When My Paint Brush Takes Me To A New Level

Byljanning@dukemanorfarm.com

Ever since my latest paint project here  my confidence with my paint brush is soaring to try new things, to be bold, to be daring, to go places I have never been before.




So I took a chance with my built in shelves in my breakfast area and painted them to “lighten” up the space. This was a fairly daunting project for me, because unlike a piece of furniture that you paint and don’t like the way it turns out, I couldn’t just put a blanket over it and stick it in storage. 



This was a ‘no turning back now’ event and I was making my move during the course of several long days, sweaty palms, contingency planning and the occasional raised eyebrow from my husband . 



And what a move it turned out to be. It turned out better then I expected and created just the look that I had envisioned for this space.



A move I have no regrets making, and would make again if presented with the same situation.

and to hopefully have the same outcome.




Hmmm……. I wonder what’s next?
Click here for the full room reveal.
Are you a risk taker with painting movable furniture or with permanent pieces?
PS- Just for the record. This was the largest piece of “fixed” furniture that I have ever painted and I am sure it will not be the last!
PPS- for this project I used ASCP in Old White ( 2 coats)  and clear wax.


 Grateful for~

A good life 
Lunch with Girlfriends


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Just a gal that loves to share my family, home decor, design and life around here in the country.... on my real life funny farm at Duke Manor

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74 Comments

  11. love, love, love your bookcases! Just gorgeous!

    xox

    ps you have two blogher ads running in your sidebar and they are very distracting because they're flashing/flickering constantly (don't know how else to describe it!) Just thought I'd mention it cause it was hard to focus on your post with all that action in the sidebar. Cheers!

  14. Bob would kill me for even thinking it because ours were just put in two years ago, but I want to paint ours white too. We decided to go with just the stained maple, but I'm changing my mind! I have to bide my time with this one!

  15. I am not a risk taker at all! I am still out on whether or not to paint an old dining room chair for my craft room. My guy is a wood lover and does not "agree" with painting anything! Ever. I guess he has alot of influence over me. I am just in awe at all the bloggers that just pick up a paint brush and paint their kitchen cabinets or whatever. I would have to talk to my hubby for month's if not years to convince him. Only then to never end up painting them. I like what you've done, but I think you were very brave to do it! I'm not brave enough! Good for you!

  16. Perfection. Totally hear you on the reservation about "tweaking" installed furnishings such as bookcases or cabinetry … they represent a huge investment and being permanent, well, you wonder if they will mock you forever 😉 Yours should make you smile forever. I'm currently wrestling with the decision to paint the fireplace surround and some of the new kitchen cabinets; wish me luck!

  17. Laura – Amazing! I love it – did you add the feet to the fronts – they add the perfect finishing touch! I am in the planning stages of painting my oak kitchen cabinets – can you share what paint you used because the finish looks wonderful!

  18. Woohoo!! Love it! I have been a little hesitant to paint my kitchen cabinets because I can't "go back". I'm going for it!! Looks great! Did you use ASCP and wax them?

  20. Fantastic! Love the new look! I've become fearless with a paint brush over the years. The only thing I do is really, really, make sure I don't want to turn back once I've started.

  21. You just gave me courage. Most of our stuff is built in's and because Brawn never intended to ever remove it, it ain't going no where. And it's all stained. I have a big shelving unit I have mentioned painting the past year, but nervous. That and couldn't decide which color would go better, black or white.

    Bliss

  23. This was definitely a successful paint job! The large cabinet is beautiful and I'm sure it not only brightens the room, but also makes your room feel larger.
    Mary Alice

  24. Laura it is beautiful! I really really want to paint our kitchen cabinets. Hoping this will get hubby to agree though I know yours is a built in bookcase. Your case is similar in color to our cabinets.

  25. You did an *ah-MAZING* job, Laura! Your paint brush is exactly what your piece needed to truly reflect your beautiful style! Just look at how it enhances your awesome accessories, too! Great job, friend! And, I don't care if it's bolted to the wall or not, I *ain't skeered* to take a brush to it! LOL

  26. You are really talented. I love reading your blog and seeing your projects; it's inspiring and peaceful all at the same time. I always look forward to your posts. I'm wishing I could do more with the house we live in but it is a Rectory (belongs to the church that I serve as pastor) but it is fun to putter around and change thing up in a 150 yr old Victorian house. Can't wait to see your next project!!

  30. This is gorgeous! I love what white paint can do. You are on a roll now. Go girl! I'd love it if you linked this to my new linky party, "What We've Accomplished Wednesdays." It is live right now.

    Have a great week!
    Deborah

  31. OH MY GOODNESS I LOVE THIS!! LOVE!!

    Sorry, a bit excited there. I can't tell you how much I love seeing this! It looks fantastic!!!

    I am totally inspired to paint my bed now. Thank you!! I've been stalling for 6 years now!

    ~Angela~

  36. Looks great Laura! You really did a fabulous job and the color is just perfect. It made a definite & positive difference in the room!

  37. Laura,
    You're Fearless. A very Gifted one. Congratulations!
    It doesn't even look the same room, after you put the brush down :). Love it!
    I'm not so adventurous – is anyone? ahahah – but you give inspiration and strength to dare a little more.
    Thank you so much for sharing,
    Teresa

  45. That WAS BRAVE! But WOW! It looks fabulous!! I have been toying with the idea of painting a traditional wooden secretary I have in the den, you have convinced me!! I wish you would share your step by step process…
    Jenna

  50. The built in looks lovely! The white is very fresh looking. Looks great with your wood floors too. I liked the wood too so that would have been a tough decision. On a very dated piece I would find it easier to pick up the brush. The little truck and bottle carrier are great little pieces.

  51. I sometimes wish I lived in my old house just to make the changes that we never got to make. Seeing your built ins go from wood to white is amazing. Our last house was wood, wood, wood. If we still lived there, I have seen so many ideas on Pinterest that would fit that house.

    I would love to have a built in like yours in our bedroom.

  54. You did an awesome job!! Congrats! It looks so wonderful, definitely do that again…when presented with option.
    I have some "built-ins" that I am now painting the backs of in French Linen…I love ASCP.
    Stop by for a visit sometime.
    Nancy
    http;//wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

  57. Laura, I swear I thought I was seeing a page out of a magazine. You totally rocked those cabinets. Love, love, love it!!!
    xoxo,
    Kim

  60. I absolutely love what you did. The paint adds such a wonderful elegance to the room. I would love for you to share you post at our WIW linky party. Hope you can join us!

    Paula
    ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

  68. So gorgeous! I am so glad you took the risk because the outcome is perfect. I love the white, it really does freshen up the space. I'm getting ready to paint our kitchen cabinets and this just gave me a lot of motivation 🙂

  71. This is EXACTLY what I want to do with the shelving in our family room! EXACTLY IT!!! I am scared to death to pick up a paint brush to embellish a cookie, let alone an entire bank of shelving!!! You did such a great job!!! I am emboldened to a certain degree now, but still shakin' in my boots. Like you said…you can't just toss a blanket over it or shove it in the garage and chalk it up to an "oops!". I love that you added the little "feet", too. Really makes the shelving look cool! Congratulations on your fantastic feat!!!

  73. I am so encouraged after seeing your painted built in cabinets. I was shocked to see that they were maple wood cabinets before. I have several pieces of wood maple coloured furniture that I just can't part with, but I no longer like that maple country look and like you would prefer a lighter, brighter room. I have so happy that you shared your project, it looks fabulous.

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