Retro Sliding Cabinet Overhaul

I bumped into this mid century book case, littered with gardening and hardware tools, at a thrift shop. I didn't immediately notice it in its messy condition but I quickly determined that it was retro and needed to become mine.

I picked out Valspar shades Silver Fox blue and metallic gold spray paints. I started by dismantling the unit and cleaning each piece with a bucket of warm water, wet 320 grit sandpaper and a rag to prepare for paint. This shade of blue is almost perfectly fitting for the era and I accented the hardware with gold just to break up the color. 

This piece is originally a room divider from the 60's style mod. The sliding cabinet is sized to house old 45 records. I love this piece. It holds history! 

Before

Gone Light Fixture Crazy

Light fixtures are becoming my new thing lately, as I picked up two today just out and about antiquing. I have an idea for another one but is still in the works!

This pretty little light would be perfect for an entranceway or foyer. I went out and purchased a crystal halogen bulb for it and I just love the quaintness of it.

I also picked up this aged metal chandelier with a nice patina and a cut out design. It has sort of a rustic country feel to it that I just love. The plan is to install new wiring and screw in a couple of Edison bulbs and it will be chic and for sale shortly :) 

Check back for updates and take a peek inside my store at Etsy.com.

Vintage Drafting Stool Rehab

This was an old utility stool that I found in a thrift store for $5 bucks. Rusted to the core, it's only redeeming quality was that it still raised up and down, and had a sticker on it that read State University of New York Harpur college. It's about 40 years old and by the look of it, needed to be rough sanded at least a couple of times. Some people might agree that refinishing this old university stool would be decreasing its value, but for the practical purpose that I plan on using it for, and the amount of work that needed to be done to it; I think its better off NOT sitting at the back of a thrift mart. Lucky me!
The refinishing process

I used a rough 180 grit sand paper and metal sponge to wipe the entire surface, removing loose rust and debris. A bucket of water helped keep the sponge clean after the initial sanding once-over. I moved on to a spray metal primer and covered the dings and imperfections that would surely show through the coat of enamel. Next I used a clean bucket of water and wet 600 grit sandpaper to fine sand the surface. And lastly, I gave the stool one last preparation of wiping it with a clean wet rag and let it dry, removing dust. I spray painted metal enamel in Rustoleum's Almond.

Momma's Vintage Desk Makeover

Before

After

This desk was found in a Goodwill looking pretty scary. I made a few changes and was able to create a completely usable and original writing desk for my mom to use. I loved the original patina as it was but it just needed a little tweaking. I got ahold of some spray paint flat clear sealer and covered the entire lower surface of the desk. After washing out any critters that may have been living in the drawers, I sprayed the hose and let the sun dry everything out. I relined them with a leafy green pattern drawer paper. 
The remaining linoleum desktop was peeling and completely deteriorating. I replaced it with a wood veneer specially cut from Lowes, and stained it chestnut to match this really awesome chair my mom already had.
This style desk is at least 50 years old, maybe older, and it's age shows. I wasn't going for 'perfect' but more like 'charming' because that's what give it character!

Refinishing an Antique Table

Just what I love to see

I stumbled upon this lovely dining table street-side behind a warehouse in my hometown. After rescuing it, I noticed a hole drilled right through it, scratches and dings on the table top --nothing I couldn't fix. This was a huge score for anyone who appreciates a fine piece of furniture and knows a thing or two about handy work. To begin, I filled in the holes with wood filler and rough sanded the table top. This helped to remove what was left of the sealant and even out scratches. In the beginning I wanted to stain the table but due to imperfections in the grain of the wood I decided my best bet was to paint it. I experimented with a dark grey shade of Valspar paint called almost charcoal, and applied with a foam brush. After, I used wet sandpaper to even out the brush strokes and applied a coat of clear lacquer on top of that. I repeated this process two or three times to ensure a good cover and smooth finish. I left the underside of the table cherry wood because for one, it was completely undamaged but also to leave originality and give a sense of what the table once was.
The legs were painted as well, and the end caps were refinished metallic gold. This is a Duncan Phyfe style reproduction probably made in the 30's or 40's, now updated and ready for a whole new era.

Reclaimed Bedside Tables

I found two of these gorgeous nightstands made of solid wood, for sale at a thrift store. Slight flaws and dings are to be expected from used furniture, but the quality makes it an incredible find. I LOVE these tables. I couldn't bear to paint them. So I left the wood exposed and just sanded the outer surface and followed with a flat clear spray sealer. I actually like the slight imperfections peeking through. It's how you know it's served its purpose and sort of gives it a warm, vintage feel.

A Weekend of Headboard Updates!

 

 Painting a headboard is an easy way to update any room. It's also cheap and fun! My sister just moved into her house and was minus a headboard for her Cali King bed and a Queen in the guest bedroom. We ventured over to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore and picked out two from their hefty selection and paid $40 for both. To prep, we moderately sanded the surfaces and wiped the dust with a wet rag. Valspar has an awesome collection of primer + paint sprays that are just fantastic to work with. We used Hotel Vanilla and Silver Fox.