Starting out with a 10' x 10' x 8' booth, I wanted to create a warm feeling of a log cabin you may find in the Northeast. First, we needed to measure out the size and location of the wall elements - windows, mantle, door, sconces, wood beams. Andy and Todd (TM Custom Renovations) did just that!
- Once the measurements were done, paint was applied to where the 4 windows would be installed to make it
look like it was night time outside and to help the "snow" be more visible. Then, black paint was added
where the fireplace and fake front door would be installed.
- The painting above where the fireplace mantle is a faux finish I did to resemble a stone block fireplace.
- After everything was in it's place, we used 2x4's around the top edges of the booth. This was to
support the beams that were installed across the top. This made it possible to hang a chandalier and
to hard-wire the electricity to it. You can't see it, but we actually installed a light switch next to
the "front door".
- To make the beams look even more authentic, 18" 45-degree angled beams were added.
Once the beams, windows, doors, fireplace were in place, the walls were done to look like the inside of
a log cabin. This was done by taking very thin plywood and "ripping" 6 inch strips, staining the wood,
then tacking them up on the wall. What a great crew - Andy and Todd worked so hard and fast, the entire
wood installation took less than two days.
BEFORE
AFTER
Elements of the booth
Chandalier - pine cones wired for added Christmas decor
Painting - used above the mantle, representing the chimney
Chairs - after refinishing, seat cushions were changed to match booth's curtains
The Results are in!
After the walls and floors were done, the furniture was moved in and the decorations were put into place.
During the show, I spent time at the booth talking to the visitors to the show. I really wanted to gain feedback. What I was told most was that the room was "homey", "cozy", "warm", and many times I'd hear "This is what Christmas looks like!"
The Benefits!
Except for the decorations, most of the elements of this booth were a direct contribution of the Habitat For Humanity's "Restore". The wood surfaces were stripped and refinished, and the chairs were re-upholstered to match the curtains.
On behalf of Faux & More Wall Decor, the Southern Christmas Homeshow made a charitable donation of $500 to the Habitat for Humanity.
Lessons Learned
Recycling furniture and other home accents can be very beneficial. When shopping at the Restore, don't just see the furniture's current condition. Try to imagine what it looked like when it was created. Even better, imagine what it CAN look like if refinished!
I am more than happy to work with you on the furniture pieces to bring them back to life or create a new and beautiful look that will coordinate perfectly within your home!
In this age of "going green" this is a perfect way to make your contribution. You will be giving to a wonderful cause, recycling furinture that may have otherwise been thrown away. By buying from the Habitat for Humanity's Restore, you are giving furniture a second chance at a new life.
