The Eagle Has Landed: Naturally Flawed

                                                                               "we are all intentionally flawed to make us unique"

                                                                                                                       by Rick Warren




While watching an episode of Oprah's Lifeclass with Rick Warren, who spoke about his experience buying a pair of distressed jeans (remember when you couldn't wait to buy your first pair of acid washed jeans?), he explained that the tag on the jeans read, "These jeans are intentionally flawed to make them unique." This quote really resonated with me on many levels. Just like when the trend would later translate into interior designs, hence the introduction of distressed wood finishes. Men (my husband for one), were really not on board with this concept. Paying for stuff that was purposefully flawed, and made to look old, did not register on any level. Why would anyone want clothing or furniture that had been washed with acid or beaten with a chain? I can remember the first time I took a piece of sand paper to something that I had just freshly painted--somehow, this didn't seem logical. It's interesting when you think about the flaws that we accept, and the ones of that we don't. It's our imperfections that make us unique, and my "naturally flawed" dining room walls were no exception.

So, in thinking about my dining room walls, I made a plan to update them, and bring them into the 21st Century. The wide pine boards were filled with tons of knots and imperfections, giving them a quintessential rustic feel. With a plan to cover up all that gorgeousness with paint, and bring the room up a few levels in formality, I worried about whether my vision for the space (warm-white walls in a glossy finish), would translate well. Would I be potentially ruining the walls by covering up the natural imperfections, that I had grown to love? Only time would tell.

trying out the family room rug in the new space

With the availability of Pinterest to provide endless visuals, and plenty of home magazines for inspiration; I was able to fine tune my design plan. That's not to say that I (we), didn't try a few color samples and finish samples; before finally deciding on our trim color in semi-gloss. All the trim in our home is painted in California's Dove White (a color that isn't even available anymore), mixed in Ben Moore's Satin Impervo. Yes folks, we're talking oil-based paint; because I love how easy it is to use. A color nightmare at the paint store, but I won't bore you with those details. By using our trim color, we hoped to enhance the design flow throughout the house; and provide a sense of cohesiveness to the other spaces. In going this route, it would also leave little room for additional color complications down the road.

walls, ceiling and trim all painted in the same color and finish

With a few remaining design details still outstanding (new mirror, buffet lamps, english dresser display and possibly a rug), I am very happy with the results.

A bright new dining space with walls that are reflective and warm. A job well done, with the help of some reinforcements.

REINFORCEMENTS TO THE RESCUE

The dining room project has been slow to realize. Between summer vacation and time spent away, it has been hard to stick to any kind of regular painting schedule. Just when you least expect it, things take a turn for the worse; as the hubby is injured at work. Nothing serious thank goodness, but Oy Vay, it's time to call in the reinforcements.

Since Mom and Dad recently renovated their Kennebunkport home, I knew who could provide some good recommendations for painters. What a huge relief to find out that the painter had an immediate opening, and would be able to help us out. A little name dropping never hurts.

They (the reinforcements), arrived today, and it's like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. This project will finally be realized!!! I will be posting final pictures when the room is happily put back together again, not unlike Humpty Dumpty.

Dreams in Dining

My dining dreams are finally coming true, thanks to the hard work of my hubby.

The process begins with taping and sanding.

Primer is up.

Beams begin to stand out, where they were once hidden. Check back soon for the final results.

A Rustic Love Affair

Should I or shouldn't I?  I have been toying with the idea of painting my dining room walls for several weeks/years, and it's been a running theme in my head. My desire to create interiors with a mix of formality and informality has been a sixteen year love affair with these walls. It's virtually impossible to capture their "beauty" with the lack of photography skills I currently possess. With that in mind, I took a million pictures to help you visualize the space.

Old Color Theme: red and blue cherub toile, blue check and blue garden toile

Gray/Brown walls of warmth (thanks to Minwax Driftwood Gray), help to create a complementary backdrop for shades of blue and red. The room boasts an oversize iron fireplace, hand-hewn beams, milled wood walls (19" wide), and beautiful dark hardwood floors that make it a unique space. An antique English dresser, a hand-me-down red buffet (painted by Mom and me with an umber glaze), parsons chairs, and a country turned-leg table are my furniture pieces.

My design style has a tendency to ebb and flow with the times, and I find myself leaning towards a more neutral palette these days. Having been able to keep the room looking current using combinations of fabrics, rugs and dish-ware, it has become obvious to me that after recovering my parsons chairs in December, the room is in need. What to do, what to do?

Inspiration One: white trim and vanilla walls

Inspiration Two: white walls and white floor

Inspiration Three: to keep things the same

The thought of a project of this magnitude leaves me somewhat frozen, as I am no spring chicken. I know that this will be a tremendous undertaking of which there is no turning back. I am confident however, that the benefits will outweigh the time, and effort it will take to bring this room into the 21st Century. Does it sound like I am ready? I'm getting there.

A Conceptual Easter Table

With my Easter menu planned, and my desserts in the oven all that remained was my Easter tablescape plan-of-attack.

Concept one: Start with a fabulous backdrop of architectural placemats by Cake Kitchen Papers, purchased at Portobello Road in Newton.

Concept two: Mix metals because it works well in my dining space, and it is a hot design trend right now.

Concept three: Add beautiful gold leaf eggs made by me and my design assistant, to the West Elm mercury-glass vase.

Concept four: Pay it forward to two local girls in their new creative venture with these hand-knitted balls of fun for guests under the age of 11.

Concept five: Remember to enjoy the day.



Happy Easter...L.