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cedar chest – before & after

I am in search for the perfect coffee table for the living room.  I want something interesting…maybe a skirted ottoman with curvy legs or something on wheels.  Whatever it is, I haven’t found it yet.  I’ve had this round side table in the room for a few months and really liked it there, but it was even more perfect for my family room, so I was left with a hole in the living room.  (This is a constant problem for frequent furniture re-arrangers like myself.)

So, I hauled in the cedar chest that was used to store a train set in my family room and tried it in front of the sofa.  Hmm…the scale of the piece is right, but the orange color wasn’t working.  I know you’ll just die of shock when you see what I did next…

 

 

…you know me so well.  Yes, I painted it.  I thought ASCP Louis Blue with Old White might do the trick.

 

I like the chest better, but it’s still not really working in the room.  It’s a little too “sweet”, if that makes sense.  So, it’s back to the drawing board.  I’m going to Lucketts on Thursday to move my stuff from the third floor to the first floor (into a smaller, more manageable space), so I’ll look around for something while I’m there.

Tonight we’re heading back home and I am bringing my secret weapon back with me…Mini Mustard Seed.  Woohoo!  She decided to hitch a ride home with us, so I’ll have my assistant and baby sitter back again (and she’s just a sweet girl to have around, too.)  I love visiting with family, but I’m looking forward to getting back to work.

I kind of like work…in case you haven’t noticed.

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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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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May 20th, 2026 at 1pm EST

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telling stories

I’ve been telling stories here on this blog since 2009, but they’ve mostly been stories about furniture, about my business, my work, and my creative endeavors.  About refinishing floors as a novice, about my first magazine feature, about the exciting firsts for my business that unfolded as I shared online.

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Move Slow & Make Things | Giveaway No. 3

Welcome to giveaway number three leading up to the September 1 launch of my new book, Move Slow & Make Things.  This giveaway is in collaboration with Erin Callahan of Garden & Guild.  I’ve been following Erin on Instagram and have purchased several heirloom garden tools and classic gardening books

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