Pages

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Salvaged Wood Shelving in Kitchen

I have been working on slowly updating my kitchen. It's only a few years old, but my tastes have changed since we moved in 5 years ago, and I am loving all of the light and airy kitchens these days.  Recently, we updated our builder-beige paint to the perfect shade of warm gray.  It adds a more contemporary look to what is otherwise a very traditional kitchen - dark maple cabinets and travertine backsplash.

I have wanted add some shelving to display cookbooks and my lovely china from my wedding registry.  I am making a point of use my occasional dishes, otherwise, it never sees the light of day.  What's the point of beautiful dishes if they are always tucked away in a cupboard?

I was inspired by these West Elm shelves and numerous posts on Pinterest, and knew that I wanted to create some open shelves out of salvaged wood.  I found a local salvage yard in Austin, and made the trek with my girlfriend and the two boys on a Saturday morning.

I was able to snag the perfect piece of reclaimed wood for just a $1 a linear foot! It was perfect shade of weathered gray. I managed to get the 8-foot piece of lumber in the car, with the boys in tow.  I hosed it down, scrubbed it with some Krud Kutter and let it dry in the garage for a couple days.  I had to sand it pretty good with the heavy-grit sandpaper, but I didn't go crazy making sure it was perfectly smooth.

I measured my wall and had a friend make the cuts, and was able to get four, 18" shelves - perfect for my narrow wall.

Off to find my brackets.

I purchased these at Home Depot for just $6 each.  I like the curved edge and the brushed nickel finish.  Originally, I had intended to spray paint the brackets matte black, but I quickly changed my mind once I saw them on the wall against the gray paint.  I could have chosen standard black brackets with the straight arm, but I thought the curved arm softened the industrial feel, and created a more decorative look.


I wanted to utilize the entire wall to showcase my artwork.  I purchased my drawings  at an estate sale for $20.  They are original, and signed by the artist.  I also opted to create a low shelf that would act as bookshelf for my cookbooks.  I made sure to secure it with anchors in case the kiddos, pull on them.  They are very sturdy.

A couple things to keep in mind when hanging your shelves. My wood had two different finishes - the underside looked like plywood, while the opposite had a beautiful rustic look. I wanted to show off the weathered wood, so I made sure that the top shelf had the weathered wood on the bottom so you can see it from the floor.



Also, when drilling the holes in your salvaged wood, make sure you pre-drill pilot holes.  Weathered wood is dry and porous, and you risk splitting the wood if you don't pre-drill.

And here is the final result.



Not bad for about $15 per shelf.  Sure beats the hefty $79 price tag at West Elm.



I am still playing around with the accessories, but I just couldn't wait to share.


Hope you enjoy!


Linking to:

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Furniture Spotlight

I think am in love.... My husband introduced me to a new furniture collection.  I am salivating.

The New Traditionalists have nailed it.  This collection is the perfect blend of classic and traditional, with a modern twist.  Many pieces have a Hollywood Regency feel, but with contemporary colors and finishes.

Here are a couple of my favorite pieces.

I don't know one man who wouldn't die to have this couch in his office or study.  It's sleek and masculine, but with impeccable tailoring.  And it happens to combine some feminine characteristics as well - gently sloping arms, and classic curved arm rests. This is the perfect marriage of his/hers couch.



And check out this credenza?! Isn't it totally gorge? Ooooohhhh la la



And this has to be my favorite.  Look at this baby changer! How chic. I love the lipstick red drawers. That is one lucky baby, I tell ya.



I hi-lighted just a few of my faves, but I recommend looking at the entire collection because all of it is amazing, and hand- crafted in the USA.  

Hope you enjoy! 

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Pottery Barn Knockoff - Desk Makeover

I am so excited about my latest makeover. This beauty was originally a custom piece from the hubby's furniture line, Kanto Home.  It was a custom order for this Pottery Barn knockoff .  Unfortunately, it arrived in the wrong color - it was supposed to be antique white, but ended up being a stark white finish.

I don't have the original before picture, unfortunately.  I started painting it, and completely forgot to snap them until midway through.

You can see from the PB website, it was a pretty simple piece, but I knew I could give it some high style with a little experimenting.  I have always loved the turned leg - it's so feminine and romantic.

I was anxious to test out my new Annie Sloan Chalk Paint colors - Aubusson Blue and Paris Gray.  I started painting the desk with the a watered down 50/50 mix of the two.  I decided that the blue was a little too strong for the look I wanted.


After my first coat dried, I went over the desk again with the Paris Gray, diluted with a little bit of water to create a wash.

Once the paint was dry, about 2-3 hrs later,  I waxed it with a coat of the AS clear wax and a cloth.  I waited about 12 hours until the wax had cured, then gently distressed just the edges and the legs with a fine sanding wedge revealing the white underneath.

I  had achieved the subtle blue I was going for, but I decided it could still use a little pizazz.

Enter my trusty paint can.  Is there anything that doesn't benefit from a hint of sparkle?! I did the unthinkable and went over the entire desk in Krylon's Brushed champagne spray paint.  After spraying the color, I immediately wiped the area with a soft cloth.  This technique gave me just a subtle sheen and eliminated any overspray.



Off to Anthropologie to find some killer drawer pulls.

I decided on these little lovlies.   Don't you just love the hardware at Anthropologie? It is my go-to place for really eccentric things.


I purchased four lucite drawer pulls, with a hint of gold, contrasted with coral drawer pulls for the center. The coral gives it a pop of color, and they have a hint of blue to tie everything together.



What do you think of the results?  It turned out just as I had envisioned! I will finish it off with a clear coat of poly for added durability.





I think it is sophisticated enough for an adult space, but could also be the perfect complement to a tween room.

How did I do?

Linking to:
Tuesday's Treasures - My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Wow Us Wednesdays - Savvy Southern Style