BHG Stylemaker Challenge | Voting and Video

The BHG Stylemaker Challenge is live and voting is open! Make sure to check out all of the projects and vote! (all images are still shots from the video)

The challenge included designing a 4' wide gallery space - in 5 hours, with limited tools (no nails or screws!?) and a video team documenting it. No pressure! ;)  I had to go to plan C when plan A & B didn't work!! But in the end, I'm SO happy with how it turned out!

There are a few videos, so you can learn a little more about me and how I pulled my gallery wall together.

I'm SO happy that I got the opportunity to meet and work alongside Jen and Stacy - they are both amazing!!

Thanks SO much to the BHG video production team for inviting me! They were super easy to work with - so professional, knowledgeable and FUN!!

Don't forget to head over, watch the videos and VOTE!! :) Voting will be open till this Sunday!

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Chinese Chippendale Chairs | Real Time Progress

Today I thought I would try something a little different. Rather than posting one big reveal - I'll be sharing my progress in real time. I think some projects come across as quick and easy (the nature of one post ..) but in reality, that's not always the case.

So I'll be sharing this project in real time - from finding a second hand piece to finished photos.

Last Sunday, I was browsing Knoxville Craigslist (while in Maryland) doing one of my typically searches, bamboo .. and there it was, a pair of Chinese Chippendale arm chairs ($60 for the pair) (in Asheville, NC).. I've been looking for these for about 3 years .. it was a mixture of feelings, super excited, but not wanting to get my hopes up .. We were driving back to back to TN that day, so we couldn't make it. I sent an email, saying how much I loved them, how long I've been looking for them, etc.. and asked if they would hold them till weekend. After a day or so, they said that they would hold them, YAY!!

So this Friday, we decided to take a day trip to Asheville (about 2 hours away) and visit vintage/thrift shops and the Biltmore. You can't tell from the photo, but it was a gorgeous day, the weather was perfect and the sky was a mix of the prettiest blue and clouds (except in this photo ..) I needed a day to recharge, picking up one of my bucket list furniture finds and soaking up the architecture and interior details, did just the trick!

Saturday, I started taking them apart. As you can see, the upholstery needs to be replaced.

Some of the wood joints were broken and repaired (but not well ..)

Saturday, I spent a good portion of the day removing all of the upholstery and staples from the back and seat. My preference is a small pair of needle nose pliers (I like the ones below, comes in a pack of three at Home Depot) these are great since they pop back open when you release. I also like a flat screw driver with a thin tip, it allows you to get underneath the staple easier. Though it is good to have a larger set too because it's easier on your hands (mine are still sore today ..) Pulling staples is definitely my least favorite task .. if anyone has tips to make it easier, I'd love to hear!

The seats are secured underneath with screws ..

The upholstered backs left staple holes everywhere .. the faux bamboo was also notched out ..

Sunday, I filled the staple holes and notched out bamboo with wood filler. Since the notched out bamboo requires more wood filler, I will let it sit overnight - prior to sanding.

We repaired the damage arm by stripping the old glue and nail, then re-aligned the wood, added wood glue and clamped into place with a ratchet strap (a great tip, if clamps wont work!). Clamping is the key to strong, durable bond when using wood glue. Once dry, we used wood filler to fill in the missing wood.

Purchasing these with an upholstered back (when I want the exposed back) will add a few extra days of work, but I figured I've waited 3 years, a few extra days of work will be well worth it!

That's where I'm at! Due to the damage, I'm planning on reupholstering the seat, leaving the back as is and painting the frame.

Total time invested:

Picking up chairs: 4 hours (we did make a day trip out of it .. and usually our finds are only about 10-30 minutes away ..)

Removing staples and upholstery: an afternoon

Repairing damaged wood with wood glue and wood filler: about 2 hours

Up next, sanding, priming the frame and picking out fabric for the seat.

We have lots of projects in the works .. so stay tuned!!

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Also, don't forget to check out my latest DIY project, at Infarrantly Creative!!

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Blogger Stylin' Home Tour | DIY Starburst Mirror

I'm so honored to be participating in the Blogger Stylin' Home Tours Fall 2014, thanks so much to Lindsay for organizing it and inviting me! If you're stopping by from Eleven Gables, welcome! I'm so glad that you're here!

We don't have a current home tour, so I decided to include a DIY project tutorial (after all, I LOVE DIY)!

When I think of fall, I think of candlelight, rustic texture, and metallics, so I created a vignette above my campaign dresser.

I know that DIY starburst mirrors have been around for a while, but I've never tried one, so I thought today would be the perfect opportunity!

The uneven, imperfect bamboo gives it the perfect (slightly) rustic fall touch!

Here's how I did it.

Materials:

12" round mirror (found at Michaels)
Bamboo (5' packs (6 per pack) qty 3) (found at Home Depot)
E6000 Glue
Gold Spray Paint
Plywood
Mirror Adhesive

First, I traced my 12" round mirror with a pencil, then I drew a circle about two inches larger and cut both out. The outer ring to is glue the bamboo, the inner ring is glued to the mirror. The surface of the ring sits flush with the mirror, so that the bamboo overlap the face of the mirror.

Then, I glued the mirror in place with mirror adhesive.

I cut bamboo at random lengths (about 4" - 10") with the jigsaw. The chop saw would have been preferable, but ours is currently at our Maryland house ..

Then I started gluing the pieces in place with all purpose adhesive. Something clear but thick, like E6000 would have been preferable.

I created a paper template measuring 1/4", 1/2", and 3/4" away from the edge and varied the amount inset, but it still has a uniform look. Since the bamboo sits above the floor, I braced it with extra cork and magazines that I had laying around the house.

Once dry, I gave it a few light coats of Montana Gold spray paint - Gold Chrome.

Finally, once the spray paint dried, I glued a thin piece of plywood to the back to connect the two rings and attached hanging hardware.

The candlelight feels extra cozy and fallish! I love how the light reflects!

Total Cost:

Mirror: $2.50 (with 60% off coupon at Micheals)
Bamboo: $6.00
Plywood and Adhesive on hand, but would cost around $15
Spray paint: $6.00

Under $20!! Not bad for a custom mirror!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Don't forget to head over to This, That & Life to finish up the tour!!

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BHG Stylemaker Challenge and Event

If you follow me on Instagram, than you probably know that last week I was in NYC for a fast paced, super fun event with BHG - the Stylemaker Challenge and Stylemaker Event.

Part 1.

Tuesday I arrived just before the Stylemaker Challenge started .. picture me running through the streets in the rain with all my bags (traffic was super bad, so I ran the final 5 blocks).

But I made it! I met the talented and sweet Stacy and Jen, who were also participating in the challenge, the video production team and host Eddie Ross. Everyone was super nice!!

The challenge included designing a 4' wide gallery space - in 5 hours, with limited tools (no nails or screws!?) and a video team documenting it. No pressure! ;) 

Here's my work station. 

Part of the challenge was shopping for our supplies at Michaels, with a camera following us around (pretty sure I looked stressed since I couldn't find many things! Hopefully the camera, or should I say editing is kind :)

I can't show you the finished space, but video and still shots will be up on BHG.com next week for voting!! eek!! Stay tuned!

Part 2.

Thursday, I attended the Stylemaker event. It was SO great to meet so many people in person that I've met online! 

We learned tips from the pros .. it was so surreal to see editors flipping through the magazine and talk about the styling, editing, etc. that goes into each spread. 

I got to see Eddie Ross work his styling magic in person! Amazing!!

Nate Berkus hosted the Stylemaker panel. Again, amazing!! 

Can you find me? 

 L to R Lindsay, me, Carrie, Jen, Kristin

Stacy, Amy, Kelly. It was SO great to meet these ladies (and so many more not in the photo!) in person!!

It was a whirlwind trip, my head is still spinning!! But SUPER fun!! I'd do it all again in a heart beat! 

p.s. I also realized after talking to a few people that everyone is confused about where we're living .. so I'll be doing a post explaining what's been going on over the past year (this week marks one year since we left CA, so perfect timing!) 

Photo credits: vertical pics from my iphone, horizontal pics Avi Gerver 

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What Would Sarah Do?

Today, I'm sharing another "What Would Sarah Do?" with this ornate console table.

I'm not a fan of the multi-colored / dark finish .. it feels dated and is too much with the detail. I'd update it by painting it a bright glossy finish.

First, I'd recommend:

- Sanding with 120 grit sandpaper, wipe off any dust.

- Priming with a durable primer, such as Kilz Bonding or Zinsser Cover Stain.

- Give it a quick sand with 220 grit sandpaper, wipe off any dust.

- Give it a bright, glossy finish with Rustoleum Enamel. I just used this over the weekend, the key to a brush free finish is don't over brush .. only pass over one area a few times and leave it. It will have brush strokes (leave them!), but they will self level, once dry. Apply it thinly on vertical surfaces to avoid drips.

A few things to remember with an oil based paint, it's stinky, so paint outside // paint in a dust free area, it takes 24 hours to dry, so avoid leaves, bugs, etc. if you can // because of the slow dry time, wait 24 hours between coats // use an old brush and throw away or clean with mineral spirits (this part is a pain..)

Using oil based is kinda annoying, but it is a great way to get a SUPER glossy finish! Also, consider using a latex based paint and applying a clear gloss on top.

I'd love to see a bright yellow on this! It's hard to photoshop the finish, but something like this from The Little Green Notebook.

via the little green notebook

Maybe paired with grasscloth and trellis draperies, like this space from Melanie Turner Interiors.

via Melanie Turner

Thanks so much to Shubhi for sending in her find! 

If you'd like to know what I'd do with a piece, feel free to email a photo to sarahmdorseydesigns{@}gmail.com with the subject line, what would sarah do? I might include it here next week!

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Also, only one more week to vote in Bob Vila's Thumbs Up Competition! Would you take a few moments to vote for me? It's super easy - only two clicks! You can vote once a day on all of your devices through the end of the month :) 

Vote HERE Thank you!! 

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Chandelier for the Living Room

Hey!! I'm back from NYC after a whirlwind trip at BHG .. more details later, but I participated in a DIY challenge (voting next week!) and the stylemaker event. It was SO great to meet many of you in person!!

Today, I'm sharing an update on our living room! Our new chandelier ..

It has gold dipped, exposed bulbs similar to a sputnik light. Inspired by the Modo chandelier, by Jason Miller for Roll and Hill, at DWR, we made our own with basic lamp parts, found on this site. 

The process was fairly simple (if you're familiar with lamp construction ..) with a few semi tricky details. Since we currently have a few projects going on - I didn't get pics of every step, but here's an overview.

- We were originally thinking of using all brass, but it was way too much money .. so we opted to spray paint. Plus, I loved the idea of black against the white ceiling with gold accents on the bulbs.

- For the lamp clusters (brass in center of photo above) we purchased ones with pre drilled top and bottom holes. For our desired placement, we measured and drilled the side holes, and used a tap and die set so that they would have a threaded opening.

We borrowed some wire from David's Dad (an Electrician) and David wired the light. Having thin wire that can easily push through all of the rods is crucial!

We taped off the wire and sockets (cutting circles out of painters tape) and gave it a few light coats of gray primer and then black satin paint.

We found a smaller vase cap in our lamp parts hoard - it fits perfectly! Also, due to our ceiling, we can't run wiring .. so we will have to hide the wiring around the beams and run it to the wall. We didn't have time to find the perfect solution, so it's currently not connected (we did test the wiring prior to painting though, it lights up!).

I love the contrast with the ceiling!

Total cost was about $50 for the parts and $50 for the bulbs ..

Thanks to those who voted on instagram for our faux mantel color! As you can see, black won! My first instinct was white (obviously .. since I paint so many things white) but with the white walls/ceiling and light furniture .. I thought black would add some needed contrast (plus I like how it picks up the black accents in the room). For now, we're leaving the brick as is (I'd love to paint it, but David is anti .. so since it's irreversible, it will stay as it for now) I'm thinking lighter accents above will help offset the black against the brick.

I'll be back soon to give a few more updates about my week and our living room!!

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Affordable Finds | Desks

Today I'm sharing a few affordable desk options! All of these are super versatile - In addition to desks, they can easily be used as a console table or nightstand. Perfect for those (like me :) that frequently move furniture around!

Here are a few of my top picks!

Prices range from $70-$230!

white parsons desk classic lines that will never go out of style! // white desk perfect small desk option // wood and metal desk great industrial look //  wood campaign desk My current desk has a very similar look, I love the warm wood tone // white x base love the high gloss finish!

*contains affiliate links

Do you have an affordable desk that you love? If so, leave it in the comments!

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What Would Sarah Do? Mid Century Modern Edition

I'm so excited to share another edition of What Would Sarah Do this week! Thanks so much for sending in your thrifted finds!! Today, I'm sharing Jill's amazing second hand treasures, a Mid Century Modern sofa and pair of chairs (You know I have a weakness for all things MCM!). Both of pieces have amazing lines and just need a little refreshing, so today's suggestions are all about freshening and modernizing.

This sofa! Sure, it looks a little worn, but look at those clean lines and that wood base!

First, I'd remove the back tufting for a cleaner look.

Jill said she was thinking about a cotton velvet and I think that's a great idea! Maybe something like this. Make sure that it is upholstery grade, and if available, check the double rubs (a machine rubs over the fabric, back and forth until the fabric is worn), a higher number is better. (i.e. 100,000 double rubs, but 25,000 to 50,000 is suitable for residential use) Also, make sure to order a sample first!

For the base, I'd sand it down and leave it natural, sealed with clear polyurethane and clear wax. If she's thinking about replacing the bottom cushions, maybe swap for one large cushion for a more relaxed look. But keep three for a more tailored look.

I'm considering a color for a second sofa, I can't get yellow out of my mind! Maybe something like this.

Or maybe a teal! Like this or this

Jill also sent a few pics of this MCM chair. She has already removed the side panel on the arms (great call, as it shows off the detail on the arms!) I love the lines and the tufted cushion!

She's debating dyeing the fabric, before investing time/money reupholstering with a linen or linen look ..

Personally, I'd love to see these in a saturated linen, so I say, reupholster!

Maybe Fuchsia from the Warsa line

Or this yellow. Jill mentioned that these won't be in the same room as the sofa, but if they were, I'd pair them with the charcoal sofa.

I love the arms natural wood, so I'd sand them down and apply a light coat of a gray stain such as Minewax Classic gray - wipe it off immediately so it doesn't get too dark.


If you'd like to know what I'd do with a piece, feel free to email a photo to sarahmdorseydesigns{@}gmail.com with the subject line, what would sarah do? I might include it here next week! (p.s. Thanks to all that sent in your request, I will try to get to all of them!)

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