The one thing that kept me from trying Chalk Paint™ is that until I went looking for modern projects using Annie's brand of paint, I had seen a lot of DIY bloggers using it to create a distressed or antique finish, which can be really pretty but just isn't the look I'm going for. Annie Sloan's book covers 40 different projects and has something for everyone's aesthetic, including some really innovative ideas (and instructions to do them properly!). The book is organized into styles - French Style, Boho Chic, Swedish Style, Country and Modern Contemporary. Some of my favorite projects include a very Scandinavian-looking painted floor:
A shiny black bureau with a bright red interior (although in her sketches, she contemplated teal as well):
A stunning striped dresser, topped with a piece of marble (I love this idea for a larger dresser used as a sideboard in a dining room):
This is my favorite idea - using her Chalk Paint™ to dye fabric:
Each project has gloriously large, full colour "after" shots, including a series of how-to photos with extensive instructions and tips. The book is very personal and chronicles the renovation and decoration of Annie's farmhouse in France (drool), making it feel like a fast-tracked version of some of my favorite DIY decorating blogs.
Annie recommends her paint brand (which sounds fabulous: no priming, no sanding, and a lovely matte finish!), but explains that you can use her ideas with your paint of choice as well. But this book has definitely made me want to try her Chalk Paint™. She begins with pages of tips for mixing paint and understanding the colour wheel, which is key to producing custom colours (I love that idea)! And the fact that Chalk Paint™ is good for dying fabric, painting floors, painting furniture - she even paints a vintage tub! - makes it sound so enticing. I found a stockist in Ottawa and I'm thinking Annie's "Provence" might be perfect for my turquoise kitchen cupboard plans! It's very similar to the turquoise shades I short-listed (I'm trying to match my turquoise Pyrex!). I'm going to see a sample in-store this weekend.
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| Projects from: Sand & Sisal, Southern Hospitality, and Malenka Originals |
Although every project has a ton of photos, I love the little sketches included. I have some ideas for furniture projects for the lakehouse and I've been making similar little sketches every time an idea strikes - using hydro bills, my research notes and receipts to quickly sketch out a plan or jot down an idea!
I was provided a copy for review but not prompted or paid to write a positive review. Nor was I encouraged to write about or try Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint™ - that's my own curiosity at play! If you're interested, the book is vailable online at CICO Books, on Amazon, in bookstores, and through stockists. You can also follow Annie on Pinterest or take a peek at her blog and video tutorials.
