French Armoire in the Study
Many of you have asked about the pretty French armoire in the study.
She’s a pretty little thing in a nice petite size. When it arrived almost a year ago, I originally used it in the master bedroom.
But in the back of my mind, I knew that it was going to be the perfect piece to use in the study to hide my wireless printer and extra supplies.
Here’s a picture of it in the master bedroom.
Once the renovation was completed, we moved the armoire into the study and it fit perfectly, not only in the space, but also in style.
What didn’t work, however, was the color.
It was a very pretty verdigris green color, and while I liked this color, it just didn’t work in this room. So out came the paint!
My absolute favorite paint for achieving a frenchy European feel, is Pure & Original Classico paint.
They have such a gorgeous selection of true European colors, and for this makeover, I chose the colors Pebble Stone, Lagoon Water, Blue Stone, and Sea Salt.
The key to getting a finish with an authentic antique look, is to layer complimenting colors. This creates a depth that just can’t be achieved with a one coat color.
I started with my base color of Pebble Stone. This is such a pretty gray and pairs well with the other blues in the room.
This paint is so silky and it’s a dream to work with. I know I’ve told you this before, but it’s the texture of silky pudding.
Sometimes I like to add a little bit of “roughness” or “thickness” in areas to replicate century old layers of paint, and it’s really easy to do with P&O paint.
It has so much body that I can dab thick layers on and it will dry without dripping, leaving lots of wonderful texture.
I didn’t have to do it with this piece however, because it already had textured areas in the original finish.
After the base coat dried, I added highlights, using a dry brush technique, with the color Lagoon Water.
A dry bush technique is simply dipping your brush in the paint, wiping all of the excess off, and then very lightly highlighting the edges and raised areas.
This armoire had such pretty details, that I wanted to bring those out a bit more, so I used the color Sea Salt to go over them.
The door and side panels had gorgeous carved detail and I used Sea Salt in the recessed areas, as well as Blue Stone, which is one of my favorite blues.
It’s a wonderful gray blue.
This paint dries very quickly so I was able to paint this all in one day.
Adding glaze or a dark wax can really make a big difference in how much depth a piece has, and it can also age a piece very nicely, giving it that century old look.
I personally find dark wax to be difficult to work with. It’s really easy to get a project too dark, so I always antique a piece with my homemade glaze, which is simply acrylic artist’s paint in color burnt umber.
It’s water based so it’s easy to control how much or how little you add. If you get too much, just take a damp cloth and wipe it off.
I always dilute a small amount in a container, with just a tiny bit of water until it’s the consistency of milk. I also use a small 1” wide artist’s brush, and usually only add the glaze to the nooks, crannies, and details. Brush on, wipe back.
Use it anywhere that you want a little bit of aging.
After the glaze dried, I finished it with clear wax.
I used P&O’s new liquid wax. I have to tell you, I am obsessed with this wax, It is so easy to use, just brush it on or rub it on with a soft cloth. Let it dry (it dries quickly), and then buff with a soft cloth. It leaves a beautiful soft sheen.
With the Classico paints, it’s not necessary to finish with the wax, as it will dry to a soft matte finish. I just happen to love the soft sheen that a waxed finish gives.
As you can see, I didn’t paint the inside of the armoire. I rarely paint the insides or backs of pieces, unless they are going to be seen, and in this case, I will be the only one seeing it.
This pretty French armoire now fits in perfectly in the study.
My ugly printer and supplies can be hidden in french style!
Cheers,
Cindy
Hi Cindy! Youve definitely got a gift for painting furniture! The armoire turned out beautifully! I was perusing Pinterest last night, looking for inspiration, and all the things I kept clicking on were all photos of your home, lol! We definitely like a lot of the same things. I love all your painted pieces, recovered pieces, and of course your sheep, crowns and Santos. Those are all things I love dearly. I’m going to have to give this furniture painting a go! Thanks for the great post! You have a great weekend!
Thank you, Shelia!
Hi, Cindy! Do you happen to remember where you purchased this beautiful armoire (or was it an antique or thrift store find)?
Thanks, Amy
Hi Amy! The armoire came from Soft Surroundings, however they no longer have it available.
Stunning! Your have a carefree French style that is so comfortable and inviting!
Thank you so much, Annette!
I love that you hid the printer inside this armoire, what a great idea. Mine is exposed in my office studio now. The armoire came out great Cindy!
Thank you, Amy!
Nice and perfect combinations are used for the painting. Thanks for the nice ideas!
LOVE your work! Can any one buy the P & O Paint? Having trouble getting into their website. I agree with you, don’t like the dark was. Going to start using the burnt umber.
Thank you, Beez! Yes, anyone can buy the P & O paint! Try this link: https://www.pureoriginalusa.com/online-store/Classico-c22593197
Pure and Original has a great product line! We have used their paints in the past for many of their projects. The paint is like silk.
Cindy,you make this look so easy. I have a gate-leg drop-leaf table that I’m seriously considering using this paint. My biggest problem is the color choices.
You can do it, Sue! Pure & Original has so many wonderful European colors, it is definitely hard to decide.
Cindy, it looks better with your paint job!!
Thanks, Kim! The green was pretty but it just didn’t work in this room. I’m so happy with the new finish!
I thought I was the only one to use acrylic burnt umber to create depth and age furniture. It is so easy! I love this piece, before and after.
Thanks, Maggie!
This transformation turned out gorgeous Cindy, I like it even better then the original color it came in…lol…you did an amazing job on your petite French cabinet. It looks great in your pretty office space. Hope you have a great day.
Smiles~
Mari
Thank you, sweet Mari! I am loving this color so much more!
It looks amazing and I really love the new finish! It’s perfect for this space. You do a fantastic job painting and creating authentic looking aged pieces! I need to try this paint and thanks for the tip about creating your own alternative to dark wax!
You’re welcome, Sandy! Thanks so much for commenting!
Beautiful! You do a great job on your pieces! I swoon every time I see that chandy, gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Nancy!
Beautiful new look to that armoire, Cindy! I liked it when you first got it too. Another reason for me to try P&O paint. I first looked into it when you did that wall in your kitchen last year. Lovely colors!!
Celia
Thank you, Celia!
I luved this armoire when you showcased it a year ago. But wow!!! You truly made it more beautiful. Glad to know I am not the only one who relies on good old burnt umber for aging. The artist in me still finds it easiest to work with. My failsafe Popping on the paint page to peek….
Big hugs! Gee
Thanks, Gee!
So pretty!
Thank you,Debbie!
I love the transformation of this armoire!! As always, you did a magnificent job. Thanks so much sharing how you achieved this beautiful look. I am assuming that you can order this paint on-line. Have a great day Cindy!
Thank you, Shirley! Yes, the paint can be ordered online and shipped right to your door!