Monday, July 14, 2008

SUNNY'S GOODTIME PAINTS

Artist, designer and entrepreneur Sunny Goode

Sunny's stylish monograms are made with a flat finish, so they have the look of something painted on the wall rather than a slick decal. They feature a water-based adhesive, for simple and easy removal. A very practical and economical alternative to a custom decorative paint job.

Sunny's beautiful work was featured this month in Domino in the sunny, pastel home of Richmond, VA art dealer Katie Ukrop. Look at the wonderful floor she stenciled!
(Click for larger image)

Sunny's charming shop in Richmond, VA

A couple of years ago I read about Sunny Goode, a talented artist and painter based in Richmond, Virginia - a pretty stylish town. I was immediately entranced by her beautiful colors, stylish stencils and motivating photos. Sunny started Sunny's Good Time Paints in 2001 and now has a shop, a website, and materials available in select shops nationwide. She has authored two how-to books chock-full of inventive design ideas; "Paint Can!" and "Paint Can Children's Rooms". My memory was jogged when I saw her work featured in the August issue of Domino, so I decided to visit her website again and see what was new.

Let's face it, for the most part, faux painting has already experienced it's heyday and much of it now is associated with bad memories of pseudo-Tuscan washes and poorly-executed sponge jobs. I should know - I have seen more than a few people cringe when I tell them that, besides being an artist, I also do decorative (and even a little faux) painting. People used to have the same reaction to the word "wallpaper" being used!! However, wallpaper is now quite in vogue again and I am convinced that Sunny Goode could single-handedly bring about a similar revival for faux finishing.
I promise her style does NOT even remotely resemble an Olive Garden interior. She manages to elevate the much-maligned wash or stencil to a level of distinct style. Her concoctions are a far cry from anything boring or tired. Her website is overflowing with eye candy, helpful tips, tutorials, great rooms and tons of inspiration. Not just for walls either! I think her floor designs and stencils are equally exciting. Sunny's Goodtime Paint colors are outstanding and a refreshing departure from the generic, boring shades and combos that are often associated with decorative and faux painting. All of her products are water-based which is an added, earth-friendly bonus that won't leave you gasping from fumes. You can order the supplies straight from the website, or find a local stockist near you. She offers glazes, color washes, stencils, supplies, removable monograms and her books. I guarantee that a visit to her website will inspire you and have you wondering whether perhaps you should get the Palm Beach Pink and pair it with a Cappuccino accent or try something even more daring? Trust me, you will want to put on some gloves, choose a stencil and get workin' on your own masterpiece - pronto!!

(All photos courtesy of Sunny's Goodtime Paints website.)

20 comments:

Maritere Rice Photography said...

Anne, thank you for the great post! I saw the Domino magazine picture just recently... it's nice to now know the face behind such beautiful work! And yes, it sure made me want to paint some walls!

pve design said...

Paint for me is always a "good time!"
Looks like one talented sunny lady!

annechovie said...

Hello Maritere,
Isn't her website inspiring? Thanks for your comment and I hope your week is terrific!

Welcome home, Patricia! Yes, she is very talented, but you and paint are quite a pair also! Have a great week!

Savvy Girl said...

Ha! I was just looking at homes over the weekend with a friend and we both found ourselves exclaiming, "Is that a FAUX FINISH?!" And not in a good way. I'm glad to see that there are some brave souls taking the technique into the future and hopefully eradicating the Tuscan wall epidemic while they're at it!

annechovie said...

HI Savvy Girl!
Thanks for commenting - I agree with you wholeheartedly. Have a great week!

rebecca said...

Wow, I adore her stuff! I can't wait to scour her website when le petit is taking his nap! Thanks for sharing :)

Style Court said...

Anne -- you did a great job with this post. I love how you candidly addressed the positive and negative aspects of decorative painting! And I'm so glad you highlighted Sunny, making the Domino connection.

Fifi Flowers said...

WOW... that floor is a lot of work... I would not have the patience. She is a lovely painter... I look forward to visiting her site.

You too are a wonderful painter... I can see you painting one of the chairs in her room!

Thank you for stopping by my site... have a creative wonderful day... Fifi

annechovie said...

Hi Rebecca - thanks for your comment and glad you enjoyed the post - you will love all the ifo on her website!

Courtney~ i appreciate your comment and your support, as always! Hope you have a fantastic week!

Laura~ so glad you dropped by! Thanks for your comment and I know you will enjoy her site.

la la Lovely said...

Oh, I love love love the home of Katie Ukrop. It's so pretty and so is the floor. Love Sunny's monogramming too! I'm headed over to check out her site.
Thanks for sharing, Anne!
xx Trina

annechovie said...

Hi Trina! Yes, I love Katie's home and all Sunny's work - you will enjoy her site. As always, thanks for your comments.

cotedetexas said...

this could not have come at a better time - I am thinking about painting my hardwoods instead of restaining them!!!

love her suggestions!

SimplyGrove said...

She is Very talented and creative!

annechovie said...

Hi Joni~
Ooooo, what a great option for your floors! I would love to see them if you do that! Your house is so chic!

Kirsten~ Yes, I love Sunny's style! Hope you have a SPLENDID week!

The Peak of Chic said...

Thank you for the introduction Anne! I love faux painting when it's done well, so I'm anxious to check out her work!

annechovie said...

Hi Jennifer,
I think you will be impressed with her work and range. Hope your week is a good one!

Unknown said...

what a great find! i checked out her website and i'm tempted to get one of those wall monograms...so chic!
xo

annechovie said...

Hello Mme. Frou-Frou! Yes, aren't those monograms so great? If you get one, please send me a photo and I will post it!

Alkemie said...

Wow! Thanks for the introduction, she does Beautiful work! I love the examples you've shown of her work and her store looks just as lovely.

Karen

annechovie said...

Karen~
I am glad you enjoyed the post - stay tuned for an interview w/Sunny and more photos soon!

 
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