STRIP, PAINT OLD PIECES TO HELP THEM BLEND IN
Artist and entrepreneur Dana Gibson launched her design business 20 years ago with a line of hand-sculpted porcelain wares. Fashioned by hand and painted in garden colours, many of the same floral and pastoral themes continue to abound in her work today.
She spoke with The Washington Post from her family river cottage on — appropriately enough — ways to enhance cottage style in one’s home:
I recently inherited a sideboard and desk from my aunt. Both belonged to my greatgrandmother. She lived a much more formal (and, frankly, wealthier) lifestyle, so the pieces are grander than anything I’ve acquired. However, I want to keep them. How do I incorporate them into my more relaxed, small home?
I love this question because saving family pieces is a value I share. Have you thought of painting or stripping them? This can be shocking to some, but the dark, formal stains of yesteryear simply don’t work these days. Lightening and brightening is the new rule. I like pickled wood because it’s a lighter tone. I would also suggest you get a professional to strip or paint, if you can. If not, chalk paint is really easy and a quick fix. Google “painted furniture” for some inspiration.
Five kids later, our house is in need of a makeover. Where do I start? I’m not sure what my style is, which is part of the problem. I love vintage and antiques, but that’s just not the type of house we have. We have four kids in college, so we’re on a budget, too.
If professional help is not in the budget, start from scratch. My best advice is to paint everything white, off-white or grey and use furnishings that are in neutrals: white, cream, grey. Slipcovers purchased online are a great and cheap investment. With a basic white, spare canvas, add pops of colour in pillows, a feature wall and accessories. The point now is to edit all that you’ve accumulated over the years and spruce it up for you and your spouse. Throw items that are not working in the attic. Start pinning your favourite rooms, and you will quickly see what your taste in home decor is.
My house is very neutral, with creamy walls and a deeper cream in the kitchen. We are putting our house up for sale in the spring, and it looks as though wallpaper borders are out. I have a wide one above the white cabinets in the kitchen and one in a bedroom. Do I strip them off and repaint the rooms?
I always say, it is pretty much impossible to “inherit” someone else’s wallpaper.
The choices are just too personal. I’d pull the border down and repaint. And the rest of your house seems in shipshape. Washington Post