Monday, February 28, 2011

Questions and Answers About My home and shop





Hello Everyone!
I hope you are all having a great week.

I have been getting a lot of questions about my home and shop this month, so I thought it would be a good idea to do a question and answers post today.


What color did you paint your living room and bedroom?
I painted our living room and bedroom a warm white called country dairy,
Home Depot still has the Ralph Lauren colors in their system.
I used the eggshell finish.


How did you secure the doors in your bedroom to the wall?
We actually didn't secure the doors to the wall.
We just leaned them up against the wall.
The doors are secured in place with our bed.


What color did you paint your living room?
I painted this room a warm gray, called pearl gray.
It is a Martha Stewart color from Lowe's.


How do you keep your whites white?
I really only use Mrs. Meyers detergent, along with oxiclean.
I also use vintage french linen sheets to cover my couches....


What color did you paint your daughters' beds?
I used two different shades of whites when painting their beds.
I first painted a layer of Decorator's White on their beds, and then lightly brushed on a coat 
of White Dove.  Both colors are Benjamin Moore colors.
I like to use two different shades of whites when painting my furniture....






What color did you paint your girls room?
I painted my girls' room a Martha Stewart's color called Newsprint.
Newsprint.
I still love this color in their room.
It is a really light gray color, and really helps make the whites pop.



How did you make the pompoms?
I purchased a pompom kit at Michael's.
We used these to decorate the inside of a tent at my sister's wedding too.
You can read a tutorial on how to make these by clicking here.....




What is your favorite white paint to use on furniture?
My favorite cool white is, Decorator's White, a Benjamin Moore color.
This is the color of paint I used on my table.
My favorite warm white, is White Dove, a Benjamin Moore color.
My favorite gray to use on furniture is, Horizon.
I never distress the paint finish on my furniture......I have five kids, the furniture always becomes naturally distressed over time : )
I always use semi-gloss paint as well.... It is much easier to wipe clean, and I personally like a nice glossy white finish on my furniture that I have painted.








Do you use only lavender to fill your lavender pillows or do you also use a filler?









We use only dried organic lavender buds to fill our pillows.






Will you be selling bistro chairs?



I will be adding bistro chairs to the shop soon....

I hope this helps answer a few of your questions...


Take Care,
Maria

112 comments:

Robin Johnson said...

Every time I stop by your blog I never want to leave. Everything it just so pretty and light filled. It amazes me that you can keep it all looking so nice with kids and hubby running around. You must have a neatest family on the planet! LOL.

I really enjoyed this post, it's so nice to know all the "insider info" like paint colors and such.


Glad to hear everyone is on the mend. Have a great week!

Noble Vintage said...

Just beautiful Maria! I love coming here and peeking in on your home. It's so restful. Sorry to hear about the sickness in your family- it sure is going around this season. Have a great week!

Irene b said...

I think that your home is the dream of all the blogger of the world.. :) everytime we speak about your home we start to daydream :)

The Farrier's Daughter said...

Gorgeous home, and helpful tips...love it all!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this post today, Maria! I've been wondering about a lot of those questions. Glad to hear you'll be adding bistro chairs to your shop... I've been trying to find some, but have had no luck.
Have a wonderful week! :)
xo,
Jo

Shannon said...

Love your home Maria, thanks for sharing some of your decorating secrets with us! Looking forward to those bistro chairs in the shop :)

kathee said...

Maria, love your blog and adore your home! Thanks for sharing all the good stuff! I love that laundry soap also..hard to find here...so thanks for the website! xokathee

Karen said...

Maria your house is like a dream. Thanks for sharing the paint info. I really like the gray in your LR. and thought about for mine,but since you warned about needing light it wont be a good choice for my dark room.Thanks for saving me another can of sample paint.LOL I hope your children are well,pneumonia can be scary.

Anonymous said...

Your house is so inspiring. I don't know how you do it! I have a white slip covered sofa that recently got candle wax spilled ALL over it, haven't even had it a year. I can only aspire to such a beautiful home!

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Hey Maria~I do hope your kids are feeling better, not good at all.

Thanks for all the info. I am starting to paint many rooms and items in my home this spring so this will be very helpful.

I enjoy your blog often and no worries if you take a break that's life!

Have a great week.I will check back soon.~Cheers Kim

It's me said...

Your home is wonderful darling.....see my post today !! ....love Ria....xxx...

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

Hi Maria,

Thanks so much for sharing your favourite paint colours....I only wish I could get those paint makes in the UK! Grrr.

We do have Farrow and Ball though, which I LOVE!!

I hope your children feel better soon. And that you have pletny of being looked after too!!

Sarahx

White and Rust said...

Thank you for sharing everything, especially the paint colors. I'm always looking for paint suggestions. Your home is so beautiful!

Take care,

Heidi

Julia said...

Thank you for all of the info on your home! I was wondering about paint colors, too:). What a great idea to use two different colors of white on your furniture. I am thinking about painting a hutch white, and will definitely come back to this post! You home is so lovely...

~Julia

Unknown said...

what a great post!! I really am going to paint my living room...I am a bit afraid I will not have enough light coming in though. We have two windows in it...so much wonderful info you gave us today with this post. Thank you!!!

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Lovely, Maria!
Glad that your family is doing better.

Addicted to antique bistro chairs here too, collecting them for years.

Have a happy week!
xoxo~Tracie

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

forgot to mention...
Off to check out your shop to see what's new sweetie!
xoxo

Elyse said...

hi maria,

i'm happy to hear that everyone is feeling better. pnemonia is no picnic.

i'm sorry but one of your answers has inspired a new question: when you use 2 whites on a piece, what it your method? layering? blocking? curious as i hope to finally (!) paint my living room armoire.

just purchased country almanac. so beautiful!

rock on!

xo
elyse

Roberta said...

Nice of you to share since everything always looks so pretty Maria! I have Country Dairy on my kitchen cabinets and love it. Wished I'd discovered it before I painted all my walls white! Especially love your Mora clock you found at Red Chair. She's moving to NY!

estouparaaquivirada said...

What a good idea! your ideas are so beutiful, thank you to share them with us.
xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Maria,
I would love to know where you purchased the sofa? I have always admired it and am in the market for one. Thank you, Kenda

Ginger@cottageonrosewood said...

I'm so glad you did this Q&A because after the article in Country Almanac, it left looking for the resources pages so I could see what colors you used. Congrats on that article and the soon to be released book. I've preordered mine.

Daydream Living said...

Thanks Maria for sharing this, although I cannot get Benjamin Moore and the other colors here, your home is always an inspiration for me. Enjoy the week,
Maureen x

Courtney said...

Your pictures are beautiful. I love Dove from BM as well. I think I am going to use the color on my benches for the back mudroom!

Razmataz said...

Thank you for the tips Maria...I am itching to paint soem thigns white...I think I am moving away from my more urban stage to a more country stage....and I havn't even seen Fifi's book yet (on order).

Glad your family is feeling better and I can't wait for my lavender pillow to arrive.

Between You and Me said...

always love seeing pictures of your home...

so sorry that your family has had such sickness this winter..praying for full recoveries!!

Anonymous said...

i am dying to go white. i have slipcovered potterybarn sofa and loveseat in a darker color because of the kids/husband and dog. love your blog. thanks for all the color suggestions.

ChiPPy-SHaBBy said...

Thanks so much for sharing your Paint Colors!*!*! and more...
Just B*E*A*U*T*I*F*U*L...
Jeanine, ChiPPy!-SHaBBy!

Urban Nester said...

i'm obsessed with your home . it's so gorgeous . right now my husband and i are still students , and we live in a teeny tiny one bedroom apartment , and your designs have inspired my home so much .

http://alwaysamrsforeverakidd.blogspot.com

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

Im glad you and your family are feeling better Maria!;) I just placec another order last night from your shop~Thanks for letting us know about paint colors too! hugs,Rachel

French Farmhouse 425

Rustic and White said...

Hi Maria, As always I cannot get enough of your pictures of your beautiful home. It looks so tranquil and peaceful. Thanks so much for sharing your colours. I just purchased a gray from CIL. My first time trying it...and keeping my fingers crossed that it is a nice paint with which to work. We are painting our laundry room...it is small so if it doesn't work out oh well:o)
So glad your family is feeling better. Hopefully all will be back to normal soon for you.
Take care!

Shanon at Vintage Sparkle Chic said...

I always love to look at your pictures, they are just beautiful! So light and airy with such soft touches of color. Beautiful!
~Shanon

Neutral Dwelling said...

Thank you for the mention! You have a lovely blog and store!

Lindsay said...

You answered all these questions beautifully Maria. Hope you are well :)

Unknown said...

Bistro chairs coming to your shop!!!!? Oh, blessed day. Oh please sell the little, chippy, white one. :)
Thanks for answering some questions, sweet girl.

Hugs,
Jami

Unknown said...

(and happy to read that you're all feeling much better.)

Heaven's Walk said...

Hi Maria ~ I'm so sorry to hear about your kiddos' illnesses. Poor babies! I hope that they're back on their feet and feeling better soon.

It was so much fun to hear more about your sweet home - which I think we'd all be living with you in it if we could! lol! I'm saving all of your answers for future projects. They'll help alot in making decisions. And I'm going start saving some money so I can go on a shopping spree in your store. I definitely need a white, chippy bistro chair.....! ♥ Hugs ~

xoox laurie

Allison said...

So glad that you and your family are feeling better, Maria! It was fun to see the paint colors you've used and some of your resources. Thank for sharing those. Have a great week and take good care!

martinealison said...

C'est très chic de votre part de répondre à nos questions diverses... Bisous.

Victorian Bohemian said...

I came to your blog through the Nate Show...I want to thank you for the inspiration I've gotten. I have felt like a worn out older mother and grandmother, unable to find the spirit to rebuild my nest in a rental house. You have brought my senses alive and helped me find energy again. I am beginning again with renewed spirit... your home refreshes me.
I am grateful.

Slavica at Seductively French said...

Thanks for these great tips - I just love your decorating style, especially for a family house. So sorry to hear that your little angels are unwell, I hope they're well on the mend by now.
Slavica

Villa König said...

Thanks for the tips! :-) Your blog is always an inspiration and enjoyment! Love to visit you here. Hugs Yvonne

the fishermans cottage said...

I always enjoy my visit to your beautiful blog and I especially enjoyed today's great tips! x

Fairfield House said...

Maria,

Thank you for sharing your choice of paint colors. I have so many rooms to get through in this old Victorian house and have many inspiration photos of your home!

Your Friend,
Deborah

Servies en Brocante said...

can i buy the pompoms?
Hugs
Sanne

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I needed a travelling companion a few weeks ago for a long flight from Seattle to Chicago, so I picked up the newest Artful Blogging. How fun to find your blog article . . . since I already love your blog. Made me feel right at home on a crowded airplane.

Congrats.

Fondly,
Glenda

Pearl said...

Maria,

Wow I just spent a long while on exploring your blog all the white beauty everywhere and your childern are all so adorable.
You have amazing chic taste, I'm definantly a follower now and I'm glad I ran into your blog.
Come visit mine.
www.vintageprettypearl.blogspot.com

Blessings,
Pearl

vintagegirl said...

Your home is so beautiful...so clean and airy with all the white. I love combining wood elements with white like you did with the doors. The pom pom pillows are so pretty and really add a nice contrast to the white.

Sharon(new blogger in town)
http://vintagegirl-dezigns.blogspot.com

Amy Chalmers said...

Maria, I think this post should be added to your sidebar so your admirers can find the answers to the questions most asked! Love that you shared paint colors, and your revelation that grey makes white pop. Seems pretty obvious, but if you like the white look, a little grey goes along way in getting the look you do so well.

Anonymous said...

Stumbled across your blog, and I am glad I did! I love everything, including your shop!
I hope you are having a wonderful week, and I will be sure to stop back by!
Happy March 1,
E&J

All That Jazz said...

Thanks for the tips, Maria! It is wonderful that you inspire and are also willing to share your talent. I love the idea of using shades of gray to bring out the whites! I had never thought of that before. It's often hard to tell what color people's walls are online or in books, too, because of natural lighting. So names are great! ;-)
~xo/michelle~

Rental Property Australia said...

Thanks for sharing this great post with us. Really amazing and helpful tips.

Shelley said...

Maria, thank you for the answers!
Have a beautiful day! Glad that your family is doing better. Winter sicknesses are NOT fun!

LuLu said...

Thank you Maria for sharing all your great painting info! love hearing what you use! Everything is just soooo lovely,
xo,
LuLu

Casa Très Chic said...

First time on your blog, it's très chic.
Lovely post, thanks for sharing.
Your house is beautiful.
Hugs from Brasil
Tereza

Lynne said...

Maria,
Thank you for sharing the soul of your design with us! It's lovely to visit you!
*Lynne*

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

Sigh...just love these gorgeous photos of your beautiful home, Maria...

Burlap Luxe said...

Beautiful post!
I so agree with the paints you use I have posted colors I use from Benjamin Moore as well.

Thank you for your inspiration.

xx
Cheers
~~Dore

Unknown said...

Maria,

Your home will always be those magazine houses.... dreamy house.

Anonymous said...

maria! your home is beautiful! thanks so much for sharing all the details especially the paint colors! i need to paint some furniture but a litte nervous! i think i might give one of your colors a try!

Philippines properties said...

Well, I can't say any word except BEAUTIFUL. I love your home. Wish I can also have a home like that someday.

-pia-

mybelleepoque said...

I just adore your beautiful home! Thank you for sharing your ideas !

furniture stores in Los Angeles said...

I love your dazzling home, Maria. Thanks for sharing some info about your home. I really adore the style of your girl’s room and the clock too. Looking forward to seeing updates on your blog.

Haley said...

How can you choose just one thing to like?!? I would have to pick the linen sheets:)

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Maria, Every time I see your home I fall more in love! I have been looking for the perfect white paint. Thanks for the info.
Hugs,
Sherry

S xx said...

What a beautiful home you have. At the minute I am currently converting a farmhouse in France and an apartment in Scotland and your blog is full of inspiration - thank you.

sacha xx

Anita said...

Linen sheets. Hands down first purchase.

pollicejas said...

The chandelier in the bedroom is very nice!

Anonymous said...

Maria,
L.O.V.E. and adore your beautiful home! You have sooo inspired me! But, like another reader, I too would love to know where you purchased your couch. It is perfect! Thanks so much for the paint colors as well! Jessica

Benjis Photographie & Papierdesign said...

Dear Maria,

i love your style!!! Lovely and inspired!!!
Gorgeous! :-)

Best wishes from Germany,

Vicky

shopgirl said...

I love the way you've decorated your home. Beautiful.
Thank you for sharing.

Your newest follower!
Rambles with Reese

~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your home and style!! Beautiful! I'm your newest follower!! :)

Linda said...

Your home is so dreamy....wish I could decorate like this. The whites are so calming and refreshing. Thanks for sharing.

Magento Themes said...

wow...gorgeous... I love your style.. you've decorated beautifully. I love that clock design and the bed with flower,furniture are awesome.. I'll try in my home..
Thanks for this new ideas..

Amber @ A Little More {Crazy} Than Cool said...

I love your girls' room but am curious how you've decorated your boys' room(s). I'm trying to brainstorm how to decorate my son's room so that we'll both be pleased. Ideas??

Catherine LES VIGNETTES said...

You're so talented.
Wonderful styling.

Summer Gift basket said...

Thanks a lot for sharing this amazing information. Its just like my dream home.

Claudia..Malatesta Maison said...

I can only say that your house is wonderful, a dream bedroom and so welcoming, compliments are really good

jessica said...

Gorgeous decor and inspiration. It certainly is dreamy. Would love to feature your headboard on my blog...www.tuttobellablog.com. Do I have your permission to use the photo and of course attribute to you? Thanks so much!

Anonymous said...

I love your blog.I've been looking for inspiration for a while, and I just found it :)I don't think I know anyone who loves white as much as you do. Keep on blogging!
xoxo, sofia (14)

Anonymous said...

Hi! I found your fresh, white images while tooling around Pinterest. I'm a huge white-interiors fan, and I'm about to paint my mantle from black to white. I wonder if you would use the same 2-color approach to mantles and other woodwork that you did for your daughters' beds and other furniture.

Also, I'm really curious about how you cover your couches in antique sheets. 1) Where do you find these sheets?! and 2) How do you cover them?

Thanks in advance!

BB

Anonymous said...

So where do your FIVE children play and live, in order for you to keep the house white like that? Are they even allowed to play or touch anything?

Sue said...

Love your daughter's beds! Were they antiques that you found or are they from a store somewhere??

Stacy said...

Hi!! I love love love your home! I have a question...where did you purchase your Swedish floor clock? I am having a terrible time locating one.
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hello Maria..you do indeed have a lovely home. I have another question however. I grew up in the Sacramento surrounding area and was wondering if you have family in that area? Or your husband, as your last name indicates. If so please let me know.

Thank you..Shirley

Simply Handmade Farmhouse said...

What camera and lens do you use to get your stunning photos. What settings is your main setting to take indoors. Love your home...I would love to have a home like that but where to start?

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Hunter Douglas said...

All in white. Pristine white. I likes the French style farmhouse

Kim Trauth said...

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