A Tale of Trash, Texture and Treasure. And a Duck Egg Dilemma.
This story begins in a very dusty warehouse. Did I mention it was VERY dusty? And dim. And just a bit creepy. I was just turning to leave the dungeon when I spied the stacks of wood. Old green beadboard bound in groups of ten. Gorgeous. I’m visualizing a cabin by the lake where a sleeping porch was someone’s favorite spot to read a book. As you can see, my mind created a headboard. And then it became real. Such an easy project.
And then the dilemma crept into the picture. At the end of this cozy guest bed was a very heavy , very boring light oak monstrosity. What to do? I had already repainted the ceiling, added a tiny “found” chandelier, and plastered the walls in a soft off-white matte texture. Above the bed, I hung a crusty, rustic shelf topped with a handmade antique basket unearthed in my accessory closet. (Yes, from my basket days.)
The only answer was to delve into my cabinet full of Chalk Paint™ decorative paint and experiment with colors. I wanted Old White for the interior, to showcase my collection of glass and pottery. But what to do with the rest of this piece? First, I coated it with two coats of Duck Egg. How can you go wrong with Duck Egg? I love Duck Egg. I wanted something Duck Egg in my home. Now.
LEFT Oak, oak and more oak. Boring oak. TOP RIGHT Duck Egg Blue BOTTOM RIGHT Chateau Grey
But no, sadly, just too plain. Disgruntled, I walked away and did nothing for weeks. Many weeks. Then it struck me. I needed a touch of soft green. Yes. Chateau Grey. Fifteen minutes and a simple dry-brush and Voila! Just right! Wax? No. The soft chalk finish was just right.
Just right with the giant trunk discovered at a yard sale for $15. Just right for the peeling white shelf with stories to tell. What books had graced it over the years? Just right for the silvery sconce lovingly chosen amid the souks in Marrakech. Just right for the 100-year-old wooden box found in the same dusty warehouse as the green lengths of beadboard. Just right for the matelesse covers and popcorn crocheted bedspread. And the plush pile of orange pillows awaiting my visit with a good read.
So, what are YOU working on? Do you love a challenge? Do you have photos to tell me the tale of YOUR experiments with color? Share them with me at debbie@anniesloanunfolded.com.
Beautiful combo! Gail shoppe-girl added Olive for a great finish. Have fun at IDAL!
These are impressive articles. Keep up the sunny handiwork.
You may have just given me the answer to my kitchen cabinets! Yes. They are a honey colored wood, and
are not cheap cabinets, but they almost blend in to my kitchen wood floors. I have been debating green or blue for a long time, and not wanting to kill myself with many coats of wax, I am now thinking Duck Egg and Chateau Grey dry brush. New hardware, and viola! I want them to appear time worn so they surely will if I do not wax – all of those finger ‘scratches’ around the hardware, etc…..yes !