Antoinette shelf and some sad news

First off, I'd like to take a moment to mention my blogging friend Suzan's latest post over at Simply Vintageous. In the blogging world, you get to "meet" virtual kindred spirits with whom you connect over similar passions, in this case, refinishing and painting furniture. Suzan had discovered such a friend at http://www.laurenlanedecor.ca/. Tara, the young woman who authored the website and blog, recently died tragically. She was 31. She had left an accounting job to pursue her passion of painting furniture. She had just posted about how excited she was to introduce Miss Mustard Seed's new line of milk paint. Planning for the future. 


Her life might have been short, but she lived it right: plan for the future, but live like there's no tomorrow by pursuing your passion. I did not get a chance to discover Tara or her blog, but learning of her passing is inspiring me to turn things up a notch and just bite into life with even more intensity. May she rest in peace.

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When I think of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Antoinette colour, I infallibly think of Marie Antoinette. It's such a soft, feminine colour, a beautiful pink, a not in your face kind of pink. It's a Grande Dame colour. Very ladylike, very proper. Fit for a Queen.

I picked up this little shelf for a whole dollar at a garage sale. It's only plastic but it's so very well detailed, it looks like carved wood. 

It was originally gold and had been spray painted brown. The brown had to go. Had to. 

Since it's such a feminine motif, I thought of Antoinette right away. 

The dark wax was very appropriate for this piece and it enhanced the flowery details in the most wonderful way.

Could you see this in a little girl's room, accentuated with pretty "objets"?

Or it could be a sweet "ciel de lit" over a baby girl's crib. Something like this:

That's what a whole dollar can get you these days, folks. You just have to see the potential.

Linking up to:

Pink is not just for little girls

From my garden - De tout, de rien

I have always loved pink. To me, it's the ultimate feminine colour and it expresses romance and softness like no other colour. 


In my first studio apartment, I painted a feature wall pink. I needed something to liven up that dingy hole and pink has always had a way of making me feel happy.


When we got married, I chose pink as my wedding's theme colour, in spite of my future sister-in-law's protests. She much prefers frumpy beiges and khakis. (I was thinking of asking her to be a bridesmaid, but needless to say, after those protests, she wasn't asked, lol.)


I painted our first bedroom in our first house in dusty rose. Our duvet cover had large cream and pink cabbage roses. My husband was sweet enough to let me get this out of my system.


And I was happy when we had our two daughters because it meant I could use a lot of pink. And I did. Lots of tutus and ballet slippers. ;^)


Today, I've eased up on the pink in my home, but I love seeing touches of it used in decorating. When done right, it just adds an element of romance to any room.

Love the soft pink with the crisp black - Suzanne Kassler

Here pink is mixed with cream and gold.

Pink is mixed with very trendy elements here. I want that giraffe!

Elle Decor - This gorgeous cream settee pops against the pink wall and vintage elements.

Pink unexpectedly mixed with a cheerful turquoise. Stunning! - Better Homes & Gardens

How rich looking is this room! Just a couple of pink accents to punch up the taupes - Better Homes & Gardens

How about this scrumptious Chocolate Kisses toile knob? It would pretty up any furniture.

A study in contrast: an industrial cement wall is a perfect backdrop to show off the ultra-feminine curves of this gorgeous settee and the rich chandelier dripping with crystals. A beautiful collection of pink and mauve silk pillows punch up the look.

Again, just a touch of pink in the pillows, but it livens up the gold.

Stunning bathroom by Betty Lou Phillips. A perfect way to not commit permanently or invest expensively into one colour is by making all the main elements neutral, such as in this room, and just adding colour with the accessories. In this case, pink towels, easily replaceable, provide the pop of colour.

So opulent looking!! - Suzanne Kassler

Lovely chairs! The gold touches are perfect.

So nice with the grey marble!

I may just have to redo a room in pink after showing you these! 

How about you, have you used any pink in your grownup rooms?