My cozy auto-shop chair

Ok, here's the thing. If you are passionate about refinishing furniture then you probably notice furniture everywhere. Sometimes it's not even a conscious effort to find furniture; it's just there.

This is basically how I came about a battered, bug crawling chair a few weeks ago. I, (and my 3 toddlers), had to go get our van inspected and while we were waiting outside, (picking a bazillion dandelions), I noticed this tattered chair up against the concrete wall of the building. I noticed it because of the wood. It was perfection.

 Gray and textured from spending who knows how long outside. The seat was a mess, as you can see, and the entire thing was covered in cobwebs. But it was solid as a rock. When I inquired about this chair upon check-out I'm pretty sure the guy had no idea what I was talking about, so we took it for free! I didn't get a before before picture. This was after a good scrub and hose down. But the seat speaks for itself. You can't see the colony of stinkbugs that were occupying that tattered cushion at the time of this picture. Grossness. 

Before

After

I replaced the seat and cushion completely. Not only was the original in pretty hopeless shape, I didn't want to risk bringing any stinkbugs inside!

The fabric is so soft. Not sure what it is, but when I touched it I grabbed it and checked out, (JoAnns).

This little reading chair is just the first of a few changes I'm making in our room. It'll be a bit of a process as I swap a few things around and get a few pieces painted, (not the bedroom suite, Grandma Livi, not to worry!). I'll share pictures once it's done but until then just know that it's really coming together beautifully in my head ;) 

Tomorrow is a new painting technique reveal, (if I can get decent pictures in time!), and an exciting event happening this coming weekend for local friends!

Thank you for reading!

~Chelsea

This post was originally featured under Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.

Custom match

When owning/working a creative business I don't think there is anything more flattering than repeat business. At least that's how I feel. It means a lot to me when someone is so pleased with a piece I have finished that they come back for more. I remember the first time someone wanted another piece from me - I was so thrilled I would have given it away! 

I recently had such a request from a very kind client who drives a solid 45 minutes from her home to mine. Last fall she bought this china cabinet which I had finished in Paris Grey and Old White - both by Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

A couple weeks ago she dropped off a coffee table which she wanted to have finished to match her china cabinet.

The finished product

The entire piece is covered in a thick layer of Paris Grey, with a thinner layer of Old white on top. I gently distressed the top layer of Old White using a fine sanding sponge to show peeks of the pretty grey. The insides of the drawers, however, I left in just Paris Grey, same as I did with the inside of the hutch.

Both pieces will bask in her sunroom; so dreamy! 

Do you have any beloved pieces which you'd like to give a fresh look so you can truly enjoy them? Email me at chelseasgarage@gmail.com! I'd love to hear your ideas and turn them into reality.:)

~Chelsea

This post was originally featured under Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.

For my doubting husband: Decorating with antlers

So, a few weekends ago my husband, Matt, and I spent a beautifulperfectwonderful weekend away in Harpers Ferry, WV. We had perfect weather, a beautiful place to stay, (the Anglers Inn B&B), hiked the Appalachian Trail to a breathtaking overlook, played Yahtzee, and spent time being lazy and enjoying each other's uninterrupted company.

Our reward after a good climb: the Maryland Heights cliff overlooks the quaint town of Harper's Ferry.

When one of our afternoons slowed down and we had already taken a little nap on the porch swing, we ventured over to the Pickers Paradise flea market. Since we arrived near closing time there wasn't much left.

Then I found antlers. Could. Not. Contain my excitement. Matt couldn't contain his disbelief that I would want antlers.

So around and around we went. I couldn't make him picture how they could look in our home. And for all of his amazing gifts and talents, seeing potential in certain objects isn't a particular strong suite of his. Sorry, love, but you know it's not.:) After I bargained the price of my antlers from $10 to $7, I won him over. Well, won might be a strong word. He still wasn't thrilled. But he (halfheartedly) agreed to take a picture of me with my prize.

Meet my 8-point buck for less than 8 bucks

So, I am still working on bringing my antlers up to par with the decor in our home. In the mean time, I thought I would share some inspiring photos of how others have accented their homes with antlers. I like these pictures because the spaces are not overly rustic or even remotely themed around hunting and game. Yet, the antlers work. They're architectural and interesting.

Sally Wheat Interiors

Allikas

Angie Helm Interiors

Domino

Domino

In the Fun Lane

Pink Wallpaper

Pinterest 

Not into the real thing? :)

Eye for Design

So, what do YOU think about antlers? Decorating-do or decorating-don't, (all opinions are welcome)? More importantly, what do you think, Matt? :)

I'll be sure to show you how we, (I), fit the antlers into our home as soon as they're done!

Have a wonderful weekend!

~Chelsea

This post was originally featured under Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.