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.