Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Color Spotlight - Revere Pewter

 
 
An ode to the best,
most searched for,
most loved,
most versatile
GREIGE
 
Yup, we're talking about a meld of gray and beige.
 
If you started on a quest to find the holy grail
of a neutral whole house color,
you definitely have stumbled upon,
 
REVERE PEWTER
HC-172
 
 
This calming warm gray is perfect for any décor style.
Whether you have modern, transitional, or traditional.
It also looks amazing in an eclectic scheme.
 
Naturally it is a gray, with a warm beige undertone.
 
It is light enough to put everywhere, but dark enough
that you see enough color and have a good contrast from
white trim and ceilings.
 
 
Another great thing about Revere Pewter
is that it can work with any accent color.
If you have teal blue accents today,
but want bright orange accents tomorrow,
No Problem!
You'll never have to be somewhere,
and find a cushion you have fallen utterly in love with,
then go into panic that it won't match you wall colors.
You can just throw that cushion in the cart and go!
 
 
 
 
Still not convinced?
Some more options of greige is,
HC-173 Edgecomb Gray (it's on the same chip, but leans to more beige)
OC-28 Collingwood (for a lighter version)
AF-685 Thunder (for a darker version)
 
As with any color,
it can look different in your space.
Always try a sample
Computer monitors can vary colors
and as will your lighting and natural lighting.
 
 
Stay Inspired
 
 


Monday, October 6, 2014

Granite Countertop Paint


 
 
Wow
Who knew there was such an easy fix out there
for our countertops!
 
Introducing
Giani Granite Countertop Paint
an amazing all in one kit
that gives the look of granite!
 
We have been selling this fantastic product
for a long time now and we've had such great feed back.
 
Most Frequent Questions
 
Q: How durable is it?
A: It's just as durable as a regular countertop.
The top coat supplied in the kit is an automotive grade durable finish.
 
Q: What counters can you do it on?
A:
  1. Traditional granite countertops and vanities
  2. Formica countertops and vanities
  3. Laminate countertops and vanities
  4. Corian countertops - see note below
  5. Butcher block countertops
  6. Ceramic tile
  7. Cultured marble vanities
  8. One piece sink and counter vanities 
  9. Primed or painted wood
  10. Primed or painted drywall
  11. Cabinet inlays
  12. Table tops
  13. Mantels
So, that's basically everything!
It's only limitation is sinks, bathtubs, showers and floors.
The product can't have standing water or be submerged.
 
Q: How long does it take?
A: The kit suggests the average time would be 16 hours.
But with dry times, it would make a great weekend project.
Also, you should leave off any heavy items for 2 weeks
so the finish fully cures.
 
Q: How much does it cover?
A: Approx. 35 sq ft
 
Q: What's included in the kit?
A: Giani Primer, 3 Mineral Colors, Giani Top Coat
Roller cage, 2 Rollers, Foam Brush and Sponge.
Also a demonstration DVD and practice board.

 
Q: What colors can I choose?
A: The kits come in, Sicilian Sand, Chocolate Brown,
Bombay Black and White Diamond.
The end result can be uniquely yours.
If you want more beige, add more beige.
more black? just add more black!
Also you can use any latex paint to add your own flair.
It is very customizable.
 

 
Here's what it looks like in action!
The lovely Transcona Hairstyles & The Spa
chose to update their countertops with Giani!
 
 
They used White Diamond,
and couldn't be happier!
Thanks Kerry at Transcona Hairstyles for sharing!


 
Changing your countertop couldn't be any easier,
and more cost effective!
For someone who has a countertop in great condition,
but just doesn't match the décor,
Giani Granite is the perfect option.
 
 
 
Stay Inspired

Friday, September 19, 2014

DIY Pet Beds

 
We have been having so much fun recently,
making pet beds!
 
We all love our animals,
combined there are 4 cats and 6 dogs!
 
It's a functional way to make somewhere for your best friend to take a nap!
You get an end table and a cozy nook for any animal!
 
We always get inspired and run with it!
Skies the limit!
 
Pet Bed # 1
 
What we used
Benjamin Moore Advance in White
Insl-X STIX primer
A pint of CC-962 Blackberry Punch
Wallpaper
Border Adhesive
Ribbon
Fabri-tac Fabric Adhesive
Wooster Red Feather Roller
Metal Finishing Nails
 
BEFORE
*sometimes we get too excited and forget to take a before picture
but this is the door we removed that shows what it looked like before
 
AFTER


 
 
 

 
The cute little end table got its door removed,
primed everything, and a crisp coat of white.
On the bottom of the table we painted our accent
that matched from the pillow.
Also on the top decorative part we added the accent color,
then with a old t-shirt and the white paint, added a light
dusting on the scrolls to add definition.
We added wallpaper in the back.
Ribbon to match the navy was put on the edges
and metal finishing nails for just something extra.
And the finishing touch of hand painted floral work on each side of the end table.
 
Don't forget about the dog cookies in a matching bowl!
 
Pet Bed #2
 
What we used
Benjamin Moore Advance in Pearl White
Benjamin Moore Advance in Pearl Black
Insl-X STIX Primer
Border Adhesive
Wallpaper
Black/White Ribbon
Fabri-tac Fabric Adhesive
Jeweled Finishing Nails
Metallic Silver Pen
 
BEFORE
 
AFTER
 
 
This is what we dubbed 'the GLAM bed'
Super classy black and white painted.
Paisley wallpaper added into the back
Ribbon on the edges for a seamless look
with jeweled finishing nails.
A button tufted pillow for your fur baby.
Also we took a metallic silver pen and lined the curves
of the end table.
 
The perfect surprise in this one is a little light!
 
Pet Bed #3
 
BEFORE
 
AFTER

 

Our next pet castle is a more modern version.
We used our DIY chalk paint on this one,
in a greige with black as the accent.
Beautiful flowers were mod podge onto the top
then a couple coats of clear polyurethane in satin to protect it.
We also added a textured shimmery wallpaper into the back.
The teal fluffy pillow is our pop of color
with ribbon on the edges to match.
 
 
PET BED #4
 
BEFORE
 
AFTER
 
The purplicious bed!
Purple on purple on purple!
and some silver so we don't go over board.
The whole end table was covered in the perfect purple
paint in Benjamin Moore's Advance Pearl.
Two different matching wallpaper patterns were used.
Striped on each front side, and squiggly on the inside back.
The best part? Satin sheets??
We don't even have satin sheets...
but nothings too good for our pets!
 
 Our finishing touch on this bed was a purple cat toy with a feather, we just used Velcro to attach it to the roof.
Voila! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

DIY Chalk Paint



 
Its all the rage!
Chalk paint is a very easy way to update
an old piece of furniture
 
You can achieve a shabby chic look,
antique look or cottage look.
 
We have made a DIY chalk paint
the colors are endless
and with no need to prime
it can be an easy project
 
 
Before Chalk Paint on Dresser
We got this dresser off the curb!
it was in rough shape
 
Using our plaster of paris, cups, an empty quart can and our recipe
this is what the plaster of paris mixed in the water looks like
next we took our paint and mixed it into the plaster of paris/water mixture
We used the Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa Matte finish Paint
We have used a couple different paint products with this recipe but the Aura Bath & Spa has had the best results so far
The color we used is
CW-565 Anderson Blue
 
After the first and second coats dried
We began distressing,
We used an 80 Grit sand paper for this piece
But a sanding sponge also works well
Distress until your happy!
 
 


 
 
DIY CHALK PAINT RECIPE
 
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup paint (flat or eggshell finish)
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup plaster of paris
*double for extra large pieces
 
Tools Needed
Pint or Quart of latex paint
plaster of paris
cans for mixing
measuring cups
quality brush
sanding sponge for distressing (if desired)
Howard citrus shield wax
 
Steps
1. Dissolve plaster of paris into hot water (mix well)
2. Let cool to room temperature
3. Stir into paint well
4. Paint first coat, let dry
5. Paint second coat, let dry
6. Distress if desired
7. Finish with Howard citrus shield wax
 
To Apply Wax
Use a lint free cloth or old T-shirt
Rub in circular motions all over
Wait 10 minutes
Buff in circular motions with clean cloth
Make sure to rotate cloth frequently to clean sides
Done!
 
 
*Howard Citrus Shield Wax comes in Neutral, Walnut and Dark Oak
We used the Neutral here because we didn't want to change the color at all.
 
 
Adding A Special Touch
 
We used the original hardware of our dresser
Using a metallic silver spray paint
We transformed the handles instantly!
We use the Krylon Dull Aluminum Spray Paint
And finished it off with two clear coats
of Deft Semi-gloss Spray Paint
for extra durability
 
 
The End Result
 

 
In the end you have a beautiful piece!
No matter what shape its in
the chalk paint hides imperfections
and covers without primer
 
 
Happy Painting!