cece caldwell paint – Re-Design In A Day (The Store)

Gray Wash Pine Dresser

Sometimes you get a piece of furniture and you can see the natural beauty of the piece just below the surface. That was the case with this pine dresser that my friend Meghan’s father handmade.

The top stain had worn off so the top looked really dull.

By sanding and staining the top, you can now see the beauty of the wood. It is gorgeous!

For the body of the dresser, I layered on several colors to create a worn weathered look. The first color I used was CeCe Caldwell’s Omaha Orche,

Followed by a Pittsburgh Gray color wash. To create the wash, I mixed 1/2 cup of water to 2 tablespoons of paint. I love that you can still see some of the graining and it looks like the paint has worn off over time!

I am really happy with the final look. My goal was to maintain the history and integrity of the piece while making it fresh and current for a 21st century home. It’s now available at Maggie Jane’s, located at 913 King Street in Old Town, Alexandria, VA (703.706.0411). This versatile piece would fit in any room in the house. Nice small scale for a foyer; an awesome wine bar; side table or bedside dresser.

Here is a collage of before, during and after. Enjoy!

Yes, You Can Paint Fabric (The Painted Chair)

My House/My Finds-Decorate

My friend Sarah and I found this chair in someone trash last year. Can you believe someone was throwing this out! And yes, I checked for critters and I left it on our porch for several months to be extra sure there were no uninvited guest.

I love the juxtaposition of the formal Queen Anne style with the casual corduroy fabric.

Rolled arms, nail head trim and cabriole legs–need I say more?

Since I have “no” sewing skills my original plan was to get new fabric and have the chair re-upholstered. Well, the cost for re-upholstery was not in the budget, so I decided the paint the wood and the fabric. Yup, paint the fabric!

Basically, I sprayed the chair (one section at a time) with water to get the fabric wet but not dripping wet, then applied the paint with a brush. Here’s the chair after one coat of CeCe Caldwell’s Vintage White.

Here’s the chair after the 2nd round of spraying and painting.

After the final round of spraying and 2 coats of CeCe Caldwell’s Simply White.

I only painted the front of the chair and here you can see the contrast between the front and side. I love the two-tone effect. The wood got a mix of CeCe Caldwell’s Vintage White and Simply White. The cushion will be covered in this fun yellow and white bird print fabric.

And here’s the chair in our family room. I think it looks amazing. We love sitting in the chair because it feels like soft leather.

Here is a collage of this project from start to finish. So cool!

Thanks for checking out my post. Happy Decorating and Happy Spring!

Nicole

Vintage Corner Cabinet (aka the “Meghan” Cabinet) (Sold)

Painted Furniture

A few weeks ago I went to my sweet friend Meghan’s house to see some furniture. One piece in particular caught my eye.

This beautiful vintage corner cabinet. OK, it’s not beautiful yet, but just like Cinderella, with the help of her fairy godmother (me) she will be!

Vintage corner cabinets are hard to find and although this one had a few “character” spots it was well made. Meghan found this piece on the curb and it was destine for the landfill. So sad!

My first step was to decide on a color. I felt blue would be the perfect color for the ball so I mixed CeCe Caldwell’s Paints and created a color I call “Royal Blue”.

So here is the cabinet after painting, distressing and waxing. The new color is fresh and happy! The inside is painted CeCe Caldwell’s Vintage White.

Although the inside color looks nice, the white is sterile. Another custom mix (Grey Goose), and the interior finally compliments the exterior. Here’s Meghan, all dressed and ready for the ball! She is the “Belle of the Ball!

This piece would be perfect in a dining room filled with china, in a family room filled with books and accessories or in a nursery filled with sweet baby books, toys and clothes! Available at Maggie Jane’s Brownstone, located at 913 King Street in Old Town, Alexandria, VA.

Thanks and Happy Decorating!

Nicole