Colourful Living

The pieces in this book range from decorative items such as a bed coronet and a decoupaged bureau to large-scale undertakings including revamping a tall French armoire with a blend of Chalk Paint hues and using paint effects for a faux malachite desk. The projects are grouped by simplicity and the length of time required to complete each one, from an afternoon to a weekend. The techniques used range from painting to gilding, dyeing fabric, stamping, printing, and stenciling and each one is clearly explained in easy-to-follow step-by-step photography. As well as her love for color and paint, Annie has a passion for sustainability and reuse, and the book begins with a chapter that explains the concept of upcycling and why it matters. Every project in the book transforms an unloved second-hand item into something beautiful and unique, and Annie provides expert advice on sourcing the original pieces at flea markets and online.