Finished Project: Talking Board

 

12"x16" Hand-painted Talking Board (Ouija) - SOLD

Interior Design: Hippie Den

 

This is it, the "Hippie Den" I've always wanted.

I found the rug a few years ago, then started hunting for the ridiculously inexpensive layers to go with it. The floral tapestry (50"x60") on the top left will hang on the wall as art. 

 

When I asked for this design as a teenager, I was told it would "go out of style", and I wouldn't like it as I got older. But I have a 'Flower Child' in me that will never go away, and I love her.

Finished: First Decorating Project of 2023

Updating an apartment for a young adult who uses a 15'x15' space as an office/bedroom/living room. These shelves, built-in side by side, are 7' and 5' (12 feet wide total). They need to hold the TV, video games, DVDs, books, plants, and collectibles, and still provide hidden storage space.

Painting is permitted, but the budget won't allow it, so only accent and decorative paints will be applied. The owner is a big horror movie fan, so there's lots of spook and dark furnishings to work with. 

Design inspiration comes from "We Bought A Funeral Home", a television program on Discovery + where designer Heather Blumberg confirms what some of us have always known; creepy can be quite beautiful.

Before

After

I painted the closet door black, sponge painted the bottom shelf, and added a short, black curtain. It provided so much hidden storage space, another black curtain was requested, and will be installed next week. A lacy spider web curtain is draped over the edge of the top shelf. Two new media racks hold all of the DVDs and video games, with room for a few more.

Click images to enlarge.

 

New black storage containers have lids. They hold game items, fill empty spaces, and elevate unusual items of interest, like pottery, and...skulls. I rehung the drama masks with long black ribbons. A collection of vintage books and candles are mixed in with art for good measure. The ottoman has a new throw blanket, and a new decoupaged serving tray.  

The loveseat has a new black and gold cover, and two new pillow covers in black velvet with embossed spider webs...all machine washable.

All of the small plants, remaining books, and collectibles were rearranged and placed in the shelves next to the window. The ladder was painted black and gold so it could be used to reach needed items or water plants. 

Before

 

After

Black and gold tassles were hung from the ladder's hinges. The ladder holds a plant and watering can.

Full view of the 'plant corner' and ladder in sunlight.

The working barber chair is comfortable, and will be reupholstered soon! All of the mismatched furnishings that could be painted, were painted with black satin paint (Valspar ®). Everything that could use a new touch of gold paint (FolkArt ® - Metalic), got one. 

 The bed got new fluffy black throw pillows, and new area rugs.

The cats gave their approval on the design changes, and will allow things to stay like this, for now.

Birdcage Lamp with Dragon Gargoyle

Lacking storage space, an old Victorian style birdcage, and its floor stand, was turned into a glowing nightlight. A string of battery operated fairy lights hang in the top of the cage, along with a blue teardrop crystal salvaged from a broken, antique chandelier. 

 

Strands of silk ivy encircle a dragon gargoyle statue made of resin in the bottom of the cage. A timer well hidden under the ivy turns the light on at dusk, and off again at dawn.

 

Cats: Christmas Tree

 

A simple, inexpensive little tree, not really big enough to climb, is just the right fit for our cats in their space. 

The faux glass ornaments are wired on tightly to keep them in place, but they still have lots of movement when touched.

The strands of garland are made from [felted wool], the same material many pet toys are made of. 

These, in earth tone and white, came pre-strung from our local Trader Joe's.

The other cats like the tree just fine, but Punky really, really enjoys being near it when the lights are turned on. 

She falls asleep under it every chance she gets. She'll also sit next to it several times throughout the day, seemingly soaking in all of its comfort and joy. 

This is our second year with this little tree.  

Edward Gorey: Dracula Toy Theatre Table

 

I'm going to decoupage one of the 'Acts' onto a black coffee table, and have the hardware store cut a piece of glass to cover it.

Don't try to stop me.

Meet the Blumbergs! | We Bought a Funeral Home | discovery+

Work In Progress: Spirit Board

 

Made of Basswood. 12"x16" with French Cut Corners

Crate to Table

 

I needed a tiny table in a sitting area where the cats like to hang out. 

When I saw this old wooden crate, it seemed like the perfect size and shape. Plus, the cats couldn't ruin a piece of junk. 

I decided to make it work by dabbing the exterior the same colors found in the rug. I painted the interior black. It had been in a barn for quite some time, and some of the ugly needed to go away.

Paint can make that happen.

I have two vintage trays to decoupage, and both will fit on the top of the table. I'll decide which looks best when they're finished.

Reclaiming Storage

 

A very old, hand-built cabinet made specifically for holding heavy wooden boxes of small machinery parts in a welding supply warehouse. 

Fortunately, it was exactly what was needed to hold a large collection of heavy stoneware pottery in a small kitchen. 

The interior was sanitized, and painted black. Torn brown paper was attached with wallpaper paste to the panels. The trim is painted with the same satin finish as the interior.

The original hardware was refinished in gold tone. It still locks with a cabin door hook. 

An empty corner of the kitchen now holds over 200 pounds of stoneware dishes, and serving utensils. 

And...maybe some lollypops.