A New Look for a Side Table Set

I found these side tables at the Salvation Army recently.  In addition to being outdated, they were in rough condition.  They don't really have anything in common besides their leather tops, but I decided to  make them a coordination pair by "mod-podging" (decoupaging) them with the same paper.

I probably could have painted over the leather tops (chalk paint covers pretty much any surface) but it was the perfect opportunity to use this vintage postcard wrapping paper.

After decoupaging the paper onto the leather tops, I painted the tables a taupe shade of Chalk Paint, sanded them, and applied a furniture wax.  I really like the look of them.  They are very unique...definitely one-of-a-kind!

 

Bedroom Set Makeover

I recently painted this bedroom set for Sarah, a friend of a friend, and her husband Tom--awesome people!  Sarah found the set on Craigslist and realized its potential.  I love this French provincial style.  The set is nice as is, but looked a little outdated.  I've realized that my mantra in life is "everything looks better with a little paint."  I know there are a lot of natural wood lovers out there, but I must admit, I do love the painted look!

Here is the bedroom set after being painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old Ochre, sanded, and waxed.

I kept the original hardware but painted them using gold-leaf mixed with water to thin it out and make the finish look more "antiqued."
Here is the difference...

I love the shape and style of French provincial hardware, it's so elegant.

Thanks, Sarah and Tom!

A Navy Bureau

I painted a bureau for my friend Ellie this past weekend.  She wanted a very dark navy color to match the color scheme in her room.  I chose the color Graphite which is a really dark charcoal/navy.
I think the outcome is a much more sophisticated version of an old bureau.

The knobs that Ellie found are very cool--they kind of have a tortoise shell look to them.  I had never seen anything like them.

Thanks Ellie, I had fun!

What Do I Call This?

I'm really pleased with the way this transformation came out...I'm just not sure what to call it...


























It would work well as a side table...but it would also be a really cute (extra-small) buffet/sideboard for a small space.  It would also be a cool liquor cabinet.

Whatever it is, I'm loving the wire doors.  I kept the original knobs, just dry-brushed them with paint.
This versatile piece is for sale.  See details in "For Sale" section.

Painting During Sandy

I'm averaging one blog post per month now that school is back--not very good!  I finally had some time (thanks to Hurricane Sandy) to get some painting done.  The majority of Massachusetts escaped the storm without too much damage, but we did have two days of school cancelled.
Here's what I got done while I was stuck inside...

I've had this old desk sitting around for months, waiting to be painted.  I picked it up at a thrift store.  It's a really solid, well-built piece of furniture.

I painted it off-white, sanded it, and applied furniture wax.  I knew I wanted really cute knobs on this one, and I think these navy blue roses do the trick.

 I didn't paint the inside part where your feet go because I thought the white would just get dirty.  You won't see the scuff marks on the dark wood!

 

 

 

The desk is large enough for an adult, but would look really cute in a little girl's room.
The dimensions are: 42" across x 31" high x 20' deep; the chair opening is 22.5" across x 23.5" high.

This is for sale for $160. Please email if interested!

A Couple New Pieces

I FINALLY had some time this weekend to get some painting projects done.  It's been so long; I've missed it!  School has really been keeping me busy. 

I've had these two pieces sitting around the house waiting to be painted for over a month...

I picked up the round table at a yard sale.  The woman selling it said it is very old, possibly even late 1800s.  I love the shape and the carved details.   

The other piece is an entryway table, or possibly a child's desk.  

BEFORE

AFTER

 

The color on this entry table/desk is a mix of French Linen and Old White chalk paint. 

 

There is some chipping of the veneer on the drawer of this side table.  You can only see it if you are looking for it.  I think it adds to the aged patina! 

I painted this with a mix of Chateau Gray and Old Ochre chalk paint, then applied gold leaf paint on the carved details.

See For Sale section for details!