• 818-758-4076
  • office@legit.com
  • 3146 Koontz Lane, California
Let's Connect

How to Decorate Series {day 17}: Using Objects as Art by The Shabby Chic Cottage

If you are just joining our How to Decorate {for the DIY’er} Series, welcome!  Miss a post? You can find all the entries for our series listed conveniently on one page here.

Welcome back everyone! We are two-thirds of the way through our How to Decorate Series and I have been loving every minute of it so far. I hope you’re enjoying it too! Today, we are going to hear from Gina from The Shabby Chic Cottage. Gina is a successful DIY’er, decorator, and etsy business owner. In a nutshell, she is awesomesauce! Just in case some of you aren’t familiar with Gina allow me the privilege of highlighting some of my favorite Shabby Chic Cottage projects.

Gina recently renovated her guest cottage and created the most inviting space!

And did you see her beach cottage porch that she recently renovated? So cute!

And there is a very good reason that Gina is one of the top home decor etsy sellers! Just look for yourself…

Gina knows a thing or two about accessorizing and today she’s going to teach us. Class in session!

………………………………………

Hey y’all! I’m Gina from The Shabby Chic Cottage. I am so excited to be here on Beth’s blog today – what an honor!
I’m not really a “rules” girl when it comes to decorating – unless you count breaking all the rules. I pretty much just know what I like and what I don’t like – especially when it comes to art. I don’t really care much for prints/artwork that are ready to hang. What I love is using found objects as art, because not only are they beautiful, they also add something special to the room.
Old windows are some of my favorite things. I tape pictures behind the panes (as seen on my fireplace mantel), so I get the joy of showing off my kiddos, but do it in an unexpected way. While we’re looking at the fireplace – notice the bird cage? Another unexpected twist by using a found object.
IMG_9237
I also used an old window and made it into a chalkboard. I painted directly onto the glass (and it’s still going strong 4 years later). It functional and beautiful – the best of both worlds.
IMG_9215
Anything that is flat is up for grabs for me to try and hang on the wall – like license plates. We found these vintage ones in our barn and I love their quirky quality. And Mr. SCC gets a little nod, since he’s a car fanatic – win/win!
IMG_9312
When using store-bought art, I always give it my own touch in some way. Spray painting a metal tile in a bold color was my way to put my own spin on it, then hung it on the diagonal for even more interest.
source
More ideas to consider? Tobacco baskets make a beautiful statement.
Kelly Wearstler’s plate wall at The Viceroy in Santa Monica
A wall of plates always looks beautiful. The more the merrier!
Taking a risk and thinking outside the frame opens up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to art. Found objects add character to a room instantly. Found at flea markets, yard sales, even on vacation, they usually are much cheaper than buying a print.
Thanks to Beth for inviting me to post here today – it was so fun to hang out at Home Stories of A to Z.
…………………………………………
Great tips Gina!  I love the look of that old tobacco basket and now think I need one.  As I’m looking around my house at what I have on the walls, I notice that I typically use a frame and stick unexpected objects in it (i.e. wine corks, vintage keys, old silverware, shells, etc.). So how about you all? Do you put the untraditional up on your walls? Ready to try? Talk to us!
Share this:

Comments

  1. I love the sign that sits above the chalkboard window that says “sandy toes and salty kisses!” Definitely need to make something like it for my home. 🙂

  2. Gina,
    My fave so far is the window chalkboard. I like that your ideas are not so much cluttered as some.
    hugs
    m

  3. Beth – I love this series. It is so interesting to see what everyone does differently in decorating. And I love everyone’s styles.

    Gina – you are amazing. I love everything you do. So beautiful!

    xoxo
    Jen

  4. Thanks Beth for doing these great DIYers. Love them. Gina, your amazing girl. You gave me a great idea for the section of tin ceiling tile I have in the closet!

  5. I HEART the old window look, but sadly, anything old is taboo in my house- long story. I am seriously digging the tin tile spray painted though- Gina comes up the most Awesome-tastic stuff! Thanks Beth, for having her over!

  6. Hey! I adore old windows, although I have never been lucky enough to get my hands on one to use in my own home. The chalkboard window is super fab. I love that you can change it to be a part of the decor and use it practically.
    Thanks for sharing!

  8. Love, love, love the window chalkboard. Looks like my next project after I get done with these slipcovers! Thanks for the idea!!!

Shop