Design | vmac+cheese

Diving in to a DIY

Posted on March 6, 2012 by vmacandcheese

Several months ago, I scored a pair of these silver plated candelabras for FREE. They’re not in the best shape — they definitely could use a polish and a scrubbin, and I think Joe almost had a heart attack when I walked in the door with them…but did I mention they were free?

Aside: this mentality will probably result in me being a hoarder some day. Send help now.

I’m slowly trying to dip my foot into the DIY waters when it comes to paint jobs and what not, so I thought this would be a great project! I don’t think I want to leave them silver…but do I? I need your help! What color should they be painted? More photos for reference:

The candelabras are kind of interesting in that they can hold two different sizes of tapers. In the bottom right photo, you can see what it looks like when you remove the little cup that holds the smaller size (I kind of like the way it looks without these). Although…it just occured to me that maybe all candelabras do this and it’s a way to prevent wax from getting all over the arms. Perhaps? Gah, I’m such a rookie.

I’m thinking I would like to put each one atop the built-in bookshelves that flank our fireplace in the front living room. I like the idea of having tapers in these to draw the eye up and fill in some of the visual space on top of these shelves.

My thoughts are this: do I paint them lacquer white? Black? Really, really dark navy (almost midnight) blue? Grey? Punchy yellow? The colors in the room are currently tangerine orange, lacquer white, and blue gray, with a long brown couch (similar to this one from CB2).

Along with the color, I have no idea what kind of prep I’d need to do before spray painting these. I know there are several DIY goddesses amongst you (Naomi, I’m looking at you)…how should I approach this project? How does one prep silver plated metal? Any help, thoughts, advice is greatly appreciated! I’m hoping to tackle this in the next couple weeks then of course will share the results!

Filed under: Design, DIY | Tagged: accessories, crafts, design, DIY, home goods, interiors, paint, projects | 26 Comments »

Still, Life

Posted on March 1, 2012 by vmacandcheese

In my top 3 of things I love about the Internet: discovering gorgeousness that you would otherwise never, ever see. Case in point: the rug still life from this morning’s post was found on Apartment Therapy, which referred me to the portfolio of one Kate S. Jordan.

Turns out, the lovely Kate is a product stylist, who up until quite recently worked for the likes of a little store you may have heard of called Anthropologie. Her styling portfolio is S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G. Beyond the alluring Anthro photos (which, besides being familiar, showcase styling and merchandising at its best! I mean, hello, that’s what Anthro is known for!), her portfolio of still life images blew me away. The use of color! The textures! All of it. It was a pure drink of water for my eyes.

Hop on over and quench your thirst, lovers. How’s THAT for a little Thursday inspiration?

PS — I’m honored to be guest posting for two of my favorites this week! Yesterday, I shared some photos from various trips to Cabo San Lucas on Chelsea’s blog (theme: “Your Best Day Ever”); later today, I’m at Grace’s blog sharing little peeks into my life, my background, and Vivaleur as part of the Stripes & Sequins Spotlight. Go check them out!

{Image Credits: Kate S. Jordan}

Filed under: Design | 16 Comments »

Palette Play: Orange and Blue

Posted on March 1, 2012 by vmacandcheese

I can’t even believe I’m saying this, but orange is without a doubt one of my favorite colors. Sometime in the last few years, it’s just snuck up and captivated me! Pair it with some blue? Oh baby.

Before Joe and I ever got engaged, we’d decided we wanted to have an orange, blue, and grey color palette at our wedding (well, I suggested it, and when he heard that the palette wouldn’t include pink he immediately signed on). We went to look at a venue yesterday and it actually went really well (I’ll share details soon, hopefully), but with this particular space, we won’t need to do a lot of decorating on our own, so the color palette won’t play as big of a role.

I’m okay with that. But when I got home from the viewing yesterday, I had these colors on my mind and was inspired to put together a little board. I’ve had that dress pinned forever and though it’s not even for sale anymore, I’m still in love love LOVE with the color combo. It strikes the perfect balance between not too masculine, not too fem, don’t you think?

{Image Credits: Katie S. Jordan via Apartment Therapy; Jonathan Saunders Latona print dress; Anthropologie bowl; Pattern, Varvara Stepanova; Suzanne Dimma’s home office photographed by Per Kristiansen; Vegas and Rose Etsy}

Filed under: Beautiful Things, Design, Palette Play | 20 Comments »

The Covers

Posted on February 21, 2012 by vmacandcheese

It’s not a new idea, but I’ve long been a fan of using vintage magazine covers as artwork. Even though so much work and manpower goes into the cover shoots of today’s modern magazine, it’s still pretty incredible to imagine the many artists who were commissioned to create unique illustrations for all the publications throughout the early part of the 20th century, before covers were photographed.

It had been a while since I’d browsed Conde Nast’s online shop of magazine covers, and I was surprised to find how much they’ve beefed it up. Just a few years ago, I feel like the selection wasn’t nearly as good. Though the prints are pricey, I loved looking through the covers by decade, to see how the art direction, the tone, and of course, the fashion changes throughout the years.

Do you have any vintage magazine covers in your home? Which one is your favorite?

Filed under: Beautiful Things, Culture, Design | Tagged: artwork, decorating, illustration, interiors, magazines, vintage | 18 Comments »

GOOP does Maison & Objet

Posted on February 20, 2012 by vmacandcheese

Have you heard of the Maison & Objet trade show, which takes place in Paris? I hadn’t until a friend forwarded me Gwyneth’s latest GOOP newsletter, highlighting her visit to the event. It seems like it would be the most fun, tiring, but inspiring day ever.

Gwyneth spent the day roaming the ginormous exhibition center at M&O with her new buyer Sarah. I would like to know how one gets that gig. Shopping with Gwyneth Paltrow for the day at a huge interiors trade show outside of Paris. Sign me up.

Here are some shots from the newsletter, for those of you who don’t subscribe (I actually don’t either…thanks, S, for sending it my way!)