Side table getting a "New Look!!"

My side table is getting a "new look." I wanted to distress the side table like I had my chairs. You can say I got the "bug" real bad!! No end to what I'm going to paint next!!

This is what my side table looked like before I started the project!

Using white chalk paint requires you to do at least two coats.  I used Annie Sloan Chalk paint

I wind up using three coats, but then realized two would have been enough, since I'm sanding some of it off!! Live and learn!!

Sand off the "look" you like. The more you sand, the more rustic "look" you get. That's way I love this project, you have control (OK, perhaps I have some issues with control!!). Make sure you do this outside because you will get covered with sand dust!! Once done, apply a coat of clear wax. Make sure you "wax on" and then "wax off."

Last step is to apply the dark wax. You will use a light coat! Make sure you wipe it down good. How can you tell? If you run your finger across, you SHOULD NOT see the streak. What I like to do is lightly use my fingernails across it. If my fingernails lift off some of the wax, then there is still too much wax on!! Believe me, I learned the hard way. You see, the wax gets into the groove of the chalk paint. That's what gives it the distress look! So don't worry about taking too much off!!

OK, all done and next to my chairs that were previously done!! Don't be afraid to try chalk paint!! There is no "wrong" way to do this. Just have fun!!

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Chairs getting a distress look!!

I wanted to give these chairs a new look. I had heard how easy it was to use chalk paint to achieve a distress look, so I decided to give it a try. I must say I am very pleased with the outcome.

These were the chairs I wanted to update. I brought them from an antique shop a few years ago.

First thing I did was remove the cushion from the chair. Fours easy screws from underneath was all it took.

Next, I wanted to remove all finger print oil stain and whatever else may be on the chairs. I use Krud Kutter. Great cleaner!

Next I chose my paint color. I used Paris Grey from Annie Sloan. It's not cheap, but I believe it's the best out there. It's a three step processes; paint, clear wax, then dark wax.

First step, paint. I love this look and I could have stop right here, BUT I wanted that distress look, so I kept moving forward. If you like this look, all you would have to do is apply the clear wax to seal in the paint and that's it, you're done! Perhaps my next project I will do this step only!!

Second step. I applied the clear wax using a rag. One rag to apply the wax and another to take it off. Think "Wax on, Wax off"!! You don't want to much wax on the piece.

Third step. Sanding your piece. You want to hit the areas where it would naturally wear away. Start small and then take a look. If you want a more distressing look, continue sanding. It all depends on the look you are trying to achieve!

I didn't do that much. I prefer less distressing. You have totally control of the look you want.

Fourth step, dark wax. Once again "Wax on, Wax off". Start with a small area and just keeping moving until the piece is done.

Final step in my project was reupholstery. I chose this chevron pattern in a burlap type material.  

I stapled the corners nice and tight and trimmed all the excess fabric.

Voila! Finished product. The beauty about this whole process is, you don't have to do it all at once. If time doesn't permit it, you can do it in stages. The only drying time is the paint. You can apply the dark wax right after you finishing applying the clear wax. There is not drying time between the two waxes. BUT there is a 24 hour curing time. You can also apply another coat of clear wax to seal the piece. I chose not to.

So now that you know how to distress your furniture, do you have a project in mind? Then go ahead and do it. Remember, distressing doesn't have to be perfect!! It's a lot more easier then you think!!

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Drastic changes that can affect your home & pocket book!!

A while back I saw an episode on "The unsellable" on HGTV where Sofie Allsopp, recommended the seller change out her dinette set. Although I loved the changes, it cost the seller $650 for the new dinette set! Ouch!! It gave me pause to think, do you have to change out your furniture to make a dramatic change? Not really. There have been times when I though changing out the furniture would be ideal, but it may not have been in the budget to do so. Their are other ways to get that a drastic change without hurting your budget. Here are just a few suggestions:

·    Reupholster your sofa. That will totally change the look of the
     room.

Do It Yourself Divas

·    Add new chair or  recover existing chairs to your dinette/dining set.

Be an Interior decorator

·    Paint you furniture instead of replacing them. Much less costly.

Decorating Ideas made easy

These are just some ideas that you can do. Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Just make sure you use the right paint. Or if you are hiring out, make sure they are qualified to do the job.

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At Abella Home Staging & Redesign, we believe any home can be beautifully transformed. We believe in delivering a custom-made look, but without the custom-made price tag!! Call us and let's get started today!!