Williams Sonoma Knockoff Dresser

Recently I've been getting into Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  See, here are the reasons why I stayed away from the band wagon for a while.  

1.) I was in denial that is product was actually worth more than my $3.00 homemade chalk paint

2.) I didn't feel like there was enough color variety

3.) I was cheap

4.) I didn't want to give in to the trend

Well, my conclusions are this

1.) My homemade chalk paint is still pretty awesome (especially for layering)

2.) As the line has grown, they have come out with some amazing colors

3.) I am cheap

4.)People tend to like Annie Sloan and will specifically order a color, even though it is trendy.

Recently I came across a vintage formica dresser with a french provincial style.  Since Annie Sloan claims to adhere to anything I thought I try it.

Here is my inspiration piece the Deauville Dresser from Williams Sonoma.  A dresser with a price tag of $2450.  Ouch!!  I figured if I can get this finish on a formica piece, I can certainly do it on a good quality solid wood piece.

So here is mine:

Of course, the outdoor lighting really makes it look a lot brighter than it is.  I used Annie Sloan pure white and finished it with a dark wax.

The top I did with a dark gel stain and for some added character I added some metallic glaze

I think it came out great.  Of course I forgot before pictures, but you'll see it again soon because I have a solid wood Broyhill piece that is getting this finish next.

*Update:  After much debate last night, I decided to keep this piece and put it in my Living Room, I've been looking for a console table for the back of my house anyway.  I love the finish, but I just didn't feel confident with the quality of the original piece.  I prefer to sell solid wood pieces.  At least this was a great practice session and now I have a great looking/ affordable piece for my Living Room.

xoxo.....

mONICa

Simply Spray Contest Finalist & Giveaway

Yay!  I did it!!  I'm a finalist for Simply Sprays Painted Chair contest.

Vote for me and you can win two cans of Simply Spray Upholstery Paint.

Click here to vote via facebook.

You must like their page first to vote.

Love you guys!!

My chair is the first one on the top.

xoxo...

mONICa

Wanna See What I've Been Working On?

Here is a peek into some of my recent projects.

This is a custom nightstand I did, using my Audrey Finish, but with a twist.  I decoupaged the drawers with tin foil and added a glaze for an antiqued effect.

This custom credenza was painted in Annie Sloan Paris Gray and distressed.  The top was done in a dark gray.  This was my first attempt with Annie Sloan.  Although pricey, I liked it.  

What other Annie Sloan colors do you love?

xoxo...

mONICa

Simply Spray Paint Contest- PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!!

Hello friends....
I know it's been a while.  This is the first summer I've decided to take on the role as working two jobs mom.  Keeping the twins active while fulfilling all my other responsibilities has been quite challenging. Gotta hand it to you moms who can take it all on.

I was recently notified by Emily at Simply Spray, that my painted chair has been entered into a contest.

So please, please, please vote for me and spread the word.  You can click here to vote.

I've got a couple of projects ready for you to see.  More to come tomorrow.  Promise!!

xoxo.....

mONICa

Kitchen Update

So for those of you who read my blog, you know that I typically do not post about my house because its a rental and with renting restrictions comes lack of being able to do whatever you want as far as decorating and creativity.  So if I post about a room in my house please look beyond the mandatory Navajo white and the builder grade fixtures.  I'm doing the best that I can given the circumstances.

Recently I've been doing a few little updates to my kitchen.  See, my kitchen is kind of small and has the original layout.  Being built in 1907 it also has the original cabinets.  There is not really a place for modern appliances like our larger stove and our normal size refrigerator, and don't even think about a dishwasher.  So like I said, I do the best I can.  Just finding a place to put my refrigerator has been a huge challenge.

So this is what my kitchen looked like before my landlady went navajo white crazy on it.  

See when I first signed my lease, I was told that the landlady wasn't going to do anything to it.  I know for normal people that would be a deterrent, but not for me.  I was so excited that I was going to get to paint and do whatever I wanted to.  Low and behold, when I moved it everything was freshly painted.  Ugh!! Although, it is nice to not have to paint, its not cool that I'm not allowed to change anything.

Here are some updates that I've recently done.

Remember my Mini Kitchen Island?

Well, I moved it, and turned it on it's side against the stove so that I can have some counter space next to the stove, and in it's place I've put this:

Here are the original cabinets/ butler pantry

I've taken off two of the doors to make room for the refrigerator.  It's the only way I could make it fit and have a good work triangle.  The people who lived here before had their refrigerator in the laundry room.

and then there is the tiny breakfast nook.  I tried several different tables, benches, chairs in this room and nothing would fit 4 people.  I think it was meant for a 2 seater table.  

I finally gave up and did a breakfast bar across the 2 windows.  I used wood planks stained in different colors and paired it with some industrial bar stools.

The coffee pot and microwave (other modern appliances) are also housed in that little nook on a cabinet I picked up for free on craigslist.

I still need curtains and artworks and some more accessories, but its starting to come together.  Although I would probably knock the wall down into our dining room and completely remodel if it was my house, it has some fun vintage charm and it's growing on me. 

xoxo,

mONICa