Thursday, April 17, 2014

Sonora Phonograph Cabinet Makeover and Accentuating Details with Chalk Paint®

 
Every so often I get so wrapped up in a painting project, that I can't sleep until it's finished.  This was one of those projects.  With it's curvy legs and gorgeous, intricate appliques, I couldn't wait to see how Chalk Paint® would take it's beauty to a whole new level! 
 
 
This one kept me up way past my bedtime!
 
 
My mom had actually purchased this antique Sonora Phonograph Cabinet at a garage sale a few years ago.  It had been completely gutted, and a few repairs made so that it was ready for refinishing.  The couple selling it had either lost interest or decided they just didn't have the time for it.  It had sat in my mom's garage for some time and I often stared at it and dreamed of painting it.  I had offered to paint it for her and was planning to do so once she figured out where she was going to put it.  Just recently she asked if I wanted it to resell as she had decided she just didn't have a place for it.  Without hesitation I agreed to take it off her hands, but not for resale!  How could I possibly part with this?
 
 
If you've been following me at all, you know that I gravitate towards pieces with romantic details like carvings or appliques.  There are many ways in which Chalk Paint® and Annie Sloan's soft waxes can be used to accentuate details on a painted piece.  One of my favorite methods is to choose one or more complimentary paint color to brush onto those details with a small paintbrush and then apply lots of dark wax to settle into all of the crevices.
 
 
This ornate frame was one of my earlier Chalk Paint® projects.  I shared photos of each stage of the process in my blog post Grab Your Brush and Follow Your Gut.  In this post I also went into some detail about why I love Annie Sloan's dark wax.  I am sure you can see how this frame inspired me in my phonograph makeover!  It was one of the first times that I did some detailed brushwork, incorporating colors other than white.  I knew I wanted to create a similar look with the applique on this cabinet.
 
 
 The body of the cabinet is painted in a custom mix of Pure White and French Linen, approximately 2:1. 
 
 
 
The details are painted in Pure White, Versailles, Antoinette and Duck Egg Blue. 
 
 
  I applied clear wax to the entire piece and accented with dark wax, focusing on those details.  The dark wax made all the difference here.  I love how it creates shadows in all the right places.
 
 
This may just be my favorite furniture makeover to date!  I still have some work to do on the inside before it gets placed in it's new spot in our family room, but I just couldn't wait to share it with you! 
 
 
I am making a few more little changes in the family room and promise to share more photos soon!
 
 
How fun is this ornate old shell of a clock that I found at Camas Antiques a few weeks ago?  The little nest with pretty eggs seemed an obvious filler for spring décor, but  I plan to enjoy it year-round by changing up the look for each season!  The gorgeous tulips were a timely surprise today from a very dear friend!  Aren't they lovely? 
 
  Thank you for your sweet visit!  Have a very blessed Easter weekend!
 
Best Wishes,
Amanda
 
 
Sharing With:
Inspire me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life 
 Before and After Wednesday at The Decorated House
What's it Wednesday at Elephants and Ivy
Wow us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Home
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed
Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch To Yours
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground 
 Friday's Unfolded at Nancherrow