5 tips for picking the right hardware, {or making your own}

May 29, 2014 Chelsea | StyleMutt Home

Hi guys! I just couldn't talk about choosing the right paint color for your piece, (see yesterday's post), without bringing up hardware. It's like accessorizing! Accessorizing...I used to accessorize in my previous life, BC, (before children). Anyways, I believe it's just as essential to choose the right hardware for your piece as it is the right color prior to refinishing. Here are some options!

1. Keep the original:

This is the easiest option, and sometimes the best! Whether the piece has such unique and specific hardware that you can't or don't want to replace it, or you're simply content with the hardware as-is, this option is fuss free and can be a beautiful choice.

2. Spray-paint the original hardware:

If you like the style of the hardware, but not the finish, just remove the hardware and lay it on a flat sheet of cardboard, shake a can of spray paint, and spray an even coat over all your pieces, (don't forget door hinges, too, if you have any). You don't even have to choose a flat color; there are various metallic spray paints available, too!

3. Paint the original hardware:

For a warm and cozy monochromatic look, you can also paint your hardware the same color as the piece. This is a popular choice with those wanting a vintage, french-country look.

4. Make your own:

Sometimes it's worth thinking outside of the box and using materials you have at home in place of hardware! Scrap fabric, leather belts, and sisal rope are a few materials I've used in place of hardware before. The great thing about trying this option is you can use the existing hardware holes rather than having to create new ones!

5. Buy brand-spankin new:

Sometimes you gotta take the plunge and it's totally worth it to do so. That happens. Just make sure to compare prices so you're finding the best deal. There are sources online that offer fantastic but inexpensive hardware. I've used ATG Stores online and Ebay, primarily.

If you've got more hardware ideas you'd like to share, (or fabulous sources for finding inexpensive hardware), please fill us in in a comment below!

Thank you for stopping by!

~Chelsea

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

Bold vs. Safe {5 tips on picking the right paint color}

May 28, 2014 Chelsea | StyleMutt Home

Hi friends! The topic for this post hit me hard the other day when I was staring at these two pieces, (both for the sale on June 7!), pondering how to refinish them.

Even those pieces which I intend to refinish and sell typically have a clear direction in plan from the moment I see them. It's either, "Oh yes. This will be a stunner in French Linen!" or "Spring Mint. Hands down." But every once in a while I'm as torn as trying to decide on which Ben & Jerry's masterpiece to bring home from 7-Eleven, (we've all been there; I'm not ashamed).

And I know a lot of you have had this predicament as well. I get this question weekly: What color? Whether it's your great-Aunt Nillie's curio cabinet or a worthless dresser you found for nothing at a yard sale, you face a big decision if you intend to have the piece refinished or refinish it yourself.

What color???

For anyone out there asking that question right now, or perhaps in the near future, here are a few tips off the top of my head that may ease your decision making process. Here we go, in no particular order:

1. Take some good photos of your space

and spend a bit of time looking over them. I think we see our rooms differently through pictures than in the day-to-day passings from room to room. The question of what color to paint a piece should start by assessing the space it will go. You may have seen a smear of Orange Sky by Benjamin Moore in House Beautiful and think it's a lovely shade of yellow, but can your space handle such a powerful color? Show your photos to a trust-worthy friend, (whose style and taste you admire), and ask their opinion. Fresh eyes are always helpful.

Helpful tip: Chelsea's Garage is a great source for fresh eyes. Send a photo of a space you'd like advice on, (whether it's help trying to decide on a paint color for a new piece or even furniture arrangement), and we'll reply quickly with our thoughts!

2. Do a Pinterest or Google Image search of similar pieces to yours, painted.

You may just see a photo that hits you deep within and you know that's the direction you want to go with your piece. When I saw this pink table by Holly of In the Fun Lane, I knew I wanted to do something similarly fun and bright in our otherwise neutral dining room, (keep reading)!

3. Give yourself a quick psyc exam:

Do you have a history of making big, bold style choices that have affected you positively and increased your confidence in your unique taste? If yes, then go bold! You can handle it so be brave and take the leap. If you're thinking, 'not so much', that's okay! Then there's no dilemma! Go easy on yourself and choose a soft neutral that you know you'll like. There is no sense in trying to like a look that you know isn't you.

For the neutral lovers out there, here are a few of my favorite Annie Sloan Chalk Paint neutrals:
Old White, (shown below), Paris Grey, French Linen, and Country Grey.

4. On the fence? Be bold and safe at the same time

with a color that works well as a neutral. When I decided I wanted to do a bright color in our otherwise neutral dining room, I chose this aqua, (Duck Egg by Annie Sloan Chalk Paint), because to me, it does work like a neutral. Colors that are very earthy and natural are like chameleons - you can slip them into just about any color scheme and make them work well.

Source: Apartment Therapy, (from our Home Tour)

Another color that I love using as a neutral is Chateau Grey, also by ASCP. It's the color of moss; you can't miss with that!

5. Let the piece speak for itself.

When I'm working on a true antique, I like to maintain its character by using a classic, soft neutral. This is one of the reasons I love working with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Annie Sloan has studied the history of color, primarily throughout Europe. If I'm going to paint over a rich piece that has stood the test of time, I like to respect the age and era it came from by using an equally rich and classic color.

Recognize this one from the first picture up top? It spoke loud and clear and I ended up using French Linen by Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

If you ever want some help deciding on a paint color for a piece of furniture, contact chelseasgarage@gmail.com; we're here to serve!

Thank you for stopping by!

~Chelsea

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

Peek-A-Week #5 {Two-Toned Table}

May 26, 2014 Cate | StyleMutt Home

Happy Memorial Day all! We are so thankful to all those who serve, have served, and gave their lives for our country. As a diplo-brat myself, I have had the honor of meeting a lot of wonderful service men and women in my travels. Wherever you are serving today, I hope that you are safe and know we at Chelsea's Garage are grateful for all that you have done.

For all you readers here on the "home front," I have another sneak-peak for you! Since the June 7th Garage Sale is also my debut, Chelsea and I thought I should do this week's peek-a-week.

Voila! A two-toned coffee table.

When I found this table at local thrift store, it was an outdated yellow mess. But underneath all that scratched-up polyurethane was a beautifully intricate weave design. So I applied my trusty Citristrip and let it do its magic. After a couple of hours, that polyurethane flaked right up and was easy to scrape off so I could stain the natural wood. You can see some pics of the process below.

From yellow to handsome-fellow (see what I did there ;)

I re-stained the top with a warm Colonial Maple Minwax stain and painted the trim and legs with a crisp white homemade chalk paint. I would have used some Annie Sloan Pure White, but I was too impatient to run out and get some. I did, on the other hand, have a generic flat white and some Plaster of Paris - the two key ingredients in a homemade chalk paint recipe I found on LiveLoveDIY.