Maison Blanche and more!

As we approach the grand opening weekend (an official Grand Opening on Memorial Day) of Darling, I want to thank everyone for all of the blood, sweat, and tears to make this happen. It has been fabulous to have had such talented people pull together and support Darling. We love our cozy little spot on Lyme Street and are even looking closely at a larger space to accommodate the collection of home and gift items…more to come!

Annie Omar, the founder of Maison Blanche paint, is certainly one of the people involved in making Darling's dreams come true. Her deeply talented artistic  roots, product knowledge, color choices, and strong philosophy is what makes her company very special.

"I'm very proud of my Southern Louisiana roots and come from a long lineage of strong and independent women. The paint colors you'll find have been inspired by my South Louisiana, Cajun & French Creole heritage. A southern belle at heart, I operate from a place of abundance. It's my ultimate dream to be able to help other women begin their own journey towards financial and creative freedom. The business model of La Craie paint is designed to do just that." ~Annie

Her ideas are in alignment with what drives me....I love what I do and want to share my knowledge, that there is enough room for everyone, and to inspire and help others love where they are! 

Color Debutante from Fox Hollow Cottage

What is so special about this paint line?

Our exclusive Furniture Paint formula is unlike any you've seen before. It was designed with you, the creative and conscious consumer, in mind.

We wanted to make it both excellent quality and affordable. Maison Blanche Furniture Paint dries to a soft, velvety finish and is extremely low in organic volatile compounds, making it a green and eco-friendly alternative to traditional oil-based paints so often used on furniture. With little to no odor, we can create your masterpiece just about anywhere without fear of reprisal from your delicate senses.

Our Furniture Paint has been carefully refined and perfect to the last drop. Silky and smooth, the paint can be applied using a variety of techniques in addition to 'straight from the can'. It's been specially formulated for painting furniture, cabinetry, and trim. It can also be used to top off any existing furniture finish, without the need for stripping, sanding, or priming. What could be simpler?

For a more distressed look, apply waxes to create that classic, old world patina. Add a bit of water and try it as a color wash. If you prefer your paint a bit thicker, simply leave the lid off for awhile. The paint will thicken without forming a skin on top. 

This calcium carbonate based formula is available in 32 delicious colors. You're sure to find the perfect shade for your project. Use one color or layer several. The sky's the limit.

Maisonblanche.com

Let me tempt you with more… the line is unique in that is has 4 Antique Waxes, used to create lustrous finishes, providing an additional vehicle for embellishment. The waxes are the best that I have used, and never give an appearance of a piece looking "dirty". 
Not only is the color palate outstanding but usage of Organza provides an metallic elegance that is unparalleled.  Oh…and let's not forget Glacage, a thick texturing cream that mimics the look and feel of intricately carved wood to create french appliques that are just exquisite. 
Darling is stocked with paint and cannot wait to share our knowledge!  

Elegance for Girls: Your Dance Identifies who you are

Antoinette Armoire 

What's more feminine than an Antoinette style ballerina inspired armoire for a little girl? My mother found this "pretty" for me and it is just a perfect adorning station for "C". I just love the vintage knobs and added some gold gilding to the edges brushed with French Linen.

 

This piece is a keeper and my little darling is just so excited that I made a piece custom for her! 

“Your dance identifies who you are.” 

Author Unknown

I have to give credit to Rachel Ashwell for inspiring me to lust worn ballet shoes. In the down stairs of her new Soho store, I immediately spotted a random basket of worn ballet shoes worn by her daughters...they were beautiful... distressed delicate pink and ivory satin, tangled wrinkly silk ties, and worn during hours of discipline. This is an ironic display of the delicate art of ballet and hours of physical dedication. It's a combination of imperfection and perfection, so close to her deep rooted style.

Perfectly White

Soho

During an adventure, I stumbled upon two pairs of fabulously worn shoes. Right away I knew they belonged in my daughter's room hanging from this armoire. Like my daughter, an "outside of the box" kind of gal, these shoes have a lot of "soul".

Vintage Design Pantry Hutch

Today I had the pleasure of working for new clients, a husband and wife, whom make quite a team! They have purchased and are in the process of completely renovating a timeless stone house into an amazing home. From the large windows to the big barn in the back yard, it is simply breathtaking.  No detail is left unfinished, as the addition of special ordered gold glass door knobs are perfectly matched onto refinished vintage doors... opening to find the next gorgeous detail. The gorgeous petite claw foot bath tub settled into the children's bathroom stole my heart. There is something even more gorgeous in each room as you admire all of the attention to design.

 I was asked to help design and transform the pantry room's cabinet piece. Our goal primarily being to marry the grey and white tones of the pantry room, while adding a pop of color, and maintaining the vintage character. Prior to our meeting, she painted the piece with Annie Sloan® Provence. It was the perfect tone to add the desired pop of color to give life to the grey tiles, surrounding stone wall, and wainscoting ceiling. Upon completion of two comparative designs, Pure white and Silver gilding will be used as the second coat to achieve a two tone distressed look!   These photos are just the first steps of work…..

An amazing pantry inherited with the purchase of the home

I promise to post additional photos of our project along the way. Just wait until you see the beautiful glass paneled cabinets and final two tone distressed finish! We are also going to transform the kitchen galley and give old cherry cabinets some uplifting light tones. More to come!

Spring Collections

Painting in the Studio @ Grace

I am Green with Shed Envy

I have an obsession…an obsession with a place I can create and leave my mess out for as long as I want. A place that I can can organize all of my paint brushes, design books, vintage hardware, and ribbons. As I drove through Hamburg Cove today, I coveted all homes with old patina barns and rusty copulas. An old barn may never happen, but a shed is close enough.

And have a space that is over the top shabby...

And where I can have a girls getaway….

I guess the horse riding, four-wheeling country girl is still in me! Any ideas readers?

A picture is worth a thousand words

This makes me just think spring…and being outside again!

and a book...

and an iced coffee...

and my best friend...

and no phones and no plans...

and no worries...

and the simple things that mean the most.

Which, has inspired me to make a swing for my upper back deck, to sit and enjoy with my little girl. To Be Continued...

Photo found @ One Kings Lane

Chalk Paint® Workshops

Chalk Paint® Workshops.