The first order of business? A shabby chic headboard fashioned from old, peeling-paint shutters. As Golden demonstrates, this is a relatively easy project -- just follow these simple steps:- Center the bed on the designated wall.
- Measure the shutters.
- Measure the wall to determine correct placement of the shutters.
- Anchor the shutters on the wall using screws.
Expert Tip: When a headboard is attached to the wall -- as opposed to the bed itself -- the bed may tend to scoot or roll across the floor, particularly if it's on a non-carpeted surface. To prevent this, slide heavy rubber coasters beneath the legs or place carpet under the bed.
Once the shabby chic headboard is complete, Golden is ready to update the rest of the bedroom furniture. Two coats of paint were applied to the old furnishings during the prep phase -- the first in black, the second in white -- and now Golden is ready to sand off some of the white outer layer to give the pieces a vintage look.
To replicate the distressed finish Golden creates here, proceed as follows:
- Sand and prime the piece(s) to be distressed. Allow primer to dry.
- Apply two coats of paint -- the first in a "show-through"/accent shade that will be revealed when the piece is sanded, and the second in the main color chosen for the piece. The first coat should be thoroughly dry before the second is applied.
- Once the second coat has dried, lightly sand along the edges of the piece, then on small random areas scattered over the surface.
Once Golden has distressed the pieces to her liking, she brings them back into the room, positioning them as indicated by the floor plan she created at the start of the project.
With the furniture in place, all that's left to do is add the finishing touches: beautiful French country bedding, coordinating pillows, pastoral pictures and tarnished silver accessories.
And what a stunning metamorphosis! This once-dull "bonus room" has come alive with warmth and color -- and its welcoming ambience is sure to have guests counting the days until they return for their next stay!
