Monday, April 22, 2013

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Pink, love and paint ~ Happy Valentines Day!







Happy Valentines Day!  I know that it has been awhile since I have posted.  I have been busy, finally tackling the last(?) of the painting in our home.  I will admit to being nervous about painting the remaining trim white, but after living with it dark for over a year, I decided that in my heart, the room wasn't quite the dream room I imagined. People always talk about resale values but in the end, you have to live in the home, so why shouldn't it reflect what you love.  If I ever do have to sell, it is only paint or perhaps someone will come along and fall in love with it, the same way I do everyday.  I have also been having a blast with Instagram.  So much inspiration out there!  Even with similar styles and love of Shabby Chic, I do love seeing original ideas come to fruition. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery... I continue to enjoy the hunt for treasures at the flea market and thrift stores.  You really don't have to spend a fortune to make your house a home.  I find that a tight budget makes me even more creative & resourceful.  So many people get intimidated but I always say, buy what you love!  I am very proud that so many pieces in my home tell a story, or remind us of days gone by.  In such a high tech, plastic world, we find ourselves clinging to simple, reflective feelings that faded and dusty items give us.  There is a certain comfort, a measure of security we should have when in our homes, away from the daily bustle of life.  Please enjoy the pictures below.  I continue to aspire to taking better pictures to share and consider it a constant learning process.  Much love and thank you for sharing your day with me. xoxo



Simple and sweet, as love should be



I often find myself digging through thrift stores, hunting for treasures.  You never know what you will find, or what will catch your eye but the hunt is the best part for me in this "click and buy" world. Vintage hats, unique glassware, a pretty vase.
I found this old box that once shipped school books off to college in the 60's.  I decided to mix up a whimsical color to take my imagination on a journey.



I actually picked up a paint brush for art, rather than walls and furniture, for the first time in years.  I love the process of creating something personal, that has meaning to you.  These are the touches that make a house, a home.
20 years of Shabby Chic Fabric, collected in lovely pillows


Forever Pieces
I came across this picture of my old living room, taken in the 90's.  I love seeing the same fabrics, pillows and even the same coffee table that are in my home today.  Trends come and go but personal style remains the same for me. 





In an era of texting, emails & posting, I try to keep the art of the handwritten note alive and well in our home.  It is sad that my 12yr old son was never taught cursive handwriting in school.  I scatter notepads and pens all over the house, and the family leaves notes for each other.  I also like to slip them in lunch bags, as a nice surprise and reminder that I am thinking of them.



A gathering of pretty things



Beautiful, soft pinks and florals. Romantic clothing that reflects my girly personality.  Often paired with jeans and overalls.











A small, side project a did.  Repurposed Florentine, covered in lace & vintage brooches.  Reminds me of Marie Antoinette...


Little details. Limoges cups discovered at the flea market. Chipped and worn but beautiful all the same.

I have a weakness for old crates and boxes.  I love the time worn look it brings to the room.  Not to mention, they are functional, perfect for displaying and storing goodies throughout the house.
I have loved vanity tables since sampling perfume from my grandmothers so many years ago.  My 2 year old niece is discovering the same joy every time she visits and wants a spritz of fragrance.  A ritual handed from one lady to a little lady in the making.


The last of the dark trim in the house.  I took a deep breath and painted for 3 days...
And the outcome was well worth it...perfect white on whites, giving our living room the open feel we desired and allowing the dark, wood floors to be their own star in the room.  It truly feels like my dream home now.



I found this chair at the flea market for $7.  Obviously, the lovely pink colour caught my eye and I knew it had to come home with me.  I do have a thing for chairs.
A coat or two of Annie Sloan chalk paint turns this into a chair fit for a princess.  Makes the perfect place to curl up with a magazine in my bedroom now.

An over abundance of roses for Valentine's Day.  Again, I love how colour pops in the living room now, against all shades and texture of white.

Amazing how large and airy the living room is now.  Serene but still squishy and cozy.

Our shabby, eclectic cottage home.


3 Shades of pink on my toes
I found this double sided chalkboard at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore for $30. A coat of paint and voila, a mood board of epic proportions!  So much room for so much inspiration!  Look forward to having this piece in my barn, the next big project!
Even in nature, an original stands out in the crowd.
Petticoat Pillow from Shabby Chic Couture & Roses from Whole Foods, perfect Valentines Surprise

Friday, January 18, 2013

Valentine's Giveaway from Shabbyfufu

Happy Friday!  Be sure to pop over to Shabbyfufu for some beautiful decorating ideas for Valentine's (I personally fell in love with the pink painted glass jars and painted tin cans!!) and a chance to win one of her beautiful ruffled throws!!  Have a great weekend! xoxo Drena


http://www.shabbyfufu.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-shabbyfufu-romantic-valentines-day.html

Statue at The Biltmore Estate, NC

Red bud tree (or as I like to call it, my pink trees!!) Biltmore Estate, NC


All pictures taken by me : )

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Around the cottage

I have been busy, busy the past couple of weeks. I love the start of a new year, as it is a great excuse to clean, organize & purge! How many things do we hang on to for reasons even beyond just being sentimental? I am trying to be "less is more" around the cottage, which isn't always easy when you are from a family of collectors! I find myself inspired by so many blogs, showcasing beautiful, open spaces. So, I have been carefully sorting through...
I have also gotten around to several painting projects but there is still more! I am in love with Annie Sloan Chalk paint & highly recommend it!
I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their week! Less is more!
x Drena

My workspace


Living Room


Side Tables before paint


Lovely things from Shabby Chic line at House of Fraser, UK


It has been gray & rainy but this is cozy


View through the cottage


I adore my kitchen!!


The dark trim has got to go...


2013 from Shabby Chic Couture (thanks Rachel Pallas for the heads up!)


Bar Cabinet before paint


The ever changing workroom


Dining Room


Hutch before paint and all my china stacked on the table, what a mess!


I love vintage bottles & jars


Amazing what a coat of paint can do! (Annie Sloan New White)


Side Table done in Annie Sloan Paris Grey


Bar Cabinet after paint!


View through the kitchen (my dad built my chopping block island to match my mums)

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Instagram

I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel a little guilty for not posting to my blog more often.  I post pictures to my personal facebook page as well as my Glamourustique facebook page but lately, I have been so busy with the holidays and projects around the house...
I know a lot of us are using Instagram.  Here is the link to me: http://instagram.com/glamourustique  It is fast, easy and full of inspiration and I'm a big fan of instant gratification!  So, I have added my Instagram feed to my blog, so those of you stopping by may not see a new post but you can check out my latest pictures.  If you want to add this to your blog (rather than just the Instagram badge) here is the link to generate the code: http://snapwidget.com/#getstarted
As soon as I get a little more caught up around here, I hope to return to blogging more regularly.  Thank you again, to all of my friends (new and old) and family for stopping by.  
Wishing everyone a beautiful week ahead! 
xoxo Drena
My master bedroom

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Blogs I look to for Inspiration

Blogs I look to for inspiration

Hope everyone is having a beautiful start to the new year.  I am still organizing and packing away Christmas before taking on some major painting projects to finish my living room & dining room.  I can't wait to share the before and after's with you.
I wanted to take a moment to share with you a handful of the blogs that I follow and look to for inspiration.  These are some amazingly talented ladies who offer me daily support and TONS of creative ideas.  I urge you to take the time and check them out if you don't follow them already.
Ok, I better get a move on!  Wishing everyone a beautiful and blessed day! xoxo Drena