Monogrammed and Stenciled

An unfinished Bombay chest of drawers becomes a focal point when painted with a sage green base coat and adorned with cream initials in French script.

We inverted a leaf-and-fan stencil to frame the letters from above and below. Be sure to consider the hardware when painting furniture to make sure the knobs or pulls don't cover or compete with your design.

 

For a custom-design monogram, order a stencil from a company that offers this service. For this project we used Stencil Planet (www.stencilplanet.com). Look under custom lettering to create your own font styles and message layout.

Other stencil sites to visit include:

www.designerstencils.net

www.dresslerstencils.com

www.madstencilist.com

 

These sites can make a stencil of letters or words. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions on the Web site, and you'll receive custom-cut stencils within days. Several companies let you choose from any font you want.

The Bombay chest from John Greenleaf, Whittier Wood Products, offers a perfect canvas for creativity. Its classic shape and flat panels adapt to almost any finish. For other options, check out our favorite pieces on these sites.

• Shaker huntboard at www.furnitureunfinished.com. It's made for the dining room, but you can decorate it for use as a media center.
• Drawers on casters at www.popsfurniture.com. Pick the size you like, and label each drawer for the gear you need to store.
• Montecito computer armoire at www.unfinishedfurnitureexpo.com. Personalize this classic piece, inside and out. It's an office in a box.
• 20-inch side table at www.unfinishedfurnitureshowcase.com. Start and finish in a day.