All New Shabby Chic Thread!

emg

Shelley3774 wrote: »

Has anyone used the Homebase Sanctuary Eggshell, Laura Ashley Eggshell or even the Crown version? Ta x

I used the Crown period eggshell on this sideboard...

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=34038561&postcount=2226

and was really happy with it. I havent ever used F+B (although I always look out for it on B+Qs 'oops' shelf) so cant compare them. I suspect the more expensive paint is probably a bit nicer but found the crown paint to be a reasonable alternative.

Shelley3774

Wow Emg that sideboard looks fantastic :jI will definitely try the crown paint now. Thanks x

cmazza

Have you ladies seen the Laura Ashley competition.

http://competitions.lauraashley.com/

shirlgirl2004

emzeebabez wrote: »

ello

Well.. i got some easy sand from b and q and have tried it on my mahogany nest tables.. not sure if im doing it wrong or if im expecting something different to happen? I havnt really noticed a difference.. I was kinda thinking it would be stripped back? I'm about to put a pic on my blog(link on my homepage) of the tables, so if anyone has any advice i really appreciate it

Don't worry it doesn't look any different but it does work. I used it on something that was dirty and had a few flecks of old paint splashes and it took it all off. I think if what you have is in pretty good condition you just can't see it has worked. I have used it on things in good condition and the paint still takes. Paint away

shirlgirl2004

cmazza wrote: »

Have you ladies seen the Laura Ashley competition.

http://competitions.lauraashley.com/

Way beyond me, I have no imagination but there are a few on this thread that could do a fab mood board.

Keiss_21

Have taken ages to catch up as haven't been on MSE since last week.

Fantastic furniture finds, and marvellous make-overs...oooh hark at the alliteration!!

At last got the camera sorted and so can post piccies of my finds and make overs.

Here is a unit I was given by my lovely neighbour before she went into a home:




I have always loved it, but love it even more now:



And now to the amazing find I got today!!



I only saw it in the SH shop this morning, and they delivered this afternoon...no chance to change my mind then! I can't wait to make my first batch of bread on it!!!

I managed to clean the marble top quite a bit as there were a lot of brown marks as well as quite a bit of grime. It has still quite a few marks left, so I might some "proper" stuff to give it a thorough clean, since the main reason for getting it is to make bread.

I never dreamed I would find anything marble-topped that was affordable. This unit cost me £75, much cheaper then anything else I have seen. It is a bit low, so either DH can "add legs" or (and easier!) raise the top by adding some thick wood (another worktop would be good methinks) underneath the marble....and yes, I did consult him before buying it!! It will live in the middle of the kitchen as an island unit, providing much needed storage and worktop space.

Tomorrow I will get my boys to remove the top (and store carefully!!) before taking the base down to the shed to get cleaned, sanded, cleaned again and then painted. It is white atm, but I will paint it Barley White (Dulux) to match the other unit shown above, as well as all the other cream Ikea units. I will prime the back before painting as it is still bare wood. I think I will get a steel rail to go along the back to hang towels on. Still not sure what DH is planning on doing, but if I get started with the prep, then there will be less to do, once he has made up his mind. Mind you, I have to decide what height I want first!!

It is really amazing how my ramshackle, cluttered kitchen is suddenly beginning to look organized, and dare I say...a bit smart!!!

Will post piccies once I have finished the painting and cleaning.

Sorry for such a long post...but I had to tell someone about my marble-topped unit!!

shirlgirl2004

Looks lovely but call me tight £75.:eek: Think I've spent too long on MSE I would never have thought that was a lot of money pre MSE.

tiff

Thats fab! You could also try putting casters on the bottom to give it height. Its so much more fun "finding" furniture and doing something with it than buying new.

Keiss_21

The new units we were looking at (with wooden worktops) were all in the £200 plus bracket....and marble...well, the marble alone at B&Q would cost you over £300!!! £75 is sooooo much better!!!

Keiss_21

tiff wrote: »

Thats fab! You could also try putting casters on the bottom to give it height. Its so much more fun "finding" furniture and doing something with it than buying new.

Now there's a great idea!!! Then when/if we need to move it it will be easy!! The marble is quite heavy, needs two to lift it!! I would get lockable castors ofcourse, don't want it running away when I'm kneading!!!