COTE DE TEXAS: Don’t tell anyone but Artie Colors Outside the Lines!

Don’t tell anyone but Artie Colors Outside the Lines!

 

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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – the best part of blogging is the friends you meet along the way.  Artie, an ex-pat Texan, is one such new friend.  He writes the charming blog Color Outside the Lines, a daily diary of his decorating issues with his house in upstate New York.  He also writes about gardening, entertaining, designing jobs he takes on, and recipes thrown in for good measure.  He describes himself as a “jack of all trades” and for sure he fits that bill.  He is young, very young, and talented, very talented, with a long life and career ahead of himself.  He’s funny and self deprecating and very sweet at that!   He loves HGTV’s Rate My Space and writes clever stories about his misadventures there.  He also launched a successful contest which was quite a hit with the winner receiving a very generous gift certificate to Calico Corners.  

Recently Artie asked if he could interview moi, thinking that I might know something about decorating worth hearing.  Too funny!!   To read Artie’s interview with me, go here

In the meantime – below are some of my favorite pictures Artie has posted of his work:

 

 

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Artie recently made this charming lamp himself – he even posted his how-to instructions.  Using driftwood in design is all the rage today.  This natural material with it’s silvery tones fits right into the gray interiors everyone seems to love right now.   Readers of Cote de Texas will remember that Sally Wheat also makes objects out of driftwood. 

 

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Artie and his partner Scott recently hosted a guest from out of town.   Naturally Artie fretted about getting his guest room in order.  Here is the room as it looked awaiting the out of towner.  Instead of a typical headboard Artie used a mural he had purchased before.  White sheets, khaki duvet and kilim pillows finished up the tailored look.  So nice Artie!

 

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Across from the bed in the guest room are these bookcases that Artie recently refinished.  He arranged his books by color which is a very hip thing to do right now.  He stained the exterior of the bookcases and painted the interiors a shade of rust to go with the other colors in the guest room.  You need to see how these bookcases looked before they were refurbished to appreciate how the talented Artie fixed them up:

 

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Hard to believe, but this is how the book cases originally looked before Artie remade them.  He also posted step by step instructions to copy.  Most everyone I know either owns bookshelves like this or did at one time and they could benefit with a makeover too.   They look great now Artie !!!

 

 

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This summer Artie set up this tent in his backyard in anticipation of a dinner party he was having.

 

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Here is a peek inside the tent right before the party.

 

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Here’s how the table was set for the party - notice how he laid bands of burlap over a black tablecloth creating the striped effect.  Artie reported the party was a success and that eating inside the tent was magical!

 

Thanks Artie for everything!    To read my interview by Artie,  please go here

24 comments :

  1. Thanks j, Artie is one of my best buds. I also loved what he did on your work. You both ROCK ! (RMS vickydarnell)

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  2. I enjoy Artie's blog, and I think my favorite thing he's done was that outdoor party tent. Tres chic!

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  3. Oh, yay! Two of my bloggy faves together :)

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  4. ^Um...that was me...^

    Natalie @ FL Home Blog...not sure how it ended up anon...maybe I'm being mysterious today? lol

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  5. Joni, Loved the interview! and all the pics of your work. Beautiful!

    Thanks for the intro to Artie's blog as well! :)

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  6. Joni, Excellent interview, I feel I am gettting to know you more personally (long distance) than ever! Artie's outdoor Tent and table setting for dining was devine!

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  7. Good morning, Joni

    I just read your interview at Artie's. Enjoyed so much!

    I've been following Color Outside the Lines, since it's beginning. Wonderful talent!

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  8. Great interview that Artie did with our sweet Joni! Thanks for sharing a little bit about Artie with us. He's got talent....but, AHEM, I know someone else that oozes with talent too.....MISS JONI!!! :)

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  9. Hi Joni,

    Enjoyed your interview, that Artie posted, and I've been following your blog ever since. If your ears were ringing yesterday, that was my fault, ;) I was singing your praises, and telling a group of women about your blog, while at a church social. There is just so much to see, and I am in awe most of the time. I find myself coming back and re-reading many of the posts, finding something I missed in other reads.

    Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us.

    'D'

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  10. I was getting pictures of my fave homes in movies for my blog. All these wonderful pictures were coming from somewhere--You! I can't believe your site, it's awesome. I owe you a thank you for all your posts, keep up the great work!

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  11. Our Joni is so generous and talented!!!!!! The interview with Artie was great, loved seeing more of Joni's work. I agree Artie is a great new talent. Love his blog. Isn't it just like Joni to return the favor and feature him? So kind and considerate. People you just don't know all this woman does for others!!! Love her!!!

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  12. Joni,
    Thank you! From the bottom of my heart! If I could secure a pinky's worth of your talent - I'd be a happy man! ;)
    Artie

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  13. Wonderful interview, Joni! I felt like we were talking together over coffee!

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  14. Dear Joni,
    Im a fan of your blog and today I posted my 100 post. I choose some beautiful images that I found in Blogland since I beggin my blog and as yours is one of my favorites, there are 2 pictures that you've posted before and I liked so much. Please come visit my blog and see. I will be very glad with your visit and comment.
    Have a nice week!

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  15. I just recently found the color outside the lines blog...wealth of talent and info.And you...well forget it!

    How cool of you to feature his blog too!

    Two of the bestest!

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  16. That was a great article. I had never seen Artie's blog, so thank you very much for the introduction.

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  17. I really enjoyed the interview! I love his back garden - very English on many levels.

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  18. Love the post Joni! It's so fun to see real pics of real homes that aren't so unattainable and styled. His space is so cozy and would make any guest warm and fuzzy.

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  19. I've recently found Artie's blog & have had fun browsing it. He does some wonderful things. We were both doing bookcase makeovers at the same time. I also enjoyed his interview with you..great insight as usual.

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  20. It seems bloggers everywhere share a similar trait: generosity! Loved getting to know Artie...through Joni. What goes around comes around; and Joni gives as good as it gets. Hey! That would make a great title for a movie! :) Kudos to you both!

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  21. Loved your interview with Artie~so candid and intelligent! But then we already knew that....!

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  22. I've been a longtime fan of Artie's and now a fan of you as well! I'd be happy and at home in any of the rooms you've decorated.

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  23. Hi Joni! I agree with you - the people you meet and the friendships that develop through blogging is the best! I just adore Artie, and through him I met you, and I'm so glad that I did! I'm a huge fan of both of your blogs, and loved seeing you each feature each other. Great post, great interview! I picked up some great tips, and of course, loved oogling over the photos. Yummy.

    Best,
    Isa

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