Calm

So, we have this room in our house that serves no other purpose than being my "closet." Not a bad gig, I mean after all, I do have some pretty cool shit.  But someday we would like to have it serve another purpose, like a room for another human.  This is not a pregnancy announcement, I repeat.  But it is most certainly a form of planning, and a planner I tend to be.  

Four years ago we kinda got with the program, and started going neutral when it came to our wall color.  I had no idea what neutral even meant, as it means something different to everyone I've talked to.  And according to the lady at the paint store, neutral meant Shaker Beige.  She knows, right?  So, I hopped on the beige wagon and rode that hue to sunset. Well, after four years of still riding the wagon, my eyes started getting all shifty-like, and I hopped right off.  Turns out, Shaker Beige isn't my neutral.  It's brown, which is still a form of color, oh, and goodbye.

After numerous nursery pins to my "Babes" page, I settled on Calm by Benjamin Moore. Settled as in 6 hours of research in total, I suppose.  In conclusion, this room will never be painted again, by me. Ever. Plus, the name. I mean... Right? Mad color vibing.

Here is an image of what the room looked like prior to us moving in in all of it's lilac glory--

Shaker Beige walls (and new carpet) 2015--

Calm walls 2016--

A well thought out decision.  The room became insta-bright, and my furniture wasn't competing with the wall color anymore.  My clothes are certainly going to like it, and maybe, hopefully even that human someday.  Speaking of tiny humans, hello year of babies!  I always try to paint my friends and new baby owners a little art piece to hang in their nursery.  Our next door neighbors recently welcomed a baby girl, and her older sister just so happens to be a 90 pound bulldog...

Sales Pitch:  I do commissioned work, so if you or someone you know would love a dog portrait, or any other kind of portrait for that matter, feel free to contact me.

As always, thanks for reading!
:) Jenna

Wood Boarding Flowers

Nice days in MN are a rarity this time of year.  Thankfully we've been in a bout of sunny days, and today was no exception.  I even got a little sun.  Now my veins aren't so bright.

I've been meaning to paint a little somethin', somethin' for a friend and his fam who is moving to St. Louie, and doing it outside was probably the best decision I have made all day.  The vitamin D is much needed.  Instachipper.

This blog has been fairly limited to "house projects," but sometimes I don't feel like doing them.  Like, at all.  It would be nice to maintain the blog, and not desert it as often as I do, so if  you wouldn't mind, I'm going to start showing off a little artwork here and there.  If there is ever a piece that strikes your fancy, I work off commission, and thrive on custom, uniquely you ideas.  So, don't be shy.

I've also added an Instagram ticker, so you can see what I've been up to.  If you like what you see, feel free to follow me @slothahontas.  Heart!

 For this piece of artwork, I used a cheap-o board I picked up from Hobby Lobby for $3.00, and some leather lace.  I grabbed some finishing nails and pounded them into the side.  I love pieces that are no fuss, simple, and don't require some crazy-expensive matt and frame.  Plus, it's nice to do something unexpected once in awhile.

I dunno, kind of fun, right?

Not on a related note: If you are looking for some elegant pots and planters this spring, look no further than Anthropologie.  All things considered, their pottery pieces are pretty reasonable.  I scored this damn gorgeous Celadon Garden Pot from Anthro a few weeks back, and I'm having a hard time committing the planter to do one thing.  And Pssst.  Right now they are having their 40% clearance sale. Photo courtesy of Trader Joe's, you flower rockstar, you.

Hopefully you are out enjoying the weather yourself today.  As always, thanks for reading!

Best,
Instachipper Jenna

Paint It, Black

I wanna see it painted, painted, painted, painted black... Yeah!

Black windows are all the rage in home design right now.  They also call for bravery.  Obviously I'm like the bravest person out there because I frickin love 'em.

So, why black windows?

* Helps frame the view by turning the window into a focal point

* Black windows help anchor a room and gives it a more custom feel

* Adds a sense of drama for all you showmanship loving folk

* The price to obtain black windows range anywhere from $ to $$$, and it can start with a can of paint.

For reference, let's take a look at some bomb ass windows.

 

    

Lucky for us we are in need of some new windows.  I'm hopeful we will get them installed before cat mating season rears its ugly head.  I can't handle another summer listening to those screams again.  I can't, and I won't.

I'm attracted to how black windows look, but know that they are a BIG commitment.  You have to have the right space in order to make these black portholes look good.  What we do have going for us is our neutral (and light) color palette. A few years back I started painting our kitchen window white, drunk.  Then I thought putting blinds up would do the trick in covering up the slop job.  Admittingly, I never got around to painting the top part of the window.  Oops.  Since we are replacing the window anyway, I couldn't turn away from this golden opportunity.

I had a quart of Phelps Black by Benjamin Moore stashed away in my paint supply.  For prep the old me would have said, eh, I don't need to tape.  I'll just scrape everything off with a scraper.  Do yourself a favor and don't listen to the old me.  Tape that shit.  

After cleaning and sanding the wood, I used a small foam roller and angled paint brush to get into those tight spaces.  Since primer and three coats of various white paint were already applied, it took about four coats of black paint before it looked solid.

The black window will take some getting used to.  I think I like it?  I think?  I do.  The black makes a big statement in the kitchen and breaks up the white.  Seeing the picture perfect kitchens above makes me really want to start on this kitchen reno, but patience is a virtue or whatever.  But those sinks!  

Conclusion, if you are due for some new windows, or want to revamp the ones you have, I would recommend painting one to see how it fairs in your space first.  If you would prefer to dive in head first and commit, you go, you.  

I can't say these photos are doing the work justice but ya know.  Just come over and take a look for yourself.

What do you think of black windows?  Crazy insane or insane crazy?

Thanks for reading!

-J