Designer and antiques dealer Lucy Bernardin’s search for a fabulous bed led her to auctions and flea markets where vintage furnishings can be purchased for less then a third of new retail pieces. “I desire a stylish, decorator look and new bed frames just don’t hold that special quality.” Lucy’s solution was this vintage four-poster with ornately turned finials and fine beaded detailing, but her design sensibility is much more romantic and cottagelike. The solution? A flat finish spray using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® in Paris Grey.

Old pieces of furniture in shades of brown are dying to show off their details. A crisp spray of gray brings forth the textures and elegant architecture of the bed.

A spray of color took this bed from drab to a decorator’s dream. The wall color is Pittsburgh Paints' Bamboo. “The bed holds attraction and allure now, beckoning me to hang out on sunny Sunday mornings when I should be at the flea market,” says Lucy. A foot board finial is great for holding bags and satchels. The sunlight catches the curves of the bed against a wall sprayed in Pittsburgh Paints’ Bamboo. Fine beaded detail comes to life with a light brush of Annie Sloan’s Old White chalk paint. A mirror makes a stunning companion sprayed in the same shade as the bed.

Spraying a piece of furniture is quick and easy but you must be prepared. Drape the floor and wall of your workspace with paint cloth. Chalky finish paint dries quickly so you will be able to turn the pieces as you go. Make sure your work space is well ventilated and you wear a paint mask.

Lucy has painted dark furniture many times and has a solution to stop stain bleed-through on a painted finish. “I spray the entire piece with a coat of clear shellac to seal the stain. Failure to properly coat the former finish will result in patches of discoloration. Load the Wagner FLEXiO 5000 Detail Finish Nozzle with clear shellac, spray and let dry 24 hours before spraying with chalky paint”.

“I couldn’t be happier with the results,” says Lucy. “I created my own custom look and a ‘new’ family heirloom that I can enjoy for years to come.”