DIY Abstract Art: West Elm Hack

A few weeks back we got around to adding a few decorative touches to the new house.  At first I wanted a mirror to go above the buffet, but later decided that some art would pack a bigger punch.  Purchasing a nice piece of art was definitely not in the budget so DIY'ing we went.

 I first saw this abstract art in West Elm's catalog, it wasn't really my style but I every time I saw it, I liked it more and more.  Black and white is easy to decorate it...goes with most anything.  Then I began to see some replicas floating around blog world.  I found more inspiration here, here, here, and here.

I could have just purchased a large canvas from Michaels, but we went the extra cheap route by making our own frame using wood we already had and a drop cloth.  After Billy assembled the frame, I started painting.  Thanks to his suggestion we painted the drop cloth white first.  Made for a better background and the surface became easier to paint with the white as the base.  The white paint was actual wall paint, but the rest was all acrylic paint.

I felt it needed a pop of color and chose to add a little bit of gold and hints of fuchsia.

I love the black and white of the original, but mine needed a little kick.

To finish the sides I took inspiration from Emily A. Clark and painted them gold.

I'm hardly an artist so this was the perfect skill level for me.  Surprisingly, we've had a few visitors even ask where we purchased it from:)

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XOXO

Aubrey

Dining Room Buffet Update

I made a list of projects I wanted to complete this year and posted it here.  Keeping the buffet bare after Christmas did in fact get this little project complete.  Deciding to put our house up for sale didn't hurt the cause either.

It started with finding this tray at Home Goods.  I've been seeing cocktail trays and mini bars in magazines and pinterest, and loved the idea of bringing one to this space.  

The lamps were a tough find.  It basically came down to finding the right height and shape.  I love the shape of these, but was just so-so on the color.  

The apple green coordinates well but it wouldn't have been my first choice. The lamps were only $25 each and because I love the shape, they could always be painted later.  It was also a we need this now and I've been to six stores kind of decision too.  I also purchased the orchid and had the books and artichoke.  I now feel like the mirror is all wrong, but I'm keeping it for now.  I'd love something more detailed, but who knows what the space will be like in our future home.

With the help of my cousin Mark's wide angle lens and flash, I snapped many of the pictures for our realtor.  I thought I'd share our entire space because I'm always wishing other home bloggers would do the same.  I love seeing how the entire space flows together.

XOXO

Aubrey