Vintage Trunk Makeover

You might remember this trunk from our master bedroom in our Kentucky home.  Our bedroom in that house had a moody, masculine thing going on with dark walls and dark furniture, but in this house I’m going for a lighter, brighter look.  So I decided one way to lighten things up besides a light paint color on the walls, would be to lighten up some of the furniture pieces.  I have absolutely no plans to paint our mahogany bedroom furniture, but this vintage black/brown trunk that has been sitting at the foot of our bed for years was an easy target for a quick, white-paint makeover.

trunk makeover

Once again I used some Amy Howard one step paint because I love how quickly you can transform a piece of furniture with this paint.  (Check out the dresser/buffet I painted a few months ago.)  One step, absolutely no priming necessary and two light coats was all this trunk needed.

trunk makeover with amy howard paint

I was going for a soft, distressed look here so I used the color Bauhaus Buff, which is a soft white not stark at all. Once the paint was dry, I lightly sanded the whole piece with a fine grit sanding block.  Then I used a hard bristle brush to lightly brush just the metal hardware with some rub ‘n buff in gold leaf.  Then I once again sanded the entire trunk, wiped her down and called this quick makeover project done.  I really love the matte finish of this paint on this trunk, so I have no plans to wax or apply a top coat.

amy howard bauhaus buff trunk makeover

It’s such a small piece of furniture relative to the larger pieces in the room, and yet this paint change really made a huge impact in terms of adding a lighter mood to the whole space.

trunk makeover with amy howard one step paint and rub n buff

I really love the way the gold rub ‘n buff highlighted the metal details which are my favorite thing about this trunk.  The power of paint never fails to impress me.

trunk makeover - amy howard one step paint

flats (similar), tote 

I’m excited to show you more of the master bedroom progress tomorrow!  Like our living room progress is slow but steady, mostly slow, but it’ll get there…….someday……I hope.

* FYI – these flats were a clearance find at Banana Republic.  If you love them check your local stores as they may have a few pairs left….I scored them for $13!  What?!?!?!??!   I linked a similar pair above but not as great of a price though.

 

 

 

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  • Oh wow. I really love the finished look of the trunk. The white paint really suits it well. I am very excited about the new route you’re heading towards with this new house. Lighter and brighter!

  • Thanks Paola! I still love lots of color and pattern, but this house seems better suited to lighter colors on the walls.

  • Carmel as always your finished product looks terrific but gotta say seriously crushin on those flats!!!

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