Make a Statement with Graphics

One of my favorite makeovers to give a piece of furniture is to paint a large graphic on it. It turns ordinary furniture into an instant statement piece. No matter what your style or taste, find or design the right graphic, and you will have something that becomes the anchor in the room.

graphic via the graphics fairy

graphic via google

Other than Googling images, one of my favorite go to places for great graphics -- especially those gorgeous french typography and advertising graphics, is The Graphics Fairy. If you haven't been to this site yet....GO! She has an enormous collection of beautiful vintage graphics for just about anything you want to create. She has taken the time to edit and manipulate them (even reverse prints for iron transfers, etc) in to user friendly and printable files. Yes....I love you Miss Graphics Fairy! You make me happy!

graphic via the graphics fairy

graphic via the graphics fairy

I get asked how I do it a lot. I use the projector method. Yep...the same projectors our teachers used in school. I project the graphic on the piece of furniture and then paint it on.While there is no lengthy set of instructions, you do need a steady hand and know how to manipulate your brushes. This takes time and practice but can be learned if you have the patience.

graphic via google

graphic via the graphics fairy

While I love the French designs, I also love getting creative and a little funky. One of my favorite pieces was the glazed blue empire chest that I graced with a cross and pair of wings. I did this by combining multiple graphics. I know this style isn't for everyone...but it is ME! Get Creative! It really is about putting your own personality into a piece!     ♥♥♥

graphics via google

How about this SWEET little owl nursery chest of drawers!  You could design an entire nursery around this one piece of furniture! 

graphic via google

A few before and afters for you....

{I had painted the cute solid oak chest in neutrals and it sat for months without selling. So I drug it home and painted this cute English Fig Soap graphic on it. It sold as soon as I put it out on the floor! Here she is in her new home} 

graphic via the graphics fairy

From Drab to FAB! 

graphic via the graphics fairy

 Be sure and come follow our current projects
on Facebook www.facebook.com/backroadsrevival.

Thanks for stopping by!
XOXO

Market Counter Kitchen Island Makeover

Every now and then junkers are lucky enough to come across one very special piece. I mean SPECIAL  ....like "you are just certain that the little ray of light shining on it is straight from junker's heaven" kind of special. I found one of those pieces last year. It was a late 1800's to early 1900's  market counter from a general store/pharmacy in northern Missouri. It was missing the counter top but did have the original tilt out divided bin that was lined with tin and all of the original hardware! Not to mention the perfectly chippy white paint. SWOON! I came across this little gem (Ok, hubs and son would argue that this piece was NOT little) at an auction and knew there was no way I was leaving with out it. After I won the bid (as if there was a question I may not?), we dug it out of the barn, loaded it up and headed home. I couldn't stop smiling! I knew it was destined to be given new life and become the main focal point in someone's home.....and that made me so happy!

Here is the raw counter for sale at Restoration Emporium (sorry about the soda can oops!)

. 

For my sweet friend and client, C, it was going to be an island in her big beautiful farm house kitchen. She had been looking for years for something just like it. She wanted hubs to make a few adjustments and build a custom hard wood counter top for it. 

Back View - back home turning the lap siding around to reveal the chippy side

We are fortunate to have a mill near our home that offers many types of locally harvested hard wood trees that are cut to a TRUE inch in thickness. After digging through the racks of lumber and inhaling the amazing scent of fresh cut lumber, I selected hickory wood to be used as the top. It is one of my favorites for it's random light/dark grain patterns and being one of the most durable woods you can buy locally. Then, through a fellow Restoration Emporium vendor, I snagged a pair of perfectly chippy white antique corbels to use on the bar side of the counter top. SCORE! 

 Fast forward several months later and we finally finished and delivered it in time for C to host her families Christmas gathering. We all agreed that it was meant to be in this very kitchen. It just completed it.

 I have to say, I am in love with C's kitchen and may be guilty coveting it a weeeee bit.


Don't forget to come follow us on Facebook at
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Back-Roads-Revival 

This is exactly how I envisioned it. Photos of the install...

Here is her gorgeous kitchen all prettied up for Christmas...