Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Before and after……

 

                                                          The before…….

white living room 009

 

                                                              And the after!

living room in Sept 083

This armoire was bought on Craig’s List for $600. I believe it is made of teak wood and is a reproduction. While the piece looked fine in the before I really wanted a lighter look for my living room. Plus the joints were loosening up which was causing gaps that were not so pretty. I primed the piece and applied two coats of grey paint followed by a white that was dry brushed on. I also used Burnt Umber paint mixed with glaze for the crevices to add age. It took over 10 hours to paint due to all the intricate detailing but was well worth it because it is one of my favorite pieces in the living room. Today I’m linking to Kim at Savvy Southern Style for the before & after party. Be sure to drop by and see all the wonderful projects she is featuring!!!!!!  Don’t forget to sign up for the giveaway….only three days left!

31 comments:

Sue said...

Des, painting this piece really made it look like a fine European antique. :-) I saw some reproductions at furniture market a few weeks ago, and even at wholesale cost, they were about $3000. Of course I was in the design area, which is always way more expensive.... Yours looks just fantastic!!! ~ Sue

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Des, when I clicked on your link up it did not work. Are you sure you put in your post URL? When I click on it it says blog not found. Thanks for trying anyway.

Anonymous said...

Des I absolutely love what you did with this piece and I am happy you are participating in the party!:-)

Lisa said...

I have a ver similar armoire. You have given me all kinds of ideas.:) Thanks for a great post and a wonderful re-do!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Des, This is fabulous! I love the piece before but now it is heavenly. It looks perfect in your home.

Your link at Kim's party is not working so I came over here to see your armoire.
Hugs, Sherry

Tanna said...

That looks GREAT!! I love the lighter color!!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Working fine now and I deleted the first link. That armoire is just stunning. It looked good before, but wow the after is better. Thanks for linking.

Unknown said...

Des, I did the same thing recently. I painted the armoire in our bedroom. It's a HUGE pine monster, lol. It went from a mexican style to a very shabby/french style. SO, beautiful. And you're right, it took forever to paint but it totally changes the way the room looks. Next is our sleigh bed which is also pine.

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

The armoire looks fantastic! A gorgeous piece of furniture for $600!

Erin said...

Yes, glad you exist now(tried before and it said you didn't)... love the changes, agree about it feeling very European!

All That Glitters said...

THat is a stunning piece!!!! Love the horse on top!

Sarah said...

What a great find! I like it in the lighter version. Terrific job on this project. ~ Sarah

Donnie said...

What a striking change. It looks great.

Janet said...

Gorgeous Des :)

From the Old InkWell said...

Des, Wow! What a challenge you took on. I loved the rich warm wood tone, but I love this white too. Looks wonderful!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Hi Des~ I love it!!! It came out just beautifully!!! :)

Sherri said...

Des, what a beautiful transformation!! It brights up the whole corner!! Bravo for you!!

Muddaritaville said...

Beautiful! You did a fab job.

xinex said...

You really transformed that gorgeous armoire beautifully, but I love the warm and rich original color. Love the details on it....Christine

Pamela said...

What a beautiful piece! You did an amazing job!

The Tablescaper said...

Wow! That was a gutsy move. I'm not so sure I could have done it. It was beautiful before but just amazing after. Great buy and amazing painting job.

- The Tablescaper

bj said...

Oh, I love it painted. It looks just fabulous and I think you got a good deal on the price.
GREAT JOB..:)
xo bj

Nita Stacy said...

Love, love, love how your armoire turned out. It's so much better painted. I just found your blog through Savvy Southern Style. I love everything about it and just became your newest follower. I'm adding you to my blog list so I won't miss anything too.

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Oh Des, it is absolutely beautiful! Don't know if I would have had the nerve to tackle a piece that large not knowing what the out come would be. You just have a great eye. Teresa

Anonymous said...

Des, it is stunning! I love how it lightens up the room and makes the piece look much less heavy. Well worth all the work!! Lou Ann

SHERRY HART said...

Fabulous!!! Hard work pays off.....

Fishtail Cottage said...

So fantastic! i love this look...i would be so scared i would ruin the wood.....yours is beautiful!
~tracie

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

This is absolutely STUNNING!
I love it!
What gray paint did you use?
I am so inspired!

Thanks for sharing!

AntiqueChase said...

I'm going back through the archives of your blog and I am obsessed with your decor...

AntiqueChase said...

Still Obsessed all these months later.. and guess what.. I found an armoire like that on CL and may be bringing it home 2morrow... you know I will be writing to you for support and details on your fab paint job

Gypsy Hawk said...

I know I'm a little late! Enjoying scrolling through all the pics. Love your style!
This armoire looks fantastic and reminds me of Annie Sloan paint! Great inspirations, keep them coming!