This blog post is for my COLOR LOVERS!!!
This rich and dramatic color infused red and gold dresser was SO fulfilling to paint!!! I used a special mixture to obtain this vibrant red and could hardly wait to share it with you. I promise you….NO filter was used on this photo. This is the TRUE finished product color right here!
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This red and gold dresser was custom painted for a couple who live in Boston. Their home is bursting with color in every room. They sent the photo that you see below of this gorgeous set of doors…asking if I could paint a very large dresser for their master bedroom that resembled the style and colors of the doors. AHHHH! Hello???? Yes, I can!!!!
I knew for certain the only issue I would have would be the richness of the red. I ONLY use chalk type paints…and they tend to have a very flat appearance….and this makes it difficult to achieve a super rich finish..especially with reds and pinks.
I tried to enhance the color by adding Aurora Staining Gel in Cherry Bomb but it just didn't take it to the level of the red on the inspiration doors. (Aurora Staining Gel is no longer available but Unicorn Spit has been recommended as an alternative option)
So this is how I achieved the rich red: I used Honky Tonk Red by Dixie Belle... and mixed it with a bold red acrylic paint. (I used Acrylic Paint in Alizarin Crimson
I know you will ask how much of each….and I don't know! I was in the midst of creative madness…and just filled/squirted and painted! I'm sorry. But I do know it was probably close to a 3 parts DBP paint to 1 part acrylic paint. Not only did it enhance the color of the red…but it left an almost wet sheen to it! It dried beautifully…and I wanted to take a gazillion pictures of it! Below are two photos….one of the two paints that I mixed…and the other is the top of the dresser that shows you EXACTLY what the paint looked like when it dried…this with NO sealer on it! I LOVE the streaky red/brown look! It has so much depth….and this is purely the underlayer of the dresser showing through somewhat!
I then set out to bring forth some Moroccan/Indian type style into the piece.
Can we talk about that hardware???? It is not original to this dresser! Could you tell? I had it in stock and I knew this was the time to use it! I slathered it with my favorite Modern Masters Olympic Gold paint
The top two drawers had the decorative carvings on them that I could have easily wood filled and painted over. But I felt they held a Moroccan vibe and I chose to accentuate them with the gold paint. The other middle and bottom drawers I went with my harlequin pattern. This may not seem very Moroccan-ish…but my client really likes the pattern and requested it. I really like the look and felt it was the perfect place to introduce the Espresso (like the brown on the inspiration doors).
The center doors were a no-brainer!
I just followed the lead and lines of the dresser! Stunning!
And these center "hidden" drawers…..
…..a simple damask stencil
I finished off the entire red and gold dresser with Dixie Belle Clear Coat in Gloss!
I realize that something this bright and this bold is not for everyone. I am grateful for those who do love color…and are brave enough to introduce it into their home.
If you are wanting to attempt a DIY red and gold project similar to this….you can find these gorgeous colors (Honky Tonk Red and Espresso) and more at Dixie Belle Paint. You can find all the supplies I used for this STUNNING Moroccan inspired dresser at the shop below.
If you loved my red and gold dresser, you may also enjoy this post where I painted my cabinets using a Peppery bold red!
Shop
The products listed here are exactly what I used on this end table! Dixie Belle Paint company offers amazing products that will make all of your projects successful no matter what your skill level is!
If you would like to paint your own furniture ....but lack confidence with where to start....I offer furniture design consultation! Contact me here and we can get you started on your next project!
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See you next week!
XOXO,
Tracey
Please pin my red and gold dresser & follow me on Pinterest...
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