I finally got up the nerve to do a project that I have wanted to tackle for five years. Yes, five years. Finally, the stars lined up, and I got four signs that I should proceed. Come along, and I’ll tell you all about it.
The first sign was that I had this armoire I wrote about here remade and put in our great room. The second sign was seeing this desk and this armoire on the Velvet and Linen blog.
The third sign was that I saw a sample of Annie Sloan Paris Grey on top of her Old White at Haven. It was so smooth and beautiful, and I really liked it. Plus, it matched the gray on our kitchen peninsula, and I already owned the Old White. And the fourth sign was that one of the leaders in a decorating class I took at Haven said you should do something in your home that scares you.
I finally got up the nerve to paint this armoire that we use in our mudroom as a shoe cabinet.
We put it in the mudroom when we moved in, and it has been a perfect spot for it. However, you can see that the reddish mahogany was clearly too formal for the space. There were so many people saying, “Don’t paint that furniture.” “I can’t believe you want to paint your armoire.” “Are you crazy??? You want to paint the armoire?”
I love that I finally did it. One morning I woke up last week and knew it was time. I bought the Paris Grey at a local shop. First I applied my Old White, and shortly afterwards was able to apply the grey. It only took one coat of each.
I distressed it and then waxed it with just a clear wax.
Then a few days later I distressed it some more. I love seeing a touch of the wood, and a touch of the white.
I wanted the armoire to be a gray that would match the gray in the mudroom runners, and match the kitchen peninsula, and that’s just what I got. I can’t believe I waited so long. I am not a shrinking violet (hey, I have jumped out of an airplane), but this little task scared me. What a waste of good time that was. So, the lesson here, my friends, is to not be afraid of doing what you want in your home. And with that being said, I’m working on another major painting project today. I’ll share it soon.
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Take care.
Linking to Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style. and Miss Mustard See for Furniture Friday.
Lorraine says
It looks beautiful, Janette. I have a bedroom set that I have been thinking of painting for years. It is a French provincial finish and though it was beautiful 50 years ago, I’m sure, it is now marked and really yellow.
Quick question…did you use a brush or roller?
I like the grey…..I think I will give it a try. Scary though LOL
Lorraine
Janette says
I used both. The brush worked better around the details and a small roller worked on the flat surfaces. Just be sure your roller is for smooth surfaces.
Donnamae says
Normally I would say, “don’t paint it”…but I think you won me over. I think it looks great! It fits now in the mud room….like it was meant to be! 😉
Beth says
I really like this look– good for you
Nancy says
Absolutely love it! I am a believer, it took courage to paint it, but if it feels right, go for it!
I love what it does for the space! Great job.
Nancy
Deidre~ says
You Certainly did this piece justice! It looks wonderful!
Janette says
Thank you all!!!!