The Vintage Contessa

It is a tantalizing array of frou-frou and advance stages of decay.

You are here: Home / Posts / BE MY GUEST!

in Posts

BE MY GUEST!

THE SONS ROOM has had an overhaul…..IT is still THEIR room but I have changed it DRAMATICALLY………………

This is what I started with………..

Many years ago a very TALENTED GRAFFATTI ARTIST stayed with us from ITALY.

I let HIM do his THING………

On Nicholas’s side was SAN FRANCISCO.

On Kristopher’s side was EYGPT.

This was all done with SPRAY PAINT.

SORRY MATTEO………..DON”T LOOK. I have painted over it and in years to come it will be DISCOVERED!!Just like a FRESCO!

IMG_6812

IMG_6810

IMG_6811

IMG_6809

This has taken me years to get PERMISSION first from my BOYS then their FATHER.He had a problem with me painting the room………when I announced it would become PALACE ROYAL GREY they reneged on the deal………then I had a BIRTHDAY!Guess what I got for MY BIRTHDAY?

A Paint Set.Roller brush and pan from HOME DEPOIT!It took me a couple of months to gear up for the JOB as I had to empty the room first.

NOT an easy TASK!

Here you are the photos of my NEW GUEST ROOM……………Please come and visit…………..I have two twin beds available with private bathroom and shower………Doves cooing outside the french doors………side yard ALL YOURS!I am so pleased with my work and how it has all come together……………HELP ME CELEBRATE the NEW EUROPEAN ROOM………that will become my DRESSING ROOM if YOU all do not start to DESCEND UPON ME!

I like it THAT MUCH!I might just MOVE IN there!

This is how I started…….a Basic White Coat……….then a test of GREY.

photo

photo

Then I had to see what a chandelier would look like…………

photo

I APPROVED my HUNCH and kept going………….

IMG_6958

photo

MY GUT told me FUSHIA for the beams……………I HESITATED only for a brief moment…………I had a consultation with THREE FRIENDS.Not that I would have LISTENED but they gave me the GO A HEAD……………..SCHIAPARELLI PINK wouldn’t you say?

photo

Shall we call him THE DUKE?

photo

The tassel hails from PARIS……a GIFT to me.It opens the ladder that takes one UP UP and to the LOFT.

photo

Shall we call her THE DUCHESS?I am open to SUGGESTIONS!They have to have NAMES!The small Chandeliers again were found for a STEAL……..$75.00 for TWO.I have added MORE BIG CRYSTALS………the chain will be covered with a BEAUTIFUL cord cover……..GOLD I think.Unless, I can find a velvet that speaks to me!These chandeliers are your in BED reading lamps……you see you can turn them off without stepping out of the comfort of your BED!I will have FABULOUS BOOKS for you to READ.Sitting on the 18 CENTURY ITALIAN COFFER…….again I only bought this recently because I knew what they were worth and the FACT it came from ITALY.I saw one at the FALL ANTIQUE SHOW last month……..it was much smaller then mine and about $16,000.00.That made me FEEL REAL GOOD!I am a BARGIN SHOPPER………it would be VERY uncouth for me to tell YOU what I paid just know I got it for a SONG!

photo

The painting is DONE…………..THANK ~ YOU BOYS I REALLY like how the room turned OUT.It’s still YOUR ROOM always will be………..still working on the small stuff………..stay tuned for the FINAL RESULT!

NAMES for the PAIR of PORTRAITS PLEASE!!!

THANK~ YOU for READING me!

XO

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Elizabeth!

    It looks fantastic. Cannot imagine the courage it took to erase yesteryear fom the boy’s room. I, too, have the charcoal rooms now. Needs sparkle. “Sparkle Plenty”! (wasn’t that a Matel’s doll name?}
    Love the new look! I must come see … with my overnight bag!
    I would love to wake up with doves cooing. We could trade the experience only you might wake up to the sound of some snoring.

    Pls. call me. I have a red crystal chandelier question!! R3

    Reply

  2. Elizabeth, times does march on and change is a good thing! I love what you have accomplished with the “new” guest room! Truly fabulous! You always have that perfect vision!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

    Reply

  3. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!

    I adore deep gray walls (had one room in my old house and foyer done in deep charcoal), and I love love love the fuchsia beams!

    When can I come and stay?

    (*sigh*)

    Gorgeous. Truly gorgeous. You did so good!

    xo

    Reply

  4. Wonderful!! Absolutely wonderful. I am head over heels for the portraits. My goodness, I am terrible with names though…let’s hope one of your chic and sharp readers is more helpful than I am. And why are you so far away? I would have a cozy corner to dream in, Giampiero to cook for us (!) and you and I would chat away for days and days…Ah, well. We will have to wait until next Summer!

    And might I add that you look stunning – as always – in the last photo. Bellissima!

    Reply

    • I know WE are far far away from each other but We are working on a GET TOGETHER NON?!!!I can see the first ENCOUNTER Now!I will most likely CRY so BEWARE……..Tears of HAPPINESS!XOXO

      Reply

  5. I admire Matteo’s work and am glad it is preserved in pictures , but of course I love the gray pain and chandeliers best ! Good job…..

    Reply

  6. Hell Dear Elizabeth,
    Elizabeth, it looks perfect. So glad the boys gave you approval to paint over the walls……you’ve brought peace to the room. In honour of Matteo’s previous work, maybe you could call the distinguished chap Duke Matteo or Admiral Matteo. I have a rose that would look perfect in your room and if you lived around the corner I would cut every single one and bring them to you…….David Austin’s William Shakespeare. Looking resplendent too with the gold frame behind you.
    Bisous
    xx anita

    Reply

    • THAT ROSE you speak of ANITA is a DARK RED VELVET………..???I remember searching for a rose to put in my GARDEN for the passing of my dear friend CATHERINE.I do not DO REDS so I ended up with ETERNAL FLAME………..a beautiful yellow!
      Love your NAME SUGGESTIONS!!!!!!!Hysterical However, as we have a dog named DUKE and my SONS puppy is ADMIRAL BUTTERS!!
      THANK YOU!
      XOXO

      Reply

  8. Oh how fun this is!!!! Love love love it!!!! You look gorgeous as ever!
    I would so enjoy a stay with you in that most lovely room. Hows about Duke Overton the overseer of graffiti past?

    Reply

  9. hi, what wonderful things for this cozy room, love the doors going out, love mirrors, sconce’s, a dressing room, Love that! a must, I sure would love to descend over…ha ha ha….hilarious you bought your husband materials, LOL, make it easy on him and cheer him on, they love that….wise advice from Mom I got…..I love twin beds, missed a great buy once, antique Baker…went to eat, and poof gone, only $800.00 and the patina was marvelous, never been able to find such a steal again, no twins now, boo..
    there is always more and a way, ha ha ha, Cheers! xo

    Reply

    • I ADORE That YOU get me SUZANNA……..and I ADORE even MORE your FOLLOWING ELLIE!!!
      ONEDAY……..YOU will DESCEND ON ME!OR I YOU!YOU have warmer WEATHER!!!!XO

      Reply

  11. Simply ELEGANT and INVITING! Those beams are the icing on the cake FABULOSO!! May I make a reservation for “2000-someting”? I will be in San Francisco this spring for book signings and do WANT to see you. It has been much tooooo long.
    As for the names: how about the Duke and the Duchess of Ferrara (formerly Lucrezia Borgia and Alfonso d’Este)
    Lots of love, always!

    Reply

    • FANTASTIC!
      Do let me know WHEN and WHERE and I will BE IN THAT LONG LONG LINE………….Hopefully, there will be TWO weddings in MY FUTURE!!DO you think THE BRIDES MAMA’s will WANT MY INPUT???ANOTHER book signing……..OH YIPPY!
      Love the names TOO…………MILLIE GRAZIE MADAME FIFI!
      XOXO

      Reply

  13. Oh wow! What a transformation! I always loved staying in the boys room and waking up to the graffiti but what you have done looks quite magnificent. Just love the grey walls particularly with the Schiaperlli pink beams which is a most perfect choice. And of course you have styled it beautifully to go with the rest of your house. Can’t wait to see it in June!

    Reply

  16. Oh how I adore reading you and seeing what you are up to! This room has all the good bones necessary to make it what you have…a real European villa room! THOSE BEAMS, the chandeliers and the portraits in gold frames are the perfect spot for entertaining a guest! YOU ROCK, CONTESSA! Lovely, just awesome! Anita

    Reply

  17. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!
    So GLAMOROUS, CLASSIC, EXCITING, SPECTACULAR and DIVINE! What can I say??? I’m green with envy and NEED YOU to decorate my ENTIRE HOUSE! How about I invite YOU to “move into MY place” and let you work your MAGIC??? That would be my “dream come true” … but I would want to LEAVE YOU ALONE to run wild and then I would walk in after several weeks (?) and be “OVER THE MOON” SURPRISED! Just a BRILLIANT “thought” … but you never know! It just might “work”! Whoops … I almost “forgot” the $$$ factor! Maybe I’ll just come and “stay with you” indefinitely then! Much more FUN!!! xoxo, Kim

    Reply

    • TO MY VERY FIRST LODGER in the new room……………I would LOVE that challenge.BRING PHOTOS!
      Look forward to YOUR VISIT next WEEK!!!!I best get off the COMPUTER and get to WORK!!!!!!!
      What FUN we will have catching up…….how long has it been……….SPRING of 1981…..33 YEARS!But who is counting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!OMG!!!!!!!XOXOX

      Reply

  18. You had me at SCHIAPARELLI PINK! An amazing bold choice. But the pair of chandeliers at that price?! Honey, I am one that team, like white on rice! It is going to be a lovely room. Excited to see the complete makeover!

    Reply

  19. Forgot to offer my portrait “names” suggestion.
    Most DEFINITELY call the lovely lady THE DUCHESS and the handsome chap THE DUKE! If that is “too tame” then THE DUCHESS and THE DUDE! 😉

    Reply

  20. The guest room looks fantastic Elizabeth. Love the pink rafters. Just the perfect touch to contrast with the grey walls and make the room POP! Your guests will queing up to stay in this beautiful room and i love that one day the graffitti wall will be discovered ! Enjoy

    Sarah xx

    Reply

  24. Hi Elizabeth! What a fabulous room you created – I LOVE it all!!! I am a sucker for antique chandeliers, I have them all over my house. We have so many similar loves! How you married the contemporary with the old is brilliant! i would love to be your guest, but do you live in San Francisco? :(( Maybe I will just have to plan a trip out there, but until then I so look forward to your posts!!

    Cherie
    http://www.stylenudge.com

    Reply

    • YES, I do I live outside the CITY!Thrilled to hear your on the EAST COAST…….I thought YOU were in ENGLAND!Bring your daughter and come stay with me………I’m an hour away from the NAPA VALLEY TOO the wine region!!!!BRING YOUR MUFF and we will have the daughter do a photo shoot!!!!!!!!!Seems we have a few things in common!XO

      Reply

  26. Ah Elizabeth,
    I have been watching the process from afar and loving every minute of it. You have already managed to breathe your rich dramatic style into this room with these bold changes! It is already beautiful.
    I am looking forward to late-night reading by chandelier ensconced in this charming room. You are working your majic in this room as well….such a visual feast.
    I have no fab names for the portraits, but I love the idea of naming the gentleman after the Italian graffiti artist!
    I love the picture of you framed in the gold frame. We should all go thru life with that fab frame behind us to showcase our spectacularness!!!
    Thank you for sharing this spectacular room!

    xoxo,
    Donna~Faded Velvet

    Reply

    • THANK YOU MADAME FADED VELVET……….I CANNOT WAIT for YOUR ARRIVAL…………I just know the time will FLY BY…….and we will have only covered HALF of what we wanted to talk about!
      SO< look forward to our first ENCOUNTER! XOXOX

      Reply

  27. Nothing more exhilarating than a complete redo! BRAVA CONTESSA!!!!
    Lucas is suggesting Mario and Todd for the names of your permanent gilded guests. Don’t know where he came up with those names, but they have a simple elegance, yes? Remember what they say about house guests and fish? Well nothing could smell sweeter in your beautiful parlor!!!!

    Reply

    • MARIO and TODD…………..now one is a LADY………….perhaps that was hard to make out!!!
      Somehow,My Blogger Buddies I know will not BE THE FISH KIND!Now on to more IMPORTANT matters…….when do I get to SEE YOU?XO

      Reply

  28. Elizabeth, So gorgeous!! I love this room and the color. Genius doing the beams pink and adding the chandeliers. I bet even the boys will love sleeping over there now. I love all your portraits and candle holders. Is that brick on the floor? Love!! What a fabulous home you have!! I hope to get to visit you someday soon! xx Kim

    Reply

  29. Contessa I LOVE your STYLE . I think Paris had a HUGE influence on your choice of decor .Did any of those gorgeous pieces hide in your suitcase after the Brocante Tour? Perfect shade of grey & the Pink just the perfect contrast !! I’ll be there in spirit imagining sleeping peacefully in this magnificent boudoir cuddling up to the cat ! You’ve inspired me !! Ps very impressed with the Graffiti guess it served its purpose NOW you have the house totally La Contessa xx

    Reply

    • NOT A ONE!
      I bought the portraits…..the coffer……and a little desk all in the last two months for the room!I could have easily pulled from other parts of the house but these were bargains so I felt COMPLELLED to help the economy and satisfy my need for MORE!!!
      You get over here in the next few years if you can pull yourself away from EUROPE!Yes, your right it served it’s purpose and NOW the house is all ME!!!!!!!!
      TABLE & CHAIRS………..en~route……….??
      XO

      Reply

  31. So old world French my dear, you really pulled it off with colour choices.
    I am so looking forward to the reveal when your room is fully dressed.
    Love the floors, the French doors, and the beams. It’s a room to love, and I would so love a visit and a stay in this authentic room of villa charm.

    So you, richly divine

    Xoxo
    Dore

    Reply

  32. You are one stylish lady, Contessa…in every way!
    Looking forward to seeing this fabulous room when it is finished 😉
    Happy Weekend xx

    Reply

  33. Oh my dear … how utterly fabulous is this! Your talent and creativity knows no bounds! I agree with Pat’s naming suggestion! Just Perfect! I definitely want to come and be your guest! I can tell by the response … I am sure you will be booked up for some time my dear! Especially during Andrea’s classes! I hear the first is all booked up … I will be sad to miss the classes … especially with such a spectacular class list!

    I am very proud of you for painting the boys room. I know what a life moment that is … to walk to the future as you step away … from what was … especially when what was … was so good! I remember the first roll of the paint in my boys room … such a line in the sand of past and future. The room has been to a mere shell now… with all kinds of opportunity for future guests. This weekend I am turning it into a Christmas wonderland … for Ellis and Elliot .. to visit for Thanksgiving weekend. I have all kinds of plans to make it the most hospitable guest room ever … I do want them … to want to visit often.

    Kudos again, on such a stellar and stylish room my dear! It’s simply fabulous … I can’t wait to see the progression and .. to visit!

    Much Love,
    Tamera

    Reply

    • Perhaps YOU can train up!!!Lets look into that!
      It was a BIG DEAL to empty and SORT their stuff…….as you well know!But it was time to MOVE on……….to make NEW MEMORIES and God knows I needed the CLOSET SPACE!XOXOX

      Reply

  34. Oh my goodness I remember trying to convince my daughter to let me paint her room when she went off to college. I gave her a couple of years and she no longer cared! Isn’t it such a relief? That gorgeous gray suits you, and of course the fuschia beams!!

    Reply

  35. Having been fortunate enough to have stayed in this room when it was still designed by the boys and loving it then as the chandeliers softened the graffiti I can’t wait until I find myself there again . The grey and gold togehter stunning and the beams complete it. I can see the fun you had in the evolution of this new room Contessa .i love the shot of the chandelier on its own agsinst the grey wall. Your first guest is a very lucky girl.
    JA xxxx
    PS The magpies are singing at the tops of their voices as I type this to you. Xx

    Reply

    • OH< YOU tell those MAGPIES to sing LOUDER so I can hear too!How exciting to have a COMMENT from YOU!I started this whole BLOG thing with YOU in mind so you could keep track of my comings and goings.............and YES you have slept in the old GRAFFITi room a year ago!I think this suits your character BETTER!!!That chandelier that was hanging in the corner is now the focal light for the room.........it gives off a beautiful glow.Just like YOU!!XOXOX

      Reply

  37. CONTESSA! Oh you dear friend, you! Thank you for coming over tonight, twice! Yes, that turkey in my header just cracks me up….so simple, so not SURE about his fate! HAHAHAHAAHA

    The very last photo that says FOREVER is of me and my mother. She is no longer with me an I miss her….and yes, those chairs! They are LEATHER! How I wish I could take good photos of my home….it is lovely, but boring in photos, however. So I use a lot of Pinterest photos!

    Wishing you a marvelous Thanksgiving in all the style and beauty you can imagine! I hope your Australian friend enjoys my post. XOXOXOXO

    Reply

  40. I adore those bright pink beams. You are bold but the room is turning our nicely. I am sure it will make a lovely getaway for your guests when it is finished.

    Reply

  41. You are ADORABLE!!!!!

    The duck pond is almost finished…but the duck house is floating in the middle….and I was out yesterday and Adam called to tell me…..”the ducks are back in the pond!!!” I burst out crying!!! Happy tears!

    They are the same couple! They came right over to me when they heard my voice! I am feeding them!

    It was an enormous expense; I am so grateful to my darling husband. It is the “heart of the garden”; and those ducks are “my ducks”!!! So close to my heart!

    I have to be careful; people have been paying me for my advice for so many years; I cannot assume people want it, unless I ask!!!

    Suggestion: Paint the ceiling between the beams…..not white…as it is……”borrowed light” by Farrow and Ball. It is a pale blue grey…..and it will soften the contrast between those divine beams just perfectly.

    I adored Schiaparelli (she loved Marcel Vertes he did all of her ads!!!)
    and I love the color more than any other! Against white it is to glaring….just my opinion!!!!

    Reply

    • OKAY…….I like that idea!I cannot do that myself however, as it requires standing on a tall tall ladder……….so I will ASK SANTA for A PAINTER!There is a loft up there…….thats where the BOYS use to sleep!That is still a PROJECT TO ATTACK!I think I’ll take DECEMBER OFF and go back in with VENGENCE in SPRING.
      YOU can ALWAYS tell me what YOU think!
      THE DUCKS are BACK………..HOW WONDERFUL!!!I would CRY too …………..BRAVO ADAM!!!XXX

      Reply

  42. What fun we have! We bloggers who have met each other on our blogs!

    XXOOXXOO

    Think of the friends we have made??? Who would have ever thought it????

    Certainly not me!!!
    \

    Reply

  43. No! I lied! The correct color is “F&B (do not substitute) “skylight”!!

    With the strength of “Schiaparelli pink” You need “skylight”; if anyone argues with you…..I will donate. it will take two quarts at most. All painters and your husband will argue with you that this paint is too expensive. I will give it to you for your birthday! ( do not substitute this paint!!!)

    (we have a pact!!)

    Let me know what you think!!!!

    XXOO

    P

    Reply

  44. Bravo!! What a dramatic change! I love it. Pink for the beams….so unexpected, bold and fabulous. It all works beautifully, Contessa. Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Cheers

    Reply

  45. You are hilarious!! love this line about consulting friends!

    MY GUT told me FUSHIA for the beams……………I HESITATED only for a brief moment…………I had a consultation with THREE FRIENDS.Not that I would have LISTENED but they gave me the GO A HEAD……………..SCHIAPARELLI PINK wouldn’t you say?

    The steel grey with the pink is wondrous, that room is so light already it can take the drama! Im not sure i can do anything as elegant when Harley leaves

    Reply

  46. VIA EMAIL:

    Seeing that you are indeed royalty you should find a family name. My son Leo suggests Armando and I suggest Cornelia but that’s simply not royal enough. Room looks FAB. Well, done clever lady. Hugs from Florence xx lisa

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

contessa_and_her_pig

La Contessa
Her musings and passions.What Inspires and Dazzles.Loving all things Worn and Rusted.AGE.The Grandeur of The Past.
Bottom line Contessa Chatter!!!
Copyright © 2022 · The Vintage Contessa | Designed & Maintained by TheTechnology-Therapist
%d bloggers like this: