By SZInteriors, on January 27th, 2012
I thought it would be fun to end this week with a little Mid-Century Modern challenge. Are you up for it?
If I showed you this photo…
Source: A Note on Design
How many pieces can you identify?
Do you know their names and designers?
Email your answers to: sheila@sheilazellerinteriors.com / Subject: MCM Challenge
… and leave a comment below 
I hope you have a great weekend!
It’s about coming home… and home is a remarkable space that tells your story. Contact me if you need a little help!
THANKS FOR READING!
 xo
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By SZInteriors, on January 26th, 2012
So our stormy weather blasted through, flipped our BBQ over (yup, it’s toast), knocked our power out, and did in one of our mega UPS battery power bars… so glad we had the UPS though, or it could’ve been the audio equipment instead 
Guess why this folding screen caught my eye…
Source: Pinterest
Let’s just say I’m ready for some sunshine and colour! Bright, cheerful, playful and dry!
Since I’ve got you looking at the folding screen, I decided to share a few more. I know they’re nothing new, but they are an easy way to give your space a fresh look. And now might be the perfect time to change things up just a bit.
See how the mirrored screens frame this space?
Source: Meet Me In Philadelphia Blog
Imagine this space without them. Do you think you would like it as much?
Or this one with the antiqued mirror screen…
Source: Message Note
It adds to the old world charm, and creates the illusion of a larger space. Did you notice how it picks up where the mirror over the fireplace ends?
Maybe you would like to be carried off to another place.
Source: Confetti Style Blog
With this folding acrylic screen, would this weekend in Paris do?
Or is an outdoor retreat more for you?
Perhaps near the ocean?
Source: Web Urbanist
Believe it or not, this natural tree divider does fold! It would be tough to store, but what an impact it makes!
Or maybe you’d rather farmland like the Prairies instead…
This screen is made with laminated rye straw set in resin and acrylic…
Source: Home Interior Design Info
I think this is so pretty…
And here you can see that it really is a screen!
Source: Home Interior Design Info
It’s a limited edition piece from farm 21, and is truly functional art. It can stand in as a space divider, or stand on its own as a sculpture. But with a screen this unique, why get caught up in the details?
And last, but certainly not least…
If you’re a Mid-Century lover would this Eames screen appeal to you?
Source: Bonluxat
I have to admit, I’ve never seen the Eames screen. Is there anything they didn’t do?
Here’s a little ‘behind the Eames’ for you…
As Charles and Ray Eames saw it, designers just want to have “serious fun.” And this screen, designed in 1946, is a result of their play! Click here to read more…
After Eames, is there anything more?
What do you think about mixing it up in decor with folding screens? Do you like them, or want to fold them away?
It’s about coming home… and home is a remarkable space that tells your story. Contact me if you need a little help!
THANKS FOR READING!
xo
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By SZInteriors, on January 25th, 2012
Do you ever start something full of enthusiasm, only to find yourself dragging before it’s done?
Well, that’s me and our office right now. I’ve been decluttering random piles of paper ‘stuff’, because I want to rework the space and prettify it a bit. But I can’t do the pretty until I finish the purge. Can I say, ‘groan’?
At this point I’m ready for a little visual inspiration. I need something to feed that initial burst of good intentions.
Like this vintage metal letter holder.
Source: Etsy
I wouldn’t mind looking at this on my desk!
And I totally love this repurposed porch railing.
Source: Pinterest / Better Homes & Gardens
Such a great piece, and my hubby likes it too! Did I mention we share the office?
If I could find a small bird cage, it might strike the right note between whimsical fun and fun-ctional.
Source: Embellished Weddings Blog
But I would set it on my desk, minus the flowers and bow! And I think I would like one that showed a little more weathered wear and tear…
Now we all know the thing with women and shoes…
Source: Etsy
But have you ever seen a wooden shoe form stand in for a letter holder?
Letter holders can be simple and without slots…
Source: Mockingbird Hill Cottage Blog
Like this hand painted bin. And how hard would a pretty bin be to find?
I’m thinking slots are suited to my style, and a vintage toast rack might work just right, too.
Source: Design Sponge
Even one slot will do the trick, and it would be easy to repurpose an old napkin holder to sit on my desk.
Source: I Heart Organizing Blog
Like this one. All it needed was a coat of paint!
So this is how I procrastinated yesterday. And even though I digressed, I still focused on the office in the end.
How do you plough through and finish something that’s starting to drag? Where do you find the inspiration?
It’s about coming home… and home is a remarkable space that tells your story. Contact me if you need a little help!
THANKS FOR READING!
xo
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By SZInteriors, on January 24th, 2012
Who’s ready for Spring? Anyone???
When I saw this photo on Pinterest I was caught by the bright, cheerful colours. A welcome splash to the eyes
Did you see this photo, too?
Source: Pinterest
Isn’t the fresh cut bouquet pretty?
I thought you might like to see a few more. And the vintage vessels they’re displayed in!
Enamel pails, pitchers and watering cans.
Love the live ferns in these pails.
Source: Martha Stewart
And the table they’re sitting on. You can always count on Martha to get it just right!
I never get tired of aged and weathered pieces…
Source: Pinterest
Like this chair and watering can. Don’t they make a great pair?
To me one of the first signs of Spring are grape hyacinths.
Source: 52 Flea Blog
With their splash of deep purple-blue. They sure make a statement in this white pitcher, don’t they?
I think this casual mix of seemingly wild flowers would look great just about anywhere.
Source: My French Country Home Blog
Especially in these vintage enamel pitchers. Do you think these are wild flowers?
Roses are so beautiful, but can sometimes seem a bit on the ‘proper’ side of things.
Source: My Sweet Savannah Blog
But here in this pitcher, they feel welcoming and relaxed.
A pail full of peonies? A sidekick of mixed flowers?
Source: The Foodie Bugle
Works for me. I love peonies, and can’t resist flowers in this deep wine colour. Always takes me back to my childhood – we had a wine coloured peony bush in our yard, and it’s just one of those things that feels like home to me.
Which is probably why I was drawn to this pitcher filled with these ammyrhylis…
Source: Arren Williams
This pitcher isn’t vintage, but does that really matter when the flowers in it are so exquisite? And the string caught my eye too. You might remember it from my ‘Packaging Perfection!’ article. Great way to add a little extra flair to a display.
Do you think this pail of flowers and grasses was dug up in a clump from the garden?
Source: Etsy
I’m thinking it was, and can’t wait for Spring to come!
How about you?
Source Unknown
Vintage enamel pitchers, pails and watering cans. Great for vases… ready and waiting to be filled!
It’s about coming home… If you want a remarkable space that tells your story, contact me to see how I can help.
THANKS FOR READING!
 xo
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By SZInteriors, on January 23rd, 2012
With the news that Picnik will be closing on April 19, 2012…
From www.picnik.com
And this great post, ‘Blog Housekeeping: Subscribe & Follow Options‘ by {aka}|design, I thought it was a good idea that I do a little housekeeping myself.
Back in November 2011, Google announced they will be shutting down ‘underperforming’ services, and one of them is Google Friend Connect. This will affect those of us who are on WordPress, but if you use Blogger, you’re fine. Click here to read the full article if you missed it.
So here’s what’s up.
If you follow me on Google Friend Connect, I will have removed that option from my site by the time you read this. I’d really appreciate it if you would choose one of the following options to subscribe to SZInteriors if you haven’t already…
These are the ways you can subscribe to my blog, and all you have to do is click on them:
Following me isn’t the same as subscribing to my blog, so it would be awesome if you would follow me too! Here’s where you’ll find me:
With technology constantly changing, every once in a while a clean sweep of things like this are important. Thank you to {aka}|design for inspiring me to connect with you and make sure you know what’s happened to Google Friend Connect on SZInteriors!
Don’t worry, tomorrow I’ll be back with some colour and fun!
It’s about coming home… If you want a remarkable space that tells your story, make sure you subscribe to my blog! And you can always contact me to see how I can help!
THANKS FOR READING!
By SZInteriors, on January 20th, 2012
When you hear the name George Mulhauser, there’s probably one or two very distinct chairs, maybe even three that come to mind. But I bet this chair I’m about to show you isn’t one of them!
When I saw this reference to a mystery chair in House Beautiful…
Quirky Green Chair
The mystery chair: Frank saw it in an antiques store, fell in love with it, and has no idea who designed it.
I knew I had to write this piece! For that mystery chair was this one I pinned about 17 weeks ago! And at the time I didn’t know anything about it either.
Pinterest via Wool Acorn / From House Beautiful
According to the item description the incredible designer behind this unique chair was George Mulhauser. Who knew? If I had to guess the designer I would have headed towards Norman Cherner. 
Source
Doesn’t the curve of the back and arms remind you of the Cherner armchair? Well the arms minus the artistic scroll!
I love the sassy position of the arms and their scroll. To me it looks like the chair is standing with its hands on its hips!
Here are a few more of the Mulhauser chairs I was able to find.
I’m not loving the fabric on this one…
Source
But back in 2008 it sold for $2160!
I don’t mind the striped fabric on this swivel desk chair, but I’m thinking the seat has been reupholstered.
Source
Notice the seams and button detail? The other chairs don’t have this. Did you notice this chair is also without an upholstered back?
This next chair is not a desk chair, it’s the Mulhauser bentwood armchair.
Source
See how the style has changed to a round base? This chair is also c. 1965, and in 2008 apparently it sold for $1320.
This armchair has been reupholstered in white vinyl, and it looks like the arm and seat base still need to be reattached.
Source
Though it’s hard to see from this photo, the vintage ivory lacquer is most likely not original. Can you see how it’s lightly distressed on the curve of the arms?
How fun is this set?
Source
It’s a Mulhauser Sultana set, and according to the write-up on Ebay, it’s very rare. The asking price is $6100 US, if that’s any indication of just how rare this set is!
And here’s another set I came across on So Eclectic blog. I love the story that goes with it…
Mary writes:
Look at this patio set. It’s so awesome with it’s lime green chippy paint, unique curvy wood, and the white faux leather.
And then she posts this UPDATE:
I believe that these are George Mulhauser Plycraft Chairs. Which would make them a whole lot more than what they were listed for in the store. Awesome. Wish I would have been able to snag these!
Isn’t that the truth! Sometimes it helps to know what ‘exactly’ you’re looking at! But then you have to decide if it’s cool because you like it, or if it’s cool because you know the value of it. It’s subtle, but makes a difference.
And that’s why it’s so much fun to write these posts. I learn, and in turn try to share some of this with you! It makes thrifting and antiquing that much more interesting… you know, to have a little knowledge about some of the things you might stumble upon. And these Mulhauser bentwood pieces are a great example of that.
Did you know this chair was designed by George Mulhauser? Have you seen it before?
It’s about coming home… If you want a remarkable space that tells your story, contact me to see how we can help!
THANKS FOR READING!
 xo
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By SZInteriors, on January 19th, 2012
Remember my mini project from the Annie Sloan chalk paint workshop the other day? The one I couldn’t quite finish because the paint hadn’t fully dried? If you missed that post you can read about it here.
Anyway, I was given a faux wood tray made of hard plastic to paint, and then distress. But I couldn’t do the distressing part with the paint still tacky, so that’s what was left for me to do at home.
I didn’t get a ‘before’ photo of the tray, but it was somewhat similar to this one.
Source
Remember, this is faux wood.
Here is the actual tray with it’s coat of paint.
I opted to go with ASCP ‘Aubusson Blue’.
This is the paint chip colour from the Annie Sloan website.
Source
And we all know how colours vary when they’re on the computer…
But did you know Aubusson Blue was named after the grey blue found in classic 18th and 19th century Aubusson rugs from France? And that it’s also a traditional Swedish farmhouse colour? I find the stories behind the colour names as fascinating as the colours themselves.
To distress the tray I went with the water and scrubby method instead of scuffing it with sandpaper.
Here are the first few scuffs.
I wanted to go easy to get the feel of it.
I know one of the bonuses with this paint is how easy it is to touch up ambitious distress marks…
Like some of the ones you see here. Oops. I think because this is plastic and not wood, the paint peeled rather than scuffed when I used a little too much pressure. Oh well, I’ll get the hang of it. But for now I don’t have this paint, so I can’t fix those spots.
So I moved on to the clear wax to protect the paint, and give the tray a more finished look.
Source
But I used a dry cloth to rub the wax on to the tray, not a brush.
Gives it a little bit of shine, but not too much.
So, the tray went from this…
To this.
What do you think?
Who knows, I might touch the tray up in time… once I have my own paint. But for now I have given the paint a test run, and with this mini project have a little something to look back on.
I’m looking forward to my bigger project, but have to discipline myself to finish up a few waiting in line before moving on to that one.
How about you? Got any projects on the go? Any you are dying to tackle, too?
It’s about coming home… If you want a remarkable space that tells your story, contact me to see how we can help!
THANKS FOR READING!
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe to my RSS Feed so you’ll receive each new post without missing a beat!
By SZInteriors, on January 18th, 2012
Today you’ll find me over at Décor Adventures…
…where I’m sharing 3 of my top tips for keeping an organized home… ’cause you know, it’s just that time of year.
If you haven’t stopped by Décor Adventures, trust me, you’re in for a treat! You can be sure Jessica will be DIY-ing something amazing for her equally awesome 112 year old character home. Have you seen her home? Yup, I’m in love! And if you’re a Pinterest person, guaranteed this is a one-stop pinning op! After all, it’s not every day you can put today’s spin on a century old space! Come on over, join me at Décor Adventures for a visit!
Oh, if you didn’t see Jessica’s post from yesterday, be sure to check it out. She’s got some awesome decluttering tips to get you started!
Thank you, Jessica for inviting me to guest post! I’m super excited to be here!
By SZInteriors, on January 17th, 2012
Not too long ago I showed you this photo of the latest project in Kaleigh’s room.
And then nicely left you in a bit of a cliff hanger with it. Well today is the reveal!
Here’s the sheet of decals we started with from Danielle at Urban Walls.
Some of you guessed the green spots were going to be butterflies, and others suggested flowers might be the mystery feature… and now you can see they were for the birds!
At first we were so nervous. We didn’t want to tear the vinyl, and weren’t sure what to expect from it. Would it play nice, or be tough to get along with?
Kaleigh braved the first decal… with some super concentration.
Almost there…
Ta-da!
That wasn’t so bad.
Except, these birds looked a little like a flying turkey :-O Huh?
And then we looked closer and realized some of the vinyl wasn’t actually meant to be there.
That’s more like it! Pretty, aren’t they?
From here we committed to the end point and the mid-point with the birds Kaleigh especially liked.
Notice the middle guy, and how he’s kind of going ‘eeek’? Kaleigh wanted it to look like he was putting on the brakes before he flew into the mirror!
The rest of the decals went up in a few different sessions…
Between school and snowboarding commitments 
And at last the flock was complete.
Up, up, and away!
Here’s one more look back at the ‘before’ where we started…
And the ‘after’.
And that’s a wrap!
If you haven’t used wall decals before, we definitely recommend that you give them a try. We found them easy to work with, and the sky is the limit for what you can do! Oh, and did you know that Urban Walls can create custom decals? Thank you again Danielle, for helping us give this wall a little more life.
It’s about coming home… If you want a remarkable space that tells your story, contact me to see how we can help!
THANKS FOR READING!
 If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe to my RSS Feed so you’ll receive each new post without missing a beat!
By SZInteriors, on January 16th, 2012
Yesterday was a day I’ve been looking forward to since last year. Okay, since the beginning of December… but that’s last year, right?
Yesterday I attended a workshop where I finally got to hang out with Annie Sloan’s chalk paint… for a whole afternoon!
Do you remember my little mention of Annie’s paint here? Well I have been dying to try it ever since. I mean, who can resist no sanding, no priming, and getting by with one coat?
And look at all the colours we got to play with.
So hard to choose. Did you know the paints can be combined to create a palette of over 55 colours?
These are the colours I chose to work with…
Paint Colours: Source
There’s also a clear wax and a dark wax that you can use to create different effects.
Soft Wax Brush & Can: Source / Wax Images: Source
We worked with pieces of moulding to practice layering paint colours, and trying different distressing and waxing techniques.
Here is what I did.
Based on the colours I chose to work with, can you guess what I did?
This one is my favorite.
Believe it or not, this is Paris Grey with clear and dark wax, and no distressing. It looks a little darker here than it actually is. But isn’t it amazing how the dark wax changes the colour?
I was trying out Paris Grey for a reason. You see, I have a project in mind that I think this colour might be perfect for. Do you remember these windows? I wrote about them here.
Well I’m thinking of painting out a piece to go with the windows.
Here’s a little glimpse of what I have in mind.
The moulding colour and finish shows truer in this picture. What do you think? I don’t think it’ll be too matchy-matchy in the end, because of the dark wax.
We also did a mini take-home project in the workshop, which I have to finish now that the paint is dry on mine. But you’ll get to see that in another post once I’ve got it done!
So in spite of what I’ve heard about how easy Annie Sloan chalk paint is to work with, I’m still glad I took this workshop instructed by Debra Boeyenga, owner of A French Touch. I learned so many tips and techniques that will make my life easier, and I’m sure my paint and wax will go a lot farther as a result!
So far I have only bought the clear wax, but once I decide on what project to tackle in which colour, the paint and dark wax will be next! And naturally that means the painting tools, too!
Do you have any projects you’re thinking of painting with Annie Sloan chalk paint? Any that you’ve already done? Would love to hear your thoughts!
THANKS FOR READING!
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Meet Sheila  Welcome to SZInteriors where we focus on what you already own and love to make it even better! Here you’ll find a little reclaimed, some DIY, along with a mix of antique and vintage too. It’s all about coming home, and this is where your style is the compass. Highlighting your stories with a fresh new twist is what it's all about. Thanks for stopping by. I'm so glad you did! Let's get started shall we?
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