Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

     

 

                                                     Thankful and Blessed !

I will be back to blogging after the New year and wish you all the best! 

 Blessings from the Shepards!

Color Your Home

Color Your Home..

Guest post by Sarah Price, Managing Director of Hunters at Home, an online furniture store specializing in French style Shabby Chic.

Color has always fascinated me; the psychology of it is so interesting. From the color wheel to rainbows; color is incredible, mesmerizes and can be used in so many ways. But why do we feel the need to use color? Even as cavemen we felt the urge to transform those lifeless walls with color.

I love how you can make a room look completely different depending on the color you select and how it can affect our mood, along with our perception of space. Below I’ve compiled what different colors can do to your living space, which ones best suit your living space and also what colors complement most suitably.

Neutrals and Naturals are really popular now; however, they can be bland and uninspiring if left unchallenged by more positive colors. I like to use black or dark browns for upholstered items with neutrals, it’s very powerful.  White (which contains the full spectrum) makes an excellent is often used to create a light and bright blank canvas for you to use and looks amazing if not only the walls but the furniture are all white too!

Red is a stimulating, attention-grabbing color that can speed things up; however, used in the wrong context red can heighten anxiety. Having said that, if you love using reds in color schemes, It's easy to use and will brighten up the dullest of rooms. 

Pink has strong associations with the feminine principle and with nurturing. Delicate, flattering and luxurious when used properly, pink is having a revival with the interest in Chic glamorous restaurants, homes and boutique hotels currently.

Orange is the first color babies learn to distinguish and fosters an innate sense of well-being. A warm, sensual color, orange really is the marmite color, but like red can be so dramatic when used properly; burnt oranges are so easy to use in the home, adding warmth making it the perfect ‘cuddle up’ color. As well as in the home, orange also looks ravishing in the garden.

Yellow is the color of optimism and is inherently uplifting, radiating a sunny cheerfulness. Deeper yellows are warm and rich. Yellow breeds positivity and can provide you with a knockout blow of refreshment when you enter a room.

Greens heal, soothe and refreshes - the color of fertility and growth. It is the complementary color to red and is widely used in operating rooms to provide a restful environment for surgery. Cottages and period homes can’t be without green and is so easy to use this color in any room in the house.

Blue signifies mental activity and reason. It is an airy, distancing color, which enhances the sense of space; at the same time, too much blue can be cold, authoritarian and unfriendly. Blue is also associated with moodiness, sorrow and depression. I like putting various shades of blues together; dark blue adds drama, whilst powder blue is a timeless favorite.

Purple evokes richness and quality. Deep purple is an imperial shade and wearing purple was once a privilege restricted only to monarchs and the nobility, with lighter shades of violet suggest refinement. I love to put purple with gold, it can be so glamorous.

As you can see, colors can be used in an eclectic array of forms to bring life to your home. What are your favorite colors for the home?

Thank you for sharing with us! 

I hope this information is helpful when working with colors in your own homes. I know it was helpful form me.

Eco Chic Home and Living

 

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

A Baby boomers mantra

Growing up I probably heard that phrase every day of my first 15 years of life.

 

Celebrate the beauty of the past, use what you have and embrace the art of reusing, repairing and recycling makes for a more responsible approach to decorating that won't increase your carbon footprint or break the bank. 

   While we all try to do our part by recycling plastic, paper and using our own bags to shop with, we live in a throw away society where mass produced, disposable, cheaply made items are being manufactured and sold at an alarming rate.  Let's face it after all these years of recycling and doing our bit for the environment, it is heart breaking to find out that the governing agencies have not done their part! Only 9% of that actually gets recycled.

   Recycling and reusing are essentials to the Chic Home philosophy. Not only do these values lighten the load on natural resources, they are easy on your wallet and will help you create your own, individual, one of a kind style.

...and don't get me started on the dangers of polyester and soy pollution! I will save that for another day.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask, you can leave them in comments or go to my contact page.

Thank you for visiting my blog and don't forget to shop the boutique. Lots of vintage finds, candles, accent pillows antiques and furniture.

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

   Desert Living in Southern California

I love this time of the year in the desert! Blue skies and big white fluffy clouds so low you feel like you can touch them.

      NOW FOR SOME PILLOW TALK...

I am currently working on my new line of linen pillow slipcovers for the shop. I really love this faded ocean blue damask print. I use feather pillow inserts for most of my pillows. They are the most comfortable and they don't flatten out like the fiberfill stuffed ones do.

I will be stocking up on the feather pillows for the boutique. That way you can purchase the pillow forms too.

So, I am excited about getting into my projects and getting some stuff done along with filling up the shop with vintage decor and my own designer line of soft goods.

But today we needed a serious break from the extreme heat!!!

  

So we packed up some goodies and hopped over the mountain to Capistrano. It was a lovely day!

           Have a blessed day !

                     XO,  Sandra

 

DIY Restyled Vintage Farmhouse Crocks

  

Restyled Vintage Farmhouse Crocks DIY 
Textured White Painted Crocks 

This Christmas salt and pepper set is available in my Etsy shop.

I turned a set of vintage farmhouse crocks into a set of chic white modern textured crocks and I luv, luv, luv them!!!!

Now before you get all upset with me because I ruined perfectly good vintage crocks, the set I thrifted was a miss matched set of 2nd's meaning it had flaws and they were not perfect. 

One had a lower lip, some of the decorative striping was a mess and the lettering had a few problems. It was probably reproduced in the 70's or 80's when country décor was just becoming popular again. So they weren't antiques. 

Are we good?

Before

Vintage farmhouse style

After

Modern Chic Style

a reflection of my modern decorating style.

This is what you will need:

• Krylon Colormaster Flat White paint + primer spray paint- two or more cans depending on what you are spraying over,

• Rust-oleum Textured white/off white spray paint- I used less than one but buy extra if you want more texture.

Here is how I did it:

 First I used a sanding block to lightly rough up the outside of each of the crocks and then wipe off the dirt and any dust off.

 I then prepped the surfaces by using a little denatured alcohol on a rag to wipe down the outside and let it dry.

I wanted to be able to decorate with fresh flowers and greenery so I only painted the inside lip of the rim and left the glossy finish inside.

Next up the painting!  It took 3 to 4 coats of the flat white to cover the crocks completely. When they were dry I started with the textured paint it only took a few coats to get it where I wanted it. I let it dry in between each coat of paint. The textured paint wasn't as white as I wanted so I finished the project by painting two more coats of the flat white.

I am so happy with my beautiful crocks...💙Blessings

Vintage finds, modern relics and handmade decor on Etsy... stop by and say hello!

Let me know what you think!

Chic Home & Co.

Doing a little Spring refresh and rebranding for the shop. I am working on the website and CHIC HOME will be opening online and at a new location.

 

Rocks, Wood and Eucalyptus

Beauty in Simplicity

The Best Places to Shop for Affordable Home Decor

The 16 Best places to Shop for Affordable Home Decor

MY LATEST OBSESSION... lovin these little found beauties ❤

.

Good morning! How is everyone doing?  I haven't been able to get out to shop much due to the rainy weather but I'm sure it will change soon, after all it is sunny Southern California! 

Before the storm I did manage to put together a nice little haul of some great finds for my home and the shop before the big storm hit. I stumbled upon this large yard sale with tons of goodies spread out all over the back yard, garage and boxes full of wonderful finds! Nothing was marked they just bundled your finds on the way out. I spent hours there "pickin" and went back the second day and picked some more!

I brought home over 48 items for my home and the shop. 10 pieces of pretty handmade pottery and a total of over 28 more items for the shop. But my best find of all was a mid-century modern, designer set of silverware, full and complete that had never been opened or used, which I found hiding in a mid-century modern Tupperware container in mint condition!!! 

BEST DAY EVER!

I 

I don't shop for new very often because I prefer vintage unless it is a necessity, except for fabrics which I buy for projects and decor that I make for my home and my Etsy shop.

 Best Places to Shop for Decor and More

GOODWILL

ANGEL VIEW

THRIFT STORES

JUNK SHOPS

SWAPMEETS

LONG BEACH MARKET

ROSEBOWL MARKET

YARD SALES

GARAGE SALES

ESTATE SALES

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORES

ANTIQUE SHOPS

VINTAGE SHOPS

NEIGHBORHOOD SALES

BARN SALES

SALVATION ARMY

Yard sales and Estate sales are my favorites because the money goes directly into the hands of the sellers for their needs.  I always say hello, tell them they have beautiful things, have a conversation, ask them if they have a story behind the item and tell them thank you when I leave even if there isn't anything there that I wanted.

"Thrifting is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your going to get!"

 

Tootles!

If you enjoyed this post let me know in the comments.

How to Begin Decorating with Fabric

 Color and Design - Inspiration for Beginners

 

My own decorating plan always begins with the color choices. I use fabric, photos off the internet and paint swatches for color and design inspiration. Sometimes I spend hours in the fabric stores until I find a few favorites that will work. 

I have been sewing since I was a teenager and I now make all of my soft goods myself as well as a line for the boutique. I love having things that no one else has in my home which is why my line of décor is made in limited quantities with my own two hands.

I found this vintage late 70's piece of crushed velvet fabric at a yard-sale and it was just big enough to make two pillow slips. The colors are so gorgeous, deep turquoise, deep brown with hints of aqua. The picture definitely doesn't do it justice! 

I use a pure white art canvas as the base for all of my personal projects because it is the same color I paint all of my walls. All of my fabric choices have white in the patterns so that the colors are just accents and don't takeover my room.

I cut swatches to use on my design canvas, by the way you can just purchase small swatches at fabric stores as well as online.

My style is simple, white walls, white upholstery on chairs and sofas, white drapery, dark brown wood furniture but I believe everyone needs a little color in their lives! I use color as accents in my pillows and artwork. It is easy and inexpensive to change out whenever you feel like you need a change.

My vintage sofa was slipcovered with repurposed shabby chic matelasse drapery panels that I no longer used. It is currently in line waiting for me to reupholster it. But for now it is gorgeous in white and my favorite reading spot.

The large decorative piece above the dresser was created with a piece of fabric and an old frame. All that was needed was a stapler.

Here are two examples of using fabric to create inexpensive wall art that can be easily changed out when the mood strikes you. The fabric was mounted on a recycled bulletin board with spray adhesive and then framed with frames I found at yard sales.

Slipcovers are a decorator's best friend!

I make my own slipcovers because I love switching them out throughout the year and I am able to change the look and feel of a room anytime the mood strikes.

I have a really easy diy pillow slipcover tutorial I am going to be sharing with you real soon! If you haven't signed up to get my posts yet please do, I would be so happy to send it to your email so you don't miss a thing.

Thank you so much for dropping by! 

Many blessings...  Luv, Sandra 

New Year, New projects and Good bye to 2023!

   

My family faced some really difficult seasons last year.  I had to pour more of myself into family and caregiving which shifted my time away from my projects and blogging. It seems like I am constantly trying to get this blog and my business up and running so I can help my family survive the hard times ahead.

   Last year was full of big changes and hard transitions so I am very happy to leave 2023 and begin a new year. I am looking forward to 2024 with prayers for a prosperous year. But I am literally starting over once again at age 67. I am on my own this time as my husband requires 24/7 caregiving. Something I didn't think about when we married, but I have always known there would come that time. 

   My plan this year is very simple; focus on my family and their needs, finish my projects one at a time, post at least once a week and enjoy the simple beauty of each day.

I am truly grateful for every new day the Lord gives me!

Luv and Blessings, Sandra

Merry Christmas Greetings from Our Home to Yours!

 A Christmas Wrap Up

I wish you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and may all your prayers be answered.

So I am just now finishing the clean up Christmas process. I have donated ornaments and decor that I no longer use and hope they make someone very happy. I am now starting my New Years clean up which consists of cleaning, recycling and reorganizing the studio and my home. We have downsized to a smaller place which is easier for my husband to maneuver right now and more affordable in So.Calif. 

My news year resolution is to pray and put the dreams of owning our own home in the hands of the Lord and I am thankful that I still have the strength and ability to provide the 24/7 caregiving that he requires now.

Many blessings to you and yours!

XO, Sandra

 

That's a wrap see you next year!

MAY-JUNE NEWSLETTER #23

MY HOW TIME FLIES!

This last few months have been crazy here in the cali desert! 

 The weather has been wonderful, we got tons of rain, my rose bushes look marvelous!

 We just now are warming up. It is still dropping down into the 50's at night. So far 90 has been the highest it goes for now.

The hubs had nine appointments at the VA in one month., 6 lab tests and six video chats. It is an hour away and they usually last at least 45 minutes so I did a lot of reading. I always take a stack of books and magazines with me for entertainment. Sometimes I go in and sometimes I am the chauffer, dropping him off when there are no close parking spots, finding a parking place farther away and waiting for his call.

I have been doubting myself, my business and my purpose. Praying and waiting for answers while waiting in peace which is a blessing all its own that I am truly grateful for.

Meet my 80's family. That is how you dress for the desert!

I hope all is well with you and your families. These times can be tough but we must all stay together and help each other out by spreading love and joy to all you meet.

"The peace of God passes all understanding."

(Philippians 4:7)

Give my best to the family, See you soon

Thankful. Grateful. Blessed

New in the boutique -Antique Flow Blue Milk Pitcher

  ANTIQUE FLOW BLUE IRONSTONE PITCHER

April Newsletter #23

Modern Bench Makeover

 

Antique Wrought Iron Candle Sconces

HOW TO FIND YOUR AUTHENTIC DESIGN STYLE

 

 

Design Crush: Fragments Identity

Shabby to Chic Makeover

A Mid-Century Modern Rehab Diy!

Make mine walnut please!

"BEAUTY IN SIMPLICITY"

FALL DECORATING IDEAS - EASY, CHIC and BUDGET FRIENDLY

Easy Seasonal Decorating for Fall

A Quick Note

Bless this Mess...

Lazy Susan Goes Farmhouse Chic

How to turn an outdated vintage find into a trendy kitchen decor must have!

Sunday Inspiration #1

FAITH, HOPE and LOVE

HOW TO REFINISH WOOD FURNITURE IN SIX STEPS

A Step by Step Guide and Five More Makeovers