These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Ready for pictures galore? Here are a few of my favorite things.

Ticking Stripes

Source: Old Pottery Barn Photo

Source: White Flower Farmhouse (those girls have the best stuff)

Linen Fabric

(I love linen's casual refinement...ahhh so suptuous)

Source: Unknown via Camilla at Home


Source: Lucca & Co.

Source: BHG?

Pillows

(Some people collect shoes...I collect pillows...'nuf said)

Source of Two Above: Les Indiennes (who I want to marry btw)

Source: White Flower Farmhouse

Source: John Robshaw

White

(There's nothing that says "ahhhh I can breath" like white)

Source: Unknown (Let me know if you know)

Source: Cottage Living...RIP

Monograms

(I love the use of monograms in this Cottage Living Bathroom)

Old "European" Style Furniture

(Yes...I do realize Europe is a big place...I'm talking about Sweden, France, etc.)

Source: Home Decorators Collection (May not be available anymore)

Source: Wisteria

Candles That Smell So Yummy You Could Eat Them

(Seriously...I just bought a pumpkin candle from Walmart that's mouth watering. The apple cider one smelled good too.)

(Not my actual candle - Don't be looking for this one at Walmart)

Paint

(In addition to my pillow collection, I have an extensive (aka GINORMOUS) paint sample collection. Mmmm, there's nothing like the sensation of putting a beautiful color on the wall.)

Chicken Chimichangas with Plenty of Cheese, Sour Cream and Guac

(I'm just being honest here...they're heavenly....)

(Don't worry - I don't eat them everyday)

Girly Stuff is having a party if you want to link with your own favorite things.

ORB Spray Paint "Taste Test"

I can't tell you how many new people I've had visit my blog recently and say, "I found you when I was doing a Google search on ORB spray paint", or "My friend said I should come over and read your posts about ORB spray paint." So apparently I've become the Oil-Rubbed-Bronze-Spray-Paint-Girl. Well...okay...I can deal with that. I guess this sprung from my love of Rustoleum's American Accents ORB spray paint (which is now hard to find), and trying to find a good replacement.

So I've decided to embrace my new title and go that extra mile by doing an ORB spray paint "taste test" (although I do not recommend actually tasting paint...I'm just sayin').

I chose 3 different types of spray paint to compare, and sprayed 3 decorative orbs from Walmart.

Here are the contenders:

Contender 1) Rustoleum American Accents ORB Spray Paint (From my secret - and quickly diminishing - stash)


Contender 2) Rustoleum Bright Coat Metallic Finish Spray Paint in "dark bronze"

Contender 3) Krylon Brushed Metallic ORB Spray Paint

The results?

Numbers 1 and 3 are pretty darn similar...and number is (like the old Sesame Street song says)...not like the others.

The Krylon Brushed Metallics ORB paint (on the right) is very similar to my fave Rustoleum American Accents ORB paint (on the left). My fave is a smidge warmer, but really, there's not much difference.
The Rustoleum Metallic Dark Bronze (in the middle) is kind of pretty, but it's not a replacement for my fave. It's lighter than the other two, and more brown. If you're looking for an ORB paint that has more brown in it, though, it could be a good option.

In summary? If you can't find Rustoleum's American Accents ORB paint, you should opt for Krylon's Brushed Metallics ORB paint (I found mine at Walmart for less than $3).

Happy painting!

Martha and Her Vineyard

I have a friend who's visiting Martha's Vineyard right now....can you say jealous? Seriously, I would give my left pinky finger to spend a week in "The Vineyard" right now. You know, with its charming little villages, adorable shingled cottages, and salty ocean breeze. Ahhh, that's my idea of heaven.

Well...since we can't all join my friend in "The Vineyard" I thought I'd give us a little eyecandy so we can pretend.

Source: MV Vacation Home
Flickr: PeaceLoveVineyard
Source: Country Living


Source: Completely Coastal

Source: Completely Coastal

Source: Completely Coastal

Souce: Coastal Living

It's All in the Details

Charm and interest are all in the little details. I'm talking about the smart use of fabric, accessories, and those unexpected items that just add that extra bit of "wow" to a room.

For instance, this bedroom by Heather Chadduck is absolutely gorg, but (aside from the great color scheme and toile...can you say yummy?) it's the little details that really make the room. Mirror= fab, chandelier=double fab, monogram on the pillow=(can you guess?) triple fab. Each of those items subtly make this room more interesting that it would otherwise be.

And the close-up (you know you wanted a better shot of that toile). Look at the simple brown ties on the fabric covered headboard - instant charm. And the small framed prints? They tie in beautifully with the color scheme and they give the eye something interesting to look.

And we all love this room from the set of Something's Gotta Give...do we not? But what are the two elements that really make the room? My opinion? 1) The amazing collection of ironstone plates (very simply displayed, by the way), and 2) The swoonworthy slipcovers on the chairs. Would it be a beautiful room without these elements?...sure...but would it be as interesting?.....uh, no.

And here's an old Pottery Barn room from my files. There are so many great elements in this room, but what adds the most interest? I'm gonna go with the mismatched collection of mirrors. And of course the pattered pillows, ottoman, and ribbon detail on the window shade don't hurt one bit.

And finally, can I tell you how much I love tailored pleats and simple ruffles? Ahhh, so charming.

Paint That Bad Brass

Thanks for your nice comments yesterday on my painted light fixture. I think it's just further proof at what a can of spray paint can do! I had several of you ask how I painted the light fixture to transform it

from this (sorry I don't have a better before picture):

To this:

Basically, I didn't want to remove the entire lighting fixture ('cause I'm lazy like that) so I covered the wall and the counter below with paper bags so I could spray it in the room. I also covered the light sockets with tape so that paint wouldn't interfere with the fixture working correctly.

I didn't prime first because...well, again, I'm lazy like that. And really, it's not going to get a whole lotta wear so I felt okay about skipping this step.

I applied 2 or 3 coats of Rustoleum American Accents spray paint in oil rubbed bronze. This spray paint is now hard to find, but you can read about other options and where to find this one here.

I also replaced the glass shades on the fixture. They were that ribbed glass which feels a little dated to me.

And I felt like a more current looking glass shade would make a big difference. They were pretty inexpensive at Lowe's (I want to say $5 or $6) and I chose simple marbled alabaster shades.

A couple of you also asked about painting door knobs. I haven't done this yet myself, but I have spoken with several people that have, and they've all told me that they hold up very well. I would definitely recommend that you prime first and then apply 3 light coats (with plenty of dry time in between and before use) for optimal durablity (yes...I said "optimal durability"...can you tell I'm in "work mode"? I'll get back to human speak later.).

Happy painting! Let me know if you have additional questions.