I got the armoire painted but I still have all my other steps to do on it. I won't be able to add the appliques to the top doors because they slide into the cabinet when they are open and there isn't enough clearance. I'm glad I was actually smart enough to think about that before I put them on. Do you think it would look weird if I added some just to the bottom doors? I don't remember the exact measurement of the raised panel area on the bottom door but I think it's 12" x 18". Here are some I'm considering, although I'm undecided if I should use any at all. I need your help to decide!
This wreath applique is 12" wide by 7.5" long. I thought about centering these on each side of the bottom doors. It would take up the whole width of the bottom doors. I'm not sure if this would make it looked unbalanced with just a huge applique at the bottom and nothing else on top.
The swag above is smaller than the wreath. It's 10" wide by 3" inches high. I would put this near the top of the panel on each bottom door or maybe center it.
This rose drop applique is 4.5" wide by 11" long and would be centered on each bottom door.
What do you think? Should I add one of these, if so which one, or should I leave it as is?
I also bought some wood knobs that I painted white, which aren't on there yet because the screws weren't long enough to go through those ultra-thick doors but I'm wondering if glass knobs would be better???
48 comments:
Oh I don't know Cindy, thought decision.
I like how it looks now, just a fantastic job. But then you are never mistaken with your great taste so maybe it would give the whole armoire a special touch.
I know I am not a big help but I hope other ladies will be.
Suzy
ello Cindy: You've done a beautiful job. How about the appliques on the bottom and paint a flower, logo, initial on top and shabby it down, aging it a bit. That way it's balanced with anything you put on top. Glass knobs always look great with appliques......looking forward to seeing the 'finished' version!!
Alice
I was thinking of a "flat" stencil type flower on the top doors so they can open and close properly. Whatever you do will be spectacular - as always. Glass knobs sound good, too.
Betty in Oklahoma
Cindy:
Absolutely beautiful! I am ashamed I haven't even started painting my armoire. Ok now, definitely put the appliques at the bottom, it will look amazing. The knobs would look awesome in clear glass. Shabby Chic is soooo chic!
Love to you,
Debbie Kay
Hi Cindy! I vote for the swag appliqués and clear knobs. The white painted knobs will look just fine if the glass ones aren't in the immediate budget! (always my concern) You can change them out later. It's gonna look FABULOUS when you're done!
Sherry
Looking good. Actually, I think some shabby chic floral appliques would look nice. Better yet, have them painted on, if you know someone who would do it for you at a reasonable price. I also think the glass nobs would look nice. How exciting. Wish I were there to see all your beautiful decorating projects in person.
It is so pretty just like it is, but I do think the swag on the upper part of the bottom door panel would look good, with glass knobs. I trust your judgement. I love everything else you do. xoRachel
Hi,
Loooking Goood.
My opinion is, I like the wreaths on the bottom if you just wanted to use these.
But my other idea was. What about painting them on with blues, yellow, and green in them. Use a stencil of a wreath or the rose on the upper and lower. It would sort of weird if you did the paint on the top and app. on the bottom.
Just an idea. It looks really great.
Glenda
I'm sitting on the edge of my seat, awaiting the great unveiling! You have great style, I'm sure whatever you select will be just right!
Have you considered a decal? They slide on after being wetted down. I've seen some nice ones for jazzing up kitchen tiles etc. It should work on a painted surface as well.
You have such a lovely blog Cindy.
The armoire is gorgeous. Can't wait to see it with the appliques on!
Donna
Our armoire has those slide-in doors too, which I love....
I think yours looks great like it is, but adding the glass knobs would be fabulous!!
:)
Your armoire has turned out beautiful! But then again, everything you do turns out amazing.
It's a tough decision on the doors. I think the appliqués on the bottom with nothing on the top would look unbalanced. I love the idea a few others have suggested about painting a floral design on the top doors. That would be awesome.
BUT, (yes, there is always a but.....LOL....I love how it looks now.....just plain and simple.) Sometimes, we tend to overwork things.
I think the glass knobs would look nice.
I cannot wait to see what you decide to do! I am sure it will turn out perfect.
Here is a link to tinypic where I photoshopped the appliques onto your armoire for you to give you a visual to help you decide. I hope you don't mind.
http://i29.tinypic.com/20743cw.jpg
Cindy,
I'm always amazed at the huge jobs you undertake! It looks fabulous as is, but you might consider painting the doors (and the rest as well) with a flowered vine or a topiary. I know you are very artistic, and could easily do this.
Whatever you decide, I can't wait to see the finished product!
xoxo,
Mary
I definitely was thinking before I even read it that you should add glass knobs. I think the applique on the bottom would definitely look nice. I initially thought the wreath but I think the swags would look better since they are going to be on the bottom. I also think a rose stencil on the top would really add to it.
Hugs,
LeAnn :)
Cindy, If you'd like to have something on the upper doors, here are 2 ways you could approach it:
1. Paint a design on the upper doors. If you're not good at freehanding, you could print your photo of the applique that you like on regular typing paper, then trace the design over carbon paper (or color the back of the printed photo with crayon or pencil, then go over the lines on the front with a pencil...leaving an image behind on the wood). Or ask someone to paint it for you.
2. Or you could order some of this rub-on transfer paper: http://www.decalpaper.com/category-s/7.htm?gclid=CNmdiYbwipICFQKfxgodjUnYDA, then photoshop your photograph down to the bare bones of the applique, then print it on the transfer paper. (Here's one I did, just to see if it would work:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2331842128_56032e5bf2_o.gif). After rubbing on the decal, you might use some craft paint and a small paint brush to touch it up here & there, or even glaze over it...to make it blend in more.
Just some ideas!
I vote for glass knobs and the Rose drop appliques. I think that would just set it off without being too much.
Love it so far!
Blessings~ Saralee
I love the armoire - you did a great job. What shade/brand of paint did you use? I have an armoire project coming up in my near future.
I stumbled upon your blog about a month ago and now I am addicted b/c I cannot wait to see what you come up with each week! You are truely talented in seeing the beauty that lies within each treasure you find.
My suggestion for your armoire would be to consider having a simple design carved into the wood doors. And then you could distress it in your typical style. Maybe your father is able to help with this since he is quite talented with woodworking??? If that is not possible b/c the wood is too hard, I think a design decoupaged or painted in sepia tones (browns and beiges) would be beautiful and would add to the distressed, aged feel you are so good at creating. If you really want a raised applique, maybe there are appliques as thin as veneers that may clear the door slides.
I used Behr paint from Home Depot. The color is Polar Bear W-F-200. I use flat latex and then my step by step painting technique that I posted about on Aug 24th 2007.
Hi Cindy,
Love it! It came out so pretty. I have one that is distressed white and has painted ribbons and flowers. I think that the wreath applique would look gorgeous on the bottom on both sides. You are so talented. Did you have to sand it down at all? Thanks for sharing~Hugs, Rosemary
Hi Cindy, I like it as is, I think you have so many pretties in your home the simplicity of the Armoire makes a perfect contrast. Look forward to your final decision.
Thanks for entering my giveaway.
I like the armoire as it is.It already has some detailling down the front on sides and the door shapes. maybe just the rose drops on the bottom if you really want something.
Alison
Cindy: You did a great job on the armoire! But, if you want to add some pizazz to it, I think stenciling would be the way to go. Something simple to put on both the top and bottom doors. Use a stencil and colors that would blend well with the room. It looks great the way it is...so why rush into a decision? Live with it awhile. :) Sue
Oh, I really like the applique on the bottom, as in the photoshopped version. I vote for glass knobs! Whatever you do with the armoire, it's a great piece and will be beautiful!
Cindy, New here to your blog used to live in Campbell! I am painting a old armoire white also, I love the appliques on bottom, I will be applying painted flowers on top and then distressing it, so it will blance witht he bottom and my drawers still close! Marlene from Cambria CA
Hi Cindy: I love what you've done with the armoire but then again I love everything that you have shown us on this site.
I love the pictured appliques on the bottom. Great job.
Kathy O
You could do a tonal stencil for a similar effect on the doors instead. If your cabinet is flat paint use the same shade of paint you've already used in semi-or high gloss. if it's semi gloss, use flat/eggshell. the greater the sheen differnt, the more dramatic the effect.
Jen R
Cindy, I've never posted a comment before, but I visit your blog just about everyday. I also have an armoire I'd like to paint. Does yours have a polished veneer, or is it solid wood that was stained? If its just veneer, is there a certain way it has to be prepped? I'll check out your August posting to see if you addressed it there.
Love your blog!
I'm not sure about the appliques...too much thought involved, and it's way past my bedtime...but the glass knobs are just what I was thinking your armoire needs!!
Lovely, as usual!
Linda
That looks great! I would add glass knobs to add detail to the top half of the cabinet to balance the bottle detail. White ones might blend into the wood too much.
WOW, lots of great ideas people have
given you. Lots to think about, so take your time deciding.
~elaine~
I like them on the bottom - looks great!!
What a lovely armoire you've got. Can understand you're happy about that. Can't say how you shall do about the appliques but I think I would leave it as it is now.
Hope you have a good Friday.
Love Elzie
Cindy
The swags look great, how about the wreaths on the top portion of the doors?
Can't wait to see it done!
:0)
Tara
I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished product. You do such amazing things!
I think some floral door knobs with some mosaic (your classic blue and white) on the piece would be gorgeous! I am not good with linking sites on the computer but if you check out "poshtots.com" and then type in "Natalia Mosaic Armoire" in the search field, you will see an idea of what I am thinking for your armoire. Sorry I couldn't figure out how to link it for you. It has a similar finish on the piece that you are great at!
I vote for glass knobs and no appliques. You get through so much painting I can't believe it! Great job!
I`m entering my vote for glass knobs.
I think glass knobs would be really nice. I think I'd start with glass knobs and the appliques on the bottom and then just live with it for a couple weeks before deciding if you need something on top. I don't think it would be unbalanced just doing the bottom.
I have been inspired by you to paint my bedroom furniture and am getting anxious to get some supplies together to get started!
I popped over to the comment section to suggest the appliques on the bottom, painted flowers on top, but I see that several other creative ladies have suggested it. Whatever you do, it's going to be beautiful! Cheryl in California
I'm not sure about appliques just on the bottom... But I think others have mentioned a stencil. You could even stencil some pattern/floral design or something in a slightly different shade of white/off-white for a subtle applique look without the appliques. Just a suggestion!
I do think it looks great as it is too!
i LIKE THE ONES ON THE RE-TOUCHED PHOTO BUT I also like it without any appliques. You are so much better at this than I am so I know you will come up with just the right decision.
I like the wreaths on the bottom, along with the ideas of painting or stenciling the top doors...glass knobs would be fabulous! Great job, Cindy! I love and wish it was in my house!!
Thanks for re-posting your painting steps. The armoire looks lovely. :)
Cindy, happy to help out anytime :)
I like the swag. The big appliques might be too much without balance -- I think you'll make the right decision. It's gorgeous!
The armoire is beautiful. We have one that I want to paint black. I love the white but think black would be better in our bedroom. Now if I can just get up the courage to tackle the job.
I didn't take the time to read all of the comments, so this may have already been suggested.
I would photocopy the applique(s) and then create stencils from the photocopies by tracing onto stencil material (that thin plastic - don't know the name). Once you decide how you want your design to look, top and bottom, use your stencil of the applique to paint the same design (or the other, if you prefer to mix them up!) on to the top doors. Then attach the appliques to the bottom doors, according to your plan.
This *should* create some balance and flow between the two sets of doors, while allowing you to use the top doors the way they are designed, and still use the applique(s) you love.
Hope that helps!
Blessings,
Michelle
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