There’s painted furniture, and then there’s painted furniture — pieces covered in handmade patterns that totally transform the original. This Ikat buffet by Kim Frazier is a great example of what handmade designs can add. I love the imperfections and the rich color palette Kim chose. Great job, Kim! — Kate
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Time: 4.5 days
Cost: free (supplies on hand)
Basic Steps: Before I could paint the doors of the cabinet, I needed to chip off all of the old wood veneer. Because in certain places it was glued on fairly well, this was the most labor-intensive part of the project. I chipped off all of the old veneer and sanded the piece down to an even surface. Then I removed all of the brass hinges and hardware for a thorough polishing and filled any nicks or scratches with wood filler. After applying two even coats of primer, I painted the entire piece one solid color— for me this was an inky peacock blue by Martha Stewart called Plumage.
To create the Ikat print, I taped off an even diamond pattern all over the piece and filled in the diamonds with creme paint. Then I peeled off the tape and begin feathering the edges of the diamonds with more creme paint and a dry brush to achieve an Ikat look. Once all of the creme paint was dry, I painted the centers of the diamonds with more blue paint, a bright red and a pale pink for visual interest. Lastly, I sealed with poly sealer and added new vintage brass hardware to add visual interest to the piece.
My advice for people trying to achieve a similar look is to be patient — rushing into a design will often result in further refinishing. With patterns as busy as these, I often let ideas marinate for a few days before I act on anything. Also, trust your instinct. If you can’t get a color combination or pattern out of your head for a few days, even if it makes you nervous, it’s a sign that it just might be the right choice for you and for the particular piece. And don’t be afraid to take risks. I always say, why let your furniture live an ordinary existence if it has the opportunity for greatness? — Kim
