A renowned designer shares surprising ways to add color, texture, and creativity to your home. In this beautifully illustrated book, the woman behind internationally acclaimed merchandise company Dena Designs shows how her hand-painted style combines vintage and traditional elements with a modern twist. Pick up a paintbrush and take a walk through the author’s own home, room by room, as she discusses her inspirations and demonstrates her methods for encouraging creativity. The Painted Home by Dena features simple DIY projects, useful design tips, and personal stories from one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the textile and design business. Dena Fishbein is the creative force behind Dena Designs, Inc., and her many products such as textiles, gifts, accessories, apparel, and greeting cards are sold in Neimen Marcus, Dillard's, Barnes & Noble, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, Michael’s, Jo-Ann's Fabrics, and other retailers around the world. Dena has a monthly newspaper column with United Media. She lives in Lafayette, California. The Painted Home by Dena By Dena Fishbein, John Ellis Abrams Books Copyright © 2012 Dena Designs, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-58479-962-7 Contents INTRODUCTION SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE THINGS YOU LOVE, WELCOME TO SEVEN OAKS RANCH ENTRY WAY AND FAMILY ROOM, EVERYDAY SPACES KITCHEN AND SUNROOM, PLACES TO GATHER DINING ROOM, LIVING ROOM, AND DEN, COZY NOOKS LITTLE BEDROOM AND LITTLE SEWING ROOM, PRIVATE HAVENS SITTING ROOM ANDMASTER BEDROOM SUITE, A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN HALLWAY AND UPSTAIRS BEDROOMS, INSPIRING SPACES STUDIO AND GARDEN, ENTERTAINING, EPILOGUE, DENA'S FAVORITES, ABOUT THE AUTHOR, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, CHAPTER 1 WELCOME TO SEVEN OAKS RANCH ENTRY WAY AND FAMILY ROOM ENTRY WAY I've always believed it's not what you say that matters as much as how you say it and the way you make people feel when you're talking to them. The same can be said of your home: When someone visits, you want them to feel good, welcome, and at ease. If your house is relaxed, they'll be relaxed. If you're content and happy in your space, others will be, too. The entryway sets the tone. Ours is a sunny yellow. I knew that I wanted the walls to be a warm, inviting color, but it took me some time to figure out the rest. When I decorate, I often work a step at a time. In this room, I painted the background color first and lived with it for a while. A month or so later, I decided to add the vines, leaves, and flowers. I love painting vine patterns because they are free-form; they do take some practice, but it's lovely to sketch the design and not need to make sure everything is perfect and evenly spaced. Working in stages takes the pressure off. The beauty of this method is you don't have to do everything at once — nor does every project have to be huge. When a partial idea comes to you, go with it! If you're not sure what to do next, let go for a bit. If you discover you don't like what you've done, you can add more or take away — later. When it comes to decorating, remember that most things can be changed easily. Simple, thoughtful touches — whether purchased or homemade — reveal who you are and what's important to you. In our entryway, family and friends are greeted by colorful details. The delicate tole chandeliers are flea market finds; we have a set of two we found years apart but they are a perfect match. The cheerful assortment of hand-sewn pillows and the pretty porcelain plates add color and pattern. Like the opening of a garden path, this space is practical, yet inviting. It's a point of entry ... and a hint of what's to come. PROJECT Salt-and-Pepper-Shaker Tassels Add some vintage charm to your curtains, your Christmas tree, or the key to an armoire! Salt-and-pepper-shaker tassels can be used to embellish all sorts of things. GATHER: Wire cutters 26-gauge wire Salt shaker and pepper shaker, preferably vintage Beads in a variety of sizes Glue gun and glue sticks Fabric adhesive, such as Fabri-Tac 1 yard cotton bullion fringe Small-tipped scissors Variety of decorative trims CREATE: 1. Cut a piece of wire about 12 inches long. Thread the wire into the hole at the bottom of the salt shaker and then up through one of the holes at the top. Leave a 4-inch tail of wire at the bottom of the shaker. 2. Thread a small bead (one that won't slip into the shaker hole), a medium bead, a large bead, and another medium bead onto the wire at the top of the shaker. Continue to thread tiny beads onto the wire until you have enough to create a loop. 3. Thread a large bead onto the wire, then insert the end of the wire into the other hole at the top of the shaker and back down through the bottom hole. Both ends of the wire should now be coming through the bottom hole. 4. Twist the two wire ends together until the beaded loop is held firmly in place. 5. Trim the ends and use a glue gun to adhere them to the bottom of the shaker. 6. Place a line of F