Before and After : Claw Foot Sofa or Hall Table in Emperor's Silk

I was so excited to find this claw foot or Chippendale / Queen Ann style sofa table / hall table / entry table for a great price, and originally envisioned it being green like my favorite Bombay demi-lune console table refinish. However, I was so busy with custom orders that I wasn't able to work on this one for a while, and had the opportunity to mentally envision this table in a whole host of other colors. So I decided I'd take a flash Facebook poll!

When one reader suggested it be bright red, "Like a fabulous pair of heels!!!!" I was sold. Let's just say it appealed to the girly girl inside of me (somewhere, probably covered in paint!). I was also thrilled to get to pull out the can of Annie Sloan chalk paint in Emperor's Silk that hasn't gotten to stretch its legs in far too long.

This color goes on super bright - almost a fire engine red - but does darken a bit when it dries. I also lightly distressed, which can be.. well.. distressing, because the areas that you kiss with the sanding block will pull up a fine light pink powder. The key is not thinking this is the final color! When you apply the clear wax it not only gets a beautiful rich sheen, but also a deeper color. This is beautiful on its own, but I have a great love for these bold colors with some antiquing, so I also followed with dark wax as well.

Isn't she lovely?? I adore this bold red look, especially with the slightly greenish hue to the beveled glass insets. What a gorgeous contrast! Bold colors on traditional styles can really blend well into both a more classic decor, or pop in a modern home!

Do you have any questions about how I achieved this refinish? Add a comment and I'll be happy to detail my process further. Or tell me what color YOU would like to see next!

Before and After : Antique Spool Leg Vanity Refinish with Upholstery Tutorial

I'm so excited to share this refinish!! I had a bit of Annie Sloan Florence Chalk Paint left over, not enough for a whole project, and decided to blend it out with some Aubusson for a custom shade. It created this *perfect* jade or peacock blue that I am simply in love with! I recently picked up a gorgeous antique bedroom set with stunning spool leg details, and had previously seen a peacock feather upholstery fabric that was just made for this project. You'll see!

I gently distressed the edges and details, then sealed the whole thing with a matte Diamond Coat by Pure Earth Paint. The knobs were an unusual size / shape, so instead of changing them out I sprayed them with a hammered metal look Rustoleum paint.

Here is the Before and After. Isn't it stunning?

The caning on the bench seat had worn through and been previously covered with a board, but the upholstery foam was thin, and the material fraying. So we decided to build a new top seat that would be much more comfortable! Read on for the full tutorial:

Before and After : Thomasville French Provincial Chest of Drawers in French Linen and Old White

I'm always so thrilled when clients return to get just the perfect piece to "tie it all in" for their space! It is so heartwarming to be able to share that creative process and experience with them. In this case, the clients had purchased this French Provincial side table set in layers of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Olive, Greek Blue, and French Linen, and also had other neutral creams / "greige" pieces / French Linen / some distressed looks that they are fitting together. They sent me photos of these gorgeous items they have already incorporated, and it was such a pleasure to get to research and collaborate on the various different styles that were available to help blend in with those existent pieces!

They decided on French Linen for the body of the chest, with Old White on the drawers.
 

How did I get this look? Read more (plus see the Before and After!) by clicking below!

Before and After : Bombay Accent / Occasional Table

This super adorable Bombay accent table was a fantastic estate sale find! I wasn't sure exactly what to do with it, so I held on to it and eventually decided that it was such a sweet shape, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Duck Egg would be perfect to put on and distress for a gorgeous shabby chic project! I love to have small pieces around to refinish when inspiration strikes - mostly when I am working with a color on a larger piece as well :) In this case, I have a custom desk refinish in progress, and the client requested that we put Duck Egg in the drawers. It is such a beautiful blue/green/grey color!

I just love the distressing on the beautiful carved detailing! I used clear and dark waxes to really accent the shabby chic finish. It looks perfect to go next to a reading chair in a country cottage!