Apr 22, 2016
DIY Trumeau Mirror
DIY Trumeau Mirror are all the rage and in this case, we can see why. We are totally smitten by this elegant Trumeau.
This one was done by a very clever customer in Florida. She loves French style decor and has a wonderful eye for style. This mirror sits between two lovely antique armoires.
The centerpiece of the mirror is our very own M1, the newest large French medallion added to the collection earlier this year.
To frame M1 she used D8, SW3, and B4 at the top.
Also, to draw the eye to the base of the mirror she added two R39 urns down in the bottom corners of the mirror.
She painted M in French Linen and Old White with some superb layering techniques and then clear waxed the entire project. A little gold gilding to bring out the details becomes the icing on the cake.
And let’s talk about the styling for a minute. Do you think she’d come and do all our houses? That rustic metal cage, and the two candlesticks to add height, it all comes together seamlessly to accent the fabulously French aesthetic.
Voila, c’est magnifique.
So tell us, which Efex would you use to makeover a trumeau mirror?? Leave us a comment with your ideas!
Mar 16, 2016
Mirror Revamp Before and After
This mirror revamp says it all. We all love a great before and after. This one is so cute and so simple it just rocks. Alison Gregory of The Little French Provincial Shop has hit this latest mirror makeover right out the of park.
Last year she found this little round table and took it from drab to fab.
Now see what she had done with this plain Jane mirror.
Oohh…that orange wood! Doesn’t it just make your skin crawl? The top was just calling out for a bit of embellishment.
The addition of scroll SC44, rosette R78, and a little bit of paint it turned into a beautiful elegant mirror that would look lovely in anyone’s entry hall or living room.
For those of you in New South Wales, Australia stop into Alison store. This wife and mother of two is addicted to all things French. Her great eye for detail lets her find good projects that are ready to be reloved.
From her blog her motto is “You only live once… so live beautifully!” And boy does she do that with style!
Mar 14, 2016
Old French Trading Company
Old French Trading Company is in Turlock California Located in the heart of the Central Valley farming region. No matter where you live in the USA it’s likely you’ve had fruit from Turlock.
Founded by Swedish immigrants in the 1800’s Turlock is also home to a vibrant historical area. The downtown retail environment is full of boutiques, antique shops, great coffee bars and restaurants. So, it’s no wonder that when Lauren Camarata returned home from Los Angeles she chose to open her business inside the thriving retail environment of the Vintage Market in historic Turlock.
The Old French Trading Company is a delight. Full of so many vintage finds and accessories you could easily fall in love with everything.
Today, Lauren shows us that corners are for much more than frames with this great dresser makeover.
To get this great Swedish look, Lauren used Aubusson and Louis Blue Chalk Paint®, as well as scumble by Artisan Enhancements. Of course the corners are from Efex.
Stop by and visit The Old French Trading Company. You’ll be glad you did.
Feb 10, 2016
Architectural Detail – Inspiring
Architectural detail has always been an inspiration for us.We find for decorating everything from houses to lamps comes from so many old world carvers and artist.
This wall just grabbed our attention. The different textures and patinas makes for a compelling display. You can use Efex moldings to create similar pieces of small architectural art for your own home. Just grab your favorite pieces and a canvas, viola! Instant art!
While this facade is a little large to duplicate inside a normal home, the idea of mixing gothic and romantic is wonderful eye candy.
The same is true of this embellishment on an entryway door. However, if you just used a simple design like the bottom panel, it would become instantly a country style. We just love how these styles can work in so many settings.
This elegant door handle in a smaller form could be a marvelous escutcheon on a large bureau or sideboard. The curves are just wonderful.
Finally, the doors behind this bed suggest a fun panel that could easily be imitated on a pair of doors positioned behind any bed. It is such a great idea for a headboard.
What do you think? Should we make some of these designs as Efex?
Feb 3, 2016
This Before and After is not an Illusion…
Her store name in French loosely translates into painter of illusions, but this is not an illusion. This makeover from Peintre del llusion will amaze you!
My friend Johanne is not a simple painter. Trained as a faux finisher she knows more great tricks than anyone I know.
Last winter she, her husband (who is a wine merchant) and model beautiful daughter came to visit us in Maine over Easter.
We shared fun times and a lot of laughs as she tried to teach me how to create faux marble. I learned a lot but I’m not as talented as she is. Of course between painting and touring around midcoast Maine we shared some great wine.
Let’s look at what the talented Johanne as done today.
This little chest was just a wreck. Most people would not have even touched it. I would have gotten rid of it as it was. In my eye it was beyond repair.
Not our Johanne, Frist she added some Efex. The trim is T42 and 2 B9’s on the side.
She began painting with a coat of Old White Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan.
While the first coat was still wet, she wrapped silk paper over the entire piece to hide the damage. Would you have thought of that? Never in a million years would it have crossed my mind. Then she second coat of old white. Finally, she dry brushed French Linen and waxed with clear and dark wax.
Lets toast to this stunning makeover.
