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The links I’m loving in April 2019!
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
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A little green end table that will be getting a makeover very soon!
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
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It's incredible how something neglected for so long can become a charming piece of furniture with a bit of love and attention. This school desk is a perfect example of that.
In the case of this school desk, I'm also guilty of even more abuse. After I got the desk at a yard sale, it sat outside for months until I was finally motivated to work on it.
Here are a couple 'before' pictures: 
I love to bring new life to something old...
Refinishing furniture can be time-consuming and laborious, but it's also enriching. The feeling of bringing new life to something old and worn is hard to beat.
But it can be time-consuming.
This school desk was definitely time-consuming. My husband & I took turns sanding this chippy thing down until we finally gave up & decided to concentrate on sanding the top & repainting the bottom. It's not always the final result that matters, but the process of getting there. Working on a DIY project with a loved one can be a great bonding experience & fun. My husband & I make an excellent team for working together.
Choosing the right paint is crucial.
I went with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Graphite for the painted legs. Choosing the right paint and wax is crucial to achieving the desired look for your furniture. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Graphite is an excellent choice for those who want a modern and sophisticated feel.
My painting tip:
Be bold and experiment with different colors and techniques when refinishing furniture. You might discover a new favorite color or finish you never thought you'd like.
Lastly, I gave everything (including the bare wood top!) a coat of Annie Sloan Clear Chalk Paint Wax. It's perfect for protecting and enhancing the furniture's natural beauty.
Final Thoughts
It's important to remember that every piece of furniture has a story to tell. By giving it a new lease on life, you add your own chapter to that story and create something unique and special.
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Thursday, April 18, 2019
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A few chair planter ideas!
I know I said I was trying to patient this spring. Like I’m holding off on the mulch & mowing the yard & all of that.
But I have a confession:
I already brought my chair planters out of storage & placed them in the yard!
Honestly, a lot of it had to do with getting them out of my basement! We’re trying to clear out our basement & the chair planters were taking up space so we moved them outside. Of course, I didn’t have to place them in the yard. I could have hid them behind the house or something?! But here they are, all flowerless out in the yard! I probably look like that person who just can’t wait! But really, I just can't wait!
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
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The Constant Evolution of My Craft
Hey, my creative souls! Let's dive into the transformative world of filters in photography. My journey in capturing life's moments is a never-ending adventure, making it so exhilarating. Being self-taught means I'm always in the lab—both behind the lens and in the editing suite.
The Time Crunch: My Old Editing Woes
Time was once my nemesis. Editing photos used to be a marathon, and while the creative process was a joy, being shackled to my computer was not. And the wait time for my clients? A week might not sound like much, but it's an eternity when you're as impatient as me.
Lightroom: My Game-Changer
Enter Lightroom, my creative sanctuary. I was hesitant at first, but there was no turning back once I embraced it. It streamlined my workflow and even has a Discover tab where you can download new filters. The best part? I can edit anywhere, even from my tablet. Talk about a win-win!
The Joy of Revisiting Old Snaps
One of my not-so-secret joys? Breathing new life into old photos. Lightroom makes this a walk in the park. A quick hop into my albums and past work is ready for a fresh glow-up.
Filters: The Unsung Heroes
As my techniques evolve, I'm always on a treasure hunt for new filters and even crafting my own. Filters are like the fairy godmothers of photography—they can transform a photo into a whole new visual story.
A Recent Re-editing Adventure
I recently switched up some photos James captured of me by the lake. A new filter later, and they're radiating all the feels. I'm head over heels!
Keep Growing, Keep Snapping
The moral of the story? Never stop evolving. I'm buzzing to see where my next photo and filter experiment will lead me.
Sending you all the creative vibes! If you're vibing with my journey, hit that share button. Your support is my creative fuel.
Thursday, April 04, 2019
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Hey, Besties!
If you've been following our journey at the Kay House Reno, you know we've had to get creative with some of our design choices. Today, I'm diving into a project that turned a plain, builder-grade bathroom vanity into a statement piece: textured spray paint countertops!
The Challenge: A Basic Bathroom Vanity
We had to keep the existing bathroom vanity for reasons I'll delve into in a future post. While it was in good shape, it lacked that "wow" factor I crave in my designs. It was time for an upgrade!
The Inspiration: A Pinterest Discovery
As someone constantly scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration, I stumbled upon a pin about textured spray-painted countertops. Intrigued, I clicked over and discovered a whole new world of possibilities. But the question remained: would this work in real life?
The Experiment: A Small Vanity Makeover
I decided to test this out on our small vanity. Its compact size made it the perfect candidate for a trial run. Here's how we transformed it:
Step 1: Surface Preparation
- What We Did: Removed the sink and lightly sanded the laminate surface. Wiped it clean to ensure a smooth painting process.
Step 2: Area Preparation
- What We Did: Taped paper around the edges and covered the sink with thick plastic to prevent spray paint splatter.
Step 3: The Painting Process
- What We Used: Rust-Oleum American Accents® Stone Spray Paint
- What We Did: Applied several light coats, building up the texture. Patience is critical here; let each coat dry before applying the next.
Step 4: The Finishing Touch
- What We Used: Triple-thick polyurethane
- What We Did: Applied several coats until the surface was smooth. For a more durable finish, consider investing in a heavier top coat.
The Verdict: A High-End Look for Less!
I couldn't be happier with the results! The textured spray paint gave the countertop a luxurious feel without breaking the bank. In fact, I loved it so much that we applied the same technique to our master bath vanity!
Final Thoughts
This project proves that you can transform even the most basic elements in your home with some creativity and elbow grease. Stay tuned for more Kay House Reno updates and DIY adventures!
