Welcome to my site! Parsimonious Décor Darling is the moniker I have adapted to convey the sentiment you do not need to be extravagant to be fabulous! I love DIY projects, gardening, tablescapes, and incorporating thrifty finds and antiques with finery! My aesthetic is classic and traditional, with a touch of whimsy. Let's share!
Hello, friends!! I hope you are all having a fabulous Summer!
A little bit ago, while on one of my infamous jaunts through antiquity and curiosity via locality, I came upon a wonderful gilded mirror.
I was immediately attracted by its ornate detail and impressive heft. It was definitely a statement piece.
So gorgeous!!
ALAS...
There was but one wee problem.
I am typically not a huge fan of gilded gold. I usually prefer the understated elegance and calm of cool silver, and when I want something exuding warmth, it is usually a beautiful oil-rubbed bronze.
Our little casita is a Spanish Colonial Revival, or at least that is how we have styled it; yet the aesthetic inside is what I like to refer to as European Hodgepodge. There are Spanish, French, Italian, and English Country elements, all of which lend to a home that is comfortable and cozy with a sort of old world charm.
A while ago I shared in this post how to add fabric to your walls using starch.
Well, while I was on hiatus last year, I repeated the process in another powder room, which is the guest powder room. This time, I decided to go with a warm damask which incorporated all of the colors in the home. Here is a look at the fabric. Isn't it fab!? I had 'interviewed' several, and none of them spoke to me until this one.
When the walls were barren, Mr. Parsimonious picked up a mirror. While the color was fine, this mirror looked much more African Safari or British Colonial than Old World.It wouldn't work with the new damask fabric. Quel dommage!!
When I started blogging, I shared in this posthow I made over another thrifted mirror.
Utilizing the same process, I stained the new mirror, but this time, I used an oil rubbed bronze antiquing glaze by Valspar sold by Lowe's.
I decided I didn't want to deplete all of the gold completely, but have it act as an accent of the piece. Therefore, I didn't cover the mirror in an opaque fashion as I had done previously, and I used a much lighter hand.
I made sure to apply glaze into the little crevices, and on the higher points, I wiped the glaze back off.
Here is a side-by-side comparison. This mirror now is much more to my liking. It doesn't shout, "HELLLLLOOOO, NOTICE ME!!! I'M GOOOOOLLLLLD!!!" Now, it is much more elegant and less gaudy; it doesn't look like inexpensive faux plastic, and the gold is instead a fine detail of what now looks like something much older.
Doesn't this look like it has always belonged in this powder room!!?
Alongside dainty dancers,
the beautiful damask,
an antique stone toothbrush receptacle, a (DARLING!) monogrammed towel, and lavender;
it is now also much more complimentary to the stone architectural elements,
oil rubbed lighting, sink,
and other elements of the powder room. It becomes a perfect melding of Old World rustic charm and pretty.
What is your style aesthetic?
Until next we meet...
If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives! You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling. You might like to visit my other blog hubs,
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Hello, Friends! Thank you so, so much for stopping by to visit! I am so very excited that there are signs of spring all around. The flowers are beginning to sprout. The weather is gorgeous, and the air is breezy and fresh. If you are still buried under snow, adding fresh or faux flowers or a cheerful vignette is a wonderful way to incorporate a feeling of Spring into your décor.
I've added baskets of springy charm to the front doors. There's nothing like a pop of pretty pastel color to inspire a cheerful and fresh atmosphere!
Even at dusk, the colors are vibrant!
If you would like to view the super-easy tutorial for my spring hanging baskets, you may do so on my other blog The Crafting Tablehere.
Just recently, I finally gave in to purchasing this piece, a glorious Chatham England pitcher and basin after stalking it for a few months at my local antique. I was thrilled to find it was on sale! Here are a couple of photos of it in the foyer, you can appreciate its scale, which is quite large.
I adored the beautiful detail of blue and white...
and pretty roses.
A perfect receptacle for a fresh arrangement of fragrant beauties!
A simple vignette that is functional as well is this sweet setting for tea, ready to use any time.
Love these sweet little bunnies and soft, muted blue!
Are there signs of Spring where you are?
From my collection:
Bunny serving tray, spoon rest, creamer, and sugar, TJMaxx/HomeGoods
Teapot, antique Godinger
Large pitcher and basin, as mentioned, Chatham England, local antique
If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives! You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling. You might like to visit my other blog hubs,
Follow me on Pinterest!! Please be sure to kindly follow the board guidelines, as it takes time and effort to find fabulous pins across the Internet and Pinterest! Thank you!
Hello, friends! Those of you returning, thank you so much! If you've never been to my blog, welcome!
Decorating a girl's room is so much fun. There literally are options upon options to choose from.
This post is about how to create a girly-girl closet for your little princess.
Sometimes when purchasing an older property, you will find that either
A) The closet doors are terribly ugly, or
B) They are completely non-existent.
Here is my solution to the problem. In a girls' room, it is a quick and easy fix. You may simply hang curtains in lieu of purchasing new doors, and it actually looks much better.
First, measure the space. Once you have measured, choose a curtain rod with a length ample enough so that it is slightly longer than the space.
Measure either side of the space so that you set the mounts evenly. Mount your rod.
Once your rod is mounted, place your curtain. I have used a Cynthia Rowley fabric shower curtain here. I thought it was just adorable, and I loved the ruffled detail. I was also fortunate enough that it matched the color scheme of the room. Voilà! The ruffles and scrolled rod mesh perfectly with the room, which has a French theme. Utilizing a ruffly curtain creates a boudoir feel.
If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives! You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling. You might like to visit my other blog hubs,
Follow me on Pinterest!! Please be sure to kindly follow the board guidelines, as it takes time and effort to find fabulous pins across the Internet and Pinterest! Thank you!
I am always trolling for ideas, as I like to keep the décor in my house fresh. I found these incredible mirrors on one such trip. These mirrors were $90 each at the Salvation Army. There were four mirrors total, two of the elaborate and two of the plainer ones. I got a great deal on these on a 50% off all furniture day, so I paid $180 for all four. What I love about these is that they were not cheap plastic or plaster. These were very heavy-duty mirrors you would have to feel yourself to appreciate the heft. I had looked at ZGallerie, West Elm, Horchow, and Pottery Barn. Of course, one can find this type of mirror, but they typically cost $200 or more per mirror.
I began by sanding, sanding, and sanding some more.
All sanded!! I didn't want to take all the stain off because I wanted some to show through for an antiqued patina effect (or so I hoped).
Next, I used a clean paintbrush to remove any excess sawdust.
The paint I chose is a specialty color in Ms. Stewart's metallic line. Thanks, Martha!!
Time to protect the glass. I love frog tape.....
Now, the stain
Once the paint was dry, I removed paint here and there. Again, for an antiqued effect. For me, it's all trial and error. After trying the fingernail, failing, I found that using the backside of a butter knife worked.....
Here is a close up.
And lastly, violà!! On my wall in the foyer.
.....And the other in the dining/living area.
If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives! You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling. You might like to visit my other blog hubs,
Follow me on Pinterest!! Please be sure to kindly follow the board guidelines, as it takes time and effort to find fabulous pins across the Internet and Pinterest! Thank you!
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. Today's post features my DIY highback bench. Video slideshow is at the bottom of the post. :0)
PART ONE:
My next project.....a daunting task. I somehow convinced myself I could transform an old headboard into a dining banquette. I found this headboard for $45 at a local thrift.
I began by deconstructing and inverting the headboard so that the posts would now become the legs of the bench.
I found a great chair with beautiful French legs at my local Goodwill for $15
Seek and destroy.......
Using the existing brackets, L brackets ($0.69), wood from a pallet (free) and muscles from a wonderful hubby, she began to take shape.
Another angle......
Giving her wings........
Plywood from a local hardware store $11.00
I used the curves of the headboard to make a template on paper. The hubby helped with the cutting......
The bones of my bench are complete. I removed part of the original post so the bench would be level.
Sand, sand, sand.
And more.........
Finally. Ready to stain.
Staining I have to say was an arduous task. It took several coats to get the desired effect.
For the cushion in the headrest, I used three inch thick foam. For the seat, I used four inch. I bought all of the foam from Joann's during a huge winter clearance at 50% off. I paid approximately $100 for all of the foam and batting. The stain was $9.00
Using pegboards (about $24), I laid the bench down and drew a template. You may opt to use a single pegboard large enough rather than how I've used three here. I feel using smaller ones were easier to work with.
Tracing......
After the cutting was done (thank you honey!), I made sure it was pretty accurate before deciding where I wanted to place tufts.
I used chalk to draw out where I wanted the tufts. There is an excellent tutorial on www.apartmenttherapy.com about this whole process. I waffled back and forth between a diamond pattern and straight.
Here is straight
After taking a small consensus of family and friends, I decided on the diamond pattern.
Once I drew all the areas to be tufted, I laid the pegboard on the foam and used spray adhesive to attach the foam to the board. The spray adhesive cost approximately $5
Once dry and firmly attached, I began cutting away the foam. I initially used an exacto; however, it was taking forever. I opted for my gardening/pruning shears instead.... they worked much better.
Next, I began poking the holes out where my tufts would be. In the tutorial on Apartment Therapy, a drill was used. I found a Phillips screwdriver much more effective. It removes the whole plug of foam with little to no effort. When I tried using the drill, I found sometimes the foam would get caught up on the drill bit.
Ready for tufting....I used a waxed hemp thread and generic buttons costing me approximately $10. I purchased my fabric from Joann's, this time using a discount I found online. There were two vinyls used; a very supple leather-like one, and a very sturdy marine vinyl. The most expensive part of my project was the fabric (faux leather, wink wink). I also purchased some batting. The cost was about $200 total.
Close.......
Closer.....
Almost there.....
Tufting: Done!!!
The reverse side.....lots of buttons.
:)
Next, I covered my wings with the batting.
PART TWO:
I began the initial work on the bench portion. First, I used the spray adhesive to attach foam to the front of the bench (with little ones about, I need it).
Next, I covered the bench with the cheaper (and matching) marine vinyl (included in the $200 fabric cost). Using a staple gun I had at the house (you can buy one for about $20) and staples ($2.50), I attached the vinyl, carefully following along the bench.
Here is the result.
The underneath. A hot mess stapled upside down [no one will see it. ;) ] You may opt to add black cambric to cover any flaws, but I didn't, because I intended to use the bench in the dining room (and food would likely get trapped, ick), so I left it open for easier cleaning.
I trimmed the area around the legs and stapled the other part beneath.
I carefully glued the excess vinyl using spray adhesive.
I created a fold by first gluing the vinyl while it was in an upward position, and allowing dry time.
Once dry, I glued the vinyl onto itself.
Here is another look.
Next, I covered my wings. I drew a template on the leather-like vinyl, then cut it to size. I used the staple gun to attach it.
Next, using the cutout for the other side of the vinyl, I folded it, and carefully placed it over the staples to create a seam. I then nailed this down using upholstery nailhead trim.
This trim is very easy to use. It comes in a 5 yard roll. It cost me $22.00 per roll. I used approximately one and one half rolls to complete this project.
Here it is, one side completed. Repeat the process.
I stapled the bottom portion only of the tufted fabric to the pegboard.
After I stapled the bottom portion only of the headrest fabric to the pegboard, I lined up the headboard and attached it. I gently pulled down the foam and screwed the pegboard headboard to the original one.
There's something to be said about pre-drilling your holes. Less work. ;)
I used a drill bit smaller than the diameter of the screw, ensuring a tight fit. You can also use a Phillips drill bit and use the drill to drill in the screw, but because of the small size of these, I did it the other way. I used lath screws that were shorter than the width of the original headboard with heads that were larger than the holes of the pegboard.
All attached. These are small but mighty. I screwed in several places, following the parameter of the pegboard headboard.
When I made the covers for the wings, I didn't nail or staple them down on the back end. This is will become important in the next couple of steps.
Next, using some leftover foam from my blue chairs (see post here) I filled the void between the wing and the headboard.
Using the excess fabric on the sides of the pegboard/headboard, I tucked it over the foam and stapled it down. I pushed as hard as I could to get it as close as possible to the wing.
I then tucked the remaining fabric into the wing, creating a faux seam/seamless finish.
Improvising is what I love to do. To drive the difficult-to-reach staples into the wood, I used my steel knife sharpener from my kitchen and a hammer.
Using the excess from the top, I pulled and folded.....
And stapled it down, creating a seam.
Next, I laid batting over the back curves.
If you note, when I started, the original headboard bottom was cubic. Now that this is on top, I stuffed batting inside to cover the point and make it appear smooth. Once I did that, I stapled the headboard down, following the curves.
Where there were peaks, I used very small nails because I found that the staples weren't strong enough.
All attached!!
Next, trim off the excess.
Here she is from the front.
PART THREE:
Third and final stage....at last!
Where I pulled, folded, and stapled, I finished hammering down the nailhead trim.
Taking a cue from my (store-bought) dining chairs, I decided to create a seam. I began by using the original piping from the french chair.
Here it is after fabric was removed.
It wasn't quite long enough. Unluckily (but luckily) for me, in the interim of completing this project, I needed to replace my IPhone charger because it stopped working. The cords were almost the same in diameter.
I cut the cord, and fused the two using a thin piece of black electric tape.
I cut an extra long piece of fabric. I laid the piping down. Using my trusty brother machine, I created the seam.
That is one loooong piece of piping!!
Now that the seam is complete, I attached it over the other existing staples along the back of the bench.
Following the back......
More....
The whole length of the back.
I next cut the foam cushion to size.
I thought it didn't look quite right, so I added a little one-inch extension using the spray adhesive. Here is where I enlisted the help of that same wonderful, mechanically inclined hubby of mine. He drew a template of my Frankencushion by tracing it with a fabric pen.
And, carefully cut and sewed each piece.
More intricate sewing from manly hands.....
With all the pieces sewn, place batting around the cushion.....
Carefully fold over,
And into place.
Tuck enough batting inside to fill up any gaps.
Repeat the same process on the opposite side. Once complete, using the same fabric pen, make a mark where your bottom seam should go.
I completed the cushion, but noticed it was turning up in the corners when sat upon, so I decided to place a very thin piece of wood inside for support. We had some at the house for another project I was completing. I think it cost around $7. I laid the cushion down, and drew a template.
I cut the wood with a jigsaw, carefully following the lines.
Once cut, I carefully fit the cushion into the sleeve along with the wood on bottom. I created some tension by pulling tight and stapling the fabric down.
I then put glue into the gaps.
Using the backside of a butter knife, spread the glue into a thin layer. I did this step deliberately after stapling. You will need to staple first to create tension and ensure a tight fit.
We are in the home stretch now.....
Here is a close up of the cushion work.
Next, I decided I didn't really care to see the folded seam around the legs, so I hammered down some nailhead trim.
Next, I stapled down batting to fill in and cover the back.
I tipped her over and draped.....
Stapled and trimmed.
Next, using the less expensive more sturdy marine vinyl, I covered the back by carefully folding over.....
And using nailhead trim to hold in place.
After I closed, there were some wrinkles, so I added a little more batting to the back. Here is what it looked like before and after.
After completing the trim along the top, I stapled the final piece to the bottom.
Finally; I cleaned up with a Mr. Clean magic eraser, removing all residual dirt and adhesive (lots of that on there when I purchased it).
Here she is in my dining room.
Another angle.....
Foyer/Entry Area
This has been an enjoyable journey. Hindsight is always 20/20. One thing I would definitely recommend is to put batting on the foam prior to tufting. That will fix and smooth some of the puckering you see on my tufts. I began this project because I wanted to redo the dining area of my house. I thought it would look really pretty with a highback banquette or chesterfield sofa. I could not find a bench large enough for my fairly large table for under $4,000. This being my first foray into bench (furniture?) making, I made out pretty well for those of you who are counting. The whole project cost me just under $500; mostly because of the fabric choices. It can likely be done much more inexpensively using other materials.
Thank you so much for visiting, and if you'd like, you may watch the slideshow video below!
If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives! You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling. You might like to visit my other blog hubs,
Follow me on Pinterest!! Please be sure to kindly follow the board guidelines, as it takes time and effort to find fabulous pins across the Internet and Pinterest! Thank you!
