Let's Do Coffee

October 28, 2015

How to Paint a Striped Wall

October 23, 2015

striped wall // black and white stripes // entryway

I am so excited to share this project with you because I absolutely love how it turned out! I've been thinking about it for awhile but hadn't found the time, or nerve, or something to get it done. This isn't my first go-around with painting stripes on my walls, but this is definitely the most bold. Last time, I painted a wall in our living room with vertical stripes in two very similar shades for a calm, subtle look. This time I decided horizontal stripes were right for two reasons: with high contrast colors I didn't want to risk the circus tent effect, and because this is in an entry/hallway I felt like the horizontal stripes would be welcoming and draw you into our home.

So, without further ado--our new striped entryway!

Before pictures:

Before I started with any taping or painting, I made a quick sketch of the wall and made note of the wall height so I could calculate how many stripes I wanted and what size they needed to be. The wall is 90" - 3" baseboards, so the total height I needed to divide into stripes was 87". 87/9 = 9.66 or 9 2/3. I decided to make my marks at 9 3/4 because this was an easier increment with the tape measure I had on hand. I started measuring from the bottom, so that the difference would be made up at the top of the wall, further from the eye. I decided to measure and then tape each line as I went so I didn't risk losing, or confusing, my tiny pencil marks. My husband was so kind to help me with this part of the process (it is MUCH easier with two people!) and had the genius idea to use a chalk line. This helped connect our measurements in a straight line that we then used as a reference to tape.

Pro Tip: When measuring and taping, remember that the tape counts in your measurement. The stripes that are meant to be painted will appear larger because the size of the tape (in this case 1") is being counted into the height of the not-to-be-painted stripes. This means that for the sections you wish to paint, measure between the tape, and for the other sections, measure including the tape.

Pro Tip: Place a small piece of tape inside the stripes that you are not going to paint so you can clearly see the difference.

Pro Tip: Seal down the edges of your tape with paint the same color as the wall/not-to-be-painted stripes. This ensures that any tiny bleed through or wicking of paint will blend right in, giving you a crisp, clean line.

Tools for this project:

Tape measure
Chalk line
3M brand painters tape (don't skimp and go generic brand here, you want a good seal for crisp, clean lines)
A good trim brush--this one is my favorite
1 Quart of Sherwin Williams sample paint (This paint is less than $4 for a quart! It is actually meant for trying out a color on a wall before committing to a larger qty and is only available in an eggshell finish.)

how to paint a striped wall // black and white stripes // entryway

Styling a Fall Dinner Party

October 15, 2015

Fall is wonderful because it is everything warm and cozy! Earthy colors, spicy scents, and warm drinks are in abundance this time of year, meaning, I am in heaven. I think that is why I have had so much fun planning our fall dinner party. Even though seasons have traditional flavors, color, and decor, that doesn't mean you have to trade in your own signature style to embrace seasonal elements. Here are three style collections, each inspired by autumn colors, textures, and patterns, that maintain distinctly different looks. Which one would fit best in your home? Leave a comment below and tell us!

Farmhouse Chic

Classic, cozy, and chic, the layers of texture really make this collection. Pour some red wine, serve this Spicy Pumpkin Chipotle Hummus, and settle into a cozy evening with friends.

Gatsby Glamour

Inspired by an art deco vibe, this collection provides just the right amount of sophistication to an intimate dinner party. We think a cheese board (like this) with figs, cured meats, olives, and other delicious noshes is the perfect accompaniment.

Cheerful Vintage

This collection is fun, whimsical, and perfect for anyone not quite ready to give up their summer glow. For an appetizer, we recommend this Maple Roasted Vegetable and Crispy Bacon Flatbread.

Spray Paint Saves the Day

October 8, 2015

If you've been following along the last few weeks, you know we've working on the preparations for a fall dinner party. We updated some wooden napkin rings, customized silverware, and now it's time to break out the wine glasses. First I'm going to show you what didn't work.

I've been wanting to try these gold, oil-bases Sharpies for ages and have thought of at least half-a-dozen projects I think they would be great for, so I finally ordered some. To start, I cleaned my glasses, taped off a starting/stopping point for my design, and pulled the markers out of their package.

I was so excited to use them on these glasses. I had visions of creating fancy, boutique-type stemware. Boy was I disillusioned! I won't try and pin it all on the markers, and I think they would be great on a different surface, but I was not loving how the gold looked on the glass. When you looked at the paint straight on, you could almost see though it. And again, not entirely the fault of the markers, but it just wasn't transforming the glasses the way I had envisioned. So... I used some nail polish remover to take it all off, washed the glasses a second time, and started again!

I had some gold spray paint left from the geometric lamp makeover we did, so I grabbed it and decided to try a dipped look on the base. I used painters tape to get a clean line, then covered the remaining exposed glass with tinfoil.

The weather was perfect for spray painting so I took them out for a quick coat. I cannot say enough good things about this spray paint! (And I'm not getting paid to tell you that--this stuff is the bomb!) It only took one coat and they looked amazing.

Finally, you need something to put in your gorgeous new glasses! Here are our top three picks:

First up, a Vanilla Vodka Chai by Tina at My Life as a Mrs.
Here, chai tea, vanilla vodka, amaretto, simple syrup and half & half combine to create a delicious fall treat. I love how it manages to be cozy and refreshing all at once. The flavors are so fall-like but the fact that it is served iced makes it an excellent choice for warmer autumn days.

Next, we have a Maple Bourbon Cocktail by Emily at Jelly Toast
This drink reminds me of crisp leaves, wool sweaters, and crackling fireplaces. Bourbon, orange juice, pure maple syrup, and bitters come together in perfect harmony. Whether you serve this at a dinner party with friends or enjoying one on a cozy night in, I don't think you'll be disappointed!

And lastly, Honeycrisp Apple Sangria by Sally at Sally's Baking Addiction
Mmm... This is the most perfect fall sangria ever concocted! Cider, red wine, brandy, orange juice, apples, lemon, cinnamon sticks and club soda--nothing is left out of this recipe. Make a pitcher, (or two!) invite the neighbors over, and pair with some pumpkin spice donuts and a bonfire for the perfect fall evening.

Silverware for a Fall Dinner Party

October 1, 2015

In case you haven't heard, over here at 5 O'Clock Design Co. we are pretty excited about the preparations for an awesome fall dinner party that's coming up! Last week we took vintage wooden napkin rings and gave them some pizazz, this week we are jazzing up some silverware to go with our theme. I have to thank my friend, Shauna, at Maeflowers Vintage for this fabulous idea. Shauna and I share a passion for mid century furniture, thrifting, and gold spray paint. When I saw her spray paint silverware (genius!) I fell in love with the result and knew I had to give it a try as well!

When my husband and I were planning our wedding, I was insistent that I wanted real silverware. Pricy rentals didn't fit the budget so I turned to our local restaurant supply store and ordered boxes of cheap, restaurant quality silverware. I have since dispensed of most of it, but I did hold on to a few dozen sets in case of big parties or company. I am so glad I did! I pulled out it out for this project and once it met a coating of gold spray paint, it's hardly recognizable!

To start, I decided how far up the handle I wanted the gold to come. It was important to keep the paint away from the parts that would come in contact with someones mouth so I stayed well within the bottom two-thirds. First I taped a nice clean line where I wanted the paint to end, then I went back and covered anything else still exposed. A quick coat of what is quickly becoming my favorite gold spray paint, and tada--gorgeous silverware that is perfect for a fall dinner party!

If you don't have two dozen sets of extra silverware sitting around, check your local dollar store or Christmas Tree Shops. I've had great luck buying decent, inexpensive silverware for projects at both of these places. Or, as an alternative, try this wooden silverware dressed up with washi tape! It's adorable, easy, and a little more informal.

I bought my supplies at Joann Fabrics and, with coupons, got everything for less than $6. The wooden silverware came in a package of service for 6 and I picked up a few different styles of washi tape to experiment with.

I played with placement of the designs for a few minutes, settled on a pattern I liked, taped the first piece, and then just repeated the pattern. This was soooo easy, not at all messy, and completely customizable depending on the washi tape you choose.