Shabby Chic; Volume III

pennib

Thanks Hobson. I took the idea out of a folk book and did it freehand. Havn't got to the varnishing stage yet as I want it to harden off properly. Have you ever antiqued your pieces?

Hobsons_Choice

pennib wrote: »

Thanks Hobson. I took the idea out of a folk book and did it freehand. Havn't got to the varnishing yet as I want it to harden off properly. Have you ever antiqued your pieces?

I used to sand off corners etc to get the "antique" look, but now I prefer it looking less 'used', if you can understand what I mean. I have to watch I don't get carried away sometimes so keep reciting "less is more"!
Looks like you might have a similar book to mine.

pennib

I like to browse through books to get an idea then get a picture in my head what it's supposed to look like and then it goes off in a completely different way! Some of my better mistakes are done like that although I always have a set of complete washouts which have me tearing my hair out!
After varnishing I have then antiqued by smearing with burnt umber or similar colour and then rubbing off but leaving heavier bits in the corners or around knobs. (That was messy and heart in mouth in case there was too much stain left behind) But havn't done that for a few years now.

Hobsons_Choice

I used to follow Jocasta Innes books (Paint Magic etc) religiously in the 90s. Then, like you, I did my own thing and prefer a "clean" look these days.
Fun though, ain't it?

pennib

Jocasta Innes never did anything for me I'm afraid! Yep, it was, and still is fun :0)

danemi1

HELP!!! Aaagh so confused - we are having an extension done - it is for a kitchen - 21 ft 9 by 12 ft 2 two veluxes in the roof and doors at the front with a window and back door in the rear - I love love love shabby chic , laura ashley and cath kidston style - totally and utterly - but am 45 - a young 45 with hubby and two children under 10. I would love to have had painted wooden kitchen units with oak worktop but the budget isnt there for that - so on the opposite end of the spectrum I contemplated going with Ikea white gloss units and was going to do the shabby chic thing with farrow and ball painted walls and accessories - totally different I know but I do get bored easily and I thought I change things around with paint and accessories so thought white was a good back drop and it would keep it lovely and light especially as we have quite a few windows and doors as well. No probs. Half of my heart still liked shabby chic and other half likes the modern twist.


Anyway I know I am waffling here but today we went to our local branch of Jacksons and their ex display sheraton kitchen units are for sale - we liked the edwardian buttermilk with black granite tops but someone pipped us to that one. However we have first refusal on the Sheraton Craftsman Oak - we can still buy new units. It has a length of granite with it a creamy oatmealy one with flecks of naturals and browns in it. We can buy the neff 5 ring induction hob thats with it for 350 should be 900 and there is a neff oven and microwave with it - however we already have a steel neff one so looked around and saw a steam oven and combi microwave and the manager said he couldnt do a direct swap but would if we put a little something to it. The display is pennies under 3k - we want another 4 tall units which are about 700 each and we are going to use the wall units and a couple of base units to make an island. All sounds great but we couldnt afford to get more granite to match but could maybe get some corian - now if the price is right when we go back - what I am trying to say is -

is it too old fashioned or can I make it look shabby chic and a little modern with tiles and flooring and accessories? - the lady said so!!!

oh hell I am not explaining this well - hubby loves it and thinks we are getting an absolute bargain but there is a part of me that worries it may look so old fasioned but if I could do it really shabby chic stle I would love it (I have got floor length sanderson rose and peony curtains in my lounge teamed with burgundy leather sofa and chairs) and although my friends wouldnt have gone for them - they loved them and more importantly I love them now as much as I did 7 years ago when we bought them - I was always sure I wanted them though) I am not 100% certain about these units especially as they are in the showroom teamed with really old yucky wall tiles with a great big chicken on (not a nice one either)I think I will love them but I had convinced myself that I was going with plain white gloss) aaaaghhh anyone sort my mind out for me and reassure me - guess am a little nervous - big outlay

Thanks - really appreciate any input - even if it is get a grip girl!

danemi1

miss_emmajane wrote: »

That looks gorgeous! x

aww thanks love - thats very kind of you - it was a labour of love

chalkysoil

this one? can't see a pic on your post, danemi.

danemi1

thank you - yes - this one - do you think it can be shabby chic mixed with modern - I wish it had black granite top instead of the oatmealy one as I think that would update it

chalkysoil

I love the kitchen units. And oak wears really well, all the dents and scratches just give it character.
I've got white shaker style Ikea units in my offce and they show every fingerprint, and aren't white any more either. One thing really pees me off, white things that go cream or yellow after a few years.