New Item Sneak Peak (Part 3 Final)

So I went ahead and sanded the rest of the table down to the bare wood - I typically prefer to do this rather than using stripping chemicals or solvents (even though there are some natural-based products out there).

Once this was done, I stained the blond bare wood with an eco-friendly dark ebony as the base coat. This was allowed to let dry overnight.

The next step simply involved hand painting over the stained surface in a gloss-finish white. Again, this was allowed to dry overnight.

Finally, I pulled out the ol' standby line up of medium to fine sanding blocks and went to work on haphazardly pulling off some of the white paint to let the black stain foundation show through, creating a more natural layered and weathered paint look. I'm not a big fan of distressed looks for the sake of distressing furniture, but I knew this piece would really benefit more with a look that gave it more age and character, rather than going for a sleeker, contemporary or polished look.

My next-to-final conundrum will be deciding on whether or not to apply a light yellowish glaze before the final coats of matte poly seal the deal.

And there you have it.

My final conundrum is this: do you think I should christen him "The Admiral" or "Mick Jagger"? Both for obvious reasons so I'm really kind of torn.

I'll be giving him a command performance within the next several days, after his glamorous photoshoot, when he'll be going up for sale. Stay tuned.

New Item Sneak Peak (Part 2)

In my last post, I mentioned that I had sanded the top of the table... most people would have probably finished sanding the body, drawers and legs first before doing anything else... but I guess I'm not most people.

In order to proceed with the top, I first researched the correct way to draw/paint the Union Jack. After all, I didn't want to piss off any potential buyers whom might just happen to be British. I visualized the entire thing - I'd be set up at a market or something where I'd be approached by a middle-aged lady with a very British accent, looking ever so interested in purchasing the table - that is until she noticed some little inconsistency in her motherland's flag - whereupon she'd then walk away, but not without first giving me the two-fingered "up yours" sign that Brits are well known to impart on unsuspecting (and sometimes very suspecting) people. I decided I was not going to be "that (vendor) guy". So yeah, I had to get it right, and apparently there are a lot of ways to screw it up. Thank goodness for the internet.

My reasoning to finish the top of the table first was because the top's design was going to be crucial to the finished overall piece. If at first I didn't (technically) succeed, I was most likely going to have to try and try again until I got it right. Luckily for me, I got it right on the first try. I then proceeded to sand down the painted surface one last time, going for a more weathered look.

Now I could comfortably move on to the lower half of the table without compromising my vision of "what would be!"

Next time - the finished piece.

New Item Sneak Peak

So I scored this Bombay & Co. coffee table at a garage sale this summer for $5. Yup, five measly bucks.

The top needed to be refinished and the original 1980's look wasn't very appealing either... but hey, it had good bones, and THAT is all that really matters.

In the pictures above I was right in the middle of sanding the top to a nice smooth finish, but that's when I remembered that I should at least take some pics for posterity's sake, right? Right.

So there you have it. A quick little sneak peak at the transformation that I hope can and will inspire those of you DIY'ers out there. Once I take some of the transformational money shots, I'll be sure to upload to keep you posted.

Glammin' Up the Loo

Framed photography by Home Anthropologie

Sherwin-William's Harmony Paint in Iron Ore Gloss
really allows the light to sparkle and the shadows to be more dramatic.

Vintage 1973 beaut sourced on Craigslist on the cheap.

The view up.

Here's a little sneak peak at our downstairs bathroom makeover. Once again, we decided to mix up a couple of the styles that we like - this time it was Hollywood Regency meets Upscale Spa. The photos shown here are just of the actual water closet... we'll be sure to show you more as the whole thing comes together.

"Lolita" Writing Desk (Sale Item)

"Lolita" is a great statement piece for almost any room that needs a little extra "wow" factor - whether it's for utilitarian purposes or just for show. This little French-style writing desk overall finish consists of several layers of painted and sanded non-toxic "Snow White" Old Fashion Milk Paint. The top area is done in Safecoat's Zero VOC flat black with everything sanded down to an ultra-smooth finish. Finally, new hardware was mounted onto it in order to add a little extra bling to the piece. Tempered 1/2 inch glass can be added to the top for an additional price.

Quantity: 1

Size: 42" wide x 20" deep x 30" tall

Weight: 44 lbs.

Condition: Excellent upcycled vintage piece

Price: $285 + S/H (SOLD)




Additional note: The painting "Coup D'état", also created by Home Anthropologie, was commissioned by one of our clients for their home.

The Home Anthropologie Secret Garden Update

Moving along quite nicely - new potting bench, tons of new plants and planters and a couple of start-up accessories until we start "formalizing" the overall look more. Next big to-do is sandblasting an 100+ year-old brick wall that probably has more layers of paint on it than i would care to mention. More later.

Photos courtesy of the Hipstamatic app.

An English (or perhaps French?) Secret Garden

paintedwoodfurniture.co.uk

paintedwoodfurniture.co.uk

North Star Antiques

Outdoor Interiors

junkmarketstyle.com

Restoration Hardware

Restoration Hardware

I needed a little design inspiration for our new "English/French Secret Garden" that we are currently in the process of undertaking here at home. We want to start with the "ideal" piece for a potting bench that should pretty much set the tone for how the rest of the space comes together, and i thought i'd pass along some of the imagery that is really getting the ol' creative juices flowing. We'll keep you posted on the final project.