First of all the winner of the doves from CSN Stores, chosen by True Random Number Generator, is #223 – Susan from Peanut Petunia! Congratulations!
As most of you know, I’ve been working on my master bedroom and it’s my vanity’s turn for a makeover. This vanity is a special piece to me because it belonged to my grandmother and namesake since she was a little girl. It had a maple finish with lots of dings, chips, and a cigarette burn when it became mine.
I painted it a creamy white with blue detail a couple of years ago. Since then, I’ve learned a lot about refinishing and painting furniture.
I also learned that painted white tops do not wear very well. So, I decided to strip it down and refinish the top in my favorite dark walnut stain.
It took 4 coats of wipe-on poly in gloss to get a nice, smooth finish. I am just tickled at the result.
In addition, I recovered the bench (also my grandmother’s) and touched up some spots with some dark walnut stain.
Now, I’m trying to figure out what to do with the base of the vanity. I can’t strip it down and stain it because of some fill work I had to do. So, it needs to be painted.
I’m either going to keep it a creamy white or paint it a light aqua. I painted a little test patch, so I can think about it.
I had a question about these lamps the last time I showed them, so I thought I would give them a close-up. It’s a feather trim that I purchased from Tuesday Morning years ago and glued to the rim of the shade. The small oil painting belonged to my mom when she was younger. We found it and the silver tumblers when cleaning out my grandparent’s attic.
I can’t wait for this room to be done! This is the first room in my house that I have gone through bit-by-bit and made real choices. Every room in my house has been in limbo and while I paint pretty furniture for clients and the shop, my furniture is safe and forgetful. I like the flexibility of having white slipcovers and white furniture. If I want to move a chair from my family room to bedroom, I can. I don’t have to recover or repaint it, because it will work in any room. I think that’s ok for most pieces, but I need to be bold with some painted pieces, fabric, and accessories. Bold doesn’t mean brigh and crazyt, it just means intentional and interesting.
So, I am now a girl on a mission! Choices will be made, risks will be taken, paint will fly, and the sewing machine will hum. And, of course, I’ll take you with me every step of the way. Buckle up.
I’m posting this to Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage and the DIY Show Off Surprise Furniture Party.
32 Responses
I will love going along for the ride…Looks great so far! Lezlee
You have done a great job with the vanity. I have to say I love that pale aqua sample you showed. That would be SO pretty!! I love the recovered seat too!
xoxo
Jane
Your neutrals look so rich! Even your lamps look like they've tripled in price. Amazing effect.
After I gut my garage, I cannot wait to do something pretty again.
Donna
I love that the vanity belonged to your grandmother and that the painting was your mother's. The new stained top looks wonderful and the fabric on the bench is perfect! I would love to have even 1 silver mint julep cup, let alone two, maybe I should go rummaging through some attics!
Kat 🙂
I'm with you on stained tops over painted bottoms on furniture. I LOVE your vanity – it's so pretty and warm. And you picked a perfect fabric for your vanity chair. I'll be checking back on your progress – looks great as it is though. -shirl
I think you are doing a beautiful job. Everything looks great.
The walnut finish on the top is gorgeous! If you are feeling adventurous, I would say go for the lovely pale aqua. Just a touch of color would be gorgeous! Everything already does look so lovely though. Nice that you can move furniture around and know that it will work just about any place. Have a blessed day. 🙂 Tammy
I have to admit, I really like that blue color! I've been seeing it pop up lately, and I'm very intrigued by it. I need to take the leap, and paint some of my stuff a COLOR. I can't wait to see what you choose!
Magnificent! You amaze me every time I read your blog. Thanks for the ongoing inspiration — love the feather trim! 🙂
Our bedrooms are so similar! 🙂 They could be cousins! I also hung some ironstone and am doing a cream scheme. I am an the hunt for another dresser though….
What a great job you've done so far! 🙂
I really like the stained top with the balance of the piece painted. And the pale aqua is beautiful! I look forward to seeing what you decide.
The poly on the dresser looks great. I need to do that to my dining room table, but I'm scared to death. But I know I need to. You did a great job.
What a special piece of furniture and it's beautiful. I love the bench. Can't wait to see what you decide.
Love the walnut finish and I vote for the aqua paint/finish. I think that will perk that right up and give you the lift you are looking for.
Hugs
SueAnn
Can't wait to see what you decide to do with it as far as paint choice! Sometimes there are just so many choices it is so difficult. That's usually when I walk away from something for a little bit.
The room is really coming along. I like the aqua color for the vanity. Looking forward to seeing what you do.
Jane
I think aqua on the vanity would be really gorgeous against your cream walls! I say go for it & take the plunge! Can't wait to see what you do 🙂
I have to say I think the pale aqua would really make that top pop. I can't wait to see how it turns out.
Jennifer Hayes
How beautiful!!! I love your blog and could spend hours..days..here just looking around! Thank you for the sweet comment too~
Just lovely! I like the white with the wood top better! You did a great job with the staining.
The vanity looks fabulous! Love the white base with the dark stained top. Tres Chic!
Cheers!
Tina
The vanity and stool look awesome…sooo cute. Can't wait to see how the rest of this project pans out!
Ooooh I love that bench!
I love the aqua color you are thinking about. But, I love anything aqua!
I really like the aqua against the dark stained top.
I love everything that you have done. I kinda like the vanity the way it is. I'm not a big aqua fan, so cream is good for me. But, you have to do what you like best. It's all so lovely.
Wow, that is just beautiful! It was beautiful before, but you have such a great eye to see that it could be even MORE gorgeous!
XO,
Anne
Oh wow. I love the stained top. GORGEOUS! You always have the most beautiful furniture transformations and you're so inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing. 😉
TGIF!
Roeshel
You always amaze me. I love the rich feel the new top gives this vanity!
oooh, I hate stripping. But it makes such a difference on your vanity. Love the walnut stain.
I so know what you mean about your house. I'm truly the cobbler whose kids have no shoes.
People expect my house to be all decked out w/murals. Nope. Just a few pieces waiting to be sold.
I always get the 'guilts' when I'm working on my own stuff, rather than clients. Need to get over that.
Thanks for sharing. You've inspired me!
What a sweet desk and the fact it was your gramma's makes it even better! The arrangement above it is beautiful.
Can't wait to see what you do with the rest.
Tamra
Just peeking around your blog for inspiration…this vanity is b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. I love the dark stained top and creamy white but I bet the pale aqua would be stunning…I'll keep peeking around to see if you made a decision!