Friday, June 27, 2014

An homage to Versailles ~

I have always wanted a room with a gold ceiling, but I never had the courage to actually attempt it, then when I was making the decorating choices for the powder room I knew this was my chance.

The actual ceiling in this room is just over three feet square, long, long, ago it was converted into a  room out of two closets and the entry to the attic crawl space is here, whatever I did it had to remain accessible.


To finish it off I used cream colored cording between the wallpaper and the ceiling This really works well in older houses where it is difficult to get a clean edge and I think adds a nice detail.

Voila!


At first I tried using metallic gold paint but it really didn't have the richness I was going for, then my brother told me he had some gold leaf, enough to do the whole ceiling!

I sent away for the other supplies I needed...who would know that before applying gold leaf you put down a base coat of bright red paint!


After the base coat dries you paint on the adhesive sizing and then with extreme care lay on the individual sheets of gold leaf brushing it softly into place. It was a time consuming and detailed job, I felt a bit like Michelangelo with my neck bent back in an awkward position. But I got it done and I love it!

Would I attempt this on a larger ceiling, no, but it is perfect in here. I love the way it glows and reflects the light from the new chandelier. My intent was to make this room into a jewel box, having the gold ceiling really adds to the effect.


Now I have my own little imitation of Versailles.

this room is so tiny that it is almost impossible to get a good photo but a least it gives you some idea.

Thank you for visiting, I hope you have a golden day!

10 comments:

  1. Very pretty and so unique. You are really brave. I would have been scared to work with gold leaf, but it came out so nice and looks lovely with your chandelier. Love it!
    Cindy

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  2. Beautiful! I could have never done that! I get dizzy just sweeping down any spider webs out on my screened in porch! Linda@Wetcreek Blog

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  3. Your jeweled powder room is stunning - I love it!!! you really did an excellent job on the gold leaf and with the chandelier it sparkles.
    My hats off to you for such a wonderful job. Thanks so much for sharing.
    Have a great weekend.
    Mary

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  4. Hello Adrienne,

    We love your gold ceiling!

    What a fun idea and how beautifully rich the golden glow is which emanates from it! As you say, the idea of making this small room into a jewel box is a perfect solution. It really lifts the room out of the ordinary and allows the imagination to run riot.

    To attempt a large ceiling may be quite out of the question, but in a small space, this makes for a delightfully dramatic effect. Bravo!

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  5. Oh, Adrienne. It is beautiful! What a job that must have been. I've used gold leaf on small ornate things but to do a ceiling, no matter how small, would be an olympic advent. Hope your neck held out. Love it!! Happy Weekend..Judy

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  6. Absolutely stunning. I can't imagine the patience or the position your poor body needed to get into to pull this off. It's absolutely gorgeous. The light cast from the chandelier compliments the gold perfectly. Well done.

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  7. I have one word my dear! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!
    I can't believe how lovely this looks Adrienne!
    hugs from here...

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  8. The gold ceiling looks gorgeous, rich and yummy. Lots of work it seems, but I like that you have the courage to undetake a project like that. It turned out beautifully!

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  10. Oh, it's just perfect. Who knew you had to undercoat it with red paint, very interesting. I love it, it looks beautiful.

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