decorative trim or molding for an extra design motif.

Alter a simple armoire to create a storage-packed buffet. Cut the doors in half and move the hinges to make room for a beverage bar above and storage cabinets underneath. Winery-inspired shelves create more space to house your favorite drinks. For a touch of elegance, add crown molding and scrolled bottom molding. Finish with a fresh coat of paint.

Return From Portugal - Amazing Country

Last month, I mentioned that my husband and I were traveling to Portugal for our 25th wedding anniversary.  We just returned several days ago and I am trying to sort through almost 2000 photos.  We spent the first part of our trip in the Algarve Region  which is the southernmost part of Portugal.  It was supposed to be the "rainy season" but, as you can see, we had wonderful weather.  Here are a few photos of our first few days in Portugal - we overused the word "amazing" a LOT!

Lagos Portugal - Agarve Region

Reservoir  - Near Alvor Portugal 

Driving Around Area

Lagos - Henry the Navigator Gazing out to Sea

Near Sagres - Southwestern Tip of Europe

Cabo de Sao Vincente - the "End of the Known World" 

Harbot in Sagres

Church in Alvor

Harbot in Alvor 

Restaurant in Alvor

Part of Extensive Boardwalk in Alvor

Gathering Place in Alvor -  near Church

Before and After - Upholstered Furniture Ideas From Pinterest

Found on Pinterest - http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/before-after-from-trash-to-sil-164215

I just returned from our trip to Portugal and will be posting some photos soon - it is a wonderful country and we were continuously amazed!  More on that later ....

I do need to get back into my blog - it's been two weeks.  I have continued to use Pinterest to find ideas and images that I can use.  Here are a number of BEFORE and AFTER photos and sites that are truly inspiring and I want to give full credit to the creative folks who saw the potential in these old pieces and found a way to make them stunning again - thank you!

One site I do want to emphasize is called - what a wonderful blog name "Better After - the Best of Your Before and Afters" http://betterafter.blogspot.com/ - what a wonderful idea to dedicate a blog to this great concept.  

Found on Pinterest - http://betterafter.blogspot.com/

Found on Pinterest - http://betterafter.blogspot.com/2011/05/file-away.html

Found on Pinterest - http://missmustardseed.com/2011/11/the-grass-sofa-before-after/