Not too long ago I shared with you the history behind my daughter’s bedroom furniture and why I will never paint it. I said that I believe there are times to paint furniture and times not to paint furniture and you were all so supportive of the fact that I had chosen to leave it in it’s original state.
Welp…I thought maybe since I had shared a time when I didn’t paint something I would balance things out by sharing with you a time that I did.
For awhile now I’ve been wrestling with a flower issue. I really, really love them. I just wasn’t sure if I wanted them all over this cabinet in our family room anymore. But where a lot of people wouldn’t hesitate to slap some paint on it, I felt conflicted. Because I remember when I found it and thought it was so perfect and meant to be and it fit the room like a glove. Of course, I felt that way in 1985 when I bought my first pair of acid washed jeans too.
I guess sometimes you just have to know when to let go.
I decided not to do anything dramatic. Just a soft, subtle change.
All it took was simply painting the paneled areas in a darker tone (DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish in ‘Primitive’) to get the look I was going for. I’ll admit, I might have started panicking a bit when I started painting over the flowers.
But, I pressed on. And after a couple coats of paint, a bit of distressing and an antique wash (Americana Decor ‘deep brown’) over the top, I knew that I had made the right choice.
I know that there is great debate out there regarding painting furniture. Some people land on the “paint everything!” side while others think it’s practically a sin to ever take a paint brush to something.
But, like most things in life, I think it’s all about finding a balance.
And if you were to walk through my home you would see evidence of that balance all throughout.
There’s my daughter’s bedroom furniture, my grandmother’s china cabinet and several other pieces that will always remain unpainted mixed in with less sentimental pieces that I have no problem giving new life with a coat of paint.
But, at the end of the day, no matter which side you land on in the great paint debate you won’t find any judgement here.
Because everyone’s welcome at the picket fence!
It looks awesome and I am one of those people that wouldn’t paint furniture !
Me too!!!!!!! I hate when I see beautiful old pieces of wood that have been painted, now if it’s one of those ugly shiny maple pieces that’s a different story.! haha
I definitely think you made the right call–with painting this piece and not painting your family piece! I love how your transformation of this cabinet toned it down and made it less busy but still kept it interesting!
I think cabinet turned out really good.. I agree some things it’s ok to paint and others need to be consider more carefully.
It looks amazing- love the color! Happy weekend!
I love it!!! Especially the Antique wash that gave your piece depth. You have inspired me to take a chance on a bookshelf that I have been going back and forth ….to paint or not to paint. 🙂
Did you paint the basket under the table? If so, what paint did you use? I would not paint any family pieces either, but I would other furniture.
It looks perfect painted. Great job.
I love the color and I think it looks beautiful!
Shelley
I love what you did with this cabinet! I have a dresser in my bedroom that needs an update and I think this is just the inspiration I needed. Thank you!
I love your decision on painting over the flowers. When I saw a peek of the finished dresser, I was hoping that would be the end result. No radical painting, just softening a little bit. Great job!!
Life’s to short to be unhappy over a piece of furniture, don’t you think? Do what’s best for your home and family and what will make you happy. When I go, I want loved ones to remember me/our love and not stress over any material thing I left behind.
Were all of your paints a chalk finish?
Hi Loni! Yes the main paint color was but then I used the antiquing paint over the top that is from the same Americana Decor line. 🙂
haha you made me laugh about the great paint debate!!! I love the updated look of the cabinet : ) I think the simple update was perfect!
The cabinet looks so elegant! 🙂
Gorgeous! I agree with you, there are some things that should never be painted!
Such a pretty space.
Blessings,
Cindy