Chair Love...Refresh an oldie, but a goody! Part 4

Sorry for the delay, guys!! Here's the long overdue final post from my chair series.

Look how far we've come! I've talked you into sniffing, wiggling and sitting into every chair you see. Seriously though, it's important to check out the chair before you invest time and money into its transformation. You've considered whether or not to paint it and how much to spend on fabric. But.........Speaking of transformation, that's the final topic that I want to talk about in this series

Changing the style of a chair through paint and fabric choice.

Let's say you find a sturdy, comfortable, "un-stinky" chair. BUT....it's not really your style. Doesn't mean you have to keep on walking to find the next potential candidate. If there is even one special detail about a chair, then I focus on that and know that the right paint and fabric can totally change the "look". Best to show this by example. Time for the before and after pictures I promised.

Looking at this cane chair, it's got traditional written all over it. In fact, you could go safe and paint, distress and do the "frenchy" thing and it would turn out wonderfully. However, since I'm on a modern kick these days, I know gloss paint would transport this beauty into the 21th century. Add a geometric print from...let me say it... MOOD in NYC (yup!! went into a fabric coma there!) and voila...MODERN CHIC!

Traditional and Predictable

 

MODERN SOPHISTICATION

 

Outdated Style

 

HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR

 

It's amazing what a little paint and fabric can do...huh???  Just stop and dream a little. Imagine your perfect chair, then go out an find an ugly duckling. The possibilities are endless.

 

Have a good one,

Robin



Chair Love...Refresh an oldie, but a goody! Part 2

Hopefully, you read Part 1 of Chair love so you are ready to move on to Step 2.

Chair love, take 2!! OK...you've finally picked out your chair! You wiggled it, you sat in it, you smelled it, and you love it. What to do next??

Let's back up just a minute. I think I had a "brain fart" in step one and forgot to mention that this process is for upholstered chairs. They really are no-brainers when it comes to a re-do. If they are sturdy, cheap and interesting, then GO for it!! A little cleaning, paint, wax or whatever and presto...a great chair.

This chair series is to help you understand how I pick a re-do candidate. blah, blah, blah....next step already, girl.

Step 2: To Paint or Not to Paint...That is the Question (?)

1. Unless the wood finish is in terrific condition I paint the frame. Actually, come to think of it, I almost always paint the frame. A traditional chair can really be modernized by paint.

2. What type of paint to use?? There are so many kinds out there right now.
Latex, chalk, spray...which one is right for you?

If I am trying to achieve a modern look I always go with a gloss finish spray paint.  I really like Valspar Gloss in black or white.  When a chair has a lot of carved details, it can really be a pain in the a*^%&* to paint with a brush. Because my chairs are for sale, I have to keep things neutral so I stick with black or white.  For personal use, I say...GO FOR IT! Bring on the color!

If I am going for a cottage or more aged look...then handsdown, chalk paint is for me.  I use Cece Caldwell.  There are other really great brands, but the colors they offer make me smile!  Paint, distress, wax. That's my motto.  I love the look of carved chairs when the wax settles into the details.  It really looks like an old piece. Super cool.

You can always use latex paint, (I love Behr).  Don't forget to prime the chair before painting. I hate this step...it seems so fruitless, so I spray or chalk paint....hint, hint, hint...NO PRIMING!  Just a light sand and wipe down and you are ready to PAINT!!  Instant gratification, baby, that's what I'm talkin' about! 

Check back for the final post on Part 3, Picking the fabric.

Have a good one,
Robin

The Result....I'm Pretty Impressed!

TaDa!!!

Well, as I said yesterday, I've heard some buzz about CeCe Caldwell Paint lately. I grabbed a can of Santa Fe Turquoise, clear wax and light wax. Call me a little chicken, I decided to use a piece that I already owned in case I wasn't pleased with the result. If I bought the chest for the shop specifically, I'd have been bummed if I didn't like the finished product. Weeeellllll....(insert drum roll here, please)

I really LIKED it!

I liked that it was self priming and only took one coat. Sorry I didn't take a before pic., but suffice it to say, this chest had spent time in my "forest green" ivy sponge painting days. I wasn't sure if one coat would do it, but it did! Awesome.

I've blogged before about my love of Montana Gold spray paint, especially Strawberry, so fun!! I decided to see if this paint passed a serious test. Could I use spray and stencil onto this paint??? (Before waxing, of course) Guess what??? Worked like a dream.

I'd like to think that this bright colored baby is the start of a new trend.... Modern French Style.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!! So lively and fun, perfect for any room...bath, bedroom, office, you name it.

One last picture....just to show off my peonies, the chest of course.

Have a good one!

Something New to Share!!

It's been a week since I've posted...those allergies turned into bronchitis and a sinsus infection. When sick as a dog...with an ever traveling husband, thriving business, kids in school, dogs to care for what's a girl to do?? Call her Mommy and whine! Seriously though, in our most recent conversation my mother was saying over and over..."it's all those nasty chemicals you're breathing in that made you sick!" I don't know about that, but it did get me thinking.....

I pride myself on being as "green" as possible. I have used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, no VOC. However, can't say the same for her wax line. The price is steep too. Those facts were enough to do a little digging. My friend Melissa at up and coming La Rouge Vintage is carrying a new product...CeCe Caudwell Paint

I've picked up a can of Santa Fe Turquoise, clear wax and dark wax. I'll share my project tomorrow. I love, love, love the fact that their wax is natural and non-toxic. Here's a couple of pics of this fun color from their website. Gotta run...my paint brush awaits!