Find your way...

June 30, 2012

Atlanta Interior Designer: Cutting Edge Stencil Company Review...

This week I've had a chance to work on an stencil accent wall in my loft (finally). The space has 8' ceilings and this wall is about 12' long. I talked about Cutting Edge Stencils in this post while getting inspiration for this project. This company features stencils for the modern day. Stencils are not just for the walls anymore! You can stencil a piece of furniture, fabric, ceilings, pillows, and even doors (a whole post on do-it-yourself doors coming this week)!

For my project, I chose the Entwined stencil show below.


It's contemporary but with soft lines. I thought it would add the right amount of curvature to a straight space which also features large rigid desk. I received the stencil within the week that I ordered it. It arrived rolled up in a box which I then laid out flat as the instructions said. It said that it would flatten out on it's own, which even after a few days, it did not completely straighten out. When I was ready to use it, I warmed it with a hair dryer (which directions also suggested) and that seemed to help.

 I knew this would be time consuming so I made sure I followed exact instructions so I didn't have to repeat the process. Cutting Edge Stencils has many how-to videos featured on the website with easy to follow tutorials. But even so the stencil bled through on the very first one. I continued very carefully for two days until the wall was complete, but definitely no where close to perfect.

I used white paint over a dark mushroom color and had to use two coats to get it the color I desired and to cover the dark color underneath. I also had to clean and dry the stencils twice during this time as the paint build up was interfering with the stencil's preciseness.

The package came with a top stencil, which proved to be very valuable, and I used the same large stencil for the bottom of the wall. However, there's nothing to help you with the sides of each wall and I had to cut the stencil so that it would fit correctly. Something I really didn't want to do but turned out to be the best way for me to get the exactness I was looking for.

I ended up spending another hour going through each loop with a fine paint brush touching it up. After all that, the pattern is exactly what I was looking for and I am satisfied with the project.

Overall I would recommend using their products due to their great designs, cost effectiveness (as opposed to wall papering), and very easy to change if necessary. But keep in mind this takes patience, time, and a steady hand! Nothing is as easy as it may appear in the how-to video :)

Here is a close up of the space (sorry the photo is crooked). I'm not complete with this area so I didn't want to do a reveal just yet.



What do you think? Is this something you may try in the future?
XoX,
Heather

June 20, 2012

ATLANTA INTERIOR DESIGNER: Color of the month...

BLUE

The most natural beauty around, azul...one that fills our oceans and our sky. Blue is said to be one of the most calming colors on the wheel and has the ability to put your mind to rest. I remember that Cerulean was my favorite Crayola crayon growing up. It was a bright & happy blue that made me feel good inside. As I am yearning for some relaxation this week I find myself drifting off to some far away exotic blue places. I figured it's about time to give this beauty the spotlight.









Okay, I'm sold. Who's coming with me?


Happy Designing,
Heather

Photos from Pinterest

June 18, 2012

Check out this view...

 I came across all three of these images today and thought 'maybe this is a sign that I need a change of scenery'.

Three views I definitely wouldn't mind having right...about...now.

Envious of this space!

City Escape...don't mind if I do!



This definitely reaffirms that I absolutely need a glass house!


It's okay if I let my mind escape for just a few moments...right?

Happy Monday,
Heather

June 5, 2012

ATLANTA INTERIOR DESIGNER: Fine Industrial Design...

I guess you could say I'm a little obsessed with the modern-industrial look lately. I love the raw, rough woods, steel chairs, & copper accents. You would think that mixing all of these neutral & seemingly cold pieces together could turn your space a little cold as well, but it's the complete and total opposite in my opinion.

I'll let you in on a little dream of mine. To own a lake house with walls entirely made of glass and filled with metal, antiques, concrete floors...and abstract art! Here's the best of the industrial inspiration that I keep in a little pocket tucked inside my brain...

I love the exposed piping & these bar stools!


 Insert me here.


Industrial dining chairs and natural slab table.


 Laundry room with chrome washer & dryer!


I love this look! 


Table on metal casters, mismatched chairs, imperfect floors, and copper-esk chandelier.


Tell me this range hood and open industrial stair case isn't awesome!


I love everything about this.


The ultimate supplier in industrial design...Restoration Hardware.


Hard to see but this glass house has a floating metal fireplace that hangs from the ceiling. 

So what do you think, is this cozy or crazy?

Happy Designing,
Heather

Inspiration found on Pinterest.