“Please contact me if you would like a consultation or further information about any of the products you see here at Decorum.”Posts Tagged ‘Budget Decorating’
Re-Love Project
Well I’ve finally finished giving some love to my 1980′s pine television cabinet.
After sanding, staining, top coating and a little bit of upholstering, the item is complete.
As an Interior Decorator working mostly with families, my plan was to create a piece that would suit a family home. Storage is always a sought after commodity with a growing family, so a piece of furniture that could be used as storage, look good and also be used as a seat would be a great asset.
This little piece would be equally at home in a child’s bedroom, family room or entry.
Now it’s your turn to help the Salvos Stores. As from 9 May, you can bid on this piece and the other pieces of furniture that are being Re-loved by designers across the country.
Check out the pieces here and keep an eye out for the opening of the bidding.
A big thank you to Feast Watson for inviting me to participate in this project.
If you would like assistance sourcing storage furniture for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Re-loving
Do you remember I featured this little TV cabinet on my blog a month or so ago? I’m re-loving it as part of the Feast Watson Re-love Project.
TV Cabinet Before
The first step was to remove the doors, broken back panel and castors and then give it a good sand. Now I’m not a big DIYer so took some advice from the expert (aka my husband). I tried the electric sander but didn’t seem to get very far. It was a bit big to get into the shelves and didn’t seem to be hard enough.
Orbital Sander
So out came the little iron sander and all that horrible orange varnish from the 80′s turned to dust.
Smaller Iron Sander
Next was mixing up the liming solution. The beauty with the liming solution is you can create custom colours by adding a little or alot of the Proof Tint.
Feast Watson Liming Solution and Proof Tint
I wanted a gender neutral colour so used a little of the black and alot of the yellow to create a fresh, happy colour.
Custom Mixed Liming Solution
A brush and a rag were used next. I applied the solution with the brush and then wiped it off with a rag. The longer you leave the colour on the item the more intense it is.
Solution Applied
Now I just need to give it a top coat, add an upholstered seat and a couple of legs and she’s ready.
Solution wiped off
Don’t forget you can check out the other items in the project on the website. And in just over a month you can join the auction fun and grab yourself one of these restored pieces and help raise funds for Salvos Stores.
Have you renovated a piece of furniture before?
Re-cycle, Re-use, Re-love
If you were born before the year 2000 then it’s highly likely you have seen one of these. Perhaps you had one or your parents had one. It’s a pine TV unit. These were the “must have” furniture piece to house the video recorder and tapes and the big fat TV sat on top.
Now you’re probably wondering why I am showing you this beautiful specimen, circa 1980. Well I’ve taken on the challenge to remodel this little unit into something else. It’s called the Re-Love project and along with 8 other designers, various pieces of timber furniture will be transformed into something more appealing for today’s market. Feast Watson are providing the necessary timber care products and on 9 May bidding will open on these wonderful new creations. All monies raised will go The Salvos Stores.
So I have a bit of work to do over the next 10 weeks. It will be fun to see the transformation of the 9 pieces of furniture. You can follow our progress on the Feast Watson Pinterest page. And of course, you can also bid on one of the finished pieces. 
You just mind find a piece to re-love!
Making a List, checking it twice
Have you made your list? I’m a big list maker and have them on everywhere. But at this time of year it’s the gift list I’m checking. That means two lists – one is my gift “wish” list and the other is the list of friends and family for whom I will buy a gift.
So it’s music to my ears, (or words to my eyes) when I receive notification of sales and reductions. I thought you might want to check these out too.
First is Space Furniture. They are holding an End Of Year Sale with 25% off brands like Moooi, B&B Italia, Kartell and Zanotta. Sale starts Monday 3 December.
Kartell Lamps
Next up is Miss Jones Christmas Warehouse Sale. Samples and End of Line items are up to 85% off with prices starting at $5. Now there will be some great Secret Santa gifts there, I’m sure. Sale is at Factory 9, 80 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria from 6 – 8 December.
Have You Seen Miss Jones Ceramics
And the clever people at Project 82 have opened a Christmas Pop Up Shop. If you call in on a Thursday evening, you’ll not only find some great gift ideas for you or someone else but you will also be treated to a drink and something to nibble on while you browse the wares. If you can’t make it to Surry Hills, you can shop from your own living room via their online store.
A selection from Project 82
I hope you manage to grab a bargain and tick a few things off your list, or maybe add a few things to your own list!
That’s it for November, can you believe it? This year has just flown! Hope you have a great weekend, are you putting up your tree?
If you would like assistance sourcing furniture and other items for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Home Food and Wine Weekend
If you are in Sydney and wondering what to do this weekend, head over to Moore Park, especially if you love to cook, decorate or entertain.
The Home Food and Wine Weekend starts today and runs until Sunday with workshops, tastings and demonstrations on all things Home, Food or Wine.
I’m heading over to the Brownie Making Demonstration only because my daughter wants to go. I suppose they’ll be giving taste tests too. Oh well I’ll just have to indulge.
I’ve also booked into the Tea Party with Royal Albert.
And the Window Fashions trends with editor of Belle, Neale Whitaker.
Should be a great weekend. Don’t forget to register before you go so you’re not disappointed that your chosen event is booked out.
Have a great weekend.
Time for New Beginnings
What happened to that week? I know it was a short week but wow, it just flew!
I couldn’t sign off for the weekend without dropping in to wish you a Happy Easter.
Easter is all about new beginnings and that’s exactly what will be happening here over the weekend. Here’s a sneak peak.
Have a wonderful time with friends and family.
If you would like assistance with colour and design for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Create The Look
As I’ve mentioned previously, when decorating the entry of your home, a table not only creates a welcoming vignette for visitors, but also provides a handy spot for putting keys, mail and other items you need to either bring in or take out.
This lovely image caught my eye with it’s smart black console table, silver lamp and arrangement of family photos in white frames.
via Pinterest
There’s a number of items here in Australia that will help you replicate this look.
Malval Console
The La Maison Console Table can be purchased through us for $690 plus freight.
Austin Lamp with Black Shade
The silver based lamp with black shade unites the black console table and gives a touch of luxe to the vignette. This one is available for $653 plus freight.
White Frames
I love art walls and what better place to hang a cluster of photos than at the front door. Grab a set of white frames from Corban and Blair for your precious memories.
Fresh Flowers from Merci Bouquet
Then you just need to rifle through your books and decorator pieces and place items on the shelves underneath and on top. Remember a vase of fresh flowers is always a lovely welcome at the front door.
Have fun putting your vignette together this weekend!
If you would like assistance with the decor for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Making a feature
I sent my monthly newsletter out yesterday. Do you get a copy?
Feature Wall in a Master Bedroom by Inside Out Colour and Design
This month I looked at Feature Walls. I still think there is a place for them as they create such an impact with very little effort.
Feature Wall in a Bathroom by Inside Out Colour and Design
What do you think? Do you still favour Feature Walls?
Feature Wall in a Child's Bedroom by Inside Out Colour and Design
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Wallpaper Feature Wall at Hair Salon by Inside Out Colour and Design
If you would like assistance creating a feature in your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
What gloss level will I use when painting my home?
Whenever I’m engaged to assist clients with colour selection for their home, one of the questions that usually pops up is “What gloss level?”
Paint Colours
These days there are so many choices in finishes of paint and it can become confusing. Different paint companies will have different names for the finish. Below you will find a basic explanation for each of the types of paint.
Gloss Paint
However, my usual response is – Low Sheen on the walls, Flat on the ceiling and Gloss on the woodwork or trim. Naturally this gets altered depending on the age of the building, the style of the building and what effect or mood the client wants to create, but it’s a good starting point if you are planning on doing it yourself.
Painting the interior
- Flat Finish also called matt finish will diffuse the light and minimise glare. It will also conceal a multitude of flaws. It is usually used on ceilings or to mask joints or patching.
Ceiling finished with Flat Paint
- Low Sheen is a great all-rounder with a subtle sheen. It is washable so ideal for most walls in the house.
Low Sheen Paint
- Satin and Semi-Gloss provides brightness without the glare, sheen without shine. This finish needs more preparation and is great for kitchens, bathrooms, children’s rooms and high traffic areas.
- High Gloss gives a very shiny, durable, easy maintained finish, but can show up imperfections. It looks great on doors, window frames and skirting boards.
Gloss paint on timber work
- Glaze has a shimmery pearlescent, mother-of-pearl finish with rich lustre. It can be applied over a base coat for a luminous colour.
Venetian Glaze Paint by Porters
- Fresco or Stucco is an old style of textured paint, originally applied in a plaster mix, but now also available in synthetic. It can also be coated in a wax finish for a richer finish.
Fresco Paint by Porters Paints
- Milk Paint is milk powder and pigment mixed with binders which gives a soft finish and can be mixed to any strength.
Milk Paint by Porters Paints
- Metallic paint uses finely ground minerals to create a shimmering modern effect. For best effect use a cross-hatching method of application.
Metallic Paint applied with a cross hatch
If you require assistance in choosing colours or gloss levels for your home renovation, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Calling all bathroom renovators
Aeria Country Floors is holding it’s Annual Warehouse Sale starting today with up to 70% off!
Travertine Quarry
If you are renovating or remodelling and looking for tiles or mosaics then you shouldn’t miss this one.
Travertine Bathroom Tiles on Floor and Walls
Aeria is well known for their great selection of fine quality, fully imported natural stone tiles and slabs as well as stone sinks and Antique and Ceramic Accessories.
Luxurious bathroom with natural stone tiles and timber vanity
Natural stone bathrooms are still very popular giving a luxurious retreat feeling to a bathroom.
Natural Stone Basin
The sale is for 5 days only at the Sydney Warehouse, 2 Aquatic Drive, Frenchs Forest between 8.30am and 3.30pm starting today. Don’t forget to take your quantities with you.
White Ceramic Pitchers
If you would like assistance in creating a luxurious bathroom in your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
