A "French Blue" Desk Makeover

This makeover is a story about detective work, matching an existing color, and how changing out the hardware can completely alter the look of a piece. Last month, a client brought me a desk, chair and two end tables to match a small blue chest she had recently purchased.

I could tell right away from the drawer she brought me that it was painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

 But the color didn't look like the obvious ASCP blue choices, such as Provence or Duck Egg. Here are some side tables I have painted using these colors. As you can see, Provence is a brighter blue and Duck Egg has slightly green undertones.

Provence

Duck Egg

So I had to do a little bit of detective work to figure out what color this was! I tracked down the original seller of the chest, and she was kind enough to tell me that she made a custom color using ASCP Provence and Paris Grey. She didn't keep track of the ratio she used, so I started experimenting with formulas and this is what I came up with:

Provence 3: Paris Grey 1

Pretty darn close! I used a ratio of Provence (three parts) to Paris Grey (one part). I really like this color blue! Doesn't it look "French" and straight out of a country home? Maybe Annie will make this a new color and name it "Mary Beth"! Ha ha. Right.

My client agreed with the new color mix so I was ready to finally start painting! Here is a picture of the before of the desk. It was in really great shape for a vintage piece of furniture, and only needed minimal prep (light sanding on the top, corners and feet to even out previous chips in the paint finish).

Before

Here is the after of the desk using the new color. I painted the original hardware with ASCP Pure White and used Briwax Liming Wax in the recesses.

I wasn't feeling the handles....I just didn't like the look and I wanted it to tie in with the nightstands that I had repainted.

I found French pulls for the desk from a wonderful little shop on Etsy called Fairy Home to match the existing holes. I was so happy with my purchase, the speedy delivery and great customer service from the shop owner, Leslie! Leslie has a marvelous selection of vintage hardware and offers color choices as well. Leslie is offering a 10% discount to my readers. Just enter coupon code FHSALE10 in your shopping cart to receive your discount! (Just so you know, I haven't been compensated for this "plug". I was so happy to have found another great source for hardware, I wanted to share my little "find" with you!)

Handles from Fairy Home

I ordered these unpainted so that I could match the other pulls I had already refinished. And so this little traditional desk with Queen Anne legs and Chippendale pulls, with a new "French" color blue and French Provincial pulls was transformed into a new look!

Hope you have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

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