Refurbished Finds

Chair Queen

2010-04-19T10:06:00.001-07:00

I must have a fascination with chairs...everyone I see I either save from the salvage yard or find at my local Goodwill or Katy Christian Ministries store. Here's a sampling of my recent finds. Many are for sale on ebay. Check them out. I just ran across a huge Thomasville desk with cabriole legs at a local Goodwill for $70. I plan on refinishing the piece and using it in my study that currently houses an ugly, tiny little desk that I purchased at an auction more than 20 years ago. I believe it came out of a government office in DC.

Kitchen Dining Area Goes All Out!!!

2009-05-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I came home with 4 dining chairs that needed some major overhauling. I loved the curvy look and just had to have them for my kitchen!!! Several of the chairs needed reinforcements which meant gluing and clamping for 48 hours. Once that was complete, I applied several coats of glossy black 'Benjamin Moore ebony' low voc paint.

I'm pleased with the work so far. I still need to reupholster the seat cushions. I found this insanely gorgeous Waverly fabric and have decided to make a matching curtain for my kitchen window, as well. (I'll show you that project next week!!)

Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend. Thank you to our troops!!!

Give Your Home Some Personality

2009-05-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

If your home or apartment is suffering from 'identity crisis'...(you know how some neighborhoods have no personality and every house looks identical to the one next door)... here's a solution. Add a simple door sign, welcome mat or a monogrammed planter to your front porch or flower bed and...voila...everything looks better and your home stands out from all of the rest. Hint: Kirklands and Big Lots always seem to offer decorative plaques and such.

Successful Treasure Hunting this Past Weekend

2009-05-19T17:29:00.000-07:00

The weather was unseasonably cool this past weekend so I went treasure seeking near my neighborhood and found a few items that I just couldn't pass up.

This adorable bird cage will be perfect in my sunroom and just needs a little paint touchup and that's about it...

I found four curlique dining chairs and I plan to paint them either glossy black or an antique beige/white. The lady I purchased them from said that she paid $650 a chair a little more than six years ago. What a deal... I snagged them for $20 each!!! I'll post this little project when I finish it. I definitely will need to recover the seat cushions...this country look just won't cut it!!!!

If Money Were No Object...Here's What I Would Buy!!

2009-05-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Nothing against generic furniture stores, but I loathe the concept of 'everything must match.' In fact, I can't imagine myself ever owning a matching sofa and loveseat and coordinating pillows!!! How BORING!!!

Even one interesting accent can mean the difference between ho-hum and wow!!!

Jubilee...I'm Cuckoo Over You

2009-05-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

I just took an amazing stroll through one of my favorite stores in all of Houston...Jubilee in the Heights.

Nestled among antique stores, delis and shopping strips, Jubilee provides a breath of fresh air with its unique offerings. I picked up some mercury glass and a few 'whacked-out' greeting cards that I just had to have. I even know I'll be back for several chandelier wall stickers that I need for my living room walls...they are fabulous and very reasonable. A large sticker is $22, smaller ones go for $16 or so.

The beauty of this boutique lies in its eclectic taste and affordibility. Candles, clothing, jewelry, furniture and lots of bling are just a few of the things that await shoppers. I can't say enough about Jubilee...you just gotta go!!

Jubilee, 321 W. 19th Street, Houston, TX, 713-869-5885

Outdoor Decor Goes Upscale

2009-05-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

Bless Sunbrella, Waverly and other fabric manufacturers for creating fashionable outdoor cushions, pillows, umbrellas and other accessories. What once was an overlooked area, today's outdoor patio can look as good, or even better, than indoor furnishings and accessories.

This collection of new pillows can be found at Walmart. Target, Pier 1, Lowes and Home Depot also offer a great line of outdoor accessories.

High Fashion Home...Just As the Name Implies

2009-05-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

The name says it all...High Fashion Home. I've never seen a furniture showroom quite like this place, except perhaps ABC Furniture in NYC. A quick run over there this past weekend had me on cloud 9!!! Here's a glimpse at a few of my favorite looks.

High Fashion Home

3100 Travis

Houston, TX

713.528.3838

Nothing Says WOW Like Red

2009-05-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

For a powerful impact, nothing beats the color red. But don't go too wild...a little bit of color goes a long way! Here are a few colorful ideas that I wanted to share.

Art Is All Around Us...Find Your Inspiration Right at Home!

2009-04-30T19:18:00.000-07:00

Anyone with children knows that the special watercolor or crayola artwork they bring home from school can be quite entertaining and totally whimsical. My two little Picassos were very prolific, especially in elementary school, and there were a few special pieces that I just had to frame, not only for my enjoyment, but secretly I hoped to also inspire my kids by highlighting their work. No ordinary frame would do, however. My goal was to make the artwork shine, yet more importantly, convey to my little artists just how talented they were. Now with my kids in high school, their handiwork still graces the walls in my entry, study and gameroom. I will cherish these masterpieces forever...

This Hide is Worth Displaying!!!

2009-04-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

I have to send a big 'THANKS' to ZGallerie for giving us eco-gals an alternative to the very stylish, cowhide rug. No animals were harmed in the making of this great reproduction. This 5x7 version sells for $189.00, much less than the real thing.

Furniture with Panache

2009-04-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

These pieces are so 'OFF the WALL' that I just had to share. It just confirms that creativity has no limits. Enjoy!!

CHAIR AFFAIR...When You Can't Afford or Don't Want the REAL Thing...FAKE It!!

2009-04-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

This Louis XV-style chair went from 'plain Jane' to 'fur-a-licious' in a matter of a few hours with the help of a tattered 1960's faux fur jacket and a staple gun. Yes, believe it or not, I now have my very own faux fur chair and ottoman. It's funky and not for everyone, but I'm in love and I can't help it!!!

Refurbished Finds

2009-04-23T08:48:00.001-07:00

Refurbished Finds

A Touch of Fancy...Just Another Way to Express Yourself

2009-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Need I say more? These chairs are insanely fabulous!!! To mimic these looks on the cheap, try several options. 1. Purchase a few yards of burlap, duck or a muslin-type fabric. Locate an embroidery store (or check your local JoAnns or Hancock for individual seamstresses) and have your initials applied. Begin with a simple chair and cover the back of the chair with the letters; 2. Search on Ebay or a feed store for burlap feed sacks; or 3. Use fabric paint and a decorative stencil to make your own design. (I will post my latest stenciling project tomorrow!!!)

Putting Your Mark on Everything You Love...Why Monograms Are Hot!

2009-04-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

This chair once lived in a southwest-theme home. Bless its heart! Yes, it was ugly, but I could see beyond its outer appearance and decided I just had to take it home! I transformed it into a conversation piece...a one-of-a-kind chair that proudly displays my namesake.

Roughing It Up...Bringing Furniture Down to its Bare Bones

2009-04-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

I love old furniture...imperfections and all.

I remember how my father spent years building a long, rustic dining table that would accommodate our family of six.

Now, 30 years later, the piece is as solid as ever. It has definitely seen better days, but the table itself has never looked better.

That's because the old piece has a history...after all, memories were made at that table and I know that I will cherish it the rest of my years.

Perhaps that's why I'm drawn to old, distressed furniture.

If WALLS Could Talk...What Would Yours Say?

2009-04-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

2009-04-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

Stuffy...Much Too Formal Duncan Phyfe Sofa Gets a FaceLift Some people might say that I compromised the integrity of this old Duncan Phyfe sofa when I took it from formal to CHIC and CASUAL. The dark wood received a few layers of light paint and a wood applique was applied to give it a danish feel. A padded cushion was also added to give the piece more oomph!!

Branching Out

2009-04-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Stick 'em in tall vases, urns...anywhere really. I'm talking branches, tree limbs, or any other natural twig you can gather. The possibilities are endless as to the drama you can create. Use your imagination. I've seen them painted white, black, coral and turquoise. The statement you create is up to you!

Pink...The new Black!

2009-04-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

Black and white are my favorite colors, but are they really colors? Not if you want your room to POP. I added a few pink items -- flowers and pillows -- and now my room says HELLO SPRING!!! You don't have to choose PINK. Basically, any vibrant color will do. Don't have the cash to buy new pillows? Try adding a piece of colorful jewelry to a piece or wrap a colorful ribbon around a plain pillow. How's that for quick inspiration?! Have fun. Until next time, jeanie

2009-04-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

Repurposing Old Furniture...Giving It NEW LIFE!

This dresser sat in a resale shop for several weeks feeling neglected and unloved. During my first visit, I could see its great bones and sturdy construction. The price tag was a mere $22.00, but I talked myself out of buying it and walked away. When I returned a week later, to my surprise, the wonderful old piece was still there, so I snatched it up at an even cheaper price -- $18.

I began refinishing the dresser that afternoon, and within a few days I had given new life to the lackluster piece of furniture.

Now it resides in my foyer and it reminds me of the importance of seeing the best in everything. Every little thing, no matter how beaten or worn down, has potential. We just need to provide the opportunity and inspiration to make it happen!