Gustavian Bedside Chest

At first glance this Gustavian bedside chest of drawers looks simply white. But upon closer inspection.....

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Swedish style furniture is a particular favorite of mine. For more Gustavian inspiration see my posts,  Swedish Gustavian Chest,   Swedish Country Style,  and  Country Blue Wardrobe

Complex White

I have had this old chest forever. I’ve considered painting it many times and always backed off. It’s made of  solid walnut and for the most part is pretty sturdy, although there is a sizable split in one of the sides. Still, I love the  geometric style and the original drop pulls. The only changes have been...........

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I love colors that are rich and have depth. For more ideas on how to make a single color complex, see my posts, Why Not Just White?,  Old White and Pastels,  and  Chalk Painted Secretary

Ready for Adventure

Read the complete new post on  Colorways at LeslieStocker.com

If the greens of nature are your favorite colors, see some more ideas in my posts,  In the Mood,  Wearing of the Green, and Color Relationships.

Piero Fornasetti and Annie Sloan

What do Piero Fornasetti and Annie Sloan have in common, you ask? Actually many things.  Besides being talented artists in several mediums, they turned their art into a successful business based on their unique visions, ideas, and products.  Both focused their talents in the interior design, decorative painting and furniture industries.  They both also serve as the inspiration and process for today's post.

Using an image of classical architecture, I traced a simplified outline onto the previously painted chest of drawers from this post. Using the image as reference, Napoleonic Blue Chalk Paint® and a small artists brush, I was able to paint what you see below. I have tried variations on a Fornasetti inspired theme many times before, all disasters. This time I kept it very simple in a primitive style and I think that made a huge difference. The only tricky part was the frame between the drawers. At first I left them empty, but then went back and added a bit to continue the lines. I had removed the knobs, so they weren't really a problem. And the result?  Good enough that I didn't feel compelled to paint it solid blue.

Inspired by Fornasetti, painted with Annie Sloan.

It's a Military Blue

Originally, the plan was to paint this chest of drawers in various shades of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®, Napoleonic Blue. Although I like the blue, it is looking a little bland to me. It needs something more, I'm not sure what exactly. Possibly additional color, or maybe some art or a stencil.... Stay tuned...On Monday I will be back with the next version. And you can decide if you like the results. 

If you love blue as I much as I do, check out my posts, Chinese Apothecary Cabinet where I use a combination of ASCP blues, Country Blue Wardrobe  and how to make a Denim Blue.

Have a lovely weekend,

Leslie