Debbie Travis' Facelift - Episodes

After

High ceilings and elegant wide archways are prominent architectural elements in Michael's home and should be focal features. Once the rooms were cleared out, we went wild with colour. You've got to be very brave to take this stand, but the results are spectacular, and we didn't stop at the walls! Vibrant hues slightly paler than the walls continue onto the ceilings as white would be too stark. There's cantaloupe in the living and dining rooms, absinthe atop the bright green entrance hall, and sky blue above the bedroom's aubergine walls.

The kitchen is reminiscent of a New York apartment in tones of chocolate brown and dark gray. Vintage style turquoise appliances are the star of the show. However, the style of freestanding storage, black and white floor tile and white subway tile suit the historic ambiance.

To cover the large arched entrance to the bedroom, we made a decorative curtain of beads that contributes to the character of the dramatic space as well as some needed privacy. A combination of vintage colonial and ethnic chic furnishings and details in the entrance hall, living and dining rooms completes the stunning Facelift.

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Bench

A large entrance hall is a luxury. Add a bench with some history such as the mahogany-look, Colonial style bench seen here that comes from India, some bright linen and cotton pillows, and you have a happy and eclectic combination. (see resources)

Dado

Bright grass green is balanced by a faux stone lower wall. To create this dado, tape off a section about three feet from the floor. Paint the lower section black and then tape off the pattern for faux moulding (seen as black when finished). Apply a thin layer of stucco over the black paint and tape, and then a coat of silver metallic glaze to produce a natural stone look. Remove the tape carefully.

Beads

The beaded curtain lends ethnic style and a bit of privacy to the bedroom. Design your own as we did from various sizes and colours of beads and 1/4" copper pipe. String together with 40-pound fishing line and hand from curtain rod.

Chandelier

Express your style with a funky overhead light. Shop at garage sales for old relics and add your own touch. This chandelier was glass, not crystal, so we used translucent spray glass paint to add some sparkle.

Painted Ceiling Moulding

Build up character in a room by adding crown and ceiling mouldings. You can buy stock mouldings at the lumber store, or you can paint them on. Here a crown moulding was already in place, but we wanted it to look more grand. so we taped off a strip a few inches in along the ceiling and below the crown moulding on the wall. Paint the faux moulding strips a lighter colour than the base coat.

Appliances & Cabinets

Historic elements including vintage appliances from Elmira, painted wood cabinets, a freestanding armoire and black and white tiles transform this kitchen into Retro chic fun.

Island

A movable center island is always practical. If you have basic carpentry skills, you can make your own with lumber and a choice of tops -- anything from butcher block to marble or granite.

Sofa

The Facelift carpenters headed up by Rob designed and built the Indian style sofa and bench using pieces of select maple 2 1/4" square and 1 1/2" square. The open pattern back is perforated Masonite often used to make radiator covers. The finished piece was painted gloss white and layered with comfortable, colourful cushions. (see resources)

Stenciled Pattern

White is a cool, fresh contrast against the happy shade of orange. You can buy stencils or make your own from clear sheets of acetate or Mylar (sold in craft stores). To get smooth curves, use a soldering gun to cut the stencil. Decide where the pattern will go and draw light pencil lines on the wall as a guide. Spray stencil adhesive on the back of the stencil and press into position. Apply paint sparingly with a small roller to prevent leakage, and build up the colour.

Before