Friday, May 2, 2014

Mystery Paint Finish for a Pretty Provincial Dresser

 
Yesterday I put the finishing touches on this French Provincial dresser and delivered it to Camas Antiques.  I had purchased it just a few days prior to fill an empty space in my booth after having sold a large table. 
 
 
I liked that it was in good condition and ready to paint and I knew I wanted to do something unique with it, as the style is not uncommon.  I also knew I wanted to keep the color neutral so as not to limit it to a bedroom.  It is really a great size and shape for a dining buffet or even a console for a large TV. 
 
 
I started by pouring a little French Linen, Country Grey and Pure White onto a paper plate.  I played with these 3 colors a bit on a sample board and eventually came up with this finish simply by brushing a little of each color in the same direction, overlapping in places and working quickly before the paint dried.
 
 
The drawer pulls were a little brassy and dated to start off with.  I dry brushed them with each of the three colors, then waxed with both Annie's clear and dark wax.
 
As you can see, I did a little distressing around the edges of the drawers and the base of the dresser before sealing with clear wax.  I also added just a touch of dark wax in a few places. 
 
 This dresser kind of took on a life of it's own.  I wish I could say that I was inspired by something specific to create this finish, but I really just chose the color palette and went to work creating.  When all was said and done, I was really pleased with the paint finish and overall look of the piece, but I couldn't quite figure out what it reminded me of. 
 
I posted a sneak peek photo on Facebook and asked my friends there to tell me what this finish reminded them of.  It was fun to read all of the different ideas.  I think the most popular idea was driftwood, but a few also mentioned calico cats and fur.  Our Bootsie kitty doesn't quite have the same coloration of the dresser, but I can see how the gradation of color in his fur could be reflected in the paint finish, and I have seen some lovely calico kitties with a very similar color scheme!
 
So, what thoughts or images come to mind for you?
 
 
Special thanks to Bootsie for posing so perfectly for this photo!  He was rewarded with special kitty treats and lots of loves, of course!
 
Thank you so much for stopping by!  Enjoy your weekend!
 
Best Wishes and Blessings,
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