BLOG — Annechovie

I recently refurbished this Craigslist rescue piece for our dining area. My sharp-eyed, internet sleuth Mom scoped it out for me as she was doing one of her scroll-bys on Craigslist.

It was no small job -I won't lie to you- but with some hard work and my homemade chalk paint,

I was able to take a hideous pseudo china cabinet with cheap, slick wood finish (but a great bargain $$$ wise and with nice bones) and make it into something that is actually an asset to our decor. I was aiming at eclectic vintage Palm-Beachy. I was happy with the color (Pantone "Beach Glass") that I mixed into my chalk paint recipe (courtesy of Pinterest) and then I did a bit of a watered-down white rub over it once it was painted. I finished the piece with hand waxing for long-lasting protection and durability. I started the painting process when Mr. Annechovie was out of town, so when he returned and saw the color, I could tell he was a bit - shall we say- "jarred" initially (read: his eyebrows went up a little). It did look a bit like a bold Jamaican fisherman's shack at first. I am thankful that I am married to a man who trusts my eye and gives me ample latitude in my creativity and artistic pursuits, especially those extending to our home. Once he saw the finished product and the toned-down finish, he was very pleased and continues to tell me how much he now loves it. As you can imagine, being married to me is not for a taupe-loving colorphobe who prizes mild, mainstream and generic interiors. A guy's got to have guts and an open mind to marry an artist.

We keep coral, sea fans and shells, along with some beach finds we've found on our travels that hold special meaning to me and my husband.

the "before" - like an 80's version of what I call "Rooms to Go Generic Mock French" or GMF

Moral of the story? Keep your eye out for pieces that may have good construction and bones, yet lack appeal because of cosmetic defects or beauty deficits......you never know - your vision, TLC and some elbow grease could turn an unloved ugly duckling into a cherished beauty!

Artist, designer and entrepreneur Sunny Goode

Sunny's stylish monograms are made with a flat finish, so they have the look of something painted on the wall rather than a slick decal. They feature a water-based adhesive, for simple and easy removal. A very practical and economical alternative to a custom decorative paint job.

Sunny's beautiful work was featured this month in Domino in the sunny, pastel home of Richmond, VA art dealer Katie Ukrop. Look at the wonderful floor she stenciled!

(Click for larger image)

Sunny's charming shop in Richmond, VA

A couple of years ago I read about Sunny Goode, a talented artist and painter based in Richmond, Virginia - a pretty stylish town. I was immediately entranced by her beautiful colors, stylish stencils and motivating photos. Sunny started Sunny's Good Time Paints in 2001 and now has a shop, a website, and materials available in select shops nationwide. She has authored two how-to books chock-full of inventive design ideas; "Paint Can!" and "Paint Can Children's Rooms". My memory was jogged when I saw her work featured in the August issue of Domino, so I decided to visit her website again and see what was new.

Let's face it, for the most part, faux painting has already experienced it's heyday and much of it now is associated with bad memories of pseudo-Tuscan washes and poorly-executed sponge jobs. I should know - I have seen more than a few people cringe when I tell them that, besides being an artist, I also do decorative (and even a little faux) painting. People used to have the same reaction to the word "wallpaper" being used!! However, wallpaper is now quite in vogue again and I am convinced that Sunny Goode could single-handedly bring about a similar revival for faux finishing.
I promise her style does NOT even remotely resemble an Olive Garden interior. She manages to elevate the much-maligned wash or stencil to a level of distinct style. Her concoctions are a far cry from anything boring or tired. Her website is overflowing with eye candy, helpful tips, tutorials, great rooms and tons of inspiration. Not just for walls either! I think her floor designs and stencils are equally exciting. Sunny's Goodtime Paint colors are outstanding and a refreshing departure from the generic, boring shades and combos that are often associated with decorative and faux painting. All of her products are water-based which is an added, earth-friendly bonus that won't leave you gasping from fumes. You can order the supplies straight from the website, or find a local stockist near you. She offers glazes, color washes, stencils, supplies, removable monograms and her books. I guarantee that a visit to her website will inspire you and have you wondering whether perhaps you should get the Palm Beach Pink and pair it with a Cappuccino accent or try something even more daring? Trust me, you will want to put on some gloves, choose a stencil and get workin' on your own masterpiece - pronto!!

(All photos courtesy of Sunny's Goodtime Paints website.)