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I love quick and easy updates like painting furniture, it can make a big impact on the look of your space. A question I often get asked is should solid wood furniture be painted? Some believe that wood should be never be painted over. Depending upon the piece and the condition is important to consider, however most often my feeling is if the finish is looking outdated, discoloured and does not work with your style, then it's time to make some changes! When you are transforming furniture it’s about being creative and focusing on how to get the best parts of your furniture to shine. That is why using paint can be used to update wood furniture and keep the wood finish. Here a few pieces of furniture I thrifted from my local Salvation Army Thrift store, with tips on how you can keep and update the look of the wood by using paint. Before  I found this gorgeous console while thrifting. The console was a mix of laminate veneer on top and teak veneer on the bottom drawers. I decide to strip back the doors back to raw wood and used hemp oil to protect and bring the wood grain to life. The rich, deep green I used is a stunning contrast to the gorgeous orange tones of the wood. After  Before  This delicate coffee table I found thrifting has gorgeous detail but the outdated colour of the wood was distracting. I stripped the top, removing the original finish to expose the raw wood. It has such beautiful grain, I wanted to showcase it. I used Hemp oil to protect it and bring the rich colour to life. Painting the skirt of the table and legs a crisp white puts all the focus on the stunning wood top.  Before  This impressive console is a great example of how you use paint to enhance the look of wood. This piece was in great condition then anything, It sat in my studio while I devised a plan. A few people very concerned that I was going to paint this beauty and paint over the wood. I was definitely going to paint it, but was going to be strategic about where to paint this piece to make the ornate details the star of the show. Painting this console in Fusion Mineral paint, Midnight blue created a harmonious effect between the rich, deep tones of the navy and the warm tones of the stunning burled wood grain. With the previous finish the details were lost but by painting in certain areas it has accentuated the details.  Next time your thrifting and find wood furniture that you are unsure of whether or not to paint it, remember you can easily update it by using paint to enhance the look of the wood. Happy Thrifting!
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With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the time to prepare your home for entertaining. To make sure unannounced guests feel welcomed, I try to keep extra food and drinks on hand. To avoid awkward moments for my guests, to figure out where to put their plates and glasses, I always make sure to have an extra accent table or two around. An inexpensive way to find a really unique table, is to hit your local Salvation Army thrift store. They always seem to be some to choose from. Check out a few of my finds. Before  Transforming thrift store finds into beautiful pieces is very easy to do. In just a few steps you can revamp tired furniture, paint it and seamlessly incorporated it into your home; with just a quick prep (click here to see how to prep) and paint. I painted this table in Cranberry, a perfectly festive colour from Fusion Mineral paint(Learn more about Fusion paint here). I applied two coats and that was it. No topcoat needed. After  Before  This curvy, feminine little side table was a great find but required a little more work. The glue from a drawer liner was on the top of the table. I used some Goo Be Gone on the residue, let it sit for a few minutes and then scraped it off. Once it was dry, I did a quick prep and painted it in two coats of Coral by Fusion Mineral Paint.  This gorgeous table is so beautiful, with its delicate etchings it would bring a global feel into your space. I love when beauty and functionality come together in furniture. The base of this table can be folded and put away until you need it again.  Before you start celebrating the holidays, make sure to hit your local thrift store and find some accent tables to transform. Happy thrifting!
10/15/2019 1 Comment Thrifting For Fall DecorWhen the weather starts cooling down and the leaves begin changing colours, it gets me thinking about Fall decor. I love the rich, vibrant colours of the Fall and incorporating them into my home. An inexpensive way to decorate for the season is to hit your local Salvation Army Thrift Store. Check out some of the amazing decor I found while thrifting.  I love fresh flowers, however they do need to be replaced often and they can get expensive. Using artificial flowers, is a great option for those that are looking to have the look without the cost or the need to take care of them. I found these flowers at my local thrift store. The stunning colour and scale of the flowers would make a big impact in any space.  This gorgeous vase is an amazing find. It would look stunning on its own or to display a Fall floral bouquet.  One of the most important things about decorating your space is to surround yourself with things that you love. If warm, jewel toned colours are not your thing then add in colours that you do love. This beautiful bowl that I thrifted, could be a lighter take on fall decorating by creating a more organic feel by adding in pine cones and mustard or orange leaves to display in your home. Thrifting for your decor is an inexpensive way to create a beautiful space for fall and while having fun with different color palettes. Happy thrifting!
I have recently fallen in love with wearing more jewelry. Although when I come home, I usually take it off and often forgot where I left it. So I hit my local Salvation Army Thrift Store to find something to help me stay organized.  I found this shell bowl that is the perfect size to keep my jewelry in. The finish on it was very outdated and did not work at all, but I loved the shape of the shell had a bit of an 80's vibe to it. Updating this would be an easy transformation. I used Fusion TSP to give it a good clean and then I applied Fusion Ultra Grip to ensure proper adhesion. Click here to see how to properly apply Ultra Grip. After letting it cure for 12 hours, it was time to start painting! I used Damask from Fusion Mineral Paint. The soft pink with it's slight mauve undertone would be the perfect colour to update it and keep with its 80's feel.  I used two coats of paint and waited 4 hours in between each coat. I wanted a little bling and accentuate the details, so I dry brushed Fusion Rose Gold to the details.   From faux finish nightmare to a more glamorous 80's vibe! Next time you go thrifting make sure that you don't get hung up on the look of the finish. You can always transform your finds by painting it! Happy thrifting!
I love refreshing my space throughout the year. I can have fun playing with design trends and it keeps my space feeling vibrant. It can get expensive buying new decor throughout the year, so my secret is to hit my local Salvation Army Thrift store for some great finds. Here are a few of the decor pieces I found on my last trip.  These gorgeous pillows were a perfect find. Have some fun when decorating by adding personality and a bit of whimsy. The Queen Dog pillows also feeds into my slight dog obsession…  You can never have too many baskets. I love using them for plants, serving food, they are a great way to hide clutter and get organized.   Thrifted art is such an amazing way to easily and inexpensively refresh your decor. The large scale and stunning colours of this piece of art would be a focal point in any space. Refreshing your space is easy to do and can make a big impact on your space. Make sure to hit your local Salvation Thrift Store next time you want to freshen things up. Happy thrifting!
8/6/2019 1 Comment DIY Summer Inspired Console During one of my weekly trips to my local Ottawa Salvation Army thrift store on Richmond road, I found this tired console, hiding behind other furniture. I moved things around to get a better look and found that it was solid wood, still had its original hardware and it had beautiful bow front drawers.    I was inspired by our warm summer months, coastal and beachy feels for this console. I began by stripping the top back to the natural wood finish. I layered on Fusion All In One Finishing Stain and Oil in Cappuccino, Driftwood and White onto the raw wood. Starting with the darkest stain and layering on Driftwood and White to give a weathered grey finish. I love how it turned out.   To update the base of the console I used Snow from FAT paint, a crisp clean white. Click here to learn more about FAT paint. I don't typically paint furniture in neutrals, however the bright white is such a beautiful contrast and makes the weathered wood top the star. To protect the gorgeous white paint, I used FAT paint's Clear Top Coat to give a slight sheen and durability. Click here to see how to apply your Clear Coat. To give a little depth and highlight the details, I used Fusion Mineral Paint Pearl Metallic paint and painted all of the molding. Learn more about Fusion Mineral Paint here. I love finding furniture that still has its original hardware. Don't worry if your hardware looks old and tarnished, you can easily bring it back to an authentic lustre, by giving it a good scrub with Bar Keeper's Friend.  I love how this turned out! By adding in this soft pink, fun pineapple art it gives a contemporary and warm feel. The gold decor accentuates the hardware. This once tired thrift store find is now a gorgeously updated piece. Don't miss out on an outdated piece of furniture, you can easily and beautifully refinish it to be the centerpiece in your home. Happy thrifting!
I love thrifting! I especially love to thrift when I am looking to change things up in my home with seasonal decor. One of my top tips whenever I am searching for items is to hit my local Salvation Army thrift store often. Here are my top 5 thrifted items that I found at my local store on Richmond road in Ottawa that are perfect for the summer season. 1. Art Deco Wall Sconce  I found a pair of gorgeous art deco sconces with an ombre metallic finish. This find will be perfect with flameless candles and hung on a patio. 2. Thrifted Wine Glasses  Buy wine glasses instead of plastic glasses when entertaining. It will up your entertaining game and is environmentally friendly. 3. Thrifted Art  I found this gorgeous piece of art filled with stunning shades of blues, greens and rusty oranges. Thifted art is a great way to get inspiration and changes up your seasonal colour schemes. If you don't love the colour of the frame you can easily paint it. 4. Natural Woven Baskets  Thrifted baskets for plants are always an amazing find. It is a great way to inexpensively infuse more texture and natural fibers into your home and it is a stunning way to display your plants. 5.Thrifted Plates  Finding colourful, unique plates is a great way to save money when entertaining. Not only are you being kind to the planet, you are also making a make a colourful impact on your table setting. Next time you are looking to make a seasonal change to your decor, make sure to hit your local thrift store to get some inspiration. Happy Thrifting!
Thrifting for chairs is a great way to find inexpensive, excellent quality chairs that can easily be transformed and seamlessly incorporated into your home. Check out my 3 tips to on how to upcycle your own thrifted chair.  1.Move Past The Finish Don’t focus on the colour or the overall tired look of a chair. I found this outdated looking chair at my local Ottawa Salvation Army thrift store. At first glance, this chair does look a little sad and not very comfortable. All of that can be easily changed, but if you take a closer look at this chair it is in excellent condition; it’s sturdy, solid wood and the legs are gorgeous! With a new foam seat, fabric and a stunning colour of paint, this chair would be an easy upcycle. Make sure to look at the overall structure, details and material of the chair. Click here to watch a video on how to get the best finds when thrifting. 2. Prepping Is The Key  The first step in upcycling a chair is to prep it first. Chairs typically will have grease and oil build up, use TSP to clean them. Fusion TSP is my favorite to use. Once cleaned, use 220 sandpaper and gently scuff up the wood to give it a little tooth. Give your chair a quick wipe down with a damp lint free cloth to finish off your prep. Click here to watch a video on how to properly prep your furniture. 3. Paint It    To transform and update your chair, paint it in a fun colour. Two of my favourite paint brands to use when I am upcycling furniture is FAT paint and Fusion Mineral paint. They both are very easy to use and don’t require any heavy duty sanding or priming. Learn more about FAT paint and about Fusion Mineral paint. I love the look of a bright modern colour on a vintage chair.  Reupholstering the seats with new foam and fabric is fairly easy and came make a big impact. Head to your local fabric store to find the perfect fabric and more information on how to reupholster your seat. Make sure to hit your local thrift store, they always have a great selection of vintage chairs to choose from and you can create a custom look to seamlessly incorporate into your space. Happy thrifting!
Canadian summers are so short that we try to soak up every minute of it. Using our outside spaces to gather and entertain guests is a great way to enjoy the warmer weather. Creating a beautiful table setting can be costly but you can save money by thrifting. It may even leave you with some extra money in the budget to get a nice bottle of wine or a decadent cheese to enjoy. When decorating outdoor spaces you can go with a more neutral table setting to let the beautiful colours of a landscaped yard stand out or you can have some fun by adding in some gorgeous colour to accentuate your space. One of the colour combinations I am loving right now is green and blush pink. Here are a few photos that I am inspired by.  Photo credit House Beautiful  Photo credit House Beautiful  Photo credit House Beautiful I stopped by my local Ottawa Salvation Army thrift store to see what I could find that would work with my colour scheme. Here’s what I found:    One pro tip to help you visual when trying to pull your look together is to use a table at your thrift store to set up your place settings. By doing this, I was able to try out different items and see what worked best for the look I was trying to achieve.  I love these thrifted pieces that I found! By adding a linen tablecloth, silverware and some gorgeous peonies in the blush vase you have created a stunning space on a budget. Next time you are looking to decorate, make sure to hit up your thrift store! Happy thrifting! Click here to get more tips on how to find get the best finds when thrifting.
6/15/2019 0 Comments Up Your Home's Curb Appeal- Paint Your Door In One Of This Year's Trendiest ColoursIt’s hard to believe that Summer is almost here! It’s time to refresh and bring in fun, bright colours into your home. One thrifty way to make a big impact to your home is to paint your front door. You can simply up your curb appeal just by painting your front door in a trendy colour that you love. Painting your door is so easy to do. It is a great way to have fun with a stylish colour, it will put a smile on your face when you come home after a long day and make your guest feel welcomed, even before they step inside your home. There are lots of paint brands on the market but two of my favorites paints to use whenever I upcycle is, Canadian-made Fusion Mineral Paint and FAT Paint. Click here to learn more about Fusion and here to learn about FAT paint. They are both easy to use, have gorgeous colour palettes and do not require priming or heavy duty sanding. With so many gorgeous colour trends you can have some fun. Here are a few of this year's hottest front door colours.  This happy and inviting blue is on trend and will definitely have your guests feeling welcomed. Get this look by using Robyn's Egg from FAT paint.   Painting your door in this fun yellow will make your house the cheeriest on the block! Accessorize with a few planters and yellow flowers to tie this look together. Get this look by using Fusion Mineral paint Prairie Sunset.   Draw your inspiration from nature by painting your door in sage or muted greens. Get this look from using Bayberry from Fusion Mineral Paint.   Become the trendsetter on your block by painting your door in one of this year’s hottest colours. Soft pinks and blush have a more elegant and contemporary feel and are not overly feminine. Get this look by using Blush from FAT paint.  Blush by FAT paint Taking the right steps is essential to achieving the best results. Don’t worry... I’ve got you covered. Check out my steps to up your curb appeal and paint your door. Prepping is key Prepping is key when painting. Using Fusion TSP to clean your door will remove any oils and grease. Once it’s dry, use 220 sandpaper to scuff up your door, giving it a little tooth while removing any paint that may be chipping. Then use a shop rag and clean water to rinse off the residue. Click here to watch a video how to prep.  Wood door or metal? If your door is wood you can begin painting. If your door is metal or has an oil based paint on it, use Fusion Ultra grip first to help your paint adhere. Click here to learn how to apply Ultra Grip for best results. After waiting 12 hours you are ready to get started!  Brush or Roller? After choosing your front door colour, using a microfibre roller and a Staalmeester synthetic brush will give the best results and a smooth finish. Using the roller on longer sections of the door will avoid brush strokes while the brush will help get into hard to reach spots. Avoid painting your door while the sun is shining directly on it, or you risk having the paint dry too fast and causing brush strokes. Paint your door with 2 coats of paints. If you are using Fusion, wait approximately 4 hours in between coats, with FAT paint, you can continue painting as soon as it dries.
No topcoat is needed over Fusion. If using FAT paint, use FAT paint Clear top coat to seal your gorgeous colour and to give it durability. Click here to watch a video on how to easily apply your clear coat.  Painting your front door is an easy, inexpensive way to have fun with trends and up your curb appeal. Looking for more tips on how to refresh your decor with? Watch our Daytime Ottawa and CTV Morning Live segments for more tips. Happy painting!
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