Aubusson Blue in the foyer
January 14, 2013
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I’ve shown you our foyer a million times, most recently right around Thanksgiving:
I’ve mentioned once or a hundred times that I wanted to paint that buffet. I am tired of all the black dressers in our house! Thing is, many of them have come from the same source. I bought this one and at least one other from a Craigslist seller. She finds some great pieces and paints them all black.
The one in my office will stay black, just because I love it so very much as is. This one in the foyer just needed something, especially right by that black front door.
So something it got…in the form of Aubusson Blue chalk paint:
I have loved this color from the first time I saw it last year and knew I wanted to use it in my house somewhere. I’m pretty much obsessed with deep, rich blues right now. Which is funny because five years ago you couldn’t find blue anywhere around here.
The great thing about chalk paint is the no sanding/no priming part. I did sand this down a bit though, because the paint was really rough in some spots -- it’s always bothered me:
I hate sanding but I did it super fast – like two minutes for the whole piece – just the spots that felt rough on the doors and drawer fronts.
After a wipe down, I was ready to go and was super excited to see how well the paint went on:
I realized pretty quick I was going to get away with just one coat and I was stoked! Whoo!! Thing is, I wasn’t perfect about it – I didn’t mind seeing a hint of the black coming through. That was my goal really. I did a good coat, and if I was a perfectionist I would have gone back for another, but I’m not. So I didn’t. :)
I decided to rough up the top with sandpaper too, because I keep a lot of my tools in this dresser and I am not gentle to the top of it:
I figured a quick sanding never hurts. I did just one coat of the blue on the top too. I was thinking of some fun way to do the dresser – maybe two tone, maybe sanding down the top and staining it…but I just wanted this done and really? I’m just a simple girl at heart. Paint it and done.
Well, paint it and then wax it that is. I have tried both the Annie Sloan and CeCe Caldwell wax and I like the latter just a bit more –- it’s just a tad lighter and easier to work with in my opinion.
I wiped it on (like I showed you here) and then buffed it off well – but I think too well. The top is still chalky when stuff hits it so I need at least one more good coat. I’m always afraid to leave any kind of film for fear it won’t dry well, so I take a lot off.
Here’s the deal. This chalk paint stuff is expensive. But get this…it lasts forEVER. And I can promise you there is NO way I would have been able to cover something like this with one coat in regular latex. Just no way.
Here’s proof that it lasts forever – this is all I used:
You can compare that to the pic of the new paint can above. Go ahead. I’ll wait.
Crazy eh? So in my mind, the ease of use (no primer) and the great coverage makes it worth it to me to splurge every once and a while. Now I just need to decide what else I’m painting this color! :)
I absolutely ADORE how it came out:
It’s fun and pretty and I love it in the foyer – it makes me happy that visitors will see this first thing when the walk in!
I did quite a bit of distressing, just so it didn’t look perfect – cause things don’t stay perfect around here anyway so I just helped it along. I just did the edges and raised parts with some sand paper – the areas that normally get wear over time.
I pulled from all over the house to accessorize:
I want to redo that whole gallery above the dresser, but it’s funny how well that blue ties in to the art above. I did a super fast coat of the blue on the bottom frame to ground that a little bit too.
And I love that it ties in to our DIY art in the reflection:
So pretty!! I just love how it turned out!
Now…onto the tile in the foyer! I’m more determined to replace that now more than ever.
Doesn’t it look like spring to you? It does me:
Mother Nature is determined to remind us it’s a long way off though – it is absolutely freezing here today!
Again, here are the details on this project:
Color/paint: Aubusson Blue, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
Protective wax: CeCe Caldwell clear wax
Painted with a wide angled brush.
You can see my other chalk paint adventures here and here!
So are you a chalk paint fan? Have you made your own? I’m still wanting to try that out too.
Oh my, love this color. I have been thinking about painting a piece in my office, and I think this might be the color! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteLOVE it!!! It looks amazing with the blue, and I like the way all the colors in your foyer mix together. :)
ReplyDeleteI love chalk paint - ASCP, CeCe, Fat Paint and homemade. Quick, easy cleanup, easy 'wearing', waxing and done. Love the blue in your entry. Very spring.
ReplyDeleteJoy
That is a GREAT color. Love it with the green.
ReplyDeletelove!!!! will this paint work on any kind of "wood"? or does it have to be solid. I want to repaint my bedroom furniture.
ReplyDeleteThat is my absolute favorite color in the ASCP line. I have painted many things with it! One of my first posts was a dresser I painted with it that resides in my study.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty
Nancy
I'm not usually a fan of blue but that is a gorgeous color!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that you said you want to change the flooring - when I got to the 'after' photo the first thing I noticed was how different that color made your floors look (even scrolled back to be sure). Whatever you choose will be stunning no doubt. I'm coining a new term from this - Urban Beach - because it does feel refreshing but not in a sand between my toes kinda way (which is good!). ~ Dee @deeconstructed.com
ReplyDeleteI just bought this color on Friday and can't wait to try it out!! Your dresser looks awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! I didn't realize that you could re-do wood in chalk paint. I will have to keep that in mind. We just got a table and chairs off of Craigslist that I have big plans for, but I was going to use enamel based paint. I will have to think about this idea!
ReplyDeleteI love that shade of blue! It goes so nicely with the green, beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm normally a pastel girl, but I'm loving this piece. It looks so much better blue than the black it was before. You did a good job on picking out the perfect color!
ReplyDeleteI haven't used that color yet, but now I might have to. In your opinion you think the CeCe Caldwell wax is better than Annie Sloan wax? Does it go on better? If so I might have to get some.
ReplyDeleteWonderful colors and love how it all coordinates!!
It looks GREAT! I love it! You have the BEST projects ever. Come to my house..? : )
ReplyDeleteKayla
www.lovelucygirl.com
LOVE LOVE LOVE that color! I think this is the perfect choice for the dresser in my master bedroom that's begging to be painted!
ReplyDeleteSarah
LOVE it!!! What an amazing transformation! I loved it in black, I did, but oh my, this is just gorg! Have a great week Sarah.
ReplyDeleteI loooove that shade of blue- I can not get over how little paint it took and how rich the color came out!! also, I'm loving that little wire bird cage thing too :)
ReplyDeleteLove your furniture transformation! Looks fabulous! Nice shade of blue. I have been busy painting my daughter's bedroom furniture white and need to take pics to post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Lisa
ABSOLUTELY love the way the dresser turned out! Off the subject I am trying to style me sofa table. I noticed your plant. Is it real or artificial? I want to incorporate some greenery but not sure which to use! Thanks! And great job again!!!
ReplyDeleteHeavens to Betsy that is gorgeous!!! You have such great taste!!! I love that color!!!
ReplyDeletei normally dont like blue but that blue look gorgeous
ReplyDeleteAubusson Blue is the latest can I bought and I am loving it--so rich and wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely *ADORE* this Sarah! The colour is fabulous and you have it styled so perfectly! Totally love this and it looks so beautiful in your home! Happy New Year and have a lovely week! Angie xo
ReplyDeleteI love the blue and it plays so nicely with the green mirror above.
ReplyDeleteLove the new color and it looks beautiful with the coastal paintings.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Aubusson Blue, I did a server back in the fall in that colour, and I was inspired by the blues I had seen in Paris. Aubusson blue was a perfect match to what I had in mind.
ReplyDeleteI love how you accessorized the whole thing with the green, like the mirror frame and the books in the cage, classic yet contemporary. Well done Sarah!
Nicole
It looks awesome! That color is perfect in there. I have made chalk paint, the recipe with grout, paint and water. It works really well, but I wouldn't use it very often as it is super chalky and flakes off pretty easily. I haven't worked a ton with it, but that was my first impression. It would be great for frames and other items that won't get a lot of wear and tear.
ReplyDeleteLove that color!! What a great pop of color for your entry, and it blends beautifully with your artwork - bonus!
ReplyDeleteI haven't yet tried chalk paint, but it's on my list of to-do's! I had to giggle at your comment about not having blue in your house five years ago - I was the same way. Now I can't get enough of it - I have blue all over the place! I just can't stop being drawn to the blue hues!!
Love that color! I suddenly have tons of blue in my house where I had almost none until recently, too. And I love the green mirror with that blue, too.
ReplyDeleteLove this!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to let you know that everytime I try to read your blog in Google Reader, when I click it comes up as a virus trying to attack my computer. So I now have to access your blog through Google search. I should note that it doesn't happen when I click on the other blogs I read in Reader.
Thought you should know, not sure if it is a system thing or my computer but its strange that it only does that for your blog.
I miss seeing your posts bc I am usually too lazy to go to Google.
Yes, I know.
I will subscribe.
:)
I wasn't sure about the blue until I saw it all pulled together. Looks great!
ReplyDeleteSuch a perfect way to welcome all who enter your home, with COLOR! Love this shade of blue too!
ReplyDeleteVery nice colour Sarah :)
ReplyDeleteThe dresser looks amazing and I love that blue! A tip regarding the wax. Try SC Johnson paste wax. Works just as well and it's about $7 from the hardware store. You can't beat that savings!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I fell in love with this color the moment I saw it. The transformation is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful! Love the color. I have a dresser painted in a similar color but it isn't chalk paint. I really like the look of this one though!
ReplyDelete-Erin @ DIY On the Cheap
LOVE it!!! Looks amazing! I've been stewing over how to redo some nesting tables and I think you just gave me my answer! Woot!
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing - love it! I get the virus message too when clicking on your blog. It says my AVG contained the virus. Then I have to click out of your blog, then click back again and it will go that time. The only other blog I get the same message from is The Nester. It has happened for about a week. Today was the first time it didn't happen.
ReplyDeleteHey Kari! A few blogs are having this problem -- it's with the browser, not the blogs, thankfully. If you clear your cache it should take care of it! I know that's a pain but it seems to work. :)
ReplyDeleteI have heard so many times how great AS is, and this just proves it. One coat for that black piece and yes, I scrolled up to see the other can right before I read to. Amazing. I am going to have to get some after all. Love the blue.
ReplyDeleteWhat a big difference. Brightens up the entire room. Oh, bty, I have that exact lampshade and love it!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah! I'm so excited you just did another post on the chalk paint, it looks awesome! I am in the process of redoing my front room and need to paint an end table, chair, and lamp. I purchased a table painted with the ASCP and love it. :) Now I just need to decide which color to paint the rest. I'm so glad to see it's so easy to work with!! :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this color, Sarah! I haven't tried it on a big piece yet, but now you've inspired me! Thanks for sharing ~ xo Heidi
ReplyDeleteI simply adore that color of blue, too! However, instead of a furniture piece I bought a pair of slacks that color over the holidays - they called the color "London Blue." Hubby thought I was crazy until he saw them on me accessorized with a black jacket, now he loves them. Now that I've seen your dresser, I'm over the moon! What will he think if I start painting things that color, too? We'll have to wait and see!
ReplyDeleteOooooh I like this color! My ASCP sample sheet just doesn't do those colors justice. I've done 2 pieces in chalk paint and am itching to get at a third piece but have been hesitant on my color choice. I think you just solved my dilemma!
ReplyDeleteI'm totally into blues in general. It started with a soft beach-y blue, then morphed to turquoise, and now I'm loving the darker blues. Have been planning a dark blue furniture project myself. I'm more of a glossy paint girl, so I'll pass up the chalk paint. Love how the blue livens up your entry, and how it ties in so well with your artwork. Great choice!
ReplyDeleteLove that color! It looks gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThe transformation is awesome and such a great color! I've been wanting to paint a buffet that I have but the doors already close tightly and I'm worried that painting a coat of paint on it will cause the paint to scratch off over time or that the doors won't close. Would I just sand down the doors enough to give it some wiggle room before painting? I like the fact that this kind of paint goes on in one coat. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteUm yes. It looks amazing. The whole setup.
ReplyDeleteHey, so I've been thinking about jumping on the chalk paint bandwagon, but I read something the other day about fingerprints leaving nasty greasy marks that are impossible to remove. Have you had issues with that at all? Or maybe a good coat of the wax takes care of the problem?
With three kids, greasy fingerprints are unavoidable, but at least with regular paint, they can be cleaned up.
This is absolutely gorgeous! I love this color blue and how it goes with that green frame. I can't wait until I have a house to decorate!
ReplyDeleteI thought the dresser looked nice before but now it's even better. Such a gorgeous blue and it goes so well with that mirror.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info on the chalk paint. I see Annie Sloan talked about all the time but since I've never really painted anything, I didn't know what all the fuss was about.
I've painted several pieces of furniture but have never tried chalk paint. I'm itching to try it now! It looks awesome.
ReplyDeleteLove the pop of blue - it's gorgeous! (But I also liked the black...I wasn't the one living with it, but it was very timeless and elegant from my virtual "visits" to your home!)
ReplyDeleteWill the wax coating make it hard(er) when you want to swap out colors again?
Thanks!
Terry @ Domesticated Dilettante
You did a fantastic job! I'm obsessed with that color blue!
ReplyDeleteThat color is absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI've been visiting you for a few years, and don't comment often, but MUST tell you how lovely this is! I'm not normally a blue fan (in decor), I even panicked a little at the thought of "defacing" your perfect-in-that-spot black buffet. But, you have made me see the (blue) light!! What a GORGEOUS vignette, and INSPIRED transformation! I'm off to drive 35 miles to buy some ASCP. ;-)
ReplyDeleteJust Purchased some the other day and waiting for its arrival! cant wait to try! thank for posting I am now totally inspired. BTW I love your site and your home.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! I just bought a sample jar of this color. I was thinking it's such a pretty color and I'm surprised more people don't use it! Your buffet turned out beautiful. Gorgeous color.
ReplyDelete-Colleen
www.58waterstreet.blogspot.com
I love the combination of the dark blue and springy green! It's so unique and fresh. I've been wanting to use chalk paint on something forever, but I just haven't found any furniture that needs painting. At the first sign of scratches on a piece of furniture, it's on!
ReplyDeleteI love it! It's such a nice color. I too like the distressed look...it definitely helps to camouflage little imperfections that happen over time. That's also why I like a light layer of glaze too (helps hide dirt haha).
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with this color the second I saw it too last spring! I bought it and have since painted exactly one frame with it. My MIL just gave me a beautiful dresser for Christmas that is sitting in my foyer too awaiting a makeover. I've been gathering samples and ideas but you just inspired me to use what I already have onhand! So beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteDid you use a quart or a gallon of the paint? It looks like a quart to me, but my husband said there is no way you used that little of paint on the dresser! It looks great!
ReplyDeleteWow, I love the knew color! You may not like your tile, but I think it looks really good with this paint color. Or at least on my monitor! :)
ReplyDelete*new... I hate typos!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else - gorgeous color! I can't help trying to read the titles of the books in the little cage. I always want to know what old books people have.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty color! It does add a new dimension to your foyer area.
ReplyDeleteI have not yet tried either ASCP or CeCe Caldwell's. I have made my own chalk paint and have liked the results. But call me nuts, when I paint an item I want it to look fresh and new annnnnnnd...not distressed.
It turned out so pretty! I love that color!
ReplyDeleteBlack is good, blue is better!!
ReplyDeleteGreat job Sarah! You always make it look quick and easy.
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous color! It looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteLove this! The color turned out perfect, and it goes so well with the green frame, so spring. I have a love/hate relationship with chalk paint, love that there is no sanding and priming, but hate the wax, plus, I find that it marks way too easily. I recently used BM Regal line in Matte, it goes on like chalk paint, and drieS beautifully, without wax or any other protective coat, plus, it's way cheaper then chalk paint.
ReplyDeleteAwesome job, Sarah! It's the perfect pop of color in your entryway. And you're right-- it goes well with the gallery above.
ReplyDeleteI've had a quart of ASCP waiting on me since September but I'm being a big chicken about painting with it. Maybe I'll take the leap by this September.
Soooo pretty. I am like you -- I didn't have a hint of blue in my house until recently. I recently used ASCP for the first time. Now I think I know what my next color purchase might be! :)
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome! I love how it turned out. The color is so fresh and looks great in your entry.
ReplyDeleteI painted my coffee table in Aubusson blue last year, but used dark wax over it to tone down the color (I have gray/blue walls in my living room, so the bright was a little too much). I could go nuts with this color!! If you want to take a look, check out this link http://lilacsandlonghorns.blogspot.com/p/diy-projects.html I LOVE Annie Sloan paint...have sooo many projects I'd like to do!
BTW...I have made my own chalk paint with plaster of paris before...it's really chalk BOARD paint and not at all like ASCP. If there's a formula for something like ASCP I haven't tried it. Also...thanks for the info about CeCe's wax...that's good to know. I almost bought some of her paint the other day but then decided against it. Now I just might go back and try some! :)
ReplyDelete@TDC do you think the black base influenced the color blue that you ended up with? I ask because I want to use this same color on my office kitchen cabinets which are currently oak but I'd like to end up with a result closer to what you have here. What do you think? Should I use a dark priming color first?
ReplyDeleteGood question -- I don't think it made a big difference because the paint is so saturated. You could always just paint some on and see how it covers and then decide. But I don't think you'll need a primer. Good luck!
DeleteWhere can I get the Annie Sloan chalk paint?
ReplyDeleteYou have to look online to find shops that carry it or I believe you can order online.
DeleteDoes anyone know of a similar color in a non chalk paint? :)
ReplyDelete