Friday, September 4, 2009

Foggy Day becomes Attitude Gray

"Honey?" (Layla)

"Yes dear?" (Kevin)

"I think the dining chairs look a little too blue" (Layla)

"Really?" (Kevin)

"Yeah, look at them next to this paint chip of Attitude Gray" (Layla)

"I guess they do, but you're not suggesting that we re-paint them, are you?" (Kevin)

"I'll be your best friend!" (Layla)



"Okay, but you're buying the new paint" ;-) (Kevin)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So after a quick trip back to Sherwin Williams, with a new sample pot of "Attitude Gray" in hand, I found Kevin waiting in the driveway, sporting his best "bring on the chairs" look...



As you can see, the new color (the one on the right) is much more muted...







Once Kevin was done re-painting, I set him up with a pencil and a piece of paper I had printed the numbers "1", "4" and "3" on...



It works best if you print the numbers out backwards...



Color in the number with the pencil...



Cut out each number and hold them in place, with a couple of pieces of tape. The side you just colored in should be facing the object you're painting it on...



Using your pencil, firmly scribble all over the number...



Once you pull the paper away, you'll see your number...



Then, using a small paint brush, fill in the number with the color of your choice. We used a mixture of "Attitude Gray" and a small amount of black so that the numbers would be a slightly darker shade than that of the chair...



Kevin didn't want to attempt the hand painting, so I did it, but seriously- don't be intimidated by hand painting. Rest your hand firmly up against the chair, take your time, and you'll be just fine- I promise! And don't forget, it is just paint. As long as you have a wet paper towel handy, you can just wipe it off before it dries if you mess up.

Here is the finished product...



I just love the way they turned out...



I was walking into the kitchen through the dining room last night, while Kevin was outside with Max, and the chairs caught my eye as I was passing by.
I glanced at them, and was starting to glance away when I did a complete double-take. The numbers are so subtle, and so many hours had passed since I'd painted them, I had almost forgotten they were there! I unconsciously clasped up my hands together, near my chest, and said "Oh!" with a huge grin across my face. It was such a beautiful little "surprise", experiencing them that way for the first time. I could feel Kevin's presence in the room, sending me a sweet mental message through those three simple, tiny, painted numbers. I know that sounds crazy, but I'm telling you, it was so surreal. I'll never forget it. :-)

The chairs aren't quite finished though. I've got some great, fluffy, chair cushions that will sit on top of the burlap seats.
We've also done a lot of new decorating in the dining room itself that I can't wait to blog about. Everything we used was found at flea markets, so it was cheap, cheap, cheap yet chic, chic, chic. Our favorite, favorite, favorite!

Have a great weekend!
Layla

59 comments:

Unknown said...

I Love the new Grey blue, and how subtle the numbers are...
AMAZING JOB as always :)

Barb said...

Hi guys,

Job well done! The chairs look amazing.

Have a "restful" Labor day.

hugs,
Barb

Unknown said...

Layla,

When I first looked at the chairs, it was difficult to determine the difference but now I can see how much better the muted shade will be for you. I just love the "love" the two of you have for each other and in the way you work together to make the best there is to be. The numbers say so much and are the perfect accent to your chairs. Thanks so much for sharing so much of your talent and of yourself.

Charla

Daryl at Vermont Cottage said...

The chairs look great. I love them as they are.

renee said...

i am in love with those chairs!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Love them, the new grey paint is alot nicer. And the picture of you both is so cute!

Michelle Hughes said...

Looks great! I love grey especially with an attitude!

Can't wait to see the rest!
Smiles!
Michelle

Lori said...

I Love Them! I love the numbers too. The new color does match your decor, of course you knew that, but I do like the foggy day too ~ a very nice blue....

Unknown said...

Love those chairs Layla...graceful in design, yet they look substantial enough for an often used diningroom. The color is great too! Awesome job! Tami E.

HirondelleRustique said...

I love everything about those chairs, they're gorgeous! Attitude Gray was a good choice! You guys make a cute couple too ;)

3 Peanuts said...

LOVE it. They look incredible. That blue/gray has always been a favorite of mine.

Kim

Unknown said...

Just lovely you two! I love the sentiment. xo

The Wonderful World of Wampler said...

You guys did a great job on the chairs. Thanks for the step by step.....it really helps. =)

Gail LaCroix said...

I just love your chairs, especially with the numbers painted in the muted shade on them. I always look forward to seeing what you are up to next, so I can't wait to see the rest of the new decorating in the dining room!!

Tiffany said...

You two are so fun! Thanks for sharing and inspiring!

Bluebird said...

they are perfect! what a special (and very chic) reminder of the love you two share!

Sarah said...

Beautiful! I think that that color works a lot better for your color scheme.

geri said...

If I had money for everytime I looked at my Glenn and said.."OH NO"! Do you likey that color? we would both be terribly rich.
Thank God paint is the easiest thing to fix and re fix.
Love the attitude gray. May try it for my all white 1800 farm house doors and shingled top peak. Who knows ..it's been 3 colors already. Happy Labor Day. Geri.

Prairie Girl Studio said...

that was very cool layla for you to display the two colours side by side so we could really differentiate between the two colours ... sorry kevin, but i am glad that you redid them ~ they do look totally spiffy! and my heart beats for your love, you two ... i mean, 1. 4. 3 ... enjoy enjoy enjoy ~
prairiegirl

Susan said...

love the chairs with the grey color. You have a good man :)!!

Diann said...

I just had a similar problem... Painted the living room..wanted gray...the chip looked gray...opened the can,looked gray...Painted the room and got "It's a Boy! Blue." Haven't repainted yet...still want gray.

Grace @ Ruby Moon Designs said...

I love the new color...the old one was beautiful too...but I have to admit that I prefer the one that you finished with. And the 1,4,3 moment you had is amazing. Love is a strange and wonderful thing!

Happy Labor Day!

-Grace

Miss Mustard Seed said...

I love the numbered chairs. Great idea!

Simply Dandy said...

I would be thrilled with the end result too. They look fantastic. You are very very talented Layla.

LeAnn:)

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

The chairs look lovely and I love the significance of the numbers.

From the Old InkWell said...

Love the chairs and am looking forward to your dining room reveal!

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

You two are too cute. Thanks for the two-torial!

Becky

Anonymous said...

So perfect...so you!!

Andrea said...

You guys are cute :P

Rachel~Wildflower Photography Studio and Wildflower Creative said...

Love the chairs...their shape is fab! :)

Kiki said...

I do love the attitude gray. You have such a good eye!

Pat said...

Hi Layla,
The chairs look great and love the meaning the numbers have for you. Love Mr. LC's new haircut! You two have got to be the cutest couple who live in the cutest cottage in the world! Have a great weekend.
Pat

Maya@Completely Coastal said...

I definitely prefer Attitude Gray, which to me looks like a "foggy day" by the sea. Color names..., I'd love to know how they're determined.

Moore Minutes said...

That photo of you and your husband is gorgeous. And putting numbers on the chairs is such a COOL idea! I always get inspired coming here! Thank you.

Paula said...

I love the grayer color. It's gorgeous. And I love the numbers, and what it means to you and Kevin. Such a special charming detail.

Lynn Kellan said...

Kevin is the best husband. Ever!

Karen said...

Your husband has Attitude Gold! You're a lucky lady!

Rooms Revealed said...

Just gorgeous...you both are amazing.

Happy Labor Day!!!
Christine

Decor To Adore said...

The chairs are indeed lovely. Well done Mr. LC. But the true beauty lies in that he does indeed 143 you dear Layla. Enough to repaint the chairs to your hearts content.
Love long.

p.s.original said...

You have such a great eye! Perfect.

janet said...

Love the chairs. When I read this post I did not understand what the "143" meant. I kept thinking..."ok, numbers on chairs." But then I read the earlier post where Kevin explains...OMG!!! I love it and how romantic! The chairs are even more fantastic now!
Love your blog!

Denise said...

Just beautiful Layla!

mimi charmante said...

Girl, you never cease to amaze me. That, and your hubby gets more fabulous with every handy posts you do about him!
xx

Kurtzhals said...

Yep I think they turned out great. I love when you write about how things make you feel. It's so sweet and special :)

june@craftyniche said...

LOVE the new color!

Olivia said...

What a nice boy to repaint those for you! It's sweet how you two love to work on your home together. :o)

Greyfreth said...

The chairs look fantastic and the photo of Kevin saying, "Bring it!" cracked me up. So cute.
Good call on the color change.
xo Isa

Melissa Miller said...

They came out fantastic! Love the color and the precious numbers. :)

Suzanne said...

Oh, how clever with those numbers! WHERE do you come up with this stuff? :-) I'm in awe every time I visit here.

P.S. Love the attitude gray. SW has some great paint names - we just painted our bedroom "Quietude." Great name for bedroom, sleep and rest.

Katy said...

I really like the "attitude gray" with the numbers on the chairs, looks great and very meaningful to you both. Thanks for sharing your project.

Heather said...

I liked the chairs before, but I really like them with the new color. And the numbers are sweet. Your blog is a big inspiration to me as my husband and I get ready to buy a very 70's house.

HomageBlog said...

What a great guy - to repaint them for you and add such a special detail! I think they are absolutely fabulous! ~ K

Kathi said...

I love the new color and the special meaning behind the code numbers 1-4-3. How romantic and special.

Kathi

The Real Estate Talker said...

Love those chairs, wonderful job on the re-do, and the letter tutorial, I have to try that.
Stop by and visit my new blog
http://fieldsoflinenandwhite.blogspot.com/
Have a great week - Cheryl

Roeshel said...

They look beautiful. Great job!

R

MyFrogs said...

Oh that made me a little teary eyed, what a great reaction, and you and Kevin are so cute!

Misti of Studio M Designs said...

You're so funny, Layla! The chairs do look more "you" in the gray shade. Lovin' the numbers! I will be doing that after I repaint our chairs. The black is driving me insane already!

~Misti

Heather at Happy Chippy Junk said...

I have to share somthing I just learned on someone elses blog! Use a dark photo in the news paper as carbon paper. Place the photo face down on the object and then the picture you'd like to trace over it...and trace. The images in now ready to paint!! So smart and sooo cheap!

Symone's Mommy said...

Just darling! Love the dialogue...you two are my new favorite blog couple!