Paint

12.13.2021

Why I Repainted my Chalk Painted Cabinets

If you are considering using chalk paint on your cabinets, this is a must-read. Don’t make my mistake! Learn from why I repainted my chalk-painted cabinets.

When we first moved into our home, I painted our kitchen cabinets with chalk paint. This is what they looked like before (the first time I painted them):

And here is a photo of how our kitchen cabinets originally looked when we first moved into our home:

Why I Repainted our Chalk Painted Cabinets

The chalk paint itself has held up really well. There was little to no chipping. Chalk paint is amazing for DIY projects because it requires no prep work and eliminates the need for priming.

However, I made one mistake. Unfortunately, it was a big mistake – so big that I had to repaint the cabinets.

I used wax as my sealer.

It is hard to see in photos, but the clear wax was next to impossible to clean in the kitchen. Dirt, grease, dust, and grime were getting caught in the crevices, and the wax did not clean up easily.

I had to repaint my cabinets.

I used chalk-type paint again, and I painted right over the previously painted cabinets sealed with wax. I would recommend using sandpaper and/or a coat (or two) of primer if you paint over cured wax. However, most likely you are not painting over the wax and will not need a primer. To apply the paint, I used a brush for the crevices and a roller for the flat areas.

How to Correctly Seal Chalk-Painted Cabinets

I painted everything with two coats of paint (allowing the first coat to completely dry before I added the second coat) and finished with two coats of sealer. I applied the matte sealer the same way I applied the paint, but you can also use a water-based sealer like a polyacrylic (found at any hardware store).

I have already noticed such a difference between the sealer and the wax. Now when my kids sit at the bar, I don’t have to worry as much. All the dirt they kick up can now be easily wiped away!

If you are considering painting your cabinets with chalk paint, don’t make my mistake (which is why I repainted my chalk-painted cabinets).

Use a top coat other than wax in the kitchen.

I know people often love the look of dark wax to provide that more lived-in, distressed look. However, try antiquing your cabinet doors with a dark glaze so you don’t have to use wax as your sealant.

Here’s my supply list for this project:

Amy Howard at Home One Step Paint
Amy Howard at Home Sealer (I used the matte)
2.5″ Flat Brush
Small Foam Roller
Painters Tape
Drop Cloth
Screwdriver (to remove the hardware and hinges)

Did you know you can also apply chalk paint in a sprayer? I HIGHLY recommend this method when painting cabinetry to avoid brush marks and for a smooth finish.

See how my laundry room cabinets turned out by going HERE and for the spraying chalk paint tutorial.

This post was originally published in April of 2016.

Painting our kitchen cabinets helped me love the space until we could remodel it:

See the full DIY kitchen remodel reveal (and journey) HERE!

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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*This post contains affiliate links and is a sponsored post by Amy Howard at Home. I take pride in reviewing only products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. And while this post is sponsored, all the opinions are my own.

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Decor

10.21.2021

Decorating with Brown

Today we’re talking about decorating with brown. Now before you decided to leave, brown is a hardworking neutral that works with just about every color. When used in the right environment, it can create a warm, stable feeling in any room.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

I partnered with Amy Howard Home to share their Color of the Month.

The Color of the Month Club is a monthly subscription where Color of the Month subscribers will receive a new color every month exclusive to the club. This month’s Color of the Month is Southern as Pecan Pie, and it is a dark chocolate brown which is perfect for fall – which is why we are talking about decorating with brown!

An excess of brown can create a dark, heavy feel in your space which is why it’s important to integrate shades of brown into a color palette with colors and shades that complement it. It’s all about knowing the colors that go with brown, and the best ways to incorporate them.

The Color Theory Behind Brown

Despite all of these meanings and uses, you won’t find brown on the color wheel or in the rainbow. It’s a composite color made by combining usually 3 other colors (black, red, and yellow for example, or red, yellow, and blue in certain ratios). Together with low brightness or low saturation, we get brown, instead of a clear shade of another color. Its composite nature makes it a natural background color, and you can find a shade of brown to complement any other color well.

Brown is the color of earth, wood, stone, wholesomeness, reliability, elegance, security, healing, home, grounding, foundations, stability, warmth, and honesty, is a natural, neutral color that is typically associated with the seasons of fall and winter. It is a warm color that stimulates the appetite. While it is sometimes considered dull, it also represents steadfastness, simplicity, friendliness, dependability, and health.

Brown is believed to help create a wholesome feeling, a connection with the earth, and a sense of orderliness and convention. Brown is a stable and grounded color that is known to make people feel safe and comfortable.

Brown & White

White goes with just about every color, and brown is no exception to that rule. Pairing any shade of brown with a white will give you a classic and clean contrast that works well in a room like a formal dining room or living room. If white and brown are your two main colors in any room, make sure you vary the shades to keep it interesting and from being too monochromatic.

Brown & Orange

Since brown and orange are such similar colors you might shy away from pairing them together – but don’t! When placed in a primarily brown space, orange accents will serve as the perfect energizer for the room. A pop of orange in a brown room is very sophisticated and glamorous, especially against darker woods. For a more warm, sophisticated color scheme, you can try pairing a dark chocolate background with orange and cream accents.

Brown & Green

Brown is a color perceived as natural and neutral so pairing it with green plays just makes sense. Lighter shades of green like mint soften the darker furniture in a room. Using darker shades of green paired with dark brown accents or wooden furniture creates a darker, moody vibe that would work for a den or office space. There are few combinations of green and brown that wouldn’t compliment each other thanks to the two colors being natural in nature.

Brown & Yellow

Consider pairing yellow with brown. Pairing brown with yellow creates a contemporary vibe in a bedroom or sitting room. Using the 60-30-10 rule would work well when pairing yellow and brown. 60% of the room should be a neutral shade such as white, with 30% of the room decorated in various shades of brown, while 10% is reserved for yellow accents.

Brown & Purple

A more unexpected pairing is brown and purple. Deeper shades of purples and browns can make larger spaces feel warm and rich. When pairing purple and brown, always focus on the opposites. Darker woods like walnut pair well with pastel purples, and lighter brown woods pair well with deep shades of purple like plum or bright shades like amethyst. Brown and purple work very well in a room with gold accents and the colors can create a cozy, moody, and luxurious space.

Brown & Blue

You won’t find brown on the traditional color wheel, but since its closest shade is orange, blues is an obvious complementary color for brown. Combining blue and brown tones can make a relaxing environment. Brown paired with dark navy blue makes a room feel refined with the dark colors, whereas pale blue paired with beige or a lighter wood creates a more serene environment. The cool tones in shades of blue mix well with the warm browns of darker wooden furniture without leaving the room feeling too dark or heavy.

Brown & Pink

Brown and pink may be an unlikely pair, but they work really well together. Pairing brown with shades like rose or fuchsia creates a feminine space without overdoing it. If you’re going ahead with a pink room, the natural order would be to start with a brown base and brown or wooden furniture, using shades of pink as your accents in things like pillows, curtains, or artwork.

Brown & Black

Brown and black are neutrals that work well together and create a classic color palette in any room. When using black as one of your main colors, you must make sure to balance it well. Lighter shades of brown work better so the room doesn’t appear too dark. In spaces with black furniture, brown accents can add depth and interest to the room, while black can create drama against brown furniture.

Brown & Red

When it comes to pairing brown with red, it’s all about the shade of red that you choose. A room such as a home library or study might call for a moody color palette centered around darker hues of red, whereas a clean, modern bedroom can benefit from a pop of color in the form of a bright red throw blanket or reading chair.

The color brown is a wonderful neutral that can both carry or accent a room design. From deep rich chocolate to soft, muted taupe, brown is the great equalizer and goes with everything.

If you want to see more info on the color of the month club or purchase any of the specific paint colors I mentioned, go to Amy Howard Home.

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Decor

09.24.2021

Decorating with Red

Today we’re discussing decorating red because it is such a powerful accent color. Red captures attention and is the color of extremes. It’s the color of passionate love, seduction, violence, danger, anger, and adventure. Our prehistoric ancestors saw red as the color of fire and blood – energy and primal life forces – and most of red’s symbolism today arises from its powerful associations in the past.

It is one of the most visible colors, second only to yellow – which explains why it is used on fire engines and stop signs to trigger alertness.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

I partnered with Amy Howard Home to share their Color of the Month.

This is a new monthly subscription where Color of the Month subscribers will receive a new color every month exclusive to the club. This month’s Color of the Month is When in Doubt Wear Red, and it is a beautiful deep red with blue undertones perfect for fall – which is why we’re talking about all things red!

The cabinet I showed earlier is one I found at a roadside sale for $10. It’s amazing what some paint can do (and new hardware):

RED COLOR THEORY

On the color wheel, red is a warm, primary color and sits between blue and yellow. Primary colors are the 3 pigment colors that cannot be mixed or formed by any combination of other colors. All other colors are derived from these 3 hues.

The three secondary colors (colors created when primary colors are mixed) are green, orange, purple. And there are six tertiary colors, which are colors made from primary and secondary colors, such as blue-green or red-violet.

Warm colors include red, orange, and yellow (and variations of these three colors). Warm colors are the color of fire, fall leaves, sunsets and sunrises, and are generally energizing, passionate, and positive.

Generally speaking, the most complementary colors are those that stand opposite each other in the color wheel, such as red and green, blue and orange, purple and yellow.

Red has the longest wavelength of any color. It’s the first color babies can see, and it’s the very first color to vanish as the sunsets.

Red is the opposite of blue (read all about decorating with blues here). While blue calms, red can speed up our heart rate and is a physical stimulant.

Red calls us to action, gets us motivated, and wearing red lets people know we feel confident. Red is associated with luxury – think about a red Ferrari.

Red also has negative connotations in that it can indicate anger and red is associated with financial loss.

SHADES AND TINTS OF RED

Blue-based reds are berry reds.
Yellow-based reds are tomato reds.

Generally, females are more attracted to blue reds while males prefer yellow reds.

DECORATING WITH RED

In design, red can be a powerful accent color. It can have an overwhelming effect if it’s used too much in designs, especially in its purest form. It’s a great color to use when power or passion want to be portrayed in the design. Red can be very versatile, though, with brighter versions being more energetic and darker shades being more powerful and elegant.

LESS IS MORE WITH RED

Red is the perfect way to add a splash of color to any space and is a beautiful accent color. Use it to enhance a room by painting a piece of furniture or adding it as a decorative piece (think artwork, vases, and throw pillows).

COLOR SCHEMES THAT WORK WITH RED

All of the colors I share below are from Amy Howard at Home’s One Step Paint Line.

Red, Navy, and White

There’s a reason so many flags are red, white, and a deep, navy blue. Red, white, and blue is a classic combination, but because red and blue are both primary colors, the combination can be overwhelming. A more sophisticated combination is primary red and a deep navy blue.

Red and Turquoise

Red and turquoise the perfect combination for people who want bold decor. These two vibrant shades are loud on their own but somehow, they neutralize each other when styled together. Turquoise is an example of a tertiary, and they tend to work well with red.

Red and Green

Since red and green are complementary colors, it’s only natural that they pair nicely in your home. The colors create levels of high contrast but be careful to not make your space look too jolly. Try mixing several different greens versus only the primary green.

Red and Orange

Try mixing colors with red on the same color spectrum – like orange. The result is warm and inviting.

Red, Black, and White: Retro Classic

Black, white, and red is a reliable color combination that results in a sweet, retro attitude. It is a classic approach to decor.

Red and Blush

If you want a modern decor look, try mixing red and a subtle blush. The blush acts as a neutral so the red stays the center of attention.

Red and Purple

Located on the opposite ends of the color spectrum, red and purple aren’t the first two colors you’d think to put together. This unlikely duo can really work but make sure the two colors are in the same tone range. If you select a red and purple with the same saturation, it will look balanced in the room.

What is your favorite combination with red? Want to learn more about the color of the month club or check out all of Amy Howard at Home’s

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Decor

01.25.2021

Decorating with Green

Decorating with green has been a design favorite for centuries – the Victorians favored deeper green tones like sage and brunswick green for their interiors. In the 1950’s, aqua and mint green were paired with baby pink to achieve the ideal Americana aesthetic for kitchens and Cadillacs. In the 1970s, avocado became the height of fashion and enjoyed immense popularity (even in appliances).

I partnered with Amy Howard Home to share their Color of the Month. This is a new monthly subscription where Color of the Month subscribers will receive a new color every month exclusive to the club. This month’s Color of the Month is Hunt and Polo, and it is a beautiful, deep green – which is why we’re talking about all things green!

I transformed a $10 thrift store find this month’s One Step Paint color, and the result is so elegant!

It looks perfect in my office – I love the green with the raw wood and blues and grays.

And now, we’ll go back to talking about decorating with green, and why it’s such a great color to use in your home…

Green is a color of balance and harmony. It lends us a clearer sense of right from wrong since green incorporates a balance of both the logical and emotional. Green is one of the most-seen colors in nature reflecting life, rest, and peace. It is also a sign of growth, whether that’s in a physical object like plants or in our income and wealth.

COLOR THEORY

On the visible spectrum, green sits between blue and yellow. In painting and printing, green is a secondary color, meaning that it is created by mixing two primary colors—yellow and blue.

Primary Colors: Red, yellow and blue
In traditional color theory, primary colors are the 3 pigment colors that cannot be mixed or formed by any combination of other colors. All other colors are derived from these 3 hues.

Secondary Colors: Green, orange and purple
These are the colors formed by mixing the primary colors.

SHADES AND TINTS OF GREEN

Green can vary in both shades (in which the green is mixed with black for a darker green) and tints (which are mixed with white, to produce a paler result). But, there are also a broad range of green varieties that are mixed with other colors, such as yellow, blue, gray, and brown.

Yellow-greens such as chartreuse (named after the French liquor which shares the distinctive color) and lime green have a lively, energetic feel.

Blue-greens such as sea green, aqua and teal have a more subtle energy which helps designs to feel calmer and more chic. These colors are associated with emotional healing.

Gray-greens like seafoam and sage are wintery and more somber than their yellow- and blue-green relations.

Brown-greens like dark olive have a formal and dignified air, which explains why they are often selected for military uniforms. Olive green is the traditional color of peace.

Overall, if you’re looking to portray health, rest, and to relieve stress, green is your color. It is the most restful color for the human eye; it can improve vision. While green does have minor negative aspects like over-possession and materialism, it has a more positive affect than most other colors.

COLORS THAT GO WITH GREEN

A monochromatic green color scheme uses tints, tones, and shades to create an entirely green palette.

A complementary green color scheme incorporates red. Green’s cousins, yellow and blue, are complementary to purple and orange respectively.

An analogous green color scheme uses the colors bordering green on either side of the color wheel. In this case, yellow and blue.

A triadic green color scheme includes orange and purple since they are equidistant from green on the color wheel.

One Step Paint Color Palettes:

The first is monochromatic (I used two greens), but I also incorporated a complimentary shade:

In this next palette, I added a toned down complimentary color (pink) and a creamy neutral – I love using creams and off-whites in our home.

In this last palette, you’ll see the analogous color (Lady Singing the Blues) which is similar in boldness to Hunt and Polo. I added a lighter neutral (Luxe Grey) to add some softness.

Just a random tidbit for you, centuries ago, many of the chemicals used to create thes green pigments were in fact extremely poisonous, with the famous example of Napoleon having apparently been slowly poisoned by the arsenic-rich green wallpaper used in his room in St. Helena. Although the wallpaper has since been proven not to have been the sole cause of his death, deadly pigments did little to dissuade consumers from the joys of green in their homes.

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Paint

12.16.2020

Decorating with Navy

Navy blue is a modern neutral that plays well with just about any color, including every other shade of blue which is why decorating with navy is so easy.

Navy Blue is a very dark shade of the color blue, and it got its name from the dark blue worn by officers in the Royal Navy (which was adopted by other navies around the world).

Blue is one of the world’s most popular colors (with nearly half of men (42%) and one-third of women (30%) claiming blue as their favorite color). It is the color of skies and oceans and is often described as being tranquil, peaceful, secure, and full of serenity. Blue can lift our mood and improve the energy of a space.

From a color psychology perspective, blue is typically associated with stability and trustworthiness—there is a reason blue is universally appealing. By incorporating this shade of blue into your designs, you can create a sense of stability in your space.

Digging even deeper into blue tones, different blue tones evoke different feelings:

DARK BLUE: trust, dignity, intelligence, authority
BRIGHT BLUE: cleanliness, strength, coolness
LIGHT BLUE: peace, serenity, spiritual

Navy’s dark tones capture the eye and cause brighter colors to pop. It compliments all styles of decor, and is a wonderful color to add to any space. However, it is a very dark color that should be balanced to ensure it doesn’t overwhelm.

Navy & White

White is a classic high-contrast partner that compliments navy well. Consider painting furniture or cabinets in Button Up Blue with a backdrop of crisp white walls for an energizing effect. In addition to white, consider cool snow-white, off-whites and creams to partner with navy.

I’ve paired Button Up Blue with various colors from the One Step Paint line (minus gold) for each color palette:

Navy & Yellow

Yellow creates a dynamic color scheme when paired with navy blue. Shades of yellow (soft butter yellow and rich mustard yellow) offer warmth and brilliance as they stand out vividly against the cool deep tones of navy blue. Us this color combination for your space as blue and yellow are opposites on the color wheel and play well together

Navy & Gold

Similar to yellow, gold is a perfect complement to navy blue. Incorporate the color into your navy blue room with metallic gold accents and this hue lightens up dark navy blue colors to ward off a gloomy look. A large gold mirror on a navy blue wall, for example, will reflect light around the space to create an expansive effect.

Navy & Pink

Pink adds a sweet note to the soft navy, and just about any shade of pink works well with navy – everything from the most subtle blush to the loudest fuschia.

Navy & Red

Red and navy is an all-American pairing. It is a classic interior color scheme, and red provides a striking contrast against navy blue – especially in more modern or eclectic designs. Consider pairing navy with more muted shades of red such as salmon, burgundy or brick red to provide a more sophisticated tone.

Navy & Green

Navy and green work well together because green is created from blue (mix yellow with blue and you have green). Both are colors of nature and live together in perfect harmony. The luxurious tones looks gorgeous together – think about more jewel-toned hues of green to make an space feel sumptuous.

Navy & Blue

Mix blues together to create a serene color scheme that is reminiscent of clear blue skies over large bodies of water. For a monochromatic color combination, select lighter shades of navy or for a more tropical look, choose green-tinted colors such as aqua and turquoise.

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Paint

11.16.2020

Rainy Night: a Mid-tone Blue

I partnered with Amy Howard Home to share their Color of the Month. This is a new monthly subscription where Color of the Month subscribers will receive a new color every month exclusive to the club. This month’s Color of the Month is Rainy Night, and it is a beautiful mid-tone blue.

Digging even deeper into blue tones, different blue tones evoke different feelings:

DARK BLUE: trust, dignity, intelligence, authority
BRIGHT BLUE: cleanliness, strength, coolness
LIGHT BLUE: peace, serenity, spiritual

Rainy Night is a mid-tone blue (bright blue) that is warmer than denim but softer than navy. It is a color that can fit into almost any style and design aesthetic – it would work well in everything from a modern farmhouse to a traditional craftsman home. It is class and refined and adds the right amount of depth and brightness to any space.

If you are nervous about adding color to your home, Rainy Night is the perfect place to begin. You don’t have to be a risk taker to incorporate this color into your home since it is so universally appealing. Painted furniture is a low-commitment way to introduce a new color into your space. Coffee tables, consoles or end tables are perfect spots for adding color to your living room.

As if this color isn’t great enough, you can use Rainy Night as a neutral. Remember, blues like navy and denim can be paired with almost any color.

Monochromatic Blues

Use it in a monochromatic scheme. Blueprint can work with lighter and darker blue shades.

Neutrals and Reds

Try Rainy Night with a neutral like Serengeti Gray or go bold with a color like Chinese Red.

Saturated Color

If you love the look of saturated color, you can totally use a mid-tone blue like Blueprint in your living room with other mid-tone colors. Mid-tone is a way of identifying colors that may be different, but are of similar light or darkness. Using colors of similar tones can give you a hip, eclectic look.

Don’t forget to check out Amy Howard Home’s new Color of the Month subscription, so you can have the exclusive Rainy Night.

If you join, you’ll have video training with me talking all things color theory along with:

32oz can of the color of the month
Free Shipping
10% off site-wide discount code
Stir Stick

Last month’s Color of the Month was Majesty.

Go here to learn more on this gorgeous hue.

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Paint

10.10.2020

Majesty: a Gorgeous Aubergine Color

Majesty: A Gorgeous Aubergine Color

If you’re not familiar with One Step Paint, it is the easiest paint to use. It requires no sanding or priming, and I used Majesty One Step Paint on my bedroom nightstands and love the result! I also used One Step Paint on my laundry room cabinets, and they have held up so well.

Join me LIVE on Amy Howard Home’s Facebook page on October 22nd at 8pm EST where Amy Howard and I will talk about Majesty and the Color of the Month subscription!

I love to talk color theory, and I’m talking specifically about why the color of the month is so special while sharing several different accent colors to pair with October’s Color of the Month (Majesty). Read on to learn more!

AUBERGINE (ow·br·zheen)

Aubergine is a dark, brownish-purple hue resembling skin of eggplants. It’s the perfect fall color and is flattering both in home décor and in fashion. It has the warmth and energy of red and the calmness and coolness of blue – to create any purple color, a mix of red and blue are needed. Red, blue and yellow are primary colors, aka, the root colors of all the other colors that are created.

In color theory, these three colors (red, blue, and yellow) are the building blocks of the color wheel. The combination of these primary colors creates secondary colors. Mixing blue and yellow together creates green, mixing yellow and red creates orange and mixing blue and red creates purple. The simple mix then needs tone, tint and shade to build a more complex color like an aubergine color. The resulting mix is called a tertiary ( TER-she-err-ee ) color. Red and purple mixed together create a complex tertiary color that can be used with white or brown to create an eggplant hue.

What is Aubergine Color Like?

Because this color falls into the middle of the color spectrum, meaning it isn’t too warm or too cool, it makes a fabulously flattering color. The director of the Pantone Color Institute calls the tone “the perfect purple” because it is extremely versatile, almost like a black, a dark brown, or a navy. In ancient times, purple was associated with rank and royalty. In psychology it radiates confidence and self-esteem, so it’s a fantastic color all around. In design, aubergine looks very solid and luxurious which is why I love it. It can create a cozy and comfortable environment while being sophisticated.

White and Aubergine Color

White is by definition all colors combined, which might be exactly why it goes together so well with pretty much any color.

Aubergine and Cream

The slight touch of pink in this off-white color helps to create a relaxing balance to the vibrant, energetic vibe that comes with a purple color palette. The end result feels fresh without feeling overwhelming.

Aubergine and Greens

Aubergine is a color that goes particularly well with other colors with which it might be paired in nature. That is particularly true when it comes to green, which is one of the best colors to complement purple of all shades. The nature-inspired pairing is sure to create a sense of positive energy in any room.

Brown and Aubergine

Similarly, a deep brown looks perfect with aubergine, as it is reminiscent of an eggplant growing in fertile soil. This color pairs well with dark brown and the combination with natural textures such as wood and leather it creates a very masculine and sophisticated look.

Aubergine and Gray

Going along with the whole eggplant in nature theme, gray is a perfect shade to match an aubergine color scheme. The clean, earthy tones will create a warm, pleasant and sophisticated look.

Dark Blue and Aubergine

While aubergine is well suited to match many natural shades, blue can be difficult to pair with it since purples naturally have so much blue. However, rather than shying away from the blue, go with a nice deep shade that stands out even against the vivid shade of aubergine. The dynamic color scheme creates a vibrant feel in a room.

Aubergine and Purple

Purple on purple? Yes! Purple on purple creates a dramatic, vibrant look sure to catch the eye. If you like purple, consider layering aubergine with shades that have more white (lilac) or more red (plum) for a look that is sure to impress.

Black and Aubergine

Not everyone will feel comfortable with a space this dark in the home, but it does provide a warmth and mystery created by these dark colors.

Aubergine is the perfect color to add to any home – especially as we all gravitate towards deeper fall colors. To make it easy for you, I created three different Amy Howard at Home One Step Paint color combinations using Aubergine as the focal point.

Favorite Aubergine Color Combinations

As I mentioned earlier, Majestic is only available to Color of the Month subscribers. However, you can get a similar look with Amy Howard Home’s One Step Paint in Aubergine (although the paint color Aubergine is darker than Majestic). I’ve paired the Aubergine paint color with other beautiful One Step Paint Colors.

Aubergine, Lilacs a Bloomin’ and Orchid.

Aubergine, Lime Lime and Mai Dragon

Aubergine, Dunavant Green and Palmer Pink

Aubergine is the perfect fall color for any home and any style. Don’t forget to check out Amy Howard Home’s new Color of the Month subscription, so you can have the exclusive Majesty: a gorgeous Aubergine paint color. If you join, you’ll have video training with me talking all things color theory along with:

32oz can of the color of the month
Free Shipping
10% off site-wide discount code
Stir Stick

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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Decor

08.23.2016

Tuesday Transformation: Kitchen

The older I get, the more I feel my life goes into overdrive. I feel like we just moved into our current home, and it will be three years this fall. We are planning our first major renovation later this year – the master bathroom. However, everything else in the home has been pretty minor and included little projects and lots of paint. I thought it would be fun to share what the home looked like when we moved in the Fall of 2013 and compare it to today. For today’s Tuesday’s Transformation, I’m sharing our kitchen.

Here’s the before:

kitchen-makeover-using-mainly-paint

And after:

Painting Kitchen Cabinets with Chalk Paint

I would love to buy new appliances, but new appliances mean knocking out cabinets that would lead from one thing to another. We really wanted to make the kitchen work for now, and hopefully, someday we will renovate the kitchen.

Until then, here’s what we did:

PAINTED THE WALLS. I painted the walls using Valspar’s Cincinnati Hotel Briggs Beige. I love this neutral warm color and used it for years in our previous home. To see all the details, click HERE.
PAINTED THE CABINETS. If you have been following me for a while, you know that I actually painted my cabinets TWICE. Do not make my mistake and read all the details HERE.

CHANGED THE CABINET HARDWARE. I won all my hardware from a contest and had fun picking out vintage-inspired pieces. Click HERE for all the hardware details and links.

ADDED GLASS TO CABINET DOORS. I went with seeded glass and am so glad I did. You can read more on the glass HERE.

ADDED A BACKSPLASH I absolutely love my subway tile. This is the one project we did not DIY and hired out. Click HERE to see more.

REPLACED THE FAUCET. I went with an oil-rubbed bronze faucet and love how it ties in my black appliances. You can see all the details HERE.

PAINTED THE FLOOR. The floor was in bad shape and very worn with water damage. When we first moved in, I hid it with a large rug. Unfortunately, my kids kept spilling things on it (and I did too), and it just wasn’t working for us. I painted a rug, and you can see my tutorial HERE.

PAINTED THE FRIDGE WITH CHALKBOARD PAINT. This was one of my very first DIY projects when we moved in. I love it and still update the calendar every week. You can see more HERE.

ADDED SHIPLAP TO MAIN WALL. I jumped in on the shiplap trend, but let’s hope it’s not a fast revolving one. I love the texture it adds to the space, and you can see the full tutorial HERE.

Here’s another one more before and after (sorry the angle is different):

house.3

Painted Kitchen Cabinets.

Everything we have done to the kitchen has been slow updates over time.

Chalk Painted Kitchen Cabinets

Painted Kitchen Cabinets Tutorial

Although it isn’t my dream kitchen, it is a space that we have made into our own (and is brighter and happier than it was)! Want to see more Transformation Tuesdays? Check out these other makeovers:

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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Kitchen Makeover

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Home

05.05.2016

Barn Wood Fireplace Makeover

If you’re a fan of primitive or rustic farmhouse decor, then you need to check out this barn wood fireplace makeover.

Fireplace Makeover with Paint and Barnwood

A friend of mine recently moved into a new home, and she wasn’t in love with her fireplace and surrounding bookshelves. We completely transformed the area with barn wood and some paint. Here is a photo of the before:

Fireplace BEFORE makeover

She wanted to update it without doing any major renovations. With my limited Photoshop skills, I came up with a plan:

My suggestion was to add a mantel, install wood paneling on the back of the fireplace, paint the bookshelves gray, and add new hardware to the cabinets.

Here’s our after:

Making over a Fireplace

Inspire, a local company that specializes in unique construction and remodeling added old barn wood to the fireplace and created a rustic mantel to complete the look.

Adding Barnwood to fireplace

After the barn wood was installed, I painted the bookshelves and cabinets with Amy Howard’s One Step Paint in Selznick Grey.

Amy Howard Selznick Grey

I used the Matte Sealer to complete the look.

Amy Howard Sealer

We ended up using the same hardware, and I painted it using Rust-Oleum’s Metallic Spray in Oil Rubbed Bronze (affiliate link):

Painting Bookshelves with Chalk Paint

I also spray painted the fireplace screen and surrounding brass with Rust-Oleum’s High Heat Enamel Spray in black (affiliate link):

My friend went to a local store called Open Gate Design and Decor and had a blast shopping for the mirror and all the accessories.

Barnwood on Fireplace and Painted Bookshelves

Accessories for Bookshelves

Barnwood on Fireplace

It was fun to help transform the fireplace and bookshelves into a centerpiece for my friend’s home.

Painted Bookshelves and Paneled Fireplace

Thanks for letting me help with your barn wood fireplace makeover, Kate!

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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Fireplace Makeover with Paint & Barnwood

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Paint

02.16.2016

Painting Cabinets with Chalk Paint

Today I’m sharing all about painting cabinets with chalk paint.

Painting Cabinets with One Step Chalk-Type Paint

I recently shared my laundry room makeover (to see more, click here). My laundry room lacks natural light, and I painted the cabinets to brighten the space.

Here’s the before:

Laundry Room - BEFORE

And the after:

Laundry Room Makeover To paint my cabinets, I used a chalk-type paint from Amy Howard at Home. I love this paint because it eliminates the need for sanding or priming. There is no prep work! Here’s what is needed:

Amy Howard One Step Paint (I used Linen and Vintage Affliction)
Amy Howard Matte Sealer
Screwdriver
Simple Green Cleaner (Amazon affiliate link)
Paint Brush
Foam Roller

To begin, remove the hardware from the cabinets.

Remove Hardware before Chalk Paint

Next, wipe down the cabinets with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner.

Clean Cabinets Before Painting

Use painter’s tape to tape off areas where needed.

Taping off Cabinets Before Chalk Paint Now it is time to paint!

Amy Howard One Step Paint Linen Begin with a brush to get all the areas the foam roller will not reach.

Using a Brush with Chalk Paint After the hard-to-reach areas are done, add a coat of paint to everything with the foam roller.

Rolling Chalk Paint Amy Howard Once the first coat of paint is dry, give everything a second coat.

Amy Howard Paint on Cabinets

I painted the insides of my cabinets with Vintage Affliction.

Amy Howard at Home One Step Paint

I painted the inside of the cabinets similar to how I painted the cabinet doors. I used a brush for the hard-to-reach areas and went back through with the foam roller. I gave the insides of the cabinets two coats of paint.

Trimming cabinets with Brush

Amy Howard One Step Paint Cabinets

I also painted the shelves.

Painting Cabinets with One Step Paint

Once the paint is dry, finish with Amy Howard’s Matte Sealer. Add two coats using the brush and foam roller.

Amy Howard Sealer

My laundry room cabinets were painted in one day, and what a difference it made!

Starched Fabric Walls in Laundry Room

Laundry Room Reveal

I’ve painted a lot of cabinets over the years. Here are a couple of other tutorials you may be interested in:

Happy Painting, and let me know if you try painting cabinets with chalk paint!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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*This post contains affiliate links and is a sponsored post through Amy Howard at Home. I received compensation in the form of product in exchange for my review. I take pride in reviewing only products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. And while this post is sponsored, all the opinions are my own.

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DIY

12.15.2015

Kitchen Table Makeover

I gave my kitchen table a makeover!

Kitchen Table Update

We’ve had the Pier 1 Carmichael Dining Table for close to five years.

After daily use from three kids and a move, it was beginning to look bad. The top is a veneer, and it’s starting to wear through in spots.

And there was a film over the entire top, so it never looked clean.

It was driving me crazy, so I started dreaming about replacing it. Like most of us, I started dreaming of a farmhouse table. I began looking at farmhouse tables on Pottery Barn, since many of my dreams begin there…

The price point was beyond what I was willing to spend. I could have looked for less expensive farmhouse options, but I started thinking that the only thing separating me from a pretty farmhouse table were table legs and paint. Why didn’t I just give my table a makeover? After searching online, I discovered tablelegs.com

I contacted them, and they worked with me to find the best solution.

I ended up ordering four 27″ French Farm Dining Legs in Soft Maple.

They had me measure the notches in my current legs, and they notched out my new farmhouse legs to make installation super easy.

To install my new legs with my existing braces, I placed the table upside down on the floor. Next, we removed the existing legs. (My old legs were bolted on, and I just removed the bolts.)

I could have used the old bolts, but we ran into some issues with reusing them. So, we used new bolts.

Once the old bolts and table legs were removed, I added the new table legs and marked where the new bolts should go.

Next, we pre-drilled a hole for the bolts. (We used a 1/4″ drill bit and our lag bolts were 5/16 – 9×3.) By drilling a bit smaller in diameter, the threads have something to bit into and hold.

Once the holes were pre-drilled, the legs were put back on the table and the bolts were drilled in.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

I also gave the table a paint makeover with Amy Howard at Home’s One Step Paint in Bauhaus Buff and Atelier.

One Step Paint by Amy Howard

To see more about a step-by-step tutorial for One Step Paint, click HERE. Instead of using wax, I used Amy Howard’s sealer (in matte). This sealer is great for tables, cabinets, and floors, and it’s so easy to clean. Now my table has an entirely new look thanks to new legs and a coat of paint!

Kitchen Nook Makeover

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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*This post contains affiliate links and is a sponsored post through tablelegs.com and Amy Howard at Home. I received compensation in the form of product in exchange for my review. I take pride in reviewing only products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. And while this post is sponsored, all the opinions are my own.

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Decor

11.09.2015

This World Needs What You Hold

“This world needs what you hold.” – Amy Howard in her book A Maker’s Guide

Last week, I had the amazing opportunity (along with 13 other bloggers) to travel to Memphis and spend time with Amy Howard, her husband Gene, and the Amy Howard team.

Along with designing and manufacturing luxury furnishings, Amy Howard has created an artisan paint line.

Our first evening in Memphis, Amy graciously invited us into her beautiful home to eat and spend time together.

And I was in total awe of her talent. (I apologize for the quality of my photos. We were at Amy’s home in the evening, and I’m a terrible photographer when there isn’t natural light available.)

Amy’s the most amazing designer. Not only does she have an eye for antiques and a vision for space, but she’s a true DIYer. She gives life to forgotten pieces.

This world needs what you hold.

This room and bed were absolutely to die for. The walls were upholstered!

And the bed was DIY’d to match the walls.

As I walked from room to room, I was greeted with unexpected and beautiful surprises.

The half bath had a mirror she repurposed from a dresser with her lacquer paint.

And the dining room was beyond gorgeous

Amy playfully mixed chairs around a pretty table.

Not all of Amy’s rooms had patterned walls, but I found that I was drawn to those spaces, like this bedroom.

Amy created a sophisticated but playful room for her granddaughters.

I loved the mix of the fabrics.

And the attached bathroom left no detail untouched.

Perfection.

The kitchen had these amazing old sliding doors that opened to reveal pantries.

This was a group shot of all of us the first evening. After a fun evening, we went back to the hotel and woke up bright and early for the painting workshop at the Amy Howard headquarters.

We spent the entire next day painting, and anyone who knows me knows there are few things I love more.

It’s peaceful and therapeutic.

And if the day could get any better, I was being trained by Amy Howard herself.

We learned about her huge line of different paints.

She taught us techniques and details.

And the color options were endless.

The Amy Howard office was filled with pretty displays and painting ideas.

This little trip filled my cup. Not only am I excited to share my newly discovered painting knowledge, but I feel so refreshed after spending time with other creatives. I’m not quite sure how I got to the place where I am now, but I am so thankful. I love creating. As I’ve said before, I know God created me to create. And, I love sharing what I’ve learned with you all, and I hope I give you the confidence to create. Besides being amazing gifted creatively, Amy Howard is an intelligent businesswoman. In her book, A Maker’s Guide, Amy says, “Embracing your talents is accepting the gift of opportunity… Taking this opportunity to heart requires courage…Singers want to sing, painters want to paint, and teachers want to teach. The most unnatural path in life is to not do what you were made to do.”

What were you made to do? This world needs what you hold!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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*This post contains affiliate links.

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