Announcing the #25Project Winners!

From the day I announced the #25Project I have been overwhelmed with the response from Stockists and customers from across the globe, and now the time has finally come for me to reveal the winning 25 community spaces, nominated by you! It was one of the most difficult tasks to whittle down over 300 deserving nominations to just 25, however I am thrilled with the final selection. Each one is completely diverse in its use and size, however the one thread they all have in common, from the kids creche in South Africa to the specialised dementia centre in The Netherlands, is that they are an absolutely vital part of their communities. I feel honoured to be able to assist them in their transformations over the next year, and I cannot wait to share with you all the stories and photos of each deserving and special space.

And without further ado, here are my final 25!

1. ’Jugend und Familiezentrum’ GERMANY

A volunteer run family centre that offers counselling services to families, young and old.

2. ’Remember Us’ IRELAND

A social group offering activities and support for people with special needs.

3. ’Centrum Voor Wonen En Zorg Heerma’ - THE NETHERLANDS

Specialised care and housing for dementia patients.

4. ’Studio Artes’ AUSTRALIA

A unique organisation that provides tailor-made creative activities and life skills for adults living with a wide range of disabilities.

5. ’Lawrence House Hinckley’ ENGLAND

Provides a safe and secure environment for homeless young people.

6. ’Tea Room Chateau Rocher-Portail’ FRANCE

A listed building that is turning into a public access museum and community space.

7. ’Muscatine Centre for Social Action’ USA

Providing emergency and temporary shelter, basic health care, educational and support services for those in need.

8. ‘Centre for Mestring’ DENMARK

‘Centre for Coping’ offers rehabilitation, education, activity and support for adults with mental health issues.

9. ‘East End Studio Gallery’ USA

Community based non profit organisation whose mission is to provide a platform for artistic expression in the community.

10. ‘Public Library of Sindos’ GREECE

A public library that was a former private school donated to the people of Sindos for public use.

11. ’Raglan Village Hall Association’ WALES

An association that works to improve availability, quality and use of community spaces in Raglan.

12. ‘Ottawa Community Housing’ CANADA

Providing housing and shelter to people with special needs across many communities in the city of Ottawa.

13. Methilhill Community Children’s Initiative’ SCOTLAND

Community group dedicated to providing local children with clubs, activities, nursery and education.

14. ‘CANSA Care Home’ SOUTH AFRICA

A home from home to cancer patients receiving treatment and care.

15. ’19 Carter Community Centre’ USA

This old church space has been lovingly turned into a dedicated community space for the local neighbourhood.

16. ‘Culture House of Nagymaros’ HUNGARY

An historical community centre in the city of Nagymaros used by locals for decades.

17. ‘School for the Deaf’ TURKEY

Providing education and support for the hard of hearing.

18. ‘Beachlands Community Centre’ NEW ZEALAND

A thriving community hub in a friendly and welcoming setting providing art and craft classes for all tastes and skill levels.

19. ‘Public Psychological and Pedagogical Advisory’ POLAND

A public space offering support and healthcare in the city of Katowice.

20. ‘Inthandokazi Creche’ SOUTH AFRICA
Dedicated educational space for young children to learn and play.

21. ‘Specialised Day Centre’ GREECE

A space for people dealing with psychological issues in the community.

22. ‘Hindas Station’ SWEDEN

Culture centre for public use, which holds various activities such as art classes and theatre groups for children.

23. ‘Kubono Kids Agri-Garden’ JAPAN

A specialised learning centre for children, specifically focused on educational gardening and horticulture .

24. ‘Village Hall in Swiatniki Gore’ POLAND

After being left to ruin, this community space will now become a place for children and adults.

25. ‘Centro De dia San Fracisco’ SPAIN

A vital and thriving community space in the heart of Spain.


I think you’ll agree that each space is very deserving of a transformation, and along with the help of their local Annie Sloan Stockist, volunteers and my paint and products, these community buildings will remain a vastly important part of their neighbourhood.

Check back in with me to see the transformations unfold, I cannot wait to get started with each one of the 25 spaces, so make sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, using #25Project.


Yours, Annie

Simon Olsson's Indian Inspired Style

When I first introduced you to the work of my Painter in Residence, Simon Olsson, I was thrilled by the positive response of my readers. There is something so pleasing about his painting technique, and in particular the texture he creates. Simon has really mastered the art of turning a standard piece of furniture it in to something incredibly beautiful, using my paint, Chalk Paint®.

What I love about Simon's style is its affinity with a bohemian, Indian style. The two pieces I'm sharing in this blog are hugely influenced by Indian style and colour, be it intricate carving of the table or the distressed patina of the cabinet.

The unusual shape and indentations caused by the many doors of this antique Indian cabinet lends itself so well to a textured, painterly and layered finish.  Simon used Graphite, Provence, Old White and Louis Blue from my Colour Palette to create layers of paint, which he distressed heavily, to create a rustic, chippy look.

Simon began by painting the cabinet in Chalk Paint® in Old White, applying the paint quite thickly. He then added a coat of Graphite, before finally covering it in a custom mix of Provence, Old White and Louis Blue. Once dry, Simon sanded the piece heavily to reveal the different colours underneath. And then, to protect all that lovely paintwork, Simon finished the whole piece with a couple of layers of Clear Chalk Paint® Wax. I love the turquoise colour he has created here. Doesn't it look fabulous against the monochrome of the Graphite and Old White?

Ornate and intricate wood carving is an ancient art practice across India, and this stunning table is a prime example. It lends itself well to being painted as there's so much gorgeous detail to highlight! I love Simon's colour choice for this piece - my pale pink Antoinette. It adds a modern touch to the piece, and the sensitive yet bold way that he applied the paint makes the most of the detailing. 

Have you been influenced by Simon's work or Indian style? Show me your work by tagging me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, and use #anniesloan, I would love to see your pieces!

Yours, Annie