Friday, September 18, 2015

New Paint Color

Hello everyone!

I recently decided to change the color of a dresser used in my front sitting room.  It was a light blue and I loved it for a while.  I enjoyed the softness of the color and it blended well with the rest of my house.  Here is what it looked like.




But, I was now ready for this piece to go in the opposite direction. (I know I have painted this piece several times already so bear with me.)  This time I went for a bold dark color.  I started to go with black but then after going to the chalk paint store, I changed my mind.  I originally was going to buy graphite ASCP.  Until I saw a piece of furniture in the store painted in a dark charcoal.  I asked the owner of the store what color it was and she explained that it was a custom color by blending half graphite and half french linen.  So, I did just that and this is the color I came up with.


I love this new color!  She sold me a plastic bottle that allows you to mix the colors together and store it properly.  So I have that for the next time I want to use this.  

Here is a close up of the color.


Oops!  I forgot to mention that I used dark wax on this piece.  She said not to use the clear on it first though because it won't turn out the same color as this.  It will be more blueish grey.  



I changed up the accessories on top to better contrast with the new dark color.


Oh and one other thing I bought at her store were these cute painted old books.  


Aren't they neat?  I loved them when I saw them.  They are painted in chalk paint and then stenciled on top!  I never would've thought to do that.  The owner of this store is so clever.  

If you're ever looking for some Annie Sloan chalk paint and supplies (or even Miss Mustard Seed) check out her website.  She sells online and has the lowest prices!

Click HERE to go to the store's website.  It is called Brushstrokes by Maryanne.  

Note:  She did not compensate me for this.  These are just my own opinions.  

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great weekend.

~ Kelly ~

28 comments:

Stacey said...

Kelly, the darker color is moody and beautiful! I absolutely love those books too. I'd love to try to make those.

http://decoratedchaos.blogspot.com said...

oooohhh I love it!

JoAnne said...

I really like it and such a nice contrast with your pretty accessories. I love that lamp and especially the lamp shade - beautiful!

Little Farmstead said...

Your dresser looks great Kelly and I love those old books! ~julie

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

I love the new color! I've used graphite before, but when I used the clear and then dark wax on it it turned into a navy blue color...so I am really happy to learn not to use the clear wax first! Those books are fab too! I am going to have to try it!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Love the bolder color!

Katie Mansfield said...

I love the dark color. Those books are adorable too.

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Kelly I LOVE the dark color...it looks fabulous up against your light walls!

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Almost forgot...pretty vignette too!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

That turned out beautifully, Kelly...and I love the book idea!

Rustic Maple Elizabeth said...

Love the darker colour! I am searching for a wood dresser or buffet to paint a dark grey but no luck yet, well at least not in my price range. Have a great weekend my friend.

Sandy said...

Kelly, I love the new color! Thanks also for the tip about not using clear wax first with this particular color. I've painted several pieces in ASCP graphite and love the color but with clear on first it does take on a navy tone but it is beautiful. I also really love French Linen. The combo of mixing the 2 is a fabulous color. I like the darker color in your room. It adds contrast and interest and of course I always love your accessories. The painted books looks wonderful. What a great idea. My new favorite color of ASCP is Barcelona orange (in very small does for accessories) I have a dark brown chair that I found on the curb while walking and I dry brushed it with ASCP barcelona and am using it on the front porch for fall. I think I've finally mastered the dry brushing technique which adds so much depth to painted pieces.

cynthia lee designs said...

Love the new color you painted it...and I love those books too!!
~Cindy

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Kelly, it looks amazing! The charcoal is so rich. Love the books, too!

Junkchiccottage said...

Kelly love the books and the color is stunning on this piece. Great job.
Kris

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

That color is so on trend now, and for good reason. Looks fabulous against your light walls, and the new accessories really add to the contrasting feel. Cute books too!

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

I love the darker color, Kelly, and the painted books are a genius idea! Now when I want books in a particular color, I'll just paint them! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful weekend.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Great color! How creative those books are.

This N That said...

Nice contrast Kelly..The books are very clever..Easy to do..

Anne's Attic - Design said...

Hi Kelly, I really love the dark gray it really makes your dresser shine. Did you receive your give a way gift? Just want to make sure you got it. Hugs, Jo

Scribbler said...

I do like the darker color -- it looks more anchored. I never would have thought to paint and stencil the covers of old books! Who knew?

Unknown said...

The new darker shade is very striking! I love how it looks with the white pulls and accessories. And it ties in so well with the lettering on your throw pillow. My dining room table has been painted so many different colors it's hard for me to keep track. It's easy to paint when I'm ready for a quick change. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
xo Sally

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Those painted books are so neat! I really like the new color for your dresser. The knobs really pop now and your accessories look great. That lampshade is one of my favorites. :)

chateau chic said...

The darker color provides a nice contrast with everything else in your room. The accessories on top are perfect.
Mary Alice

Art and Sand said...

I love the color!

And, I love the painted books. I pinned the idea and am trying to decide what titles to stencil on them.

An Oasis in the Desert said...

It looked pretty before, Kelly, but it is so much richer looking in the darker color! Those little books are adorable.....I'm thinking "diy craft!"

Christine at Little Brags said...

Kelly I did the exact same thing when painting my window nook. I started out with AS Graphite and it was to dark, I then mixed French Linen and Graphite and it was great....We have the same eye for paint!!! Love your piece and I love contrast so this looks way better in my book!!! XOXOXO

Bliss said...

You can add custom color painter to your resume now. That mix is perfect for your house. What are you going to use it on next?