In a post last week I showed a photo of my red chest, click here if you missed it. As I looked at the photo, I just didn’t like the look. I wanted to paint the chest, but still wasn’t sure if I should. So I went to the experts… YOU! I asked on the ranch’s Facebook page if I should paint it.
Over 100 people said in a loud unanimous voice, “NO!!!” Someone even said, “Put down the brush, and step away from the furniture.”
And so, I listened, because I know you know things. You know when I’m on to something, and when I just need to step away. The photo below is the before one.
Honestly I WAS going to paint the chest, but instead, followed YOUR advice.
I found out that you have opinions! Did I mention that I love that about you?
Based on reader suggestions, the first thing I did was to take down the artwork that was distracting from the chest.
Secondly, I changed out the lamp that I think was just making me feel crowded.
I switched out the lamp with two of these. The shades have a lot of red in them, so I thought they would go perfectly. (I had these lamps in my bedroom when it was red.)
These buffet lamps sit higher and don’t block the top of the dresser. I am showing a close-up so you can see that the lamp shades really are red and not orange like they show in the photos with the lights turned on.
The next thing I did, was to paint the mirror. I really liked it without paint, and believe it or not, I really DIDN’T want to paint it, but you were right once again, it just didn’t “GO” here and needed the paint. I used my homemade chalky paint recipe. If you haven’t seen it, you can find it here. I distressed the mirror using wax and sanding, that I also discuss in the same post.
In the end, I have a cleaner, more uniform and less crowded look. I actually tried some different artwork here, but in the end, decided I like the look without it, just simple and plain.
I know I showed this last week, but here’s what the other side of the room looks like. I just ordered headboards for this room, so I am soooo looking forward to doing a post with the new headboard x 3.
Thanks for your help, truly; I mean that French chest is hand-painted, what was I thinking????
Lovely, Anita! I love the chest and the painted mirror is perfect! The lamps are such a wonderful additional too! Can’t wait to see the headboards!
It is interesting how much of a difference a little dressing can do. Changing the accessories has given the chest a whole new look, and it is fab.
There is wisdom in numbers! I am so glad you left this unique and beautiful chest just like it is!
So glad you didn’t paint it! Love the change to the tabletop mirror though!
It is perfect! Love the lamps, the mirror, and the chair next to the chest. Now the chest pops even more. What an eye-catcher!
Whew…that was a close one!
Another gorgeous piece of furniture saved from the paintbrush!!
I think the new look is gorgeous. I agree with the less is more in this case.
I love it red too. It’s a great pop of color to warm up the room!
I am so glad you did not paint it, and I love the mirrors new look!
It looks perfect Anita! SO glad you didn’t paint the chest.
Anita the chest and the way you accessorized it is perfect. What a very special find! Bravo!
I am having an amazing Giveaway of Plush Velvet Pumpkins from Love Feast!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Super cute! Love the three beds all lined up too, love.
Oh that is a beautiful chest Anita, the mirror painted looks great. I LOVE this room, it is just full of yumminess!
it looks lovely!
This is a beautiful chest. Glad you stepped away from painting this piece.
Cynthia
Anita that looks beautiful! Just remember do what YOU like and what makes YOU happy and you can’t go wrong!
xx
Anne
Amazing the difference that made!! Love the two new lamps and the paint on the mirror makes all of the difference in the world.
Judy
The new look is FAB!! Crisp and clean. The little mirror is too adorable with all the distressing.
Can’t wait to see the headboard (x 3)
Cheers, Gee
Wow…huge difference and adorable room! Your red dresser definitely wants center stage…and she’s got it!
I am new to your blog, I jump all around looking at decorating blogs and quilting blogs. What I find interesting is that the “younger” generation paints everything white. I don’t understand this trend. When you look at the images of these all white rooms with chalk paint on every surface it is so dead looking. This is just a personal opinion. I would love to understand why real “wood” is so bad and white paint is so “in”. So in looking at your red chest I was thrilled to see that you didn’t paint it. It really does have character. Thanks for letting me vent. Lizzie
Love love love it! When I saw the red chest before I thought how bold- I’m going to paint something red. The new accessories look great as does the newly painted mirror.
By the way your children are BEAUTIFUL and you are very blessed.
Linda at The French Hen’s Nest
I’m adding your blog as one we love on my home page.
The red chest is really pretty. I would agree that painting it would not have been my choice, either. I always think twice before painting any older furniture. ‘Now following your blog
Oh the horror!!!!! If you had painted this. I think that just might be the most beautiful piece of furniture I’ve seen.
Gloria in Virginia
Anita, I didn’t see this, but I would have given the same advice. The chest is beautiful. I love hand painted pieces! Love the three beds lined up in this room.
I must have missed your post about the red chest as well. I like the new look even if you didn’t paint it
A huge and collective sigh of relief could be heard all through blogdom when you put the brush down and stepped away. The mirror, however was wisked into glory with the little chalkpaint number you did on it. The whole thing just sings your praises now. What a collection! Real keepers!
Liz