the love and hate of painted furniture

Start your engines people, the week has begun. Hopefully y'all enjoyed some good times this weekend. We were busy beavers with <a href="http://instagram.com/p/mamPWJRtri/" target="_blank">track meets</a>, home projects, <a href="http://instagram.com/p/mV_mzOxtr0/" target="_blank">ORC check ins</a> and several trips to the park. And in between all of that I was able to go out to a <a href="http://stlouis.vintagemarketdays.com/" target="_blank">huge flea market</a> that is new to the St. Louis area.<br /><br />It was an amazing turn out in a beautiful (and muddy) location and I saw tons of great accessories and fabulous booths. But as I walked deeper and deeper into the market there was one thing that started to bum me out. Everyone had great furniture but all. of. it. was painted. Some of it was just slopped with white paint, and some of it was beautifully done in fab colors.<br /><br />And to be honest, it really bummed me out. Does everything have to be painted? What about refinishing the furniture instead? It would involve the same prep time and the same amount of work (to do it right). Don't ruin a beautiful secretary by drowning it in gallon of cheap paint.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fvj81vD2y7KTVxf7B9PbV0XPoCAHOIVLZfrduAXfSnhY1HigNKsvlxp9CCnYVnnmNCcr7zWVZCxFlrmTT6cfguSMRJ8nE6gBYIVgD1pFWA8puiZk70f4SxGxloDQQ-YzbncGIqh8P8He/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fvj81vD2y7KTVxf7B9PbV0XPoCAHOIVLZfrduAXfSnhY1HigNKsvlxp9CCnYVnnmNCcr7zWVZCxFlrmTT6cfguSMRJ8nE6gBYIVgD1pFWA8puiZk70f4SxGxloDQQ-YzbncGIqh8P8He/s1600/unnamed.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><br />And then I turned the corner and saw this. Beautiful. Amazing. Head spinning console. I thought of a million places this could go and a dozen people who needed it in their home.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Dq9JirtQN8OtzFpIpfb0UAg0_emWCm-XHaBFaV5FHfKwQs_kDGlyghC7LuvhwkkhBgStyPO-HAx7PZC_BNwtLm2Sy4V6EGMdqR0D0nwytNU6Zua_bTM7EvpxKrLHvkBv86UeA8L-koOH/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Dq9JirtQN8OtzFpIpfb0UAg0_emWCm-XHaBFaV5FHfKwQs_kDGlyghC7LuvhwkkhBgStyPO-HAx7PZC_BNwtLm2Sy4V6EGMdqR0D0nwytNU6Zua_bTM7EvpxKrLHvkBv86UeA8L-koOH/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><br />Obviously you know I love painted furniture as I've shown <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2013/03/high-gloss-dresser-tutorial.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2012/10/cane-chair-makeover.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2012/04/now-you-really-can-take-seat.html" target="_blank">here</a>. And I'm not suggesting it goes away entirely, but I think we need more pieces in their original state.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLPOUe15oZv0D4Jhyphenhyphen1dBhcjoF8LxxmpgWm6xxrruwmOovTDfY6dxgM5nhey9zG9mqqB9OttSFUJiO_pfZNFJTrNykIxhGCJxitxDEbkokkYOlwoInILb8wsBXYaazyThEfzH7B9cX2lJ5/s1600/2d1417a9862c9f145c377333a09d2f13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLPOUe15oZv0D4Jhyphenhyphen1dBhcjoF8LxxmpgWm6xxrruwmOovTDfY6dxgM5nhey9zG9mqqB9OttSFUJiO_pfZNFJTrNykIxhGCJxitxDEbkokkYOlwoInILb8wsBXYaazyThEfzH7B9cX2lJ5/s1600/2d1417a9862c9f145c377333a09d2f13.jpg" width="423" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twelvechairsboston.com/2014/01/portfolio-south-end-town-house-part-2.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+TwelveChairsBoston+%28Twelve+Chairs+Boston%29" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmemsXMpUR8JEGEOR1pv9BwrmDamA6_splTynAa3l6UsUzcu6g8wuj8n06jdncVxhiqMV7cnEKYgqWvqrVU1Oa_ecUMhXFyNFduYs5drc-yQn240rQ_EY_wM7VaYfqh922AW6AfM5-lF0/s1600/eaffd04e2d0580df2acc7a1fe17f61d8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmemsXMpUR8JEGEOR1pv9BwrmDamA6_splTynAa3l6UsUzcu6g8wuj8n06jdncVxhiqMV7cnEKYgqWvqrVU1Oa_ecUMhXFyNFduYs5drc-yQn240rQ_EY_wM7VaYfqh922AW6AfM5-lF0/s1600/eaffd04e2d0580df2acc7a1fe17f61d8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.casasugar.com/Nate-Berkus-Modern-Mediterranean-Room-33391287" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpCRT4zJ9IjNs71mX0FwKUJNYtMmWeXaRMJIl4BtuxiW1SvUsHhZKMuWp9S4bEaw9GonSGMZehNIkLOqEGVDPeHuJV6mppGAocBvvNKJYZ-jpbIvrRbTTpaots8nmRGP7n7sVQM2PXKEB/s1600/3d46f22b9c60947d52ce82081bbd4e02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpCRT4zJ9IjNs71mX0FwKUJNYtMmWeXaRMJIl4BtuxiW1SvUsHhZKMuWp9S4bEaw9GonSGMZehNIkLOqEGVDPeHuJV6mppGAocBvvNKJYZ-jpbIvrRbTTpaots8nmRGP7n7sVQM2PXKEB/s1600/3d46f22b9c60947d52ce82081bbd4e02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.domainehome.com/dallas-bungalow-design-cynthia-collins/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VG2Rs6Mkz_FdmiyB2xI3rR22RqPgr0_mdXue55I1FscTRcjW3mqbPlmjOV68Fqwlls_b8P8-j8B02rMetS3pfPvHIqikraPRgtV-PZMd9xYfEo_ia_pIeEBSTcoZrEy06m6Ci8BSnCk3/s1600/a80bfad577db2e0390a29c1f78f2b942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VG2Rs6Mkz_FdmiyB2xI3rR22RqPgr0_mdXue55I1FscTRcjW3mqbPlmjOV68Fqwlls_b8P8-j8B02rMetS3pfPvHIqikraPRgtV-PZMd9xYfEo_ia_pIeEBSTcoZrEy06m6Ci8BSnCk3/s1600/a80bfad577db2e0390a29c1f78f2b942.jpg" width="637" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://web.stagram.com/p/606168662499718864_21079412" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />What do you think? Would you consider refinishing your next vintage find rather than painting it? Would you be more likely to buy something that was refinished or painted?

the love and hate of painted furniture

Start your engines people, the week has begun. Hopefully y'all enjoyed some good times this weekend. We were busy beavers with track mee...

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the strength of ten men

A while back I was at my all time favorite antique store when I spotted something I loved (no surprise there). True, I do always spot something I love there, or 10 somethings, but this was different.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRAzqw-flODccoe6kgsXgyqFMItwZtgxcQIP6QfW4vIFjlg6qSj6Wd4u5AHQkUE5Rgh6CHv3ozTJcxXdhBse1RMpnuSvaAzT68in1s8v7DnmjHgAX6eyCcHUI2B1Bs9rMiCbJuEIYIKgW/s1600/bamboodresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRAzqw-flODccoe6kgsXgyqFMItwZtgxcQIP6QfW4vIFjlg6qSj6Wd4u5AHQkUE5Rgh6CHv3ozTJcxXdhBse1RMpnuSvaAzT68in1s8v7DnmjHgAX6eyCcHUI2B1Bs9rMiCbJuEIYIKgW/s1600/bamboodresser.jpg" width="634" /></a></div><br />It was an antique English bamboo armoire. Cue chorus of singing angels. And it was just the right size to go down in the family room for extra storage (more on that idea later).<br /><br />Quick backstory - when I was 17 there was a fabulous antique English bamboo bed, dresser with marble top and armoire at an antique store I would go to with my mom. I lusted after it. Dreamed about it. But sadly I had nowhere to put it, as I was 17. And it was out of my price range, as I was 17. Not until now had I seen a piece in person that so closely resembled it.<br /><br />But there was a problem. See the door on the right - it<i> is</i> closed all the way. That sucker is bowed. And when you open it, the whole piece makes this popping and cracking noise as if it was going to bust apart at any minute. And the top has a big crack running right down the middle of it.<br /><br />The price is good, but the condition is not. So I did something that took all the willpower I had.<br /><br />I. Walked. Away. (gasp)<br /><br />My mom assures me my dad could fix it but I don't think the price is good enough to take in to account the months of hard labor. And at the pace my dad works, it would be months.<br /><br />Now I grew up with antiques. I have antiques. I'm under no illusion that they should always be in pristine condition, but I would like the damn door to close without fear of the whole things falling in on me.<br /><br />So I'm sharing to keep me honest. It is not worth the money to buy something in such bad shape...right? Even if it is so pretty?<br /><br />My only solace is that all of these months later, it is still sitting in the shop. I visit it often and always check the tag just in case it goes on sale. No such luck.<br /><br />Have you ever had to use all of your willpower in a store before? Ever bought something in bad shape just because you loved it? Know anyone who can will tell me this sucker can be fixed in a week?

the strength of ten men

A while back I was at my all time favorite antique store when I spotted something I loved (no surprise there). True, I do always spot someth...

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dining room updates

I've been meaning to tell you, my mom is a genius. Of course I knew this already, but let me just share with you her latest example of genius-ness.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVV8ZNS2XpDpx20a-iKEwlUQdTYraxctlOm2OJ8BgcLUwuRDBQIWxgqmmY9X1FQsaIZWmJLx5bnsaDcIDR5RkLY8cplXNOGaCDFRI6jPRHXi_zS9taJEnzMtVze2PRifjjePysQ8GqdTD/s1600/DiningRoomLBDBefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVV8ZNS2XpDpx20a-iKEwlUQdTYraxctlOm2OJ8BgcLUwuRDBQIWxgqmmY9X1FQsaIZWmJLx5bnsaDcIDR5RkLY8cplXNOGaCDFRI6jPRHXi_zS9taJEnzMtVze2PRifjjePysQ8GqdTD/s1600/DiningRoomLBDBefore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I am generally happy with my dining room and <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2013/08/refinishing-bench-part-2.html" target="_blank">the church pew</a> works like a charm to corral the girls during dinner but there was one small problem with the layout. When anyone over the age of 16 sat at the pew, they had a good chance of knocking their head against the mirror before dessert was served.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyORAsF1JKlyvk4IPKu31rM-JI3MrLM5kYICbXfvjK8NKbKo3I3tI8G6sybuVu4_-_GOPffOHQsGITS5NtyHuHYfEWdYYvxNtQ3s_kGjGK2qLtCijYu8_BUnWjhS_A7S0P7LL6ZJCGXJkT/s1600/LBDDiningRoomWayBefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyORAsF1JKlyvk4IPKu31rM-JI3MrLM5kYICbXfvjK8NKbKo3I3tI8G6sybuVu4_-_GOPffOHQsGITS5NtyHuHYfEWdYYvxNtQ3s_kGjGK2qLtCijYu8_BUnWjhS_A7S0P7LL6ZJCGXJkT/s1600/LBDDiningRoomWayBefore.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><br />So often I would blather to my mom on the phone about wanting to put something behind the bench to create a bit of breathing room between guests and the big O (that would be the mirror, not Oprah). A console would be perfect, but I can't find a console that is as long as the bench and isn't thousands of dollars. Blah blah blah. It was probably around this point in the conversation that my mom would tell me she had to go so she didn't have to listen to this conversation...yet again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjin8JG89c9BlCIDKijmKVE1vDUGpB85xR58HTJcYaTzVSRc6NvLHa3q_oQGzTLFI2WXgsGKQqK4ZTCRp_6jdXAUozs6elcGZ6KvKC3nQSPSkkNOuIIIaf_rueAN9OiKO0kOMXMRAA1rBri/s1600/PA239782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjin8JG89c9BlCIDKijmKVE1vDUGpB85xR58HTJcYaTzVSRc6NvLHa3q_oQGzTLFI2WXgsGKQqK4ZTCRp_6jdXAUozs6elcGZ6KvKC3nQSPSkkNOuIIIaf_rueAN9OiKO0kOMXMRAA1rBri/s1600/PA239782.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then we were downstairs (pre-family room makeover) and she said, "What about this console for behind the pew?" Uh, that's not long enough mom, duh. And it's too deep. To which the smarty pants said, "not if you cut it in half."<br /><br />Mind blown.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOmPlnTwSYmIdF8TH8lk-BSUppyDf22B5dRlilbOviH8fARsju6dilbAhWPrXCTwI451L9kfrPcEKkNps2jAA_1Q-sOpIyfoyrA9LjBcvzG_ZYR6aEzUcLZbPRiUt9ma2gaVTwZthZTyy/s1600/consoletablebefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOmPlnTwSYmIdF8TH8lk-BSUppyDf22B5dRlilbOviH8fARsju6dilbAhWPrXCTwI451L9kfrPcEKkNps2jAA_1Q-sOpIyfoyrA9LjBcvzG_ZYR6aEzUcLZbPRiUt9ma2gaVTwZthZTyy/s320/consoletablebefore.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><br />I should clarify that this woman is a furniture lover of the first degree and doesn't normally condone furniture mutilation. But this particular piece was a random HomeGoods buy (we all have a few of those around the house) and is by no means precious.<br /><br />So of course I took that sucker outside as quickly as I could, measured to find the exact middle of the table and asked the hubs to buzz that sucker in half. We kept the tape down as he cut to prevent any splitting and in no time flat I had myself one. long. console.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBwMi3nviAVimb8rmAEntpcLjudli2opYJzHiHPFWQR4N9DiRSSUlNQhkn4KkNNyx1YC9uSbo6AgZ0Y4YHku4vEf4g07eqL9wsaNcGAL0Ja2rNhiEqmk3zbc7lzJr5oNBm5T4hxtls_Vw/s1600/IMG_1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBwMi3nviAVimb8rmAEntpcLjudli2opYJzHiHPFWQR4N9DiRSSUlNQhkn4KkNNyx1YC9uSbo6AgZ0Y4YHku4vEf4g07eqL9wsaNcGAL0Ja2rNhiEqmk3zbc7lzJr5oNBm5T4hxtls_Vw/s1600/IMG_1513.JPG" width="474" /></a></div><br />Although each side of the now super long console still had two legs to hold it up, it was a bit wobbly. To remedy this we just screwed each side of the console into the wall to hold it in place and we were done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrPIrtH85TxAlvPz3k_ZNjzhh7gBYan_uw6nrBlHDninFKv4YePMAzWPDpNwO21LJuD78sK6BAXl5-jx3GacTaRQyEo70lYNEeRfzm7DTb-QDBdB_hzKweCRQtbFD0js3OTbkVpSxvNYs/s1600/bluediningroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrPIrtH85TxAlvPz3k_ZNjzhh7gBYan_uw6nrBlHDninFKv4YePMAzWPDpNwO21LJuD78sK6BAXl5-jx3GacTaRQyEo70lYNEeRfzm7DTb-QDBdB_hzKweCRQtbFD0js3OTbkVpSxvNYs/s1600/bluediningroom.jpg" width="626" /></a></div><br />So nothing earth shattering but now all of my dinner guests can enjoy themselves without bonking their head in the middle of an animated story. (we host a lot of animated storytellers at our house). And really I'm a fan of little updates to a room. It feeds my constant appetite for change without chucking a room and starting over again every few months ($$$$$$)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlFDnFHFLa6vX3zbO3ouVY8kCaOwrd_YOAm3eL92ExeOLueayInHBpIgP8iQnWNWAmtg9zwcfJJc_oZ6fQxJHATBBsDYYA6JIwSi2UMbiHQCVEsEzHTJDZ-Gvt6k3lG2JpxBJuZhsyoJA/s1600/LBDDiningRoomWIDE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlFDnFHFLa6vX3zbO3ouVY8kCaOwrd_YOAm3eL92ExeOLueayInHBpIgP8iQnWNWAmtg9zwcfJJc_oZ6fQxJHATBBsDYYA6JIwSi2UMbiHQCVEsEzHTJDZ-Gvt6k3lG2JpxBJuZhsyoJA/s1600/LBDDiningRoomWIDE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqk304dAjtJt266bp4z56SkW9P7g8Vg-Eq_hVuKPYN-lKeqRBbeh2SkOu92jO4KO_QD2xqmPrIyrcJXdVG3S62HrgciR0BGyRQ7ZuswwotNXJ-zCJaJ3NscOeUBUqSNI8Xn5RDi-vR7A1z/s1600/diningroombenchcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqk304dAjtJt266bp4z56SkW9P7g8Vg-Eq_hVuKPYN-lKeqRBbeh2SkOu92jO4KO_QD2xqmPrIyrcJXdVG3S62HrgciR0BGyRQ7ZuswwotNXJ-zCJaJ3NscOeUBUqSNI8Xn5RDi-vR7A1z/s1600/diningroombenchcloseup.jpg" width="610" /></a></div><br />The runner is a temporary one I made from fabric leftovers and extra ribbon. It will hang out until I find a more permanent replacement one day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOFp8sV0B4jX_e4NkuQtfuU6WYt-AZ6KOdWB28HHdbjwfVqN4R70E_EZ3zRHu04hYsTzMyWYVdeHHsD-d0RzLkK7_UKp_jGo69aAVWLwbEBwlc29kDPKfgEInLqM7tQVgZF8RXhLkHiUQ/s1600/LBDDiningRoomTIGHT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOFp8sV0B4jX_e4NkuQtfuU6WYt-AZ6KOdWB28HHdbjwfVqN4R70E_EZ3zRHu04hYsTzMyWYVdeHHsD-d0RzLkK7_UKp_jGo69aAVWLwbEBwlc29kDPKfgEInLqM7tQVgZF8RXhLkHiUQ/s1600/LBDDiningRoomTIGHT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ3_lX1E51dbNs4r0ZeGrghswZ4CvAu_9yNQsiwSvMqktMJ5o1eGmoT04EsO25cWCCFTLHTEeTTFV5mRRjqDDBeeamBPB7954aYfpQM9wstND9rz6PlBYUFATgCsfcUqLIP3e1SUCA5xE/s1600/LBDDiningRoomOtherSide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ3_lX1E51dbNs4r0ZeGrghswZ4CvAu_9yNQsiwSvMqktMJ5o1eGmoT04EsO25cWCCFTLHTEeTTFV5mRRjqDDBeeamBPB7954aYfpQM9wstND9rz6PlBYUFATgCsfcUqLIP3e1SUCA5xE/s1600/LBDDiningRoomOtherSide.jpg" width="620" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_94ulhYNuzhmiizn2uZ-YWX80atDwoGIKXZZvDaGCgGAUG90R1Dc3rOerTbxsEu5nSiNCdN29xNMC5ITEKvDOGyc4ZEAcdsIwVfKBoxONu3O9o7MW9F6WeCPBqNZ_njRFlwMVzoMShb1w/s1600/LBDDiningRoomDetails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_94ulhYNuzhmiizn2uZ-YWX80atDwoGIKXZZvDaGCgGAUG90R1Dc3rOerTbxsEu5nSiNCdN29xNMC5ITEKvDOGyc4ZEAcdsIwVfKBoxONu3O9o7MW9F6WeCPBqNZ_njRFlwMVzoMShb1w/s1600/LBDDiningRoomDetails.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNy8L2vc57XyneYmgF6mHqQKzjlzM6mc7ScyqCOq8A4cpxmt5N4bYb7KOGY9UgKkZCv6PSsvLoMjOycWXX5p3xyyatjsBHlW0Vd5VvOS62TVBpyOnoG2flvCSrRQTx5KCzYInmOJkVSKOL/s1600/LBDDiningRoomWIDE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNy8L2vc57XyneYmgF6mHqQKzjlzM6mc7ScyqCOq8A4cpxmt5N4bYb7KOGY9UgKkZCv6PSsvLoMjOycWXX5p3xyyatjsBHlW0Vd5VvOS62TVBpyOnoG2flvCSrRQTx5KCzYInmOJkVSKOL/s1600/LBDDiningRoomWIDE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />What about you? Do you make a lot of little changes around the house to pacify the 'itch'? Ever cut a piece of furniture in half? I'm willing to rent my mom out to anyone who needs her, although maybe I should ask her first.

dining room updates

I've been meaning to tell you, my mom is a genius. Of course I knew this already, but let me just share with you her latest example of g...

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furniture wish list - chesterfield sofa

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I don't know about you, but I've got a long list of "someday I will have ___ piece of furniture." Classic pieces that I've wanted as long as I can remember and would be with me until I passed them on to the girls. True investment pieces.<br /><br />And at the top of that list is for sure a chesterfield sofa. I often imagine finding an old one with fabulous worn leather while in a little antique shop on a fabulous vacation somewhere, while sipping ice tea and wearing a super cute dress and having a perfect hair day. Not to be too specific with my dreams or anything.  But in truth, I'm not picky. Bold color or neutral, leather, velvet, cotton or linen - they all look good.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQgjbAcaad9hRxZeXOj91ljbI0DTGst86SK8OcLEFnQeiQ7UApaFSb9w-54__CUFvBMYMMfU9lkbx7Eg1KB8W73ajpUfacOhqIp5hGju-v8uwPCVWd-OFk0b1NvViC0JGvFTo9hYyeJ6w/s1600/f23def8d7f24f994b589f80e50f39f38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQgjbAcaad9hRxZeXOj91ljbI0DTGst86SK8OcLEFnQeiQ7UApaFSb9w-54__CUFvBMYMMfU9lkbx7Eg1KB8W73ajpUfacOhqIp5hGju-v8uwPCVWd-OFk0b1NvViC0JGvFTo9hYyeJ6w/s1600/f23def8d7f24f994b589f80e50f39f38.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lonny.com/" target="_blank">Lonny</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTD_P1v5pEnnepCbkpeUv2JUr4hhcdbJZ2Z5tQPzuu0Ht-ohaPVypmaLJezb0GW3OoRrF5hsd0m_5Mc8-sv5TPNHFqRo_Lxzd-tfs3_NOK-U4SdDlxE8TwXaCc4hRLr6C1d8HqeO8HV2h/s1600/6e70e39f2ebc3e627e157231a997edcf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTD_P1v5pEnnepCbkpeUv2JUr4hhcdbJZ2Z5tQPzuu0Ht-ohaPVypmaLJezb0GW3OoRrF5hsd0m_5Mc8-sv5TPNHFqRo_Lxzd-tfs3_NOK-U4SdDlxE8TwXaCc4hRLr6C1d8HqeO8HV2h/s1600/6e70e39f2ebc3e627e157231a997edcf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/designer-libraries#slide-1" target="_blank">House Beautiful</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdM1fO67oLLDEzOlsHd-ZBeeMSWw5LgoIQ1yJJDGVfwGAJdc6JcKbtn19IypS48AuIPdp9QGf2sFGwBo30uAe0SC-8DReG8BL2KekfZ_rrbS1fdHTvsZb5zZEdc5dFZ50lae1vRC-5N8Pr/s1600/a5e1a843db3919eeda5608d0e12511e4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdM1fO67oLLDEzOlsHd-ZBeeMSWw5LgoIQ1yJJDGVfwGAJdc6JcKbtn19IypS48AuIPdp9QGf2sFGwBo30uAe0SC-8DReG8BL2KekfZ_rrbS1fdHTvsZb5zZEdc5dFZ50lae1vRC-5N8Pr/s1600/a5e1a843db3919eeda5608d0e12511e4.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/6896205649441602/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHBDan8h7aOW-1jxa_NAHkcm9O1yxMOs9RpKq5wKDuhyj7dwJ0U0Bjz3VH9qGHdCYLGokXFJW8kodVNqFyohQJ6VT3pYj2fUCK3e4GPyKOJM0UeSuYtT8rG3fg-LS6J3R6mLi9_To1FCN/s1600/6c26beeb23ccc7cc2e53f3564f24ea05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHBDan8h7aOW-1jxa_NAHkcm9O1yxMOs9RpKq5wKDuhyj7dwJ0U0Bjz3VH9qGHdCYLGokXFJW8kodVNqFyohQJ6VT3pYj2fUCK3e4GPyKOJM0UeSuYtT8rG3fg-LS6J3R6mLi9_To1FCN/s1600/6c26beeb23ccc7cc2e53f3564f24ea05.jpg" width="552" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/" target="_blank">Country Living</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCq0evDNons6baacdxpqIES5Qg27vzXukBqczLbdnFHq0LAT0l738xM4yEa7nWQfBal2-VqgxLE92J_rHXm562PR_koh7x8Q718sYmNYbckyaBKLnsB2KhEn8TJvKna0oFK6GHZp4Fa9ZB/s1600/7ecb0d62566a305781fa06d9534e5ecb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCq0evDNons6baacdxpqIES5Qg27vzXukBqczLbdnFHq0LAT0l738xM4yEa7nWQfBal2-VqgxLE92J_rHXm562PR_koh7x8Q718sYmNYbckyaBKLnsB2KhEn8TJvKna0oFK6GHZp4Fa9ZB/s1600/7ecb0d62566a305781fa06d9534e5ecb.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/6896205653460542/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVYNYO5i-sX8EzZu9p8mRk_NyOy_8O4YDB3jFN8i6AvsrNQ_wX4LSKxjmNAMZSxLnbQRPqSykbNEWV-gZv-wQ58pthHYeBszjvGSvAzotlRmcaMcC2MiDe9ih_0sb7SNP1ZF7OTWwFir-/s1600/3991e34d36932bb1a9d1a1aea16c13d7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVYNYO5i-sX8EzZu9p8mRk_NyOy_8O4YDB3jFN8i6AvsrNQ_wX4LSKxjmNAMZSxLnbQRPqSykbNEWV-gZv-wQ58pthHYeBszjvGSvAzotlRmcaMcC2MiDe9ih_0sb7SNP1ZF7OTWwFir-/s1600/3991e34d36932bb1a9d1a1aea16c13d7.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedecorista.tumblr.com/post/2912728790" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMb2BXrfv2YxFYarvjvGnrQVMbIb3QZj-pcRcFQPF4S4i9HvXlKgjz5cYlVTO_HZEvinVxD0h3CR7Ui2dPDOc4C4tf359nBWDTIcRisM-0F_kTGio1tFRMC9JldObObPEVsZ6Eru_J0qI/s1600/9118863ee7bf5b10a87f5b80c387c935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMb2BXrfv2YxFYarvjvGnrQVMbIb3QZj-pcRcFQPF4S4i9HvXlKgjz5cYlVTO_HZEvinVxD0h3CR7Ui2dPDOc4C4tf359nBWDTIcRisM-0F_kTGio1tFRMC9JldObObPEVsZ6Eru_J0qI/s1600/9118863ee7bf5b10a87f5b80c387c935.jpg" width="430" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://handcraftedinvirginia.tumblr.com/post/28624800853" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3_qtGYq6hlLQOfxgQzzMFZu1VYa88ScSg04RvB318IACUci1qLYQwATsqlSgXDGjAhL7txPpuWyqKi5nlUYZRRcgXsRCwraYQ07779B_8xZAv4-hlgc4zidQSYGXSelwb7zdJYqv63zF/s1600/ab4a2ca44f1bd46e88bb13b71571ba98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3_qtGYq6hlLQOfxgQzzMFZu1VYa88ScSg04RvB318IACUci1qLYQwATsqlSgXDGjAhL7txPpuWyqKi5nlUYZRRcgXsRCwraYQ07779B_8xZAv4-hlgc4zidQSYGXSelwb7zdJYqv63zF/s1600/ab4a2ca44f1bd46e88bb13b71571ba98.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/house-pictures/small-nyc-apartment-design-0713?click=pp#slide-1" target="_blank">House Beautiful</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFlpj25x2ixNAmR6Kr3ibILpEIRrVgXZujevKDUuA7DN2nMDIFlNubjiM9RVRrfNQ3r3-bB-OCESTAIKqZ3n6F2Za59LS6lte1YauSLtDXYSL6cwyANyPl8Z3X6AtEcb1rXODHE4r_v0w/s1600/21aa8142d62d40d561748d59024b25f0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFlpj25x2ixNAmR6Kr3ibILpEIRrVgXZujevKDUuA7DN2nMDIFlNubjiM9RVRrfNQ3r3-bB-OCESTAIKqZ3n6F2Za59LS6lte1YauSLtDXYSL6cwyANyPl8Z3X6AtEcb1rXODHE4r_v0w/s1600/21aa8142d62d40d561748d59024b25f0.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miles Redd</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpUAoAQ7Y9VooFClmtm_M4GCQZZMTZpz25Qao9vWRW4MJMiHsy6PYR3CWPRwPQilH0QkygDgmyDZJbxQxE6koxgt-Z597stqU16bVSPPXamelRvzbqZxgEX-SoBDFRFOuCxb_49P5boMR/s1600/69842292c3750dd55870ded9f9aa7fec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpUAoAQ7Y9VooFClmtm_M4GCQZZMTZpz25Qao9vWRW4MJMiHsy6PYR3CWPRwPQilH0QkygDgmyDZJbxQxE6koxgt-Z597stqU16bVSPPXamelRvzbqZxgEX-SoBDFRFOuCxb_49P5boMR/s1600/69842292c3750dd55870ded9f9aa7fec.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elle.com/life-love/entertaining-design/leslie-fremar-new-york-city-home?cid=obinsite#slide-1" target="_blank">Elle</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkjrqzIcMIMehofgeXQWCGOvdE-jfJbOZDWQzv7VQlFfZoSumQ2ws9UKhDIdHC2TbAvbumLKBzzBN25lvx2tNHkKWrQ4ekAqPHDpGzCBDtVATCBw8BuIwgAe8pDNpCh5XjyriiO0ItOIA/s1600/b91c76c087723ad7deb338ea70575263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkjrqzIcMIMehofgeXQWCGOvdE-jfJbOZDWQzv7VQlFfZoSumQ2ws9UKhDIdHC2TbAvbumLKBzzBN25lvx2tNHkKWrQ4ekAqPHDpGzCBDtVATCBw8BuIwgAe8pDNpCh5XjyriiO0ItOIA/s1600/b91c76c087723ad7deb338ea70575263.jpg" width="564" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/6896205649174888/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />What is your dream piece of furniture? Have you dreamed of finding just the right one, while wearing just the right thing? No one dreams like that but me? Probably.

furniture wish list - chesterfield sofa

I don't know about you, but I've got a long list of "someday I will have ___ piece of furniture." Classic pieces that I...

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i've got my sources

One of the best parts about the <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/p/one-room-challenge.html" target="_blank">ORC</a> is hearing everyones comments. It is so interesting what people notice and what sparks their interest. I've had several source requests so I thought I'd lay it all out nice and neat, just like this room was - for about an hour. I am happy to report it is now perfectly trashed, and will probably stay that way for the foreseeable future. Also, the sun finally came out so I got some more true-to-life pictures.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefdTD0z76s3dQ-ztNIkUJ1RNxwYTTn7lXX5THU9d6TTMBJPd0SZdWE3ZgQXBsGFcyWkHr7hpdK9Sf9sDp4cg7qNv_yuDMxiXLYmIqdCfsNv734Rb8B9R1B_X_RZfVZ6WldYcfaSZ1JnDN/s1600/familyroomfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefdTD0z76s3dQ-ztNIkUJ1RNxwYTTn7lXX5THU9d6TTMBJPd0SZdWE3ZgQXBsGFcyWkHr7hpdK9Sf9sDp4cg7qNv_yuDMxiXLYmIqdCfsNv734Rb8B9R1B_X_RZfVZ6WldYcfaSZ1JnDN/s640/familyroomfinal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The rug towards the front of the room is an outdoor rug from <a href="http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Saddlestitch_All-Weather_Area_Rug/840/" target="_blank">Home Decorators</a> and I love it. I may or may not have spilled a small bit of paint on it and it wiped up as though it were water. (thank god it was latex). Trust that I'm not the only messy one in the house though, the girls have dropped and spilled on it as well and it always cleans up like a champ. And to know that I can take it out in the spring and hose it down makes mamma very happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The vintage rug in the play area was found in an antique store down in Sarasota, FL. It is soft and plush and very well warn. And because of its...age spots I know it can take a beating from toy strollers, legos, and the occasional glitter nail polish and still look great.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpxZbMrqC2hxjzLxe_sHtC1ERqTubHj-NCkP9mrNDlgxL4_AM4HFyZa74dCHrwDihhHodG5ldQ-uy3yquMQcRpXfYWNlHhUE7MddaKBYD_DdxQnbvfqjlTLXbhYd3QM3Q145fMmlVP4rR/s1600/familyroomconsole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpxZbMrqC2hxjzLxe_sHtC1ERqTubHj-NCkP9mrNDlgxL4_AM4HFyZa74dCHrwDihhHodG5ldQ-uy3yquMQcRpXfYWNlHhUE7MddaKBYD_DdxQnbvfqjlTLXbhYd3QM3Q145fMmlVP4rR/s640/familyroomconsole.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The white stools were purchased several years ago at my favorite local antique store and have been in just about every room in the house and every color in the rainbow. I had just barely enough <a href="https://www.houseofpemberley.com/p/98/brunschwig-fils-les-touches" target="_blank">Les Touches</a> to cover them and I love how they tie the red accents from the front of the house to the back of the room.<br /><br />The console is an outdoor buffet table. It folds up, has a zinc top and weights practically nothing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJj7LIDuI0H10Ag3jA_wwKVEfKkC9zvBEwfDAZ59wyzLDU0_Ym54TcpExQowDKNx3cqDesC_y_6gAdR1JOSmcW-F4zIEgJtc8QygddL-b2qUxibUqYj9E_ldWfPYkWebMaSCGC34QKvEx/s1600/blueandwhitebookshelfleft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJj7LIDuI0H10Ag3jA_wwKVEfKkC9zvBEwfDAZ59wyzLDU0_Ym54TcpExQowDKNx3cqDesC_y_6gAdR1JOSmcW-F4zIEgJtc8QygddL-b2qUxibUqYj9E_ldWfPYkWebMaSCGC34QKvEx/s640/blueandwhitebookshelfleft.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>The blue and white is from <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2012/11/winterizing-kitchen.html" target="_blank">my collection</a> that has made its way around the house and the lovely brass hardware is from <a href="http://www.rejuvenation.com/catalog/products/waverly-knob/items/cabinet-knob-waverly-1-1-4-c0016-lq" target="_blank">Rejuvenation</a>.<br /><br />The backs of the bookshelves are planked, just like the far wall. Tutorial to come soon.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZe4-dtmE-b80R4GiJkRulOnmeLUvpufLMsfrItMA3vqBqqUJAd0IDVytrBE8bqg53xA_sMAqSMCANKDVf-aeudTcLx6USPLFPjCWFldzKmAsdcYAt3PjrNfres5i4gzGLGAjDE7HkOQB/s1600/familyroomslipcoveredchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZe4-dtmE-b80R4GiJkRulOnmeLUvpufLMsfrItMA3vqBqqUJAd0IDVytrBE8bqg53xA_sMAqSMCANKDVf-aeudTcLx6USPLFPjCWFldzKmAsdcYAt3PjrNfres5i4gzGLGAjDE7HkOQB/s640/familyroomslipcoveredchair.jpg" width="522" /></a></div><br />The fabric for the slipcovers is plain <a href="http://www.housefabric.com/Prairie-Denim-White-P92530.aspx" target="_blank">white denim from housefabric.com</a> (they are local for me). All the fabric was prewashed and the slipcovers were made without piping to prevent shrinkage when they are washed. And they will be washed. Frequently.<br /><br />The red and white pillow is from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kassapanola?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Etsy</a>, the white table <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2012/07/keep-your-feet-on-ground-and-keep.html" target="_blank">used to be black</a>, the mirror is from the side of the road (classy) and the toy under the table is probably Fisher-Price. (real life)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXSLoKC1cVmQNSri3HSAW645yU3koBV490xCvdzIm8Z_99sPVAKQJ65c7Q5-ALv1FKdHs8I2_o05RHn6K9bilAHHbetaBlJRepOfCd8BbAcVGmPHG-AztpjHuww3m7eSauZOz5R_yseFw/s1600/greensofafamilyroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXSLoKC1cVmQNSri3HSAW645yU3koBV490xCvdzIm8Z_99sPVAKQJ65c7Q5-ALv1FKdHs8I2_o05RHn6K9bilAHHbetaBlJRepOfCd8BbAcVGmPHG-AztpjHuww3m7eSauZOz5R_yseFw/s640/greensofafamilyroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The <a href="http://www.housefabric.com/Plaid-Tartan-Multi-P3087.aspx" target="_blank">plaid fabric</a>, <a href="http://www.housefabric.com/Gloria-Jubilee-P91860.aspx" target="_blank">floral fabric</a> and <a href="http://www.housefabric.com/" target="_blank">blue and white fabric</a> are all from <a href="http://housefabric.com/">housefabric.com</a>. They know me well there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z9tnjVsZv-F_qgPpmvFPWoW8zJOQMzC0xjVADaCZcA4RNg4OPKTrw4e7f8MH27A_OoiEnjHnepdRu7MW0CX2rbLX2OtizD6tXlU3jPd8DdmMIdFFPvfIO_LYWAOZImExtsjhODwlds5F/s1600/creativecorner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z9tnjVsZv-F_qgPpmvFPWoW8zJOQMzC0xjVADaCZcA4RNg4OPKTrw4e7f8MH27A_OoiEnjHnepdRu7MW0CX2rbLX2OtizD6tXlU3jPd8DdmMIdFFPvfIO_LYWAOZImExtsjhODwlds5F/s640/creativecorner2.jpg" width="586" /></a></div><br />The color on the chairs is <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Painter-s-Touch-2X-12-oz-Satin-Lemongrass-General-Purpose-Spray-Paint-263148/203160400#.UoLv6JTk_CA" target="_blank">Rust-Oleum Lemongrass</a>. The green pillow is from <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/" target="_blank">World Market</a> (although I don't think it is available any more) and the ikat pillow is from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaliforniaLivinHome" target="_blank">Etsy</a>. Rainbow Pom-pom garland from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaliforniaLivinHome" target="_blank">Furbish</a> and sconce from <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20231325/" target="_blank">IKEA</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3wQn5gpteVpkBHZFpeUDsOH0xJI4Fh0QNZkfra-WJ7HxEjAMEiYCqTDcVZN9Jra5vc8dFnH0Z_XdFCbHNQMCTLd_d_SVZxrR4NHmaYmKZDYciVEmXnZhdWWmTmkZxQBkxvjYoZHJOzzE/s1600/plankwallspaintedstairrunner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3wQn5gpteVpkBHZFpeUDsOH0xJI4Fh0QNZkfra-WJ7HxEjAMEiYCqTDcVZN9Jra5vc8dFnH0Z_XdFCbHNQMCTLd_d_SVZxrR4NHmaYmKZDYciVEmXnZhdWWmTmkZxQBkxvjYoZHJOzzE/s640/plankwallspaintedstairrunner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I told you it was a sunny day. Can you believe all of this light came in from the door at the top of the stairs?!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqml-14fvrwh588URyy4xBqGog1Rz3L37AGC7SCC9hMO7BDqYD4f_SgReZxPNO9iT_U9wIpFMbvRswhPYqzIjKQrikyZ881C7U1sXCpr97njsKms2rTMbXw5hRhFhbIWpLqVJUQNRH3yH/s1600/vintagedollhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqml-14fvrwh588URyy4xBqGog1Rz3L37AGC7SCC9hMO7BDqYD4f_SgReZxPNO9iT_U9wIpFMbvRswhPYqzIjKQrikyZ881C7U1sXCpr97njsKms2rTMbXw5hRhFhbIWpLqVJUQNRH3yH/s400/vintagedollhouse.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><br />I think that about covers it. Do you have furniture that you recycle from one room to the next? Ever dump something in storage for a while and all of a sudden it seems new and exciting? How excited do you think HouseFabric.com is going to be when they hear I'm actually sewing now?

i've got my sources

One of the best parts about the ORC  is hearing everyones comments. It is so interesting what people notice and what sparks their interest. ...

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one room challenge - family room week 4

Before I jump in on Week 4 progress, I want to thank everyone for your sweet comments on the <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2013/10/im-in-hgtv-magazine-lets-celebrate-with.html" target="_blank">HGTV Magazine feature</a>. It wasn't totally real until I could share it with y'all and I'm still on cloud nine. Actually I'm kind of hoping that euphoria will carry me through the next few weeks because I feel like this project is growing. The list should be getting smaller at this point right? My design ADD is killing me. (catch up on previous weeks <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/p/one-room-challenge.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br /><br />Now that the painting is done and I'm ready to get going on the meat and potatoes of the room I wanted to take this week to share some details on what will be sitting on those newly painted floors.<br /><br />If you are new to LBD then I should let you know; I like a good bargain. And I love things that have a story to tell. (my furniture likes to talk almost as much as me) So when I can marry those two things <i>and</i> satisfy my 'thrill of the hunt' fix, then I am a happy girl.<br /><br />For those that follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/littleblackdoor" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, these might look familiar but let's take a tour, shall we?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-tJJbIaOqRoHeAt-cHiHomrJnresVpeFn8ARLFNKLad3WR5mgU1Rz_BTGsnHzD0sN5aNAvKPz42dFA07oNdkaUBlBFlAvra3Qfu7DtjHavmPm-F-FsPi3qYC7-mSt8vnDCi_hbU5Om0g/s1600/goodwillcouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-tJJbIaOqRoHeAt-cHiHomrJnresVpeFn8ARLFNKLad3WR5mgU1Rz_BTGsnHzD0sN5aNAvKPz42dFA07oNdkaUBlBFlAvra3Qfu7DtjHavmPm-F-FsPi3qYC7-mSt8vnDCi_hbU5Om0g/s640/goodwillcouch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The couch. I found this beauty at Goodwill and loved it right away. Then the 'do I or don't I' debate started and I decided I would walk away and check back tomorrow. If it was still there it was meant to be. I thought about it all night and couldn't wait for the store to open the next morning. I rushed in and paid the $30. That's right. $30. I picked it up the next day in a surprise (and severe) snow storm with it hanging out of the back of my car for the 2 miles home. Zero visibility on the roads but 100% happy with my find.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfW5VjMRPwAlOZKJXtoWQT8PGUd8zJ5potfS69QmmhqOv-trTyarX3PIzXQL1fUWUyUGZXhJ82f6DGz9gfA6e1StPbKZc7nm2l6WWJK9g-6NlsrHdbzWhZblhQbTwhKOhbu3Ci5qHfk1qR/s1600/JBSaleChairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfW5VjMRPwAlOZKJXtoWQT8PGUd8zJ5potfS69QmmhqOv-trTyarX3PIzXQL1fUWUyUGZXhJ82f6DGz9gfA6e1StPbKZc7nm2l6WWJK9g-6NlsrHdbzWhZblhQbTwhKOhbu3Ci5qHfk1qR/s640/JBSaleChairs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The chairs. My friend and I go to an annual high school garage sale every spring and we usually come away with something great. The lines are long, we have to go super early and it is pure madness when we get in. We love it. This past spring we went and came up with a big fat nothing until we headed toward the exits. I saw these chairs and said to her that I had no more room for armchairs in my house (I have 4 extras in my basement), but don't they have great lines? And then she said the best thing a friend could say - "They are $8. Get them!" (thanks Becca). And so I did. They won't look like this the next time you see them, but they are again in excellent condition and I love their shape. And that's $8 for the PAIR by the way.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltIS3xliDdhs4l-bIrMBWB1nxpjQgU-sFm_4ZM5ACSAsM1InxLAt4_Kq-_hVzN_hhQObLYJyG6ULjEaYs3n02KfrZjltMMDPUnLs8VQmKEjlvMwYzQHd4w0EfGnQbOTSMYAEX_EPSIq-e/s1600/goodwilllamps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltIS3xliDdhs4l-bIrMBWB1nxpjQgU-sFm_4ZM5ACSAsM1InxLAt4_Kq-_hVzN_hhQObLYJyG6ULjEaYs3n02KfrZjltMMDPUnLs8VQmKEjlvMwYzQHd4w0EfGnQbOTSMYAEX_EPSIq-e/s640/goodwilllamps.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The lamps. Both were from Goodwill. Separate trips but equally ugly. :) Big plans for these. They were $8 for both.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXQ9DKMJVQUSJbEOuKwPYWQyQ-qRgyOEeG2hRo9t-6ubG9lgUUQWUOvRbDkJBt_JwrTN0W3Jdjc6mrVkcc00mxxlKKT01oAjCqffoTQGeNDglV8nUuXyfvxey663lcBd8zwGjTlCsILmU/s1600/goodwilltable.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXQ9DKMJVQUSJbEOuKwPYWQyQ-qRgyOEeG2hRo9t-6ubG9lgUUQWUOvRbDkJBt_JwrTN0W3Jdjc6mrVkcc00mxxlKKT01oAjCqffoTQGeNDglV8nUuXyfvxey663lcBd8zwGjTlCsILmU/s640/goodwilltable.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />The table. I knew I wanted something for the girls to draw and create on, but I didn't want to spend a lot since...they wold be drawing and creating on it. I saw this one at, wait for it, Goodwill, and emailed my lovely <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Linda</a> to see what she thought. She assured me I could find some way to paint over that veneer and I pulled the trigger. $20. The dust was free.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8rv90zLtCQ6b6jvJCAeuekh-aVULsoda9DmI8Z5oFHLSWZwvjQ6QdowjBrzg3GObDXvXWKMjKepyj5VZ3rk2FwxdbR21MmdfpjTvtZ51OXtZDdaN_JbwTl7evOKtscrwuZsVGBVo82V2/s1600/oldchairs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8rv90zLtCQ6b6jvJCAeuekh-aVULsoda9DmI8Z5oFHLSWZwvjQ6QdowjBrzg3GObDXvXWKMjKepyj5VZ3rk2FwxdbR21MmdfpjTvtZ51OXtZDdaN_JbwTl7evOKtscrwuZsVGBVo82V2/s640/oldchairs.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />The chairs. The green one was my dad's 'homework chair' growing up and the other chair has sat in my parents basement for 30 years. I come by my furniture hoarding honestly. Best part - FREE.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpGn_R_D4XRZ7ymtaWZxllHghMID9jEyi4VP8mFfQ8EyBV2f5D2TuIqcPbxxq5fuAt5fx55HwAHmfaYSvJ53R6fWv0pCzxGEyPsfphgaKGfLGA7tjs5XzQ0Rs9_nMZCueygJWl6QaUVYS/s1600/chinoiserietable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpGn_R_D4XRZ7ymtaWZxllHghMID9jEyi4VP8mFfQ8EyBV2f5D2TuIqcPbxxq5fuAt5fx55HwAHmfaYSvJ53R6fWv0pCzxGEyPsfphgaKGfLGA7tjs5XzQ0Rs9_nMZCueygJWl6QaUVYS/s640/chinoiserietable.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The coffee table. Snatched it up while at a retirement home sale with a client (they had great stuff). My <strike>monkeys</strike> girls' broke the glass top during an illegal dance party so it needs to be fixed and spruced up. She is the perfect length though and I love her height. $15.<br /><br />So now the plan is take this motley crew and make them look cohesive and fresh. Less junky, more funky. Some of them have already been made over, some are still in process and some I still need to start (ugh!). Will I make it?!<br /><br />- <strike>Rip up gross carpet (floor and stairs) and replace flooring</strike><br />- <strike>Paint and plank walls and bookshelves</strike><br />- Recover estate sale chairs - <b>at the upholsterers </b><br />- <strike>Create some sort of art station for the girls</strike><br />- <strike>Paint chairs and table</strike><br />- Repair and paint coffee table<br />- <strike>Create toy storage that doesn't involve the words 'pink' or 'plastic'</strike><br />- Get some art on those walls<br />- <strike>Find rugs</strike><br />- <strike>New Lighting</strike><br /><br /><div>Be sure to check out how everyone else is progressing:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Calling it Home</a> </span></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chinoiserie Chic</a> </span></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.classiccasualhome.com/" target="_blank">Classic Casual Home</a> </span></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://cottageandvine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cottage and Vine</a> </span></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://designaddictmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Design Addict Mom</a> </span></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://design-crisis.com/" target="_blank">Design Crisis</a> </span></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://designindulgence.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Design Indulgence</a> </span></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.designmanifest.com/blog/" target="_blank">Design Manifest</a> </span></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.theenglishroom.biz/" target="_blank">The English Room</a> </span></div></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="http://chattafabulous.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">The Green Room Interiors </span></a></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.henhurstblog.com/" target="_blank">Henhurst Interiors</a> <span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> </span></span></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.maddiegdesigns.com/blog/" target="_blank">Maddie's Nest</a> </span></div></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.mixandchic.com/" target="_blank">Mix And Chic</a> </span></div></div><div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://mynottinghill.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Notting Hill</a> </span></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://pawleysislandposh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pawleys Island Posh</a> </span></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://blog.thepinkpagoda.us/" target="_blank">The Pink Pagoda</a> </span></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shelter</a> </span></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://simpledetailsblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Simple Details</a> </span></div></div><div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.thevaultfiles.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">The Vault Files</span></a> </span></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">Do you like the thrill of the hunt? Find any cool pieces lately? Be sure to come back on Monday for the greatest lighting story ever told! (no lie)</div></div></div></div>

one room challenge - family room week 4

Before I jump in on Week 4 progress, I want to thank everyone for your sweet comments on the HGTV Magazine feature . It wasn't totally r...

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refinishing the bench - part 2

So the bench.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsHx3ROw00VVI6zljKUBILtOPm8kcre-UAcZ1SScm5207bbRScPKXLWEH2PQJV_UJ61QSTv6AJNqvWzIJEpGSO0h4ids-Nf3jq7zQ5DqcRwR1uoah3-Mypd568YrPTl8efVIdRZFsoKmS/s1600/sandingbench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsHx3ROw00VVI6zljKUBILtOPm8kcre-UAcZ1SScm5207bbRScPKXLWEH2PQJV_UJ61QSTv6AJNqvWzIJEpGSO0h4ids-Nf3jq7zQ5DqcRwR1uoah3-Mypd568YrPTl8efVIdRZFsoKmS/s640/sandingbench.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />When last we left our story (<a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2013/08/refinishing-bench.html" target="_blank">read part 1 here</a>), it looked something like this.<br /><br />After all the sanding was complete, and my tears were dried, I called over my mom and dad to take a look at what I was working with. After decades of refinishing furniture and selling it, they are like the experts on Antique Roadshow. I bring them things, they tell me the good/bad news and then I jump for joy or kick them out of the house, depending on their answer.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The verdict - it was determined I was looking at a piece made of at least two different types of wood. Damn you furniture!<br /><br />But after a cool down period I realized/remembered that this is <i>not</i> a fancy piece. This is backwoods furniture y'all. The people sitting in these pews were most likely in their farmer overalls rather than suits so it was never meant to be a fine antique.<br /><br />So I gave in and decided I couldn't fight an old church pew. (its probably sacrilegious or something) It will be whatever it is. After all, I have it (and love it) because of its history, not its beauty.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bwpyc0V3taRltojEx-mfyUBMaT-O6v287iD3xEG3L6iyUEB8HcSr4pkggkdUCS9WK2a4qwXmJvxlebbYLGsgVkVLbpx6x9MHhvhgSVp76IIHOc00tFCCYBDemmVP51k1ECjVkKcSNTgg/s1600/RefinishingBench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bwpyc0V3taRltojEx-mfyUBMaT-O6v287iD3xEG3L6iyUEB8HcSr4pkggkdUCS9WK2a4qwXmJvxlebbYLGsgVkVLbpx6x9MHhvhgSVp76IIHOc00tFCCYBDemmVP51k1ECjVkKcSNTgg/s400/RefinishingBench.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />So all though some spots never came out, no matter how much I sanded, I decided it was time to move on and stain. Embrace the character. Embrace the character. (this is my staining the bench mantra)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tf_oH7BHlG6Ur-epaY93ZdhBCx91eLdmpynBzqqCa6_A3Y8TQINevMhzMQBIFhUOtD5u2yjXKGz9qoguLsTvHbNgpgJquEbF6iVri2lcdqSoct6zn1aCvvzhmxZbYC4aXvxyOv0Iuf4L/s1600/RefinshedBenchcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tf_oH7BHlG6Ur-epaY93ZdhBCx91eLdmpynBzqqCa6_A3Y8TQINevMhzMQBIFhUOtD5u2yjXKGz9qoguLsTvHbNgpgJquEbF6iVri2lcdqSoct6zn1aCvvzhmxZbYC4aXvxyOv0Iuf4L/s640/RefinshedBenchcloseup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And after three coats of stain and two coats of clear polyurethane here she is. Some of her red paint still shows thru (some wood 'released' the paint better than others) and I like that. It is a reminder of how it looked as I grew up and my little nod to all the years my parents had it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNafzJZKp0G-6sUiiavtxpnnX1yWDZGlL1kynQflciANKvZWXpFJKiE4b281lpf7f74kwj1x_lWe5R63BnKmbb7aIHA-gyDNEgZgRZU_CoO513WLHVXV6PKpxBD_kzhK8DV_PpHBnUI0T/s1600/RefinshedBenchlong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNafzJZKp0G-6sUiiavtxpnnX1yWDZGlL1kynQflciANKvZWXpFJKiE4b281lpf7f74kwj1x_lWe5R63BnKmbb7aIHA-gyDNEgZgRZU_CoO513WLHVXV6PKpxBD_kzhK8DV_PpHBnUI0T/s640/RefinshedBenchlong.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYbhMTEhwg-f4LMjE3Yp2oiVviiGHwP-yplgZiStPTLqPMWSS8DJ5GuCiVgH2foh_W0PtIFulQWDSaImKKaUBrCNlBzjWjDgw62RXeEAxTzk4-mBAJ6QM83hwCxLZrIERpqcoyLcDj8dk/s1600/RefinshedBenchend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYbhMTEhwg-f4LMjE3Yp2oiVviiGHwP-yplgZiStPTLqPMWSS8DJ5GuCiVgH2foh_W0PtIFulQWDSaImKKaUBrCNlBzjWjDgw62RXeEAxTzk4-mBAJ6QM83hwCxLZrIERpqcoyLcDj8dk/s400/RefinshedBenchend.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq8V6lwqZx-a4sBnQTnSKJSXM_RuEZ1ldTWM_9KQteFuoZVIVvVZBHE3iUeLxDsmklzFfcUUGAmb8Lukx6LckrdeuwmnMdQySC3zsmMbFqePG5V55Phxtiy-nJrp-Zvs6a9cQFTg06KZT/s1600/RefinishedBench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq8V6lwqZx-a4sBnQTnSKJSXM_RuEZ1ldTWM_9KQteFuoZVIVvVZBHE3iUeLxDsmklzFfcUUGAmb8Lukx6LckrdeuwmnMdQySC3zsmMbFqePG5V55Phxtiy-nJrp-Zvs6a9cQFTg06KZT/s640/RefinishedBench.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcquM4f6fMcAnrvYLDnnmoPs4fuCfNdziRzDIJddMWTxhlgbn1IUkxEjm5pk_KHUgNKYoMG501-VPbDiw5sigJG-yrom7EmnbA0LmYqYQ8DZFoKsxwTWHCJtl3EN1Q4bkCUP5qhMMc2sQ/s1600/RefinishedChurchPew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcquM4f6fMcAnrvYLDnnmoPs4fuCfNdziRzDIJddMWTxhlgbn1IUkxEjm5pk_KHUgNKYoMG501-VPbDiw5sigJG-yrom7EmnbA0LmYqYQ8DZFoKsxwTWHCJtl3EN1Q4bkCUP5qhMMc2sQ/s640/RefinishedChurchPew.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Ignore that table behind the bench and those lamps, that's a whole other post.<br /><br />This isn't a tutorial on refinishing (obviously) but rather just a tale to remember that not all furniture will cooperate with your plan. And sometimes that's for the best. Love what you have and it will work for you.<br /><br />Have you ever had a bossy piece of furniture that wouldn't cooperate? </div>

refinishing the bench - part 2

So the bench. When last we left our story ( read part 1 here ), it looked something like this. After all the sanding was complete, and my te...

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