drd: dayka robinson designs

JOIN ME ON MY NEW DAYKA ROBINSON DESIGNS FACEBOOK PAGE!

2012-02-07T06:00:00.003-05:00

Since I'm rockin' this fresh new blog design and new blog name, it only makes sense that I start a new Facebook page to match! I spent the weekend obsessing over the details (company page vs. local business??, profile photo or profile logo??) and finally took the jump on Sunday, so I'm back to building my page from the beginning. If you're currently following me on my old page, Life + Style, please join me on my new Dayka Robinson Designs page since I'll soon be dropping the hammer down on the old one. Having everything under one name makes it much easier to find me, right? Exactly. So as of me typing this on Monday night, I only have 24 fabulous followers. And I'd love to have like, 1,000 fabulous followers. So help me make that happen and follow me, m'kay? I'll be posting daily inspiration, photos, tips, behind-the scenes stuff and whatever else strikes my fancy, so I'd love to have you join me. Follow me!

NEW VINTAGE FINDS

2012-02-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

I'd love nothing more than to spend my days touring the country looking for the best vintage furniture & accessories. Seriously...I NEVER get tired of this.

And this is why I hold out for vintage furniture and prefer to use it in my house (and my client's homes) whenever possible--they just don't make it like this anymore!

MAKING SELECTIONS FOR MY LIVING ROOM

2012-02-03T06:00:00.013-05:00

After almost 6 years in my house, I'm fiiinally getting around to doing something about my living room. It's a long narrow space that connects to my dining room and I've had close to a million ideas about things I could do, but never anything I really loved.

It's never as easy as you would think for me, because I'm constantly finding vintage things I absolutelycannotnowaynohow live without, until I run across the next piece I feel the same way about. So instead of focusing on the details, I'm starting big and working my way down.

Chairs, pillows, piping, banding, drapery/roman shades.

Adding black accents for my dining room. I'm keeping my tuxedo-style sofa and having 3 vintage chairs reupholstered. The lavender geometric print and lavender solid are for these chairs:

Which were in perfect condition but clearly not going to work with anything I had planned. Seating is at a premium in my itty-bitty living room, so I'm getting rid of an old armoire and replacing it with my soon-to-be-fab club chair. I also

moved my vintage sputnik chandelier from the entry to the LR
got rid of a sisal rug
swapped a vintage Henredon coffee table for round glass & brass number, vintage of course
moved a chest with no clear home to the garage where it belongs

And all of this means I should have a pretty rockin' reveal. Chairs will be done next week!

HOW TO CHOOSE AN UPHOLSTERER

2012-01-31T06:00:00.032-05:00

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I had an AWFUL experience with an upholsterer here in Atlanta last week (Hurst Upholstery). I have 3 upholsterers that I generally use but decided to try someone new after I got a recommendation. I should've known better--my instinct was telling me not to use him, and I kick myself for not listening to it. In all honesty, the cheap prices were what pulled me in. I was looking to have quite a few pieces reupholstered and saw dollar signs when I thought about how much I could potentially save. But instead of saving, I lost...big time. $150 worth of fabric PLUS $40 in labor, and we'll just add $10 (low estimate) in for my gas, time, and irritation, so $200 total. The problem started with an inability to pattern match and do detail work (even though this was discussed in the initial consultation), then ended with some awful customer service. So I thought I'd turn my lemons into lemonade and share the things I think YOU should know when selecting an upholsterer.

1. Do Your Research: The easiest way to find a reputable upholsterer is to find out who your friends, family & neighbors have used (and loved!). Getting their opinion is great, but I also suggest you take it one step further and physically take a look at their reupholstered piece. Quality means different things to different people, so what's fabulous to them might not be so hot to you. Do not pass go until you've had a chance to judge their reupholstery job for yourself. Check the seams, symmetry, lines and decide for yourself if the work lives up to your expectations.

House of Turquoise

2. Check The Inventory: Any upholsterer worth his or her weight will have at least one completed project you can see in their shop. And if, on the off chance they have not a single piece of furniture available, someone should be currently working on a piece, sewing drapery, or finishing a pillow. I prefer to check workrooms and actually watch people working on pieces so I can get a feel for whether they know what they're doing or not. It sounds silly and dictatorial, but when you're buying 10 yards of fabric at $50-$100/yard PLUS paying reupholstery costs, being dictatorial will be the least of your concerns. If you go to an upholsterer and they have nothing to show you in person, RUN. (I feel stupid even typing this, but my "awful experience" upholsterer had nothing for me to see. NOTHING. If that's not a sign, I don't know what is!)

Little Emma English

3. Know What You Want: Unless you're working with a designer, I don't suggest you show up at the upholsterer's and expect them to guide you in making the best design selections for your ready-to-be-refinished piece. Spend time gathering your inspiration and getting clear about the exact style/design you're looking for (Google, Houzz, and Pinterest are great places to start). Want to change the legs or add a skirt? Lose the loose cushions and turn it into a tight back? Add trim, banding, piping or nailheads? Figure this out before you get to the upholsterer. Yes, upholsterers are highly skilled people, but not all of them are great at coming up some of the same cutting edge ideas we see in shelter mags. Don't allow yourself to be discouraged from doing something you have your heart set on because you'll only end up hating the end product. Save yourself the trouble and be clear about what you want before you go--don't depend on the opinion of someone who doesn't know your likes, style or needs.

Decor Pad

4. Pay Attention To Details: I've already mentioned it a few times, but I'll say it again.

DETAILS ARE PARAMOUNT. If you're looking to have detail work done--contrasting piping, bias-cut trim, nailhead detailing, railroaded fabric, pattern matching--make sure you inspect your upholsterer's work in this area. Check to ensure piping seams begin & end in inconspicuous places, nailheads are completely linear, fabric is railroaded when necessary, zippers are hidden, and piping is straight (not curvy!). Patterns should run the same direction on both sides of a cushion and should always match as it wraps a chair, pillow, bench or sofa (unless otherwise specified).

Simply Grove

Where nailheads are involved, does the upholsterer use the ones on a roll or individual nailheads? Ask if you can sit in one of the finished pieces--do the cushions feel solid and soft or fluffy and cheap? What type of cushions does your upholsterer use--polyfill, down-wrapped, or some combination? These are all details to know before you start your project.

House of Turquoise

Working with an upholsterer isn't hard, but following these basic tips will ensure a successful and long-lasting relationship between you and your upholsterer. If you've had a really good (or really bad!) experience with an upholsterer, share your story below!

DAYKA ROBINSON HITS THE COVER OF WEST ELM'S BLOG, FRONT & MAIN

2012-01-26T22:02:00.002-05:00

This year is still kickin' off with a bang! After I tweeted about my sister's bedroom that was featured in the AJC on January 1, I was contacted to submit my project to West Elm's blog, Front & Main. Imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning to a tweet from the West Elm folks letting me know my project was on their front page!

If you haven't checked out their blog I highly recommend you do. It showcases gorgeous design projects that use West Elm projects as well as ideas and inspiration from West Elm affiliated companies (like 20x200).

Thanks, West Elm!

CREATING A TAILORED TABLE SKIRT

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Designing the Executive Assistant's office for my commercial project turned out to be a little more challenging than I initially expected. With precise needs that couldn't be met by most conventional desks--specifically, a large surface top, closed design in the front, and a lot of open space underneath, going the ready-made route didn't seem likely. To solve all of her needs we opted to have a desk custom made using a long sheet of plywood and 3 basic metal file cabinets that the client already had in his warehouse. To finish everything off (and cover the rough construction) I had my seamstress make a tailored table skirt inspired by this one I found on Pinterest...

Source: Uploaded by user via Dayka on Pinterest

but with slight a modification that make more sense for their commercial space (placing the white trim about 2" from the edges so it doesn't get absolutely filthy). So her 130" wide x 36" deep desk looks like this from the front:

and this on the backside:

And it's all topped off with a custom glass top to protect the fabric. It took a few weeks, but we finally came up with THE PERFECT desk for her that she absolutely loves. And I love a happy client.

IT TAKES TWO 2 MAKE A THING GO RIGHT

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

It took me a minute to figure this out at first, but it's pretty funny, especially since I used to jam out to this cassette in the 4th grade.

Source: boingboing.net via Dayka on Pinterest

CHECK YOUR PRONUNCIATION

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

via

#1-Fellow blogger Cris Angsten email me last week and asked me to contribute to her "Weird Things Design Types Love" series where this week's topic would be the Saarinen Tulip table. I wrote my thoughts Wednesday, emailed them to her and BAM, post goes up yesterday. Click here to see my thoughts along with a few other bloggers/design fanatics.

#2-As you know, I'm still working on the commercial project and I'm seriously like, less than a week from being done. I was debating about ordering the Saarinen from Room & Board (which I believe is just inspired by the original Tulip table)and called the store last night to see if they had the table in stock.

Dayka: "hi, .....if you have the SAAR-EN-IN table in stock in stock?"
Salesgirl: "I'm sorry, I didn't understand... what did you ask for?"
Dayka: "the SAAR-EN-IN 36" coffee table."
Salesgirl: "oh, I think you mean the SAIRE-EN-IN?"
Dayka: "uh...yes, sorry."

Now I am totally cool with having my grammar corrected if I am in fact pronouncing a word wrong, because I never want to be that person that is publically speaking in a super confident manner and yet saying something like "pacifically" instead of "specifically." So if (on the odd chance) you hear me saying something crazy, please tap my shoulder, whisper in my ear and educate me. After we hung up I did the first thing I always do in a serious case of confusion and turned to trusty ol' Google to hunt down the proper pronunciation...and I was right! It's not SAIRE-EN-EN. It is in fact, SAAR-EN-IN. Phonetic, just like it's spelled (like my name). And here's the link so you can even have fun saying the whole name in native Finnish tongue if you so choose.

So I leave you with this friendly reminder...check your pronunciation.

MORE IMAGES FROM MY ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION PHOTOSHOOT

2012-01-12T06:00:00.002-05:00

Yup, that's my sister's bedroom, designed & styled by moi. When I was first contacted by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution to submit images of spaces I designed that did double-duty, hers was the first that came to mind. The great thing about being a stylist and designer is that I always have tons of stuff at my house--enough that my family can essentially come over and "shop my house" if need be. And when it comes time to whip up a few interior makeovers for my kinfolk, I love nothing more than searching my closets, car (yes, car) and garage for special pieces among my styling stash (remember these chairs here?). Furniture, light fixtures, lamps, accessories & case-pieces--I have it all!

But I digress. As someone who works from home and frequently entertains with dinner parties and out-of-town guests, my sister's master bedroom served as a great place to carve out some additional work space when guests are in town. Even though she's in an apartment, she's used to NYC living where tenants are allowed to paint (and pretty much do as they please), so we painted a black accent wall and relied on textiles and accessories for an added pop of color. I think she'd agree that sleeping in a room this stylish makes apartment living fun...but I wanna know, what say you??

FIRST PRESS OF 2012

2012-01-11T06:00:00.010-05:00

Being published in the Atlanta Journal-Constition was one of my goals for 2011, and even though the article was published on January 1, 2012, photos and interviews were done in December so I still consider myself to have met my goal. Checking goals off my list is always exciting and makes me proud of how far I've come in such a short period of time. This time I was contacted out of the blue (and had to get pics quickly), so it makes me extra proud. Special thanks to my photographer Christina Wedge for always squeezing me in when I need some last minute work done! I'll be sharing more photos tomorrow!

TAKING A QUEEN ANNE FROM UGLY TO PRETTY

2012-01-10T06:00:00.012-05:00

1st--thanks for all of your great feedback about my blog redesign! i love, love, love it and appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.

I think I've already mentioned the big residential & commercial project I've been working on since the end of September, right? Well I'm now in the final 2 weeks, so I'm going to start sharing a few mini reveals. First up is this old Queen Anne sofa that was originally in the Executive Assistant's common area. The bad news is that this is the best "before" photo I took (I hate when that happens!). The good news is, the "after" is sick.

Pieces like this come a dime a dozen, most likely made in the '80s with that standard, traditional law firm-ish fabric. You can probably find someone selling one on Craigslist for $250, but you shouldn't pay more than $50 (okay, $80 if you really want it). We reused the sofa for its great lines and also because the client wanted to repurpose as much as possible (which is totally up my alley). In keeping with their new red, white and blue logo, this Navy chevron Schumacher print was the go-to choice.

OMG, L.O.V.E.

Even sitting in their garage and with pics taken from my iPhone, it's pretty bad. And that's bad meaning good. The legs were originally going to be painted white, but since the floor is also white (vinyl plank!!), keeping them wood tone helps visually ground the sofa to the floor.

And another close-up.

This is why I LOVE refinishing and reupholstering furniture! It keeps beautiful old furniture out of the landfill and gives you a truly one-of-a-kind creation in the end. I really, really believe your home should reflect your journey & lifestyle and I encourage my clients to think out of the box (especially those that aren't keen on reupholstering) when it comes to sourcing furniture. There are 3 parts of my job that I love the most, and one of them is definitely reupholstery. Now I'm not saying that someone else won't go out and do a Queen Anne sofa just like this one, but we'll always know where they got it from!

NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK

2012-01-09T06:00:00.004-05:00

via

happy new year!

2011 was filled with so many great business accomplishments for me, and i'm expecting nothing less for 2012. my first big goals for the year are to get my blog & website redesigned and create an e-commerce site for the things that are overflowing in my workshop. e rika did an amazing job on my new blogsite, right?? she really doesn't hold herself out as a graphic designer but don't let her fool you--she is. drop her a line for her rates if you're interested in hiring her for your logo, website, or blog work and i bet you can sweet talk her into taking your project on.

as far as my new site, i wanted to bring everything under my name (since my business is dayka robinson designs, afterall) and make the branding cohesive, and for me that started with my visual look. i really liked my old grey/yellow look in the beginning, but it wasn't too long before i felt like it really wasn't a good representation of me. my website has been up for almost a year now, but i never talked about it here because there were a few things i just couldn't get right. so i'm really excited about rolling out my new look & sharing my new updates here with you! my website isn't finished yet, but it's coming shortly. also, if you sign up for my free thrifting tips (on the right) you'll also have access to my brand new newsletter which will feature the latest vintage furniture and accessories for sale in my store plus great design tips.

there are a few things i don't want to forget to mention:

did you know I'm on Pinterest? i've got almost 2,000 pins on more than 40 boards, and they're full of some pretty good stuff. i love to find new people to follow on Pinterest and am great about checking out people who follow me (I get notifications each time you do), so check me out and I'll do the same!
did you sign up for my newsletter yet?? don't be sorry you missed out--make it happen in the little box before you forget!
you'll notice that my official blog address is now www.daykarobinsondesignsblog.com, but those of you who have meditationsonlifeandstyle.blogspot.com on your readers will still be redirected. i'm hoping that your readers/dashboard will update as well, but if not i'll get a hold on that this week.
my about, portfolio, press & giving back pages (in Navigation bar) are now done! check me out.
don't forget to follow me on Twitter, where you'll always see pics of my projects and get first peek at my latest finds.

in all the craziness of my business changes and finishing up this huge commercial job, i still haven't had a chance to get in a quiet space and make goals for the year ahead. i plan to make it happen soon but until then, i'm focusing on getting the last of this branding stuff knocked out and finishing up this project. bare with me and maybe i'll share some of my goals.

hoping 2012 is off to a great start for you.... :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-27T00:00:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas to you all!
My holiday was definitely low-key. I don't know...for some reason I just couldn't fully get into the holiday spirit this year, which was totally due to this crazy Atlanta weather! Last year it snowed on Christmas but this year it was warm. Like, 55 degrees. I felt like I was back home in Cali which would've been great IF I'd wanted a warm Christmas! When I think of holidays, I want more of this...

Source: weheartit.com via Debbie on Pinterest

and less of this in-between weather. Is it just me, or do you need the cold weather too? My Christmas tree didn't even look that hot this year, which is why I never shared it--I just couldn't find my holiday mojo.

But besides that , my Christmas was relaxing & spent with family, a delicious lamb roast (one of my favorites!), a little White Christmas (one of my favorite movies), and a nice nap to round it all out!

I hope you all had a great Christmas. If you were able to spend it somewhere with some great weather (even if that means it was warm), I want to hear about it!

DURALEE/HIGHLAND COURT "CRAWFORD" FABRIC IN "PEWTER" FOR SALE!

2011-12-19T10:00:00.003-05:00

Have I got a deeeaaaalllll for you!!!

I have 10-12 yards of this Duralee/Highland Court Crawford fabric in the Pewter colorway for sale. Originally intended for my slipper chairs, this fabric is upholstery weight with a gorgeous geometric print featuring a neutral color palette. Original retail price is $156 ($78 to-the-trade), but it's available to you for only $35/yd!!!

Email me at daykarobinson@gmail.com or leave a comment below for payment info.

VINTAGE MODERN ENTRYWAY: A TALE OF 2 WALLPAPERS

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last week I decided to pair this Cole & Son wallpaper with a recently purchased vintage sputnik chandelier to give my entryway a much needed pop. I was excited and totally jumping in with both feet...then Meredith Heron's entryway caught my eye (in this HGTV Canada article) and I couldn't decide which I loved more.

So I think I'd like your opinion. Wanna weigh in??

(RE)UPHOLSTERY INSPIRATION

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'd been debating how to refinish this dirty, old (sexy!!) chair, but when I started stumbling across images like these...

Gideon Mendelson/House Beautiful via

Amy Meier via

Style At Home 11.11

I suddenly knew what to do! This chair is perfect for the B&W Buffalo check I already had laying around, so I've already stripped the fabric and given it a spanking new paint job. I like to allow my pieces to cure as long as possible, so after a 2 week drying time (next week), it's headed to the upholstery shop. Stay tuned for a B&A soon!

DAYKA ROBINSON FEATURED IN UPTOWN MAGAZINE!

2011-11-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

Check out the November/December issue of Uptown Magazine which includes a feature on my design biz! To say I was honored would be an understatement. The issue hit stores mid-October but my section is in the Atlanta edition, so unfortunately all you East and West-coasters won't be able to see me live & in color. My West Coast family still hasn't had a chance to see it in person, so of course I had to clear out Barnes & Noble because, you know...it's the right thing to do.

HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

I didn't intend to be away so long, but one thing lead to another and now I find myself 3 weeks down the road. Things have been so busy over the last few weeks (well months, really), it's hard to believe that Christmas is only a few more weeks away!

So here's a bit about what I've been into...

In late October (and after 11 years), one of my best friends got married!! It should go without saying, but I was thrilled to be apart of their special day. So thrilled, in fact, that I sobbed like. a. baby. during the ceremony. Seriously. It was totally unexpected and still makes me laugh when I think about it. It was like an old ex-boyfriend who watched their best girl go off to the other guy. So funny.

I'm finally wrapping up Phase 1(out of 3) of a big commercial project. There is nothing like working with clients that allow you to push the limits (aesthetically speaking), and this is definitely one of those jobs (fun!). I can't show you too much yet, but here's a sneak peek:

Wild.

I also got a little shine of my own this month on Houzz.com when Erika of Blulabel Bungalow created an ideabook based on my master bedroom redesign. Her writing style is lyrical, so it was a treat to see my work through her eyes. When she says things like "Hepburn meets Ralph Lauren" it makes me stop and say to myself, yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking! (Ha.) Thanks for the rousing write-up, E!

Room Tour: Fall in Love with This Vintage-Style Bedroom

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More»

Browse Outdoor Products on Houzz- For Example:

Grills · Outdoor Planters · Outdoor Lighting · Outdoor Swingsets · Outdoor Tables · Prefab Studios · Retainer Walls · Sheds ·

I've been in full-on planning mode, not only for my design biz but also for taking care of some loose ends around my place. It's finally time I started inching toward getting some unfinished projects wrapped up in my living space, so look for some fabulous new upholstery projects as soon as the paint dries! Two of them specifically involve these things:

Exciting.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

JOIN ME AND MEET MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS!

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

I don't know about all of the other MGBW stores across the country, but the one here in Atlanta is AMAZING. Not only because the furniture is so well-made and classically designed, but also because the team behind the Atlanta location is AWESOME. Seriously. And if you know me, you know I don't say things like this if I don't mean it. They were so excited to jump on board with our Room Service Atlanta project and the events they put together are not only fun but flawless. So with THAT being said, join me for this:

5 teams of SCAD students competed to create designs using stocked MGBW merchandise for their AT HOME: Atlanta project, and the winning team will have their design brought to life in the showroom. Did I mention that Mitchell & Bob (first name basis) will be in the building??? Yup, you heard right. Gorgeous design, yummy food, valet parking & great people--get thee to MGBW Atlanta on November 7.

Don't delay, RSVP today.

RSVP@MGBWAtlanta.com

USING WHAT YOU HAVE TO GET WHAT YOU WANT

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

I had about 1/2 a yard of Kelly Wearstler Bengal Bazaar in Magenta but wasn't quite sure what to do with it. I thought about using it to recover a chair, but I desperately wanted to do something a bit more fabulous and useable. During a quick trip to Lewis & Sheron last week, I found the perfect plum to match the KW pattern and decided to do 2 double sided pillows!

I also found a gorgeous white linen on the clearance aisle, so I added a contrasting welting in white which not only provides a bit of pop, but it also gives the pillows a tailored look from either side.

Each pillow measures 22 x 22 and I normally like to buy my inserts one size too big (for a really full look), but I just threw a 22" insert in this pillow because I was eager to show off my transformation. This simple project was a great way to use what I had (scrap fabric) to get want I wanted (a set of KW pillows)! If you have scraps laying around your house, try this trick--it basically give you 4 pillows from 2!

WEEKEND MASHUP: 10-15-11

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

1. Finally had the Shrimp Dog at HD1, the new hot dog (or haute dog, as they like to call it) boutique owned by Chef Richard Blais, season 4 runner-up of Bravo's "Top Chef". All I can say is Y.U.M. Shrimp fried in grits? More, please! I have to say, the eating is pretty good here in Atlanta. First Flip Burger and now HD1? Chef Blais doesn't disappoint!

2. Found this interesting coffee table at one of my favorite haunts this weekend. I couldn't decide how I felt about it (plus I'm notoriously cheap when it comes to thrifting), but I've since decided that I love it and it's a must have! The shape of the base is what grabbed me, plus I need a new coffee table so it's a perfect fit. Thinking about replacing the glass with marble, if it doesn't break the bank...

3. Got up early Sunday to hit Ikea for some space and storage planning for a big commercial project I've been working on with Brian Patrick Flynn. I remember that I used to wish I lived near an Ikea (which was never gonna happen back at home)--now I feel lucky I'm only a 20 minute drive away. I was in and out with a fully planned workspace AND shopping list in less than an hour.

4. Snagged a gorgeous vintage armoire in EXCELLENT condition. There are so many possibilities with this piece, I can't wait to get my hands on it. If the weather holds up this week, expect to see a transformation that will take your breath away.

5. Spent some time looking at fabric this weekend for recovering a set of chairs.. Also finally got a beloved pair of pillows made. Look for a full revel later this week!

6. Saw some amazing new metallic tile while shopping for a client's fireplace facelift (residential project for our commercial client). Textured chrome subway tile? Yes, please.

7. What did we do before online shopping?? I hit the jackpot last week when I found these barstools that, for some reason, remind me a bit of a Klismos chair (love!). I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll arrive this week and be even more fabulous in person.

Hope you had a great weekend!

TGIF: BALANCE

2011-10-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

When in doubt, just remember...

Source: agirlinaguysworld.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

It's all about balance (and a good dose of perspective helps, too!).

NEW AT THE SHOP: FRESH & MODERN PILLOWS!

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

PILLOWS, PILLOWS, PILLOWS!!

22" x 22" Cobalt blue & white "X" pillows with an invisible zipper closure. Perfect size for your sofa or bed!

Pillows are priced per pair--get more info here!

AND these:

Don't sleep on menswear-based interiors for the Fall! 22" x 22" charcoal (100%) wool pillows, also priced per pair with an invisible zipper. Soft and warm--just what you need for those chilly nights ahead! Find out more about this pair here.

Source: luxinteriordesigns.com via Dayka on Pinterest

Wondering how to bring menswear into your home? Click here to how San Francisco-based designer Scot Meacham Wood added a touch of masculinity to a Presidio Heights condo.

(NEW)BEFORE & AFTER!!: MID-CENTURY BUFFET

2011-10-07T06:00:00.004-04:00

I promised you a fantastic makeover by the end of the week and I didn't disappoint!

BEFORE:

This vintage Stanley mid- century buffet was purchased for a client because it was in excellent structural condition and the perfect style, shape and size for a tv console.

I was clear that this piece had spent a lot of time in someone's garage or storage, because there were cobwebs and dirt all over the place. A little dirt may be enough to keep some away, but clearly they ain't me! :)

AFTER:

Looks even better than I thought it would, and not a bad way to take an old buffet from drab to fab in about 2 days! Are you in Atlanta and interested in custom furniture refinishing? Leave me a comment or drop me a line!

NEW AT THE SHOP: VINTAGE FAUX BAMBOO BUFFET

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

I sold my Henry Link Bali Hai dresser before I could even get it listed AND my fabulous vintage Thomasville dresser sold pretty quickly last week, so I just KNOW you're gonna love my next piece up for grabs.

Different, but super sleek and FAB.U.LOUS. Dare I say...glam, even. Add some lacquer and you are officially sittin' on a showstopper. Buffet or Credenza?? You be the judge. Luckily for you, it's now available in the shop--go here to see more!

WEEKEND MASHUP: 10-2-11

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

1. Said goodbye to a good friend from wayyyyy back this weekend. I'd tell you more but he'd kill me because he's so private, so I'll just say that it's been fun--he's provided a lot of comedic relief, inspiration, and even a good deal of knowledge over the last few months. There's truly nothing like a friend who can say they knew you from way back when.

2. Fall TV!! I love the fall, not only because of the weather, but because it always brings new shows to look forward to. I finally got a chance to catch up on a few of the 1,000,000 shows I've tivo'd and 2 of my new favorites are Pan- AM & The Playboy Club. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a good period TV drama!

3. Vintage fiberglass chairs--love, love love! I finally scored a set of my own and I've got a great refinish/reupholster job lined up for them. Want a hint? Think: Fresh + Graphic.

4. Had dinner with my sis at what was probably THE most disgusting Chinese restaurant this weekend. It didn't help that the bill was $75. Total fail.

5. Drexel. Vintage. Beautiful lines, excellent condition. Look for the updated version in the shop soon!

6. Closed my weekend out with a little refinishing. There's nothing I love more than getting my hands dirty working on some furniture, and the Atlanta weather, though a bit cold, worked out pretty nicely. I found a vintage (of course) mid-century Stanley buffet and got started on it immediately. You'll be amazed at the results (look for it at the end of the week)!

TGIF: KNOW IT.

2011-09-30T06:00:00.002-04:00

Source: alexacall.com via Dayka on Pinterest

Those of you who have seen "The Help" will recognize this quote from the movie. I know there's been a bit of controversy, some of which I agree with (and at the least, understand), but I actually enjoyed the movie--this was definitely my favorite takeaway. I say this to my friends a lot but I've started to say it to myself even more. No matter what happens, always remember--

You are kind,
You are smart,
You are important.

If you have kids, take a page from Abileen's book and let them know that too--it's such a powerful statement!

NEW AT THE SHOP: VINTAGE THOMASVILLE FAUX BAMBOO MIRROR

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

I'm thinking you could do something like this...

Go here to purchase. Act quickly, before it's gone!

WEEKEND MASHUP: 9-25-11

2011-09-26T06:00:00.001-04:00

1. It was sooooo nice to be back on 4 wheels after a hellacious week of car problems (on a car that has only been serviced at the dealership, no less). One thing I'll never take for granted is being able to jump in the car everyday and know without a doubt that it will start up. Atlanta had gorgeous weather this weekend & I was grateful to be able to hit the open road! *and for those of you who don't know, the photo is of a power steering line*

2. The weekend kicked off at my sister's house for dinner. She a connoisseur of many things, one of which is a gourmet chef. Lamb steak, asparagus, super creamy mashed potatoes with a DELICIOUS mushroom & onion gravy, and a yummy salad made my night (wish I could remember what was on the salad...).

3. This is one of my favorite style dressers to use as a tv console! It has classically traditional lines, a vintage history, & super solid craftsmanship. With the right paint job, it can easily go from dresser to buffet to tv console and back again--my client is excited and so am I!!

4. Spent quality time catching up on some mags in my downtime. I rarely read anything except design & business glossies these days, but I've decided to renew my subscription to InStyle--the October 2011 issue was packed with great info!

5. One of the things that draws me to vintage furniture is the hardware. Even if I don't love a piece, I'll buy it just to get my hands on some beautiful hardware. I like to think of it as finding the perfect hairstyle to go with your favorite outfit--the outfit might be beautiful, but the bad hair can really leave a sour taste in your mouth.

6. If you've read this blog for any amount of time, you know that I love faux bamboo.

L.O.V.E

I added to my growing collection this weekend with my "new" vintage faux bamboo Thomasville Allegro II Collection dresser. If you're interested in purchasing it before it gets refinished (or you'd like a custom refinish job), email me. I can assure you my price will be less expensive than others across the web!

7. Something about this vintage Ironstone dishware by J & G Meakin caught my eye and I had to make a return trip to snatch it up. I didn't get a whole set, but they're the perfect pieces for layering a tablescape. I've already got something brewing in my mind!

NEW AT THE SHOP: VINTAGE LAMP WITH LUCITE BASE

2011-09-20T06:00:00.008-04:00

SLEEK VINTAGE LAMP + LUCITE BASE.

And then I even threw this design board together so you can see how fabulous it'd be in YOUR home!

Purchase yours here!

IF YE SEEK, YE SHALL FIND..

2011-09-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

I posted this a few weeks ago...

...and talked about my search for the perfect vintage lighting for my dining room & eat-in kitchen. Then, over the weekend, I found this.

Which looks very similar. And it got me to thinking...

Coincidence?? I think not. All I need to do is order replacement shades and decide on a new finish and it will be almost exactly like the one in the picture (for a fraction of the price). I LOVE my job.

TGIF: KEEP PUSHIN'

2011-09-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

I saw this video on The English Muffin Blog and wanted to share it with you all as the perfect way to wrap up the week. Turn up your volume because the words move so fast--it's hard to follow along without sound!

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

Much of the premise of this video reminds me of the book The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, which talks about the fact that people really become experts at what they do once they hit the 10,000 hour mark in tooling their craft. What this means is that after 10,000 hours of graphic design, 10,0000 hours of writing, 10,000 hours of sewing, event planning, DIY'ing, teaching, playing sports (or whatever your fancy), you can pretty much expect to see greatness, but you gotta put the time in. So keep moving & don't give up. Success is just around the corner and if you truly love what you're doing, you'll see your 10,000 hours as time to perfect your craft (and not a goal that haunts you at night!).

Enjoy your weekend,

NEW AT THE SHOP: VINTAGE PINK FLOKATI POUFS

2011-09-14T16:38:00.001-04:00

I don't normally post more than once a day, but this is good.

Vintage. Pink. Diamond-Tufted. Flokati. New in the Shop.

All fabulous words when used alone, but they sound even better when used all together! You could do something like this...

via Elle Decor

...Or even compare them to this handy Top Ten list assembled by Kelly Market.

Free Shipping, too! Go here to place your order.

Update: **SOLD**

NEW AT THE SHOP: VINTAGE GAZELLE LAMPS & A MID-MOD DRESSER

2011-09-14T06:00:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite vintage finds is new in the shop!

And my latest refinishing project:

Delivery is available within the Atlanta Metro area. As with most of my inventory, these pieces are one-of-a-kind so get them before they're gone!

To purchase, go here.

STUDIO WORK

2011-09-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

My weekend started like this.

People kept driving by and slowing down as if I was having a yard sale. I know my neighbors have been dying to see what my garage looks like since it seems like I'm outside with a new piece every week. Saturday they got their chance to take a looky-loo. I pulled almost everything out of my garage and got down to sorting and cleaning--I just couldn't take having to navigate the garage anymore. It was seriously getting dangerous.

For those of you who didn't know, I work from home which means all of my stripping, painting and staining is done within the confines of my garage. This is a SINGLE CAR garage, mind you, which also doubles as my "showroom"/ storage unit so as you can imagine, it gets super tight in my little studio. In addition to a space for refinishing and storage, I had to contend with a huge stack of boxes (needed to ship items from my shop) and also wanted to create a space to photograph my loot. I took my garage from this...

to this...

Now it may not look like it to you, but this is REAL PROGRESS. I ended up with 2 huge truckloads of things that I (sadly) had to give to Goodwill, but it was all for a greater goal.

I even managed to get my "photography studio" in order, so you know what that means...

I'm big time now, y'all.

GUESS WHOSE MUG WAS IN THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION??

2011-09-07T06:00:00.001-04:00

Pardon the dead air. Between styling work with a new prduction company, more work at my Turner Studios gig, and lots of personal events happening, life has been busy and I haven't really had the inspiration to blog. However, I'm pulling myself up by my bootstraps today & thought I would share a bit of fun news that I neglected to tell you a few weeks ago.

photo: Christina Wedge

I sat for this portrait about a month ago. Low & behold, it ended up on the front page of the HomeFinder in last weekend's Atlanta Journal-Consitiution.

Pretty cool, right? Those of you who've followed my blog for awhile know that I work with Brian Patrick Flynn as a Project Manager & Design Associate (in addition to all of my personal work), and he finally opened up his home to the AJC & shared a few photos from his redesigned Mid-Century pad. It's situated in a great historic pocket of Metro Atlanta and, in typical BPF fashion, is totally to-die-for. You'll have to wait a little while to see every room, but check out the link to his slideshow above. If you're just too lazy to click the link, I'll throw you a bone below. Just this once.

photo: Christina Wedge

Breathtaking in person, trust.

IF I HAD A BABY...

2011-08-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Source: sketch42blog.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I'd want it to go to sleep looking up at this ceiling every night.

Baby Glam.

FIND OF THE WEEK: VINTAGE BRASS + GLASS COFFEE TABLE

2011-08-17T06:00:00.002-04:00

It's just glass and brass, but what really makes this coffee table amazing is the clean, simple detail of the base. Not only is it stunning with the glass top (minus the reflection of the overhead lights), but you could really take it to the next level by adding a custom marble slab. Here are some options I'd use...

The veining in this Austral Dream slab is gorgeous. It's not cheap, but won't break the bank as a coffee table top.

Alba Chiara. A nice departure from your standard Carrara, but still neural enough to work with any design scheme. Check out the brass + marble collaborations below...

via 1st Dibs

Not a bad upgrade for a thrift store coffee table, right??

REFINING YOUR DESIGN EYE, PART TWO

2011-08-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

I'm back with another High/Low from one of my favorite Canadian magazines, Style At Home. This should be a bit easier to guess than the last time...

photography: Micahel Graydon

So which is which and more importantly, why???

....

...

The "High" is photo number 2 (hope you guessed right)! I won't give you the numbers & sources (you'll have to go to Style At Home for that!), but here are 9 things your eye should've caught:

1. Lighting. The high has 3-4 bulbs, while the low has only 1. The slightly oval shape of the high should also tell you that it cost a bit more than the standard round shape. I'm pretty sure the "Low" light is from West Elm.

2. The artwork, HELLO???! This is quite possibly the biggest a-ha. One looks like it came from Z Gallerie (the Low), the other looks like a truly artistic piece from a contemporary artist.

3. The console table. One is a more run-of-the-mill, 1-shelf chrome & glass table (CB2) and the other is visually heavier, with a thick chrome frame, 2 shelves, and chrome legs with detail.

4. Pillows. The thick, fluffy texture of the "high" pillows adds so much detail to the space versus the flatter style of the "Low". For those of you who wonder about interior styling, these photos are perfect examples of why you always want to use a mix of textures to create visual interest in your design.

5. Lamps. You have to look closely but the carved, Asian-inspired wood base, glossy paper shade, and gold ring finial let you know that the "High" lamp didn't come from Target. Not that we don't love Target, and all....

6. Coat Racks. Peep the scroll and curved detail on the "High" coat rack--detailing almost always means more $.

7. Storage boxes & baskets. If you shop Ikea like I do, you know the "Low" baskets are an Ikea original. With the storage boxes, one pair have a hinged top, the others have a lift-top. We DIY-ers know that hinges cost money.

8. Rugs. Antique rugs look faded but still have a color (and detail!) that isn't matched by contemporary rugs. Don't be fooled.

9. Did you notice the pashmina's hanging from the baskets? One looks like beautifully detailed wool...the other doesn't even look like a scarf!

Did you guess correctly? What did your eye notice first??

CLIENT PROJECT SNEAK PEEK

2011-08-15T06:00:00.003-04:00

Custom Drapery with Greek Key detail.

LOVE.

FIND OF THE WEEK

2011-08-10T06:00:00.001-04:00

I get such satisfaction from the looks on people's faces when they see me trying to squeeze a big piece of ugly furniture in my car. It's a look that says, "you poor thing, you have no sense of style--what do you think you're doing?". The thing is, I know what I'm doing, so I always feel this sense of "I know something you don't know" pride. This dirty, beat-up ol' wingback settee is gorgeous and such a scene-stealer...you just can't tell right now 'cause it's a diamond in the rough! Reupholstering it in a really amazing pattern would be breathtaking, but I'm also enamored with the idea of this..

Source: loftandcottage.blogspot.com via Leila on Pinterest

A loose cushion with contrasting box cushion fabric--LOVE. And sprucing it up with a little of this...

Nailhead detail and back tufting--YUM. So even though it's only Wednesday, this wingback is my find of the week. Delight in it!

**I didn't find too many photos of wingback settees I liked, so if you know of a good one, leave me the info in a comment or email me!**

PAINTING A BRICK FIREPLACE

2011-08-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

That wave of energy to get my bedroom done rode me right on downstairs. I've been debating painting my brick fireplace for awhile, but that Sherwin Williams 40% off sale was just the kick I needed to dive in and test the waters. I'm strongly leaning towards a dark color a la The Brick House, but decided to test both...

(BEFORE: yup, I using my fabulous lamps downstairs too--they're the perfect size for my tuxedo couch)

I really, really like the dark color (which is a SW color match to Behr Dark Cavern) but decided to hold off painting the whole fireplace dark since I haven't finalized a scheme for the space yet. In the meantime, I went ahead and primed the fireplace since it has to be done regardless of what color I choose. It's the perfect opportunity for me to test the waters of a lighter fireplace without having to apply a white top coat. And even though my neighbor has already popped by and weighed-in with his favorite (and he's definitely against the dark brown), it would secretly thrill me to hear your opinion too.

So what's your pick--light or dark??

*And let me say for the record, that unless you have really cool brick like this, it's always gonna be in your favor to paint. Even if I don't stick with the white, it's lightened up the room A TON. Believe me.*

MASTER BEDROOM PHOTOS

2011-08-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Posting was light last week, but with good reason! I was contacted Monday by a national media outlet looking to include yours truly in an article about Atlanta Interior Designers. I was beyond thrilled to be asked, and it also gave me the push to take some new interior images to include with my article. I really wanted to include the dining room I'm currently finishing for a client but since we're a few weeks away from completion, the next closest project is my master bedroom. As I shared with you guys before, I have everything I need for my bedroom except my wall art (currently out of stock) and my fabulous Bergére/wingback chair, of which I'm still waiting for the fabric to arrive. Still, I called my up photographer extraordinaire, Christina Wedge, and we scheduled our shoot for Friday. We only took a few shots since a few of the final pieces weren't in place), but I am ecstatic with the results! Without further adieu, here's your peek at the place where I do most of my blogging, business planning, reading, and Grey's Anatomy-watching--step into my bedroom...

**I know the light looks odd, but it's actually a ceiling fan! The fan didn't seem to be moving that fast, but clearly it was--you only see a slight whirl of the blades!**

Might I remind you that ALL OF THE FURNITURE PIECES YOU SEE HERE ARE VINTAGE, THRIFTED/CRAIGSLISTED/SECONDHAND AND HAVE BEEN REFINISHED BY YOURS TRULY??? Yup, you read that right--secondhand, thrift stores, someone else's "junk", etc. If you haven't seen the before photos of these pieces, you must to click here to see how everything started. You'll have to stay tuned for the next Master Bedroom reveal but in the meantime, I'd be delighted if you left me a little comment down below...

**In the fine print I'll tell you that the only exception to this declaration is the gorgeous Nanette Leather Chair which was on loan to me from my fine friends at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Atlanta. (This may sound like a plug, but only because it's the truth--you won't find a more service-oriented and all around great group of industry people than the sales & management team @ MGBWAtlanta. They're hip, they read blogs, and they're all about design. If you're not buying your furniture from them, you should be!)**

ATLANTA'S H&H HOME ON ONE KINGS LANE!

2011-07-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

If you love vintage furniture like I do, make sure you check out Atlanta's own H&H Home on One Kings Lane today! Selling a mix of vintage furniture & accessories, co-founders Helen Harbin Davis and Heather Hogan Roberts have created an e-commerce site featuring custom crafted throw pillows, vintage lamps, and eclectic accessories inspired by their travels around the globe.

And here's a look at what you'll find from H & H on OKL today:

Most items are one-of-a-kind, so get yours before they're all sold out. Best of luck & congrats to you ladies!!

BEFORE & AFTER: MINI BUFFET

2011-07-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

So the rabbit has been pulled out of my hat, and I was able to salvage the piece I was working on last week by doing a light sanding and then adding another very light top coat of stain. I also realized that the extreme humidity was actually slowing down the drying process, so I brought inside to fully cure with the help of some good ol' A/C.

I did something a little different this time and used both paint and stain to give this piece an updated look. As much as I love shiny lacquered finishes, the mid-century vibe just didn't warrant a high-gloss finish. After removing the old hardware, filling the holes and drilling new ones, the new square chrome knobs are just the right touch!

And a final look at the before:

What do you think???

This piece is officially for sale, so please email me if you're interested! It will also be listed on my Etsy store by the end of the week. Local pick up only--delivery available.

DAYKA ROBINSON ON 11ALIVE (NBC)!

2011-07-21T06:00:00.005-04:00

So now you find out why my wrap up post from last week was late! Here's the little secret I've been keeping--while out thrifting last Saturday, I was contacted by a reporter from the local NBC affiliate (11 Alive) looking to do a story on my Etsy store, Vintage Styled Home! Of course I was beyond thrilled and after taking an extra day of rest, I kicked into a frenzy trying to make sure things around my house were together in preparation for the camera crew. I never received a firm air date (which is why I didn't want to mention it here and jump the gun), so imagine my surprise when I received a late night email (Tuesday night) from a past client telling me she saw me on the 11 o'clock news--then I woke up yesterday to a Facebook comment from another friend telling me she saw me on the morning news! I hate that I didn't catch it live, but I'm ecstatic about all of this airtime!

I am so, so grateful and thankful for this great press! One of my goals for the year was to really push myself and put my businesses (design & resale) into high gear which specifically included printed & televison press. I'm a firm believer in writing down goals and being specific, and I know that it's made all of the difference! Please watch the video when you have a moment--I'd love to hear your feedback!

*Also, I'll be adding refinished furniture to my store very soon--make sure you check back often!*

DON'T MISS THESE BLOGS!

2011-07-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

2 blogs really caught my eye this week, each for different reasons. First up, Bri from You, Me & A Weiner's dramatic buffet/dresser makeover with O'verlay's, the amazing new fretwork panels created by Danika (Gorgeous Shiny Things) & her business partner Cheryle. Bri took one of these...

and created this masterpiece (which is totally up my alley)...

photos via Bri

Jaw dropping, right?? Click here to see its beat up beginnings.

I also saw this post on Rambling Renovators that asked (and answered) a question I've long been wondering--what happens with those houses that Sarah Richardson renovates & flips on the HGTV show Sarah's House?? Yesterday I found out...and it's bad. Rooms we loved, like this guest bedroom from season 2...

turned into this...

photos via Sarah Richardson Design and Carriage House Antiques

Frightening.

If you saw Sarah's House 1 or 2, you'll be interested to see what's become of some of your favorite renovations. Click here to see more.

REFINISHING RULE #1

2011-07-19T12:59:00.000-04:00

Take your pieces inside at the end of the day, even if it says it's not going to rain. Don't be like me and trust the weatherman, only to wake up and find the piece you spent all day slaving over (in the hot Georgia sun, no less) got soaked, the back got warped, the stain has water marks (also slightly scratched from trying to wipe the water off) & also has grass/debris now stuck to the feet.

It might not seem like a big deal in this photo, but trust me--it is. Especially when it was looking so flawless last night! I was hoping to finish this before the real thunderstorms roll in tomorrow and continue thru the rest of the week but clearly, that ain't gonna happen. Time to pull a rabbit out of my hat....

VINTAGE MODERN DINING ROOM LIGHTING

2011-07-18T06:00:00.001-04:00

contemporary dining room design by los angeles interior designer Domicile Interior Design

I've been searching awhile for the perfect lighting for both my dining room & eat-in kitchen and though a few things from retail stores have caught my eye, I'm determined to keep to my goal of using only (mostly--90%) vintage/secondhand items in my place. With that being said, I ran across a fixture very similar to this one a few weeks ago and didn't get it because I couldn't decide if it was right for my dining room (no returns on secondhand items!!). Then I happened upon this image on Houzz this weekend and it has convinced me that it's just what I need--absolutely vintage modern & totally me. I'm crossing my fingers that it's still available this week.

Source: angiehranowsky.com via Emily on Pinterest

And even though I should be all faux bamboo-ed out, I'm not (I don't care how played out it gets/is--I still love it). So I'm looking for a decently priced vintage pagoda chandelier to go over my faux bamboo table & chairs in my eat-in kitchen (I like to call that "Chic California Vintage"). Emphasis on decently priced.

Source: google.com via Julie on Pinterest

Email me if you know of a good lead!

THRIFTING 101: 11 TIPS FOR SUCCESS

2011-07-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

As a little bonus for our I <3 Thrifting group, I put together a "thrifting cheat sheet" of sorts, with 11 basic tips for thrifting success. As promised, I'm sharing them with you all today!

1. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE.
"Finders keepers, losers weepers." This saying was never more true than in thrift store shopping. If you're not 100% sold on the item, put it in your basket and continue to do your shopping. If it's a piece of furniture, take the tag off until you've made up your mind. You don't want to decide 10 minutes later that you can't live without it, only to find that someone else came in behind you & snatched it up.
2. CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!
Don't be fooled--even if your items are in good shape, make sure you steam clean all upholstery and spray/disinfect all accessories, dishes, & textiles. A $6 find can quickly become a $600 find if you're not careful!
3. RETHINK POSSIBLE.
Could 2 end tables become a pair of stools? Would those lamps look better with a fresh coat of paint? Will recovering the cushions modernize that dining set? Think out of the box when it comes to thrift store items and see beyond that which you physically see. You'll be hard-pressed to find a piece of furniture that a fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or a reupholstery job can't fix.
4. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK!
Certain stores (specially Goodwill) are notorious for not lowering prices, but it still never hurts to ask (all they can say is no, right?)! Always ask for a manager, be kind, and let them work their magic. I once found a pair of bookends at a thrift store that were priced separately and even though the clerk told me they wouldn't chance the price, I asked for a manager & she was more than willing to adjust the price since she could clearly see they were a set. Just be aware of the places that specifically tell you NOT to request a "deal"--you don't want to become persona non grata at your favorite store!
5. BE A REGULAR
A key to finding good loot is to shop often! Statistically speaking, you have a better chance of finding something good if you drop in on your local stores regularly. All it takes is one time to hit the jackpot!
6. EXPLORE NEW AREAS
If you happen to be in an area away from your home, find the nearest thrift store and pop in! Geographic areas vary in the types of items they carry, so don't miss out by sticking close to home. Some places are a hotbed for Mid-Century or Hollywood Regency furniture, but you won't know until you go!
7. BUY RIGHT, BUY ONCE
There's nothing worse than getting an item home, only to find that it's a piece of junk! Be sure you thoroughly inspect your thrift store loot for tears, stains, weak joints, broken drawers, etc. Don't let your steal be more work than you're willing to input.
8. ARRIVE PREPARED
Make sure you have a measuring tape and notebook with the spatial dimensions of your house. You may think you know exactly what size dresser you need, but don't wait to get home and find out you're 1" off! Inspirational and actual photos of your space are always helpful as well--smart phones are great tools for storing this info!
9. STAY OPEN
Everyone loves faux bamboo & Campaign furniture, but your chances of finding some are pretty slim. If you stay open to finding something with similar lines to your dream piece (and not necessarily the exact item), you'll increase your chances of leaving the store as a happy camper!
10. CHECK FOR HIDDEN TREASURE
Quality vintage furniture almost always has a stamp. Be sure to check drawers, doors, underneath chairs and the backs of cabinets for any tell-tale signs of manufacturing information. I know someone who once found a (dirty, but otherwise perfect) Knoll chair sitting outside a commercial trash can!!! It's safe to say that the pervious owners absolutely missed out on this goldmine, and my friend is now one satisfied dumpster diver.
11. KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Before you hit the stores, decide how much you want to spend on your sought-after item(s) and stick to it (still, see #9)! You might find a piece you really love but if you were only looking to spend $50 on a desk, no one but you can decide if it's intrinsically worth $150. Will you be thinking about it for days and weeks to come? Is it so unique you're sure you won't find another one like it? Then definitely get it! A few times I've felt pressured to spend more than I was comfortable spending, only to find that same item somewhere else weeks later for half the price. Know your price limits, know the value of an item, and stick to your guns.

Anything else you'd add to this list??

**and thanks, Erika, for the graphics!**

I LOVE THRIFTING: WRAP UP

2011-07-13T22:46:00.001-04:00

So I lied a bit when I said my post would be up Tuesday, but I have a really good excuse that you'll know more about next week! Anyhow, after the big rush of the last few days I'm finally feeling a bit back to normal...

We had a great group of ladies come out & join us for the Atlanta I<3 Thrifting group, and I can only say that it was a great success! The majority of the people in the group I actually didn't know prior to Saturday's event, so I was great meeting new faces and seeing which items caught each person's eye. We had a group of about 17 comprised of fashion bloggers, decor bloggers, non-bloggers and even a HGTV exec who was sweet enough to make sure we took some group shots (thanks again for coming, Anna)!

Carla of Decorativity found this vintage glass Chinoiserie-esque lamp at our first stop!

Tami & Kerrie debated the merits of this gold sequined jacket...

Lynn packed her basket with lots of clothing goodies...

And everyone walked away with something--most had several bags full!

via Talking With Tami

Niki found some cute vintage silver glitter shoes that she ended up not getting. They fit her little feet like a glove!

And I found this old dresser with some great hardware (didn't end up getting it) and an amazing lamp that's now available for sale! This is one of my favorite thrifting spots--where other people see junk, I see hours of unbridled joy!

The day was a fun departure from my usual shopping alone, and it wouldn't have been possible without the idea borne from Rashon Carraway (Mr. Goodwill Hunting). I also put together few Thrifting 101 tips for our group on how to get the best deals and score the best finds. Don't miss my 11 tips that will change the way you go thrifting--I'll be sharing them on Friday!

TIRED.

2011-07-11T06:00:00.001-04:00

Designer: Shelia Bridges Photo: Michael Waldron

I am exhausted. I originally planned to do a I <3 Thrifting day wrap up, but I think I'm still trying to recover from the weekend. You know when you don't get enough sleep one day, and then each following day is so busy you're never able to catch up? This weekend was one of those times. It started with late night Thursday night, a long day with client work Friday, a longgg day of thrifting on Saturday, and then a fabulous brunch my sister hosted yesterday. So I'm still playing catch up. But our Atlanta thrifting group was a huge success--don't worry, I'll be back with more tomorrow!

COME THRIFT WITH ME!

2011-07-08T06:00:00.001-04:00

I <3 Thrifting Day is tomorrow!! Erika and I have partnered together to host an Atlanta group and we are pumped! For those of you who haven't heard about the event (and are apparently living under a rock!), here's the recap:

Organized by the fabulous Rashon Carraway (Mr. Goodwill Hunting himself!), bloggers & thrifters all across the nation are partnering together tomorrow to hit the thrift stores and shop 'til we drop! Here in Atlanta we'll be scouring 4 thrift stores beginning 10 am and then stopping for a networking/socializing lunch in Sandy Springs.

10:00 AM

#1 : Goodwill (Tucker)

3983 Lavista Road

Tucker, GA 30084

#2: My Favorite Place

5596 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard

Chamblee, GA 30034

#3: Goodwill (Sandy Springs)

237 Johnson Ferry RD NE

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Lunch: Le Madeline (networking & noshing!)

1165 Perimeter Center West #330

Atlanta, GA 30038

#4: Goodwill (next door to Le Madeline)

1165 Perimeter Center West

Sandy Springs, GA 30338

Even if you can't meet us at 10am, feel free to drop in along the way or meet us for lunch! We don't have a set time for each stop, but if you follow me on Twitter, you'll be able to keep up with us along the way. If you plan on coming, please leave a comment below so we know to expect you! There's no registration process, but we'd love to keep an eye out for you.

Be sure to wear your I <3 Thrifting t-shirt and wear your comfy shoes--see you in the front of the store at 10!

NEW AT THE SHOP: LAMPS, BOOKENDS, OWLS & MORE!

2011-07-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

New items for sale at Vintage Styled Home!

Only THE most amazing pair of Brass & Lacquer Scallop-Capped lamps!!! I LOVE these. I can guarantee you will too.

Vintage Ceramic Lion Bookends. Just what you need to hold your treasured books in style!

Diamond-pressed Geometric lamp. There's only one of these, but that's all your desk/nightstand/dresser/bar needs!!

Vintage Brass Square Tray. EXCELLENT vintage condition & just waiting for your entry table, nightstand, or bar. Add some beautiful styling & wait for the complements to roll in!

Ornate Italian Scroll Mirror. Looking for something special for your small bathroom or dressing area? You just found it, so check that off your list!

Vintage Owl Jar. So you know owls are all the rage, right?? This one not only looks chic, but it does double duty & holds your secrets, too!

Vintage Gorham Brass Bowl. Keys, Cards, Crackers? This bowl holds it all!

For more information (and to see more goodies!!), visit my Etsy store, Vintage Styled Home.

HOW TO UPDATE YOUR HOME IN 10 MINUTES

2011-07-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Even if you're not a hardcore DIY'er, recovering your chairs is the fastest (and easiest!) way to update your home. Take this pair of chairs I gave my sister for her new apartment--the classic character makes them perfect for occasional chairs, and even without a fresh coat of paint (which they could use!), removing & updating the fabric takes them to the next level.

Start with some great chairs (this Asian-inspired set is timeless)...

Add a great graphic patterned fabric (from Lewis & Sheron using a 50% off Scoutmob, no less!).

Unscrew & remove the seat bottom.

Center the pattern on the cushion and cut your fabric to allow for extra overhang on each side. Once your template fabric is centered, place one staple on the bottom of the cushion (front & center) to hold it in place and work strategically around the perimeter until you have the fabric completely secured and as smooth as possible. I find it easiest to place a few staples along the sides and then do the corners to get the most seamless fit. After replacing the cushions you can see that, even without a fresh coat of paint, these chairs have been dramatically updated in about 10 minutes!

I don't think there's an easier DIY project out there--even painting furniture is a bit more difficult because it involves a few more steps, some additional know-how, and some serious buyers remorse if things don't turn out as expected. When you recover a chair you can't lose! If the pattern isn't correctly placed or the staples don't land in the right place, simply remove the staples and start again--it really is easy as pie.

REFINING YOUR DESIGN EYE

2011-07-05T06:00:00.001-04:00

I subscribe to the Canadian magazine, Style At Home, and one of my favorite pages in the magazine is the monthly "High/Low" feature, where the stylists assemble one vignette using both high & low end items. I like to use this feature as a way to refine my eye and pick up on the small details that make all the difference in quality (or expensive) furniture. Now the items in these features are generally pretty easy for me to decipher, but this month's issue surprisingly had me stumped--take a look and see if you can honestly figure out which image is which (and if you've already seen the mag, don't cheat!).

photo: Michael Graydon

Look closely...

.....

....

Would you be surprised to know that the high image is the second one?? I was. When I look at these images, I always look for details, specifically on the furniture pieces. Here are the things that caught my eye (and made me think the first image was the "high"):

1. The dresser has a slight bow (image #1) which I took for a sure sign, since more expensive furniture generally has more detail.

2. Side table detail rim (ditto above).

3. The colors in the wallpaper look a little more detailed than in the second photo.

4. The ottoman looked a little more tailored, which I figured would be more $. The bottom one looked like a slipcover, but obviously not.

Things that should've stood out to me:

1. The difference in the rugs. Now that I look, you can clearly tell that one of the rugs is whiter with a finer pile than the other. It actually almost looks like a cotton ball puff--and you can't get that for $199.

2. The orchid. Multiple blooms will almost always cost you more dough.

3. The pink pillow in the "high" image. It's still a knife edge, but even my basic knowledge of custom textile work tells me that the added panel along the edge equals more time (double seam) which also equals more money.

Clearly these are all relatively minute details, but they're especially important to me because I'm so passionate about vintage furniture! When I'm out shopping antique/flea/thrift/vintage stores, there's little time to do research, so I'm always looking for details that stand out & say "quality". Training my eye is everything.

Here's another High/Low...and this one's a bit easier to guess...

photo: Michael Graydon

The first thing that gave it away for me? The desk. I recognized it as an Ikea original immediately (image 2), and that was all I needed to know! The first photo is the high, and the second one is the low.

Did you guess correctly both times??

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS FABRIC???

2011-07-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

Ugh. I've run into a bit of a quandary--have any of you seen this fabric?? I used it for some custom bedding but I've now decided to tackle another project and would love to throw a bit of this back into the mix. Since it came from a discount fabric store I don't have the vendor information, so I'm at a bit of a standstill. If any of you can provide any info (manufacturer, store availability), I'd love you forever (and if you have a good substitute, I'd take that too)!

Thanks for your help and have a safe 4th of July weekend!

DIY TOOLKIT ESSENTIALS

2011-06-30T06:00:00.003-04:00

Today I'm guest blogging for Beth Hunter over at Home Stories A to Z , sharing my DIY TOOLKIT ESSENTIALS.

Pop over and weigh in with your must-have products & tools!

And if you're in the Atlanta area, make sure you stop by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams for their SUMMER TAG SALE! This year they have more than ever before & are featuring floor models, scratch & dent, and other savings ranging from 20%-70% off. Get thee to MG+BW so you don't miss out! Jonathan (manager) & staff are super friendly, helpful and love designers!!!

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Atlanta

3081 Peachtree Road NE

30305

FURNITURE 101: LOUIS XV CHAIRS

2011-06-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

It's been awhile since my first Furniture 101 post, but since I've been doing some visual research in preparation for my Louis chairs makeover, it's the perfect time for another installation.

LOUIS XV CHAIRS

PERIOD OF SIGNIFICANCE:

1722-1774. Named after King Louis XV of France (1710-1774) whose reign began in 1722.

STYLE DOSSIER:

Also known as "Louis Quinze"
Identified by their curves--the back, arms, and legs are all devoid of straight lines & sharp angles/cuts.
The Louis XV chair has a cabriole leg (made of 2 arcs--the upper one being convex & the lower arc being concave).
With its intricate and detailed designs (which originally featured nature, "Orientalia", & fantasy motifs) Louis XV chairs invoke feelings of love, sensuality, and romance.
Frames were originally made of cherry, beech or walnut, but the marquetry work (detail carving) was done in rare & exotic woods such as tulipwood, violet wood, and king wood.
Best recognized styles include Fauteuil & Bergére (see below)

FAUTEUIL

An armchair with an upholstered seat, lifted back, and open padded arms.
Fauteuil means armchair in French, but it's commonly used to refer to Louis XV & Louis XVI chairs
Manchettes = small upholstered pads on arm rests

BERGÉRE

Bergére = farmers wife/shepherdess
Chair design features an exposed wood frame, loose & wide seat cushion, fullback rest, and upholstered arms that are continuous with the back (sides can also be made of cane).

These chairs, in any style, can run from dirt cheap (thrift store/Craigslist/flea market find) to wallet-busting, depending on their condition, and are perfect for a modern update. If you haven't already, you must see Nicole Lanteri's (Honey & Fritz) jaw-dropping & kid-friendly makeover from a few weeks ago. I also found a great post from Design Sponge with a more in-depth history of French chairs from the 18th & 19th centuries. Check it out here if you want to brush up on your furniture history.

MASTER BEDROOM PROGRESS

2011-06-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

I bought my home in 2006 and it's still far from finished (anyone else out there who can relate?). I tend to get inspired about specific elements and start skipping around to different rooms, so I promised myself that (this year) I would only focus on one room at a time, and complete each project before moving on to the next. My first job? The master bedroom. I've been diligently sourcing & refinishing second-hand items but needed to swap out a previously purchased chair for something with a little more height & heft. I was originally thinking wingback, but really had my heart set on a wood-frame style (it's actually called a Bergére chair--see tomorrow's post!), which I thought would be extremely difficult to find. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon exactly what I was looking for being sold by an owner who was so desperate to get rid of it, she threw in a second chair & gave me a ridiculous deal to get them off her hands.

I'm actually LOVING the retro flame stitch and wish it wasn't in such tattered condition--I would absolutely refinish the frame and use it as-is, but no such luck (how in the world did it get so torn up in the first place??). The plan is to strip & seal the frame (going for a rustic look), and then reupholster the cushions in a charcoal linen with a double white piping. Not the statement piece I was first imagining, but I think the simple, classic look will work better in my space. I can't quite show you pics yet, but I can show you what's in my room!

Headboard:

(gotta love these horrid photos...)

Nightstands:

Dresser:

Mirror:

Lamps:

Stools:

Having a hard time putting it all together?? Hopefully you won't be in suspense much longer once the chair is finished. Stay tuned for a complete reveal soon!

(WHY) PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF

2011-06-27T06:00:00.004-04:00

If you follow me on Pintrest, you may notice that I've been pinning a lot of images like this lately...

Source: styleathome.com via Dayka on Pinterest

Source: None via Dayka on Pinterest

Source: lonnymag.com via Dayka on Pinterest

Source: decorpad.com via Dayka on Pinterest

Source: theglamlamb.blogspot.com via Dayka on Pinterest

...and it's all because I've been practicing a bit of "believe it before you see it"-ism. Let me start with a little backstory--there's a wee game of furniture musical chairs going on at my house these days, between new things selling quickly at the store and Craigslisting (yes, I'm making it a verb) pieces I no longer want. I purchased a set of 4 faux bamboo chairs last year and was planning on using those for my dining room, until I found a faux bamboo dining table 2 weeks ago--then I started thinking I should pair the bamboo pieces together and keep searching for the perfect dining chairs. Lo & behold, I found them last week on Craigslist but the listing said "Pending Sale" in the title. I emailed the seller with my phone number & asked him/her to call me if they were still available (per their instructions). After about 2 hours of hearing nothing, I decided I would simply die without the chairs, so I sent the seller another email letting him/her know I didn't mean to be a pest, but was serious, had cash, and would be able to pick up them up ASAP. He called me back about an hour later and informed me they were already sold, which pissed me off a bit (not at him, just mad I didn't see the post sooner). Fast forward to the next day, I get an email from him saying the other seller couldn't pick up the chairs until the FOLLOWING WEEK, so if I was still interested he would "consider" it! I neglected, however, to read the part where he raised the price by $100 because the other potential buyer had offered to pay as much. We played phone tag for the majority of the day, and upon reaching him, I told him that I couldn't (really, wouldn't) pay his new price, but would pay $25 more than he asked. He sounded hesitant, but upon learning I lived around the corner from his job where he happened to have the chairs in his truck(!!!), he was sold and we met for pick up. Wondering what I scored? Feast your eyes below.

Yup, for reals. It's none other than A SET OF 6 LOUIS XV STYLE CHAIRS!! The price? $175 (up from his original price of $150). I know--shut your mouth. So here's the lesson I wanted to share--I know the guy was inundated with emails about these chairs, but he gave me the first opportunity to buy them once the original buyer wasn't available. Why? Two reasons. (1)-I made sure he knew I was serious from the jump & sent him a backup email when I thought my first one didn't convey my commitment. I let him know that I was ready (committed), willing (would pay his price in cash), & able (no delivery necessary) to buy them ASAP. (2)-I was polite. When he first called, I thanked him for taking the time to get back to me even though they were sold and let him know that I was sorry I hadn't seen them first.

I'd like to think he contacted me first because I was friendly over the phone/in my emails & was willing to make the transaction as easy as possible. So when you find something you can't live without on Craigslist, be persistent & polite, make sure the seller knows you're serious, and be prepared to up the ante & offer as much as you're comfortable paying for the item. I've lost out a few times on Craigslist before and let me tell you, it's much better to be safe than sorry.

I LOVE THRIFTING EVENT

2011-06-20T06:00:00.004-04:00

Looking to stretch your design dollar like never before?? Well mark your calendars for I LOVE THRIFTING, a nationwide shopping event organized by none other than Rashon Carraway aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting. On Saturday July 9th, Erika and I are leading a group through 4 of Atlanta's best thrifting hot spots. Here's a look at our itinerary for the day:

#1 : Goodwill (Tucker)
3983 Lavista Road
Tucker, GA 30084
#2: My Favorite Place
5596 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Chamblee, GA 30034
#3: Goodwill (Sandy Springs)
237 Johnson Ferry RD NE
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Lunch: Le Madeline (networking & noshing!)
1165 Perimeter Center West #330
Atlanta, GA 30038
#4: Goodwill (next door to Le Madeline)
1165 Perimeter Center West
Sandy Springs, GA 30338

If you're reading this and thinking, "Gee, they have all the fun in Atlanta", there's good news--the I LOVE THRIFTING event is happening in various cities throughout the country! Be sure to check the website [www.ilovethrifting.com] to learn how you can join in on the fun.

Want to be photographed for the I LOVE THRIFTING website? Be sure to order a t-shirt and show your support! Click here for more details.

"NEW" FURNITURE

2011-06-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

Two great things happened this weekend. The first is that I picked up all of these great pieces of furniture.

Faux bamboo dining table with 2 leaves. I ended up selling my black pedestal table AND chairs from my eat-in kitchen (not the Bentwood ones) on Craigslist this weekend & plan on refinishing this one to take its place. I love the versatility the leaves provide--perfect for those times when I have extra company!

Not your run-of-the-mill Ginger Jar lamps, this is a large scaled pair with brass bases for a distinctly Asian flair. Will look amazing once sprayed.

This faux bamboo buffet looks like it may have been a mate to the table and has great storage behind the doors. It's solid, heavy, and I actually like the hardware (if you didn't get the hint, I'm obsessed with faux bamboo!). Might use it as a buffet, might not.

A classic, easy to refinish piece that I plan on using as a TV console in my living room. The inlay makes me excited.

And I found these things for my sister's place:

Rolled arm bench

A pair of American by Martensville mid-century nightstands/end tables for her living room.

Clearly I've been busy.

The second great thing that happened is that I finally got my air condition repaired after being broken for about 4 weeks. All of you Atlanta folks know that we've been in a bit of a heat wave, so you can imagine what it's been like for me over here. About 3 weeks in I had myself psyched out that it wasnt' that bad, but I sure am thankful that it's back working now. I'm finally in the mood to start painting, so I'm looking forward to getting some of these projects knocked out over the coming weeks.

Who else found some treasures over the weekend??

FOR SALE!

2011-06-06T06:00:00.001-04:00

I added a pair of my all time favorite lamps to my Etsy store this weekend. The lamps are vintage (of course), and sport this amazingly unique egg shape. The lamps measure 20.5" (height to socket) and 34" diameter--click here to see more!

Also, I'm guest posting over at Lori May Interiors and sharing one of my favorite projects while Lori takes a mini summer vacation. Want to know which project I picked?? Follow me over to Lori's to find out!

Before & After: Modern Dresser

2011-05-31T06:00:00.004-04:00

You may remember this as the dresser I used for my RSA room redesign at Nicholas House. When my first dresser choice fell through, I quickly found this substitute on Craigslist for only $40! After talking to the seller, I knew that it was sturdy and the perfect piece for a room that would get a lot of wear & tear.

I started by lightly sanding the top of the dresser with my electric sander and then used my sprayer to apply 2 coats of Kilz primer, following it up with 3 coats of white hi-gloss latex enamel. For the last few months, my go-to white paint has been Royal Interior/Exterior, which is the house brand sold by Ace Hardware. I've found that the Ultra White is the perfect crisp white that holds up very well at a great price (I also like the high-gloss Black).

Whenever possible, I like to allow my furniture to cure for a minimum of 3 days to ensure that the paint doesn't lift, peel, or scratch once it comes in contact with lamps, cups, trays, etc. After a few days of drying in the garage it was ready to go--and quite the transformation for a $40 find.

EXCITING PRESS!

2011-05-30T06:00:00.005-04:00

I'm still recovering from the wedding I coordinated this weekend, but I wanted to share with you 2 pieces of really exciting press I received last week.
#1
Erika & I are featured in the June issue of Atlanta Magazine in discussing our work with Room Service Atlanta!! This has all been very exciting, and I consider it quite an accomplishment for our first time around the block. Special thanks to Sherry Hart of Design Indulgence who put these wheels in motion.

If you subscribe (or pick up) the magazine, check us out on page 58!

My refinished Bentwood chairs were featured on Design Sponge last week! I didn't realize they were going to be featured but was surprised (and happy) to see them front and center on Thursday.

Click here to see more on this feature.

I really want to start working on some before & after tips this week, so hopefully I can rest up enough to start tomorrow off with a bang. In the meantime, enjoy your Memorial Day, & don't forget to take a moment to honor those servicemen & women who've died in pursuit of our freedom!

**ALSO, PLEASE CHECK MY ETSY STORE FOR NEW LISTINGS! I CURRENTLY HAVE A VINTAGE FAUX BAMBOO MIRROR AVAILABLE PLUS A PAIR OF MID-CENTURY MODERN LAMPS. PICK THEM UP BEFORE THEY'RE GONE!**

Success

2011-05-26T06:00:00.001-04:00

The party last night was a huge hit. Runaway success. People stayed so long that our manager friends had to cut the lights out to get them to go home. And then we had a mini-after party in the back room with the MG+BW staff that was so funny, I unfortunately can't even share it all with you. To say it simply, my cup runneth over. I'm so grateful to Ben Collins, owner of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Atlanta (in addition to MG+BW Dallas & MG+BW Nashville) who enthusiastically partnered with us and his amazing team (Jonathan, Hayley, Claudia, Abby, & Jennifer) who all worked so tirelessly to help make this event a success. The energy was really electric--everyone who came was genuinely impressed with our mission at Room Service Atlanta and blown away by the work we accomplished at the Nicholas House. I'm exhausted & still swamped with work (Can you believe I'm the coordinator for a wedding that's taking place this Friday/Saturday??!), but I wanted to share some pics while this is still fresh on my mind. If you're here in Atlanta and missed the party, you might get sad looking at these. The was one of the most supportive, encouraging party crowds I've seen! And if you've never had a cake pop from Candy Cake Company, I feel bad for you.

Heaven on a stick

Here's a pictorial of our evening:

Jonathan White (Manager) & Ben Collins (Owner)

Jonathan & MG+BW Atlanta staff

My sister, Bahiyah & friends who came out to support (sister is far right)!

Rhoda (Southern Hospitality), Renae (Renae Moore Designs) & Angela (The Painted House)

Marcus & I--a good friend who always keeps me cracking up!

Dennis Bowman, Executive Director of Nicholas House addressing crowd

Kelli Flournoy & Niya Mc Iver of Candy Cake Company

Rashon Carraway (Mr.GWHunting) made it all the way from South Carolina!

Anisa & Julie (Milk & Honey Home)

Ili & Courtney (Terra Cotta Properties)

Rashon & Dorothy, manager of Calico Corners Dunwoody

My sis & I

Mini "after-party"

Erika, Dennis, & myself

**If you shop MG+BW Atlanta this weekend (thru Sunday) and mention Room Service Atlanta, 20% of your full price purchase goes back to our organization, so now's a great time to go buy that new couch and let your money do double service!**

I'll See You There!

2011-05-25T07:37:00.000-04:00

The day is finally here!! I've been busily working on final details for our Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams party and I'm excited to see all of you tonight! If you're in the Atlanta area, it's still not too late for you to attend. Join us from 5-7pm tonight at the MGBW Atlanta showroom as we celebrate our success with our first Room Service Atlanta project and our new partnership with MGBW Atlanta!! We'll have bites, drinks, and after-work fun, so don't miss it--I'll see you there!

Vintage Lamps & Faux Bamboo

2011-05-23T06:00:00.002-04:00

I figured it's high time I got back to my Etsy store, and my first listing features a very popular vintage mirror!

You may remember this faux bamboo mirror I found last year--well I've found a second one, and it's now for sale! I debated about freshening it up with paint, but I love the versatility it gives in its original faux-finished state. Here are 2 of my favorite images using this same mirror:

via House Beautiful
It's priced at less than 50% of what other vendors are selling it for, so get it before someone else does! I still have the other matching mirror, but for now only one is for sale. If you reeeeaaalllyy need two, email me.

And I'm also selling these amazing vintage ceramic & chrome lamps--perfect working condition & one-of-a-kind! See my listings at my Etsy store, Vintage Styled Home, for more details.

*UPDATE*: THE LAMPS HAVE SOLD, SO ONLY THE MIRROR IS LEFT.
*UPDATE*: THE MIRROR HAS SOLD TOO--THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST!!

Lee Kleinhelter's Office in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

2011-05-19T06:00:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was one of those rare days where I got home and my mailbox was packed with 5 glossy new mags. In the mix was the latest edition of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles which had a little sumthin' special in the back--a look at Kevin & Lee Kleinhelter's new office space. I. AM. IN. LOVE. Chic, modern, & clean, it's classic Lee that makes you just want to sit down at that desk and do something.

Photo: David Christensen

Jaw-dropping, I think. And since we've all seen so much of Lee's fabulous Atlanta condo, here's a look at some of my favorite pieces from her current store inventory...

See more from her store, Pieces, here. This June issue was extra-fab because it also had a great feature on my boss, Brian Patrick Flynn his production company, Flynnside Out. I'm excited to see my folks doing big things! Definitely pick up the latest issue, if you don't already subscribe...

Mentioned in House & Home Magazine!

2011-05-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

House & Home is one of my favorite shelter mags. I could've swore it used to be called Canadian House & Home, which is how I often refer to it, but it seems like there's been a change over the last year. I can tell you that while the name may have changed, the quality of the mag has not. A subscription isn't cheap (for us US-based folk, it's about $55/year), but it's a must-have in my book. Getting that magazine in the mail is always a highlight of my month, because you always get juicy images like these:

Photo: Robin Stubbert

Design: Kelly Deck Photo: Janis Nicolay

Design: Timothy Mather Photo: Ted Yarwood

So imagine my surprise when I got a tweet saying that my tip for budget decorating was featured in one of their articles--so excited!

Click here to see the full article!

STRAP ON YOUR PARTY SHOES & JOIN US!

2011-05-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

Join us at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Atlanta as they host a congratulatory fete for Room Service Atlanta!

When: May 25th, 5-7pm
Where: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, 3081 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta 30305
Why: Come support us as we celebrate our first success with the Nicholas House project & discuss our plans for the future!

Please make sure to RSVP to: hayley@mgbwatlanta.com. Want to find out how you can partner with RSA? Come hear about our upcoming events for the Fall!

Hope to see you on the 25th!

The Power of Paint & Custom Drapery: A Nursery Design

2011-05-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure if I should call this an office redesign or a nursery design, but either way, it's the visual story of the little home office that became a nursery. A few months back I started working with a client to design her nursery, which turned into a bathroom & bonus room redesign. We're fiinnnally hitting the home stretch, so I had my photographer Christina Wedge come by and take a few snaps of the semi-final space. We only took a few shots (we're going back to shoot more), but I thought I'd share a bit of what I've done.

I used their existing furniture & bedding and worked within their color palette to throw in special touches where possible. The room has french doors behind the dresser which the family wanted completely covered for security & privacy, so I created a wall of custom pinch-pleat drapery using basic Ikea Ritva panels lined with blackout fabric and a border at the top. After changing the hardware, adding new lighting (including one of my favorite light fixtures from Ikea), custom artwork, a new ivory shag rug, a refinished side table, and new paint, it was a completely different room--especially when it started out like this...

More pics coming soon!

TGIF.

2011-05-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

     Style at Home
Always getting what you ask for in a negotiation--always hearing yes and never risking no--means that you never ask for enough. Excessive caution, rather than protecting you from rejection or losing face, can actually prevent you from getting all that you're worth, all that you deserve, and all that's available...When you aim high in a negotiation, you adjust other people's perceptions of you...You communicate that you expect to be treated fairly and that you're willing to stand up for yourself...Life will open doors a little more easily to you, and it's worth hearing no now and then for that, isn't it?
   -Linda Babcock & Sara Laschever,
     Ask for it: How Women Can Use The Power of Negotiation to Get
   What They Really Want (excerpt from O Magazine)

The Dresser I'm Dying Over

2011-05-04T06:00:00.039-04:00

This one definitely ranks in my top 10! I'm dying over my newest find, this vintage Baker dresser that's the perfect combination of Modern & Asian.

I fell in love with this dresser for 2 reasons: (1) those lines & fabulous feet and, (2) the original (heavy) brass hardware. I don't think it would even come close to looking the same without this hardware--there's really not much to it, but in its classically chic shape, it's just enough. The dresser reminds me a bit of what this Jonathan Adler dresser...

and this 1st Dibs find...

would look like if they had a baby. The dresser looks like it's wrapped or embossed with some sort of finish, but I'm not quite sure what to call it. If any of you know what it is, please drop me a line because I've never before run across anything like it! I did a bit of research and found this coffee table from Pieces that looks like it's from the same line because of that rare (embossed??) finish.

I'm desperately in need of dresser for my bedroom so the plan, at least for now, is to use this piece for storage and as a console for my tv. My goal is to design it using 90% vintage/secondhand finds and slowly but surely, my plan is coming together. So excited about this score.

Room Service Atlanta: The Big Reveal

2011-05-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

So 25 hours of hard labor, about $800 dollars, and 8 volunteers turned my view-less room at the Nicholas House into this:

ugh--that darn shade...
And I have a secret--I didn't actually come up with this plan until the Saturday before the install began, which was really pushing it. My first plan to have duvets made by my seamstress didn't work out (even though I'd already purchased the fabric!), so I hatched my next one in the aisles of Target's home section. Here's what I used:

paint: SW Proper Grey
duvets: Ikea
sheets: Target
toss pillows: Target & Ikea
desk chair: Ikea
shelving: Ikea
baskets: ikea
storage boxes: Ikea
dresser: Craigslist
headboard: Goodwill
desk: mine (via Goodwill)
rug: Ikea
toy basket: Home Goods
mirror: mine (via Goodwill)
hooks: Ikea
overdoor storage: Lowe's
underbed storage: Ross & Walmart
chandelier: Ikea
bamboo blinds: Overstock
throw blanket: Target

As with all of the rooms, there was a serious storage problem, so the bulk of my money went to solving that problem. I bought 5 soft plastic underbed storage bags from places like Ross & Walmart and used those to store shoes, out of season items, and old comforters. The family also had some of their own storage bags, so I packed as much as I could into them and stored everything away under the beds. Wall baskets were reserved for daily items, pajamas, & underwear. 10 Hooks behind the door and 4 on the wall (next to the beds) now hold book bags, hanging clothes & towels, and the white storage boxes above the bed hold cleaning products, laundry items, bedding & towels. To brighten up the grey, I painted the bunkbed white (with the help of my fabulous volunteers) and did the same with the dresser, desk and headboard. The final result is rather simple, clean & relaxing and I'm really, really pleased with the way with my room turned out (especially given the spatial & financial constraints).

I know this is a long post--I have to say, I'm so proud of this group that Erika & I have put together and felt so inspired by the work that all of the designers came together to accomplish! We've had an incredible amount of positive feedback about our efforts and so many designers have already asked to sign on for our next project which we're already brainstorming about! We're happy to announce that Room Service Atlanta will be a twice per year venture and we're shooting for the stars. I left the shelter Friday feeling very emotionally overwhelmed after hearing the feedback from some of the residents and reading a beautiful note that Sherry's residents left for her. This project really helped to put things into perspective for me, but I think I speak for everyone else here, too. It's easy to forget that some people really do have it worse--like living 6 (or in Julie & Anisa's case, 10!) to a room that's about the size of a shoebox with a lot of personal items in a small space (or in some cases, very few personal items at all). So many people are really struggling right now, and it's really been fulfilling to be able to give back of a gift we've all been blessed with. There were definitely some challenges along the way, but everyone carried themselves with grace & humility throughout it. Julie & Anisa probably got it the worst--they arrived at the shelter Monday expecting to makeover a room for 3, only to find that the resident didn't want her room touched. They immediately signed on to do the largest room (housing a family of 10!!) on the spot, returning the new bed they'd purchased (for the other resident) and used that money for new bedding in the larger room. Now THAT's the perfect illustration of the type of team we had on board!

I know I've said it before, but thank you so much to those of you who donated to these efforts, whether it was specially to me or another designer involved with RSA. We ABSOLUTELY COULD NOT have done it without the financial contribution and hands-on volunteer support, and every little bit truly helped. By donating an hour of your time or $25 from your wallet, you helped us let 12 families know that they're important & valued by their community. Sincerely, thank you for everything.

Room Service Atlanta: Nothin' But Elbow Grease

2011-04-28T07:47:00.000-04:00

I am happy to say that the RSA installation at Nicholas House has been a great success so far! All of the Participating Designers showed up ready to work on Monday, and everyone has been diligently working their plans! I have seen some really amazing transformations taking place in the rooms, and I'm excited for you all to get a look at what our group has accomplished. As for me, I've been lucky to have some great volunteers on hand every day! Monday Tiffany Scales of Savor Home showed up to help me kick the week off, and we got off to a great start! Tiffany, who I met early last year while working at Restoration Hardware, was one of the first people who reached out to me about volunteering when we started RSA, and I was happy to have a chance to connect with her again! We started out by scrubbing the walls and baseboards (using some Mrs Meyers Lemon Verbena which smells amazing!) and applied a coat of SW Proper Grey to the walls, the color I selected for my plan.

The mirror, wall rack and dresser you see in the photo are all came out of the room. It was insufficient and barely hanging on!

Since the house is 108 years old, the walls consist of sheetrock on top of plaster on top of lath, which is quite a lot to work with. When we took the mirror down I also found that a layer of very old and super thick wallpaper had been thrown in somewhere in the mix. Dealing with the uneven walls proved quite the challenge, but the Paint Sticks donated by Home Right were just the thing we needed to make painting a cinch! David, who owns the marketing company that works with Home Right, even flew out from Utah to give us personal tutorials, video some testimonies, and volunteer his time to help us get the painting done! I was being a bit camera shy (although you can't tell from this video!), so David got the beautiful Tiffany on camera to give her tutorial. While we only got one wall painted, we finished the day with a great smelling room and good momentum for the remainder of the week.

Tuesday brought the help of my good friend Jenn, who quickly became my dawg when we worked together at Resto last year. Jenn's a new design blogger (check her blog out here)and in addition to being hilarious, she is also a work horse (she works 3 jobs!!), so I was honored that she took her one free day of the week to spend time helping me get my room together. The plan for the day was to get the room completely painted, but we ended up doing a little more after I mentioned that I'd like to paint the bunk beds. I didn't think it could be done in time, but Jenn's not one to back away from a challenge, so we spent the last part of the day laying down a fresh coat of crisp white paint. We ended the day feeling very accomplished, and I was ready to bring the big "new" pieces the following day.

(I had a better photo but i realized it gave too much away. You know I have to keep you all in suspense until next week!)

Wednesday Adrienne Coman, a local designer, muralist, and furniture refinisher (like myself!) came to assist me in addition to my can't-live-without-him contractor, David Cloak. Adrienne (who I know through Dorothy, a good friend who manages a local Calico Corners) spent the day putting the finishing touches on the bunk bed while I touched up my dresser and desk which were slightly scratched during delivery & install. David installed my bamboo roman shades, shelving, and new light fixture, and the major pieces in my plan are now complete! My plan is to spend Thursday touching up paint and installing a few accessories including hooks, baskets, lamps, rugs, etc.

I've really been blown away by what we've accomplished here! Everyone is working so, so hard and we're already hearing great feedback from the residents--I really think you guys will be impressed with what we've done. I can't wait to share the finished results!

Room Service Atlanta: Using Thrifted Furniture

2011-04-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

As promised, here's a peek at 3 pieces of furniture I'm refinishing for my RSA room at Nicholas House. As with most of the bedrooms, my room is super short on storage, so I searched for a solid & sturdy 9 drawer dresser to replace the tiny 5 drawer one they previously had. I found this on Craigslist for $40...

Aren't the lines amazing?? Very modern and very solid. The only downside is that it's very heavy, even without the drawers in, so getting it up the 2 flights of stairs is going to be quite the challenge. I also found these great faux bamboo (which you know I love!) headboards for only $16 at Goodwill this weekend, one of which will be attached to the adult bed (which is a twin) in the room. Total steal. I actually got 2 headboards (and no footboard) but at only $8 a piece, I'm not complaining!

Last is this desk that I've had in my garage forever. I love it & wanted to use it for something really special, but I've had it for over 2 years now and haven't done a thing to it. I know that the families that use my room will really make good use of it, so I'm donating it to the cause. The desk is also a Goodwill find that only set me back $22! Even though I'd already removed the hardware for prep when I took this photo, I love it's vintage style and will be keeping it (in it's original state) to reuse.

I was initially a bit concerned that the styles of furniture don't all go together, but after a coat of glossy white paint, I expect that everything will look great once it's in place in the room. Next week I'll be back to give you a full before & after and share some of my refinishing tips.

Wish us luck for Day 2!

Room Service Atlanta: Design Plan

2011-04-25T00:00:00.001-04:00

I've finally got a design plan that I'm 99% sure of! My room houses a mother and 2 children, so my main goal was to create a plan that was clean, relaxing, and neutral enough that the family that comes in after the current residents could still feel at home. Here's another look at my room, Room 5:

My room is the only one in this 108 year-old house that doesn't have an exterior window (only a window that faces a hallway--very weird) which kind of sucked. My original plan was to do a wall of drapery to cover the "window" situation, but we're unfortunately not allowed to use drapery due to the City of Atlanta fire code. This last minute info threw a wrench into my plan, but I came up with an alternative that I'm very pleased with!

Clearly everything here is not going in the room (like the nightstands and dresser from 1st dibs!), but I wanted to give you guys an idea of what I'm planning. Our installation starts today at 9am, so wish us all luck! Tomorrow I'll give you a sneak peek of two great pieces of furniture I bought this weekend and refinished for my room. And a great big HUGE thanks to those of you who so kindly contributed to our efforts! If you're still interested in donating, it's not too late, just click the link below.