I've got a moody vibe for you today with this Roses are Red end table transformation!
Today's project is for those of you that love and appreciate a passionate piece......and for those of you that don't but choose to live vicariously through those that do!
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The Design Plan: Moody Smoky Blend
I'm going to show you how to be brave enough to use black to smoke out the edges of your colored paint....today's color being red!
I used this same technique with you a few blogs back, with a deep pink....you can check out another smoky edge here.
Before: Roses are Red Nightstand Transformation
Before I start any painting, I always thoroughly clean the piece and determine if it will need a primer coat. Learn all about how I prep furniture for chalk paint HERE!
Supplies Used
Painters Tape
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Roses are Red End Table with Red & Black Color Blending
I knew I would be using the Roses are Red transfer on this table....specifically the large roses with their deep shadows between the petals.
I wanted to emulate that same look on the side panels of this table.
Laying the Base Coat
So I painted the two side panels in Honky Tonk Red.
...and the entire piece in Hurricane Gray
SIDE NOTE: The table has a low area that makes it difficult to get your hand and brush under to paint. This can be done with a roller if you have one handy. But if not....its nice to keep the Scarlett Brush around for these low lying hard to reach spaces. Its a "non-handled" brush which is pretty cool!
Create the Moody Vibe with Red & Black Color Blend
Once I had two coats of red on the side panels I set up to bring in the black.
I know this can be really nerve-wracking but I promise it is a lot of fun once you find your groove.
PRO TIP: I recommend trying this blend on a practice board the first few times.
You just need your black paint, your red paint, an angled brush, and a bowl of water.
Dip just the lower edge of your brush in water....don't fully submerge it. Pat off any excess.
Dip your angled brush "toe" in the black paint (the toe is the tip of the angled down part).
Placing and keeping just the toe of the brush at the edge of the piece as you move around the edge.....allows the black to be delivered to the outer edge only. The wetness of the brush allows that black to lightly and naturally blend outward and be less black as it moves to the center. Just keep moving your brush around and around keeping that toe to the outside.
I do this until all the paint has blended out really well.
If this is too dramatic, you can now add a bit of the red back into the center.....spritz the entire side panel very lightly with water and begin brushing that red left and right and up and down...all the way through the black...and then finally pick back up your angled brush and give your last few circles of black around the edges again.
And that is it!!!
This process may sounds a little confusing but, trust me, it's not! Check out my detailed step-by-step video tutorial for a more in-depth explanation.
Having enough water on your brush and keeping that dipped toe to the outer edge is key!
I did this exact same technique on the other flat surfaces with the Hurricane Gray and Midnight Sky black as well...giving the entire piece a smoky sexy finish!
Tone-on-Tone Stripes
I used painters tape and Gravel Road to create the tone-on-tone stripes on the drawer front and table skirting.
And also tipped each of the four legs in Midnight Sky for a smoky blend there as well.
Roses are Red Design Transfer
Now to bring this moody art home with the Roses are Red transfer.
I started with the "see through" piece of the transfer which reminds me of a tattoo outline.
It is colorless and can be left this way or filled in with your painted color of choice. I layered these on the top with one of the gorgeous and giant red roses!
I also added a pocket watch from another transfer to the top surface. I love how this looks!!
More Design Transfers - Playing Cards
I wanted the playing cards to appear as if they'd been sat aside on the table.
...and nestled a few rose petals amongst them.
Interested in More Design Transfers? Visit my NINE Favorite Design Transfer Ideas Blog HERE for more!
Finishing Details
The final touch was to add gold gilding wax to the original hardware.
The entire piece is sealed for protection in Top Coat Satin.
The Finished Look: Roses are Red Nightstand with moody black & red color blending
I enjoyed this project so much! It was small and not overwhelming. It allowed me to practice my moody blend! And I always love the opportunity to create a non-serious playful piece that no one would expect to find in a box store!!!
I hope you are inspired to step into a zone that challenges you and allows you to try something new with no rules!
More Inspiration: Black & Red Furniture
The red & black color combination is bold and impactful! I have created several pieces with these stunning colors & here are several furniture pieces for your inspiration:
Roses are Red Recyled Wall Art - same design transfer brand new look
Red Rose Buffet - a dose of rich color and strong shadows
Red Jewelry Armoire - sophisticated look with stencils and design transfers
Red Whimsical Dresser - a blast from the past (this one I created years ago)
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
More Inspiration: Small Side Tables with BIG impact
You can tackle a smaller project in a matter of hours. If you are drawn to these small-scale furniture projects, visit some of my smaller side table blogs for more ideas!
Distressed Side Table - harlequin design in a subtle way
Whimsical Painted Heirloom - neutral whimsy side table
Koi Pond Side Table - You just have to see it!
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
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