Bamboo Chippendale Chinoiserie Chairs

I am always intrigued by the Hollywood Regency design style with a dash of Chinoiserie accent. After reading a fellow blogger 8 foot 6's Toronto Craigslist Scavenger blog, I was so happy to pick up four of these rattan/bamboo chairs for $40! Aren't they gorgeous?

I've started to think about which color I will spray-paint them in and the fabric cushion to go with it. I haven't decided where to put them yet, perhaps as an alternate set to the kitchen dinning table in the summer, or in a seating area underneath a pergola immediately outside of the patio door (or the so-called bring the inside out). Here are some color options:

Option #1: spray paint in glossy white, coupled with vibrant color cushion

Option #2: spray paint in apple green, coupled with white or neutral color cushion

Option #3: spray paint in glossy black, coupled with neutral color cushion -- this appears to be the most conservative option

Option #4: spray paint in blue/turqoise, coupled with white cushion -- this is how I always envision Jonathan Adler-alike chair to be like so perhaps I will pick something blue. Stay tuned for the reveal..

Family Room Chandelier Showdown

It all started from my family room. The chandelier with fabric shade is not doing much to the room but to create visual obstruction. So just when I thought I ran out of things to do on the first floor, I've decided to look for a chandelier replacement. I haven't decided on which one so I welcome any suggestion.

Option #1: Orb Chandeliers

1. Antique Nickel Sphere Pendant from Union Lighting: $490; 2. Antique Bronze Rings Sphere from Union Lighting: $255 ; 3. English Bronze Orb (similar to Restoration Hardware) also from UL: $500; 4. Axel Orb from Lighting House: $2,140.

Option #2: Chandeliers with Fabric Shade
1. Double Shade Fabric Pendant from Overstock: $160; 2. Troy Aqua from Troy Lighting: $700 ; 3. Woven Metal Shade Pendant from Uttermost available at UL: $360; 4. Chandelier with Acrylic Shade and Crystals from Overstock: $245.

Option #3: Classic Chandeliers with No Crystals
1. Oil Rubbed Bronze Chandelier from Target: $99. 2. Otis Pillar Candle Chandelier from Overstock: $275; 3. Monroe Pillar Candle Two Tier Chandelier from Overstock: $370; 4. Chandelier Twisted Rope Accents from Macy's: $260.

Option #4: Classic Chandeliers with Crystals
1. Maria Theresa Crystal Chandelier from Overstock: $300. 2. Alexandria Chandelier from Restoration Hardware: $750; 3. Classic 5-Light Crystal Chandelier: $175; 4. Similar to RH Alexandria from Overstock at 1/3 of the price: $250. Option #5: Lanterns

1. Troy Sausalito Gold Silver Leaf Lantern: $800 this one is in my foyer. 2. Antique Nickel Lantern from Overstock: $185 ; 3. Hurricane Foyer Lantern from Overstock: $240; 4. Troy Lighting F9994 Morgan 4 Light Foyer Lantern: $700 -- this one has Troy's signature all over it.

Option #6: Modern Classic Nordic Design

1. Sputnik Light from Elte: ~$400; 2. Artichoke Lamp from OS: $500 ; 3. Sputnic Chrome Chandelier Atom Light: $300; 4. Cluster Pendant from West Elm: $200.

Picking a Grey Paint Color for My Kitchen

After the recent kitchen reno, I've decided it's time to get rid of the blah cream wall color that comes with the house. I've also decided to give the stinky Behr a rest, and investigate some other brands that I've never used before such as Para. And yes, you guess right, it is the Sarah Richardson's Paint Collection that I am after.

As hubby was busy saving lives over the weekend, I picked out a deck of paint chips from Lowes trying to save our kitchen from the eternal boredom. When Anthony got home I couldn't wait to show him how much I had accomplished by narrowing down to six colors. "So, what do you think of these colors?", I asked. "Grey, grey, grey, grey, grey, and grey." He replied, looking darn serious. Okay, it'd appear that I am talking to a guy with the creative part of his brain suppressed and overpowered by his analytical hemisphere. This looks like yet another me and moi's decision.

So here are the six grey colors I picked for my kitchen wall. I want the hue to echo the Bianco Carrara marble backsplash and Kashmire White granite countertop. It can't be too blue or purple otherwise it's too spa-like; it also can't be too taupe or beige otherwise I might as well use the Revere Pewter again.

I am deciding between Powder SR1 and Vintage SR4. What do you think?

And then there is another grey paint used by Sarah Richardson in her own house -- the ICI Dulux Silver Cloud. I can't tell you how much I love this color! The only concern is that I haven't seen it in person yet, and it might just look fantastico in Sarah's house with the pictures taken by a professional photographer.