Glossy white cubbies

Mission accomplished! I spent the last two weeks painting 36 white cubbies gloss white. Two primer coats, two white paint coats and one topcoat to protect. With the heat and humidity, drying time was an issue. Painting a large expanse of wall seems like a breeze.

The 6' x 16" cubbies will be used as a bar backdrop shelving unit for an upcoming tent party. They will hold stacked glasses and bottles of liquor, as in the last photo. The fun thing is that they can be used in any configuration. I can just see a few in my studio or kids' bedrooms or laundry room. Hmmm....

The cubbies are backed with an acrylic sheet that has a swirly white paint finish; with lights behind it, the pattern really glows. Of course, they can be used with a solid back or no back at all.

  

My hubbie's studio- definitely a working studio! Getting ready for a few big gigs.

Pretend-a-light (sunshine) to be replaced with light fixtures on location!

Here is Ikea's version:

I thought this was a great way to use them in the kitchen / dining room!

credit

A glossy ceiling? Really?

One of the widely followed home design maxims is to avoid the glossy ceiling. Flat paint it is! And most of the time, the ceiling is white (a totally different subject).

I would like to differ.  I love the shiny ceiling! The way it reflects the room and makes is seem more spacious. It amplifies the available light and gives the ceiling a much lighter feel.  The glossy effect can have a full range of finishes, from the imperfect to the mirror-smooth.

apartmenttherapy.com

However, it does need to be pointed out that a high gloss finish will highlight any flaws in the surface. If absolute perfection is important to you, then either go flat or first have a plasterer / finisher skimcoat the ceiling so that it's smooth. Then the painter (you?) can roll on the finish coats.

I happen to believe that the imperfect ceiling surface adds character! If you don’t mind a little waviness or imperfections, then a high gloss paint, a metallic paint, metallic leaf or Venetian plaster can add a beautiful shimmer to lift the room.

 

Elle Decor Photograph by Eric Piasecki

Elle Decor Photograph by Eric Piasecki

If you're going to use paint for as smooth a finish as possible, you should use a foam or short-napped roller and try to keep a wet edge. Coarse naps leave texture, and a dry edge can leave visible lap marks. If you use a metallic paint or metallic glaze, try the microfiber rollers for metallic paint. And add a paint “extender” for additional “open time” that allows you to roll on the paint with more ease and slows down the drying time.

These glossy ceilings are to die for:

Metropolitan Home, Larry Laslo Designs

Veranda magazine Photograph by Peter Vitale

Silver leaf ceiling: John Saladino- Style by Saladino