Shabby Chic - The Dark Side. Or is It Gothic Chic?

Everything white or a pretty colour, that's Shabby Chic. So what do I do? Decide to paint a bureau Graphite and Emperor's Silk - a nice red.

Here we are painted with two coats of Graphite. Looks pretty dull.

Detail of the carved shell on the cabriole legs. These will be highlighted in gold leaf.

 

The lovely original handles, painted red. Then with a coat of size, ready for the gold leaf.

Yay a bit of bling. Gold leaf on, this is my first ever attempt. 

Next stage is onto apply the dark and clear wax I have mixed up.

I have managed to date the bureau to 1929 by looking up the registration number on the back of the handles.

More pictures when it is finished. This is what I am hoping to get to when finished!