It is a chest of laminated pressed wood loveliness. I knew that since chalk paint is supposed to stick to any thing, I wanted to put it to the test. My goal of course was to make it look like an old piece. I did two coats of Aubusson blue under a coat of Paris Grey. I have to say the Aubusson blue was shocking for me. The color is different in real life than on my computer screen. I was much happier once the Paris Grey went on. Okay, I will be honest. I have an extremely hard time with change. So, painting the piece other than a white kinda makes me twitch. I have commit issues what can I say?! Enough blah, blah, blahing and on to the reveal.
I don't care for the existing knobs and handles but replacing them seems like it could be challenging and cost money. Before I go, I wanted to share where it is currently residing.
Some of you that have follow me, might recognize those chairs. They are next on the project list. I just need your help. First, should I paint the chair frames? Next, I would love a neutral linen but who really wants to pay $35/yd for the good stuff? Don't get me wrong. I would love it but just can't seem to justify paying it. So, what do you think my options should be? Love to hear your thoughts. Hoping to working on the chairs after reading your advice. Ironically, I drafted this post earlier and just saw Miss Mustard Seed post on chairs that are almost identical. Pop over there to get an idea of what they would look like neutral.
I'm sharing my little french chest over at:
How lovely she turned out, Julie! I have a similar chest {roadside find} that I redid in the Old White. Mine was missing two of its three drawers though. It sounds like it was made of the same material. Have you checked out fabric.com for chair fabric? They have some decent sales and clearance fabrics. Maybe something there will catch your eye.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Julie! I'm with you about color. It makes me nervous, but somehow it all works out in the end. :) As far as your chairs go, I would definitely paint the wood on the chairs. For the seats, how about using painter's drop cloth? You can pick it up very cheaply, bleach it a couple times, and you'll end up with very faux linen looking fabric!
ReplyDeletexoxo laurie
Love how the chest came out. The chalk paint is something I have really been wanting to try, glad to know it cover so well. Thanks for sharing, Laura - Cottage and Broome
ReplyDeleteVery lovely indeed! I know what you mean about being challenged to try anything but classic white on some pieces. This PROVES how lovely blue is!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Miss Mustard Seed's Linky Party,
Smiles and thanks for sharing,
~Suzanne in NW Illinois
GREAT JOB on the chest! I concur wih Heaven's walk, that was EXACTLY what I was going to say, she beat me to it! Please click over and share this on my linky party! I would love to have you visit!
ReplyDeleteThe chest looks great--so you never really said--do you like the chalk paint?
ReplyDeleteLove the painted dresser. You might try white denim or a fabric drop cloth, believe it or not. Saw that posted somewhere this week. I would paint the chair frames as well, but would decide on chair cover color first.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely. I think go with a fabric that suits your budget but gives you the look you are after. I like linen to but can live with a look a like at that price.
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteI love how your chest turned out...so pretty. Being between the two red chairs doesn't really seem to go. I like your idea of the linen fabric. Maybe wait for a sale.
♥charlotte
Thanks for taking the time to comment on my rejuvenated chest! It gave me the opportunity to check out your work. I love the way your chest turned out!
ReplyDeleteRegarding fabric for your chairs-- did you see the wing chair on my blog that is in the photo with the first homemade chalk paint mirror project I did? I had it upholstered about 2 years ago in a fabric called "Linen Flax". I got it online at Payless Fabrics for $9.99/yd. I did a quick check to see if they still have it, but did not find it. However you might check with them by phone. I love those chairs...I did an update on a similar one with channels in the inner back. It is on my blog--Gloria. I used drop cloth fabric and fabric from Jo-Ann's. Some of the drop cloth fabric now looks like the linen flax weave. Wishing you all the best! I'll be checking back to see what you decide.
Love your post - saw it on MMS's FFF. The white vs color debate happens here all the time :-). It turned out really well! Do you have a photo of it before the Paris Gray topcoat?
ReplyDeleteAgreeing with the canvas drop cloth idea. Caution: the color varies from brand to brand, sometimes within the same brand. So take a good look at the package before you by. I've seen them from almost white to fairly grey.
Thanks for sharing,
Sara
I am loving your vignette!! The chest is darling and I like the chairs- though they would be beautiful painted and with dropcloth or neutral fabric too- can't wait to see what you decide! Thanks for linking up at FNF :)
ReplyDeletethis is simply beautiful. it reminds me of my daughter's dresser, which can be seen in this post:
ReplyDeletehttp://238windsor.blogspot.com/2011/10/halles-thrift-shop-diy-and-hand-me-down.html
your dresser is just my style. i personally love the handles!
Wow! It looks very lovely where you have put it! What a lot of work! :)
ReplyDeleteJennelise
Very cute.....I still haven't "bitten the bullet" and ordered any chalk paint.....maybe one day!
ReplyDelete