Painted pins attached to a yard stick is a great way to display school papers, to-do lists and artwork.
Saturday, November 14, 2015
What's your re-purpose?
I love to recycle, reuse and repurpose items instead of throwing them into a land fill. My previous painted furniture business was based on repurposing. I've written many posts on recycling cabinets doors into chalkboards, dresser drawers into shelves and antique chests into bathroom vanities. I recently found a few repurposed goodies on HGTV. Here are a few of my finds....
Old school house chalkboard recycled into a piece of artwork. Love this idea because of the size and its also a way to share a favorite quote.
This old window is not only used as a wall ornament by a great way to display flowers in vintage jars.
A wonderful idea to reuse old food jars and organize all those pens and pencils. Great alternative to those messy desk drawers!
One of my favorite ideas is taking a vintage soda crate and attaching wheels on bottom. Makes awesome toy storage for under the bed!
Monday, October 26, 2015
Lighting the fire
Most of my posts are strictly about interior design but this entry is going to be about exterior living areas. Since the weather has been gorgeous here for the past two weeks, I felt compelled to post about fireplaces and fire pits. They have become extremely popular during the past decade. Check out some of my favs below...
Tuscan style brick fireplace complete with deck overlooking marsh.
The fire pits at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage with an awesome view of Palm Springs.
Cozy beach pits at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa
Rock formation fire pit at St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Dorothy Draper meets Chairish for a drink!
Dorothy Draper was a famous style icon who was known for mixing bright colors with black and white patterns. If Draper were still alive today, I am positive that she would highly approve of Chairish, a website that features stylish vintage furniture and home accessories. Chairish asked me to design a style board featuring one of their many fabulous vintage bar carts. I chose this Hollywood Regency style cart with faux bamboo railing because it reminded me of one of my favorite designers, Dorothy Draper.
Chairish has so many great items to choose from....mirrors, rugs, vases, glassware, etc. that it was difficult to decide which items would make my board. After narrowing down the selection, I came up with the board below. I decided to design a bar area using pops of bright colored bar accessories complemented by the black/white pattern of the rug, lamp and vase...I think Dorothy would approve!
From Draper's style to Mid-century Modern, Chairish has the best selection of vintage furniture, decor, jewelry and accessories. It's a wonderful site for on-line treasure hunting!
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Friday, October 2, 2015
(Sale)ing away
I have decided to close The Brushed Bureau by the end of this month. My lease expires on Oct. 31 so I have made the decision to move on to something new. It's been a great decade of learning all about the world of retail! I started this business in 2004 in Gastonia, NC at The Garibaldi House with 2 friends. Then decided to move out on my own, so I rented a space in Downtown Pineville, NC. Business was slow in Downtown so I went to Blacklion and became successful overnight. Thank goodness I was persistent and stuck it out! I eventually branched out to multiple spaces in Blacklion stores. Also, rented spaces in Flutterby Interiors, Shoppes at River's Edge and Young's Garden Center. My point is that I found a career that I loved and believed in myself until I became successful! However, after 11 years of painting furniture, buying and merchandising product, I am ready for a change. Not sure exactly what that change will be, but I'm looking for my next step. As far as the store goes, everything is on sale right now....lamps, chandeliers, accessories, etc. If you get a chance, please stop by and check us out before the end of the month! We will surely miss all of our wonderful customers...thank you for all your support!!
Monday, September 28, 2015
California Cottage Cool
I am loving this latest design project of Bonnie Miller and Laurie Furber! They have worked their magic on redesigning this gorgeous 1870's cottage in California's wine country which was recently featured in Country Living Magazine. There are vintage accessories and furniture sprinkled throughout the home which add a warm cozy feeling to the updated modern feel of the farmhouse. Below are a few of my favorite design features...
Farmhouse dining table in eating area with eclectic vintage reproduction lighting
Antique bench and wire basket paired with a animal skin rug in entry.
A vintage map folded into a dress made into a unique piece of wall art for the bedroom.
Clever arrangement of baskets on wall in living area.
Flower garden landscaping make the perfect contrast for the black/white exterior.
photos: David Tsay, styling: Heather Bullard
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