Restoration Style Without the Price

So I have to say, I am obsessed with all things Restoration Hardware. I wish I could purchase the entire store and transplant it into my home. The linen, leather & industrial pieces are fantastic... but so are the prices. I know quality can come with a price, but sometimes it is nice to find a cost effective alternative.

I truly love the linen drapes from Restoration Hardware. They look phenomenal and have such great texture. That being said, I wanted to see if I could find an alternative that would not cost a fortune. I looked at multiple stores and online. I found linen curtain panels, but there was no comparison to the weight and textures of the originals.
Photo courtesy of http://www.restorationhardware.com.
  
While searching online, I came across multiple sites talking about using painters canvas drop cloths to achieve that linen look. I was very skeptical that anyone would be able to achieve anything close to the look or feel of the Restoration linen panels, with a painters drop cloth. So I decided to take a chance and see what it would look like.

I drove to the closest hardware/home improvement store and purchased two canvas drop cloths for less than $10 a piece... a far cry from the cost of a real linen panel. When I opened the package, the canvas material was so stiff it could literally stand on its own. I unpackaged everything and put them both in the washer, with a large amount of fabric softener. After washing and drying the first time, the fabric was still rough to the touch. I decided to repeat the process a second & third time. I was completely shocked at the transformation of this basic drop cloth... from a coarse unyielding fabric to very comfortable & relaxed texture.

Now on to the next decision... how to hang them.

I did not want to sew/hem anything. I just wanted this project to be as simple as possible. I decided to use curtain clip rings, to show a more relaxed/casual look. I debated on hanging the panel as it was and letting the excess fabric pool at the floor. I decided I wanted a more finished look at the top, so I experimented with several different ideas. I finally found one that worked. I took the canvas panel and folded over a length of the fabric (approximately 14"). I then folded the fabric back on itself, to create a valence look at the top of the panel (approximately 7" in length). I then used the curtain clips at equal intervals, to hold my folded canvas together. The result was exactly what I wanted.

So here are the photos of how I folded the canvas and the finished result. The light diffusing through the canvas, the way the fabric looks & drapes is just like the linen panels from Restoration Hardware. I hope you enjoy the finished product... I know I do.

My Redesigned French Dresser

I have been looking for a french provincial style dresser for years. I search Craigslist every week, just to see if I can find one that is under $300. A few weeks ago I got very lucky, I found one in town for just $120. I jumped at the opportunity to go look at it. The picture online did not provide very many details, but when I saw it in person... I had to have it.

The finish was horrible... stained, cigarette burns, missing chunks of wood, but it was solid maple. I purchased it on the spot. Now, how do I refinish it? I decided I wanted a weathered look... a complete departure from the rest of my furniture. I had researched different paints and finishes online and came across a product called Annie Sloan Chalk Paint & Wax. This paint claimed to do miracles...no stripping, no sanding, just paint it on & go.

I sanded the entire piece down, filled in the missing wood with wood filler & painted it a medium gray color that I custom mixed (See my next post for Making Your Own Chalk Paint). After the paint dried for 24 hours, I then applied the Annie Sloan Clear Wax to the entire piece. As soon as I was finished with the clear wax, I applied the Annie Sloan Dark Wax. You have to work in sections with the dark wax... applying and then wiping off as you go. After applying the dark wax, I then had to wait another 24 hours for the wax to cure. Once the wax was cured, I began to buff & polish the piece. This requires some elbow grease, but the finished product was well worth it.

This is the final result. I hope you like it as much as I do. After completing this project, I am ready for the next one. I am feeling a bit British inspired for my next project.

My Renewed Passion for Design!

So... I have been away for quite some time now. I have been so consumed with my day-to-day, I forgot to save time for me. There have been a lot of changes in the past few months. the best one being... a renewed passion for design.

That is why I have completely re-designed my page. I want to focus on more than just hollywood regency... although that is my personal favorite. There are so many great pieces of furniture and design ideas... I want to remember & share all of the great things I encounter each day.  I want this experience to be about sharing ideas and talking about the things that truly inspire me.

I hope you enjoy & I look forward to hearing from you!

The modern day King & Queen of Hollywood Regency Design.

While I have found lots of inspiration for this style on the web, none have been as compelling and impactful as Woodson & Rummerfield. During one of my first searches of Hollywood Regency, I came across a website advertising their store. I quickly decided I wanted to see what they were all about, so I went to their site and I was completely blown away.

Ron Woodson & Jaime Rummerfield have impeccable taste. They have an eye for this style that is second to none. I was so inspired by their take on Hollywood Regency style, I made time to visit their store while I was in Los Angeles on a business trip. All I can say is... WOW! The store was phenomenal, and the inspiration started from the moment I got out of my taxi. Striped awnings & an English garden lead the way to fantastic window displays... and all of this before I even entered the store. What was inside the building was completely amazing. Photo courtesy of http://www.wandrdesign.com.

You can check out their store at http://www.wandrlust.com/ or the design site at http://www.wandrdesign.com/about.html They have opened my eyes to colors and combinations that are truly amazing.

What is Hollywood Regency Style?

That is a very good question. It depends on where you get your information & what you read. This style has so many definitions, for the sake of our discussion here is mine: 

Hollywood Regency Style is mid century modern, meets asian, meets regency, meets french provincial, meets.... you get my point. It is an infusion of several styles in a way that evokes a sense of glamour & opulence. The style is eclectic, bold, simple; yet infused with color and exotic accents. This style is available to anyone on any budget... you just have to know what you are looking for, and what you like.

Now that I have added my two cents to defining this style, let's take a look and some of the inspirations I have come across during my exploration of Hollywood Regency Style.