Found at an estate sale, this pretty little French chest was ready for a makeover!
When I first saw this sweet French style chest at the estate sale, I was immediately smitten with it.
It was exactly what I had been looking for, with a slightly curved front, and hand painted details.
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A couple of months ago I found a cute little french style chest at my “go to” monthly estate sale, and even though it’s a reproduction, and not very old, I fell in love with the look of it.
I wasn’t exactly sure where I would put it, but I knew that it would be perfect in our home.
This is what it looked like when I found it at the estate sale.
The chest is an imported piece and I’m guessing that it’s only about 10 years old.
I immediately fell in love with the faux painted scenes on the top and front, but I wasn’t crazy about the finish. It was a pale yellow and looked as though it had been “sponged” with green paint, giving it a splotchy look.
Since it wasn’t an expensive piece and wasn’t very old, I didn’t have a problem with pulling out the paints and transforming it into something that works with the rest of our decor.
This is what it looks like now after layers and layers of paint, additional furniture mouldings, glazing, distressing, and waxing.
So much better, don’t you think?!? Now it works perfectly with our decor.
The chest had a pretty wood moulding on the front that was original, but I wanted to “frenchy” it up just a little bit more, so I added some Efex furniture mouldings. Of course, you could always make your own furniture mouldings!
Adding mouldings are an amazing and easy way to transform a piece of furniture.
The thing that attracted me to this chest more than anything else was the painting on the top and front.
There were sweet cherubs frolicking on the top…..
…..and a sweet couple on the front. I left them as is, and simply painted around them.
This piece has about five layers of paint, using my favorite colors from Pure & Original Classico .
I lightly distressed it using a damp wash cloth, and then “aged” it with my homemade glaze .
Then it was finished with a coat of clear wax.
I gilded the mouldings and the original hardware with gilding paste.
It’s the perfect piece for a small area, and it now looks more like an antique.
On another note, we had a sweet little surprise this week……
we were chosen to represent our state in the July issue of Country Living Magazine, in the feature, “50 Dream Rooms, Inspiring Decorating Ideas From Every State”!
Our dining room was featured, so we’re pretty excited about it!I hope you can pick up a copy and check it out!
It’s been so hot here that my gorgeous hydrangeas bloomed beautifully, but have now
wilted under the unrelenting heat, and no rain.
I was able to cut a few to decorate with, but that was it.
They are very pitiful looking! I hope yours are faring better!
Cheers,
Cindy
That’s wonderful about being chosen by Country Living – though I’m not surprised! Well deserved. I have a similar completely unadorned chest that I’m going to try to do something like this; wish I had your talent with paint . But I’ll try anyway!
Hi , I so enjoy looking at your painted pieces. The Paint you use is rather expensive and we live in Nashville. Where can you find it? Is there another paint you would suggest ? Only online? Thank You Donna
Hi Donna! Currently, Pure & Original paint is only sold online. Other brands that I would suggest looking at if P&O is not an option is Jolie Paint, Wise Owl, and Annie Sloan. I believe Annie Sloan and Joile both have comparable colors. I hope this helps!
Your little chest looks like a real antique! It’s beautiful. On another note, my sister has nineteen huge hydrangea shrubs and she sprays them completely down, flowers and all, when it’s hot and they begin to wilt. It helps to keep them looking lovely. Hope that helps!
Thank you so much, Joan!
Hi Cindy, So glad we are hearing from you a little more. Congratulations on Country Living. Can you please tell us the 5 paint colors you used on this piece?
Hi Jo Ann! I used these colors: Steel Blue, Country Blue, Polar Blue, Lagoon Water, and Sea Salt. All from Pure & Original!
Two words: love it!
Oh my gosh, doesn’t even look like the same piece. Absolutely beautiful.
Hello! Beautiful French chest! Can you tell me the what brand and color of gold paint you used.
Thank you,
Amy
Hi Amy! For the gold, I used Rub-N-Buff in color Gold Leaf. You can find it at Amazon and/or Hobby Lobby!
Hi Cindy,
Could you please share the paint/colours that you used on this piece, how you distressed it, etc.? I’d love to replicate it on a cabinet i just bought from an estate sale.
Thanks so much,
Maria
I am so glad you posted this adorable chest makeover again because I missed it the first time! It is truly a work of art.
I am in Rolla midway between STL and Springfield. Where are you? Do you have a video showing how to do furniture like you did with this gorgeous piece. I want to redo a sad French Provincial dresser.
Thanks. Love your posts.
Could you give us a tutorial on how to layer paint to get this effect?
Hi Cindy,
Could you please share the paint/colours that you used on this piece, how you distressed it, etc.? I’d love to replicate it on a cabinet i just bought from an estate sale.
Thanks so much,
Maria
Hi Cindy
What a lovely piece it looks just like the other beautiful piece that you already have and I envy you.
Please let me know if you ever decide to sell either one.
Congrats on the Country Magazine feature! You deserve it, your home is absolutely gorgeous!
Maria
Well done, very pretty!
Are you willing to sell this chest? It’s really one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever seen. Please let me know if you are willing to sell this one or if you have anything similar for sale.
Hi Asil! Unfortunately, we aren’t selling this chest at this time. If that should change, I will be glad to message you!
I’m sorry, I linked from Facebook and thought this was just posted. Well, it’s still beautiful. Your home always is.
You did a great job ! It came out beautifully. Congratulations, on being chosen for Country Living. I’ll keep an eye out for it.
Hello,
I just love your pieces they are stunning. Do you sell any of these?
Sincerely yours,
Matilda
Hi Matilda! Every once in awhile, we will sell some of the pieces.
Absolutely gorgeous
O seu trabalho e maravilhoso.E uma inspiração para mim.
Muito obrigado!
Love the final finish! Beautiful blue! You’ve gone an excellent job with the foyer! Just amazing how much nicer everything looks! And those tall call holders, to die for!
Thank you so much Tracey!
Where have I been?? I love this piece, and I saw it on your post about the foyer, so I am backtracking here. But what a transformation, it looks incredible now. You are very talented. I love your style and always want to see what things you are creating or decorating.
Amy, this little reproduction piece turned out so good, sometimes I can’t believe it myself! You humble me with your kind words, thank you.
Gorgeous, Cindy. You are an artist at this. I enjoy painting furniture too and hope to keep improving . About your dining room table -( that room is just beautiful )- did you paint your tabletop yourself? I’m toying w/the idea of painting mine but am not sure how to approach it. Your home is a real work of art and of love. I am coming here to your blog by way of Southern Hospitality who featured your home today, And I’m so glad Rhoda did!
Hi Kay! Yes, I painted the dining room table top. It’s chalk painted and then waxed with a clear wax. I think I painted two coats of paint before waxing. Thank you so much for visiting!
What colors of paint did you use to get this effect?
And in what order. It’s gorgeous!
First of all CONGRATS on the feature, it certainly is well deserved! You have transformed that sweet chest into a beautiful piece!!! I love the colors you chose and am SO anxious for the foyer reveal! Everything you touch turns to gold!
Thank you so much Pinky!
Hi Cindy,
I love all your projects! Your new “old” chest inspired me to paint an old chair I have hanging around & I will try my hand at reupholstering it as well. Question, I painted it and finished it with clear wax then with dark wax. I was hoping for more antiquing than the dark wax left…so I’m not that happy with it. Then I remembered your home made antiquing recipe…think I could go over the dark was with your watered down burn umber??? Or will it resist because of the wax??? Should I just apply more dark wax and let it cure??? Oh what to do…
I’d love to see a tutorial on how you make everything look amazing…Unless of course, you want to come to Maine and just paint everything for me???!!!
Hi Shelley! I would definitely use the homemade glaze to add a bit more antiquing. I usually use a small artists brush so that I can work it into the nooks and crannies. If you get too much, just use a damp cloth to wipe it back. It shouldn’t resist because of the wax after the wax is cured. I love using this glaze recipe so much more than using dark wax….I may never use the dark wax again! Hope that helps!
HI Cindy,
It looks a million times better with your paint treatment, don’t you just love whe this happens. For me though I think I would have sanded off the art, and did the whole piece in your paint treatment. Nothing wrong with the art, just my taste would have been that old blue, weathered looking and worn authentically as you achieved here.
A piece to love!
Xx
Dore
Thanks Dore!
Congratulations on the magazine feature! You totally deserve it, and I’ll have to look for a copy. The chest turned out beautifully, proving once again what wonderful vision you have.
Thank you so much Leslie Anne! I hope you are getting all settled in your new home! It made me so sad to read about all the damage to your beautiful furniture!
Cindy, you have turned this into a masterpiece…wish I knew how to do this. The chest goes so well with your foyer tile, too. This is an amazing before and after!!!!!! Can’t wait to see the foyer reveal. Big congrats on the magazine feature…you certainly deserve to be recognized for all your talents.
Thank you so much Bobbi, your kind words mean so much to me!
I just love what you did with the chest. Congratulations on the well deserved Country Living feature.
Thank you Eilis!
Hi Cindy! First time here…your little chest caught my eye, and then since I don’t “know” you, I read your About page, and enjoyed your story tremendously about your 2 mothers and the name of your blog. It reminded me of my first booth, which I called “Aunt Florence’s” after my grandmother, who I was named for.
I love the little chest too, and what you did to improve it. Great job!
Florence
Thank you so much, Florence and Welcome!
Fabulous! Can you share what colors you used on the chest?
Andrea, I used the following:
Mia Colore “Grand Canal”
Mia Colore “Stunning Gray”
Pure & Original “Lagoon Water”
Pure & Original “Evening Shadow”
Homemade Glaze: Acrylic Artist’s Paint in color Burnt Umber, thinned down to glaze consistency.
~Cindy~
The chest makeover is stunning !! Where do you find your trim pieces?? I am still wanting to do a dresser , but I can not decide on a color , plus alittle scary !! hehe.
How exciting for you & hubby on the magazine pictures for your state.
Looking forward to seeing the foyer !!
Paula
IN
Thank you Paula! All of the furniture mouldings come from Efex….here’s the link: http://www.efexusa.com. They don’t sell directly but they have a list of retailers on their site that sell them so you can locate the closest one to you.
Just received the new issue of Country Living. I noticed Missouri immediately. I love your china cabinet and the grain sack upholstered chairs!
Thank you so much Carolyn!
Repro or not, it is super pretty! I just love the blue you painted it!
Thank you Angelina!
Oh Cindy this is beyond beautiful. What a gorgeous piece.
Kris
Thank you Kris!
I love the chest and how you layered the paint. Congrats on the magazine feature.
Thank you so much Debra!
This is SO gorgeous, Cindy! It looks like it was always that color. You do such a beautiful job! love it
love and blessings~
Lynda @ Gates of Crystal
Thank you so much Lynda!
Cindy, you have amazing talent! The chest is gorgeous, and so is the tile flooring. What kind of tile did you use, and how big are they? I can’t wait to see your foyer!!
Thank you Sandy! The tile is Daltile Franciscan Slate in color Coastal Azul. Here’s the link:
http://www.build.com/daltile-fs97-1212s1p/s817266. They are 12″ x 12″ tile.
Hi Cindy,
The chest came out beautifully! Your work is so impressive! I need a lesson on your technique. Can’t wait for a tutorial. Can’t wait for foyer reveal either!!
Linda
Thank you Linda!
Hi Cindy, oh my how beautifully you have worked your magic on your sweet little chest…it turned out simply gorgeous, it must look amazing in your foyer……I’m so excited to see the reveal……:-)…..and a big congrats on your feature in country mag.
Hopefully it will rain soon and your pretty blooms will perk up again.
Wishing you a wonderful day~
Mari
Thank you so much Mari!
hi clindy….i just love what you’ve done to that little chest! it looks so authentic….in fact, i love what you’ve done to your whole house! you are such a perfectionist….great job!
Thank you Penny!
You have transformed that chest into a masterpiece!!!…It is so beautiful Cindy!….anxious to see the foyer reveal …. AND…CONGRATS on the Country Living feature….they sure knew what they were doing when they chose you to represent your State!….Yay!!!!
Oh, thank you so much Shirley! Your kind words have made my day!
Simply gorgeous
Thank you so much Chris!
Love this little chest! You did a wonderful job with the repainting, it does look antique now.
Thank you Marcia!
Oh Cindy, how very pretty the chest is…..I am just happy when I see a new post from your site in my email. You are a talented and gracious person and you know the meaning of Roll Tide.
Thank you so much Gray! “Roll Tide” is a wonderful phrase….it can be used as an adjective, a verb, or a noun…..perfect in almost any situation! Haha! Thanks for commenting, Gray, I appreciate it so much! ROLL TIDE! {75 days and counting…..}
Cindy – Another amazing work of art! Looks great! Looking forward to your entry reveal – have enjoyed seeing your progress reports and it’s coming along wonderfully considering what you started with and all the hardwork (your husband getting all that glue off each stair!), applying all that moulding and your caulking and painting it all!! Geesh, I’m tired just thinking about it!! Congrats on the magazine article featuring your beautiful dining room too!!
Celia
Thank you Celia! The foyer was a much bigger project than we thought it was going to be. So far, no room has been easy! Ha! I’m definitely glad to see the finish line with the foyer…..and hubby is thrilled to be through with it! Thanks so much for commenting!
Hi Cindy! The little chest is so beautiful! I wish you could give us all a class in furniture painting. You are so good at it. Can’t wait to see the foyer reveal. Have a blessed week!
Thank you Susan! I’m going to try and work on a tutorial!
Cindy, do you ever have a class to teach what you know about this kind of painting technique? I’d be there in a heartbeat. Also, where do you find the paints you use? This piece is just stunning!
Hi Kathy! No, I haven’t taught any classes on the painting techniques. I really need to do a tutorial, I usually forget to take photos of the steps once I start painting! I need to work on that. I have used all kinds of paint over the years, and always went back to my favorite, Annie Sloan chalk paint. However, a few months ago I discovered a new paint that I’m crazy about, Pure & Original Classico and Mia Colore Gesso paint {produced by the makers of P&O}. I have to say both of these paints are the best I’ve used in creating these old European finishes. And their color selection is amazing. There are USA dealers for both paint throughout the U.S., and can be found on their websites, or you can order their paints online. Here is the link to the Pure & Original paint: https://www.pureoriginalpaint.com/usa/product-category/classico-paint/
Here’s the link to order the Mia Colore paint:
http://www.miacolorepaint.com/product-category/gesso/
I’ll work on that tutorial!
Your French Chest is absolutely gorgeous! I love it! I can’t wait to see your foyer renovation. Congratulations on your magazine feature!
Thank you so much Shannon!
WOW! Outstanding.
Thank you Alice!
Your little chest is stunning and every one will believe that you picked it up at the Paris Flea!
It’s been a great year for hydrangeas in the south. Keep a drip hose on your bushes during dry times or water daily and they will reward you. Aren’t they fabulous flowers!
Thank you Connie! A wonderful tip on the hydrangeas, will try it!
Love the chest! It looks so good.
Thank you Carole!
What a pretty piece Cindy. Looking forward to the reveal.
Congratulations on the feature!!
Thank you so much Gee!
Cindy, Cindy, Cindy, this piece is so gorgeous and you are certainly a master at furniture painting. I need to try the Efex some time. I can’t wait to see the reveal and congrats again!
Thank you Kim! You should try the Efex mouldings, they are fabulous!
Absolutely love it! The colour is just gorgeous and you have done a wonderful job with the antiquing.
Thank you so much Maryann!
Beautiful!!!
Thank you Debra!