custom furniture for Muse

Hello Abode Lovers and happy Thursday! It's ALMOST the weekend and it's also almost time to <i>"fall backward"</i> aka, sleep in another HOUR! I am pretty pumped about that. Anyway, today I want to share more deets about my decisions for Muse Hair Salon in Birmingham, AL. Earlier this week, I shared an <a href="http://abodelove.blogspot.com/2011/11/muse-its-stenciled-cement-floor.html">inspiration board</a> with a few pieces of furniture and the basic feel for the salon. Well, today we're talking custom built, super fancy furniture!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">THE INSPIRATION:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wisteria.com/Recycled-Pine-Wood-Bookcase/productinfo/W4181/">This Wisteria beauty is gorgeous, and it's $1800... </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mwx3gE6UWfiQo7tWNZn-CSfgUYoEwE4l7YkpN2OEzZ1LkobG57qECopp4IvTsOTlmuCH1QkaJbVd5nuWo-clJRl45hNw2KiaZLsMCq2SG7nAJ7lnu6ZYlOO-WRhnErQitNl_2gcK6zs/s1600/130240650_SZeYkPhA_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mwx3gE6UWfiQo7tWNZn-CSfgUYoEwE4l7YkpN2OEzZ1LkobG57qECopp4IvTsOTlmuCH1QkaJbVd5nuWo-clJRl45hNw2KiaZLsMCq2SG7nAJ7lnu6ZYlOO-WRhnErQitNl_2gcK6zs/s1600/130240650_SZeYkPhA_c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wisteria.com/Recycled-Pine-Wood-Console/productinfo/W4180/">this one is $1200</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5FsgyiNj42vvdJnsOJe8kJ-nCdFwHE7mDcw5Tvk6nKC38gGZ_g2VgmV3VwgHWxREb-1Hm3sxpDDfvA472Ym_QwmWnLe8tMMYFSdF90MwGVNoWqC6-_NLEV1SxlDiKf2V4sbynbw5ge8/s1600/W4180-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5FsgyiNj42vvdJnsOJe8kJ-nCdFwHE7mDcw5Tvk6nKC38gGZ_g2VgmV3VwgHWxREb-1Hm3sxpDDfvA472Ym_QwmWnLe8tMMYFSdF90MwGVNoWqC6-_NLEV1SxlDiKf2V4sbynbw5ge8/s1600/W4180-large.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really loved a lot of the Industrial Wisteria pieces, but they weren't the specs that I was looking for. Muse needed a few case goods for storage as well as a few super oversized pieces and they really needed to function perfectly for a salon. I decided to check out my local handyman/miraculous carpenter about getting a quote for custom pieces and his quote fit the bill! Chris Kulow, my friend and carpenter, actually works with me at my 9 to 5 which is super convenient for me <i>(Chris is a carpenter from 9-5 and many hours after!)</i>. Check out what he's been working on... get ready to be amazed.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(sorry for the quality, these are photos from my skank, 3 year old iphone, eek!)</i><br /><i><br /></i><br />This piece is meant to live behind the shampoo area, there are 3 holes cut out of the top for easy access to trash as well as a laundry basket for wet towels. First and foremost, this piece needed to be functional, but Lord knows I need a little sparkle on everything, so Chris welded these corner accents together for the perfect amount of <b>"shzush"</b> I love it.<br /><i><br /></i><br /><i></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjb76ai47eJ7MKAvUp1vz0RQyCB8iv9RBiLmgL2D-X8KehXrtqIcyTavrwr2TRa6lCn6GxKkwjs9n6jANXuTQ9xOJYQJmdCSn5VVjHAHBoEQD5Ihz383BpKIK00dE4I3AfltDtT20-Gw/s1600/DSC01799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjb76ai47eJ7MKAvUp1vz0RQyCB8iv9RBiLmgL2D-X8KehXrtqIcyTavrwr2TRa6lCn6GxKkwjs9n6jANXuTQ9xOJYQJmdCSn5VVjHAHBoEQD5Ihz383BpKIK00dE4I3AfltDtT20-Gw/s640/DSC01799.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>The entire piece is covered in slats of wood. I love this rustic, warm look. </i></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECNBZdffGYEKyEtIcvp149ID_QXv6vAyuAbU4NhCLoNonhIQK0bW6n4bWFkLjNV1d8EbqJztmEXrb-7XU-g4r-3xwl9Eo_v8iLr3AzLOf1kTk5qVS2MN_kBUJPJpYqagu6hSEFmX0jG4/s1600/DSC01800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECNBZdffGYEKyEtIcvp149ID_QXv6vAyuAbU4NhCLoNonhIQK0bW6n4bWFkLjNV1d8EbqJztmEXrb-7XU-g4r-3xwl9Eo_v8iLr3AzLOf1kTk5qVS2MN_kBUJPJpYqagu6hSEFmX0jG4/s640/DSC01800.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>All that's missing is hardware....</i></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtj7hL9vQr2qdpjNFSw_XMRP97qtICj3Zo8vMu-mxjXP7yq3gonJIlV7EnoXc8uCOmH_HJrALfl-kpM1YColOGyvWgMwYeZyMBPA_59Uz1w4XExL2AEeiC7Pn60emxNlxRkgyRfJmzGw/s1600/DSC01803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtj7hL9vQr2qdpjNFSw_XMRP97qtICj3Zo8vMu-mxjXP7yq3gonJIlV7EnoXc8uCOmH_HJrALfl-kpM1YColOGyvWgMwYeZyMBPA_59Uz1w4XExL2AEeiC7Pn60emxNlxRkgyRfJmzGw/s640/DSC01803.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Another view from the top. I love the addition of the silver bolts on top of the gold corner pieces.... gold and silver combinations are a major part of Muse's look. </i></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9N_Tk2M5f1StcxcVNzISLgyryw82nCWvFisc_yh9EJEMPMjIwtQtImgJR6LuD6iBIe6d7fF9s5EGh8z1cs00FarPCeMV0sEWZL-ad0T0CUZbWm_2a5MjL6ywgu3cAwOlMGiqzN9Xy0c/s1600/DSC01804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9N_Tk2M5f1StcxcVNzISLgyryw82nCWvFisc_yh9EJEMPMjIwtQtImgJR6LuD6iBIe6d7fF9s5EGh8z1cs00FarPCeMV0sEWZL-ad0T0CUZbWm_2a5MjL6ywgu3cAwOlMGiqzN9Xy0c/s640/DSC01804.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Here are the lovely little rings that will grace the front of this piece. We ordered brass, but got something much darker than pictured online, so Chris sprayed them to match the corner accent pieces.</i></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-JPBmCj3uJ6VuGSgeHkJais-cTPn41zEUorI3JzNQB36UilRKXlw9YMZHCFV6UTOyTzGKJGdyotQjmPvmz_TP6L2iFGng9dKWjCqWPNTj6hr__yIkHf1Q1G-CpwjCHDBqE9TL7vzoZk/s1600/DSC01813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-JPBmCj3uJ6VuGSgeHkJais-cTPn41zEUorI3JzNQB36UilRKXlw9YMZHCFV6UTOyTzGKJGdyotQjmPvmz_TP6L2iFGng9dKWjCqWPNTj6hr__yIkHf1Q1G-CpwjCHDBqE9TL7vzoZk/s640/DSC01813.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>And here are photos from the install! Don't the rings look fabulous?!? I love the warmth and rustic quality of this large cabinet juxtaposed against the feminine, coral floor. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPy5gT3HqBS1XbzbQc_uJUXE4t2kiVOuijCsnTLjMSe_8YkmEpzXF2J7EjmY9kxyHJYZAwCZEclAv9ddthJUHsnmLA_A3UI89THT7xd0d174w7ioXSptEjzvVf6bTK9L_zkM69dY_BlQ/s1600/IMG_0680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPy5gT3HqBS1XbzbQc_uJUXE4t2kiVOuijCsnTLjMSe_8YkmEpzXF2J7EjmY9kxyHJYZAwCZEclAv9ddthJUHsnmLA_A3UI89THT7xd0d174w7ioXSptEjzvVf6bTK9L_zkM69dY_BlQ/s1600/IMG_0680.JPG" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br /><br />And here are the fancy shampoo bowls! Have you ever seen a shampoo station that was so pretty?!? I LOVE this look. The stylist will have the perfect amount of space to shampoo hair, reach back on the cabinet and get some shampoo and continue washing.<br /><br /><i></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7gsgEDH8rzYSoW6VGqrM317PSIShmPd1GSQyYenw7v7oFO8_dVzGndICoVCLQi8oPzyjW_TUz-5vC4CH5nygN8snjZh6y0GioIXFxXYaJKW4wcqwUNmcR9jX7knh9X2jzKiDJpqIftA/s1600/IMG_0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7gsgEDH8rzYSoW6VGqrM317PSIShmPd1GSQyYenw7v7oFO8_dVzGndICoVCLQi8oPzyjW_TUz-5vC4CH5nygN8snjZh6y0GioIXFxXYaJKW4wcqwUNmcR9jX7knh9X2jzKiDJpqIftA/s1600/IMG_0677.JPG" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A look from the front.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4diwBUQ75Vz3SJk4Mv524ft_3PR9tBTy2rNzcvY-31by-omjCApIEgOfQ125gb2a-MNVGeEPLUIgPWdd8lwpeuk3NWgMqpW0eG8aDCHs9vYxZ6gf_A6YfkGzJNc3q52xJazslT1Y6-Zc/s1600/IMG_0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4diwBUQ75Vz3SJk4Mv524ft_3PR9tBTy2rNzcvY-31by-omjCApIEgOfQ125gb2a-MNVGeEPLUIgPWdd8lwpeuk3NWgMqpW0eG8aDCHs9vYxZ6gf_A6YfkGzJNc3q52xJazslT1Y6-Zc/s1600/IMG_0681.JPG" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ultra-plush creamy, "pebble" leather  and chrome shampoo chair that reclines... so comfy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_i9dJ1UFDnM5Br-uWJcvWwaD3gS5Lb_1meWmtzetUekzaUJzpwI7ZgLy6HOXQYLceVCb1UPWMJxUJfJ_0AQ_aDBo4hkB_bIVaZGdd2myBuBwr2oaMiiKnQts9Rwndxg6sJqsNE7aTqs/s1600/IMG_0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_i9dJ1UFDnM5Br-uWJcvWwaD3gS5Lb_1meWmtzetUekzaUJzpwI7ZgLy6HOXQYLceVCb1UPWMJxUJfJ_0AQ_aDBo4hkB_bIVaZGdd2myBuBwr2oaMiiKnQts9Rwndxg6sJqsNE7aTqs/s1600/IMG_0676.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If anyone is looking for a carpenter to build beautiful furniture, contact me and I'll get you Chris' contact information! Have a great day abode lovers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBfF4tDhHE3x2dhWA5354hyphenhyphen-urMOttpRWyGWGIDpzoNu9N5KQxJ4AL5e6YkiAjvjcogeO7m19ru3wMYEsdin4hFEN3T68MiWnAnJIxNKbtlfkiVpmTdS-q0EaHISE5mOqqp_ih-ikFwk/s1600/signature-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBfF4tDhHE3x2dhWA5354hyphenhyphen-urMOttpRWyGWGIDpzoNu9N5KQxJ4AL5e6YkiAjvjcogeO7m19ru3wMYEsdin4hFEN3T68MiWnAnJIxNKbtlfkiVpmTdS-q0EaHISE5mOqqp_ih-ikFwk/s640/signature-1-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>

custom furniture for Muse

Hello Abode Lovers and happy Thursday! It's ALMOST the weekend and it's also almost time to "fall backward" aka, sleep in...

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Muse & it's stenciled cement floor

Hello Abode Lovers!<br />Would you like to know what I've been up to lately? I have been a little sporadic in my blogging lately and now you will see why! My latest project that I've been tackling is a new salon opening in Birmigham, Alabama called Muse. It has been SO much fun. I started with the design of the logo and signage and then moved inside to pick everything from the cutting chairs (a new kind of furniture for me) to the flooring! I have SO enjoyed the process... all the planning is starting to come together and it's super exciting. Here is a look at the design inspiration board for the space.<br /><br />I really wanted to have a modern meets rustic look for the space. Glamour was a must for this salon, so I knew I wanted to mix gold and silver metals with sleek, slick white pieces.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpe_3yUk-AZfkrj-YLm8ZTSfjhLZl_bdAuxLKqdJcn7WSbdhE-I6oW_qhJBJYc5IBwypdOvbvC418Oo6QsOR50XfGdCrrTAmZv9-4aIQT885sHk8GlMd6SZ_wVBFsO80QIVfTUqVScu8/s1600/MUSE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpe_3yUk-AZfkrj-YLm8ZTSfjhLZl_bdAuxLKqdJcn7WSbdhE-I6oW_qhJBJYc5IBwypdOvbvC418Oo6QsOR50XfGdCrrTAmZv9-4aIQT885sHk8GlMd6SZ_wVBFsO80QIVfTUqVScu8/s640/MUSE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The first major project inside Muse is the idea of a painted then stenciled floor. The owner and I discussed a few different flooring options, but creating an interesting finish on the concrete made the most sense with the budget, and I could see the floor as a chance to make a statement. So, I started revisiting some of my favorite painted floors from the blog world and we decided on an oversized, slightly imperfect medallion pattern that I am sure <i>many </i>of you recognize! We both loved the look of this space that I decided to just go for it... imitation is the best form of flattery, right? <a href="http://abodelove.blogspot.com/2010/09/perfect-pretty-painted-floors.html">Here is my post about stenciled and painted floors I did over a year ago!</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVrN5jhHoK8MBBljO0c8AU0h89NOgU993KPYMekEyZ9NK-1W_zt2JASRVl-WsisFCo3SUDlotyETtoWCf0EygcBCpT2gYIPedckOO2lBvokZ5S-amLji7VTL9gOf3ul8IJx4rn2R8Os4/s1600/8216298_D6L760Dw_c-780646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVrN5jhHoK8MBBljO0c8AU0h89NOgU993KPYMekEyZ9NK-1W_zt2JASRVl-WsisFCo3SUDlotyETtoWCf0EygcBCpT2gYIPedckOO2lBvokZ5S-amLji7VTL9gOf3ul8IJx4rn2R8Os4/s1600/8216298_D6L760Dw_c-780646.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is another option that I loved, but we really needed a larger pattern for how big the space is... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJec1ACEhvfa-uvE6sXNH3rhn1uuxDePdzIFlaTp59oNKV_TuEHP8ccuJMWTTMjOXK9gnzILmETJ-abEmZMs7vuCFy-X0vLO7KaFWJbieHbAzaTjGY9eZizRwGer3jLir-S9-GkA6LCs/s1600/130265651_n7i6jTc1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJec1ACEhvfa-uvE6sXNH3rhn1uuxDePdzIFlaTp59oNKV_TuEHP8ccuJMWTTMjOXK9gnzILmETJ-abEmZMs7vuCFy-X0vLO7KaFWJbieHbAzaTjGY9eZizRwGer3jLir-S9-GkA6LCs/s1600/130265651_n7i6jTc1_c.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">After deciding on the pattern, I hired 2 fabulous blogging gals to help me stencil the entire salon... 6.5 hours later, it was complete! Big thanks to <a href="http://kbshirley.blogspot.com/">Katie Beth from The Good Stuff</a> and <a href="http://cheapandchiclifestyles.blogspot.com/">Dana from Cheap & Chic!</a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the before: I had the ceiling painted metallic gold to warm up the space and add a little unexpected glam to the standard drop-ceiling. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLXzh7BnXyB5Rs1GY9dizQWoqVaCNg5v8cv5VB5QAozWdmULIuRARwNDwfmI4K0VxRX63FiCKyjNkZqlDsA8tTCoJhXnEQBTK5q1BXB03HcULyrj12O9TQOloKH27K1n410gBEqvaLs8/s1600/DSC01756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLXzh7BnXyB5Rs1GY9dizQWoqVaCNg5v8cv5VB5QAozWdmULIuRARwNDwfmI4K0VxRX63FiCKyjNkZqlDsA8tTCoJhXnEQBTK5q1BXB03HcULyrj12O9TQOloKH27K1n410gBEqvaLs8/s640/DSC01756.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Then, the painter laid down the first coat of Valspar, Bright Coral from the Laura Ashley line. I got the Latex Satin Porch and Floor Paint.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JoauHKyR5JE7ZUzQuwEhOEQVU9R9KjaptWK9zXB01OriqZW8rQ_aT-CsiR1HgDs3evVeBiY-CZevjurUOpvpl11e2TJat68Mi9CRDOePwHCKX6NTMqn2AegGCwB8B9PAfjLBBNNOjAQ/s1600/DSC01759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JoauHKyR5JE7ZUzQuwEhOEQVU9R9KjaptWK9zXB01OriqZW8rQ_aT-CsiR1HgDs3evVeBiY-CZevjurUOpvpl11e2TJat68Mi9CRDOePwHCKX6NTMqn2AegGCwB8B9PAfjLBBNNOjAQ/s640/DSC01759.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />And then the stenciling began. The color that I chose to overlay the Bright Coral is called Coral Blush, also Valspar from the Laura Ashley line in the Latex Satin Porch & Floor Paint.  Each medallion is almost 6 feet in diameter-- I had a little freak out searching for a material to make the actual stencil out of and decided <i>(after multiple failed attempts with other materials)</i> that I would use linoleum flooring from Lowes! I got a huge roll for just under $50 and was able to make 2, 6 foot stencils. I used an overhead projector to trace out the exact shape and size I was looking for and then cut away with scissors and an exacto knife to get the stencil. The linoleum was super easy to cut, which was a relief.<br /><br />I decided after seeing how difficult it was to move each piece (mostly because of the size) that we would just lay out the stencil, trace with a pencil, and then fill in with a paint brush. I loved the imperfect look of the brush strokes and it really made for a beautiful, semi-translucent pattern.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin6uVOOf1x9jgwAZfvJsqYGyBG1VROg0d45LGJ1dDK9mL25osrweHMjQJmxwUGeLN_odEbAyjOOsv8H3E1v6CfQK0TjDlKcQziLvebtBxlOY0Oj2uxi3NefSuU9AlLJPmkpAWKWqWhJc/s1600/DSC01761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin6uVOOf1x9jgwAZfvJsqYGyBG1VROg0d45LGJ1dDK9mL25osrweHMjQJmxwUGeLN_odEbAyjOOsv8H3E1v6CfQK0TjDlKcQziLvebtBxlOY0Oj2uxi3NefSuU9AlLJPmkpAWKWqWhJc/s640/DSC01761.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">about half-way there! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8exZYi8LnqmI-AFjTW7vRtk9LZbXYBnDqzax2gcYzPeX3yQrHi_5XgwEzeRvi5fFjg7FDuMAxrwIz35s3xLBBQ0zLRyJHeb7l4PlSVNfPD322Is4eH3fgRAapqeyt3Ji9gUxQAa1zJM/s1600/DSC01764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8exZYi8LnqmI-AFjTW7vRtk9LZbXYBnDqzax2gcYzPeX3yQrHi_5XgwEzeRvi5fFjg7FDuMAxrwIz35s3xLBBQ0zLRyJHeb7l4PlSVNfPD322Is4eH3fgRAapqeyt3Ji9gUxQAa1zJM/s640/DSC01764.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And here is the finished product! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTiRef69VQ-8dti2gNO9bIcw-iJfXmw5DfcBxxgjNn1VopwK-zS-Rj2BTPwd9fYZJdRHxWU9VL1Xn2cPX5dNyenQKLMn2bAu5gleyT8oy_-15DDJ9Y684-JCqa5rICnJShQAnSrVXQTw/s1600/DSC01769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTiRef69VQ-8dti2gNO9bIcw-iJfXmw5DfcBxxgjNn1VopwK-zS-Rj2BTPwd9fYZJdRHxWU9VL1Xn2cPX5dNyenQKLMn2bAu5gleyT8oy_-15DDJ9Y684-JCqa5rICnJShQAnSrVXQTw/s640/DSC01769.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />What do you think? I am absolutely in love. The whole time we were painting, we were dying over how awesome it was. I think for 3 nights I had to sleep with a heating pad, but it was oh-so-worth it. To finish up the process, the painter will come in and top off the floor with two coats of Seal Krete Clear-Seal Premium High Gloss Sealer. The floor really brings a great touch of personality into the space and the color is feminine and oober interesting. I hope all of you have a fabulous Tuesday!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOsFnwzzmZEvmaZ_MK8c296l-wDWx7U63WuPxhbPoH0FGaMZaO55m62wEHq9mLNBa1Ms3wtVgc1_aRM-x9XYcMJ0-pKgE5jmwpMME7mWQYw7tsw-cJj5JYB0kdW7VghZ7HAUiQihEVYw/s1600/signature-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOsFnwzzmZEvmaZ_MK8c296l-wDWx7U63WuPxhbPoH0FGaMZaO55m62wEHq9mLNBa1Ms3wtVgc1_aRM-x9XYcMJ0-pKgE5jmwpMME7mWQYw7tsw-cJj5JYB0kdW7VghZ7HAUiQihEVYw/s640/signature-1-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />

Muse & it's stenciled cement floor

Hello Abode Lovers! Would you like to know what I've been up to lately? I have been a little sporadic in my blogging lately and now you ...

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artsy fartsy

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello abode lovers, Happy Halloween :) I have to admit, I'm not a big Halloween person... I don't like scary movies, I don't have kids to dress up, and I'm too old to get dressed up in questionable attire and party all night... ah, the good old days when I could dress up like Britney Spears and shake my tail feather all night shamelessly because after all... <i>It was Halloween</i>... I did watch Twilight last night on FX though, that was pretty awesome, but I'm not sure that counts as a Halloween movie?!? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I'm not going to share pumpkins today... I'm going to share beautiful artwork in beautiful abodes... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love these beach photos, the washed out color and the lightness of the piece would work in any space. Can I also comment on how amazing those green ikat chairs are?!? I'm adoring the daring mix of patterns- this space is so inspiring!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4i3irgxYT_flGhMomvhG3INqbFoX2-APxQfGYEV6Wf2rkgo2ZLchPAir7cQaF1HWu49cG0VZK7HHv_P8X-QZkkUHN0w48mVOsCRojT-WYCX8H-phVmBWqG5pGQ2MVRRvPOFAk1R5xPA/s1600/200355544_T5wfEC33_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4i3irgxYT_flGhMomvhG3INqbFoX2-APxQfGYEV6Wf2rkgo2ZLchPAir7cQaF1HWu49cG0VZK7HHv_P8X-QZkkUHN0w48mVOsCRojT-WYCX8H-phVmBWqG5pGQ2MVRRvPOFAk1R5xPA/s1600/200355544_T5wfEC33_c.jpg" /></a></div><br />Hello color, hello whimsy! This piece of art is pretty spectacular- I love all of the color used and the odd mix of animals. I also love that this whimsical piece is placed smack-dab in the middle of this super classic and fancy space. The gold gilded lamp and the dainty rolled arm sofa are the perfect contrast to the artwork. Anyone else crushing on this space?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_W8_Vh1Y9lvsGL1tuxVuf-LJqrbarLMylZwlyuYqGag1Sf3dRoPzfFZxwia65S9HeRYCVJddcGBQHvBknOgZUC7ANrIW4UqFgkOoWXSx0RwijUBD4fiDqqrzGwctQfQcW6rp_QoKzIM/s1600/253488889_7qpPhJ7Q_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_W8_Vh1Y9lvsGL1tuxVuf-LJqrbarLMylZwlyuYqGag1Sf3dRoPzfFZxwia65S9HeRYCVJddcGBQHvBknOgZUC7ANrIW4UqFgkOoWXSx0RwijUBD4fiDqqrzGwctQfQcW6rp_QoKzIM/s1600/253488889_7qpPhJ7Q_c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Here is one of my favorite artists, <a href="http://www.doggett.com.au/ExhibitionFrame.aspx?ExhibitionId=548">Allyson Reynolds</a>, these moths own me. I have seen these pieces pop up all over the most beautiful interiors in blog world and would love to have one of my own! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgj4uW8RpB_0hl1GntSSfC27y2JNBsmSYrz0Qj0aa8lk6Zu0O2Tbqxus6i20kx2grMTFUqFtQjqgYG2gpcGOG0WkjbESABQbKOeJ2LGGc4NP2CHRX49SZgqF5dHvR0zW8fSKaFAP4Khc/s1600/255176064_hcis5BzC_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgj4uW8RpB_0hl1GntSSfC27y2JNBsmSYrz0Qj0aa8lk6Zu0O2Tbqxus6i20kx2grMTFUqFtQjqgYG2gpcGOG0WkjbESABQbKOeJ2LGGc4NP2CHRX49SZgqF5dHvR0zW8fSKaFAP4Khc/s1600/255176064_hcis5BzC_c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.urbangrace.com/">Erika from Urban Grace</a> snapped this pic of a gorgeous Allyson Reynolds piece in an entry... wow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8A_qjdqVodKL_zjuIo59dJnvR7dvRZehI1B6LQWXvJwNyxUJpOeCdKVhgy9hoxMd6sH6SiAzLiqmmERxfRJhkWiSI8VIk_mxwXHIHt_Uxgiq9V79rNpB7johODOddtznK6i2RWGocT74/s1600/216538303_MMfHtCiM_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8A_qjdqVodKL_zjuIo59dJnvR7dvRZehI1B6LQWXvJwNyxUJpOeCdKVhgy9hoxMd6sH6SiAzLiqmmERxfRJhkWiSI8VIk_mxwXHIHt_Uxgiq9V79rNpB7johODOddtznK6i2RWGocT74/s1600/216538303_MMfHtCiM_c.jpg" /></a></div><br />I just saw this beauty this morning on my early-morning-Pinterest-stroll.... I LOVE the way this piece is framed in lucite and bolted in... gah, it's just so good. This is such a rich space full of classic pieces and I just think the lucite is unexpected and super-fab. Also, I'm beginning to think that I love any and all spaces that use library sconces. I think the next piece that I paint will be framed in lucite!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwaKqcWEidaHShE2CmIuqM3YyQYdVHjWI5BJpQKpjaGG7YLkVJfQLbj7UB41dLeslpoaOlF7XpGaTWasMNdBsoTsft8tu6odGkpogR73ElK-hs3oN-AR4I8lMhLpE1wORNlHyHv3nLNU/s1600/415442606_kfFbMJxq_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwaKqcWEidaHShE2CmIuqM3YyQYdVHjWI5BJpQKpjaGG7YLkVJfQLbj7UB41dLeslpoaOlF7XpGaTWasMNdBsoTsft8tu6odGkpogR73ElK-hs3oN-AR4I8lMhLpE1wORNlHyHv3nLNU/s1600/415442606_kfFbMJxq_c.jpg" /></a></div><br />Happy Halloween to all of the abode lovers out there! Hope you guys have a great Monday!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl_ksRpvBJ4hFiIjfcNLAi5DTI_MYgvhReKZ933g0UJPRNxHTcq6P-m6WV2Kn6_AfJlQ5Xf_bqC0uUR29h880_5XdsRN-4I_dt8ybDiMEOCvfWowlh26iOOj-B_2MWtRmMkvPaI691_A/s1600/signature-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl_ksRpvBJ4hFiIjfcNLAi5DTI_MYgvhReKZ933g0UJPRNxHTcq6P-m6WV2Kn6_AfJlQ5Xf_bqC0uUR29h880_5XdsRN-4I_dt8ybDiMEOCvfWowlh26iOOj-B_2MWtRmMkvPaI691_A/s640/signature-1-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>

artsy fartsy

Hello abode lovers, Happy Halloween :) I have to admit, I'm not a big Halloween person... I don't like scary movies, I don't hav...

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