Inspiration

You can find inspiration just about anywhere. There may be a particular color that catches your eye, a style that you are drawn to or see something that would be the perfect fit in your home. I have a file with ideas that includes colors, projects and just about anything that has caught my eye.

I find that the outdoor colors (nature) is most inspiring to me. However, a good fall back are Americana colors in my area. I notice certain home inspired magazines draw my attention and peak my design interest. I tend to see it and want to try it myself, with my own spin of course.

I'm sure you have seen furniture decorated in many colors. This particular piece was a pressed wood piece in an oak color. It was cute enough but...

In several places I had seen dressers and chests done with drawers in different colors. When this piece came along I knew what to do. The knobs in the top drawer were missing so I made a trip to my favorite home decor store and chose knobs. Then, I chose paint and mixed my own chalk like type paint. You can find recipes on the internet that are very easy to use.

I prefer to use a Valspar color when I mix paint as I like the colors and the ease with which it mixes.

This piece was brushed with a natural bristle brush. I also like to paint the drawers, both inside and out. I feel like I get a more professional appearance that way. I also spray painted all knobs in a silver hammered finish. Last, but not least, I waxed the entire dresser.

When waxing, you should apply a coat then wait a few hours to apply a second coat. After that, wait 24 hours and the seal will be "hard". Waxing is a commitment as it takes time. Furniture that has been waxed will need to be waxed again about once a year.  Waxing gives a great seal but also helps drawers slide easier.

This dresser could have easily been done in all one color, two colors or however a person chose. Spray or roller painting would have been another option. Different types of brush bristles will give you different effects too. I have a special way to finish that takes out most brush strokes.  I prefer to brush paint but am known to spray paint. I use a paint sprayer as that furniture I've seen done with a spray can has not looked professional, in my opinion.

For more inspiration see my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SweettiqueInIowa.

French style dresser revamp

Well, I haven't blogged for some time because, well, life happens. I've decided to begin again and hope you enjoy following along.

New change since last blog: I moved Sweet-tique to my home. It works so much better for me. It did take a bit for clients to find me as I am in a rural area but find me they did!  I am currently opening by appointment only but that changes with the season.

I am also an authorized dealer of Mud Paint. One problem with this: I use it faster than I can sell it. This paint is amazing and gives just the effect I love.

My joy is bringing new life to furniture that has been well used. This past summer I had the opportunity to work on a 1970-1980s French style dresser.  I chose to revamp instead of restoring this beauty.

All drawers were intact except for 1 that was missing a piece of trim. So not to detract from the other drawers, I left 2 out. Then, I had a Mud Paint Pomegranate that I was dying to use. For accent I chose Mud Paint Charcoal which is a dark grey.

This dresser had been well loved by small children. It had marker, fingernail polish, etc. on it. Normally I do NOT sand but in this case it was necessary.  After sanding I gave it a good wipe down.

Since I recently bought a paint sprayer I had to use it! I sprayed on the Pomegranate. It went on dresser and drawers. Then, I brushed the Charcoal on selected drawers.

My next step was to distress. Many people will give rules for distressing. Here's my rule: try it. You can always paint over it if you don't like the look.

After distressing, I gave this piece another wipe down. You can use many different sealers (a must!) but I went with Mud Paint Clear Coat.

Needless to say, this beauty did not stay with me long.