In my last post, I showed you the results of a master bedroom makeover. My clients had an existing Ikea Malm dresser that they wanted to keep; it was great storage, but not very stylish. So I decided to give it a makeover and I wanted to take you through the steps for achieving this look. First I roughed up the dresser’s slick finish with an 80-grit sanding block, which allows the primer to adhere better. I removed all the drawers, covered the edges with painter’s tape, and gave the piece one coat of Zinsser primer. Next I added two coats of Benjamin Moore’s Glacial Till, a light putty color. I bought 3/4″ panel molding from Lowe’s, and I expected to be able to have it cut down in store. Unfortunately they were only able to do straight 90-degree cuts, and I was looking for a 45-degree miter cut. I was about to rent a (gigantic!) table saw from Home Depot, but luckily the …
I was strolling through Cambridge Antique Market last Saturday, and this handsome devil caught my eye: When I got closer, I realized that it was a painting on velvet of George Washington, modeled on Gilbert Stuart’s famous portrait. It is roughly 6-ft tall. The painting has gorgeous craquelure, but it is still in excellent condition. The velvet is plush, and the color palette is rich; the subtle play of greys and blacks is still apparent. The dealer said he bought the piece at an auction, and unfortunately he lost all the information about its provenance. All he could tell me was that the painting is Victorian. Here is what George looked like when I first spotted him hidden at the back of the booth: I think this is a stunning statement piece, and I can’t wait to find it the right home. Perhaps in a living room against a white brick wall. Or in a library with lacquered black built-in bookshelves. We will have to wait …
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