TayRose Design interior design Art Archives - TayRose Design interior design

Decorate fireplace wall “naturally” on a budget

large canvas owl photograph by Everet Regal

Before and after fireplace wall project

What to do? Our fireplace place wall was enlarged when we removed the ceiling and vaulted it, and after tirelessly trying to match the vintage stone below the mantle to no avail, we had to think about another budget friendly way to finish the space above. We thought of reclaimed wood, but that would require framing it and that would be very heavy and the ceiling is so tall we don’t have ladders high enough to get to the ceiling to secure any materials we chose.

So, for several years I just decorated the mantle with decor items, but they just didn’t fill the empty space above as much as we would have liked.

Mantle decor before revamping fireplace wall

Finally, I was browsing through my husbands photos online (he is a photographer and sells his art on Fine Art America here, https://everet-regal.pixels.com/) and found this picture of an owl in a grove of birch trees during a snow shower, and thought, “if this was enlarged on canvas it might just work on the wall over the fireplace”. I roughly sketched a layout I was envisioning, for I am so visual I need a picture…especially when trying to describe an idea to someone else…uh huh, need a picture!

Sketch of fireplace wall layout with owl canvas and birch trees

I showed my sketch and ideas to my husband who re-sized the photograph online to a larger size canvas that would be available to purchase, and we ordered it. (You can find where we purchased it here https://everet-regal.pixels.com/products/silent-snowfall-portrait-ii-everet-regal-canvas-print.html ) We chose the 33.5″ x 48″ size, but there are many sizes available as well as other mediums, such as acrylic, metal, paper, and it can even be printed on a shower curtain or pillows!

large owl canvas purchased for vaulted ceiling fireplace wall as centerpiece

But just hanging a large canvas art would not be enough for the wall, so I suggested we bring in trees to line up around the art so it really looks like the owl is sitting in the trees! First we had to find the white birch trees. A request on facebook from my husband had several people responding back with permission to go on their properties to cut what we needed. (Please ask first for we are NOT encouraging that anyone go and cut down trees where there are posted signs or on private property) Hubby went out several times walking properties that we were given permission to search and came back with several trees perfect for the project.

Cut birch trees brought in to start fireplace wall project

We chose white birch only because those type of trees were in the owl canvas, but one can use just about any tree-however, be aware that most trees have sap in them and will run more in certain seasons of the year- be sure to read up on whichever trees you choose. Also, faux trees could be used as well, whichever works best for you.

We were trying to decide how we would attach the trees to the mortar on the wall, and if there were ways we could bypass any wiring or nailing into the fragile mortar background. I thought if we put the base of the trees in a glass vase with a little bit of playground sand (my hubby thought to put the sand in) and cut the tops just enough so there was some tension pressed onto the ceiling, we wouldn’t need to have any nailing or screwing into the wall. We shopped for clear vases and there are so many choices with just as many prices, and we finally opted for some hefty weighted large glass mugs to do the trick. We found these at the Dollar Tree, and for a dollar, how could we pass them up!! https://www.dollartree.com/Brand-Name-Jumbo-Glass-Sports-Mugs-26-5-oz-/p412969/index.pro

Glass heavy mugs to use as vases for tree mantle project

We faced the handles towards the back of the wall, and lifted each tree up and snipped off the ends with enough tension to stay up secure to the ceiling. Since the ceiling is vaulted and at an angle, each tree had to be snipped at different lengths. I also found bags of black river stones at the Dollar Tree and used them to spread along the mantle top. https://www.dollartree.com/Black-River-Rocks-32-oz-Bags/p363671/index.pro

River rocks for fireplace mantle

We ended up putting 4 trees, 2 on each side of the canvas then filled in below with wispy branch clippings up against the wall. We also tucked in a full length tree branch along both sides of fireplace from the floor up, then cut used the cut of trunks to stick in decorative urns on hearth. The only hardware we needed was the nail to hang the canvas art. Now the owl in the photo canvas comes to life hidden in real trees and even the eyes follow you wherever you walk…so cool!

Starting layout of canvas and trees on fireplace wall

The canvas was really the only real cost in the project, the trees were free, the vases and rocks total were less than $20.00, so all in all, a very inexpensive project that has a great “wow” feature for the room.

There are so many natural materials that can be used for decor that make a great statement: large driftwood pieces, large canvases painted or printed, shells glued on mirrors or picture frames, live succulent frames, rocks ….the list goes on and on.

Especially if you find materials in your own yard, projects can be kind on the budget, plus, nature inspires art and fits in decor “naturally.”

Finished fireplace wall

New Home, new furnishings Part 2 Master Suite

Master Suite in neutrals

So many of us are so busy that we rarely have time to enjoy and retreat to our Master Oasis’s until the family has been fed; dishes done; lunches made for the next morning; kids bathed; stories read; kids tucked in; laundry folded; and bills paid…..so, collapsing into the bed that may or may not have been made that morning, and falling immediately into an unconscious slumber is how our Master bedroom meets our need. And yet, trends reveal when it comes to designing, or building a house, clients want the master suite, and “en-suite” to be spacious with sitting areas, even exercise machines with adjoining steam showers, double vanities and tv sets as their “must haves.” Who has time to enjoy all of this blessedness? But hey, who wouldn’t want a restful, spacious area to retreat to at the end of a hectic day? We all deserve a space that beckons when the day is done, and the door can be closed to put the world on a time out.

Master suite sitting area in neutrals

This Master bedroom space was one of those spaces where I wanted to create a soothing break from the demands that every young parent lovingly accepts. The client had sent me several photos of colors and styles they liked for the room which were very helpful to draw inspiration from and recreate for them. Neutrals were chosen, in creams and taupe with a bit of gray. Lots of texture from the nubby linen and metal nail heads of the casual chairs; the cool metal from the glass side table; to the painted metal art on the wall over the bed; and the soft cream of the carpet underfoot. The warm woods of the bed, nightstands and dresser give a nice contrast to all of the neutral colors surrounding the room.

Seating grouping in master

The comforter was a great find at Burlington’s and was the light neutral color that the client was looking for. It’s hard to see, but there are fine light gray lines creating a subtle pattern on the fabric. I was able to find matching shams, a throw, and all of the accent pillows at several different stores while shopping for accessories. We found long curtain panels that had beautiful texture and just the perfect colors of gray and taupe to frame the windows and carry the color to the walls. We hung the panels higher over the window to draw your eye up and helps the room feel larger.

Cream lamp and curtain panel by bedside

I found the lamps and shades, in a simple shape, creamy like the trim color and a few photo frames to be filled with kiddo pictures in black and white to keep with the neutral scheme. The design rule of grouping in 3’s and 5’s really does work in most cases, and helps surface areas from getting too cluttered. Choosing groups that have different heights and shapes gives the items more definition and interest. A small seating area was created on the back wall with a couple of nubby chairs, a small glass top table and then adding the accent mirror centered over the grouping instead of centering the mirror on the wall. The standing dressing mirror fit perfectly just outside the entrance to the master bath plus doubles as a jewelry cabinet- I love when products can be double duty…so functional!!

Since the bed should really be the focal point of the room, I wanted something light and airy for the space over the large bed. While in the Home Store, I found a large grey metal floral leaf art piece that was pointing up and leaning against the wall. I picked it up and immediately turned it upside down. Perfect! I just needed to take some cream colored chalk paint and lightly distress the metal a bit to soften the color and bring it more to a neutral but still have that hint of gray coming through….just like the comforter….get where I am going with this? Why upside down? Well, I think it looked better upside down, and I liked how the bottom which is now the top was narrower than the top which is now the bottom, and it seemed to “hug” the bed. Did I lose anyone? It’s fun to change up something whether it’s turning it upside down, or sideways, or adding a piece to it, or changing the color…..it’s all part of the design process.

Floral metal wall art painted and distressed

You will notice that there is a lot of wall space in this room, and we do have future plans for that. To the right of the bed, the wall leading to the master closet will be a grouping of black and white wedding photos framed and hung, one which will be enlarged to go behind an old pane window.

It’s important to carve out a space where you can escape…..even if just for a little while to rejuvenate….not only will you benefit from the results it can bring, but your family will appreciate it as well. Even something so simple as making the bed and finding homes for the clothes that made their way to the floor, can do wonders when you drag yourself at the end of the day to a space that is welcoming you back.

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Photo-Art pillows add big punch to Home Decor

Taylor

22 Apr 2015

Art, Interior Design Room, Office, Theme Room

Africa, Art, Clay NY, contemporary, custom, decorator, Eregal Studio, Home Decor, Interior Design, lion, mood boards, office, Parade of Homes, photography, pillow, TayRose Design, unique, Wall Art

Hanging pictures on our walls has always been a way to showcase our families, remind us of a favorite movie with a poster, frame school art from our children through the years, or reminders of places we have been. Wall art evolved to paintings of subjects we were drawn to, or abstracts with colors that melded with our sofas, that filled our walls with pattern and color. With the many styles of design, from Contemporary Modern, Country, Shabby Chic, Traditional, Rustic to Eclectic, all of them have some home decor style that we identify with. The graphic bold colors and stark black and white for Contemporary, the painted distressed wood for Country, the creamy whites and floral for Shabby Chic, and so on, and with all of these, photography, framed has been there to hang on our walls.

When you think of all the photographers in the world, and all the different styles and subjects they portray in their work, for Interior Designers, photography is the go to decor item for adding emotion and even drama to a room. I am so fortunate to be married to a photographer, eregalstudio.com and have used his art photography in several of the Parade Houses I have designed, and I have marveled at how it fills a space with a powerful statement.

I feel a beautiful photograph can be compared with a beautiful painting, for they both affect an emotion, and they both capture a moment frozen in time.

The other day, my husband told me he had sold a pillow online from his Fine Art America store,http://fineartamerica.com/products/majestic-king-everet-regal-throw-pillow-14-14.html

I had to stop and ask, “a pillow?” Now, I know this concept of a photograph on a pillow is not new. I remember seeing children’s photos on pillows, or their favorite pet, but it got me visualizing an office or living room with accent pillows with beautiful photographs on them, and my mind started creating artful photo pillows! Imagine an home office with dark mahogany furniture and a zebra colored rug, leather sofa, soft throw and a lion pillow?

(I had so much fun designing the mood boards!) Or a more contemporary sleek office with chrome and glass and a pillow with a closeup of bridge cables or a tall building ……there are so many ways that photography as an art form has grown from only on the walls to decor accents in pillow form.

Just another way to live with art!

Check out Fine Art America.com and see how any photo can be made into a 100% cotton pillow 14″ x 14″ up to 26″ starting $27.00 photo printed on both sides and insert included!

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“Rev” Up your Home Decor with Car Parts!

Taylor

21 Feb 2015

Art, Custom Design, DIY, Interior Design Room, Repurposed

I have been known to find “art” in the most unexpected places. I was designing a showcase home, to show how furniture and wall art can be made by using everyday items; thrown out items; stuff that was found at the curb; or in thrift stores. I didn’t have far to go for this design plan….

Have you ever been to a Pick & Pull? Oh boy, first be sure you wear your grungy clothes and shoes, bring gloves and I didn’t know this, but be aware that prices are not cheap for many items. That was my biggest surprise.

I wandered up and down aisles of discarded cars, smashed up cars, and parts laying on the ground. It was eery walking around all of those car shells…. what stories they would tell-not good ones in most cases.

As I turned a corner, I saw this awesome sculptural piece of metal just sitting in the middle of the aisle like it was saying, “hey, here I am, just what you were looking for!” I had no idea what part of the car it was, it was heavy, but I could still carry it, (oh, btw, you have to carry everything out yourself!) The piece had beautiful rusty patina, and I thought it would serve perfectly as a side table base. Now, if I could just carry it to the check out counter!

I also found I think it was called an air cleaner that was metal, and I thought I could turn that piece into a wall art design. So, I dragged my pieces to the checkout counter, had a bit of a sticker shock (I was very naive to costs, I thought being a junkyard it would be pennies to the pound or something similar…..oh no, more like $’s to the pound) Anyway, I was happy with my purchases and now to get to work on creating my vision.

I started with the air cleaner. I don’t have pictures of the process, but I can briefly tell you about it. The air cleaner was black already, but I cleaned it up and spray painted it black again just to keep any rust at bay. I found a round piece of mirror at the Dollar Store and glued it under the opening that was in the middle, then positioned it on the wall with the “arm” facing up so I could put some dried floral, then hung a tassel to complete the look. This piece was for my client’s entry where we hung metal siding on one indented wall, then had a bench with custom pillows. He was thrilled- he loved the whole industrial look especially since being a race car driver, having car related “art” was what he had hoped for.

I also used some large coiled springs from his garage to place on both sides of the fireplace. I inserted large glass vases to hold floral sprigs.

For the side table, I found out that I had picked up a crankshaft from a car, and by turning it on end vertically, I was able to put a round glass top and bolt it on to a wooden round disk, found at Home Depot that I stained a dark brown. I had cleaned up the crankshaft removing the grease, then sprayed it with a satin clear coat spray. Super simple, and so interesting looking. Being a small table, this table fits just about anywhere. I love how something so industrial works inside a home. This table would be perfect for a Man Cave, or set as I have it, in a corner next to a chair.

Pick and pull parts from lots of sources to create unique items, and “Rev” up your decor!
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Cuckoo for Nursery Wall Art

I had a vision in my head of how I wanted the Nursery wall in the Parade of Homes to look…soft, sweet, something that could remain on the wall as they grew, and something sparkly…for I was designing the space for a baby girl, and they are sugar and spice and everything nice you know…and sparkly!

I knew I was going to use a vintage iron crib (more for show during the Parade, I would suggest a white new crib for the baby) and a dresser that was painted in a soft color. There would be soft carpeting on the floor, and I wanted to do a billowy, flowey, window curtain treatment.

I commissioned my friend who is a wonderful surface painter, Sarah of Sarahharrisdesigns.com to paint a wall mural of a large tree, where the branch would reach out over the crib so I could hang birdhouses in the branches. I also wanted to have smaller birdhouses be part of the window treatment to hold up the curtain rod, which was both a wooden dowel and real branches that I had painted white. So, how did the idea come about using birdhouses for the wall?

I was at a local auction and looking through all the box lots that were going up soon to be auctioned off, when I spied a box with several wooden cuckoo clocks that were all broken, some parts missing, the backs off of some, some with no hands or pendulums etc. I knew right then that these will be my “birdhouses” that will sit in the branches of the wall mural in the Nursery. Now, I want to mention right here, that I would never take a working cuckoo clock that had all it’s parts and deface it in any way, so I’m not telling you to run out and take your Grandfather’s clock off the wall and make it into a birdhouse….I found these parts, and rather than having them end up being in someone’s burn pile or in a landfill, I decided to save these parts and create art….oops, better raise my number up!

I won! Got the box and happily brought them home to where I proceeded to clean them up and start to paint them all a nice white color. The tree I wanted to be a white silhouette, so the “birdhouses” would look like part of the silhouette as well, plus the color balanced with the window treatments too. As I mentioned above, I wanted to bring some “sparkle” into the room, so I went online and looked for some German glitter, ordered it and couldn’t wait for it to arrive. After several coats of paint- I used some latex paint I had on hand-and after they were all good and dry I was ready to apply the glitter. I wanted the houses to be covered in glitter, like a fairyland, so when the light from the windows streamed in, it would make the birdhouses glisten.

I experimented with several types of glue to apply the glitter with. I tried a spray adhesive first, spraying small areas and then sprinkling the glitter on by hand. The adhesive was just ok, it didn’t hold as much of the glitter I was hoping it would, so I switched to plan B which was taking white glue, (Elmers or Dollar Store brand) and I watered the glue down a little bit in a plastic tray and applied with a brush. I also discovered at the Dollar Store a package of salt & pepper glass shakers which I filled up with the glitter and found this was much easier to use than sprinkling with my hands. I kept gluing and sprinkling until I got the coverage I wanted and left them to dry.

I thought to myself, transporting these babies without knocking off all the sparkles was going to be the challenge if I didn’t spray it with something to hold the glitter down. I decided to bring out the spray adhesive again and spray over the whole house thinking that it would at least help with some of the glitter dropping. The adhesive spray worked pretty well, and there was hardly any glitter at the bottom of the box after transporting.

After deciding where in the tree to hang my “birdhouses” over the center of the bed, they were easy to hang with a screw in the wall. I was so happy to be able to repurpose the clocks into birdhouses, although, birdhouses painted and treated the same way would be perfectly fine as well. I just like to challenge myself to see things in a different way and relish in the joy when I see how well my challenge was met! Are you as “cuckoo” for cuckoo clock parts as I am?

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