Ashley Barrett Designs

Friday, August 21, 2015

Insiders Tip- Painting Mistakes

Painting a wall or a room is one of the most inexpensive ways to update a room.
However, there are many mistakes we have all made with this task.

Playing it Safe & Match-y Match

Be bolder with you color choices- don't be afraid.
Being too matchy- match can sometimes look very put together or very traditional. And sometimes it can look too boring.

Trending Colors

Trends are inspiring and fun- but don't put the color before your own personal taste.

Bright Colors

Although most of us our drawn to bright colors- they do not work for every space.
Especially in tiny spaces- a bright color can be too overwhelming.

Relaying On Paint Chips

It is always best to test the color out on the wall first. Natural and incandescent light play a huge role in how colors look. Do not relay on a tiny paint chip for what the color will look like on a large scale.

Dividing An Open Floor Plan

Painting two tone walls in an open floor plan- can sometimes create an awkward flow. It is wise to make subtle color changes around the room. With accents or by using obvious architectural features.

I hope these tips help with your check project!

images & info

Elle Décor
Pinterest

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Nine Projects- Three Months

Hello!

It has been far too long my friend.
I have been neglecting my blog and I feel terrible about it.
We have been very busy with family, work and projects- many projects.

Today I would like to share with you all the things you have missed!

My Facebook and Instagram followers have already seen what we have been up to- but I wanted to fill you in.

Found this beaut on the curb side (in the rain- might I add!)

And spray painted it- of course!

We are using it in the garage right now.

Here is another curb side find - It's from Basset and was in pretty good condition.

My husband replaced all the drawer glides, sanded it down...

Painted and replaced the cabinet hardware

Then- I cut cardboard the size of the drawers and covered it with fabric to make this insert for all of the drawers.

Since we are using the dresser in our master bedroom- I decided to make new curtains, to tie in the navy blue.

I painted a wall in our living room. And we got a fabulous new rug to tie all the colors together.

(See that wing back chair in the corner-- I found that on the curb side- can you believe it!?)

My husband and I made this awesome work bench and bar for our garage a couple weeks back.

You may remember this Post-- from 3 YEARS AGO!

Well, I FINALLY painted my Grandmother's jewelry box.

And I couldn't be happier with the outcome.

Another blast from the past- this coffee table (from the same Post)

I found this coffee table at the Goodwill for $15 bucks.

We finally fixed it up and made it into a--

Bench for our master bedroom- notice the nail head accent!

And last but certainly not least- my husband found this chair curb side.

I spray painted it and reupholstered the seat with fabric to match our other chairs

In the meantime work has also been crazy busy- I will be posting about my latest projects soon.

Hope all is well in your world.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Insiders Tip: Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel

Alternative Countertop Material

There is more than just granite out there.
Think about wood or butcher block instead.

Open Shelving

You could save a few thousand dollars by using shelves, instead of having cabinets remade.

Keep Existing Cabinets

Save money by painting your cabinets verses refinishing them.
You can find my tips and how- to's on Pinterest.com to help with your project.

Wall Cut Out

Opt to cut out a portion of the wall, rather than removing the whole thing.

Do Your Project In Stages

Go step by step- do what you can afforded, rather than doing the entire project at once.

Here they have just painted the cabinets and installed hardware. Next they will do the countertops and the flooring.
But what a difference a few coats of paint can do!

Use a Furniture Piece for the Island