April 28, 2014

Open to Color?


Gates can lend security, massive charm and personalization to our properties. And when we think of the classic picket fence and gate, it is indeed white. Isn't this setting fabulous?
Black is typically tailored taking a formal turn
But what if you added a sense of whimsy with color?
Attention getting color
This is Reese Witherspoons Ojai, Ca. home. See the cat and the dog?

Ahhhhh.....
Iron, particularly vintage, does not always have to be in black
Turquoise in the garden is breathtaking
Subtle shades of champaign

But what if you looked around and decided to pull from a nearby color? 
See the color of the roof, the shutters?
 Should you have pink dormers, this would be appropriate!

 Or opt to add elements such as the flowers
One of my clients in Glen Ellyn, Il. 
Aubergine.......foliage, house trim, ornamentation 

Have a great week!

Debra


April 21, 2014

Rescue . Restore . Redecorate


                     
That is the trademark of the Amy Howard line of decorative finishes.
Rescue.............a found object, a Goodwill score?
Restore............maybe an outdated or inherited piece, how about your kitchen or bath cabinets?
Redecorate......refresh a room with your new piece, your new look

We are honored that Amy the artiste extraordinaire, and her husband Gene, the chemist behind these products, are coming to present the entire line to our local audience.

Not near? Here is a taste of the line and what you can proudly do yourself.......EASILY!
This is the magical basis for many projects, The One Step Paint. No priming, stripping or sanding and it is indeed true. With extensive adhesion properties one can paint ANY surface, even fabrics
The colors are delicious, unfortunately this is the best image I could supply.
Restore bath cabinets, add stand-out hardware
Perfect for a kitchen cabinet project. With the adhesive additives, this paint does not chip or peel
New again, formerly a formica veneer
With specific waxes, dusts and mica's, this is an easily achievable look. Amy believes in an elegant finish (no chippy paint here) that replicates a patina of age. With some knowledge of antiques, or a quick lesson, one could know how they wear and where to wipe back
Notice the near lack of paint at the foot of the leg? That would be rubbed back as a century of wear would do.
Yes, this too is achievable. And yes, all of the products are for us amateurs, eliminating decades of learned skills. With a combination of Gesso, Bole, paint, wax, dusts and gold leaf, all in the line. You can definitely achieve this patina
The Amy Howard line of gold and silver leaf is formulated from a Dutch metal, is easy to work with and very inexpensive. Here is one of Amy's couture stools in her furniture line gilded in her leaf. Why not add this to a piece you already own to dress it up a bit?
Add the gold or silver to the interior of a shade
Her Laurel collection gilded gold
Their Antique Mirror solution is easy, for home use and with the control to lightly age or
heavily age.

Create the French art of Eglomise; Stripping the back of a mirror, laying a stencil design, then bring out the pattern with paint and mica powder.
Wait.......it gets better, lacquer in a spray can! Endless uses and ease of use. If you have ever tried to use lacquer paint (mostly banned due to it's petroleum base), one wants to run screaming from the room in sheer frustration (I did). Once reserved for the professionals, this is within our reach
Outdoor furniture. Her color palate is vast
Upmarket your paper lamp shades with lacquer, maybe a chair too

How about this project? Tired brass comes alive
And new to the line, lacquer pens
My personal favorite, Zinc solution in a bottle. Turn galvanized metal into the look of authentic aged zinc via several wipes. This is not a paint on finish, but a chemical reaction with the metal. Did I mention it is also food safe? Is this to be believed!!!???

I have been collecting interesting table bases, will measure the top, and have a sheet metal worker create an inexpensive galvanized cap that will get placed over the top, nailed and get the treatment.
Crazy for this.......instead of tile, have a backsplash of galvanized fit your space, wipe on the solution and STUNNING!
Authentic Venetian Plaster for interior walls and other projects.
Did I mention there are new products coming into the line? Yes, and all will be discussed and most will be demonstrated by Amy and Gene in the historic atmosphere of the Dunham Woods Riding Club in Wayne. Limited days to register, hope you can join us!
The Paint Brush Cover. Did you see this on the Shark Tank a few weeks ago? The sharks fought over this product which keeps your coated paint brush fresh and pliable for months until the project is complete. I have one to giveaway, just leave a comment
Visit their site here


Join us in welcoming....... 
Amy and Gene Howard from Memphis ! ! 

Just for us, this renowned interior designer, furniture designer and co-creator, with husband Gene, of the elegant decorative paint and finishing brand, 
    ‘AMY HOWARDis coming to town! 
When........April 30th, Wednesday evening, 6:00pm
Where......Dunham Woods Riding Club Wayne, Il.
page1image7304225 
What........An evening of fun and learning! After a meet and great, Amy will demo or discuss every product in her vast line;
page1image8856225
‘One Step’ paint, Toscano paint, Spray lacquer, Zinc application, Antiquing mirrors, Eglomise, Gold & Silver 
gilding, Bole, creating patina’s of age. And all that’s new! 


Tips, Tricks and Techniques * Give-Aways * Discounts 
Buffet of savories, sweets, coffee.... $58.00 + cash bar 
To reserve, call the shop; 630.232.1303 



April 13, 2014

Spring Planter Ideas

Facing empty containers or the last vestige of winter? Those of us in the colder zones, 6 most of you, definitely 3, 4 and 5, have been hit hard this winter and are in a spirit lifting mode. Nothing enchances an outlook like getting our hands in the soil, lovingly planting and nurturing these seasonal annuals and bulbs. Smiles abound!
My favorite is the Tulip; great color and shapes, elegantly simple with much needed height in your composition
Alas, they are very short lived, one hot day.....finished. As we head out next week to plant clients spring containers, we will be armed with faux Tulips. These above are called 'Real Touch' as they oddly feel lifelike, in addition to looking lifelike. Being plastic however, they can withstand the elements, re-using each Spring for 4-5 years!  Our in development on line shop, has the tulips. Want then NOW,  we can ship them to you immediately. Visit here



Let's examine these designs for inspiration......
Tulips with Pansies and Primrose, all in one color way
Only Tulips, in one color.
Exuberance with Tulips, Pansies, chartreuse foliaged Heuchera and Ivy (also cold hardy). I will often turn the faux Tulips into a downward fashion mirroring real ones.
Lily Pulitzer colors
Faux Tulips can "thrive" in shade with companions such as Maidenhair Fern and Cyclamen
Mixed with Daffodils, Primrose, mosses, Pussy Willow and Curly Willow sticks for height
 and textural interest. 
Why not create this arrangement that will last year after year versus using real? Stunning for an event but very short lived.
Happy Daffodils. Some day I want to live in a home with stone window surrounds
Pansies
Pansies, Ivy and grass. Notice how the chosen colors are complimentary to the homes colors? A seamless blend. The favored pink tones of spring would have clashed.
Bellis Daisies. What a great look tucked in a basket
Rose colored Ranunculus and mini Daff's.
One never knows........sometimes nature has other ideas and gets there first.

Debra

We have a party coming up and will chat further next post. If nearby, hope you can come for fun and learning a new skill

Join us in welcoming....... 
Amy and Gene Howard from Memphis ! !

Just for us, this renowned interior designer, furniture designer and co-creator, with husband Gene, of the elegant decorative paint and finishing brand, 
    ‘AMY HOWARD, is coming to town! 
When........April 30th, Wednesday evening, 6:00pm
Where......Dunham Woods Riding Club Wayne, Il.
page1image7304
What........An evening of fun and learning! After a meet and great, Amy will demo or discuss every product in her vast line;
page1image8856
‘One Step’ paint, Toscano paint, Spray lacquer, Zinc application, Antiquing mirrors, Eglomise, Gold & Silver
gilding, Bole, creating patina’s of age. And all that’s new!

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