More Americana Chalky Decor Paint Makeovers

Sink cabinets before painting

Linen storage cabinets

Given how pleased we were in the difference the china cabinet makeovers and how easy it is to use the Americana Chalky Decor Paint and Wax, I decided to update my guest bathroom. The cabinets were the original finish and have 30 years of wear and tear. This bathroom is an interior room and narrow so it is impossible to get an image of the full room.

I was also inspired by some cabinet makeovers I'd seen on Hometalk where they had added decorative wood appliques to the doors. I found the larger ones at Lowes and the ones for the sink cabinets at Michaels.

ArtMinds Decorative Wood Appliques

Doors with 3 coats of Americana Decor Chalky Paint - Lace

Wood Applique glued to center of door

Medicine Chest

Crackle Detail

Bathroom Upcyle with Decor Chalk Paint

One of the great things about this paint is that you really do not have to sand! I found it actually worked better not to sand.  It takes 3 coats of paint to give the coverage that I liked. American Decor Chalky Finish Paint  dries quickly between coats so you can finish your project in a day or weekend. Once you have the coverage you want, brush on the antique wax and wipe it off. Too dark? Simply spritz with water to wipe off more. Allow wax to dry and either brush or rub on clear wax to seal. I prefer to rub it on with an old sock. Buff with a soft rag and stand back and admire your piece. Want a more distressed look? You can sand either before or after the antique wax coat. I choose not to distress. I'm not sure why, though I think it has something to do with a reaction to the varnish, but the paint on the medicine cabinet crackled. I left it, as I love the crackle look. It was strange that this was the only area that crackled, as all of the cabinets and finishes are the same.

Detail on Linen Cabinet

Antique Birdcage Makeover for Home Office
My friend, Jo Pearson had a fabulous garage sale earlier this year and I picked up a very unusual and large vintage birdcage from her.  

Vintage Birdcage

When I bought it, I wasn't sure where I would use it, but I found a perfect spot when I was planning my home office makeover. I needed to update the color from the federal blue to match my color scheme, Martha Stewart Crafts Vintage Decor Paint in cantaloupe and terra cotta.

Paint Supplies

I wanted to leave the metal bars, as they have a nice aged patina to them, but needed to paint all of the blue - it was a challenge getting into all of the crevices. Luckily the bottom of the cage was removable. You can't see in the picture, but it isn't solid, just wooden bars. I'm saving it for another project.

Painting over the blue

I painted the birdcage with the terra cotta chalk paint and the roof with cantaloupe. I used the antique wax over the whole piece. The roof was stenciled with cantaloupe in a scallop pattern to add more detail.

Stenciling

I dry-brushed cantaloupe on the piece to give it more dimension. It was finished by rubbing a coat of clear wax to seal and protect. 

Vintage Birdcage Upcycle for Home Office

Floor primed

I've been wanting to get rid of the carpet in my studio for ages. I finally took the time off, ripped out the carpet and did a total redo of my studio space. We've been in our house almost 27 years and it was the original carpet and boring off-white wall color. My original plan was to decoupage book pages for the floor (similar to the paper bag floor I did in the hall bath a few years ago), but the floor was way too big and would have taken forever to do.
I thought I would just paint the concrete, but after doing online research, decided that probably wasn't a good option either, given the amount of time I had, tools and experience level. I went to Lowe's and found the answer. 18 x 18 peel & stick linoleum tiles with grout. Who knew you could grout linoleum? It was fairly easy, looks like real ceramic tile for a fraction of the time and cost. A perfect solution.

Starting to add grout

Walls painted

I first painted the walls with Glidden Soothing Green Tea paint. I love this color!

I had Bennie build me another shelf and moved two existing shelves to make room for it. I've taken supplies out of boxes and put them into glass jars where I can easily see what I have. I love my new creative space.

Stereo & Storage

Bead storage on double doors. These hold my semi-precious beads

Found this marvelous twisted branch in OK

New shelves w/glass jars

Making use of space behind door for paints & stamps

Large storage - surplus from manufacturing shop

Boxes on left are glass beads

Pages friends made for me, decoupages on the side of the big unit

I zentangled my ceiling fan blades

New ceiling fan for studio.