Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Favorite Room Feature: My Best Friend Craig

Hola chicas. Como estas? Today we have Charmaine from My Best Friend Craig sharing her favorite space with us, which would be the living room. Ooooh ahhhhh. Charmaine is one of those do it yourself type, where her creativity kinda makes you want to vom. She is too fabulous for words. Just look at the upholstered boxed cushion ottoman she just diy'ed.
Told ya. Oozing and goozing with talent. Her space is no different and I know you will adore! Take it away Charmaine!

Hi All!  I'm Charmaine from My Best Friend Craig and I'm excited to be sharing one of my favorite rooms on Sadie + Stella today.

It was tough choosing a favorite room since I pretty much love every room in our home, but the room I chose is where we spend the most time in, the family room.

When we first moved into our house 3 years ago,  we were faced with lots of 1980's oak trim.
I actually have nothing against oak but it was the color that was the problem, orangey yellow oak!  It dated the house significantly.  The family room had the most oak... from the paneling to the trim and the beams.
We opted to paint the paneling and trim white and about a year ago, we painted the walls white too.

I just love the clean look and airy feel of  the white walls.
This also allowed me to use color in my furnishings, pillows and artwork.






We also painted the brick fireplace white.  I was so tempted to paint the beams as well but none of my readers liked the idea.  One of them actually suggested to paint the back of the built-in shelves a color that would coordinate with the beams.  I'm glad I did...
{above photos were taken by Carolyn Purnell via Apartment Therapy}

Just to give you an idea,  here's how it looked when we first saw the house...
and now...



Don't you just love the power of paint?

{I also pride myself on finding the best deals on craigslist.  The greek key mirror, brass sofa table, dresser and lucite floor lamp are all from CL!}

Thanks again Lindsay for having me here today!

28 comments:

  1. Charmaine, you know I'm a huge fan of everything you do. White walls are my absolute fave! I love how despite having several feminine elements in the room, it doesn't feel girly. The perfect family retreat!

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  2. What a transformation! Looks gorgeous. I am dying over the lucite lamp. Need it! Bravo on a beautiful space.

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  3. This looks amazing! Each shot is so perfectly styled. I'm dying that she has all that seating and still looks chic!

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  4. Charmaine you are amazing as always! I just noticed what I think is one of Jenny's painting, am I right?!

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  5. What a GREAT transformation! I need to get my DIY on asap!

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  6. I love what Charmaine has done with her home. Eclectic, great finds, good taste-it's all great! Can't believe the before and after comparison pictures! wow.
    xo Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

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  7. Wow what a transformation!! It looks amazing!!

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  8. I follow Charmaine's blog and I never get tired of seeing her transformations. I love how she has put everything together, what talent!

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  9. Charmaine has creativity coming out the wazoo. Sorry if that sounded inappropriate, but it's true. Love all her spaces!

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  10. Love it! And I say paint the beams!

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  11. Wow, thanks for the introduction. I can't wait to see what else she done in her home.

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  12. Beautiful! What a difference! I can't wait to check out her blog!!

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  13. Love all white walls! You can't even compare the two spaces, it's seriously insane. Love those beams!

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  14. seriously the power of paint is CRAZY! What a beauty you have made!

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  15. That Lucite lamp...I would fall over on the spot if I found one of those beauties! Your home is beautiful Charmaine!

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  16. This is all aahhhhmazing!! wao, love it all. I can't believe the different of before and after. I never ever find anything on Craig's list I need to elarn from Charmaine.

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  17. Charmaine, I LOVE your living room. I thought your dining room was my favorite, but now I have a new favorite! Nice job lady!

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  18. I was right! it's my fave too then the dining then the formal living, then the kitchen, then the bedrooms etc, etc! I love this space because it's relaxed and so you!

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  19. Thanks ladies! You guys are the sweetest!

    Beth, you're right!

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  20. Gorgeous!! Well done, love all the fun prints and colors in just the right places.

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  21. Such a gorgeous room! Love it all - I'm in the market for a pair of cream/natural nailhead armchairs. Do you mind sharing where you found this pair? I love them!

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    1. Hi Jenn! I got mine through Gilt. They are the abigail club chair by safavieh. If you're not in a rush, I know Gilt or Joss and Main sell them every so often.

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  22. yea this is UNREAL!!! the before is so well UGLY and dated and the after is so chic and stunning!! thanks for introducing us to her lindsay!! xoxo

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  23. Hi Charmaine - thank you for the info - I have seen chairs like that on flash sale sites before but was nervous about the purchase. I will definitely look out for them! Thank you!

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  24. Wow such a great sheepskin rug I do support that type of home improvement. Great living room. Keep this work up.

    Nourison Graphic Illusions Area Rug

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You are the best, the most, the everything.