Interiors | 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 »

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!)

Astier de Villatte of course has a booth there, complete with their line of candles and gorgeous ceramics. Want, want, want.

How fun are these poufs?? They’re not the typical shape and color of pouf you see everywhere these days, and I kind of like that.

These last two shots are from the M&O website. Who wants to plan a trip? The next show is in September!

{Image Credits: GOOP, Maison & Objet}

Filed under: Culture, Design | Tagged: Culture, design, interiors, Paris, shopping, trade show | 19 Comments »

I’m Loving…

Posted on February 13, 2012 by vmacandcheese

1. Burt’s Bees Lemon Cuticle Creme — I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m one of those unkempt girls who doesn’t get manicures very often. This cuticle balm keeps things from getting too out of control. When I got engaged, I started adding it to my nails double time.

2. J.Crew Tillary Tote – Inspired by the Celine luggage tote? Maybe. Still effortlessly stylish and a probable classic for years to come? Definitely.

3. Madewell Film Noir Pump – I’m loving the punchy jade green color on these shoes! PS — they also come in leopard. This is one thing I’ll miss about an office job. Clothing purchases are much less justifiable.

4. Almond oil — I’ve discovered my favorite hair oil treatment ever. And surprise, surprise, it’s natural! I comb about a tablespoon or so of almond oil through my hair, put it up in a bun, and let it hang out. I’ll clean the house, cook dinner — whatever. Wash it out (sometimes it takes two shampoos), condition as usual. When I blow it out and iron it, it’s frizz free and super moisturized. Note: my hair type is thick, wavy, slightly prone to frizz.

5. Spider Mums — I bought a couple bunches of these two weeks ago, and they look as fresh as the day I got them. Here’s to flowers that are inexpensive, interesting looking, and last forever!

6. Diamante Boxes from Plantation — I purchased the larger size of these boxes from my local Plantation store last year. It’s floated around my apartment a bit, and had recently been living on my cubicle desk at the office. This week, as I re-configured and re-organized my home office (a mini-clean out was in order!), I decided to put this box front and center on my desk. It’s got a whole new lease on life!

You know what else I’m loving? The new layout changes here on the blog. They’re all thanks to the wonderful Lisa from Elembee Creative. She was so easy to work with, put in extra hours over the weekend to help me get things up and running, and answered every little question I had. If you’re in the market for some graphic or web design work, be sure to check her out (she blogs too)!

A lot of the impetus behind the changes was to begin a sponsorship program. If you’re interested in having your brand featured here on vmac+cheese, stay tuned — advertising info will be available soon!

Happy Monday, everyone!

{Image Credit: Spider Mums from Martha Stewart}

Filed under: Beautiful Things, Style Files | Tagged: accessories, burt's bees, flowers, handbags, interiors, J.Crew, Madewell, shoes | 27 Comments »

Design Impact: The Rug

Posted on January 26, 2012 by vmacandcheese

We were in the car the other day and Joe was letting me ramble on about decorating ideas I have, including those that could be accomplished in a rented space. I mentioned how I wished it was easier to replace light fixtures in a rental, then wondered aloud whether a great light fixture had the biggest impact on taking a room from okay to WOW.

Joe patiently listened and said “Uh huh” in all the right places, but when I thought about it a little more (welcome to the inner wanderings of my mind), I realized that I should stop worrying about lighting because honestly? I think rugs have the biggest design impact.

Take the above. I adore the living room on the right. I mean, the floors are gorgeous. It feels fresh, clean, and oh-so-simple. But the room on the left has a similar aesthetic and color scheme, but with the use of (two!) rugs, the feel of the space is totally different. Cozy. Warm. Textured.

Then there are these two photos, which Naomi posted a while back but which illustrate the point perfectly:

Room on the top — no rug. Exact same room WITH rug below. Crazy, right?

Are you with me? Do you think rugs are the quickest way to impact the design of the room? Paint is obviously up there too — though it’s not so quick or easy! What are your tips for making a room feel totally different when you’re on a budget or in a rental?

{Image Credits: French by Design via Savvy Home, photograph by Jean Marc Palisse; Flourish Design + Style via This is Glamorous; Laura Resen Photography via Design Manifest}

Filed under: Design | Tagged: decorating, design tips, Interior Design, interiors, rugs | 26 Comments »