Monday, May 23, 2016

Before and After : Console Table Makeover in Emperor's Silk

This console table was a hand-me-down gift from my in-laws, and we were super thankful for the new piece! It had some surface damage from a wayward Roomba, as well as from a little dog scrabbling to get under it to chase a ball, so we knew we could give it a whole new lease on life with a little TLC! It actually ended up being my Mother's Day project, and I absolutely love how it turned out! I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Emperor's Silk, which is one of the first chalk paints I ever purchased :) .


My home needs more color, so we even added to it with a teal geometric fabric on the door panel insets, and upholstered plywood to replace the missing back. We replaced the wooden knobs with smaller bronze ones (that I ended up turning gold with a little Rub N Buff since the bronze was too dark) and styling with gold, black, and white to add to the modern feel. I LOVE the end result!! Don't worry - it was still cat-approved!

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Before and After : Vintage Bowed Front Dixie Dresser in Provence

This is definitely one of my favorite recent projects! I know you will love this sweet Dixie dresser just as much as I do! It had an absolutely lovely bowed front, and bail-style drawer pulls in great condition, but just really needed a little TLC to truly shine. I painted this beautiful lady in Annie Sloan Provence Chalk Paint, layered slightly, then lightly distressed. When it was sealed, the color became absolutely radiant!

 
The gold update to the hardware makes it just perfectly chic. I used a gold leaf colored Rub n Buff for a quick but impactful addition! Can you believe this is the same piece? I loved it so much I can't sell it! It has been moved into our guest bedroom that is slowly but surely (mostly slowly!) being updated. Can't wait to share more of our DIY home updates!

Before and After : Vintage Bassett Console Table Cabinet and Mirror Set

This lovely piece has been in the back of my head for what seems like forever! I bought the cabinet and mirror many months ago, and just haven't had an idea as to what color it wanted to be. Finally I stopped second guessing when I realized I had *just* the right amount of Paris Grey left! Those of you that use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint know that a little goes a long way :) so this was the perfect project.


And here's a close up so you can see the trim detail. Isn't it lovely? I have been totally obsessed with gray and gold lately!! It's very current, but also classic.


What are your favorite color pairings? I'd love to see them and maybe give them a whirl!

Monday, May 16, 2016

Before and After : Ornate Vintage Headboard in Annie Sloan Paloma, Paris Grey, and Pure White


One of my most recent projects is a super cool distressed / cottage / shabby chic look with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint blended and layered in Paloma, Paris Grey, and Pure White! I love that it's a little bit of a departure from what I 'usually' do, but that it's still classic and gorgeously elegant - while still being a little down to earth and approachable!


This gorgeous headboard came from a bedroom set that included a beautiful small chest / nightstand that I painted in Antibes a few months ago.  Remember this adorable green piece on the left? One of my favorites! Well, this next project is a testament to the versatility of the Annie Sloan color line - these chalk paints can be bold and beautiful, or soft and sophisticated. And no, they don't pay me to say that.. I just really dig the vintage-inspired colors!


Anyway, I absolutely ADORE this carved oak bedroom set! I will probably paint the large chest of drawers in a beautiful neutral, but I would realllly love to see it in a fabulous jewel tone! In the meantime, I decided to play with some leftover custom blended paint and incorporate it into this project. Isn't it amazing how different this looks from the green chest now?

Read on to see how we achieved this awesomely shabby chic look!

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Before and After : Custom Vanity Refinish in Onyx

This client reached out because she had seen this gooorgeous 1920's vanity I picked up and posted on Facebook! If you're not already following my page, please Like it at www.facebook.com/forloveofthepaint ! It's a great way to snag new inventory and call dibs on pieces for custom orders! She has a furniture set from Restoration Hardware, and wanted the vanity in a rich black matte paint to coordinate. I selected Pure Earth Paint in Onyx, which is currently my go-to black due to its fantastic coverage!


































Seriously, look at how it brings out those gorgeous carved details! Black gets overlooked as a classic neutral (by me also!) but it is just super chic and timeless. I very gently distressed the high points and edges before sealing, and updated the bronze rings around the mother-of-pearl inlay to a silver to coordinate with the client's crystal knobs.


Friday, May 6, 2016

Custom Refinish - Vintage Pedestal Table in Antique Walnut and French Linen

Let me open with sharing how very honored I am to be referred by designers to their clients, and also to be able to reincorporate a beloved family piece into a new space!! We updated the top of this one with General Finishes Antique Walnut gel stain, and the base with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in French Linen - this is pretty much the perfect 'greige'!


This client's table was passed down from his grandmother, and due to heavily abrasive cleaning products, the surface had become tacky/sticky to the touch over time. Thankfully the top was a thick solid wood, because we had to sand it back pretty far to regain a smooth touch. But you could tell, even with the bare wood, that the grain was going to be stunning! Read more to see how I achieved the stain!