I’m SO excited to announce a new series here at Perfectly Imperfect. We are all inspired by designer products and we knock those off or scout for great discounts.
What about the finishes on their furniture??? We sometimes do that, too, but I say it’s time to get serious. Really nail them. And tackle some more layered finishes.
I’ll pick a piece or collection from Ballard’s, PB, Wisteria, West Elm, anywhere, etc. and try to get as close to a match as humanly possible. It’s going to take some experimenting, some Masterpiece Making, but it’s doable…and it’ll be fun!
I might not always, always have furniture available, but we can work with new lumber too. And not all projects have to be furniture…or have to be huge.
As a matter of fact, the first finish I’ll be working on will be this…
I LOVE the Byholma Collection from Ikea.…LOVE IT! It’s the most perfect smoky gray/brown you’ve ever seen. In person, it’s actually way more gray than this and each one is a little different.
Like this….
I’ll get started this weekend, and you guys get started on requests. I mean, anything. Leave me a comment for your most wanted look. Be sure to leave the exact name of the collection or piece.
Now, obviously, I won’t be able to do it all the time, but I think it could be a really cool thing. I’m working on our community page, and this is going to be a big part of it. Figuring out how to do designer for less with each other’s help.
I can’t wait to take on some requests….bring it on, y’all!
Great idea, Shaunna!
How a bout trying to mimic a super rusty metallic finish like this one: http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod280140&categoryId=cat1680014
This one would be RIGHT up your alley: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=063171&catId=HOME-FURNITURE-TABLES&pushId=HOME-FURNITURE-TABLES&popId=HOME-FURNITURE&navAction=middle&navCount=138&color=015&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=D
If you ever consider having contributors for this series, I’d love to throw my name in the hat. 🙂
checking them out! Thanks for the ideas, and you’re welcome to contribute ANYTIME! Sorry I haven’t emailed you back yet; it’s been a crazy week. 🙂 Be in touch soon!
xo
shaunna
I just got the PB catalog (dated Feb ’11) and love the candle holders on front that look like the base of a column. The set is called Architectural Wood Collection. I’ve seen tons of chunky candle holders at Goodwill and would love to know how to layer paint to make it look like this.
Thanks for doing this series. Sounds great!
so like the chippy paint kind of finish? Sounds great…thanks for the idea, Christa!
🙂
shaunna
Here’s the link. I especially like how they have some uneven darker areas. I don’t have much experience with painting techniques so I’d like to start small on something like this.
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/architectural-salvage-wooden-pillar-holders/?pkey=ccandleholders
Great idea- sounds like the start of ebook2! 🙂 Loving your ebook, by the way, and thank you again for Matt’s and your help getting it downloaded. Can’t wait to see what’s next! 🙂
Thanks SO much, Sheila! It was a fun project to work on and one that I think means something to most of us. And already thinking about eBook 2. 😉
shaunna
Hi Shaunna, This sounds like such a fun series! I did a post last year about about turning wicker and willow gray. It was an easy and fun process and really updates the look. I am looking forward to seeing all your projects.
xo,
Sherry
I love this idea!! I immediately thought of the Andover Media Console from Pottery Barn! It looks awesome, but seems to have at least 3-4 different layers and colors. I wouldn’t have the slightest clue where to begin! Can’t wait to see some new techniques and tricks! =)
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/andover-media-console/?pkey=cmedia-stand-flat-screen-display
I am working on a small wood piece and going for that grayish weathered wood, almost driftwood feel. But I think I should have started with a darker stain then built up the grays and whites.
I signed up to be on your email list but I haven’t gotten anything yet. I wasn’t sure if you sent anything out yet or not.
Hey Anita, you were on the list. Not sure why you didn’t get it…junk mail, maybe? Anyway, book is out! 🙂 you can find it on the eBook page in the navigation bar. Hope you enjoy it!
🙂
Shaunna
Another Pottery Barn fan here. I love the blues there and would really like to do this on this huge cabinet I’m refinishing. Of course, I love all of the other ideas posted here, too.
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/blakely-rustic-bench/?cm_src=rel
Meant to tell you that I have the refrigerator dishes that match your Pyrex casserole dishes. Love that color.
Oh, I love them too!!! I want a bazillion more. I’ve got to break down and order them on ebay; not finding them around here. Which blue pieces have you seen that you love? PB ones? Just want to try to get a picture in my head.
🙂
shaunna
Yes, it’s a PB blue. It’s the bench in that link I shared. As far as the pyrex, well I want about a bazillion more, too.
Love this idea! I’ve been “knocking” off the Wisteria and Restoration Hardware white-washed oak pieces lately with great success (it’s a bit easy!) but would love to see more challenging finishes attempted. Will you take submissions, too?
(Love the new site!)
Hey Shaunna,
Great idea! I have a couple of those ikea baskets in my front hall…would love to be able to recreate the look on another basket that isn’t ikea.
Any tips for jumping closer to the front of your email return que?! Lol. I’m glad you’ve had so much going on. Really. 🙂
XO
Shannon
Wait. which email? Did I reply? The one about the eBook? I don’t even know what it’s about….wonder if I got it. And I really have averaged about 100 emails a day the last two weeks! So sorry…resend it? Thanks, girl for everything.
😉
shaunna
🙂 No worries, Shaunna. I was really joking. I know you’ve been swamped.
HUGE hugs, Shaunna.
What a fabulous idea! Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Kacey
P.S. Love the new site! 🙂
Shaunna! I am so excited about this series. This was a truly fantastic idea. Thanks for sharing your brilliance with all of us!!!
This sounds great! How about the greyish finish Wisteria shows on some of it’s pieces? Love it!!