Repurpose a piece of furniture this weekend!

Rather than tracking down a painted piece with just the right patina, you can create one yourself with a custom finish.  I advise clients on repurposing pieces all the time.  More often than not, they're simply tired of the piece an need a change.  From a nightstand to armoire, it's easy to paint, and if you add distressing, mistakes you might make add character!, Here's how:

Materials
Flat latex paint in contrasting shades - one will be the base coat and one the top coat
Primer
Crackle medium
Buckets
Paint brushes
Top coat of urethane or wax- optional


Start by lightly sanding your piece - unless you want those bumps and blemishes for character.  Prime it and let dry fully. I really do mean fully.   The first coat is key to having the rest adhere properly. Paint the first coat of color ..... that will be the one to show through your final color coat. This one is a deep rust color.  Let dry 24 hours.  If you want crackle, pour the crackle medium into a bucket and stir gently.  Using a clean brush, apply a thick layer but do not overwork it. Let this coat dry 1-2 hours (if you go too long the mixture will cure and the next coat will not crackle. Use another clean, dry brush for your topcoat - this one is a creamy beige. As it dries, the crackles appear.  For a worn look, you can lightly sand the edges of doors, drawers, and the box. I like to apply a light coat of Briwax rather than urethane, so I can enrich the sheen many times with ease.

  If you just want a bit of aging, skip the crackle medium and instead  rub wax along edges and places where wear might occur.  Continue with your top coat.  When the top is dry, rub off the paint in the areas you added wax with 0000 steel wool. That paint will come off nicely and the steel wool leaves it smooth.  I've experimented with other grades of steel wool and even sandpaper to give a more rustic appearance,  it's all done with  paint so you can always go back an make a change. 

To embellish with pattern, I often use stencils over the too cost and apply shellac to protect the final product.

Have fun!

S 

Need a headboard? Try these ideas.

Adding a headboard to a bed can create a terrific focal point, add storage, and add a finishing element to a room. Gaining storage is a plus for small bedrooms and adding architectural detail often completes a large one.  My advice on this project - some are DIY - use the best quality materials you can. Hire a pro if you cannot fabricate a high-quality product. Since you'll look at it daily, you want it to be the best it can.

1) Shelf headboard. This is a very quick idea that adds storage as well as architectural detail. This custom shelf is painted yellow for a cottage style room. Purchasing free-standing shelves from a big box store works well but be sure the shelves are affixed together; you can even add doors to the shelves.  Adding moldings creates a built-in look. 

2) Fabric headboard.  A very standard idea that has many variations. Soft, attractive, a place to add color and texture, this option is less expensive than a four poster or sleigh style bed. Make it a high quality fabric like Sunbrella or Ultra-Suede so it is durable, cleanable and safe.


3) Upholstered wall. Rather than defining the area just above the bed, use fabric and batting to pad the entire floor-to-ceiling space behind the bed for a great look.

4) Floating Shelves.  While not the best alternative for a child's room, floating shelves are a sleek way to add detail above a bed. Great for guest rooms when books, lighting, toiletries and other items are within reach for guests. This affords you the opportunity to change the decor and re-position the shelves as needed.

5) Recessed shelve haves. If you have a large niche - common in California tract homes, flanking the bed with recessed shelves looks nice and functions well. In a large room, you can create this on one wall and add depth to the space. The shelves are perfect for books, photo frames and collectibles; be sure to tuck in some lighting.


6) Panels.  Any type of panel, whether it's wood or fabric or a found object, can be hung as a headboard and add an artistic element. Ideas include mirror frames, Asian artifacts and even plywood painted or stained to complement the room decor.

7) Architectural salvage. Windows, shutters, doors, old mantles and other elements salvaged from prior use, make wonderful headboards. How about an old gate, a wrought iron fence, and even the mirror from an old bedroom set? For simplicity hang a wooden curtain rod above the bed and drape an old quilt or decorative fabric over it so it becomes the headboard.