I am a self-professed color freak. So when the DIY Furniture Girls offered up “neutral” as the theme for the April challenge, I wasn’t even sure what this meant. After all, what kind of color is neutral?
Or is it even a color at all?
Disclosure: I received free paint from Pure & Original in exchange for writing a review on the blog. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are 100% my own.
To help me figure this out, I decided to visit the color experts at my local Sherwin Williams paint store. And what I learned is surprising.
One, neutral is absolutely not a specific color. And two, it is absolutely more than just beige.
In fact, it is a type of color family.
Say what????
That’s right. A type of color family.
Using their newly introduced ColorSnap system, I was able to easily and clearly see how an array of reds, yellows, greens, blues, browns, and blacks could be used for this challenge and still be considered neutral.
And I found it interesting that, since its founding, Sherwin Williams has offered its colors based on color saturation (how light/dark the colors are). But with the ColorSnap system, which was introduced in early 2016, colors are now arranged according to families based on…well…..the rainbow.
When you visit the store, the colors are broken down into smaller books (below) with each book containing a color family. Honestly, I found it so much easier to navigate than the old system. And the swatches are bigger, too. It just makes the whole color selection experience easier, faster, and more accurate.
And I was also happy to realize that what I thought was a mismatched set of bland colors in my living room is really an array of neutrals that can be pulled together with just a few accessories.
Well, yay!!! Snaps for ColorSnap!
So I found a neutral on the Sherwin Williams ColorSnap wheel that was a near match to some furniture paint that I already had on hand.
And Bingo!
I was finally ready to help this dark and dreary chest find its light and neutral bliss.
Actually, it’s really hard to feel sorry for this little chest. I mean, it’s not like it was abused or anything. In fact, it is quite the opposite. This is a Hooker chest that I’ve had for many, many years. Other than its dark color, there’s not a thing wrong with it. But in order to update the look, the red on the drawer fronts and sides just had to go.
So I taped off the parts that were going to be refinished and tried not to panic as I broke the factory finish with sandpaper.
To this day, when I look at this piece, my head still swims a little…..and I can still hear Sheryl Crow singing ……..”the first cut is the deepest.”
Yea, girl. You know it.
But, as I moved forward with the prep…..I quickly learned that the rest of the “cuts” on this perfectly kept piece were just as deep.
The trick to getting through it …..is to exhale often……..and just. keep. sanding.
A link explaining which tape I use and why is here. Click here.
Following a wipe down with a tack cloth, one coat of Pure & Original furniture paint in Sea Moss (a neutral green) was applied. I didn’t prime and was, because of the red, a little worried about coverage and bleed through.
But after a second coat, the coverage was almost perfect and there was no bleed-through….even after it sat like this for a week.
The remaining paint, a combination of Kiwi White and Lagoon Water, was layered on using a dry brush technique. The specifics on using this technique with Pure & Original paint are on an earlier post (click here).
Then the final layer, a tobacco-colored antiquing glaze by Ralph Lauren, was applied with a brush and wiped away (while wet) with a damp cloth. In case you haven’t used glaze before, tips for working with glaze are also found on an earlier post (click here).
The addition of soft layers with different colors of paint and glaze produced an understated depth on the piece and tied the new color to the existing stain color.
The original hardware was reattached without any change to its aged-look and patina.
Then the chest was moved around the house…..
….looking for just the right space to showcase its new look…..
….before returning to its original location….
…..in the living room.
Now….let’s compare the colors in this room to the Sherwin Williams neutral colors palette. I know! Right?
See the array from different color families from the neutral palette? But… they all have basically the same color saturation (how dark/light they are)?
Yea. That’s pretty amazing, but here’s what’s really neat. This room was assembled from pieces I found throughout the house.
The goal was to relax the room’s traditional roots without having to buy new furniture.
This meant my only option was mix and match.
And it all happened before I even saw the new Sherwin Williams neutral color wheel. #greatminds #LOL
But this room does illustrate one very important decor tip. It shows that soft and calming neutrals can be incorporated into a room without having to lock into one single color family.
And it can all be accomplished by mixing and matching furniture pieces and paint.
The living room is nearly complete and the reveal will further explain how I toned down the “traditional look” without buying new furniture.
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And, if you’ve enjoyed this makeover, I do hope you will share it with your friends.
Annnnnnd now…..Please enjoy more pieces from the fabulous ….
49 Comments
What a gorgeous piece, Suzie! I love serpentine style, and paint/stain combo is one of my favorite ways to finish a pieces. Great job!
Thanks so much, Larissa. And now we have one more of my outdated pieces ready for the next twenty years. #chippingaway
I love how this turned out. The lines of the chest are so elegant, the paint technique brought ìt out.
Thanks so much, Debra. I really love the new colors, too. XO
That is one gorgeous chest Susie. The addition of the lighter color shows off the sexy curves of the piece. Can a chest even be sexy? lol. Whatever you want to call it I think it looks fabulous!
Thanks so much, Mary. Sure the chest can be sexy!! LOL. Why not?
What a wonderful update to that gorgeous serpentine chest! Your choice of wood and paint really bring out all of the piece’s beauty! Stellar job as usual my friend!
Thanks so much, Lucy. It seems that Pure & Original paint was tailor made for this chest.
Beautiful! I like the combination of stained wood and painted drawer fronts and sides. It gives this piece a great update.
Funny story: Long ago we were interested in buying a Hooker piece for our tv. My husband decided to research it at work but his work computer flagged him for searching for something inappropriate. We did buy the piece and my mom is still using it.
LOL. Paula!! How funny! Yes..because of this very reason, I’m surprised they haven’t changed their name. But for traditional folks, like me, Hooker actually does mean furniture. LOL…… Thanks so much for stopping by…. and for sharing your funny story, too.
This chest is amazing!!! I love the shape and they way you painted it highlights it even better!
Thanks so much, Lindsay. I was thrilled to have my little lesson in neutrals…and even more thrilled to have the chest find its bliss in this group. XO
That chest is gorgeous! I love how adding the neutral paint actually made it POP and made it even more beautiful!
Great job!
Hugs,
Karin
Thanks so much, Karin. I love it! Can’t believe the difference it made in the living room.
This piece is absolutely stunning!! I love the paint color and that you decided not to paint the whole thing. The original hardware is perfection too. It’s lovely, Susie!
Thanks so much, Amy. Appreciate your kind and encouraging comments.
Wow, just wow, I love love love this chest. I have always loved serpentine and this beauty is now even more beautiful. The lighter paint on the drawers really showcases that gorgeous hardware which was hidden before by the dark stain.
And thank you for the information about neutrals, I’ll be checking out ColorSnap very soon.
Thanks so much, Toni. I really felt like ColorSnap helped me pull this room together. Let me know what you think after you check it out.
What a beautiful update, Susie! On my computer monitor the color reads like a beautiful iredescent pearl – so pretty. Love the original tear drop pulls! It looks so good in your living room – you rocked it girl!
Thanks, Marie. I’m surprised it reads iridescent pearl on your screen. The chalk paint colors are a super flat matte and the glaze is pretty flat, too. I can tell you that is was a beast to photograph. The layers of paint (not in solids) and the curves of the chest and the light coming from behind really stretched my photo skills… Well… beyond my photo skills. It was a tough gig. Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging comments. XOXO
Susie,
Your magic paint brush has done it again. I love serpentine dreesers. You have made a bright spot of sunshine in your living room. If this is a highlight I can’t wait for the reveal.
Hugs, Love, and Happy Creating,
Karen Marie
Oh, Karen….thanks so much. Yes. It’s a mix and match from the rest of the house to make the furniture seem new and fresh to us. You are so sweet and encouraging. Thanks so much for visiting and leaving your uplifting comment.
Om my goodness, that is a gorgeous piece of furniture. I love the two different tones.
Thanks so much, Katie. I love the two-tones, too. Every time I pass by, I can’t believe how much a little paint changed the chest and the room. XOXO
The curves on this dresser make me go ga-ga!!! Oh my goodness. For real. This piece makes me swoon!!! Susie, you and your magic paint brush have done it again!! Standing ovation, my friend!!
Thanks, Sarah. My magic paint brush and I thank you kindly…for your visit and sweet comments.
Susie, this is so gorgeous! I think the painted area brings out the beauty of the top and the hardware!! I love love how this turned out! Awesome job girl!!
Thanks so much, Kim. We are lovin’ it!!
This is just perfect in every way Susie. You would never know what lies underneath all that paint goodness. Well done girl!
OH, Purple Hy….you make me blush. Thanks a million for stopping by and showing the love. You rock, sweet friend.
Susie this piece is just beautiful! You really did your research on neutrals, LOL 🙂
Thanks, Jen. LOL. Well, my struggle to get that living room pulled together is real. #help! LOL..
Susie, I really love the paint and stain combo for the this piece. You have a great talent! It really looks lovely! Well done!
Thanks, Kim. You’re so sweet. Thank you for these encouraging words.
LOVE that you kept some of the wood finish! The two tone look is beautiful!
Thanks, Bre. I always try to salvage as much of the original finish as possible. I loved this wood and the color so I really worked hard to save it.
Suzy, you are so funny! And you really knocked this one out of the park!! The chest makes for such an elegant focal point now and your color choices are just perfect! Aaaand can we talk about your awesome staging?? Stunning, my friend 🙂
Thanks, Stacy. I try to have fun around here. LOL!!
This turned out gorgeous, Susie!! Love your writing style too. 🙂
Thanks, Christy. Well, you know….I just try to tell it like it is. Plain and simple. LOL.
Hi Susie – it is sooooo flippin gorgeous! Sharing this evening on The Painted Drawer Link Party! Thanks for moonlighting lol and please do so again 🙂 Cheers!
Holy cow!! Thanks so much. My French chest and I will be right over!!
Susie,
What an AWESOME makeover and I love the idea of a color family! Isn’t SW the BEST!
Happy day rock star!
karianne
Thanks, Kerianne! And yes!! SW is totally the best.
[…] And now, it hardly looks like the same chest. The difference is remarkable after just a little chalky-type paint in light neutrals. It is also a perfect example of how painting part of a piece can lighten and brighten a huge space. All of the details on how this piece was refinished are here. […]
[…] I like to keep you guessing. Remember last month’s lovely serpentine chest? Click here to see. Well, this month, I pulled a 180 and rescued this little guy from the bathroom in the […]
What a gorgeous piece brought to new life. I love how you made it over. It still looks classic and will not go out of date with your color choice. Nice job!!
Thanks, Debbie. I surely hope so….I’d hate to have to paint over that lovely neutral green.
[…] Click here to see the Serpentine Chest […]