My Favorite Projects of 2012

As we approach 2013, I have been thinking about the new opportunities for transformation that come with each new year.  In honor of the new year, I would like to share my favorite furniture transformations from 2012.

All of my projects are painted with Chalk Paint decorative paints by Annie Sloan.  I love using Chalk Paint and I, like thousands of others, think it is the best paint in the world!

1. Restoration Hardware Coffee Table Restored

This table was one of the original pieces of furniture I bought to furnish my first house.  I loved the solid wood and column legs, but the old espresso finish was in bad shape.  I removed the finish from the top and made a wash with French Linen Chalk Paint to put over the base.

2. French Linen Caned Headboard

I painted this headboard for a client with French Linen and Old White.  I finished it with clear wax and dark wax glaze for an antique look.  

3. French Linen Buffet

I know, three French Linen pieces in a row...but, it is a gorgeous color.  I love this piece of furniture! I delivered this buffet to a lovely woman that lives north of San Francisco in a pristine and elegant home.  I felt like I was walking into a Veranda Magazine feature when I walked through her front door.  She has exquisite taste and I was thrilled when she told me that this buffet is now her favorite piece of furniture in her very well-furnished home.

4. Louis Blue Frenchy Mirror

Judging by the number of pins this mirror has on Pinterest, I would say that I am not the only one that favors it.  This mirror was transformed with Louis Blue, a little Old White and a wash made with Coco Chalk Paint. This one was hard to part with, but I have no space for it in my house and I cannot keep everything.

5. Paris Grey Bedroom Set

This vintage bedroom set came complete with two twin beds, a nightstand, a dresser and a vanity.  I painted the vanity for a client to use in her salon. The rest of the set I painted with Paris Grey, Old White, and a Coco wash, making it perfect for a Parisian bedroom.

6. Dresser & Vanity with Gilding wax and Crackle

I consider this vanity and dresser one of my masterpieces.  The details and age of this set make it special and I wanted to make sure I gave it a finish that was worthy.  I mixed Provence with Old White to make a soft aqua color and then crackled, antiqued, and gilded the set to perfection.  A sweet husband came in and bought this set for his wife, who had seen it and fell in love with it the week before at Loot.

7. Louis Blue Buffet with Graphite Top

I am a little obsessed with French Provincial style furniture and this gorgeous buffet has all the lovely lines and  French style I love.  I painted the base with Louis Blue & Old White and the top with Graphite for contrast.

8. Graphite Sideboard

I have painted many pieces of vintage, Thomasville furniture and I am always impressed by the quality and craftsmanship.  This vintage, Thomasville Sideboard turned into a stunning piece of furniture with two Coats of Graphite Chalk Paint and a dark wax glaze to deepen the color. 

9. Vintage Union Jack Chair

I am not sure why this little, vintage chair is one of my favorite projects of 2012, but it is.  Maybe because, as you can see in the before picture, it had a worrisome future, possibly destined for the dump.  This was the first time I used Chalk Paint on vinyl and I was impressed, not only by the adhering ability, but also by the texture of the finished, painted and waxed vinyl.  This chair went to a loving home when a mom brought in her three sons and bought it for a new desk in their bedroom.  The boys were arguing about whose turn it was to sit in the chair and their mom told them they would have plenty of time to sit in it once they got it home. I am sure this vintage chair is well-loved now.

10.  Country Grey Kidney-Shaped Vanity

I rarely see kidney-shaped vanities and luckily spotted this one at a yard sale.  I painted the vanity with Country Grey and Old White with a French Linen wash.

I wish a fulfilling New Year to all of you, filled with many positive transformations and new opportunities! 

Happy 2013!