Introductions- Swagger back Wingbacks

These two chairs came to me by way of a local interior design duo: Trouvais. I have known Jennifer for a really long time, and was more than happy to help out with a commercial design job she is currently hard at work on.The shape of these chairs is great, I love the sweet curves, and I really love the carving detail. Anytime I see curves and carving I know good things are about to go down. Paint has a way with curves and I am more than happy to join in the fun.The design plan for this job called for some rustic goodness, and so I chose a dry brush technique for the perfect whitewashed," been like this forever" look, and went to town transforming these chairs. I hope to be able to get a few photos when the upholstery is complete......but for now.......Clients are happy. I am happy.All in a days work.xo,Barb 

Introductions- Faint coral, walnut drawers, and newborn babies

This lovely little chest of drawers was brought to me by my client "K", and she was not even sure at the time whether it was worth saving or not. There were multiple scratches and dings, the top was completely lifted off the base, and the middle drawer needed some repairs. I took one look at this little beauty and saw the beautiful hand cut sides and top that are each made from one solid piece of walnut {wowsers!}, the graceful and feminine little curve across the bottom, the deep long drawers....and very excitedly exclaimed that this piece was indeed worth saving and would be with them for a very long time. To say that this piece is a "goody"....is an understatement. While it may not be a "fine antique" it is completely handmade from solid walnut, and you just don't come by those very often anymore.I love the super soft pink {SW faint coral} that was chosen for this piece! It is perfectly neutral with almost a white feel......but then, just when you think it is white the pink shines through! Even though I am pretty partial to my own pink mixture, I believe I may add this color to the Knack mix!I am also happy to announce that baby Harper has since made her appearance....and mommy and baby are doing fantastic! I got to take a peek at sweet little Harper when I delivered the piece and she is a dark haired, pink cheeked little beauty!I love my "job".....and I have the bestest, sweetest clients in the universe.xo,Barb

Introductions - A tall blue chest named "Pernalia"

I purchased this piece, along with several others, from an estate sale acquisition. It is solid as a rock, heavy as I'll get out, and has great curves that just beg to be painted and noticed in more detail.I was more than happy to oblige with some zippy paint!.....and speaking of zippy paint......I am totally loving this color! It is strong, vibrant, and commanding....which is right where I want my furniture pieces to be. You just can't help but love them.....and they love you right back.I know that I have been on a blue kick this summer and I promise as we head into the fall season there will be plenty of new and exciting colors to devour that do not include blue.....but I have thoroughly enjoyed my blue love fest.I am pleased to introduce you all to ......"Pernalia".Available for purchase at Knack, and also in the Etsy shop.xo,Barb

Introductions- A mirror destined to be a cork board

I usually do not take on small projects such as this....but this fantastic mirror frame belongs to a friend....and I could n0t...would not tell her no. I have to say it was fun to take on a different project just for funsies! I love that she chose gray too....gray is good.I will see if I can get lucky and shoot a "real" after shot once the cork has been installed for the bulletin board...but for now, isn't this frame so pretty?! Love it!My job is done.xo,Barb

Inroductions- How 'bout a little gray with that coffee table

This sweet coffee table is the product of another collaboration between Knack and Lindsay Carmody Interiors! I think you all will remember the previous table and chairs project here.......but regardless, it was great to work with Lindsay again and get to paint with more luscious gray paint!I thought this piece was going to be a stinker to paint with all of the caning and the double layer shelf, but indeed the actual painting was not the issue.....rather the paint I was given {no names brands in order to protect the innocent....but if you follow Knack on Facebook you may be able to figure it out! hah!} that caused me some rather sweaty moments! I was determined to figure this "sitch" out, and so I pushed up my sleeves and put on my thinking cap! You know what?.....just like with everything hard in life and work... the end result was even more rewarding because of the problem solving, blood, sweat and tears that went into it. Persevere my friends! Never give up! I am so thrilled with the finish on this piece.Also, with this specific client there was a bit of concern about the extra wear and tear that this table had already experienced before painting, and would continue to experience in the future due to some very attentive and loving little ones in the home {sigh......I remember those days!} and so, I completed the painting and the staining in the studio and then, as an added precaution I subcontracted out a high intensity spray finish for the entire piece. I's dotted, T's crossed.It is smooth like butter, baby.Happy Monday folks! Welcome to a new week! xo,Barb

Introductions - faux bois

Do you all remember this chair?Well.....she has totally come full circle now! My buddy Dale did a bang up job on the upholstery work.....and even though the wood frame was a total bugger to paint {since it is a recliner and there were so many nooks and crannies!} I am thrilled with how she turned out! Take a look...Isn't she a beauty?! I hate to give her up, but her owners are ready for her to grace their space! Woot!xo,Barb

Introductions

Well, there certainly has been an evolution process in the design of this chair! I loved it when my client brought it to the studio looking like this:and I used it in several shoots until it was time to tear off the upholstery and freshen up the paint job.....and then it looked like this:tearing off the fabric and foam proved to be more monumental than I had previously thought.....but it was done, and I moved onto the painting part. {woot!} I painted the frame in a medium gray and used a small brush to add some bronze details to the trim. Then, It was time for little miss to head off to the upholstery shop, and she came back to me looking like this:For goodness sakes she is even more of a beauty now! I want to say thank you to my client "A" for trusting me with her treasure...and for bringing this beautiful chair back to the studio so I could photograph the end result!Meet Aletta......and believe me...she is charmed to meet you as well.xo,Barb

Introductions

I think every time one of these giant pieces enters my studio I can almost hear the angels singing. I swear it. In my painting career I have had the privilege of transforming several of these gentle giants, but this one is extra special for a couple of reasons:1. It belongs to one of the sweetest couples I know and I am truly honored to be trusted with their treasure.2. It was such a mess with all of it's white paint splatters and chipping veneer, so the prep work was intense, but that made the end result all the more rewarding.I know there are those who look on these types of pieces as useless, victorian era, gaudy, yucky.......but seriously, in my opinion you can't find a better statement piece that not only commands the room it resides in but also offers multiple storage and usage options. Painting these types of pieces brings them into the modern era and gives them a fresh and new aesthetic that surprisingly crosses multiple decorating styles. The detail on these pieces can't be beat, and truly shines with a coat of paint. I also love painting the insides a bright and eye catching color so that it is always a pleasure to open the door. {wink}Meet Berchelea.xo,Barb