What a coat of paint can do!

I love eclectic pieces of furniture rather than matched when I decorate my own home. Sometimes I paint these finds and other times  I strip the original finish and create a custom wash .  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc99ZAbbkfAIMqP6Rnb8a0Ote_JeC5UJjIpwFx_vfdad1ano3jh7ubv2ddAKx9mD00ZF6zt2VbmFXfc58aWQy8U4fcx3r8JYr__dhELpj81SwlZhjKaym5Ga_s8BHzAQUcIuX5-XA5v3i/s1600/DSCN6507_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc99ZAbbkfAIMqP6Rnb8a0Ote_JeC5UJjIpwFx_vfdad1ano3jh7ubv2ddAKx9mD00ZF6zt2VbmFXfc58aWQy8U4fcx3r8JYr__dhELpj81SwlZhjKaym5Ga_s8BHzAQUcIuX5-XA5v3i/s400/DSCN6507_01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>  We recently had to replace this green washed oak  dresser in our summer house when we relocated  it  to our newly renovated master bedroom  in town (that will be another post).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc99ZAbbkfAIMqP6Rnb8a0Ote_JeC5UJjIpwFx_vfdad1ano3jh7ubv2ddAKx9mD00ZF6zt2VbmFXfc58aWQy8U4fcx3r8JYr__dhELpj81SwlZhjKaym5Ga_s8BHzAQUcIuX5-XA5v3i/s1600/DSCN6507_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_f3d69HybM4p-77I5cZWlbhX3v8CYHgGoCP_e4mPHfPI9Ljj7aDEOh4MW9Fq1rVtsBjDqeJ1_zklp7Tq1agd8AfEHzFdSFWxQEejhAwPESJaVujiwjyZ7gCXiO-VeX7-Ac1RaVbX4QN7/s1600/bureau+old.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_f3d69HybM4p-77I5cZWlbhX3v8CYHgGoCP_e4mPHfPI9Ljj7aDEOh4MW9Fq1rVtsBjDqeJ1_zklp7Tq1agd8AfEHzFdSFWxQEejhAwPESJaVujiwjyZ7gCXiO-VeX7-Ac1RaVbX4QN7/s640/bureau+old.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>We bought this gem  at  Habitat for Humanities Restore for $20 dollars when it passed my husband's structural integrity test being  pronounced solid and square with good sliding drawers. Sometimes being married to a wood worker can become tiresome.  I liked it  because it had great lines.  <br /><br /> The walls of this bedroom have been  Ben Moore Revere Pewter for ten years.    I wanted the ocean view  to be the focal point so I choose a colour for the dresser  that was just a little darker than the walls.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMa1856a6PGAj7W7ureqKb4qH11tBwJ4gdsoW9MmMq_mdyUR1pWZE-VB6phCZB1l33v214AFoW7N_p-5IiBF_9T4r-jfNoHXbiiJfWTIYSG7SEBXB6Xuft6QHDr_FTofj-ao3WFK0K2tIw/s1600/new+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMa1856a6PGAj7W7ureqKb4qH11tBwJ4gdsoW9MmMq_mdyUR1pWZE-VB6phCZB1l33v214AFoW7N_p-5IiBF_9T4r-jfNoHXbiiJfWTIYSG7SEBXB6Xuft6QHDr_FTofj-ao3WFK0K2tIw/s640/new+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />  I sanded liberally and primed with Ben Moore Advance Primer.  The colour is  Ben Moore CSP upper west side (Aura). I love this gray as much as I love Revere Pewter.  I think Revere Pewter is the perfect gray so that is quite a standard to match. I'm still debating painting the legs. They blend in with the floor and the tips are gold.  My current feeling is leave them because gray would accentuate the gold tips.  <br /><br />I have to admit that the knobs and handles  purchased at Home Depot cost 4 times the price of the dresser, but they were a must to keep the mid century modern feel of the piece.  <br /><br />

What a coat of paint can do!

I love eclectic pieces of furniture rather than matched when I decorate my own home. Sometimes I paint these finds and other times  I strip ...

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Make mine bleached

I have a love affair with wood, but I don't like the golden wood tones that come along with wood that is clear coated or lightly stained. Do I have lots of golden  wood tones in my home?  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2Vzt85lPHeH4C8BhC0xWyQ6GANGaUbo8NMzdugPDDJvfD7MCRPusDvX7Bt_S2fS9Tw0fecEBzD_psFURt-322u4_CVijKP9Okd6HVq0HmwN1YbgG2mzfEOY-VfU084_DJmfAYiSJkZT-/s1600/DSCN8244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2Vzt85lPHeH4C8BhC0xWyQ6GANGaUbo8NMzdugPDDJvfD7MCRPusDvX7Bt_S2fS9Tw0fecEBzD_psFURt-322u4_CVijKP9Okd6HVq0HmwN1YbgG2mzfEOY-VfU084_DJmfAYiSJkZT-/s640/DSCN8244.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> Yes, history looks after that because my home was built in the 80's when oak was the standard for hardwood floors and furniture. When all your furniture is handmade with love, it's difficult to get rid of it, so I accept my golden tones as period pieces. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZPI1lSaZSLzzxkAWuvmtKhJLlnQ3s10tViaRrqyzlKbGTYVExEa8-DHdsQ_3DTEfqOC8K2ojlSj04u80Ulv_2gBh4ItYiw0wm4_9s5V0aayiTTfeRfUYx9NiXiD5S6cMIDyg_HENjyF_/s1600/441433732534.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZPI1lSaZSLzzxkAWuvmtKhJLlnQ3s10tViaRrqyzlKbGTYVExEa8-DHdsQ_3DTEfqOC8K2ojlSj04u80Ulv_2gBh4ItYiw0wm4_9s5V0aayiTTfeRfUYx9NiXiD5S6cMIDyg_HENjyF_/s400/441433732534.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />As I've renovated  the upstairs portion of my home, I moved to natural maple flooring  which is about as warm as I can stand.<span class="text_product_detail"> This beautiful cardboard/ brown paper bag colour is very popular right now, and it is a warm tone that isn't too overwhelming. </span>  <span class="text_product_detail">The great hardware makes this chest look distinctive and sophisticated, but it's not mine!</span><br /><br /> When I designed my summer home, my mantra was think driftwood.  Everything there is new, but looks bleached and old!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeN5g1VPkekDW4AyGPczYZLbeXNTjyJTZmcyrG0s9_wL9Xy1XfLnsQTLFieTHSkBu0VKn0NOHeo2gvaFdImlaObmfA4J8aAcvpdJC28-3XxIkc9l363aMWEUh25AumowJ5Jt-_Vb9fgim/s1600/DSCN0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeN5g1VPkekDW4AyGPczYZLbeXNTjyJTZmcyrG0s9_wL9Xy1XfLnsQTLFieTHSkBu0VKn0NOHeo2gvaFdImlaObmfA4J8aAcvpdJC28-3XxIkc9l363aMWEUh25AumowJ5Jt-_Vb9fgim/s400/DSCN0011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> There are alternatives for people like me - naturally weathered wood, bleached wood, wood that has whitewashes or gray washes. These tones seem to go so much better with today's modern interiors.  Let's explore the options....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6FxeskSHBj_UOlEtSFZqD5vz-8cI4A40bwVwqbaDaVVGRfSSHj5PV4dYt4izSaCSkUBxdgS4s-aBA6-EwsiYvXAoj3y-u_nsJxyYFnwxKzhx50AEFwuzU1g399qD4whhkxRjNi75Cjjt/s1600/DSCN8199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6FxeskSHBj_UOlEtSFZqD5vz-8cI4A40bwVwqbaDaVVGRfSSHj5PV4dYt4izSaCSkUBxdgS4s-aBA6-EwsiYvXAoj3y-u_nsJxyYFnwxKzhx50AEFwuzU1g399qD4whhkxRjNi75Cjjt/s640/DSCN8199.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />When you make your own furniture you have more options to get the look you want. This new bed made from oak doesn't have a hint of yellow or orange in sight.  I controlled the warm tones by using a  greenish grayish wash before the final semi gloss clear coat.  The  old mid century modern dresser was stripped and treated in the same way,  but I rubbed more of the wash off  so the two pieces didn't look like a perfect match -  I like harmony  with  variety. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqsX-phHghyphenhyphenJVadRBHkhVbgAr253xk4FIc3qzcOIJYYrE4VgAxMNTDREPjw7FC9Od0xXO8xMatLeAmndQNjAksbs-v5JrjD6l3MKUnGCFZubofoJAVbBdSsIHSkcftDb4HUeDSz8CoO7o/s1600/the+designer+inside+gray+wash+natural+wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqsX-phHghyphenhyphenJVadRBHkhVbgAr253xk4FIc3qzcOIJYYrE4VgAxMNTDREPjw7FC9Od0xXO8xMatLeAmndQNjAksbs-v5JrjD6l3MKUnGCFZubofoJAVbBdSsIHSkcftDb4HUeDSz8CoO7o/s400/the+designer+inside+gray+wash+natural+wood.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedesignerinsider.blogspot.com/2011/03/perfect-chest.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheDesignerInsider+%28The+Designer+Insider%29">The Designer Inside  </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is another example of a washed gray finish that allows the wood grain and imperfections in the wood  to shine through. While it is more traditional in design, the overall look of  this piece  would allow you to use it in most rooms. Give chests like this a chance in your  bedroom, bathroom,  hallway, foyer or living room .<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjcuKsz6JaHBnTjReLLckrGP51VyVQh_TUUC_3mpygTlPvUvupAdtlMXkqaDr2jjW2_Zi26GHFBqc8cux6GYvtHMJ7dIQoKpdV6ffcOQ-qOqSL3EbitEoxOuSFzLGNYEwm0rpBPrJNGy8/s1600/037072545196.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjcuKsz6JaHBnTjReLLckrGP51VyVQh_TUUC_3mpygTlPvUvupAdtlMXkqaDr2jjW2_Zi26GHFBqc8cux6GYvtHMJ7dIQoKpdV6ffcOQ-qOqSL3EbitEoxOuSFzLGNYEwm0rpBPrJNGy8/s320/037072545196.jpeg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thedesignerinsider.com/shop/article_C03029/Bleached-Sideboard-Bookcase.html?sessid=nBQBxCcB9vqc7JaVBeuSQB0XZP2luMltaIsKUT06zOxRrR2KTXOIHs6gJqseiUvY&shop_param=cid%3D131%26aid%3DC03029%26">The Designer Inside  </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> This traditionally designed sideboard  made from mango wood  could be used in any room decor. <span class="text_product_detail"> Mango wood is a hard, dense wood that has been seasoned and kiln dried. If left unfinished it has  hues of green brown and yellow which can be interesting .   Because mango  is quick growing,  hard and harvested after the tree has stopped giving fruit, it is  considered the wood of the future.</span><br /><br /><span class="text_product_detail"> </span> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/29652/Global-Living---Bluefish-Home---Showroom-eclectic-dining-room-atlanta"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/29652_0_8-1000-eclectic-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/atlanta" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Atlanta Interior Designer</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/globalliving/global-living" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Global Living</a></small></div><br /><small><span style="font-size: small;"> I'm in love with the cool tones in this room, buy I would like to see a little more variety in the various wood tones used.  The bench could easily be removed and then the sideboard which is beautiful, could shine. </span></small><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/235520/1512-Dolphin-Terrace-traditional-hall-los-angeles"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/235520_0_8-0520-traditional-hall.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/hall" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Hall design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build/orange-county" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Orange County Design-build</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/mclose83/spinnaker-development" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Spinnaker Development</a></small></div><br /><small> <span style="font-size: small;">Everything here is light and airy. The floors seem to go on forever.   It is truly  a room that would let you breathe. If I built a new home this would be my floor choice. </span></small><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/771932/Coastal-Modern-by-Tim-Clarke-eclectic-dining-room-"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/771932_0_8-8601-eclectic-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/randomhouse/random-house" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Random House</a></small></div><br /><small><span style="font-size: small;">White always looks so fresh when paired with bleached or toned wood.  You have to be careful when you choose lighter woods because they are easily overwhelmed by stronger colours. </span> </small><br /></div><div>How do you feel about bleached, washed or otherwise light woods? </div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/searllamasterhowe/searl-lamaster-howe-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a></small></div>

Make mine bleached

I have a love affair with wood, but I don't like the golden wood tones that come along with wood that is clear coated or lightly stained...

Read more »