Project: Finished Coffins

 

"The Balloon Ride" coffin is finished.

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.

Halloween: Accessories

 

I took a chance on these books being the correct size, and I'm glad I did. They're 1:12 scale, and they're perfect. 

 

I'm gathering a few things to tuck in the coffins with the skeletons, such as diaries, wine, hatchets...the usual items.

Update: Spirit Board

 Needs to be distressed with a hammer and chain a few times, but it's almost there...

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.

 

Mod Podge ®

 

Mod Podge ® (Modern Decoupage) was invented in 1967 by Jan Wetstone, an interior designer living in Georgia. It's a water based formula that can be used as a glue, a sealer, and a varnish. We used the original formula a lot in school, but I've not used any of the new ones available today. 

I have several different projects that will require an adhesive for wood, paper, and fabric, so I'm going to try Mod Podge on them all.

Work In Progress: Spirit Board

 

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