The Ohio Hutch

I found this hutch from a sweet couple that were in the process of packing up to move to Texas. Initially, I was attracted to the long glass doors but to be honest that was all I was attracted to. Talk about riding the fence… I stood back for several minutes and tried to imagine what it would look like painted in an array of different colors. I think the seller noticed my hesitation because he then preceded to show me all of the extra bells and whistles… it had lights on both the top and the bottom units.

Really?!

Okay sold!

It was from that moment on that I began to think less about those glass doors and more about the bottom section of the piece. And then it hit me like a ton of bricks and I knew what color I wanted that weave pattern on the middle of the doors to be.

 

I chose a combination of Old White & Graphite Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan to turn this plain and outdated hutch into a statement piece.

There are so many pluses to these products but probably my favorite (besides the finish it produces) is the fact that you don’t have to prep your piece before you paint. If you think amount of time it takes to prep a piece you realize what a time saver that turns out to be! You can learn more about these amazing products at Annie Sloan Unfolded.

It’s not often that I alter the physical space of a piece, but in this instance I wanted to transform this hutch into a buffet/console. What was once initially ideal in this piece was soon forgotten and after placing the final touches and adding new glass knobs… I stood back and was amazed how different the “after” looked.

 

Lesson learned. Don’t be afraid to take chances! And speaking of chances… I can’t wait for my next project… painting upholstery. Eek!.. I’m so excited to try this!

Carrie || Thirty Eighth Street

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Furniture Makeovers Using Color

Color has such an amazing effect on the ambiance of a space. It reflects our personality, it can change our mood and when we’re ready for a change it’s relatively inexpensive to alter. Painting furniture easily fits into this category. A bright and vibrant piece of furniture isn't for everyone. But one thing is for sure... it's definitly eye catching. :)

Stare hard at this next before we're calling The Natalia Dresser, a wonderful french provincial styled piece! What do you think about the color? Blah, right? When you see a dresser like this at a thrift store does it make you want to stop and ponder about ALL the amazing possibilities you could do with it, or do you just keep on a truck'n? I hope that the yellowish finish on this piece wouldn't have been a detour for you!

When shopping for furniture thrift store scores, here's what matters:

• Does the furniture piece have good bones? 
• Is the construction made of quality wood?
• Does the piece of furniture need repairs that I'm capable and willing to do?

Here's what doesn't matter.... that existing color! Painting furniture is such an easy and inexpensive way to update a space. So, if you happen upon a thrift store score, but you're not crazy about the color... snatch it up. Once you re-finish it in YOUR perfect color, you're the one that's going to go crazy (over it)! "Make your own crazy!"... Carrie || Thirty Eighth Street

We selected the Natalia Dresser for it's intricate detail, the fabulous hardware and let's be honest... those legs are to die for. If you're drooling over this vibrant color, you'll want to choose Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan and mix one part Aubusson Blue with two parts Florence to create this rich and deep turquoise color.

The results? You get a fabulous french provincial piece that you want to stare at longer simply because of her color…

Remember what we started with?

Color makes a difference!

 Carrie || Thirty Eighth Street

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The Laura Lee Dresser

 

We were in the process of moving across country when I discovered this vintage Dixie dresser I call Laura Lee. I’ll admit I have a little bit of an addiction to vintage hardware. So when I saw this piece with her dangling pulls I knew I wanted her. So much so that I arranged for us to swing by in our enormous moving truck to pick her up on our way to our new home in another state.

I decided to warm her up with a nice neutral color and used Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan in the color Coco, lightly distressed her and then used Clear Soft Wax to protect Ms. Laura Lee.

The hardware even got a little bath in it. :) Here are a few more details…

 

I love that she’s light and looks silky smooth soft. And once again, the transformation allows the vintage hardware to stand out like a little bling bling jewelery should every once in awhile.

I love that she’s light and looks silky smooth soft. And once again, the transformation allows the vintage hardware to stand out like a little bling bling jewelery should every once in awhile.

Carrie || Thirty Eighth Street

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The McKensie Hutch

I found this pair of hutches in Seattle from a gentleman with an Australian accent. One of the reasons I love to paint furniture (besides the actual transformations themselves) is that it allows me to meet all kinds of neat people with stories, backgrounds and tales.

 

I fell in love with so many aspects of this set. I loved the flutes, the corbels, the circular detail on the drawers, the molding and then the way that you can put them together to make one very large unit. This one, I told my husband I can not sell. I had visions of white dishes, silver and glassware tucked behind those cute doors and I knew exactly where it would go in my new house. So, I started painting it.

This was one massive project. For the outside, I selected Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan in French Linen and on the inside, Old White. I think it’s pretty amazing how all of the details begin to pop out when somethings been painted where otherwise they were hidden before in the original wood.

 

 

Sadly, the sweetest gal from Phoenix came and picked these up yesterday. I think this transformation is really special and I’m glad they are going to someone that will appreciate and love it just as much as I have.

Carrie || Thirty Eighth Street

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