Fabulous paint makeovers

Paint effects are key for making over these flea market finds. Lynn Spence shares her painting secrets—while turning bargain finds into true works of art.

1. Cheery chair
Part of the attraction of this tiny stool—originally a small chinoiserie table—was the gilded faux bamboo legs, touched up with Beauti-Tone's metallic paint to brighten their sheen. "I love entertaining that bit of frivolous colour in this essentially utilitarian space," Lynn notes. She removed the tabletop and covered it with inexpensive fabric to make a seat cushion. "It became a useful piece in the hallway," she explains, "rather than a merely decorative table." stool, spruce; upholstery, davis upholstery; flooring, torlys Steps Uniclic-Slate tile UF1021 and UF1018.

2. Table for one
Repainting this narrow bamboo side table in a pewter shade allowed it to shine, instead of blend in. "An undersized piece becomes dynamic when you add a little metallic paint," says Lynn. "This table became delicate, a bijou." table, wooden bowl, shells, flik & company; umbrella stand, crabtree & evelyn; umbrellas, sears; faux finish, masterpieces studio.

3. Smooth as stone
Lynn loved that this table didn't force her to change the rest of the hallway's decor. A coat of glossy paint and new drawer pulls freshened the piece. "The pulls look like little jewels on the table." The marbling detail on the lamps served as inspiration, prompting Lynn to add a painted faux marble top to the table. table, lamps, bronze; pulls, salvage shop; faux finish, masterpieces studio; shades, birds of paradise.

4. Mirror, mirror
Painting the mirror frame tied together the gilding on the stool and the bamboo table. The gold mirror now makes a bold, shining statement, while seemingly enlarging the room. mirror, spruce; flower pot, flik & company.

5. Sitting pretty
The clean lines of this pair of vintage chairs cried out for an update with soft white paint and new upholstery. chair, flik & company; fabric, stitchery, Barbara Barry, available at kravet canada.

Makeover magic
Glossing over coats of Beauti-Tone's metallic paints on the pieces in this room add to the casually elegant scheme, while patterned wallpaper over panelling effectively divides the space.

• Finish on bamboo mirror: Gold (1730-130)
• Chairs: Wedding White (NW20-BB20)
• Gilding on coral stool: Copper (1730-158)
• Black table: 6R1-8 in high-gloss finish
• Pewter on bamboo table: Silver (1730-176)
• Wallpaper: Ronald Reddings' Indigo Sea 1G2127, Provincial Wallcoverings/Decorlux
• Moulding: Elite Moulding
• Flooring: TORLYS Steps Uniclic Slate tile UF1021, UF1018.

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