My fabulous client Marja has amazing taste. She plays by my rules when it comes to decorating. NO rules. She goes with what speaks to her, whether it is formal elegance or a laid back “Beach driftwood” theme. She leans to the French Countryside in both the exterior and interior of her home. Having grown up not far from the beautiful beaches of Southern California, she has allowed me to bring some of her favorite elements into her home.Â

L’ENTREE

This is a lovely table, and almost seemed a shame to touch it, but it was a bit lackluster, so we gave it a “redoux” treatment to punch it up a bit.
Here it is with a personal touch, lighter color, red dry brush, cream accents dry brushed into the top and a nice wax glow to show off that beautiful natural wood finish.Â
Above the table are some fantastic frames. Marja loves all things that remind her of the Ocean. One of my favorite tricks is to purchase inexpensive frames, often just from a thrift store and give them a fabulous paint treatment. This one I actually painted in two colors, then took a blow torch too the edges to get the paint to bubble up and give the effect of true aging. If you choose to try this at home, wear protective glasses and do it OUTSIDE!
LE SALON
This is not actually the before of the urn we used, but you get the picture. What a fantastic idea. Use an inexpensive Plastic Garden Urn, paint it your favorite color and use it for holding books, catch all’s etc.
Marja uses hers to hold children’s piano books
We used a Sherwin Williams Blue and a Coffee Bean Glaze
I actually tried it out at my house to see how my kid’s stuff looked in it. (Notice Giant’s tie from a certain redhead). I liked it a lot better than this thing:….
Here is another picture frame, done in same paint treatment as the Urn. The frame was basic brown, a little dinging up with the help of an Awl, some sand paper and voila, perfectly old.
This is a beautiful Ethan Allen Chair. The original fabric was too formal, and the paint too “factory finish” looking. I stripped the paint and went back in with a cream dry brush, then dark rubbed wax to achieve a “driftwood” inspired look.
LA SALLE RESERVEE AUX FAMILLES
Really lovely Coffee Table, but not in keeping with the rest of the home’s look
Cream finish, light Tobacco Brown Glaze lightens the whole room

This is an adorable little drop leaf table found at a cute shop in Carmel. Didn’t have enough character for this home though….
Rustic Red and Dark glaze brings a touch of whimsy to this piece
LA CUISINE
This is my favorite room in her home. Tons of light.
Table was lovely before, but too dark for this space
No it has a slight grey/blue finish with a lovely golden glaze. This area is perfect for a relaxing meal and enjoying her gorgeous view of the golf course behind her home.
Voit ? Vous pouvez amener la plage un peu française à votre maison aussi avec une petite imagination.
See? You can bring a little French beach to your home too with a little imagination.
avoir un beau jour, – GOOD TIME CHARLIE

Beautiful transformations on great pieces.
Wow – you are seriously talented. I'm so happy I found your blog! I'm your newest follower. Stop by for a visit sometime.
xoxo,
Kim