Pull up a chair............soon.

Have you ever dreamed of living in another era? How about living in that era and in a far away place? I mentioned recently how I display a meaningful picture on my refrigerator, changing it seasonally or on a whim. This is my current display of what must be an old European kitchen. I love how it makes me think of living the simple life in a village where time stands still.

Walking through these narrow streets last Fall, I often heard voices in what must have been the kitchens of the French village houses. Most front directly onto the street, small gardens being in back. Perhaps these kitchens, simply furnished with a table and a few chairs, were where the family dined as well as prepared and cooked their meals.

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Because you've been patient and I've been slow, I decided to post a few photos of my chair re-do. Still a work in progress but coming along nicely.

The original plan was to paint all six chairs in the French blue-gray. After painting one arm chair I decided it would be just too much of the same color with the dresser and sideboard already two shades of grey. Instead, the four side chairs and the other arm chair are being painted a rich cream (2 coats) over a coat of dark midnight blue which just shows through on sanded edges and nicks to give an aged look. A final waxing with clear Briwax gives a mellow glow and smooth hard finish to the paint.

The seats will be recovered. I've ordered samples of grey velvets and linens, one of which will hopefully be perfect for the look I want. I'll show you these later.


Before pic of arm chair above. This is now the French grey color. It was also layered over the dark blue. I used the darker tinted wax to give an aged patina to the paint finish. This seat will be covered in a deeper color than the cream side chairs to 'anchor' it and to give it more the appearance of an occasional chair. I've also ordered a length of grey and ivory toile ~ pattern Turandot ~ and will make a pillow for it.




I think the chairs are turning out fine. They look more French country and definitely less formal with the painted finish. It's a lot of work...............but well worth the effort and aching shoulders!