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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

armoire part I



I've been wanting to paint the living room armoire for some time now. Just how long? Well, I consulted my blog archives and it looks like I got the big idea last July, as documented here.



In some ways painting the armoire seems as disruptive a project as painting a room because it holds the TV and all that goes along with it. I never truly enjoy painting but the results are always so worth it every time.



The drawers are packed tightly with CDs and VHS tapes and will need to be emptied. I realize this will be a good opportunity to sort and make donation piles. {Record club CDs from the late '90s, anyone? Teasing!}



Even though this idea has been on my mind for a while, it's not completely sorted out. I am thinking of layering coats of aqua and gray and finishing with watered-down white on top, which will ultimately be sanded here and there for a distressed look.



I'm also in the midst of deciding whether to (a) keep all hardware as-is; (b) give it a shabby coat of white with some silver; or (c) replace handles with something interesting a la Anthropologie (but not so pricey).



As always, any ideas are welcome! The painting begins this Saturday!

xo
elyse
at

46 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 26, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    Ah, I have been talking about painting my armoire for about a year now. I am interested in the paint that Sue from http://myartsdesire.typepad.com/my_weblog/
    is using and will be checking that out.

    I DO love the anthro hardware, Elyse! I'm sure whatever you choose to do, it will come out gorgeous! Happy Painting!!! :)

    ~ Zuzu

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  2. stefanieApril 26, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    well, after seeing those GORGEOUS pulls....you have to paint!!!!

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  3. hilary@oldhousetrueloveApril 26, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    elyse!!! FUN!!!! i say shabby up that hardware... they are pretty shapes. and sounds like the colors will look beautiful! i love your cute living room... when i first saw your blog that is the pic i saw and thought... "ooo... she has cute style... i'm following!"

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  4. KarenApril 26, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    I have an armoire that has needed to be painted forever. Its so bad it still has a mauve stain on it from the late 80's ewww what was I thinking? Like you I'm dreading taking all of that crap out of there. Your plan sounds so pretty, I love aqua and white. Those pulls are TDF as well. Good luck with your project,maybe seeing yours will get me in gear.

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  5. myletterstoemilyApril 26, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    i have to say that i adore your hardware. it
    looks antique and will add an anchored effect
    to the aqua paint.

    but what do i know? :)

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  6. Hearts TurnedApril 26, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    Whatever you choose to do, Elyse...I know it will look oh, so fabulous! That IS a big job, but you will do it beautifully!

    Julie

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  7. AnonymousApril 26, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    Brave girl! Those pulls you showed are awesome! Hope you can find some like it for less! good luck! ♥

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  8. LauraApril 26, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    It's going to be gorgeous when you're done. I really love the picture of the last handle you showed. That' so pretty!

    I'm new to your blog and am LOVING it. I'm not very crafty or artistic but my heart is there and I love looking at and dreaming about projects that others have done.
    I have LOT'S of big ideas. :P

    ((Hugs))
    Laura

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  9. AlisonApril 26, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    hey Elyse,
    Fun project! Can't wait to see how it turns out!
    I don't know if you have a Hobby Lobby near you, but I was in there last week and was amazed by their selection of drawer pulls -- many were just like Anthropologie, but much cheaper!! :)
    Alison

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  10. Tammy@T's Daily TreasuresApril 26, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    I have painted walls but never furniture so don't even know where to begin. The process you explained sounds great. I love aqua! Lots of cupboards around here to be painted. Not sure when or if it will ever happen. Happy painting to you! I know the results will be fabulous. Best wishes, Tammy P.S. I couldn't imagine how Robby Benson fit into that last post. Ha! Cute!

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  11. Sara S.April 26, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    I can't wait to see how this turns out. That armoire has some great shape to it that will get the creative juices going!
    I like the idea of the painted/shabbied hardware - or at least trying it. The shapes and visual weight of the existing pulls is great for the piece.

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  12. UnknownApril 26, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    I know that all of the bloggers are jumping on the chalk paint bandwagon right now.....but since I'm not much of a "jumper".....have you ever tried milk paint? I have used it for years and it's easy, waxes nicely and good for the earth too:-)

    I am getting ready to do a buffet with it and hope to post a tutorial on my blog.

    ~xo~ Janet

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  13. SLRApril 26, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    very exciting project!
    i think your plan is perfect. i love those pulls from anthro. i do not love their price. the only other thing i can think of for your armoire would be to decoupage pretty sheets of floral paper onto the door panels (just the centers of panels) or maybe even on the inside of the doors for when it is opened up. whatever you do it will look gorgeous, looking forward to seeing it!!

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  14. Jessica RodarteApril 26, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    I know that it will turn out beautifully in your hands. I can't wait to see the finished armoire!

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  15. birdie blueApril 26, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    i'm sure it will be beautiful, elyse. i can't wait to see the results.

    xo
    ~molly

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  16. AngelaApril 26, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    I can't wait to see it!!

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  17. JeanneApril 26, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    The armoire is beautiful as is, but I can also picture it either white or pale aqua. Just like you, I enjoy the finish project but not the process. I've been toying with painting my kitchen cupboards for several years now and keep putting it off. The hardware from Anthro is gorgeous. I can't wait to see the finish project!
    xo
    jeanne

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  18. JillApril 26, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    Ooooh! Such great possibilities for your armoire! I can't wait to see how it turns out!
    Hugs,
    Jill

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  19. {oc cottage}April 26, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I can't wait to see! Of course, I'd like to see it pink & green argyle...but whatever you decide will be tres fab! ;}

    m ^..^

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  20. Creative GrammieApril 27, 2011 at 1:04 AM

    Aloha Elyse,
    I like the hardware that's on there already, but those Anthro's, I'm in love with. I can't wait to see your armoire when you're done.

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  21. paolaApril 27, 2011 at 4:12 AM

    Hi dear! I don't know how you arrived to my blog but thank you for leaving your sweet comment ;)
    Naturally I follow you..you are always a great inspiration!
    Good job with your armoire :)
    Hugs
    paola

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  22. gabrielle messinaApril 27, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    Love, love the hardware! Yes, You must paint it now!

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  23. AnonymousApril 27, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    You go girl with painting that pretty armoire!! You know I have one that I have tossed around painting for several years but I just am too chicken about it!

    The colors sound like they would be beautiful. Can't wait to see it!

    Woke up to a covering of snow this morning- a gentle reminder to me that I really need to wait till after Mother's day to start planting! My little makeshift greenhouses in my breakfast nook are doing their job of getting sweet little babies started so hopefully the plants will be ready for their new homes by MD!

    bee blessed
    mary

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  24. RobertaApril 27, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Hi Elyse! That armoir is going to be so pretty painted with your special formula! I say a wash on the hardware should do the trick too. It's a sturdy piece so delicate hardware may not be as functional. I've been painting so much lately that I've taken the lazy way out and not doing the insides...I know, I know but Fifi is coming to town! xoRoberta

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  25. Maryjane-The Beehive CottageApril 27, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    Loving that hardware! So you! I want to paint so much of my furniture too! Afraid, afraid! Let's just go for it Elyse! Everything you tinker with turns out beautiful!

    Love,
    Maryjane
    xox

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  26. The Polka Dot ClosetApril 27, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    First I have to say thank you for your kind comment on the tote I made for my friend with cancer. Now, painting, I can see where that is a daunting task...yuk! Your living room is so cute, I decorate with the same idea, no clutter, nick, nacks, or doilies and stuff. I like white and those blue handles...to cute, can't wait to see what you do!!

    Carol

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  27. Kellie CollisApril 27, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    The armoire looks amazing! Well done with the painting job. Have a delightful day, Kellie xx

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  28. beachvintage.comApril 27, 2011 at 11:56 PM

    As much as I like the original handles those blue ones are simply wonderful.

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  29. koraleeApril 28, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    Oh my goodness my sweet friend..it is going to be charming...can't wait to see the end results. Hugs.

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  30. Jen KershnerApril 28, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    Go for it! Do you have a Cost Plus World Market? They have Anthroish hardware at much better prices.

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  31. SkyApril 28, 2011 at 7:39 AM

    go with the glass knobs, that's totally you! I'm in the process of re-doing my youngest daughters bedroom. Inspiration: Tea Parties and ballerinas. Mmm hmmm pink, pink and more pink. She wants dark pink (ugh) but ultimately it will be mommy picking the shade of pink (blush pink). Have a great day and good luck. :)

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  32. permanent magentaApril 28, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    I too love your living room, so relaxing, simple, bright and inviting. I like this particular incarnation especially. I like all the anthro pulls-so much! Though In my own living room I considered them for built in cabnets but chose more standard clear glass pulls for simplicity and to be consistent w/ 1930s bungalow style. On the other hand i agree with myletterstoemily that the current pulls are quite handsome and have an anchoring effect.

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  33. UnknownApril 28, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    Whatever you decide, I know that it will be gorgeous. I love your room, it's perfect. You know that new hardware would be perfect against those dreamy colors in your room.

    Karen

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  34. Carrie @ Cottage CozyApril 28, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    I am looking forward to the ideas you come up with...hmmmm....thanks for popping in today...hope you tackle those brownie pops one of these days!

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  35. Simple HomeApril 28, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    I look forward to seeing the results. I'm sure that it's going to be beautiful. I love those handles.

    Blessings,
    Marcia

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  36. AnonymousApril 30, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    I can't wait to see! I know whatever you do will be lovely!

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  37. cottonreelApril 30, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Last year I painted a kitchen dresser using a heritage paint . It was a big job but it turned out superb . I kept it a few months and then passed it on to my friends daughter who is moving to a victorian house.
    Today I have been painting a rocking chair . It has proved a difficult task . I did rub it with fine sandpaper and cleaned it with meths,. but the original varnish was deeply ingrained, the undercoat reacted badly , it frothed like bubbles but I,m persevering .
    I hope yours goes well it,s a beautiful piece --cottonreel

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  38. Rose Brier StudioApril 30, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Hope your painting went well today Elyse. I don't mind painting, it's just all the prep that I find onerous. The pulls are beautiful. Can't wait to see the finished project.
    ~Marilee

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  39. MaureenieApril 30, 2011 at 11:00 PM

    Ok Elyse I can't wait to see the finished armoire!

    Then I'm going to paint my armoire.
    Not sure what color yet. But I want to see yours first!
    Happy Painting!
    Rhonda

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  40. UnknownMay 1, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Enjoy your paint-fest. I have a similar armoir that needs painting and I think it will be a lot longer before I tackle that than you waited!
    Check out my Pink Saturday post when you get a chance. I think you'll like my find from Home Goods/TJ Maxx. Reminds me of C. Kidston :)
    Roselle

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  41. Brenda PruittMay 1, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    Can't wait to see!
    Brenda

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  42. debiMay 1, 2011 at 10:30 PM

    It's always difficult to get started on those big projects that require big prep.
    Can't wait to see it finished, I know whatever you do will be beautiful.
    Love that sweet handle with the blue!

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  43. Katherines CornerMay 2, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    I love those drawer pulls!! I enjoyed my visit to your lovely blog. Wishing you happiness, Katherine

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  44. Atelier Sucrème: Mónica, Marta, MaríaMay 2, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    We love your work and your blog, they're lovely. Please, visit our blog, we've a present for you
    XXX

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  45. {Bellamere Cottage}May 3, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    I so agree! It's hard to get going on something because it seems so daunting.... and THEN.........voila! Something you'll adore. Can't wait to see it all finished.

    Blessings,
    Spencer

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  46. {Bellamere Cottage}May 3, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Oh my.... I just had to chuckle........I have a TV armoire that really needs painting too........who am I to give such great advice??

    Toooo funny.

    Blessings,
    Spencer

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i treasure your comments and thank you so much!

xo
elyse