Well, we managed to check everything off our to-do list the other day…
After that, we moved onto the closet doors, and then painted and waxed our bedside tables:
We painted the closet doors “Orchard” by Para Paints. They don’t sell it in the U.S., but a sweet gal named Ashley was kind enough to mail us a sample card from Canada, and we had it colored matched. (Thank you so much, Ashley!)
(PS- I’ll include the formula we used in our room reveal post.)
We painted the bedside tabletops in “Moonlight White” (Benjamin Moore) to match the rest of the trim in the room. I wanted to use oil-based paint because it’s more durable than latex, but apparently oil-based paint yellows over time, and I definitely didn’t want that to happen. We ended up getting it mixed at Sherwin Williams in their Pro Classic line, in a semi-gloss finish. It dries into a super durable, enamel-like finish, and I’m really happy with how they turned out.
Since the surface of our bedside tables were made from leftover MDF, the “cord holes” (for the wall sconces we’re using) ended up being kind of rough around the edges. I placed an order for two (dark bronze) metal grommets to pop down in them from Mockett.com this morning…
…and I’m anxious to see what those will look like once they get here. Hopefully they’ll clean everything right up!
I coated our old corbels with Annie Sloan’s soft wax…
It came from my friend Shaunna’s Chalk Paint shop:
And speaking of chalk paint, I’m in the middle of painting Kev’s new desk with Annie Sloan’s “Graphite” chalk paint right now…
When I’m finished, I’ll coat it with some clear wax, then put on some dark wax to give it more of an aged look. Wish me luck- I’ve never excelled at applying layered finishes like these, and I really don’t want to mess this one up. If all goes well, I’ll be back with a post about my mister’s desk soon!
Looks great! I love the grommet idea.
Can’t wait to see how the desk turns out. I think I must be the last person on earth who hasn’t tried ASCP :p
Thanks, Lisa! I’m nervous about the application process, but I’m hoping it all turns out okay! 😀
Nope, you aren’t the last…but, it’s on my list!
Looking beautiful! Can’t wait to see the whole room! I just bought some chalk paint from Shaunna and can’t wait to try it out.
Thanks, Michele! Happy painting! 😀
Gorgeous! I love the details already (those corbels..WOW!) and the paint colors are perfect! I’m getting ready to wax my first bureau project this week… Eek!
You jumped through some hoops to get Sarah’s paint color! I can’t wait for the recipe! I’ve been in love with color since I saw her doors, too! Your room is coming together beautifully. Stamp that DONE!
I *Love* the red. Perfect punch with a perfect color. But, what really rocked my socks off was the mini table….cord holes and corbels….YES it is the little things that make one’s heart sing. You just never run out of inspiring ideas.
Best wishes with the desk…and may you have An Extraordinary Independence Day!!
Love watching your progress! Keep sharing! I really would love to know where you found your narrow closet doors. We are renovating & with our open concept we are going to be challenged for storage. I love these funny closets. Great paint choice! Jealous….
It looks so good, I love the colors. Everything you and Kevin do always look so awesome!!
Oh my gawd!! This room is turning out fantastic! But then again, I didn’t expect anything less! ;o)
Girl, you have some magic swirling in that pretty little head of yours!
Happy 4th to you both! Can’t wait to see the desk!
Mary
It’s looking so lovely and I really love the colour you picked for the closet doors! 🙂
Okay….auto correct on my phone apparently thinks your closets are funny:) I would like to correct my previous comment…I think they are very charming!
I love Sarah Richardson’s designs! She is so my style when she does the cottage type designs. I didn’t know she had her own paint line. Wish US companies would carry her line.
You should paint the dark L – bracket on the shelf behind the beautiful wooden corbel the same color as the wall. That way it will blend in more. Even if a curtain will be covering it. Easy Peasy!
I’m sure you have plans for that already. The room is looking great & I can’t wait to see it finished.
Liz
Thanks, Liz! 🙂 I thought about painting that L-bracket, but I think it’ll be completely hidden by the bed, so I’m going to wait and see about that before I break out the Roycroft Mist Gray again! 😀
Oh, I love that red! Everything is looking so good already. And I am so jealaous of kevin’s desk! Good luck with the painting of it. 🙂
yay!! im so glad you posted ur room update i told my husband who was in the other room. he humored me and yelled back cool beans lol. i love reading ur blog it makes my day. derek said so she is the reason u have repainted our cabinets and we now have a chalkboard wall. i do all the work he just pays 4 it. ha ha
Your paint choices are perfect – the Orchard red has me thinking of fall apples! I love that you’ve kept the corbel natural.
I love the room!
Just a quick note to let you know that I have been using white oil base paint for trim, doors, tables, chairs & cupboards for the last 19 years. I have never had anything turn yellow. However, good oil based paint is getting harder and harder to find. My new favorite brand is “Fine Paints of Europe” so easy to use and dries fast. The durable finish is fantastic! Maybe something to consider for your next project.
Ooohhhhh I love the little red doors! 🙂
I love the colours you chose!! I can’t wait for the room reveal!!
Have a fantastic day:)
Oh! I am so loving this room! The wall and trim colors are wonderful and that dash of red has me wanting to paint a door red somewhere in my home! The mini tables are delightful –what a great idea! I’m looking forward to seeing Kevin’s desk, as well as the entire completed room.
Great progress! I love the deep red color — so beautiful!
The RED DOORS make me LUST!!!!!!!! They are just so gorgeous. I could just run in and kiss them and kiss the doorknobs, I love them so much. Your hearts must be singing!!!!!!
Such great thoughts. I’m super impressed over the very small details…….and know that you have already, either thought about them, or you have fixed them.
Now, what’s with manly Kev using the ladder and my Layla standing on her tippy toes? Gurlfren, you need your own step stool!
I cannot wait to see this room finished. I love it. Love every little bity thing about it.
Happy 4th of July! ………………….I think I can hear you kids singing as you work on this room. GLOR-I-OUS!!!!!!!!!!! Luv it. (Can you tell?)
Love how the room is coming out. Those red doors are so fun! OMG, love the idea of Graphite for Kevin’s desk. I am a huge fan of chalk paint. I learned about it from Shaunna’s blog last summer. Started using it in October and am totally and completely obsessed with painting. I think you’ll love the results. Good luck with the desk. Just go light on the wax and make sure to wipe the access. I’m sure Shaunna has told you all of that though.
Love how this room is coming together! Can’t wait to see more!
I love the red {which is shocking, considering I spent years of my life painting OVER a very similar color}…but this looks so much better because it’s in an otherwise fresh, neutral setting. I can’t wait to see how this room turns out! You’ll do a great job on the desk, I’m sure. 🙂
your aesthetic is exactly what is in my head by i can quite convey in real life. lol that red is perfect!! can’t wait to see the desk!
You guys are getting good at this stuff. The room looks great and the desk is going to be great. Wonder what kind of desktop you will put on it? Can’t wait to see.
Hooray! I’m glad that colour turned out to be what you wanted! The doors are absolutely stunning with the black back plates and white porcelain knobs.
LOOKING GOOD!!!
I. AM. SO. EXCITED. to see how this space of yours is evolving *smiling and clapping*. You and Kevin bring me so much excitment and inspiration! Thank you!!
Everything is just lovely, Layla! I know you are excited about all the progress you and Kevin have made! When you mentioned painting your desk in ASCP Graphite, it reminded me of a recent blog post I read about painting with it. Thought I’d share it with you in case it saves you some time…
http://www.knottooshabbyfurnishings.com/2012/06/getting-it-on-with-graphite.html
Enjoy!
I love the red doors and can’t wait to see the rest of the rooms. It’s really good to see the corbels left looking natural too. I haven’t seen the wax finished used naturally like that. I’ve yet to jump on the band wagon with the chalk paint but this is pretty convincing.
You guys do such awesome work. Love how everything is looking. You are so lucky to have a husband that loves ah, nows how, ha! to do stuff around the house. My husband will not do anything! Drives me crazy. We have a big house, and I do what i can myself, But theres alot of stuff I do not have the skills for. I really cant afford to hire in professionals . eek! What would you do?
lookin’ pretty good so far! Love the red.
Layla! What color is on your bedroom walls? AND do you have any suggestions for your favorite gray paint colors?
It’s Roycroft Gray Mist by Sherwin Williams, and we love it! 😀
Love, love, love that red-especially with the wall color. Can’t wait to see the finished room!
So, did you make the desk or purchase an unfinished desk somewhere? I have an antique light green metal desk that I love, but hubby keeps taking over wherever I am…. I think that’s a good thing! 😉
How exciting! I like how you do things you own unique way. Looking forward to seeing it all!
xAmy
I love this room! I’m not normally a lover of red, but those closet doors are stunning against the walls and white trim. Can’t wait to see the finished room! I love your taste and always look forward to reading your blog.
It looks so great, Layla!!
I was wondering if you’re going to post details about the desk – it looks perfect for our home office! I’d love to know how you built it.
I’d say FANTABULOUS! Sarah Richardson rocks and so do you! Can’t wait for the ‘recipe’ as I have a door I’d like to paint RED…like painting the town RED.
I love love everything!
really like the bed side tables what a great idea … cant wait to see the desk – I painted my bed graphite and have not waxed it yet ..
I love the red doors! And beautiful corbels for the bedside tables! Great work!!
Love your blog, so inspiring and FUN! This room is evolving beautifully. I am intrigued by the “chalk paint” is it chalkboard paint?? or why is it called chalk paint (I could not find the answer the shop blog either) What is special about this paint? does it have to be waxed?
Inquiring minds need to know 😉
You didn’t use burnt peanut red? I want to paint my front door some shade of red. Will be interested to know the mix you ended up using.
Looking good! I love that little red door and corbels. Oh they are pretty! I love your nice think baseboard also, nice and chunky! It’s going to be a stunner when all is said and done 🙂
I LOVE how this room is shaping up. Great colour choice for the doors. So pretty! And those shelf supports. Oi!
xo,
Shannon
Wow, it’s so very charming.. love your special touches.. What hard work and progress you’ve made.. I enjoy seeing it. 🙂
Thanks for the paint tip about oil-based white. I’ve been thinking of re-painting my kitchen cabinets and I’d be so sad if they yellowed …
Oh, and am love, love, loving the red doors and those white porcelain knobs are amazing!
Looking forward to the reveal … and the desk!
🙂
Linda
hey layla – why don’t you paint out the metal support bracket on the underside of the shelf with the wall colour – then your beautiful wooden bracket will be the star!! just a thought! love love love how the room is coming together esp the red doors!!
LOL – ignore my comment – just quickly read through the other ones and saw your answer about it being hidden by the bed…sorry!!
serves me right for trying to be clever and finally commenting after following you all this time!!
🙂
This is looking so good! I can’t believe it 🙂 Can’t wait to see it all finished!