FROM PUNXSUTAWNEY PSEUDO PROVINCIAL TO PALM BEACH PREP

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!