Blue Console Cabinet and Mirror Makeover Using a Blending Technique With Chalk Paint and Acrylics

BLOG, AUDIO, AND VIDEO: Slim Vintage Console Cabinet and Syroco Mirror Makeover Using A Blending Technique With Annie Sloan Louis Blue Chalk Paint and Acrylics to Create a Stunning French Country Style Entryway Set

Thrift store finds transformed into beautiful French Country style statement pieces!

by Kim Hansen, Co-Founder and Artist, JK Hansen Studios

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In this blog, I’m going to explain how I transformed this vintage slim entryway console cabinet and Syroco mirror I purchased from a thrift store into a stunning French Country style entryway set! For those who are visual learners, be sure to watch the video/tutorial at the end of this blog showing the transformation. The video shows me in action using my blending technique!

Lost treasures!! When I was a little girl growing up in the ’60s, I remember my grandparents having a console cabinet similar to this one. You might even have one you inherited stored in your basement or garage gathering dust because it doesn’t go with your decor. If you do, this blog might inspire you to dust it off and transform it!

My grandparents’ cabinet was beige and it sat in their narrow hallway up against the wall between their stairway and kitchen. It served as their telephone stand for their rotary, tabletop phone. The phone books were stored in the cabinets below. On the wall directly above the cabinet hung a matching decorative mirror. Anyone passing by could glance in it to make sure their hair was in place or apply a fresh coat of red lipstick. Speaking of red lipstick–my grandma always greeted us with a big kiss on the cheek with her rosy red lips! I used that mirror often to check my own face to make sure I wiped off the red lipstick she would leave behind. As a child, I never could have imagined how much I would miss that later in life.

It’s no secret that one of my favorite places to shop is nearby thrift stores. I usually find a unique piece of furniture to bring home with me like this slim cabinet and Syroco mirror. Looking around at all the old furniture brings back fond memories of my childhood and I wonder to myself what stories each piece holds. I have been lucky enough to find out a bit of the history on a few of the pieces by identifying the furniture manufacturer by a stamp or seal–or finding small items or notes that fell between the drawers or shelving left unknowingly behind by the original owners.

PREPPING THE CABINET AND MIRROR FOR TRANSFORMATION

I gathered all the products I would need to begin transforming the console cabinet and mirror. I used a soft damp cloth to clean the pieces and then lightly hand sanded the scuffed edges of the cabinet.

BLENDING TECHNIQUE

Next, I used a two-inch paint brush to apply the paint — Annie Sloan Louis Blue chalk paint and acrylic blues. Using a blending technique I loaded a small amount of Louis Blue on the right side of the two-inch brush then a small amount of the Deep Denim Blue and Colbalt Acrylic paints on the left side of the brush. Following the grain, I applied the paint with up and down or back and forth strokes — being careful not to completely blend the three colors. In the places I wanted more highlights, I applied Louis Blue–and for lowlights, I applied more custom blues. To softly blend the colors to the already applied paints I used a combination of tools — a spritz of water, damp cloth and/or a wet round brush. I also used the same technique to paint the top of the cabinet and mirror — but used a one-half inch paint brush for the mirror. (Watch the video below for blending technique.)

ADDING BLING TO THE DETAILS

I used a small paintbrush and/or my finger to apply Wicked Finishes Champagne Metallic and Gold Rush Metallic Lustre to the details.

I used a one-half inch paint brush to apply small amounts of Annie Sloan Black Wax to the inside corners and edges of the cabinet then wiped back any excess with a damp cloth. I allowed the cabinet to dry overnight.

FINAL STEP

The next morning I used an unbleached cheesecloth to apply two coats of Rust-Oleum Chalked Protection Top Coat Wax Matte Clear over the painted surfaces.

DONE!

Once again, my thirty years’ experience as a commissioned artist, muralist, and faux painter have certainly helped with my vision and creativity to transform these forgotten vintage pieces. It took a lot of time and patience to complete this project, but they turned out beautifully! In fact, they sold within a few days after I finished painting them.

If you have a question, please feel free to contact me, or leave a comment below. Your feedback is always appreciated. I hope I have inspired you for your next DIY project!

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VIDEO: Blue Console Cabinet and Mirror Makeover Using a Blending Technique With Chalk Paint and Acrylics