Brass to the Past

Here are KAID, we do a lot of custom pieces because we like things to be PERFECT!  Oddly enough, doing custom pieces is often cheaper and quicker than purchasing from a vendor... who knew?  Anyway, in the process of creating some MAGENTA Louis XIV commode pieces, we needed to find hardware and ormolus for the piece.  Searching all over the internet, we found some great antique ormolu pieces, but finding vintage-esque handles and escutcheons was proving to be nearly impossible.  We did some research and discovered you can age brass...  Soooo, with lots of trial and error, we discovered the most efficient was is as follows:

1.  Make sure your brass pieces are REAL!

2.  Most newer brass pieces have a coating on it.  We got lucky and had the kind of coating that comes off with acetone.  If you have the stubborn coating, you're on your own!

3.  After removing the coating, rinse off the hardware with water and dry.

4.  Once dry, you'll need to submerse the pieces into Brass Darkening Solution J-3499.  Buy it HERE!

5.  It has all the directions on the back of the bottle, so just follow them from there!
6.  If you leave it in too long, all you have to do is polish it up a bit.  We always use Brasso, you can buy it at Lowe's or Home Depot in the cleaning department.

7.  Let us know how this works for you :)

RESULTS 

By Kim Armstrong Interior Design

If You Can't Find It, Make It

KAID prides itself on never settling for something that just works; we strive for perfection.  Having these kinds of standards often makes it really hard to find what we are looking for.  In order to create what we see in our heads, we have to go to our many great vendors and resources and have it made.

Here are some photos of a couple custom things we've done.  If you are interested in customizing your home or space, you know where to go!  www.interiorsbykim.com

We created the "Madhatter" chair and the drapes.  The photo is BAADD, but we will get you some good ones soon.  Custom is just what it takes sometimes to create that brilliant concept sitting in your head.

Another iPhone photo, but notice all the great pieces.  The two club chairs, pillows, sofa, and drapes are all custom made.  Also, the amazing striped chairs are, you guessed it, custom-made for the space.

Hand-carved French daybed and custom pillows and upholstery.  Turned out so beautiful.

Custom host chair made of a Ralph Lauren wool  We wanted to keep it a modern shape with a traditional, masculine print.  You don't see this everyday.

The Pink and the Gray

Well, this might be a bit premature, but I have to share our most recent work here at Kim Armstrong Interior Design.  We haven't gotten these professional photographed, but you can very much appreciate the design and customizations by my awesome I-phone photos.  Enjoy, and of course, what do you think!??

This photo is actually professionally done.  The chair and vanity are both completely custom, designed by KAID.  This photo was taken by Kim Burnstad (who is AMAZING!)  Please visit her website at kbbphotography.com

Like I said, I-phone photo, but you can see how delicious this room is.  Custom headboard, daybed, bedding, and frames!  All done by yours truly, Kim Armstrong ID

Ms. Wilma's favorite spot in the house.  She blends nicely :)

Wall of custom frames with family photos.  It doesn't get much more beautiful/heartfelt than that.

Wonder Wall

Decorating your walls can kinda be like writer's block.  You know, that empty, frustrating feeling of nothingness?  

People want their spaces to feel special and personal, but not every item can have deep, warm-your-heart meaning.  If you are suffering from the “blank wall blues”, here are a couple of ways to add some oomph to your space.  Even if you don’t decorate with Grandma’s heirlooms or award winning art pieces, at least make it look like it :)

The arrangement of six frames on the back wall are none other than... pages from a book!  This was a coastal themed beach house in Galveston, Texas, so we found a book with sea animals and birds and had a local frame shop frame and matte them for us.
source of above photo

Framed and matted intaglios look super rich and classy.  You can get them made of plaster, which is inexpensive.  Do spend money on good framing, it is soooo worth the look you will get.

source of above photo

Close up of intaglios
source of above photo

Have tons of digital photos?  Alter the coloring to be black and white or sepia tone and print them out at your desired size.  Most frame shops or Kinko's can help you to do that.  Creating a symmetrical arrangement like the one featured above can create such a strong element to any space.
source of above photo

Who loves thrift store shopping?  Check out your local thrift/consignment/and even garage sales to find some old vintage frames.  Paint and distress them yourself, then hang them EMPTY.  Yes, let the frame be the art.
source of above photo

Doors We Adore

These doors really “light my fire", as Jim Morrison would say.  If you really want to spruce up your home’s curb appeal, think about painting your front door or getting a unique style/material of door.  Check out some of my colorful, funky finds. 

Just for further proof, I do practice what I preach.  My office door happens to be an electric pink (first photo below), and my home has a soft yellow front door to accent its gray main color.

If you’d like any of these doors custom made just for you, feel free to contact us at kim@interiorsbykim.com, or (214) 500-0600.

If you’d like to get down and dirty and DIY, here’s a quick step by step guide of how to paint your own door.

1.     Take your door off!!  Trust me, just do it… it will be much easier in the end.

2.     Remove all the hardware (knobs, hinges, peep holes, etc.)

3.     Tape off any exposed glass

4.     Prime the ENTIRE door.  Even under where the hardware was!

5.     Wait for the primer to dry, then fill any cracks with caulk.  Once caulk is dry, prime over it.

6.     Sand with a fine grit sandpaper.  This will really make the door look expertly done.

7.     Sweep off all dust and residue, and PAINT the door!  If you want to spruce up the interior of your home (and the color you’ve chose melds with your interior spaces), paint the inside, too.

8.     Use a roller on the flat parts, and a brush to get into the crevices.  You will probably need to do several coats.  Make sure you let each coat dry before doing a new one.

9.     Apply the door, and viola, facelift accomplished!

KAID's office door.  Does it look familiar?

http://interiorsbykim.com/

Pink and stucco 

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/curb-appealmodern-front-doors-roundup--170253

Yellow and etched glass design

http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/curb-appeal-tips/?sssdmh=dm17.517996&esrc=nwhi040711a&email=420614863

Mod and masculine, navy blue

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/curb-appealmodern-front-doors-roundup--170253

Traditional goes orange

http://decoratingdiy.blogspot.com/2011/09/shut-front-door.html

The weathered look.  We can show you how to get a finish like this

http://manolohome.com/2009/06/09/first-impressions/

It's like a bag of skittles
http://darlingdarleen.blogspot.com/2012/03/colorful-front-door.html    

For those a little frightened of color, try a beautiful mahogany or maple with a warm stain

http://www.heartwoodwindowsanddoors.com/PhotoCloseup.aspx?PhoID=1134&ProdID=581

Rustic, yet modern

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2784617/thumbs/Crossno

Color Me Happy

Color is the absolute best way to accessorize.  While we all know some people are terrified of it, it truly is the most impactful element within design, not just interior design, but any kind of design.  


Just to prove my point, I'll show you some interiors that could please almost any taste.  Those of you with multiple personalities, calm yourself...

Hello, yellow... and blue, and green, and pink...
Designed by Kim ArmstrongPhotography by Kim Burnstad www.kbbphotography.com

Red and turquoise, an unusual match, but now one of my faves
Designed by Kim ArmstrongPhotography by Kim Burnstad www.kbbphotography.com

Color through foliage, lovely
Designed by Kim ArmstrongPhotography by Kim Burnstad www.kbbphotography.com

Pink, gray, and touches of gold to keep it rich and warm
Designed by Kim ArmstrongPhotography by Kim Burnstad www.kbbphotography.com

Blue and white, so classic, so contrasting
Designed by Kim ArmstrongPhotography by Kim Burnstad www.kbbphotography.com

Those of us a bit reluctant to the color train, try a subtle blue

Those of us not scared of the color train, go neon... TRENDING

Again, a bit subtle with pops of a soft yellow... instant character

Here's a space for a bachelor.  Simple with a punch of color.  It will be like an Axe commercial in your room