Monday, May 28, 2012

Time For A Change

I haven't posted in such a long time, so as I write this I wonder if anyone will even read it.

For awhile now I've been wanting to have our home less cluttered and with some softer colors.  I had been hearing about this Annie Sloan chalk paint and so decided to give it a go.  In case you don't know about Annie Sloan paint, one of the best things about it is you don't need to prime or sand.  Some of you will recognize this hutch which used to be red.  If you've ever painted over red you know how hard it is to cover. I used 2 coats and it covered very well.   


This is the hutch when it was red.  I loved the red but doesn't the china look so much better against the white?  And I was able to add in some of my cobalt blue glass.  Sorry for the awful photo, guess it was from my old camera!



Here is the hutch in its original wood.  I have things on top of it in both these older pictures, but in my attempt to simplify I am going to leave the top empty for now.  Maybe put one plant or one big bowl on top.

I found 2 of these nice tables at the Salvation Army for $20 each and used Annie Sloan  Greek Blue on them.  Only needed one coat of paint and then you wax the surface which makes a nice durable finish.
I found 2 ugly brown wood lamps for $5 each at Salvation Army a couple of weeks ago.  A couple of coats of gloss white spray paint  and new shades from Target and they look very modern.


So I threw an old white bedspread over the couch and pinned some blue fabric I had on the cushions.  My plan is to make white slipcovers, but until I get around to it this will do.  Not sure what to put on the wall.  Maybe some plates or a grouping of things. That one plate looks pretty silly doesn't it?

 This is what that wall looked like before.  I found a leather chair and ottoman on Craig's list which I'm going to check out to replace the chair and footstool in the picture.  My husband sits in that chair all the time and it is so worn out.  We've had that couch a long time, more than 30 years and it has stood up quite well.This will be only the 3rd time I've recovered it.
Now I must tell you that I often get ideas like this and start them and then it takes me months to finish it but maybe showing it to you will be some incentive to finish it soon. I'll show you when it's all done.

Rhondi

34 comments:

  1. I've only used AS Chalk Paint once and loved it. Your hutch looks fantastic in white!

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  2. Hi Rhondi I'd wondered where you'd gone! I love the updates you've made! Sometimes it's so nice to just freshen up everything. Plus I'm partial to whit right now, so I really love what you're doing!

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  3. Yes, I'm still here reading your blog -- glad to see you posted. Love your changes!! Sally

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  4. Hi Rhondi,
    Nice to hear from your. I am loving your lighter blue and whites. Very pretty!

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  5. Yup, I'm here too! You popped right up on my reader. I love the blue and white against the white of the hutch, very pretty! I have never tried the chalk paint although I've heard of it. I'll have to try it as I have a hutch that I want to paint white.

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  6. I use Annie Sloan paint all of the time and love it too. Your furniture looks great repainting Rhondi! Glad to see you post.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  7. Hi Rhondi! I've missed you and was so happy to see you'd posted. I love your sweet hutch painted! I've never used the Annie Sloan paint. Love your new look and hope you're doing well.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  8. I love all the changes Rhondi. A change is as good as a holiday they say! xxoo

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  9. Welcome back! I love the new look of the hutch. I've not used the chalk paint either, but have read about it. Very nice. Your end tables and lamps turned out nicely too.

    Have a great week ~ FlowerLady

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  10. Glad to see you back! Looks like people showed up and commented. I always wonder that too after not posting....usually takes me a bit longer to get readers back on board. Anyway, love your hutch both red and the white. Have a delightful day!

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  11. I love it white! And the family room in white, wow, what a fresh look. You are getting more like our mom .... liking simplicity, liking white. I love my sister's houses, it is like coming to visit!

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  12. I love what you did and I am still here with you.

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  13. To say the least I'm extremely impressed. Extremely. I'd never heard of that paint before. I'm going to check it out. Good for you. I like simple and dressed down. I've dejunked my hutch and mantle and I like it so much better.

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  14. Hi Rhondi....looks like you have been doing a little transitioning in your decorating! Your hutch is a new fun look and really makes your dishes stand out! Good to hearr from you!~Patti

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  15. Welcome back! Everything sure looks spiffy!

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  16. It's SO good to see you here again! I've missed you. I love the changes you're making. I've seen others use the Annie Sloan paint but they always distress and sand it for the shabby look. I don't care for that look so I've not wanted to try it. I love how you changed your pieces - maybe I'll try that paint, too.
    ~Adrienne~

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  17. Glad to see you back! Wow- I think you have accomplished so much already. The hutch is gorgeous in white and your finds and finishes are terrific.

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  18. Rhondi, so pleased to see you! What lovely interesting ideas you have. I think the Annie Sloan paint you have used is perfect, the china looks so much better on it.
    Since you were around we have moved house from France to UK. My blog is in the same place but with a new name...Cornish Cream, so maybe you can guess where we live!

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  19. Hi Rhondi,
    I came here after reading your comment on FlowerLady's blog. I love what you did with your hutch. Your blue and white pieces look so pretty on it!

    I've been wanting to get rid of clutter, too, and have trouble keeping on track with things, too. I am a paraeducator, and am working summer school, but that will only take a couple hours a day of my time. I have already surprised myself by cleaning up some messes here and there. The hard part is going to be getting rid of some things in my upstairs room so it won't be so cluttered.

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  20. Everything looks definitely better :) beautiful!
    Greetings from Poland ✿Ü“
    Magdalena

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  21. I've missed you, too, Rhondi. I love the new look of your hutch. I'm at a time I want to simplify, too, and it feels so good.

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  22. Nice to see you pop up, Rhondi! I haven't tried that paint yet, but it's on my list of things to do.

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  23. Still here , Rhondi. I smile when I see that you have posted again. I miss your thoughtful musings.
    Good lock with your new project. I need to simplify too.

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  24. I'm glad I came by and that you have posted again...I'm a huge fan of Blue and white...I think most my house is blue and white...The cabinet looks wonderful and all the blue and white Happy Sunday with love Janice

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  25. Loved how you simplified the hutch. Everything looks bright and new.

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  26. Hi Rhondi,
    I love the hutch in the white color. Everything looks beautiful. I really must try that paint sometime.

    Hugs,
    Donna

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  27. I love the changes you made. Wish you could do my home!! I prefer the hutch in white. I hope you found a good display spot for the quilt that was on the wall. I LOVE it!! A few fresh flowers tossed in there and you are set! Come visit my blog!
    http://poetrose24.blogspot.com/

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  28. And I LOVE Josh Groban.
    My favorite musical is Phantom of the Opera.
    I do needlepoint, even design my own Christmas stockings. Some can be seen on my blog in old posts. Hope you will visit.

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  29. I just found your blog and love it! I've looked through the first page of posts and can't wait to read more. I'm starting to declutter and am changing pictures on the walls and other things. I really enjoyed your before and after pictures. VERY friendly, interesting bloghome you have created here.

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  30. I saw someone talk about Rhoda's porch party and thinking she meant Rhondi, I came right over. I like your changes very much. I bet the white hutch makes your kitchen look larger. Hope you are doing well!

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  31. I have always loved your decorative flair and the use of blues white and yellow.. These changes are terrific... but I must say you are missed!!Q Come on back when you can, please!!!!!! I hope you a re busy with making all your changes and it isnt anything serious keeping you away!
    God bless!!!!!

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  32. I had missed this post! You did a great job. Love all of the changes.

    - The Tablescaper

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  33. I really like your hutch better - you are on a roll that I need to get on!

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  34. Of course we read. Love the hutch. That paint has been on my list of things to use one of these days when I get around to change. Love the before and after photos. Inspiring.

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Hi
Thanks so very much for taking the time to leave a comment. I always read every one. I am glad you stopped by for a visit. Hope you'll come again!
Rhondi