The competition is open to the public so it's ok for me to share the details with you. There are 15 contestants, myself included, and there will be several elimination tasks to pare down that number. We're only in the first challenge so far, and I'm trying to stay confident. Some of the most famous designers from around Sunset Valley are competing, although there are also hobbyists, like myself, and some with just an interest in decorating and a desire to learn. I thought that last group wouldn't be any competition, but I was wrong!
Our first task is to create either a living room or bedroom collection and present it with both pictures and a description. The first batch of entries has come in, and they're just beautiful. Even the rich girl put together a stylish collection. I'll try to refrain from bitter comments towards people with more money than they can use. We shouldn't resent another's good fortune. We should use it as inspiration to be successful ourselves. Now if I repeat that 50 times, maybe I'll believe it. Anyway, enough about that!
I wanted to share my entry with you because it includes some tips for reinventing furniture with a new theme. I hope you enjoy the color scheme! I find it very relaxing.
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Collection Name: Parisian Charm
I'd like to present Parisian Charm to you. My goal was to take low cost and used furniture common to Sunset Valley homes and reinvent them with a dash of French inspiration. Instead of repairing with expensive materials, the focus is on using techniques that can be replicated at home on many different pieces. None of the seating, except for the dining chairs, is from the same set or even decorated in the same way, but they have been given complementary patterns and colors.
I've given the collection one focal point and then mimicked its colors and textures in the other pieces. As the focal point, the armchair is one of the most expensive pieces in the collection. However, the style of chair that has been used is one that is common in many Sunset Valley homes. This chair can be recreated by reupholstering it with a scenic fabric, I've used a lovely scene from Paris, and then using a faux weave finish on the wood to hide any imperfections. This finish is continued on the coffee table, end table, dining chairs, couch legs and sideboard. The scenic fabric is only used in one more place: the seats of the dining chairs. Limiting the use of the fabric allows it to be a focal point instead of a chaotic mess.
The colors of the scene are then repeated on the couch and loveseat. The couch is decorated in a baroque pattern to evoke a faded elegance. The wood of the loveseat has been stenciled with a charming pattern which is repeated in negative on the dining table. So as not to overwhelm the loveseat, the upholstery is kept simple with a light woven fabric.
Metal accents are a dusky gold and are mimicked in the picture frame. The large rug ties the seating area together just as the curtains frame the breakfast table. If you have a lovely but short fireplace, it's easy to extend it with a mirror finished in the same material as the mantel. I hope you've enjoyed this French redo of a country home.
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