It’s no secret that we’re obsessed with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, funky accessories and vintage furniture that can transform a house into a loveable stylish home. It’s this stuff that complements our existing belongings and makes us want to curl up in the nearest, comfiest chair and admire our surroundings. We also like to keep on top of trends and pick out influences that work effortlessly well in the home to create some interest and instant eye-candy. Designers are still not over their love affair with colour – forget about going back to black at the moment (although Graphite does work well with most things!), it’s a rainbow out there, with vivid patterns, prints, neons and brights dominating the style scene. And this trend filters down into homeware; from soft furnishings including cushions and curtains to most definitely paint.
The Annie Sloan Chalk Paint collection includes fabulous eye-popping brights that tap into the current trend while offering great coverage on just about any surface from walls to wooden floors – anywhere you want to introduce some colour. Warmer, spicier tones include the brilliant Barcelona Orange that brings the “wow” effect to a feature wall or old chairs that are crying out for a maximum makeover with minimum fuss.
Barcelona Orange is the colour of a large, ripe orange. Apply dark wax and the colour becomes a luscious burnt orange. Its warmth and vivacity is a great accompaniment to neutral tones such as our greeny sludge colour, Chateau Grey or to the cool silveriness of Paris Grey, as well as Aubusson Blue, its deep complimentary partner. It is perfect for many interiors but particularly with the 1960s vintage look.
Alternatively, choose Emperor’s Silk to bring a sensuous accent of colour to a corner cabinet or side table, it’s a bright, pure red like the red silk lining of a jacket.
Bear in mind, if you love the brighter look but want to soften the glow, then just add Old White or Pure (Old White will give an antiqued finish and Pure will suggest a modern feel) – Annie Sloan Chalk Paint can be mixed with these ‘whites’ to lighten the shade without compromising on the vibrant undertones. Mixing existing shades with ‘whites’ will stamp your own creative flair on the project while ensuring it perfectly perks up and compliments an existing scheme.
Explore the collection further and you’ll see that Annie Sloan has some bolder blues such as Aubusson Blue which is a beautiful deep grey blue found on the classic 18th and 19th century Aubusson rugs from France, then there’s Greek Blue which is a colour found throughout the Mediterranean, often faded and distressed on shutters and woodwork, that will transform furniture beautifully, or dive straight into ocean greens and choose from fresh Antibes Green or the sophisticated Persian Green (Soon to be reborn as Florence) inspired by the colours of the copper green mineral and semi-precious stone, malachite, that will add some fabulous drama to a room.
We find these bright colours work especially well when finished with some Annie Sloan Clear and Dark Wax, to enhance detailing and texture. If you’re still unsure about the dynamic colour trend and want to fall back on “forever” favourites, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint comes up trumps with a stunning choice of classic greys, creams and whites that will keep a scheme streamlined and clean. (More on those lovely colours to come!)
After all, perhaps it is possible to resist the charms of Barcelona Orange and co. but we are officially smitten!