Friday, October 28, 2011

Transformation Day #5

Today is the last day of Transformation Week - thanks for following along!

I found this Mid-Century modern desk while at Goodwill looking for Halloween costumes for my kids.  I looked over at it and thought, "Um…hello.  I think I'll take you home."  


How I found it at Goodwill.



Three coats of a high gloss black, some new brass knobs and here it is.


The desk is available in the shop.



I hope you have a great weekend with Halloween parties and such.  I've been a little under the weather this week, so I'm going to lay low and do a lot of sitting around!


Thursday, October 27, 2011

Transformation Week Day #4

Transformation Week Day #4 is here!  Thank you for all the wonderful feedback thus far.  You guys are great and make it so fun to share my projects with you.

This antique dresser belonged to my clients' grandmother.  She wanted it painted so it would work in her daughters' room.


Here it is before.


And after.


Some of the original hardware was missing, so it all needed to be replaced.  I was lucky to get to Anthro the day they marked down a bunch of their hardware from $10-$8 to $3 - especially since this piece needed nine knobs!  

For any of you interested, they're still on sale online.  Actually, quite a bit of their hardware is marked down and available online.  Definitely worth checking out here.




See you back here tomorrow for Day #5!


Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Transformation Week Day #3

This antique dresser started off in pretty rough shape.  I usually steer clear of anything that requires too much cosmetically because I'm not a huge fan of copious amounts of sanding and filling.  Regardless of the condition, this was one I couldn't pass up.



Here it is before.


And after.



I also do my best to reuse original hardware.  I find it difficult to recoup the new cost of hardware on most resells if something requires more than a couple pieces.  However, with this dresser, there was no way to make the old hardware fit the vision I had for the end result.  I was fortunate enough to find some blood-orange knobs at Anthro that fit the bill.  I'll take eight please.


The color is BM Sweatshirt Gray followed by the Wiping Stain used here.






This dresser is up in the shop!


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Transformation Week Day #2

I guess I'm on a little bit of a mid-century modern kick because three of my transformations this week happen to be of mid-century furniture.  I can't help it, I love the clean modern lines from this era.

This ombre desk was painted and styled with a girls' room in mind.  It's paired with an antique ice-cream parlor chair.


Here it is before.


And after.


If you're interesting in trying something similar on your own, the colors are:  Benjamin Moore's Touch of Pink, Little Piggy, Delicate Rose, Hydrangea Flowers and Raspberry Blush at 50%.




The brass hardware is original.



This desk is available for purchase in the shop.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Transformation Week Day #1

Hello all!  I hope you all had a relaxing weekend.  I was so glad to have Zac home.  Although, when he's been gone for a week, I think I drive him a little nuts because I just want to follow him around. :)

Today is the Transformation Week kick-off.  First up is this darling mid-century modern dresser in navy blue.  It is going in a little boys' room along with this Serena and Lily bedding.  Together, they are going to make for a very stylish room.


Here it is before.


And after.



I stumbled upon this set of vintage Norman Rockwell prints at an antique mall last week and knew they would be a great starting point for Colby's room.  I brought them home to a very excited 6 year old.  He literally analyzed them for fifteen minutes, then promptly gave them his stamp of approval.  I think he said something along the lines of, "Totally cool, Mom".




The paint color is Benjamin Moore's Admiral Blue in Satin.



See you tomorrow for Transformation Day #2!


Friday, October 21, 2011

Transformation Week

Happy Friday, friends!  Forgive my silence this week.  I'm working on something extra exciting for next week... and I've been without a husband since Monday. :(  The weeks Zac travels for work are extra grueling around here. 

Anyway, Transformation Week is going to kick off next Monday here on Natty by Design.  Everyday I'll have a new before and after to share!  Those of you looking for inspiration for refinishing your own furniture won't be disappointed and those who just enjoy pretty picutres - you won't be disappointed either.



See you Monday!

PS.  For the locals: my friends over at I Heart Mesa have put together a Fall Guide to the Outdoors.  It's a great reference full of fun things to do with your family this fall.  Head on over and download the pdf.


PSS.  Happy Birthday, Dad :)

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Favorites

Some inspiring things I'm loving this week from around the web...
This kitchen from Amber Interiors.


Todd and Emily's "real"  home tour on Little Green Notebook.


A darling campaign dresser from Oh Joy.



This chair from Canadian House and Home.


And this antique fabulousness from Knack.



Monday, October 17, 2011

Carmel Apples

It's Fall!  As I say this, it's 98 degrees outside, but it's Fall nonetheless.  Us desert dwellers have to ignore the weather and put out our Fall decor anyway.  I wish we could ignore the weather and put on sweaters!  I'm dying to put away my flip flops and shorts and don closed toe shoes, skinny jeans and a comfy knit sweater.

For a few days last week we had some cooler weather and to celebrate we made carmel apples.  Mmmmm.  


We were a little scarce on the carmel because someone, I'm not naming names, forgot how much she LOVES caramels and snuck half the bag.  This is why 99.9% of the time there is no junk food to be found in my home.  I have zero self-control with the goodies.


What are you doing to celebrate this wonderful season?

Thursday, October 13, 2011

How to Glaze

I just finished up an enormous king sized bed.  The owners gave me a photo of an Ethan Allen bed they wanted to copy - a very light glaze over a creamy white paint.  One of the things that can be hard with glazing is getting a light, streak free finish.  I have two huge suggestions in achieving this.  

One, Old Masters Wiping Stain sold at Benjamin Moore retailers.  It comes in half a dozen colors and the workable time is much longer than other glazing products I've used in the past.  It is an oil-based product, so make sure to apply it in a properly ventilated area. 

Two, a large china bristle brush for blending.  This brush works wonders and is a must-have for a streak free finish.  These can be found at any paint store and, to my knowledge, are not carried at your local hardware store.



First, wipe on your glaze with a lint free rag.  Second, wipe it off with a clean rag.  Third, blend with the brush.

Glaze away!


New Look

Natty by Design has a new look!

Up to this point, I've done all the html and design work for the blog.  I'm not a designer and I don't know much about html (yes, it shows), so it was time to let the professionals take over.  I've been working with Jenna of q.a. design and she's amazing!

I wanted something simple and understated and she delivered.



Also, a few weeks ago I updated the tutorials page.  Here's a sampling.
Over the next few weeks, I'll be working to get the rest of my pages updated.  In the mean time, click over and look around :)

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

New Books

Saturday morning, my oldest daughter and I headed on a wild goose chase for the perfect vintage chair for my most recent makeover.  (My favorite makeover to date!  CANNOT wait to show you by the way, but first I have to find the chair).  We didn't find the perfect chair, but we did find a slew of vintage Reader's Digest books.  I wasted no time rearranging the sideboard in my dining room with my new finds.



The pattern on this one is my favorite.




I love the color they add!  Still disappointed that we didn't find the chair, but I'll take the books.