My Weekend Plans

I don't think I've mentioned my rather exciting weekend plans. These particular weekend plans have me feeling something like this...

Yep, I'm pretty pumped. So, what are my weekend plans? Well, I'm off to the beautiful city of Vancouver for the Interior Design Show (West), and I get to meet a whole bunch of blogger friends! That is certainly exciting in itself, but I'm also looking forward to the little break I'll get from the regular, day-to-day responsibilities of motherhood. To be able to board an airplane with only my purse in hand will seem rather strange but will be a nice break (anyone who has flown with little kids knows what I'm talking about).  

So, I get to take in the Design Show (which includes hearing from, meeting and interviewing some fabulous designers), visit family, meet bloggers, and perhaps have a little R&R. In case you're wondering why I left shopping out, it's because I've done my shopping prior, in an effort to try to avoid looking too much like a country bumkin!

I want to say a little more about meeting my blogger friends. I feel like I already know many of them, but it will be lovely to meet them in person. They've been so supportive and encouraging as I've ventured into the blogging world. Not everyone will be at the meet up (which is sad), but it will fun to meet those who will be there. It's fun to be part of a group that shares an interest in all things design-related. Our group is called the Canadian Design & Lifestyle Bloggers West. You can check out our blog here, and if you're a blogger in the western provinces whose interested in meeting other "local" bloggers, let me know!


I also get to stay at this awesome-looking hotel, The Loden.

Gosh. I feel spoiled right now. A big thank you, along with a hug and kiss, to my darling husband for letting me have this little getaway. And another big thank you to the grandparents for watching the little people while mommy's in Vancouver "Bancouber".

-Sarah

The Power of Paint

Hello, friends! Happy Monday to you. I hope your weekend was lovely. We have been having SUCH gorgeous weather lately, and this weekend was no exception. It was HOT! We also celebrated my husband's birthday which made the weekend extra special. Happy Birthday, darling!

image via pinterest

Sorry for the late post today. I didn't get a start on it yesterday, and we had errands to run this morning.

Anyway, I was recently thinking about the power of paint. It never ceases to amaze me what a little paint and some ingenuity can do! I've even seen a painted sofa! Apparently, the sofa owner was happy with the end result, although she said the fabric was a little stiff feeling (as you would expect).

I've previously shared how I like panelling, wainscoting, ceiling medallions, etc. in the home. All the architectural detail gives a room character and provide such a lovely backdrop for everything else. Unfortunately, it often costs a pretty penny to install all that gorgeous detail. So, if you can't afford the real thing, why not put the power of paint to the test! Here's a little inspiration I've gathered recently. 

Add pizzaz to a plain door with a graphic pattern in a bold colour...

Get the look of wainscoting with paint and a simple chair rail...

Faux ceiling medallion...

Faux Panelling with black and white paint...

A pretty girl's room with faux french panels...

This door is fabulous! I love the bold, dramatic look they've achieved with paint and just a little bit of trim. You could use white paint instead of the trim for a similar look.

  
image sources: 3,4 via pretty handy girl; 5 via plush palate; all others via pinterest


I also have to share this amazing DIY, hand-painted chinoiserie wall. Chinoiserie wallpaper is over-the-top expensive but oh-so-lovely. You can get the look with paint, careful planning, and lots of patience. Read the tutorial over at Mrs. Blandings.

And while we're talking about faux wallpaper, we must mention stencils - one of the more common or familiar ways to get the look of wallpaper. Hearing the word "stencil" may take you back to a place you just don't want to go, but thankfully, there are now some really great-looking stencils out there. You aren't limited to vine and floral patterns anymore! In case you don't believe me, have a look...

image sources: centsational girl; isabella & max rooms; pinterest; young house love

Stencils are one of those things that has gotten better with time, and we can all be happy about that!

Getting that high-end look with just a little paint is super smart in my books. Have you done anything witty and creative with paint in your home? I'd love to hear it.


-Sarah