Painting Antiques - Agree or Disagree?

I have a question to ask you...would you (or have you) painted antique furniture pieces?  Many say never and yet others would do it in a heartbeat.  What would you do?  Or, do you envision doing it and can see it in your mind's eye, but then waiver and cop out instead of going through with it?  I have two (of several) of my dad's antique pieces that I have been contemplating painting for over FOUR years now.  I seem to waiver on my decision...or make up my mind and then get so busy that it never seems to happen.  I am ready....to go through with it I do believe.

I believe that if the piece is in good condition and you can use it with your other furnishings, then it should be left "as is".  However, if the finish is not too good OR it doesn't work with who you are (remember, you're supposed to be doing the "home personality" test too!) but you wish to keep it, then by all means...add paint and make it work.  I have seen so many people doing this...happy with the end result... and it really makes sense to me. Here are a few examples (I'll share my furniture "redo" when I finish and will provide you with before and after photos!)

See what a couple coats of Farrow & Ball's Blue Gray paint can do (and of course, new hardware)

Both have vintage furniture sporting a fresh new paint job!

Color can make the elegance of a piece stand out...even using just black...See!

Before...

After...

A great transformation from Natty by Design.  She gives great "how to" tutorials by the way!

Before...

After...

Before...

After...

  

Another example of stepping out and painting those antique pieces. Now it "fits" in with the look.

Any of these vintage treasures would be great for a "re-do"...don't you agree?  Whether you find it at a local consignment shop, flea market, or yard sale, or even craigslist...don't ignore what could become YOUR next treasure piece...yes, even if it becomes a painted antique!  I hope this inspires you to paint something you have or maybe run out and find a piece that just needs some TLC to make it the perfect "fit" for your home!

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

(P.S. Is this size print that I used in today's post easy to read...or did you like the larger print better?  Please let me know 'cause I want to make reading "easy on the eyes"...in more ways than one. Thanks!)

Photo Credits: House and Home, Martha Stewart, Natty by Design, Tobi Fairley,  Little Green Notebook, Eddie Ross, Craigslist.

Adding Color without Paint

I saw an article that was so inspiring, even to me, that I thought I'd share some of it with you.  Here are a few simple examples of how you can add color to your rooms...even if you are leary of putting color on your walls.  As I said yesterday, sometimes even just a few small and simple changes can make such an impact on your rooms! Take a look...

How about painting some mismatched frames for that pop of color.  You can paint them all the same or use several coordinating colors.  And...don't forget something as simple as changing the knobs on your furniture (or cabinets!) to pop some fresh color.  I call this one "Simply Irresistible"...and you KNOW I'm a-lovin' this PINK!!!

How about a lampshade revamp?  What a neat way to add that flair and color...can be another DIY project!

And of course...flowers are always a fun way to bring in color and "loveliness" to a room.  We always seem to add flowers when we design projects. This is a simple and economical way to make a dramatic impact.  What I love most is that flowers always "soften" those hard surfaces. A "must" to me in interior design!

An eye-catching bright table top is a sure way to add color to your room and can easily be changed. This would most certainly pop some much needed color in an otherwise neutral room.

This is a great way to pop a burst of color (and "soften") especially in your kitchen. I love the use of bowls, compotes, and glass vases to showcase fresh fruits or produce and flowers...what a statement this makes!  Want to give it a try?

 

Speaking of kitchens...nothing pops color quite like some glass tile backsplash...ooooh la la!  What a dramatic effect in this white kitchen!

Even though this is shown in another kitchen (and it's green again!) this is a great way to pop some color in "any" room.  How about giving an old piece of furniture a make-over by splashing on a fresh new color and using it in your room somewhere.  What a great "pop"...don't you think?

Have a neutral room?  Just add some colorful artwork (OK, and just maybe a couple of colorful pillows!).  How simple is this and what a drastic change of mood in this room it made!

And last but not least...if you can't bare to put color on the walls...how about at least a little color in those built-ins?  Now, imagine if the back of this corner cabinet was left white...would it make such an impact?  Absolutely not!  I love how it "pops" the entire area and ties in so nicely with that wonderful window valance.  This is voted my "fav" of the day...which one do you like best?  I'd love to hear from you and if you may be willing to try and pop some color in any of these easy ways we've seen here today.

Thanks for stopping by ...

Make it a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Photo Credits: Better Homes and Garden