Chalk Painted Piano

Last couple of weeks were a mad dash to get my friend’s home in San Rafael, California, furnished and decorated. Even before my arrival, we were texting ideas and pieces to each other to maximize my time onsite. I will write about the overall approach to designing this home in later posts, but thought that the painted piano deserved some special attention.

A week or so before I was set to leave, I received a text from my friend-turned-client saying he was getting a free piano. He said he’d always wanted to learn to play and that it would go into his workshop/creative barn under the garage. Had I known, I would have suggested getting a keyboard, because I know how heavy pianos can be. But, at least it wasn’t going to be in the way in the house. Then a couple of days before my trip he sent a picture of it – in the living room!

Seeing this photo sent me in a bit of panic. I worried that the already smaller room looked too crowded with large pieces – the sectional, the stove and now the piano. Even the hide just made things look even more cramped. But I love a good puzzle, so I suggested removing the rug and finding an organic and more neutral option for the living room. And then to lighten up the heavy look on the far wall of the room, I decided to paint the piano and bring in a mirror to create some depth.

Serendipitous color palette

I knew we were going for a slightly boho style with mid-century furniture, mixed in with some vintage pieces and goodies my friend picked up on his extensive travels. Additionally, he wanted to honor his Pakistani heritage and bring in some of the South Asian elements.

On the first night of my visit, we chatted about our plan of attack and pieces we still needed to source. As we started prepping dinner (Mattar Panner – Indian dish with peas and Paneer cheese) from scratch, we measured out the needed spices in a bowl. As soon as I saw all the colors together, I knew we had our colors. It was such a representation of everything we were trying to incorporate in this home’s design.

I already had the perfect color in mind, a nice sage green to perfectly brighten the corner. As a bonus, I loved how the color I imagined fit into the MCM/Boho palette and the spice wheel.

Chalk Paint – the tried and true painting method

When it comes to painting furniture, I stick to what I know. Even with so many new types coming out, I like using chalk paint, because I can successfully anticipate the end result. With chalk paint there is minimal prep required and paint comes on easily and evenly.

As I often mention, I tend to make my own concoction from flat latex paint. But being away from home and my supply stash, I figured it would be easier to just get a pre-made one.

We opted for Home Depot’s brand and Prairie Wheat color. They don’t make samples for this product, but it looked close to the color I wanted, so we got it. It was still a light hue of sage, but going towards ripe avocado.

Or so we thought.

After covering wood with masking tape, I painted one coat and started on the second thinking it will get darker and not look like a neon sign. Sadly, it never did.

What’s worse, it had no warm undertones we were expecting from the brochure. Quite the opposite. It was a late evening when I finished painting for the day and had my fingers crossed it would look good in the morning.

I tried so hard to like it, but it was just not right

The color wasn’t ugly, just not what we had hoped for.

Back to Home Depot we went. This time I didn’t even bother with the pre-made chalk paint, because of their limited options and surprising results. Instead, we picked a few regular latex colors and picked Gold Ink for a sample. And to make my own chalk paint, I picked up a box of Plaster of Paris.

I shared my recipe in my Navy Buffet post, but here it is a reminder. First, I mix 1/3 cup of Plaster of Paris with 2 tablespoons of lukewarm water and mix them into a paste. Then I pour 2 cups of paint in and stir until even. And that is it! If the mixture is too thick, adding a little water helps get it to the right consistency.

I was slightly worried that this paint was a little too brown and couldn’t wait to test it. Just after a few brush strokes we both knew this was the color!

What a relief!

Painting went without a hitch, using a small 1.5-inch brush for details and tight spots and going over with a 4-inch roller on larger areas. Even better, I managed to paint the piano and bench in two coats with just one 7oz sample. To protect the paint, I finished the painted piano with a layer of satin polycrylic.

The beautiful painted piano I’d imagined emerging before my eyes

As I let out a sigh of relief, I moved on to the bench seat. We chose a linen-like gray for a neutral element. Having to recover the seat using a mechanical hand-held stapler, I was grateful it was a smaller seat. I, also, realized how lucky and spoiled I was for having the pneumatic staple gun at home. I sure missed my home studio setup.

The seat upholstery turned out great, although it remained slightly bumpy due to the original crocheted cover. I just didn’t have the heart to remove that layer of its history.

I left some original wood visible for some charm and added a round mirror with a great raw wooden frame. And some gold candlesticks from World Market and bee wax candles sourced from a local shop completed the look for a lovely painted piano.

In the night light the hue goes full gold and brings in the warmth and homey vibes.

During the day, the space brightens with the sun rays flooding in and color on the painted piano changes to a deeper green.

And adds to the serenity of the whole home.

Most importantly, by painting the piano and recovering the seat, we added depth to the room. The painted piece is no longer a clunky block in the back of the room needing to be hidden. It is now an element that elevates that far corner and deserves a place in the spotlight.