![\"Dark](\"http:\/\/www.frenchdesigningdc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/128.jpg\" "\\"Dark")
<\/a>Dark green built in bench<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>Painting of first white stripe<\/p><\/div>\n
Instead of applying a plain lighter shade over the bench, I sanded the surface to smooth it, to get rid of most of the dark green, and to reveal the previous coats of paint. \u00a0Indeed, the under coat was a much lighter green. \u00a0I stopped sanding when three quarters of the dark green were removed, exposing the remainder in a lighter background.<\/p>\n
Afterwards, I picked two different light greens: one on the yellow side and another on the blue side. \u00a0I diluted each color with the same quantity of Floetrol and brushed one color over the entire surface, removing part of it with a rag as I progressed. \u00a0I repeated the process with the other color. \u00a0Eventually, I obtained a very soft pastel green built up by several shades of green.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Bench with pale green background<\/p><\/div>\n
The bench still looked monolithic; in order to break its mass, I had to add a geometric, floral, or gingham pattern, for instance. \u00a0I decided to go with horizontal stripes, keeping it fresh and simple. \u00a0I introduced three stripes. \u00a0I again used a diluted mix of vanilla color and applied two coats of it over each stripe. \u00a0The vanilla actually looked off white.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Stripes before the design<\/p><\/div>\n
Once the stripes were dry, I sanded them to remove half of the white paint, giving a more distressed appearance to the three bands.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Plain stripes on bench<\/p><\/div>\n
At this point, with a fine liner brush, I painted two simple designs inside and on the edges of the stripes in a darker olive color\u00a0to break their monotony.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Detail of design on bench.<\/p><\/div>\n
Again, the color I used was diluted to give a worn-out effect and to soften it.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Finished bench<\/p><\/div>\n
Finally, I varnished the bench with three coats of satin water based varnish. \u00a0The finished piece is reminiscent of Swedish faded pastel furniture, and matches the cabinetry with its dark design accents.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Bench integrated in the kitchen<\/p><\/div>\n
It now just awaits cushions and customers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What do you do with a long built-in bench when you can no longer bear it’s sight? \u00a0You may wish to embark on a totally different look, unless you are restricted to a color theme that matches the wall or … Continue reading