Sunday, June 9, 2013

Coastal Hamptons Style hits Lilyfield

Lilyfield Life Painted Furniture Hamptons Style Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Hello long weekenders! Well for us Aussies anyway, celebrating Queenie's birthday down under. Any excuse for a public holiday. This has always been my favourite long weekend, mainly because growing up it meant I always had a birthday weekend home from boarding school (close enough to my birthday anyway) and my parents would always make a nice fuss of me all weekend! This weekend was no different and some lovely friends had us over to theirs for a beautiful dinner celebration - French champagne, beef eye fillet, loads of delicious vegetables including a pumpkin stuffed with garlic and wine and cooked whole, apple and rhubarb crumble and lots of chat and laughter. I am very grateful for beautiful friends to share good times with.

Lilyfield Life Painted Furniture Hamptons Style Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Some other good things were I finished the my latest piece - a beautiful coastal Hamptons style coffee table and I love it! My wonderful man spoiled me on Saturday with a sleep in, fresh flowers, coffee and fresh eggs from our chickens poached for breakfast. What a way to start a long weekend.  The magazine above was another surprise - a 5 page feature for Lilyfield Life and our house that I'll share more of soon!

Lilyfield Life Painted Furniture Hamptons Style Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
Lilyfield Life Painted Furniture Hamptons Style Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

The coffee table was a recent find. I picked it up extremely cheaply as it needed a little work with the glass not fitting perfectly. I was going to learn how to use my router properly but in the end I used my chisels to sort it out. I think I need router lessons.  I love the shape and style of this table - the criss cross bottom, the carvings, the quality of the glass insert. It is all so beautiful and I have not seen one like it any where.  The carved details especially popped once it was painted.  Yes, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. I didn't paint it white!

Lilyfield Life Painted Furniture Hamptons Style Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

I had a comment recently from someone telling my the lounge room rugs (and my photography) were hideous and I should get rid of them. Funny isn't it how comments like that affect you. I have tonnes of you who say they love the rugs and only one negative comment and I'm now doubting myself. We actually bought the Persian rugs when we first bought our old house as the carpet in this room was so disgusting I couldn't even imagine walking on it. Until we had a chance to rip up and replace the carpet we put the rugs down (I've since pulled out that new carpet due to flooding and painted the floors white). Anyway for these photos and this weekend I've rolled up the "hideous" rug and left my floors bare.  It certainly is brighter ...but much colder.

Lilyfield Life Painted Furniture and Homewares
Lilyfield Life Painted Furniture and Homewares

I have had a couple of offers already on the coffee table. I'll keep it for a bit though - until I find something else special anyway. I'll let you know. Here is the before photo:

Lilyfield Life Painted Furniture and Homewares
the power of paint

Today I spent some girl time with my daughter. She wanted to do some baking so we made some Madelines. It is so nice to potter in the kitchen with my daughter. What a treasure she is. My sister in law gave me the Madeline tray years ago and I'd never used it, but we will definitely be using them again as they aren't difficult to make and are simple and delicious.

Lilyfield Life Recipes and DIY

and here's where my flowers ended up. They are lovely to come home to. I love having a tidy hallway. Ours is tiny but looking much better now a load of furniture has been picked up. The shabby chic bedside tables were bought by a lovely woman who came and got them yesterday. She is starting to decorate her house in a shabby chic style and was so happy with them. It was such a pleasure to be able to help her with her decorating and give her some ideas on how to get the look she wants cheaply.

Lilyfield Life Painted Furniture and Homewares

I hope you all are having a good weekend with family and friends, and doing what you love, whatever that may be.

Fiona xx

Lilyfield Life Painted Furniture Hamptons Style Annie Sloan Chalk Paint


64 comments:

  1. love that table! it is so gorgeous! the color really softens the room, and yes very hamptons-y!

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    1. Thanks Cassie – I ended up selling it . I couldn’t live with fingerprints on the glass and because we’ll renovate later this year or earlier next year it’s better to sell when things are freshly painted.

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  2. Stunning, heart stoppingly beautiful
    You have such great style and taste, Fiona. I love it

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  3. Wow Fiona, you have to keep this as it is so beautiful. I love how you have painted it to make all the details pop. it looks beautiful in the sunlight against your white floors and pretty cushions. I hope you get a chance to relax there tomorrow. Happy birthday for whenever it is.
    Julia x

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    1. thanks Julia - I have enjoyed this table while it's here but it's leaving soon. I'll have to keep my eye out for something equally gorgeous.
      Fiona

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  4. Hi Fiona, what a beautiful table, you have done a wonderful job. The colour is gorgeous,when I saw it I just went "WOW". I think it is one of my favourite pieces that you have done. You are a wonderful lady,don't ever let mean-spirited people get you down. I can never understand why some people have to try and put others down, but they are the ones with the problem. Keep up the good work and keep up your spirits, with the knowledge that you make lots of people happy with the way you share your experiences.I think your photos are beautiful.
    Best wishes Brenda

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    1. thanks so much Brenda. You are going to love having this table!

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  5. I'm a big believer that if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Don't let the doubters get to you. I love looking at all the beautiful pics of your house even though I don't have much white in mine! You are so generous with your tips, advice and time, that's what counts.
    Love the table too, looks gorgeous in that spot.
    Alison x

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    1. My mum always said that to us as kids and it's so true. I appreciate your kind comments and support. We'll have to have a coffee next time we are in Dubbbo. I look forward to meeting you.F
      Fiona

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  6. Love the details on the table and the color is just yummy!

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    1. Someone was very busy and detailed when carving this table I think. It's come up very beautifully with the paint. thanks Joan.

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  7. I can't even believe that's the same table!! It looks so different! Your birthday sounds wonderful - I love gathering with friends and family around a table (either out or at someone's home), with fresh whole food, some nice wine and good conversation.

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    1. thanks Liz - the paint has totally transformed it hasn't it. you couldn't even see the detail before and I love it now. A lovely dinner at the table with friends is very special. I felt very spoilt!
      Fiona

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  8. So pretty! You've done a great job and I like the blue and white. It's the perfect piece for that space.

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    1. thanks so much Leslie - I'm a bit of a fan for blue and white also!

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  9. Firstly Fiona, Happy Birthday for whenever it is or was - Saturday? :)

    Secondly, OMG that is hilarious that someone bothered to tell you your rug was hideous, what is wrong with some people! And your photography is bad? God help me if they see mine, lol!! Comments like that DO hurt though, even though we try to laugh them off. Took me a few days to be over the nasty email I got about my pastel dining suite :(

    That table looks amazing in duck egg blue - a different colour for your home and it's lovely. The details that were hidden in the dark wood tones totally come alive now, and it does look very nice against the white floor and sofa but yes, cold on the concrete I imagine.

    We are coming to Sydney for a long weekend on July 5th, on my to-do list are buying some chalk paint, and visiting some furniture auctions, yay so exciting!

    xx Karen

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    1. Thanks Karen, so funny about the rug. The email was just weird –half really nice and half quite rude. I decided to sell the coffee table. I can’t live with the fingerprints constantly on the glass!
      I’m looking forward to seeing you (if we are in Sydney then) but let’s chat before then
      Fiona

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  10. I love the table Fiona, it really is beautiful! I'm so surprised someone doesn't like the rug, I love it and I think it goes perfectly in the space.

    And congrats on the magazine article, and all the PR you've been getting. It's so well deserved, your work is beautiful. Look forward to seeing the pictures :)

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    1. thanks so much Catherine. I shouldn't worry about what other people say. It more just surprised me (and made me question myself and it). The magazine is a spin off from last years article in Country Home ideas but still very exciting. thanks xx

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  11. Fiona - firstly your photography is up there with the best. Your blog looks like a magazine and I can't imagine anyone dissing it. Also the rug is lovely and muted and suits your place so well. Anyway on to nicer things than mean old people who are probably jealous. The table and the lounge room is beautiful. The carving is amazing and the colour you've chosen is beautiful. You have the eye for design! have a lovely birthday and weekend
    Beth x

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    1. thanks so much Beth -blogging has really made me think about my photography. I used to do a lot of black and white photography but not any interiors. The table is beautiful but off to a new home now!

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  12. Fiona I love what you do and share with us. Have a wonderful birthday !! Your blog is amazing and inspiring and don't let anyone tell you differently... Enjoy and bask in the pleasure you give yourself and us with all you wonderful knowledge and photos... Jennifer xxxx

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  13. it's so fresh and pretty!

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  14. Well Fiona I am one of the people who envy your rugs I would love some like that for my house.Also where did you get the latest sideboard you di.I am trying to find one to make into a vanity for my bathroom but no luck.do you have any undone ones you might like to sell-love dee x

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    1. hi Lovely Dee. I can defintiely find you one -I'll email you
      Fiona

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  15. Your house is looking so lovely Fi and nice to hear you have had such a relaxing weekend, The table is just gorgeous. Perfect colour.

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  16. I love the coffee table, amazing how paint can transform a piece of furniture! People leave nasty comments because they are jealous and unhappy in their own lives, so just ignore them!

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    1. thanks Rebecca - paint is pretty amazing isnt it! thanks for the vote of confidence.

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  17. Love the table and the colour you painted it. It looks gorgeous! Does this mean you might do some more things in a bit of colour? :)

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    1. hi Jane - I will probably still have white as my fave! LOL nothing too adventurous here. Fiona x

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  18. How beautiful. I love the color you chose. Great inspiration. Susan @ http://throughmyporchwindow.blogspot.com/

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    1. thanks Susan -I started painting it white and did one leg and changed my mind! I love how it turned out this colour though
      Fiona

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  19. I love the coffee table (why do I never find these bargains? Oh wait - I live in the bush. No shops... lol)

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    1. Yes coming from the country I know the dire shopping out there. Where are you from?

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    2. We're out west of Lightning Ridge... All I can say is thank god for the Internet! Which part were you from?

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    3. Phil is from Dubbo and I am from Eden on the far south coast, I had friends at boarding school from Lightning Ridge. Yes you must LOVE the internet – I love it here but I’d love it even more if i was isolated!

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  20. Oh and there's always someone wanting to be nasty...don't doubt yourself, you have amazing taste :)

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  21. Hi Fiona! Absolutely loving that coffee table, colour, style - everything - great job (again!!). I think you're place looks amazing and can't believe how nasty people can be! Sounds like you're having a lovely long weekend! Hopefully we'll be having that coffee soon! Mx

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    1. Thanks so much Marita, I am really happy with how it turned out. I don't actually think she was being nasty... More "helpful" but it really got me questioning myself. I even went looking for new rugs today!!

      Let's just book a time in. When are you free?

      Fiona xx

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  22. Hi,
    All furniture in your house is awesome. Coffee table is looks really good.
    Thanks.

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  23. Happy Birthday Fiona, sounds like you had a lovely day! Coffee table is gorgeous, totally love it. Jo xx

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    1. Thanks Jo, I thought this table was very “you”. I had a great birthday – thoroughly spoilt by family.
      Have a good week
      Fiona x

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  24. Such a lovely home, you have decorated with style and elegance. Your coffee table is gorgeous!
    Visiting from A Stroll Thru Life-
    jemma

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    1. thank you Jemma - i really appreciate that. it's a revolving door here with furniture!

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  25. An absolutely to drool home. Every inch is in perfection.

    Love...it!

    Greetings from Stockholm,
    CC girl

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  26. Love the paint treatment on the coffee table. Gorgeous. Great job. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  27. Oh honey, the coffee table is gorgeous. Ignore the rug comment ... seriously!

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    1. thanks Kylie , I hate doubting my style! yes I love the coffee table also - sold now though...
      hope you are well
      Fiona

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  28. What a gorgeous table! The color is perfect! I have a new weekly link party which is live now and I would love if you stop by and link up this wonderful post! Hope to see you there! http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/ Hugs, Maria

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  29. Hey I just found this and LOVE it! I would love you to come link up to my Paint Party this week Complete with giveaway!

    http://startathome.blogspot.com/2013/06/paint-party-and-giveaway.html

    Hope to see you soon!
    Brooke

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  30. The table looks amazing - I love that you can see the detail so much better than when it was dark! I never would have dreamed there were such pretty, delicate little details, just looking at the "before" version. Love the color, too. :)

    (Also, your rug isn't hideous. I rather like it!)

    Stopping by from DIY by Design.

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    1. Thanks so much, I love that the detail is now visible also
      Thanks for stopping by
      Fiona x

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  31. So, so pretty! I'm featuring your gorgeous table in this week's PoPP Spotlight. Thanks for linking up!

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  32. Gorgeous table and the colour is perfection! Maybe I will do my Hampton style bedroom in that gorgeous blue?

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Thanks for taking the time to comment! Sorry if you have trouble commenting, you can always email me at lilyfieldlife@bigpond.com