How to paint anything with Annie Sloane's Chalk Paint

Chalk Paint sounded to me like a type of paint made from chalk but actually it was named by its creator,  Annie Sloan.   It is simply paint that appears chalky when it is applied to a surface.  It comes is an array of pretty colors but what you see here is far from what it can turn out to be.

The idea of creating something new out of something old has always inspired me, so chalk paint is right up my alley.  When a designer friend introduced me to TLC Design Studio I was in heaven.  As I stepped inside I was delighted to see so many ways Jeanne Hall and her staff had given thrift shop finds a new life.

Of course you can paint a wood chair frame but did you know you can paint the fabric too?  Once it is dry simply sand it to soften the texture.  It takes on the feeling of suede.

An old buffet takes on a new look with  base of Louis Blue under a
Pure White glaze, even on the drawer pulls.

Stenciling over chalk paint is easy and adds a pretty detail to this chest.

Here chalk paint that has been sanded off reveals a beautiful detail on an old sofa frame.

A pair of old night stands gets a fun makeover.  Look at the contrasting color they painted in the drawers.  I might have to steal that idea!

A silver Guilder's Paste brightens up the decorative hardware on these drawers that were painted in two colors and dark waxed.   Changing the color or finish on cabinet hardware is such a great idea.

I was fascinated to learn that you can paint on almost any surface with little or no preparation.  That is my kind of paint!  No stripping sanding or priming necessary.   Painted or stained, shiny or matt, even laminated surfaces can be painted easily. Paint on wood, metal, plastic or terracotta. Use it on furniture, walls, ceilings and floors!  Of course you would wipe down a dirty or dusty piece with a damp rag but any real preparation is only needed if there is a large build up of furniture polish or wax.  For the most part just open the can, load up your brush and have fun!

This old dresser was in the process of being painted.  The first coat was washed with a lighter color which was wiped off.  Then a coat of clear wax was applied and wiped down followed by a coat of dark wax which was also wiped off and then buffed, leaving a dark build up in the carvings to bring out the detail.  This technique is easy on a small piece but labor intensive on something  this large.

As I looked around I became so motivated to paint a few things of my own.  Lucky for me Jeanne  gives classes right there in the studio.  A few of my designer friends and I signed up.

Jeanne shares her vast expertise and experiences with us as she begins the class.  On the wall behind her are boards with many samples of what you can achieve with Chalk Paint.  There are even samples of cabinet doors.  Yes you can paint your kitchen!

We start our first sample on a piece of picture frame.  Jeanne demonstrates a dry brush technique we will use when we do our finishing coat.

When you dry brush  you drag a lightly loaded brush  and drag softly over the surface.

Here we coated an unfinished piece of wood with several coats of very wet and dilluted paint.  We had to dry it well before sanding in between coats.  The result was a super smooth finish that looked so professional I amazed myself!

Who knew that hair dryers were part of a painter's tool kit?

There are many ways to get the paint to crack.  We tried one way by putting on a heavy coat of paint, swirling it around to create a pattern and then drying it with the hair dryer.  It crackeld as it dried and became more obvious after the sample was waxed and buffed.

You can also tint clear wax with paint.

Here is my sample that was supposed to crackle.  You can see the swirls in the thick application of paint.  A coat of tinted wax was applied and buffed to bring out the design.  A lighter coat is on the left side.  Just wipe off more of the tinted wax for a totally different effect.

 

Above is the picture frame molding seen in an earlier photo with two very different applications of the same color.  The left side is totally painted with French Linen, then Old White, then one coat of clear wax, one coat of dark wax and a final touch of Guilders Paste in German Silver.  There was a bit of light sanding to rub off the paint and buffing of the wax and Guilder's Paste.  You can see how differently the two sides look.  It was the same process but the left was a heavier hand.

Here we started with Duck Egg and a second dry brush coat of Old White with clear wax on top.  One side got a dark wax too.  Which side do you like best?  The right side is decided more "aged".

I was pleased to find out that Chalk Paint is non toxic (safe for baby's room), contains no lead, has zero VOC/s and has no odor. It is very eco-friendly.

Here are a few more examples of the different ways Chalk Paint can be used.

Stenciling over a painted surface becomes even more interesting, adding detail and depth.

You can use an impasto technique with a stencil giving a three dimensional effect like you see below.

A close up reveals a heavy coat of paint that was manipulated to create a pattern, then stenciled, dark waxed and buffed.  Now you can see the crackle!

Want to do something with old shutters?  Here they have been repurposed for the front of a counter/bar.

You might think this is an antique door panel but no.  It was once the top of a small table.  Nice thrift shop flip!

Chalk Painting can work well with any style of decorating.  The studio bookshelf highlights a few such as French Country and  Coastal, but is can be a great way to add personality to a more contemporary home too.  Can't you see this used in a Swedish style, Industrial style or even Urban design?

All you need is an old treasure that needs a little TLC, a can of Chalk Paint, a bit of wax, a few brushes and your imagination!

My first project is going to be my old secretary desk.  I have been cutting out pictures of different of finishes I like and color combinations.  What do you think I should do?  French Linen?  Duck Egg Blue?  Cream?  Should I stencil?  Crackle? Change the color of the hardware?  What color do you like for the inside?

 Let me know how you visualize this family treasure where my father used to pay our bills and write lengthy Letters to the Editor.  I have the glass doors. Should I put them back on?  I do not have the bonnet top, sad to say.

I look forward to your suggestions and invite you all share your painting and recycling experiences in the comment box.

Happy Decorating!

Where do Interior Designers shop for Asian Accents?

Have you ever driven by a shop that looks so intriguing that you vow to return one day when you have a bit of time?  That's what happens every time I drive by Asian Accents in West Palm Beach.

They send postcards to designers as they receive new product, just to "dangle the carrot".  One day my business partner and I could resist no longer and popped in.  As you can see this warehouse is filled with lots of wonderful things.

Carved statues and Buddhas, panels large and small, credenzas, tables, cabinets and accent furniture were everywhere. We made notes for client projects and plan to bring our clients here to see all the beautiful pieces in person.

The carved details on this bench makes it even more charming.

 

A  hand painted cabinet like this adds so much character to any style interior.

Not all furniture is old.  New pieces like these have been popping up in showrooms and magazines everywhere.

This "Key" cabinet is available in many sizes and finishes.  Straight sides allow for bunching together to create exactly the size you want. too.

Silver metallic finishes add luster and formality.

A painted finish rubbed through to "age" this credenza  makes it less formal.

We ended up purchasing this cabinet for a client to use under a large flat screen tv.

Look how different a change of paint and accenting the detail can make.

This console is perfect for our client's foyer. It is narrow but also has drawers for storage.  She loved it.
We can't wait to have these pieces delivered when her house is ready.

They were willing to change the hardware on the cabinet to these teardrops.  We may silver leaf them too but will wait to see how they look in her home.

Changing hardware can have a huge effect. 

It can be difficult to find an over sized cocktail table for a large seating area, but here it is!

Decorating with Asian accents adds a special touch.  It works well with contemporary or traditional design.  I find it gives a "traveled" feeling, a "global" influence.  Whether the accents are new or old the effect is lovely.

Sometimes just introducing a few small pieces like these is gives an interior the perfect twist.

Have you heard of a drum table?  Well here are real  drums that you could use as tables, seats or keep them just as they are. 

Pagoda lanterns are great in the garden, patio, by a tub and, well, just about anywhere.

Look at this fabulous vintage rattan  cocktail table.

It's fun to come upon so many treasures.  Don't you love imagining where you might use them or how you might refinish, embellish or just make them your own?

What fun, an antiques shop in the same warehouse!

Vintage "bentwood" chairs.  These would add personality to any dining space.

This little armoire is charming but topped with a stack of vintage suitcases makes it irresistable. 

Sharing the warehouse was an antiques dealer with fabulous treasures. We did not have time to stop and look that day.  But we will return soon.
Next door to their warehouse was a small shop filled with a delightful surprise.

Look what we found hanging on the wall.  Panels of Indian fabrics, one more beautiful than the next.
Yes we will be going back there too!  We met the owner, Paula Roemer, who had just found these incredible textiles from India.  We can't wait to see what she discovers next!

Oh wait....lamps and lanterns!

Let's hang several of these at different heights with candles lit inside on a porch or balcony, or in the corner of a room.  It might be a bit of Bohemian but actually they are from India.

Such interesting detail on this lamp but a new shade would really make a difference.

Where would you put this delightful parasol?

Have you decorated with Asian accents?  What do you like about discovering new resources or poking around in warehouses filled with ...well, you never know what?  As always I invite you to share your experiences and inspirations in the comment box below.
I look forward to hearing from you!

                      Happy Decorating!

What's new in kitchen appliances....or should I say what's old is new !

As an Interior Designer I can find myself at any given time in all kinds of places.  Just last week a project I am working on with my business partner, Ellie Caimano, took us to a plumbing showroom, a custom mattress shop and a local appliance retailer.  What we discovered there was unexpected and delightful.

These red vintage style appliances are showstoppers.  The black and white tile just adds to the "retroness"

This stove appears pretty authentic, but look closely and see what current feature it has.

How fabulous would these look in a modern day "retro" kitchen?  The refrigerator is the same inside as most current standard refrigerators but when they put the fancy red vintage door on it the price went up to $5,000!  We are actually working on renovating a condo built in the 40"s and this would be perfect. But we are making it look contemporary.....all white...very sleek...so I guess I will have to wait for another day to bring these beauties home.

Does anyone remember cooking on a stove like this....or maybe there was one in your mother's or grandmother's kitchen?  This oldie was on display in the store, but not for sale.  Don't you love the advertisement?

Look at that double oven!  What a  nice work space by the burners too.

Not only does this beauty have a "Sensational new quick-set automatic timer", but it also has a spectacular built in "Jiffy Griddle".  I think it is behind "door #2" on the right.  When you open the door the 2 burner griddle slides out.  

We did spot something new there.  It's a new finish called slate.  It's very cool.  What do you think?  I don't know what goes into creating a new color/finish for appliances.  It could be a very risky investment for manufacturers but it is so nice to see something different!

In the yellow shaded lighting the finish takes on a bronze tone, which is something to remember when selecting the lighting for your own home.  Slate is softer and less obvious than black while still adding a rich tone to go with darker cabinets.

I don't remember the avocado being this bright and cheerful, but I do remember wearing bell bottoms !

Remember Harvest Gold, Avocado Green and Copper?  I remember having to base decorating schemes around the color of the appliances.  I am not kidding!

I think the second photo may be my own kitchen from the 70's!  And look they even made avocado green sinks to match the appliances too! The light fixture in the top photo is back in style.  Maybe there is truth in if you hang on to it, it comes back?

We have probably all seen what they call "integrated" appliances in kitchens.  That is where the appliance has a panel on the front that matches the kitchen cabinets.  The appliances blend in so well that sometimes you don't even realize what you are looking at!

This built-in could almost pass as a pantry with drawers below.

I saw this at another showroom.  It  is a combination of  a freezer, wine cooler and refrigerator.
Can you guess where the freezer is?

This would be great for a wine conoseur but if not, you can have a refrigerator on both sides.  Yes, the freezer is on the bottom.

As we left the first appliance store we spotted this cutie.  Do you know what it is?  Did you know someone who had one?  I think I saw one once on someone's back porch years ago.  Gosh, how far we have come.  This bit of nostalgia was such a treat.  Hope you enjoyed seeing what's new, what's old is new and a few throw backs to a bye gone time.

Yes, I think this old faithful deserves it's blue ribbon!

What do you think about decorating in a "retro" style?  What touches of nostalgia would you like to use in your decorating?  Even in contemporary design a nod to the past can give depth to your decorating, don't you think?

What ideas do you have for a new feature or color in kitchen appliances?  How does the color of your appliances effect the way you decorate or design your kitchen?

As always I invite you to share your experiences and inspirations, or questions, in the comment box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.

                     Happy Decorating!

If you would like assistance with a decorating project please email me at pictureprettyint@aol.com