Scrub it Into Style!
By Laurie Ann Ray
My own signature look is defined by furniture best described "scrubby." What exactly is this style? It's painted metal or wooden furniture that appears comfortably worn, almost as if delivered directly from your grandmother's house. Regardless of fact, scrubby furniture gives an appearance of history, of having a story to tell.
Whatever your scrubby selection - cupboard, hutch, side table, dining table, stool, chair, desk, headboard - it is a departure from the look of sameness. The purpose of a scrubby furniture piece can vary. It can be used to easily blend or to stand alone as the aah factor. Going the scrubby route is an inexpensive method to update heirlooms and a great way to use a piece you might otherwise discard. It adds the personal touch that says, "This house is mine."
So, if you don't have scrubby furniture, a piece that recalls the past, here's how to create your own heirloom-like treasures.
Find an iron or wooden chest, table, chair, desk or armoire, whatever you choose. Look for a basic selection or something distinctively different. Where to look? Thrift shops, garage sales and home (rummage through your for-the-Goodwill pile).
Decide on color-a single choice or a combination of two colors. When I've used two hues, I have selected from an assortment of pairings, including butter cream/sage, pink/white or black/red.
Determine the dominate color and the underlying color. Example: A black chest of drawers with cherry red undertones.
Using the above example, paint two coats of the red "underlying" color. (Note: One paint coat does not give the desired depth of color.) Let each coat dry thoroughly. Now duplicate the process with the black "dominate" color.
Lightly sand the furniture where it would wear naturally (typically its edges), giving the appearance of a piece used lovingly. When working with two colors, sand through only the top color to reveal the second shade. If you've used one color, sand through the painted coat to the original surface.
The final step is the most fun. Add the hardware and make it yours - distinctive hinges, drawer pulls and cabinet knobs.
Have fun with it!
Laurie Ann McMillin Ray is an innovative go-getter who has been involved in the Southern California interior design community since the 1980s when she began designing model homes for her father, well-known builder Corky McMillin. Today her several furnishing stores in San Diego continue to showcase her homegrown decorating style. It is this style and her insider's knowledge that she shares in the book At Home With Laurie Ann, A Decorator's Guide: Turn the Place You Live into a Home You Love. To learn more about her book or her decorating services, visit http://www.laurieann.com
