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Furniture Makeovers

All Things Home

craigslist coffee table & playroom update

There’s some progress we’ve made on our house, but I haven’t shared it, because it’s not done or particularly photo-worthy!  I’m really trying to get out of that everything-has-to-be-a-beauty-shot mindset, though.  I’m working on it. So, here are some pictures of updates we’ve made to the basement, just to show what’s happening on the home-front. In January, I picked up a $25, round oak coffee table off of craigslist.  It was the perfect size and just what I had been looking for. I initially was looking for an ottoman, but we really needed a spot for drinks, snacks, board games, etc. and not just another place to prop our feet.  The finish is not in bad shape at all, but the wood is a little orange.  Once it warms up, I am going to take it outside, strip and sand the top.  I’m planning to finish the top in a

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Before and Afters

craigslist cabinet progress

With school holidays and snow days, this week has been a short one, but I have managed to get some things checked off the to-do list.  One of the main things I wanted to work on was the cabinet in my office. Since I knew it would be a time-consuming painting project (with having to paint the shelves, turn them over, paint the other side, seal them with Tough Coat, etc.), I decided to work on one side at a time.  So, I got the left side completed! The first thing I did was replace the hardware with a pair of antique latches I found on Etsy.  The ones that were on there were not original and made more sense for drawer than cabinets.  When they arrived, though, I saw that the “keepers” and latches didn’t really match.  They did, but they didn’t originally go together, so the finishes were

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All Things Home

craigslist confession

Sooooo….about that “no spend February”… I’ve actually been doing well with it and have said “no” or “later” to many things I wanted to buy in the moment. But, I made the mistake of browsing on craigslist.  Even as I was doing it, I knew it wasn’t smart.  But, we’re working on my office and I needed a storage piece.  I just couldn’t help myself!  Well, I could, but I didn’t. And, of course, I found something that was perfect.  So, the “no spend February” became a “low spend February.” What I found was an antique bookcase with original glass doors.  The size was right and it’s just the sort of thing I’ve been looking for.  I forwarded the link to Jeff and asked if we could go pick it up.  To his credit, he did not point out my no-spend pledge.  He said it was a great piece and

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Before and Afters

green art cabinet makeover | part 2

When you last saw this piece (yesterday) in part one, it had the drawer fronts painted and oiled to match the body of the cabinet… Once the Hemp Oil was applied to all of the doors, it was time to put the hardware on.  Now, I have to admit that I was intimidated to put all of the hardware on this piece.  It’s a lot of hardware that needs to be in a straight line and precision is not my forte.  I initially called Jeff in to help, but then I remembered (and actually found) a hardware template I have. I informed Jeff that I didn’t need him anymore, because he was being replaced with the template.  (I don’t know why the green looks so drab in this picture!) I lined the template up with the drawer edges, also using the placement of the old hardware as a guide.  Even

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All Things Home

green art cabinet makeover | part 1

When I bought this piece, I knew I wanted to freshen it up a bit.  It didn’t need dramatic plastic surgery.  It just needed a little makeover, so it could look its best.  Before we even brought it in the house, I put wheels on the bottom and my mom and I gave it a good scrub.  I also hunted for and ordered some pulls to replace the mis-matched ones.  I know there is a charm to it as it is, but just wait until you see the makeover… The pulls arrived over the weekend and, earlier this week, I took some time to remove the old hardware.  What I found was not what I was hoping for… Someone had painted over the hardware. Bummer. This isn’t such a big deal, except it left some unappealing beige paint exposed and the new pulls weren’t going to fully cover it on

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All Things Home

Seasons of Home | Milk-Painted Gift Boxes

I’m so excited to share, that for the final post in the Seasons of Home series, we’re all sharing projects completed with MMS Milk Paint!   Not only is it inspiring for me to see my product used by such talented ladies, but it’s such an encouragement that they were willing to work with my brand as a sponsor. So, I decided to do a fun, little project with it, and made some milk-painted gift boxes… I started with papier mache boxes I purchased at Hobby Lobby. And I mixed up some Shutter Gray and Tricycle, since those colors work well with the ribbons and papers I purchased and had leftover from last year.     I just brushed a coat of milk paint directly onto the papier mache boxes.  That surface is perfect for milk paint, because it soaks right in. I waited for the boxes to dry, which only

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Furniture Feature Friday | no. 5

Happy Friday!  It’s the best furniture-loving day of the week.  This week has just flown by for me and I can hardly believe that next week is Thanksgiving!  Oh my.  Are you ready? Well, before we get to the grocery shopping, pie baking, and football, let me share some of my favorites from #FurnitureFeatureFriday5 shared on Instagram over the past week… Jen of @greensprucedesigns sells at Sweet Clover Barn, which is near my old stomping grounds.  And I simply loved this richly-painted desk that she recently finished.  The simple styling is great, too! A post shared by jen green washington, dc (@greensprucedesigns) on Nov 15, 2017 at 6:24pm PST And how graphic and amazing is this highboy by Stephanie of @stephanie_rehabtofab?  My word.  Girl’s got some skills. A post shared by Stephanie Coon – Rehab to Fab (@stephanie_rehabtofab) on Nov 10, 2017 at 3:24pm PST And lastly, I love this

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All Things Home

upholstering the daybed

When I last shared the antique French daybed here on the blog, I had painted the frame in MMS Milk Paint Farmhouse White and finished it with Tough Coat.  You can read about those details HERE. I had some options in my fabric stash for upholstering it, but I didn’t have enough of any one print, so I decided to hunt for a new fabric, so I could buy enough of it for the upholstery, curtains, and possibly some pillows. I found this cheery yellow fabric.  It’s . This is for a small sewing room/guest room, so it’s a great space to make a departure from my usual blue & white palette.  I do like other colors, but I love blue and white and know I won’t get tired of that pairing, so it’s an obvious choice for spaces we use the most. This fabric actually does come in an

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I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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