Wednesday 22 June 2016

Old Trunk Makeover - Big Scale Altering ;)

Hi again, my dear ones.
I'm back and I've got something not usual for you today.
As some of you know - we've moved into old, (I mean REALLY) old house last December and in the last months we were unpacking, getting settled, converting the garage into a studio and moving my boxes, carts, shelves into the final destination. We were also trying to take care of the garden, dogs, cat and live normal lives - which I had to accept is not possible for us at all. Nothing is normal or usual in my life and that is the way it has to be. Well, let's adjust the sails and go through the storm!
If you'd like to see some snapshots from our private, everyday life - here they are on our Instagram account - @innisfail_house. We won't flood you with foodporn, photos of feet or tons of selfies, I promise ;)

One of the things about the old houses is they need love and attention. We are ready for this challenge - and I hope our enthusiasm won't cool off too early ;) We've already fought with a leak, peeling paint, snail and wild pigeon invasion on our garden... and let's not forget the constant battle with tons of elements which are waiting to finally get in the right place!

One of them is this old, very damaged trunk, which we bought about 2 years ago and used in our previous home as DVD player and mini home-theatre storage. Andrew added some basic shelves to it and all our speakers fit inside perfectly! I love second hand furniture and home decor shopping, so no wonder this tattered beauty was on my list!
This is not strictly mixed-media project... but I hope it will give you some inspiration and ideas too :)


Of course - it was not possible to keep it as it was - it was too dark for our living room and far too damaged to suit our needs - it was high time to give it a proper makeover!
I started with a good coat of Chalk Paint - inside and outside - to give me a base and also follow the colour palette I had on my mind. (I used Annie Sloan Old White Chalk Paint).  The change was dramatic.


Next, when it was all dry, I started to work with sanding paper and blocks to reveal and accent all the beautiful, metal details - there was a lot eye-catching rust and patina on it - and I wanted to see it again!


After that I decorated the front of the trunk with elements I've made using Prima IOD Designs Vintage Art Decor Moulds and some plaster - I wanted to cover not the prettiest round hole someone made just on the front and add a bit of sophisticated charm to the project.
Guess what? My Art Basics Modeling Paste was a perfect gluing choice - white, strong and flexible. Score!


When everything was dry I could start working on the finishing touches... which cost me a bit of sweat, I have to say! I used a combination of Clear and Dark finishing Wax (Annie Sloan again) making sure all the beautiful details will be visible. I loved the effect - and so did Andrew :)



Some details for you - I love how dark wax helps to show all the beautiful textures...


And here is the reason for the whole makeover - it is going to stand next to my quite decorated fireplace, which got it's makeover in December. I didn't want to over decorate it - as it is going to be in a company of a very detailed statement piece and a bookcase cluttered with my projects, findings and collection of old cameras, books, photos and... and... more...



Here are the items I used for this makeover - I hope it helps!



Sending love - and asking - would you like to see more of the home-decor posts in the future?
Please let me know :) I still have couple of things to alter ;)

30 comments:

ginner said...

I'd love to see more home decor. I'm in the process of planning my studio and need all the inspiration I can get. Everything you touch becomes a beautiful work of art.

BEARKIS said...

Стилно, много стилно!Браво!

chris a said...

Absolutely - loved how you enhanced this old chest

Johannas Bakblogg said...

Wow this looks so good. I just have a question. When your working with the Silicon molds , how do you dry it? Mine always seems to be a bit twisted or am I using to lite mold?

Helen said...

stunning makeover!

craftyb said...

Absolutely LOVe it.....I'm in the middle of upcycling a trolley to house plants on my patio.....it's a nightmare working with the chalk paint so I can imagine this was a labour of love? The results are stunning....and YES PLEASE, definitely love to see more of your transformations!!

jasann said...

Hi Just love what you have done with the trunk - and would love to see more of your makeovers!!!!

Annette said...

what a beautiful piece of work my dear and yes yes would love to keep seeing what you make over and create art on it. gives us tons of inspiration and thank you for taking the time to do this. xoxoxoxo

itsazoo said...

Gorgeous transformation.....

Linda M. Cain said...

I love it!!!

Sandie said...

Stunning Finn. It looks so gorgeous and fits right in with your fireplace. You must be so proud of your work. Thanks for sharing and inspiring. xxx cheers

MarielaPapeletas said...

BELLO BELLO BELLO!!!

Annie said...

Such a fabulous transformation Anna x love your beautiful fireplace too. Best wishes in your new home

Annie x

Unknown said...

This is stunning Anna, I love it to bits! :) Fabulous work! So, so inspiring!<3 xoxo

ElizabethR said...

That looks fantastic and I love the fireplace, have been thinking about transforming mine and giving it a coat of paint, I'm convinced now to do it xxx

Carole Dion said...

Awesome work !! I would love to see more of home decor !! Just LOVE your style !

Lisa McGushion said...

Just love the new look. What a change. Enjoy your new home and garden.

sandra de said...

An amazing transformation. Can't wait to see how beautiful your home will look after your finishing touches.

Licho_Nie_Spi said...

Fajnie, że pomalowana wewnątrz! Jakoś nie przepadam za półśrodkami i malowaniem tylko fasady :) Swoją drogą te silikonowe formy to rewelacja, właśnie kończę półkę z ich udziałem.
Pozdrawiam!!!

barbara macaskill said...

Gorgeous! I have an old steamer trunk that is just waiting for me to get brave enough to tackle a makeover on it! You have given me a few ideas and I am almost ready to get going on it! Thanks for the kick in the butt and inspiration to get me going!

Unknown said...

Ooh I should come visit for a cuppa tea!And I even have an old trunk to do up so I could totally use some inspiration lol. I love seeing the Irish countryside featured...it's really a privelege that a lot of people seem to overlook :-)

Unknown said...

Yes please. I love old houses and was curious how you would restore your home. So glad you shared these pictures with us.

Sylvie said...

I LOVE it !!! And I want to see more, it's the kind of décoration I like !! Love,
Sylvie from France

I Shall Wear Purple said...

Yes, I would love to see more or these kind of posts from your home projects.

Wilma said...

WOW....just love it...so beautiful!!!

LCSmithSAVED said...

Keep sharing, please! The beautiful photos of your home have captured my imagination #youareblessed

Lisa H said...

What a perfect make over for where the trunk will be displayed! I'd love to see more furniture make over projects. =)

Kathy Bradley said...

What an amazing makeover on the trunk - it's now gorgeous.

Marci said...

The trunk turned out beautifully. The fireplace is stunning, and yes, would love to see more home decor.

LucianaW said...

I loved! Inspire me!!!! Thanks for sharing!!! xoxo

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