I have gained a few pieces of furniture over the years which hold a great sentimental value for my husband and I, my favourite has to be our Welsh Dresser, given to us from my Mum and Dad. It is a great piece of furniture to display treasured items, fantastic for extra storage and most of all it has always been part of my life - whilst growing up the top drawer was filled with art materials, paper, pencils, crayons, and glue etc.
When Mum and Dad owned it, it was a dark natural wood that Mum had waxed and waxed over the span of 30 years. I was so pleased when it was offered to us, I set about playing with various plates and teacups trying to get it to look right in our home, whatever I tried just looked old fashioned and quite dowdy, it didn't quite have the 'look' I was aspiring to create - modern shabby chic that was both pretty and practical. I then discovered Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and it gave me real scope to create the look I was after.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is fantastic, it's a versatile paint which I am told you can use on almost anything, no prepping or priming is needed and it promises to transform any piece of furniture with ease! I can confirm that it is all true. I do enjoy the satisfaction of doing something myself, but, I like a project to be quick and easy. Painting the Welsh Dresser took no time at all - it was complete and ready to be style within a weekend.
I picked the colour Old White, applied two coats, sanded the edges for a rustic look, Once it had dried I gave the entire piece a coat of clear Annie Sloan Soft Wax (A. Because it protects the paint and B. Because I absolutely HATE the texture of chalk!!!!) To complete the look I added some metal cup handles to the drawers which I also painted sanded AND waxed.
When it came to styling, I opted to keep it all neutral with a
hint of colour. I think I'm going through a white phase, I find it a very
calming and fresh colour. The result has given me endless joy.
Have a great week, Laura x
Labels: Making Home
