White Washed Beams

Hi Christine ~

I came across your blog looking for instructions on achieving a ceruse look on wood. Did you ever try it?? I'm at the tail end of a renovation, and my existing dark brown stained beams are too dark for my new scheme... there are 5 of them, however, that peak at 14 feet (it's a big great room), so it will be no small task to lighten them up. My contractor will paint them (because he wants photos asap), but I want a whitewashed look and am afraid his painter can't achieve what I'm looking to do. Ceurse seems to be a good option, but highly labor intensive, especially 10 feet off the ground. Ideas?

Also, any recommendations where to find decorator fabric online? I am afraid to work with a designer -- we've gone over budget on the reno so I have to really watch my spending as I start to decorate.

Love your blog!

anne

Hi Anne,

I am assuming you read this post on creating a ceruse finish. No- I have not done it myself yet- but yes- it does sound like a good option for your room. If you already have a raised rough grain- which is sometimes the case in older natural beams- perhaps the torching wouldn't be necessary. Maybe you could take a small obscure part of the beam and try an application of a diluted white paint over the dark wood. Use the Karate Kid method- wipe on- wipe off. A white wax would most likely be better looking- but the watered-down paint is the easier faster method. If there is enough raised grain in the beams- the white will go into the grooves and wipe off the smooth surface. If the beams have a tight seal- and a smooth finish- this won't work.

Big disclaimer- this totally might not work- don't hold me accountable- I am only trying to help- and without seeing the beams in person it really is just a guess...

Can you buy decorator fabric online? I don't know. I look at them online sometimes- at the manufacturers web sites- where they are not actually for sale- but then order samples and fabric from my San Francisco showrooms. I don't like supporting online sources for such items- I feel like too many people go to the showroom- select the fabric- and then purchase them online. The showrooms then go out of business and there are no local sources to go to at all- and it really is much nicer to look at the fabrics in person. This is what happened with wallpaper- and why it is so hard to find designer wallpaper showrooms.

How to Create a Pickled or Ceruse Finish

I have discussed in the past what I called "today's white wash". In this discussion I had several readers ask me how to create it. To which I reply- I am not that kind of designer- I am not a "Martha Stewart" do it yourselfer. Instead- I am the kind of designer that knows where to purchase wonderful pieces.

However- this morning I was reading my August Martha Stewart magazine- and read an article that I thought some of you might appreciate- on creating a "pickled" or "ceruse" finish. I thought I would go over the 7 step process.

1. Strip the original finish.
2. Fill in small holes and chips with wood filler.
3. A light torching begins to open the filaments inside the grain. (be careful :)
4. Before staining- go over the furniture with a wire brush to further open the grain.
5. Apply a black alcohol based stain with a bristle brush- and use a rag to smooth it out. The number of coats will depend on the wood.
6. When the stain is dry- rub in a transparent water based sealer that locks in the color.
7. Rub on a white wax by hand and then force it into the grain with a bristle brush and terry cloth. Rub off excess with steel wool.
8. Remove the white from the surface- but it stays in the grain- so the wood pattern remains.

Compare these nice step by step directions with these or these. I especially like the response that begins, "I'm guessing." Who would write in if they have to guess? Anyway- I am inspired to try it myself. If any of you do- take some pictures and let us know how it goes! Now- where do I get a torch? Do you think my creme brulee one would work?

I'm sure if we wait a month- there would have been a nice link to Martha's site for this info- but I wasn't able to find one today- I think you are all supposed to go buy her magazine. ;)

The New White Wash Kitchen

A few months ago, I posted a bit on what I called "The New White Wash." see here , here and here. My latest House Beautiful magazine had some great example of this that I wanted to show you, starting with this fabulous kitchen.

In addition to the cool finish on the cabinets, and the contemporary bead board doors, I also wanted to point out some great design features of this kitchen.

1. The hood is the focal point. Notice how it is even larger than the cooktop, by quite a bit. The natural instinct might be to "maximize storage" - but what a difference that nice large hood feature makes in this kitchen.
2. Notice too the prep sink exactly opposite the cooktop. With the confines of the space- this is the best "triangle" that can be made.
3. Notice too that the ceiling was not forgotten. It is simple, elegant- not "too much"- and yet not neglected.
4. I also appreciate the understated lighting fixtures. Notice the can lights are cut out square- inside the square design of the ceiling- really nice touch.

For those of you that have your 1980's white wash kitchen and you are now wondering if it is in style again... well- hopefully no one is wondering that.

Mischa's Kitchen

Today's post is a continuation of yesterday's.

Check out the chandelier- and high cabinets- sure, you can't reach them-

but you need a place for your platters and Christmas dishes- right? I find high cabinets to be "luxurious" looking. What do you think?

Notice the subway tile and ceiling below... (designer Phoebe Howard)

Christine,

We would like to change the existing carpeted area into either wood floor or tile. Our problem is the indoor area is on OSB subfloor, while the new added area would be on concrete slab on grade. We have ceramic tile in the entry area, kitchen, and breakfast nook area, carpet in the living room. What/where would you suggest for flooring? We would like to demo the 42” bench height countertop and replace it/lower it to the standard 36” height, since we never use the higher height. What type/color of floor, type/color of cabinets, countertop, finish trim would you suggest for the new areas? We are also thinking about getting a TV and using it as a digital slideshow for family pictures. Is that tacky? Is a digital picture frame just not large enough for you? My gut says to stay with that- as they take up so much less space... Would you suggest drywall archways between areas? sounds great- I drew in a third set of French doors for you- just an idea.

Dear Will,

You were pretty wide open- and did not include pictures that show your architecture- so if what I suggest would not go architecturally- send me pictures and we can re-do. Other people get just one post- but for you- my good friend... ;)

First of all- for your floors. With the change in subfloor- this was an easy call for me- go with Kahrs brand wood flooring. Why? You want to avoid glue down flooring- which eliminates tile, stone, and some of your hardwoods. From there- Kahrs is the leader in floating wood floors. Textures come and go- select something timeless as this is a big investment. This is a floating floor- very high end- absolutely no overwood- really fabulous floor. The color I selected for you is Dana Point Oak. I like how well it goes with dark woods, as well as "today's white wash." It has a cooler gray undertone- rather than a more golden undertone of a more "typical" oak floor. Being not typical is always a plus.

With all of that wood flooring- I say go white on your cabinets- I recently posted this white kitchen (from Vernada) and really love everything about it. The washes and stained white cabinets are pretty- but for a truly timeless kitchen- solid white is the choice for me. (in other words- I am not going trendy here).

Counters? I love a timeless look here as well- honed absolute black granite- and soap stone (above) are two of my favorites. Keep your backsplash sophisticated and lovely with a white subway tile, or white glass. Add a gorgeous chandelier or two. And have me over for dinner. Then we can get you all new furniture...

To White Wash or Not to White Wash

Hi Christine,

I was reading your blog about whitewashing. We have just bought a house and in the den is some sweet 70’s barnboard. We are putting a cinnamon colored maple flooring throughout and painting all of the trim white. What are your thoughts on whitewashing the barnboard? It’s not coming down so either way it is either going to be painted or some other kind of process. The room def needs to be lightened up! Also- on the far wall is entirely stone. I have attached a picture- I’m sorry it’s a bit fuzzy. Thanks for you help. –
Amy

Oh yeahh- that is fuzzy! It is hurting my eyes! Amy- I'd like you to look at the photo I found on decor pad for your inspiration. I think that not only does your wood need lightening- but your stone does as well. I don't know how to tell you to do it- I am not a do-it-yourselfer. I am a hire-it-outer. But lighten not only your paneling but also the stone.

White wash on your paneling is a great look to try- I would give it a try- and see how you like it- if you don't-you can always paint it. I hate to say "Do it!" when it is so unsure what the final look will be.

Anyone have ideas for Amy on how to white wash her stone? Is it as simple as a watered down paint? Go cream on your colors- not stark white. I'd love to see an after picture- a little less fuzzy perhaps :).