Picasso and Pillow Cases...

(Being stuck at home the past-week with a sprained ankle has really allowed for me to catch up on the ol' Blog. This post has been a long time coming...)

Thought this title appropriate since this post has to do with both subjects, although quite contrary in nature, both Picasso and Pillow Cases inspired the following two DIY Decor Projects.

How?

I'll let the pictures tell the story. These will also serve as a tutorial of sorts for anyone else who is looking for no-cost, creative projects that will spruce up your place and/or can serve as a lovely present.

Let's begin with Picasso, or rather my painting artwork project that I created with supplies I already had handy, a little imagination and a lot of pretty color. This is another zero cost decor project, my favorite kind.  I'd also like to clarify that I in no way possible fancy myself a real life "Picasso", but this will be as close as I get to incredible Cubist painter :)

Supplies: Blank Canvas or any blank surface. An inexpensive stencil or two of any pretty pattern that you can cut up to any shape you desire, acrylic paints, paint-brushes. That is all. 

I had a rose pattern stencil on hand that I cut up and began forming a pattern on paper with. I then began layering with different colors and angles to create this final product that I'm quite happy with. I framed it and it found a happy place on my gallery wall in my living room:

(Excuse bad picture quality, all taken with my Blackberry.)

I was then inspired to create one for my little sister who's anniversary was coming up. As part of her gift I wanted to create something personal and unique and made sure to use colors that tied into her decor, here is the final result:

She loved it, and I was so pleased she did!

Now for the Pillow Cases. This is my no-sew tutorial for new throw pillows. But first a little background. I recently made some refreshing changes to the decor in my living room. I replaced the dramatic rich accent colors I had for Fall and Winter with light, fresh, vintage-esque pale blue and greens. I was in dire need of new throw pillows but not only could I not find what I was looking for on-line or in the stores, everything I did like -  cost an arm and a leg. I refused to pay a penny for this new decor scheme, so I made it a personal goal to only use things I already owned. Fortunately, while searching through my linen trunk, I found a brand-new unopened bed sheet and pillow cases set that my beloved grandmother had gifted me some time ago. The pale blue color was exactly what I was looking for in terms of throw pillows, but the plain looking cases were not going to cut it, they were in dire need of a pattern with contrasting colors.  So I thought to myself , "self, why not create your own pattern with paint, after all you've never been shy about painting everything from lamps to vases to furniture pieces, why not paint the pillow cases?" And so paint I did! Here is the tutorial in pictures:

Supplies: Solid Pillow Cases, (new or used), acrylic paints, stencil, paint-brushes, iron and pillow forms.

1) First step, cover work-space with newspaper and card boards. Select paint-colors. If you don't have the exact color your looking for, make it yourself. I mixed the colors I had to come up with a salmon retro-esque shade of orange/pink that contrasted beautifully with the blue pillow cases and would coordinate with the rest of my decor: 

2) Once you've created/selected your color(s) analyze what type of pattern you want to create. Let your imagination dictate your pattern. This is what I came up with:

3) Once you've let the painted pillows dry. The next step is to iron them to give them a crisp clean look. 

4) Fourth and last step, which also happens to be the most important step and why they are called "no-sew" pillows. Once you've selected your pillow forms, stuff them into the pillow cases making sure to display the side you've painted the pattern on. Then with the remaining pillow case fold it into itself neatly on each side until you have somewhat of a bottom seam that can be sewn with a hand-stich ( if you so desired) but I'd rather leave it open so I can switch these up in the future with other pillow forms, etc. It allows for more versatility and nobody is the wiser. Not sewing them also allows for easy cleaning, just remove them and throw them into the wash. 

I also promise to add more details on the changes I have made to Chateau C'est La Vie, and how I have made them. As I've said before, I have to work with what I have (even if it is not my dream furniture), and as I've also said before, "as a decorator, I can never leave well enough alone..":)

Hope you've enjoyed the tutorials and are inspired to try one or both of them yourselves!

Stay tuned for much more interesting content, including the introduction of  How-To-Vlogs, coming to a Blog near you...:)

The Bold and The Beautiful

The hopeful expectancy of Spring is in the air here in New York City and surrounding areas. The air is warmer, fresher, softer....a gentle breeze of re-birth and new life is whispering through the naked branches and melting the snow mounds. Inspiring.

Spring signifies so many different things to so many, to me however, it means the prospect of bold, beautiful, saturated color returning to nature; enveloping, rapturing us in it's scenic and aromatic surroundings. It is reflected in everything from gorgeous flora and fauna, to fashion and interior design.  It also happens to boldly make it's way into my home and heart.  I am a sole believer of infusing color into my life, wardrobe and home. It energizes me. Inspires me. Defines me.

Here are some amazing spaces that have stimulated my eyes and moved my emotions...

Crisp, Invigorating, Deep Oceanic Blue, Turquoise and Teals:

Stimulating, sensational yet sophisticated Citrus Oranges in everything from grapefruit to mandarin:

(sixx design)

Luxurious, Inviting and Fresh Greens, from Lime to Emerald and everything in between:

(design by Sherril Cannet, Kips Bay)

(picture and design by Tobi Fairley Interior Design)

One of my personal favorites for as long as I can remember and coincidentally Pantone's Hue of the year for 2011 - is Honeysuckle,  better known as fuchsia, raspberry, or magenta. It exudes romance, sensuality, passion and power. It is gorgeous as an accent, and exciting as the front runner:

(image from homegoods)

(image from HomeGoods)

(images from various designers and on-line sources. I gave credit to those images who's source was provided.)

Incredible what bold color does to a room, no?  Memorable to say the least. Magnificent to say the most!

When it comes to our home, lovingly named - chateau c'est la vie, it should come as no surprise then, that I gravitate towards the bold, beautiful saturated color numbers; like bees to honey. For the past couple of years my fascination had been directed specifically towards the citrus colors. With having a soft, lemon yellow in my kitchen, and a beautiful and bright mandarin orange in my living room. One of the favorite spaces in our home:

(the following images  and design are all mine, Chateau C'est La Vie)

(When it comes to designing my own space, my philosophy is "work with what you have." I am saving my pennies to replace these leather loveseats with a clean-lined,  mid-century style sofa and vintage settee that I would re-upholster with a bold, modern fabric. For now however, these sofas will have to do. I've had them for about eight years and they are in amazing shape. By dressing them up with beautiful, colorful throw pillows and hanging interesting artwork above, it distracts from the less-than ideal shape and texture.)

(the right accessories are key)

(My art and picture gallery wall is one of my favorite focal areas of the room.  I adore  the "collected over time" feel of  arrangements like these.  Many of the frames contain my black and white  fine art photography prints that work flawlessly against the bold color of the wall, but will also work against a more nuetral backdrop.)

(prints from my Antiquity Gallery of Fine Art Photography)

(that chocolate brown accent wall is getting a new look:)

(prints from my Wild Gallery of Fine Art Photography)

(I adore the look of  mis-matched items working flawlessly together in a cohesive and interesting manner. Its all about acheiving the right balance and color scheme. Eclectic Elegance is what I call it.)

(prints from my Chic Gallery of Fine Art Photography)

(This ceiling fan has become a bit of an eye-sore. It has  been in our home for quite a few years and was previously sporting outdated brass fixtures which I spray painted over with an oil-rubbed bronze finish. The hubs asked that we keep it for function during those schorching summer days. However, since we solely use this room for when guests are over and have a separate lounging area, he agreed we could finally replace this eye-sore with a chandelier I have been coveting.)

I'll give you a sneak peak to the lovely lighting piece that will soon be the centerpiece of this room:

Isn't she just gorg? I want to call her Lucy. Lovely, lovely Lucy. Trust me, she looks much more expensive than she actually is. Love the platinum look on a  pauper's budget;)

*UPDATE: Check out all the changes to this room (and others in our humble chateau HERE!)  *

As is evident by the images above, aside from affinity for saturated color, I am also no stranger to mixing different textures, colors, and patterns into a cohesive, worldly inspired and visually stimulating manner. I like my home to reflect my personality: Vibrant, elegant, and inviting!

That being said, the onslaught of Spring has inspired me to make some dramatic changes in the living room. As much as I adore bold color on the walls, I am going to switch it up for something slightly more subtle. Do not despair, there will still be lots of bold, beautiful, jewel-toned color incorporated in the design, but this time in smaller doses, and as an accent. I am currently working on the design board and cannot wait to share my decor plans with you. Don't you just love Spring?

What about you? How does color touch your life?  Please Share, I'd love to hear your thoughts...

Also, please don't forget you have a couple more weeks to take advantage of our amazing sale:

Attention: Special One-Year Anniversary Sale February 1st - 28th! 25% off all services!!!! Take advantage now! Visit our Services and Pricing page for more information!