I found this sweet little bentwood bench at an antique store last weekend. Luckily the caning is in perfect condition. I think this piece would be the perfect addition to a foyer.
I have always loved the look of ebonized cerused, or limed, oak. The overall finish is a deep black, while the wood grain is filled with white pigment. The sharp contrast accentuates oak’s beautiful grain patterns and creates a high-end, glamorous look. This finish can be achieved in any color combination, but the classic black and white is my personal favorite. This technique was originally developed in the 16th century as a way to protect wood from insects. Its popularity has ebbed and flowed over time, peaking in art deco and midcentury interiors. I followed Lynne Rutter’s wonderful tutorial over at The Ornamentalist. My table had a cerused finish originally, so I had to take a few extra steps to prep the surface. Two pieces of advice on this technique: Firstly, it is essential to create an absolutely clean surface to work with because aniline dye will not absorb through old varnish or residue. Starting with an unfinished piece would …
There is nothing better than a good mural. Sophisticated, bold, transformative. Check out these spectacular spaces. Sources: 1) Michael Dillon (via Attic Mag) 2) The Aestate 3) The Aestate Tumblr 4) William Sofield 5) Piero Castellini, House & Garden (via Mark D. Sikes) 6) Decoupage forest, The Glade at Sketch
Three-dimensional optical illusions have been cropping up all over the design world this past year, in particular the isometric cube pattern. From flooring to finishes, this pattern is certainly on trend. Check out this beautiful inspiration! Sources: The Aestate’s DIY table inspired by Pierre Frey, Color & Character Dana Console, Vintage Luxe, Door Sixteen
My sister, Elizabeth, asked for a little help tackling the last undecorated room in her home: a 4’ x 6’ sunroom. Elizabeth, an actress and screenwriter, wanted a comfortable place to read scripts and memorize lines. She requested a mid-century modern style that would complement her adjacent office. The room is not weatherproof, so we chose items that would not be ruined by sun damage or dust. Our maximum budget was $600. We found the armchair and ottoman on craigslist for $100. The chair is a mid-century reproduction from Urban Outfitters, so we aren’t worried about abandoning a valuable vintage piece to the elements. We purchased a 3’ x 5’ grey and white chevron rug for $80 from Potted, a fabulous garden store in Los Feliz. Our big budget splurge was a Modernica Case Study ceramic pot and Brazilian walnut stand, which we found on sale for $120. The Case Study planter is manufactured locally in Los Angeles. Our next …
I had been on the lookout for a campaign dresser for several months when I spotted the perfect piece on craigslist. It had sturdy dovetail construction and solid brass hardware. I was not a big fan of the original wood tone, so I decided to give the dresser a classic kelly green makeover! Here is an overview of the process. First I removed the hardware and gave the whole piece a good sanding. I used ScotchBlue painter’s tape to keep all my edges clean and then painted one coat of Zinsser primer. Primer will prolong the life of the finish. I decided to use Benjamin Moore Advance high gloss paint in jade green. It has a built-in self-leveling property, which helps hide brush strokes and provide a smooth finish. I ended up doing three (long and painful!) coats to get complete coverage. Fortunately this paint does not require a top coat. I also polished the hardware. You can use a …
Thrifting scores galore! I visited Green Dolphin Consignment Shop in Hanover, MA and walked away with two absolute treasures. I found a vintage Hollywood Regency loveseat for $50! The floral and quail upholstery is in perfect condition and features my favorite color, coral. So although I have no space to store this beauty, I simply can’t part with it. This loveseat will find a special place in my next home! I also picked up a mid-century modern highboy. Beautiful wood grain, expertly crafted molded wood handles, and classic mid-century lines—not surprisingly I sold the dresser very quickly! I will definitely stop by Green Dolphin again soon.