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Stencils For a New Decorating Era
When I got the press release from Beauti-Tone I admit my first thought was, 'Stencils? You've got to be kidding . . . so 80s!' But rather than being used as borders as they were two decades ago, today's stencils are being sold as super-inexpensive alternatives to wallpaper. "They're fantastic for an accent wall or a nook," says Beauti-Tone Creative Director Bev Bell, "and without the expense or challenge of hanging paper. There are no seams to match up and no stripping to do when you're ready for a new look."
Wood Refinishing 101: Start Small
Monday, September 21, 2009 by Chris
What I know about woodworking is enough to fill a single blog post, this one. I'm as rank an amateur and you'll find. But that didn't stop me from trying to rehabilitate this teak bar cart which looks incredible now, thanks to a really good sanding and a rub-down with my new favorite product, polymerized tung oil.
Steel Wool, Sexier Than You Think
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 by Chris
I've discovered is that steel wool is something of a DIY cure-all: I've been using it to strip and renew metal furnishings but it also works wonders on wood. In Montreal we met Ewa Spoczy distributor of the Briwax line of woodworking finishes and the finest grade of steel wool I've ever come across. Ewa proudly showed me the table she restored without stripping the original finish using this ultra-fine steel wool and Briwax Danish oil.
Butane Tackles the Tough Jobs
Sunday, July 12, 2009 by Chris
One of the lamps from my Discovery Sale lot promised to yield the biggest resale return but also presented a serious condition problem. The tall, blue and white lamp was originally fitted with a baroque-style collar that subsequently fell off leaving a nasty ring of hard-set glue. I knew I'd never be able to sell the lamp the way it was so I brought out the big guns knowing that the only thing likely to loosen the guck was butane.
Details, Details
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 by Chris
Decorating should be fun, which is one reason I resist the temptation to go all Martha Stewart on you, dear readers. I know most of your homes aren't "done" yet and neither is ours; we slink along changing things up a little or a lot at a time. But a recent rash of brass polishing at our house made me suddenly aware of the details that have gone overlooked for years.
Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Chris
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