My Louis Blue Chalk Paint Buffet

You may remember that a couple of months back I purchased two pieces of furniture that I was so excited about.  I found them on eBay classifieds.  These listings are usually just for local sales.  More like Craig's List.  Here is the post when I shared about my finds.

The buffet was going to be used in the foyer.  I knew I wanted to try out the chalk paint that everyone has been using but I couldn't decide which color.  After some deliberation I decided to use Louis Blue.  I remember the day the paint arrived I was so excited I couldn't open the package fast enough.  Unfortunately, this is what greeted me. 

Yup, the paint can had popped opened during shipping.  Good for me, kind Virginia, at Southern Institute of Faux Finishing in Mississippi, the placed I had ordered from, immediately made it right.  Two days later I received another can and this one was in tip top shape.

Here is the buffet before in all of it's 1920's glory.

And the reveal!!

Last Saturday, my husband and I finished up this project and I couldn't be happier with the results.  Like many others, (namely Miss Mustard Seed) I chose to leave the top as is.  I just polished it with some Old English.

  

We removed the decorative piece that was centered on top as we felt it competed some with the mirror.

 

With having the piece finished I decided to change some things around for a fresh summer look.  I brought my two white lamps from another room.  On one side I added a silver tray with a small frame, wooden box and sea shells.  

On the other side I added a pretty etched glass bottle from Portugal and continued using my silver wine cooler as a planter.  

From another view

    

And a final view with the lamps on.

I'll be back with more details on how we achieved the finished effect.  It seems everyone uses a little different process. Again, I couldn't be happier.  I just smile every time I pass it now! 

Thanks for stopping by!!  I love to read your comments!  Libby! 

**pointed out by Annie Sloan herself - it is Louis Blue not Louie Blue - Thanks Annie! correction is made**   


Linking to the following parties:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Tabletop Tuesday at a Stroll Through Life

Home Decor and Organizing Link Party at Organize and Decorate Everything

Piece of Work Wednesday Furniture Link Party at Primitive & Proper

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed

UPDATE:  To see how we refinished the buffet, click here.

My Blue Ceiling

FOR YEARS I have wanted a porch with a blue ceiling.  For some time, I had seen this look in magazines and in other homes.  It seems to totally lift the ceiling and gives you the feeling of being out under a blanket of sky.  

Last fall when we repainted our home, I finally got my wish!  Here are some scenes from my front porch.  Unfortunately, no before shots were taken of the ceiling.   

I wanted a very soft blue.  An almost....is it blue?  Not a slap you in your face, BLUE!  BOO!

I think the first photo is truest to reality.  

While we are out here, let me show you some more of the porch.  The house is painted gray with black shutters.  Although the original plan was to paint the shutters green.  We still may do that. 

This is a wicker set we have had for some time.  It previously was white and we spray painted it brown a few years back.  It is really beginning to show some wear.  

If you see a thin layer of yellow on everything, that is the pollen we are having to contend with right now.  A by-product of our lovely springs here in Georgia.  A close-up of the pillows I am using right now.

The bottom green cushions stay there year round.  The other pillows I change out according to the seasons.  

Close-up of the table.  I love this lantern.  I bought it on clearance at Old Time Pottery because it was missing a glass pane on one side.  I had full intention of getting another one cut.  That was months ago.  Oh well.  This has been nice to use during the shorter days of winter.  When we are expecting company in the evening, I light the candle in it.  Hotter days of summer may mean the candle will melt so I will need to move it.

A full view of the front porch.  My husband designed and built this front porch years ago.  I love the columns on each side.  

A friend gave me this wreath for my birthday this year.  I think it is bright and springy!!

 Our front door and side lights.

From the front porch, we have a wonderful view of Spring bursting forth before us.  

 

Earlier today, my husband and I sat on the front porch for a while and enjoyed the change in weather as a storm is rolling in.  Maybe the rain will knock off all this yellow pollen!   

I am in love, love with my front porch and blue ceiling!  Can you tell?  Do you have a blue ceiling somewhere in your home?  Do share! 

Linking to the following fab parties!

Newbie Party at Debbiedoes Blogging and Blabbing

Metamorphis Monday at Between Naps on The Porch

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

Thanks for stopping by!  Libby~

Loveable Lavendar and Passionate Purple

We have had a relaxing Sunday.  We sat on the back screened porch and enjoyed the morning sunshine, then moved to the front porch and soaked up the afternoon sun.  It has been a lovely Spring-like day.  Because both the husband and I have been sick we missed church this morning.  That rarely happens.  

Now the sun has gone down and I just lit this awesome candle I have been enjoying since Christmas. 

My husband's daughter gave me a huge gift basket for Christmas and it was filled with fun green and purple items.  No, I didn't think to take a picture until after I had completely emptied it and put the various items in their places of use.  In the basket was purple and green scrapbooking supplies, a purple umbrella, a glittery green fountain pen, boxes of tea, bath and shower gel, body lotion and the list goes on. One of the items in the basket was this Yankee Candle in Lemon Lavender scent.  

Have you smelled this??  It is true, it is calming and relaxing. 

Here is a picture of the candle with the light off.  So soft and welcoming. 

Also in the gift basket were items from Avalon Organics, Lavendar Bath & Shower Gel and Lavendar Bath & Body Lotion.

I have never used products from this company before but I now highly recommend them.  These are exceptional and very enjoyable to use.  

The shower gel is kept in my bathroom but I keep the hand lotion in my office on my desk.  

I do have a passion for purple.  In small doses.  Perhaps that is why I got a gift basket with so many purple things in it!  One foot into my house and you see a lot of green because our great room is painted green.  I find it is such an easy color to live with.   

Here are a couple of prints that hang in my office with purple in them. 

So what do you think of the color purple?  What about the scent of lavendar? 

Thanks for stopping by.  I welcome your comments.  Libby~

I am linking up to Debbiedoos Newbie party!