Annie Sloan holding a flower in front of a wall painted in Piranesi
About

About Annie Sloan

Annie Sloan, CBE, invented her revolutionary furniture paint, Chalk Paint™, in 1990 and hasn’t stopped refining and improving her formula since. She is widely considered one of the world’s leading authorities in paint, colour and style. In 2023, Annie was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to interior design.

Nobody is better qualified to invent and manufacture paint than Annie Sloan. Annie’s first book, The Complete Book of Decorative Paint Techniques, was published in 1988. Since then she has published 26 books on paint effects, colour and Interior Design.

In 1990, frustrated with the lack of decorative furniture paint options available at the time, Annie created the iconic, revolutionary Chalk Paint™. The invention of Chalk Paint™ resulted from Annie’s need for a paint that could be used to achieve endless decorative effects – and quickly.

Chalk Paint™ satisfies that brief perfectly, as it can be applied to wood, glass, metal, brick and even laminate, left to dry, and then waxed within one day. With its remarkable versatility and ease of use – for everyone from the amateur DIYer to the professional interior designer to enjoy. Chalk Paint™ has now been made on-site in our purpose built factory in Oxford since 2014.

This helped to accommodate for Annie’s busy lifestyle as a working mother to three boys.

In 2021, Annie introduced her Wall Paint. Following years of research, extensive trials and independent testing she’s perfected the formula. Combining premium pigments with Annie’s in-depth knowledge of the history of interiors and the practicality of an easy to use, durable, wipe-clean, finish means that Wall Paint by Annie Sloan offers all your walls could ask for and more.

 

Annie Sloan painting a melamine bed using Chalk Paint furniture paint BHF
Annie Sloan sketch book with Chalk Paint furniture paint

Annie’s high standards and hard-earned experience as a furniture painter, inventor, and businesswoman ensure that Chalk Paint™ remains the best way to transform your furniture and your home. Annie uses Chalk Paint™ on a daily basis and her exacting requirements guarantee an industry-leading standard.

These same rigorous standards apply to Wall Paint by Annie Sloan, as well as Annie’s fabrics and all the tools and accessories Annie Sloan Interiors offer.

Annie Sloan is one of “Britain's most influential female designers.” - The Telegraph (UK)

Annie's background

Annie trained as a fine artist for seven years and turned to decorative work after graduating university in the mid-1970s. Annie’s remit included anything from sympathetic, deliberately undetectable restoration work to painting head-turning murals in houses as commissions; often using her own home-made paint. By 1987, Annie had written the phenomenally successful book The Complete Book of Decorative Paint Techniques, which is considered to be the industry bible on the subject.

In 1990, frustrated and unable to find paints equal to her requirements, Annie partnered with a Belgian factory to produce and sell the paint she had been home-making on a large scale. It was revolutionary. Chalk Paint™ became a global phenomenon and still is to this day. In 2000, Annie set up a shop in Oxford to showcase Chalk Paint™, host workshops, and offer interior design services. In October 2021, Annie Sloan Interiors introduced their premium range of 32 Wall Paint colours.

Annie lives and works in Oxford with her husband David who runs the business with her. Born in Australia, Annie came to England to a farming life in Kent when she was ten years old. With spells in Southern Africa and connections to France, Cuba and the US, Annie describes herself as a “citizen of the world.” Annie has three sons and has lived in Oxford for the last few decades.

Annie Sloan creating a two colour distress look on a chair using Chalk Paint® furniture paint in Aubusson Blue
“Annie Sloan has been a household name in interior design since 1990” - Elle Decoration

Annie's values

 

Annie’s core values are to promote mindfulness, sustainability, and creativity. She aims to leave the world, a healthier, happier, more beautiful place.

Mindfulness

Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan promotes mindfulness by offering a therapeutic outlet for creativity and self-expression. Annie’s core values emphasize the power of painting and upcycling as a meditative practice. Through the process of painting, individuals can unravel the stress and anxiety that may be plaguing their minds, allowing them to focus on the present moment and the act of creation. This mindful painting process not only provides a means of relaxation but also fosters a sense of accomplishment, contributing to overall well-being. Annie Sloan’s dedication to encouraging mindfulness and self-expression through Chalk Paint aligns with her belief in the profound impact that crafting and creativity can have on mental health and personal fulfillment.

Sustainability

Sustainability lies at the core of Annie Sloan’s values. All our paints (that’s Chalk Paint™, Annie Sloan Wall Paint, and Annie Sloan Satin Paint), are water-based with minimal VOCs and have the highest possible EU indoor air rating, promoting clean indoor air quality. Our tins are 100% recyclable and we are always improving the ways we manufacture and ship our products to be as kind to the environment as possible. Most importantly, our business model advocates for upcycling and furniture waste reduction. We want to enable individuals to save furniture from landfill and lower their carbon footprint.

Creativity

Annie’s mission in life is to empower us to tap into our creative potential, encouraging a sense of accomplishment and personal fulfillment. She aims to democratise the often exclusionary world of arts and interiors and give the power to make the world a beautiful place back to the people, regardless of their budget.

With Annie’s expertise, guidance, and products the only limit to your creativity is your own imagination. Embracing creativity not only enriches individuals’ lives but also has a ripple effect on the world. It fuels innovation, promotes beauty, and enhances cultural diversity. Annie’s dedication to nurturing creativity not only inspires people to see the beauty in everyday objects but also fuels a positive cycle of self-discovery.

Explore some of our creative inspiration projects below…

Picasso inspired squiggle cabinet by Annie Sloan Painter in Residence Polly Coulson with Chalk Paint® in Napoleonic Blue and Antoinette

Upcyled Squiggle Cabinet

Mid-century modern sideboard painted with Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan Painter in Residence Polly Coulson with geometric shapes

Geometric Painted Sideboard

Annie Sloan Sunroom Painted in Arles, Burgundy, and Emperor's Silk Chalk Paint featuring Large Table and Chairs

Chalk Painted Sunroom

Chalk Paint® furniture paint by Annie Sloan in Lem Lem being mixed
Explore

The Chalk Paint™ Story

“Annie Sloan's paint will transform even the drabbest bunker into a haven.” – World of Interiors

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