Monday, July 23, 2012

My kingdom for an Empire

I didn't pay much attention to furniture styles before I started painting. I was muuuch too busy keeping track of new boutique handbag and shoe designers. It was important work at the time, but now I could care less. Who'd a thunk?

So, in purchasing old furniture I discovered the empire style. Be still, my heart! I'm head over heels. Love those curvacious legs! Love the solid structure. Love the clean lines.

 I lust after an empire buffet. I missed one on craigslist about a month ago and I'm still not over the disappointment. It's made me all the more obsessed.
Either of the two pieces below would do fine, thank you. Even though one's a chest of drawers. I can overlook that.


But sometimes luck strikes. I found this little empire desk because I ran for cover during a freak downpour. It was under a canopy behind a flea market, hidden. MINE!

Sadly, this Stout Little Bugger, as my husband calls it, had to go to the booth. There is no room at the inn.

The 'before' glamor shot.

Looks too good to paint, doesn't it? Close up you can see the signs of being out in the weather. I decided to leave the desk rustic and did dry brush painting to keep that rustic feel.


It was a departure for me, using the silver, but I liked it with my mish-mash home brewed green. The silver is craft paint and the black is Benjamin Moore Aura flat. It was finished with clear wax.

I'm considering doing a chair to match. I think I have the right one buried in the very back of my storage room. Pretty sure that's where it is. Heavy on the 'buried.'  sigh

Another sneak peek!

8 comments:

  1. I love your blog and I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger award. You can find out more at my blog:
    http://www.whimsicalperspective.com/2012/07/i-would-like-to-thank-academythe.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. Absolutley Fabulous!!!
    Great transformation!!
    (my 1st time here... I will be back...stopping by from MMS )

    ReplyDelete
  3. As usual....you brought it! Love the finish on this piece. I have been working with a metallic silver paint these past few months & I have to say, I'm kind of lovin' the effect it gives to the right pieces. This one is beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh you bad rabbit you, what a gorgeous piece it is now! You truly amaze me. I have never used metallic paint, but me thinks it looks good on this piece. Absolutely beautiful, you go girl! So glad you shared your creative inspiration with Sunday’s Best – your creativity helped make the party a success!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Came over from Primp. He is all dressed up for a visit to the Queen! Love the unusual color palette - it suits him!

    Distressed Donna Down Home

    ReplyDelete
  6. So diggin' this little table! The colors, detail, fit together perfectly.
    I stopped by to see if you had "dove (dived??)" in to the milk paint yet. You left a comment on my cobalt dresser a few weeks back. Wanted to see what you created!! Beth

    ReplyDelete
  7. Another beautiful makeover! You're SO good with paint! I love empire style too!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the way you paint since it's what I do too and love your whimsical style. I just subscribed.

    ReplyDelete