My heirloom trunk has a new shabby cottage look and is feeling right at home in our living room. A couple of coats of soft white paint and 10 minutes with the sander — voilà, this vintage cutie has a shabby cottage look. I think she likes it! 
To get the look at your cottage here’s how I did it. First, I lightly sanded all of the sides I intended to paint — I left the top alone. I then applied vasolene to the areas where I wanted the paint to easily chip off when I got to the sanding step (you can also use wax). Next, I painted the sides with flat, creamy white latex paint. I then sanded the painted sides with a heavier grade sandpaper (150 grit) to reveal the stained wood underneath. 
I’ve never used vasolene before and it works well, almost too well. I ended up having to paint over some of the exposed wood because it was looking kinda like a brown and white cow. Not exactly the look I was going for, so go easy on the vasolene. When it started looking chippy and distressed, I lightly sanded it again (320 grit) just to smooth out the finish. 
I wasn’t sure about leaving the top the original stained wood. I almost started to slap some paint on it too, but I’m glad I didn’t. I think the contrast looks nice and really warms her up. 
Here she is before…. 
And here she is after… sporting her new shabby cottage look! 
xoxo Sally
Sharing with Feathered Nest Friday and Furniture Feature Friday
I LOVE how this turned out!! Perfect! Leaving the top its natural wood gives the piece the perfect amount of depth and dimension. It now becomes a lovely focal point in your room.
Mary Alice
It’s perfect with the new paint, Sally!
Sally,
LOVE the end result!!! Looks great and goes so well with your sofa. I’ve never tried vasoline, but will have to since I’ve not found wax to work very well.
Also LOVE your header and in your blog in general. Always love to visit and see what you are up to. Your blog is like a breath of fresh air!
Cindy
Leaving the top with the stain was a good idea. It gives the piece a lot more interest, and the contrast is really nice. Have a happy weekend. ~ Nancy
Thanks so much, Nancy. I’m so happy you like it! Sally
I have a trunk that is very similar. I have it in my sights! Yours turned out great!
Hi Michelle, thanks so much! Welcome to Cottage Fix!