A Fresh Look for Antique Chairs!

I recently painted these antique chairs a flat black.  They belonged to my client's grandmother so they have sentimental value.  In their orignal condition, they were a bit unsightly and worn.  After some minor repair and heavy sanding, they were ready for a re do. The pretty detail was brought out by a slight distressing and finished with a satin wax.  The client chose a beautiful material that really makes them special.  She had bought the cart some time ago shown in the picture that has the exact finish.  The chairs look perfect with it.  I love the way they turned out!

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Ceiling Medallion Idea

Last week my husband and I installed this medallion in our dining room (he sure didn't do it willingly!).  I had always wanted one but I needed it to be big.  Being frugal, I really didn't want to pay big bucks. I had considered stenciling but that would be awkward to do.  I had a wall clock that was 32 inches in diameter that I wasn't using.  The frame was the perfect size! I love the design and colors as they are and it matched my style in the room. After taking out the face, we centered it, found the studs and secured it with four 3 inch screws that you can't see because they are hidden in the grooves.  It's not very heavy since it was made out of a composite material.  After that, all I did was paint the center ceiling black.  It looks stunning and really completes the room!  Total cost: $2.00 for the screws (and a little sweat!).  I kept the clock face and used it in another room. 

Look around your house to see what you can re-use for something else! 

Bedroom Dresser - Into the Dining Room!

Finally! Some Color! 

I was so excited to re paint this former bedroom dresser in color!  Most people play it safe and stick with white or black.  Not this girl!  She chose this turquoise blue to add some life to her dining room.  It works perfectly as a buffet.

I sanded, primed, painted, distressed (just a little), and waxed this elegant piece.  The hardware fit the room style so it was left in the original state. 

Give color a chance!!  It can make all the difference to make a room special.

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Nighstand Repainted!

I love this little nightstand!  It"s about 40 years old and was originally a dark pine stain.  I painted it a dark red, letting the original finish peek through, for a little boys room.  When it was finished, I found a knob with an airplane that matches the theme of his room.  The rest of his furniture is from Pottery Barn.  I think it fits in perfectly, adding a splash of subtle color.

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Painted Brass Lamp

This was just your basic old style brass lamp.  I did it for someones art room that needed extra lighing and some fun.  After priming, I sprayed the yellow and accented the bottom with some metalic grey.  The shade was covered in a cute waterproof fabric.  I've done several lamps and it's amazing to see how new they can look with spray paint. I have another one ready to paint for my porch.

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Totally Refreshed Table and Chairs!

I have wanted a new kitchen table and chairs for a long time.  I found this set on Craigslist for $125.  It was in perfect shape except for the finish.  Another sad case of abuse.  I couldn't wait to transform it.  A can of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint was on my shelf and it was the right color so I gave it a shot.  With no priming and little sanding I got just the look I was going for.  I wouldn't use this paint on everything but this was a good chance to try it.  After painting, I did a little distressing, then applied the wax.  For the top, a lot of sanding was needed to erase years of scratches.  Dark stain and two coats of polyurethane brought it to life. I saw the same chairs at Scott's Antique Show recently for $245 each and a similar table at Pottery Barn

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Wooden High Chair

This high chair was given to me when I had my daughter.  I then I used it for our son and my sister used it for her boys.  Although I am not a saver by any means, I did keep this and their crib, moving it from house to house over the last 32 years in hopes that I would have grandchildren.  Both my kids and their spouses went to UGA so it was only appropriate that it was painted black and red!  You can't see in the picture, but I have put every child's initials on the foot rest that has used it (leaving room for more!). 

Wall Plaques - Are they hand painted or decoupage?

A while ago I painted a little table for a client in the style of Mackenzie-Childs. Loving that playful, colorful style, she saw some hand painted wall plaques from another similar company called Sticks that she loved but they were over $200 dollars a piece.  Since she wanted 12, that was out of the question.  So she bought the calendar they had in print and asked me to use the pictures to decoupage the plaques for her.  Decoupage?  Isn't that something you learn to do at summer camp?  I never went to summer camp!  I wasn't making any promises.

I did some research and practiced with an old calendar I had.  After a few attempts with Modge Podge, I was ready.  Using pressed board cut into 12" by 12" squares, I sanded and primed them, then I painted the edges to match the picture giving each plaque the appearance of being hand painted.  She was very happy with the final product!

Check out the hand painted plaques on the Sticks site.  You really can't tell the difference.

Dining Room Chairs - Out of the 70's

For years I thought this dining room set was ugly.  It was my parents.  Then I realized that the table was almost identical to one Pottery Barn sells for around $2000.00!  My opinion changed but I still hated the dated plaid fabric.  I began a search for something more modern.  It wasn't easy to remove the wood plugs that hid the screws to remove the old pads but my patience paid off.  A contemporary pattern on the front and a french inspired print on the back gave these chairs an updated look.   I am so happy that I did it.


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Sconces - Out with the Brass, in with the Pewter!

This is how you can revive something from the 80's and bring it to stylish once again.  I used
Rustoleum Spray Paint to give these sconces a pewter finish.  Yes, you can paint old brass as long as you use a primer first.  I also gave them a spray of a sealer to make sure the finish lasts.

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