Antique Table with refractory leaves has beautiful surface grain

this is the beautiful table that i was using for a cash wrap prior to the kitchen island showing up yesterday…

it is probably a crime that i was using this amazing piece for my desk.

it was always loaded with paper and catalogs and being used to wrap gifts….

i certainly did not do it justice.  it needs to sit majestically somewhere….a treasured piece of home decor!

quarter sawn oak top table
refractory table antique circa 1880

Now it will have a new life…

I have cleaned it off and placed it on the sales floor with its very own chair…i Brie waxed the top so it gleams.

the top grain is so beautiful and though it may be old it still looks amazing.

The legs make a  spectacular architectural statement too.

the table opens from 57″ to 110″  – its refractory leaves pull out of each side with a gentle tug

 it’s really just too pretty!

just the kind of piece an interior designer could build a room around!

Its the kind of once in a lifetime piece that i really wish i could just take home!

antique refractory table

it is an antique circa 1880 and i bought it for the shop because i thought the graining of the wood top

was the prettiest i’d seen…and i still love it!

antique table circa 1880

Nobody is allowed to put anything more on it!  (i think that means me).

  I just want to admire it while its still here!

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint – the marathon continues

This little table had a dark wood top…it really had style with those cute legs so I decided to just paint the top with some Annie Sloan Pure White.

I left the legs the way they were – so here is the table with the Pure White on it.

Chaulk Paint
Table with Annie Sloan Pure White top

I waxed it with the clear wax and then applied a little dark wax then distressed it.

Last i hit it with some of the gilding wax then distressed it some more…

Now it has a whole new life!

Love it!

Small Painted Table – Annie Sloan Chaulk Paint

I also worked on this standing mirror…it had a lot of “design” potential!

chaulk paint

One of the reasons i selected this piece to paint was because of the beautiful wood carved crown at the top…

and the way this mirror resembled a “boiserie” panel…

The way i envisioned painting this piece i knew that its architecture would  be greatly enhanced by using two colors to create a contrast.

I knew that using an alternate color on the crown and on the inset panel would work beautifully

and that connecting them by hitting part of the molding with the contrast color would be very pleasing to the eye.

So, i decided to use Paris Grey and Pure White.

Here’s the crown with a little Paris Grey which i purposely slapped on so it didnt cover all the dark wood.

Later i put some Pure White sloppily over the Paris Grey – i didnt care about covering since i knew i would distress it heavily later.

Crown Top of Standing Mirror with Paris Grey coat of Annie Sloan Paint

Originally it was also part of my plan to highlight this piece with some gold wax accents.

  However, a customer came into the shop

while i was working on it and asked me not to put the gold on until she saw it finished with just the white and grey…

she thought it might work for her  just that way…so i will have to wait until tomorrow when she comes in to see whether it will go home with her sans gold wax..

Here it is BEFORE distressing…

Annie Sloan Chaulk Paint
Standing Mirror in Paris Grey and Pure White before distressing

I painted the body of the piece all Pure White then applied the Paris Grey over only the molding and on the inset.

I did that because i knew when i distressed it i would get the dark brown and the white thru the grey.

Paris Grey and Pure White
Annie Sloan Paint on Mirror before distressing

Here is the boiserie mirror after distressing…I am just dying to highlight it with gilding wax!

chaulk paint
Standing Mirror wearing Annie Sloan Chaulk Paint

Here’s some close ups of the details of the newly antique mirror!

Chaulk Paint
Standing Mirror Top Detail
Annie Sloan Paris Grey and Pure White

When i am painting i find myself working on a lot of projects at once…

if i have a can of paint open i generally use it on as many pieces as i can so i dont have to open/close the paint, clean the brush etc.

it may be that i am just lazy…. but i think its a good idea to use the paint on something else while the can is open…

so here’s a little mirror that i also worked on!

Chaulk Paint
Oval Mirror Before Annie Sloan Pure White

This distressed mirror was a brownish/cordovan kind of a color with some gold in the corners.

I just went ahead and coated the whole frame with Annie Sloan Pure White, Clear waxed it, distressed it and then

hit it with some of the gilding wax.

Annie Sloan Chaulk Paint
Oval Mirror Annie Sloan Pure White Chaulk Paint

Here it is all done and ready for me to put in Little Paris so perfect for my shabby chic shop!

The Annie Sloan Chaulk Paint has been a pleasure to work with and i am loving

all the new decor created…a very good product for interior design!

The Great Annie Sloan Paint Experiment

I decided to experiment with the Annie Sloan paints…

so i bought some Paris Grey and some Clear Wax and have been painting everything in sight for the last couple of days…

out in front of The Whistling Elk in the courtyard.

Painted furniture
Round Table Painted with Annie Sloan Paint

This is actually a before shot….

The bottom legs/skirt etc has  been coated with Annie Sloan “Paris Grey” while the top has an old coat of a beige tone benjamin moore paint on it.

Originally this table had a dark stain on it.  It has been hanging around for a while and was pretty beat up.

When i selected it to experiment with i thought it might be fun because when distressed it would show the dark stain thru the beige…and the Paris Grey.

Annie Sloan Paint

I also selected this table because it has nice detail for painting.  The top has a raised pattern to it around the edges which

is separated from the center by two circular grooves which i plan to gild. And, the little finial

at the bottom of the leg stretchers is screaming out for gold…

So with my design plan in my head and the brush in my hand, the Annie Sloan paint went on easily and covered well…waxing was easy too.

annie sloan paint
Painted Table with Fleur de Lis

After sanding the table and distressing it to the level i desired i painted a fleur de lis on top with some antique gold paint i had around

and also put the gold in the round grooves and on the outer edges of the table.

Then i waxed it again…

The next day I sanded it down again, distressing the gold paint and the fleur de lis.

I sanded some spots down to the very dark stain but decided i didnt like what i had so repainted/waxed some spots and re-distressed.

I actually really like the soft beige coming thru the Paris Grey.

I also decided not to distress to strongly overall as i liked the softness of the look.  So, when i was satisfied with what i had i  waxed it one last time.  The next day i buffed it out.

Annie Sloan Paint – Table and Chairs

I had these two upholstered chairs so i painted and distressed the chair legs to go with the table!

It was easy – paint, wax, sand/distress, wax….Voila!

So Very, Very Shabby Chic and perfect for  Little Paris!!

Painted Table and chairs

here’s what the chair legs looked like before…

Annie Sloan paint on chair legs

So the bottom line is that i am enjoying the whole process and having lots of fun with the Annie Sloan Paints!

Stay tuned because i hateto waste time so have been painting on other little projects which are coming along…

Desk ? Vanity ? Identity Crisis makes for elegant, sleek design

This amazing piece of furniture arrived on Friday. 

desk with french leg
Note to Self Desk...or Vanity

It came along with the sofa that i recently blogged about…you know the one i waited all day for…that was so late in arriving…

I was so excited about the sofa that I didn’t unpack the desk right away. 

 Yesterday we brought it up to the shop floor of  The Whistling Elk  and put it together.  It’s gorgeous. 

Desk with french leg
Vanity or Desk elegant and sleek

Top down…its a beautiful desk…

Raise the top and voila its an amazing vanity with a beveled mirror!

No real identity crisis here – just imaginative design. 

The legs are metal with a silver finish that looks fabulous – sleek and elegant satin finish French legs.  OOh la la!

The entire top is ivory with a patterned art finish in a soft gray which resembles wallpaper.

Gray patterned vanity or desk
Vanity / Desk with slide out shelves on sides

 Originally I was thinking this piece would be placed somewhere in  Little Paris as it looks very French and very sophisticated

but it’s going to look amazing anywhere in the shop or in your home for that matter! 

When  I purchased this piece of furniture I must have been in  a hurry or something because i didn’t realize that the middle section of the top was hinged

 and raised upward to reveal a beveled mirror…creating a vanity.  I must be slipping…I did order it from a catalog picture — something that i RARELY do. 

 But all’s well when its a happy  and beautiful surprise.

Desk
Desk top seen from the back

The name of this desk/vanity is Note to Self….how appropriate!

Patterned Desk Top
Wallpaper Pattern on top of vanity

What a beautiful and clever design which will elevate the décor in any room.

Accessories on Desk Top
Note to Self Desk Vanity

Painting Fleur de Lis Stencils for a Romantic Room Design

wall design
Fleur de lis stencil for the wall design

Here on my desk is my lastest project for a client.  We are going to paint fleur de lis designs randomly on her office walls.  I cut this Fleur de lis stencil when i painted the Paris Boudoir in Little Paris shop.

In order to give my client some choices for how the fleur de lis will look i first painted some copy paper with the wall color (2 coats)…

wall design fleur de lis stencil
fleur de lis stencil with modern masters 14k gold metallic paint

Then i stenciled the fleur le lis design over the paint three different ways.   The first (above) is stenciled with just full strength modern masters 14k metallic gold paint.

For the 2nd sample of the wall design i mxed the 14k metallic gold with glaze to make it more transparent.

wall design painting
fleur de lis stencil with modern masters 14k mettallic gold mixed with glaze for a room wall design

Lastly, I added some paint crystals to the 14kgold/glaze mixture (below).  This gives the fleur de lis a glittery effect.

The glitter will catch the light and sparkle – its a faint effect so you actually wonder if you are really seeing it!  Love it!

wall design
fleur de lis with paint crystals

Voila !  Beautiful effect -so easy to do and painted randomly around the room makes a completely original wall design!

 PS….I have little sparkles all over me (from the paint crystals)….its like fairy dust maybe it will bring me luck today at The Whistling Elk.

bling lovin girl

Whether its on a little fabric covered box like this or  on a chandelier ya gotta luv bling!

it makes a little jewlery pouch special…

or jazzes up a little perfume tester tray…

and pretty ribbons add feminine bling!

you can never have too much bling!

the shop still looks pretty…we still have gifts for all!

It’s still christmas here at The Whistling Elk and Little Paris…things are still sparkling!

and vibrant and happy colours are everywhere….

The bedroom is all dressed for Christmas….so inviting!

pretty soon it will all be over again, sigh, i will miss it!

Today is the LITTLE PARIS Grand Opening Party

It may be cold and windy outside today

but it is warm and beautiful and cozy inside Little Paris….and today is the big day!

the GRAND OPENING PARTY!!

We put a pretty christmas tree in

our Paris B oudoir decorated in pinks, blues and silvery garlands!

We’ll be serving champage, madeleines and petite palmiers

tonight at the Party.  Ooh la la!

The Bling Bling Fairy from Mark Roberts 2010 Fairy Collection

 sits atop our tree clutching his handful of pearls and sparkly jewels!

Little Paris Opens Quietly Today!!

Well, today was the day!

We opened Little Paris to the public – we still have a few kinks to work out but we decided to go ahead and softly greet the world!

Here’s a little virtual tour….its better to click on each picture to see everything – I didnt want to shrink them too much!

Have fun!   Here’s the entrance foyer/staircase.

Going up the regal staircase…

Looking up the staircase into the French Country Estate Room. 

The Paris Boudoir

Remember this Vanity that we purchased in June, I think…

There are two of these prints in Little Paris….so amazing! 

venice window pictures


This next series of pictures is from our Paris Apartment Room

We are calling this last room the French Country Estate Room…

as it just kinda took on its own easy going relaxed  feeling.

Well, that’s it….I will finish up the details and have the Grand Opening in Early September!!

I want to move into my little Paris Apartment…

The bedroom portion of the Paris Apartment room is almost complete.  I finished the window treatments last night. 

 The cornice box is made of cardboard and painted with a white texture paint.  I love the light feeling of this room!

These pastel vases are so pretty!

  I would love to put them on my vanity.

Compassion….

Little Paris Boudoir nearing completion!

the window treatments for the Paris Boudoir windows are almost complete…i have a few touches to add to the cornice boxes…but that is a surprise!

Last night I hung  readymade (!!) sheers which i trimmed with a 5″ bullion fringe and the drapes which are a beautiful striped silk  trimmed with a ball tassel beaded fringe…i must have fiddled with them for an hour  to get a look i liked…i got in these pretty little crown buckles and they look fabulous on the cord that i used to hold the drapes back…in the picture i have them scotch taped on (sorry bout that) – after i decided i liked it i attached them better!!!

My mom sewed all the pillow cases for the bedding…she does a beautiful job!  These are all Fabricut fabrics and the pillows are all filled with a 90/10 down fill – very nice and squishy! The beaded tassel fring is Robert Allen and the bullion fringe is from Brimar.  The little tassel at the top right corner is Trimland.

Under our beautiful casual swag (also made by my mom, Pat) I hung an shaped mirror that has a very vintage feeling.  

excuses, excuses

OK, I have been hibernating…at least that is my excuse for not keeping you uptodate…

I have been working on Little Paris a minute here and a minute there

…painting, organizing, moving things (that i shouldn’t be), planning etc.  Task by task i am getting there….

heres a few pictures -first  my ceiling medalion in the Paris Boudoir

 
 
K now for excuse #2 – my camera is on the blink…so the picture quality is not going to be pristine….sigh.

Here’s some images of the staircase that i have been adding to daily!

I freehand painted this railing using a stencil for the little gold details – my yardstick and

tiny little paintbrush were my best friends! I added the swirl on top of the railing yesterday – i really love it!

This swag will hang at the head of the bed with side draperies…

and finally, i am ready to hang these cornice boxes over the windows….

they are made of cardboard with wood trim and a little texture paint.  

There is a crown for the top middle but i havent attached it as yet.

Stay cool!

The devil in the details!

I’m still painting!

Yes, the devil is in the details…but if you want perfection – ya gotta go for it!

Had my mom cut me a few stencils from architectural pictures i collected…then used parts of them randomly.

Here’s the beginning of the faux iron staircase railings!

Just finished drawing this in today and will start painting on it tomorrow!

Happy Fourth!

Everyone needs a little pink

I just finished painting the “Paris Apartment” in our Little Paris shop…

it’s a beautiful shade of pink called Cotton Candy!

 If you ever told me i’d be painting pink walls in any room of mine – I’d have laughed….

but yes people can change and adapt.  I really love it.

Here’s some pink inspiration for you!

 

via http://bellafayegarden.tumblr.com

Yes I am truly loving the pink!!!

So now two rooms of Little Paris are on their way to completion….

Happy Father’s Day all.

New artwork just arrived at The Whistling Elk

Yesterday we got in a large shipment of artwork….

here’s a pretty piece that would fit right into our Little Paris shop….

These next several pieces are all very Whistling Elk….very tuscan – rich colors – warm and cozy…

 

This pretty picture is a favorite already….it will be hard to part with it!

And i usually dont buy art featuring people!

Switching gears a little – here are some smaller pictures exquisitely framed….great for little groupings with other architectural details mixed in

The two pictures following are amazing – they are 4′ x 6′ – very impressive! 

They make you feel like you are right there on the patio!

 

There is more but you will have to come and see!

Paris boudoir gets a fresh coat of paint

So i just finished priming the walls of the Paris Boudoir!  

This brings Little Paris a step closer to opening day.   Painting is great therapy…

you can think about anything you want and get the job done at the same time

with very satisfying results.

Now I have the final coat of ADAGIO on – if I was in love with this color before NOW i am over the top!

It’s beautiful, soft, inviting, soothing and the perfect backdrop for the furnishings

set to go into the Paris Boudoir.

The mantel too is ready for gilding and for the appliques that will be strategically placed on it.  Tomorrow.

Dont you just love the little red cup…I guess painting is thirsty work!

Benjamin Moore’s Adagio is greyer when well lit by daylight and bluer in the evening when the sun sets.  A very

adapatable color.  Enjoy your Sunday – I’ll be painting later after closing…

Feeling very proud….

Hope everyone is enjoying this Memorial Day Weekend and honoring our troops.  It’s been beautiful here (for a change)! 

I am sitting in the shop right now looking out, just finished putting the final touches on my new website for

 The Whistling Elk and published.   Yah!

I am so amazed at myself….although i had a website for The Whistling Elk for 20 years – this is the very first one that

I actually built by myself… https://elegantparis.wordpress.com

i still have a few kinks to work out….like my photo gallery needs to get redone in a slideshow…but i

have yet to figure that out!  Maybe tomorrow.

Enjoy whatever you are doing today!

Window treatments enhance the beauty of a room

I’ve been busy installing window treatments for clients this week….here are some of my favorites.

This goblet pleat panel is trimmed with rouche (brush fringe).  It’s a trellis pattern silk from Fabricut and the color works

so nicely with the wall color in this dining room.  These panels just frame a very large series of windows (almost 12′ across).   I wish i had taken a close up of the hardware which is amore…the rod is a

rustic brown and the finials and rings are an antique iron finish.  I love this hardware!

This casual swag below is in a beautiful master bathroom….it fits right in with the elegance of the room!  It’s a trend fabric

 with an RM Coco beaded tassel trim.  The beads are almost black and add a little glitz!

 

I did take some close ups of this one….

 

 

 

Installing these treatments has made me impatient to start the sewing projects for Little Paris….I have some of the fabrics

 and trims already – its so hard to keep myself on track.  I want to move ahead but have to keep reminding myself “all

 things in good time!”

Surrounded by beauty

Good Evening…I’m so worn out from spending hours and hours and hours on website creation…so much

uploading and design work!  I needed a break so i thought i’d just upload a picture here and say hi…i sold the painting in

the background and i still miss seeing it in the shop!  It’s so gratifying to have pictures that

remind you of such beauty. 

 

Shabby chic shutters speak to casual elegance

Old shutters and doors look fabulous to me…whether you just lean them somewhere or nail them to the wall – like i did in my bedroom!  (I’m all for easy installation).  These are just “leanin” in the shop right now! 

They are such a great color…very shabby chic and rustic (actually the more beat up they are the better i like them) These could work in a formal setting too.  Just love their ambience and style.  

These would be swell in the Paris Boudoir or the Paris Apartment in our new “Little Paris”….but sigh…we wont be open til September…and they are here now.