When Less is Best

We see them all the time. Those before/after paint projects when you think, “I liked the before better.” Even worse are those where you say, “I wish they hadn’t painted it all.” Because once it’s painted there’s no going back without the....... Read More

Pine Sideboard

I painted this old pine sideboard several months ago, but never posted about it. It was fairly beat up, and was about to.....Read More

Experiment in Pink

Is there a way to make pink a little less feminine?  I think so and here is how I do it.  I choose a piece with......... Read More

At Your Service

A country pine server or sideboard painted in the weathered wood style with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®. Wash layer of Paris Grey over a base coat of Old White.  Coco accents and Pure White highlights.

For more inspiration on ways to achieve the weathered wood (aka Restoration Hardware finish) see my posts, Restoration Hardware Finish,  Dark into Light   and  Mirror Image

On the Side

Inspiration for today's color palette comes online catalog  Soft Surroundings via Pinterest.. I love the combination of soft neutrals on this vintage style sideboard.  Even a basic used sideboard can be transformed with paint and decorative moldings can be added to create interest.


Using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® start with a coat of French Linen. Over that layer Duck Egg Blue. Add Coco for shadows and Old White for highlights. Next time you consider purchasing a factory made reproduction also consider picking up something secondhand from a consignment  shop or craigslist. Chances are it will be a fraction of the price and you can make it yours with a little paint.
I receive many questions about the techniques I use when working on old furniture. New things are happening behind the scenes at Colorways! A newly designed website will be launched, hopefully this month. One of the new elements will be a series of short videos on how to do the techniques I use: paint layering, washes, color mixing, drybrushing etc. And to start things off there will an exciting contest/giveaway. Look for more details in upcoming posts.

I love consoles and sideboards. For more of my posts on these great serving pieces see,  Country Sideboard,   French Sideboard, and  Country Console

I like Annie Sloan Chalk Paint  for my craft and furniture projects, but for walls nothing compares to Pure & Original Fresco Lime Paint. I love the natural variations of shades and tones the lime creates within one paint color. You have to see how gorgeous it is! Checkout my most recent interior design make overs with Fresco. It can be purchased online at www.502paint.com

P.S  Pure and Original also makes a chalk based paint called Classico in 140 colors! Its amazing too!

A Carl Larsson Pink

This beautiful sideboard reminds me of one my favorite artists, Carl Larsson.  Many of his paintings are used in his books about his home and family in Sweden. This photo was found on Pinterest and serves as the inspiration for my post today. To create a finish with depth and texture, use Annie Sloan Chalk PaintⒸ. Start with Scandinavian Pink and emphasize the details by layering and highlighting them with Primer Red, French Linen, and Old Ochre.

For more Pink inspiration see my posts, Scandinavian Pink over Arles,    Pretty in Pink,  Secretaire Extraordinaire and Country Sideboard.