I loved how so many of you spied just one little corner of my thrift store buffet without me even mentioning it in last week’s kitchen cabinet post. You clambered to see more. This post covers a Painted Provençal Buffet.
Last week’s sneak peek.
Painted Provençal Buffet
I found the dark and dated server at the thrift store. It needed to be lightened up since my kitchen is so dark.
I currently have orange-toned cabinets which I have not been shy about saying that they are not my favorite. Yes, I know. Paint them. Creamy white. Mr. Décor is not on board. Yet. But it’s on my list. A “to-do” list that probably hovers in the 200 + project range. You too?
Ok. So, I am currently living with orange toned cabinets. Do you know how to work with a color you don’t like? You detract from the color by pairing it with a complementary color. A complementary color is a color found on the opposite side of the color wheel. So in the case of yellow-orange, it is blue-violet. Red-orange is paired with turquoise.
Visions of Color
So turquoise and blue-violet it is. Are you scared? Trust me.
While the brilliant Provençal colors such as the intense ochers, magnificent Mediterranean blues, and lovely lavenders would have worked beautifully together, I was seeking something softer. A mere whisper of color. It was actually the time-worn shades created by decades of sunshine I wanted to see on the buffet.
Once vibrant greens now faded to a pale mint.
Perhaps with just a touch of blue added in.
I could see the combination of the two colors paired together in my mind. It was altogether lovely.
But not everyone has the ability to put on such rose-colored glasses. Cough snort, Mr. Décor, cough ahem. They need a visual example.
So for him, and maybe for you.
Can you see the two colors paired together now?
Chalk Paint
I had decided that I was finally going to try Annie Sloan chalk paints. The beauty of this particular paint is that the surface needs no preparation. I, however, did a light sanding to smooth out some rough edges. This took place on my backyard patio before the early morning Phoenix heat sat in.
It was just enough sanding that the buffet/server appeared to need a good dusting.
The nooks and crannies required hand sanding.
Ready For Paint
Everything was wiped off with a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth. I then walked away and did other things for the rest of the day. In the evening Mr. Décor helped me bring the heavy piece back into the kitchen as it is currently too hot to paint outside.
We laid down a drop cloth and propped the piece up on bricks. It was then time for bed.
The next morning I applied a bright first coat of Louis Blue and Provence and once again walked away.
Later that same afternoon I studied the piece and wondered how detailed I would get in painting the piece two separate colors. The door was a perfect place to experiment. It was determined that simple was better.
I also decided that I wanted more of a lighter purple based blue with a touch of grey for the overall base color. WHAT? So I combined equal amounts (4-ounce containers) of Greek Blue, Paris Grey, Louis Blue, and Pure White. For the secondary color, I combined equal amounts of Provence and Pure White. I am thankful that because of the several color classes I have taken I could create what I saw in my mind’s eye. The color resulted in what I call faded Provençal glory.
The inspiration shot once again…pretty good match yes?
Smooth Sailing
This was my first time using ASCP. I tried a variety of ways to apply the paint. The natural hair brushes that were recommended resulted in very visible brush strokes which I did not like at all. But that is just me. Next, I tried my beloved Purdy brushes. It was a no go. I finally settled on a foam roller for the flat surfaces and a foam brush for all other areas. But keep in mind that this paint will never dry to a completely smooth finish. Believe me, I tried.
Given that this piece was going to be used front and center in a hard-working kitchen I opted to apply three separate coats of paint. It dried very quickly but I took my time since it is when I get tired that things can get sloppy. The result was that my kitchen was torn up for days, which made meal prep for houseguests interesting. But everyone enjoyed seeing the progress made and liked interjecting their opinions, which I loved.
Wax On Wax Off
I decided one morning that I was happy with the painted finish and applied one coat of clear wax. You can see the side by side difference of the finish in this image.
It created a nice durable surface.
Going against convention I opted not to distress the piece. GASP! Is this even legal when using ASCP? My thought is that it will naturally distress over time.
But still, I wanted this circa 1970 piece to look more like it was from 1870. So I applied two coats of Minwax dark paste wax. Channeling my inner Karate Kid I then hand buffed the buffet using an old t-shirt of Mr. Décors.
Now we’re talking.
All told I invested approximately 8 hours into this piece over the course of four days. But I was continually cheered on and now it is appreciated by everyone in the family.
The AFTER
Given that it only has a dark wax finish distressing will come naturally over time.
I adore how the wax settled into all the nooks and crannies of the wood. It provided the time transport I was seeking ~ 1970 became 1870.
I can’t tell you how HAPPY I am that I went with my instinct to paint the piece. It really lightens up the dark kitchen so much!
Looks great!! LOVE it painted and LOVE the color! I am looking for a dresser to use as my kitchen island and am considering putting a butcher block top on it.
chris
Looks AMAZING!!!! WOW!!!!
Laura, it looks stunning! I love the new color! Looks like a brand new Buffet! Very, very pretty!
It's beautiful!!! Nice job!
What have I transformed lately? Nothing much, other than bringing a new cat into our home yet again, lol.
We adopted Lucy yesterday.
Hope you enjoy a beautiful weekend.
Love, Linda
It looks terrific! I think the paint gives it much more character and it looks great in your kitchen. So… what's next?!
Love the piece painted! Great job transforming it back to another century. And it's only going to continue aging beautifully with lots of wear 'n tear.
Love it Laura!
Love the piece painted! Great job transforming it back to another century. And it's only going to continue aging beautifully with lots of wear 'n tear.
Love it Laura!
It turned out beautifully, Laura! Can't wait to see it decorated.
Looks great ! You and your husband did good. 😀
Enjoy your weekend.
I. LOVE. IT! And when I say that, you know you'd achieved excellence, sugar. 😉 Wonderful job and I wish I could find something like that for our kitchen. It's a small “retirement” home kitchen and I hate it, but anything bigger and I'd HAVE to cook and we all know how I feel about “cooking”, right? Sigh.
xoxo,
Connie
I love the new buffet/island, the color is perfect!
Thanks for hosting!
It looks GREAT! Maybe Mr. Decor can now see the great possibilities in painting the cabinets next? I don't know what it is, but men seem to have a very hard time painting wood. It must be in their genetic makeup or something. Looking forward to the next transformation!
Oh What a transformation! You did a wonderful job and I love it! Can't wait to see it after you add the bangs and whistles!
So pretty! And the colors are perfect! Well done!!!
Hi Laura,
I think this was a great decision; your buffet turned out just perfect! And I understand completely about wanting to lighten up a dark kitchen; we just spent four months doing that with our kitchen.
I think your hardware is perfect for the French country look that you like. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
Denise at Forest Manor
I love it painted! You can really see all the details. Beautiful job. Thank you for sharing. Visiting from Common Ground. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/09/make-it-pretty-monday-week-15.html Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Laura I am amazed at how gorgeous this piece turned out! Can you share the colors you used?
I am also glad you did not distress it. For me highly distressed pieces often look as though they need to be redone.
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Laura!
Your Provencal island buffet turn out wonderful! I love it! I can't wait to see how you finish the back of it.
Your hint has me thinking of two place settings of puppy chow for the “Adorable Lowe Boys”.
Happy Weekend!
~Lynne
w/L.
wow- thats absolutely fabulous. You are so good with that technique. Just enough to make it beautiful, without over doing it.
Love it painted – much, much better. All the details in the wood really stand out – great job! Linda
What a wonderful transformation. Thomasville is such good, sturdy furniture. You really have a fine piece for a little money and sweat-equity!
That's why you are the design expert! It looks fabulous!
It is beautiful Laura…I guess I was just in love with the lace against the dark wood…but like I always say…your home…..do what you like!!
It looks fabulous. I love it. I think the towel bars on the back will be stunning and so practical. Great job. Hugs, Marty
You know I love it! It is really very special.
Love what you did to the piece and such a great idea for the back. I can see your French linens! This is such a neat idea.
superlative job Laura!!! Your instincts were right on target! love it!
Oh…painted is perfect!!!! I can see a lovely towel bar or two hanging on the back. That will be fabulous. I always struggle with what to do with dish towels.
It looks great, Laura, & I think you made the right decision.
Thanks for visiting and commenting on my Fall decor in the kitchen post.
I just stumbled over your blog! Its absolutely lovely and very inspiring! Would be really cool if we can follow each other. Please let me know xxx
http://babyemilycloset.blogspot.co.uk/
Oh Laura, I am so glad I came across your post. I am painting my cabinets and am really at a crossroad, because I really did not want to distress them. Now I know I am not the only one.
Thanks for the inspiration
Chrissy
Oh, Gorgeous!! What a refreshing change! You have such vision. You are able to look at a piece and see what it can be.
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HI LAURA!!!!
I LOVE IT PAINTED!!!It looks fabulous!!!
I can't wait to see the after you have decorated it pic!!I love what you have in mind!!!
Looks perfect!!!
I hope your doggie gets a bed in there!!
haha
hugs,
jamie
My! Isn't it spectacular! Can't wait to see the new ?towel bar-wear? *wink*
Wish I could include images of precious pooch faces on my blog these days… *sniff*
What a great transformation!!! It's just BEAUTIFUL! 🙂 Hopped over from Saturday Nite Special and I'm happy to be your newest follower. Would love to have you stop by for a visit. Blessings ~ Judy @ http://www.vintagestreetdesigns.com
Your island cabinet looks so pretty! So0o…when are you starting the cabinets? 😀
(I figured your DH would be convinced after seeing how great the island looks!)
That is beautiful Laura! I really like your after so much better! But you know I would never be one to think something shouldn't be painted!!!
Laura,
You did an amazing job transforming the buffet and giving it a new life. You have a great eye for color choices. Did you prefer working with the chalk paint?
Your Friend,
Deborah
FairfieldHouseNJ.com