When you think French style, you probably think toile, trompe l’ oeil and faux something. Newlyweds Lolly and Dan Rosales’ bedroom lacked the romantic, grownup style they wanted. They found a photograph of a designer bedroom they loved but there was just one problem. The price tag was over $70,000. Designer Bob Federighi was inspired by Marie Antoinette’s bedroom at the Palace of Versailles an no expense was spared. The challenge for the Double Take team–makeover designer Michele Addey, budget shopper Halili Knox, and carpenter Jamie Schmitt–was to re-create this palace boudoir for less than $3,400.
I was fascinated with the detailed treatment given a dresser found at a consignment store that has the same shape and scale as the Bombay-style dresser in the inspiration room. To duplicate the finish, two shades of latex paint were mixed with a glazing medium (to make paint more translucent). Both mixtures were rubbed onto the dresser simultaneously, then the excess was quickly lifted off with a rag. Gold paint was used on the trim and the embellishments to give it an aged look. A blue acrylic paint mixed with a glazing medium was used to paint the decorative dragonflies.
A similar effect could be achieved with less work with a panel insert or even a leaf scroll border design
Chieko Kakihana and husband John Mundelius knew exactly what they wanted — French Country — and designer David Bromstad had only French doors to begin with. Using details like a wood encasement and painted furniture gave them a bedroom right at home in Provence.
David spent many years painting furniture in the French country style and incorporated the room’s entire color palette into this armoire.
Casart Architectural Panels with the scroll insert as illustrated could be used instead of painting.
All tres Francais and ooh la la!
– Lorre Lei
Leave a Reply