I’m reading the book Five Love Languages right now (which is a really awesome book, by the way) and I just finished a chapter on the phenomenon of being “in love.” As I was reading it, I actually thought of how that same phenomenon happens in decorating. Or, at least, it happens to me. I make a change or buy a new piece and I get flutters and I walk in the room just to look at it. I want to show it off in my pictures and I feel so warm and fuzzy and happy about it. Then after a time reality sets in. Sometimes reality proves that it was a good move. Sometimes it reveals all of the things I didn’t notice when I was all googly-eyed over it. I see that it’s impractical, it’s wobbly, it doesn’t fit the style of my home, it needs more work than I thought, or, in the case of my most recent dining room table, it was the wrong color.
So, I found a local buyer for the pine farm table…
…and brought up the one from the basement.
This is the table that didn’t sell at Lucketts. When I was all tingly and giddy over my Aunt’s pine table, this one was sent to the basement to be a work table. With the pine table now sold, I brought it back upstairs to the dining room. Yes, you can, and probably should, pity my husband. He’s a real trooper with me on this sort of thing, though. Anyway, a funny thing happened. This table that had been right under my nose has recaptured my affection in a new way. Like it’s Fanny Price and I’m Edmund Bertram. (Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park reference there, for those who weren’t aware.)
In the picture above, the set wasn’t working, obviously. We had the greenish base, the burgundy chairs against the bamboo rug with the blue end chairs that were all wrong. It was all a bit of a mess and I think I was missing the potential in how perfect the table could be for this space.
I know the paint color on the base was so pretty, but it didn’t work for me, so I painted it in two coats of MMSMP Ironstone. (I still need to finish it.) I also had the chairs stripped, then stained and painted them. Now, it’s looking more like a cohesive, yet not matchy-matchy set.
The end chairs still aren’t right. I’m looking for something Gustavian or perhaps upholstered wing chairs that are petite in scale.
The table is the base of an antique potting bench married with a barn door. The top sort of does look like a door, so we might do some work to it or I may have my husband make a new top out of reclaimed wood. We’ll see.
The finish had one layer of Tung Oil on it that just soaked straight in, so it was looking a bit too rustic.
I applied a layer of Hemp Oil to hydrate it more and bring out the details of the wood.
I love old wood and how oil makes dings, dents and gouges look awesome.
And my new ironstone platter, plus the ironstone punch bowl with a boxwood topiary in it makes the perfect centerpiece. The white pops off the wood and ties in the white base and chairs.
Now the upholstered cream leather seats are looking a little out of place.
So, I’m going to make slipcovers for each one out of grain sack and some thinner hemp for the piping, a little ruffle and ties…
I feel like I’m hitting the nail on the head with this one, but time will tell…
Does anyone want to place any bets?
We’ll also be saying goodbye to an MMS staple – the tattoo bamboo mat. I still love it, but I’m going to trade it out for a seagrass rug, which will be more neutral and less yellow. I’m just ready for a change, which should be no surprise to anyone. And so it goes…
83 Responses
Or you could keep it, cause you might just want to use it again. 😉
Wow! A definite home run with the plans for the chairs! But I love the leather upholstered seats. Can’t wait til you repurpose them in some project down the road!
Isn’t it amazing how changing a few things brings life back to old pieces?
Love the petite wingback idea for the end chair. Hope you can find some with some caning under the arm rest. That would be cool.
Oh, and I love how you even worked your Ironstone into your bathroom! Your personal touch!
And thanks for the tutorials on the bathroom redo…can’t wait to check them out!
Hemp oil is a new one for me–I wonder if we can find it in France? I love all of the changes and I think the grain sack covers will be perfect! I am searching for a ‘table de drapier’ for my studio/atelier — harder and harder to find–but my heart flutters like love at first site when I see one–so I am so with you on that! : )
This post hit home for me. I’m on my fourth dining room table since July. All my other furniture can remain fairly stable, but there’s something about dining rooms that I just need it to be perfect and so I’m forever swapping it out. I love your old door meets potting base table. It’s gorgeous and has so much character! The big overhangs on the sides are especially charming!
Love the new makeover!!! It all looks just wonderful and like it was always meant to be together. I like what you’re going to do with the chair seats and can hardly wait to see what kind of wing chairs you find. Just lovely ~ I can see why your heart is all a flutter.
Cindy
Hi…you mentioned that you stripped, stained, and painted the chairs. I noticed the chairs were dark to begin with so I was wondering what you “stained” them with? I love that you can see the darker wood underneath the paint. How did you get that look without using the bonding agent? Thank so much I am new to milk paint and have completed one project so far.
Pamela B.
Love all your changes. I hope you will do a tutorial on the slipcovers. I need slips for my kitchen chairs and there is not cushion at all. Are you selling the grain sacks now?
I love this table, especially after you painted it. It seems to flow better than the pine one did. Great job once again:)
I love the direction your taking, and cant wait to see it “finished for now”. I did love the chunky pine table, but it was more yellow than this lovely rustic table. I think upholstered end chairs would be amazing in this space, and I too agree on the rug change even tho Im in love with the bamboo rug. I feel 100% confident I will love what you decide on!
I love it !!!! I change things often too, I think you should keep your rug though (not in dining room, I mean wherever you want) , its you …. I still have my old horrible quality factory made kitchen table I started at in my work room now I can’t seem to let it go after a friend said to me it’s you , part of your story. ( I have no where near your success) but i do plan to make it over in some mms paint 😉 xoxoxo
I love your honesty and sincerity, I love the way it looks..and your husband is awesome, mine would be saying you want to change it do it yourself..
I don’t think this is your last table or chair set I’m not sure if it makes your heart sing.
I like it that you get to have different looks and experiment, for me that’s part of the fun.
I wish I lived close to you I would be your rug. Your ironstone and boxwood looks beautiful, it really does. I hope you sell some in your online store.
Luv everything you do and who you are
So funny to see how we change over the years, and just get bored with the same ol’ look. I love the changes you made and can totally relate. At 58, I have been through a few of my own but am now settled in to a comfortable style that I hope will be good “for the duration” as my husband and I like to call it. 😉 I like to keep up with things, and will change it up with a new pillow, plant or mantlescape every few months but eventually you figure out what makes you feel good – calm and cozy, like a home should be. So glad I never registered for china when we got married as I’m sure I would hate it today…instead we requested tools from Sears hardware dept and got things like a power sander….to refinish all the antique treasures that now fill our contemporary home. And my china is still a work in progress…mixing a lot of white with random soft aqua, brown and maize pieces as I find them. Still fun after all these years!
Hello Marian,
I am so surprise to hear that this charming old table didn’t sell at the Luckett’s fair…luv how it looks with the ironstone paint and I luv that old door for the top…LUV it as is! The slipcovers are going to look so good on those chairs.
Blessings,
Linda
I have always loved that rug! However, I think it would be so cool if one was available with a print like a ouija board. Kind of creepy, but very cool!
What happened to the black and white cow we all tried to help name (and whose eventual name I have now forgotten)?
Gwendolyn, the cow, is in my family room. Eulalie is in the dining room. 🙂
You nailed this one!!
Hi Marian,
Love the new old table and the chairs look wonderful with it! I was browsing Pinterest last night and I saw a Gustavian bed and a light went off in my head. I was so excited to realize that I had finally found my style! I have been trying to figure it out for quite some time! I know…..a bed. My husband and your husband could probably talk the night away about moving furniture from room to room and down and up:)
I thought your table was awesome when it was green, but now seeing it white, it’s even better. I love it when that happens! The white just brings out the beauty of that old wood. I change my dining room all the time too. I am torn right now, wanting a farmhouse table, but not quite ready to part with my vintage french provincial table, which has those 2die4 curvy legs. What’s a girl to do?????
My favorite part:
“I love old wood and how oil makes dings, dents and gouges look awesome.”
painting the base of the table made all the difference! Looks wonderful!
It looks great ! I love it that you change things up a lot. It gives us something to read ! I changed my own living room today but I’m not loving it. I felt like I had to move my lamps because I have three sons who kept knocking them over. It’s a constant battle between pretty and practical around here.
My husband is an Assemblies of God minister and he had to take the Love Languages course. I took it with him. It is eye opening that love isn’t just love. Love for some of us is a hug and for some of us is dragging a table up from the basement :).
I recently made a buffet into an entertainment center. Why I am sending this to you is because the inspiration might go nicely on your buffet with your new table and chairs. I hope you like it. http://dragonflyandlilypads.blogspot.com/2013/10/thats-entertainment.html
I have been following your blog for a while and finally mustered up the courage to try it out on my own. I love sharing ideas with creative minds.
Hi Marian, I love your work and have been following you but when I stopped by today I knew You needed to see one of my recent projects I posted it just last week on my new blog. It would work well with your buffet I see in your picture with just a few changes to your already beautiful buffet will compliment your old/new table. Here is the post I hope you like it.
http://dragonflyandlilypads.blogspot.com/2013/10/thats-entertainment.html
Please share any comments with me I would be honored.
Gary Chapman (The Love Languages guru) was our neighbor for many, many years. He and his wife are lovely people.
Leather seats or vinyl? I’m sure you already know this, but leather can be stripped and dyed too. Acetone, I think, is what I used to use, and then wipe on the leather dye with a rag. Then a little shoe cream and a light buff. There’s brown and black, of course, but there’s also blue, red, green, and others. You know, if you’d like to experiment.
Love the changes. Love it. Was wondering though how your aunt felt about you exchanging the table! I think this ‘new’ table looks more ‘mustardseedy’. Until you fall in love with the next one of course 🙂 I admire your courage to try things!
I read that book about eight years ago, and ironically, I just pulled it out last weekend to read it again. It’s a great book. Of course, now that you’ve mentioned how it could pertain to decorating, I’m going to be reading that into also when I read it!! Not sure that’s what the author was thinking when writing it!!!
Love the table…but I’m kind of sad to see the green base go. (I have a fondness for green).
Are you just making slipcovers for the chairs or getting rid of the leather completely? I’d go for slipcovers if it were me!
Oh. My. Goodness. I am in LOVE with this table. Every little detail is perfect. L.O.V.E.
I absolutely LOVE how you used the it to enhance the top! It brings out the “beauty marks” in the wood! My husband owns a hardwood flooring co and I love how every project is new and different with wood and the species! Thank you for such fabulous pictures and inspiration!
I think my husband is ready to scream at me over our whole house! He is now redoing the dining room as well, because I’m so over the tree I painted on the wall just about 1 year ago. Thankfully, he does like doing these things. One question-you mentioned the word Gustavian. Can you tell me the difference between Gustavian, Swedish, and Scandavian décor? I gravitate to all, but can’t tell much difference when I pull up pictures of each. Thanks! And I love the new dining room changes-and every time I look, I get closer to wanted to buy one of the cow paintings. Love them!
Marian….I am loving the new table especially the Ironstone color you used. The hemp oil gives it a wonderful sheen and brings out the woods warmth. I guess I am in good company because I don’t hesitate changing or swapping something out that doesn’t work for me or needs a refreshing.
Love what you’ve done with the dining room. It makes sense to cover the cushions, they are just “there” without offering anything much. But just a thought……the chairs themselves are quite feminine and adding a ruffle might be a little much. What do you think about running the grain sack stripe horizontally around the vertical part of the cushion to give them a nice view from the sides and back? I think they would look great against the pattern of the drapes as well, juxtaposing and softening the floral just a little.
I had to smile as I read this today. We are certainly kindred spirits in so many ways. I was thinking before I got to your chair photos that some grain sacks need to be added in there somewhere. I seem to also like changing it out often. At least what seems often to others.
I have a table base very similar to this one and we are working on a rustic top. I have slipcovered parsons chairs to put at the ends. (my dining area is quite small so they fit better than wingbacks would)
Sometimes my great ideas just flop so that is why I make sure my changes don’t cost high $$$.
Have a great day. Love the changes.
I love both of the tables, but this “new” old one seems perfect for the space with the paint now. The ends of the table would be lovely with upholstered chairs, small wings or grain sack upholstery chairs, just something with a softness and texture/pattern. I will miss the bamboo mat, its so fun.
I love it! The base of that table is more delicate and refined than the previous one, and now with it’s new finishes it looks just perfect with your beautiful chairs! I think this one may have a bit of staying power…. 😉
I love the table switch up. Totally agree that the knotty pine table didn’t fit your style somehow. Great table though. Agreed on the chair cushions as well-the leather cream kind of makes them feel a little leftover 90’s. The grain sack would be so yummy pretty. Oh yeah, keep that beautiful bamboo mat in storage-you never know! I think I pretty much love any change you make-i’m such a MMS groupie! Like someone else mentioned above, i feel like ‘m reading the thoughts of my kindred spirit in you:-) By the way, I’ve often been told that the book The Five Love Languages is great. Gotta get it.
I totally get the whole “I need a change” thing. Wouldn’t our husband’s lives be boring without us? The table looks fantastic. I can’t wait to see the slipcovers and the seagrass rug! Well done!!!
Marian,
I was looking at your dining table pictures and was noticing your blue Corner cabinet in the background. I have the same original corner cabinet with the dining room table and chairs and matching china cabinet and buffet. The piece is from the 50″s, it is made by Pennsylvania House from the Mount Vernon collection. I have the original set from my grandmother in Cherry wood finish. I even have the brochure from when it was sold with all the collection pieces from that set. I once saw one of the chairs on the cover of a magazine that had been re-painted and I could really use another chair. Ha! ha! Just thought you might like to know in case you didn’t already. Love what you do!
Robin
I have loved many of your dining sets, but I think this is my favorite!!! Don’t change a thing to the table! It is perfect! I even like the leather seats with it all and that’s not really my style either. I think its a fun mix, but I know your slipcovers will be great too. If you ever sell this table, I want it!!!
I can absolutely relate to getting google eyed over a new piece in my home or even a new furniture arrangement! That table is gorgeous! I think the top looking like a door gives it lots of character. I have a farm table waiting for some MMS milk paint. Now I really want to get started on it!!
Your changes always make sense! This table (with the updates) works so much better than the pine table. And I just love Ironstone MMSMP, it is one of my favs! What did your Aunt say about the sale of the pine table??
I am trying to heal and get better again so I can return to my painting…such inspiration – I love the table and could use a little “painting therapy” and love—thanks for the inspiration – great pick–If you want to sell that rug, let me know – I just bought one (for my entry way)–smaller, but love it–inspiration for that as well MMS!!
Marian, I love all your changes and your ability to make quick decisions. I have to say that when I saw your chairs, I did a double take and went to look at the chairs that I bought from you. Yes, they are a little different, but the same flavor. Unlike you, though, I won’t be changing out my dining room set any time soon! I love them and the top on the dining table is the best part with the parquet design. Maybe you don’t remember…it was probably set 2 or 4, not sure… lol Anyway, they are keepers.
I
Ok, it’s WONDERFUL! I think this iwill be IT! The ironstone color on the legs is perfect, and once you make the slipcovers for the chairs, it’s soooo gonna be a done deal!
Cindy
Yes, that is much better! When you look at the old and new tables with your beautiful chairs, The scale of the legs on your Aunt’s table, as well as the color were just a little overpowering. The new table from the basement is perfect. Don’t you just love shopping from around your own house! A folding banquet size table works just fine for a work table lol.
Hi Marian:
I have the same love affair with the pieces I find. I get tingly, excited, all that stuff….I love the chairs, I currently have an old pine farm table that I refinished in walnut-mahogany tone, will have old oak french ladder back style chairs,probably in a lighter tone wood color. Love the look. Really don’t care so much for the shabby chic look. Looking forward to seeing all completed. Wings would be nice, hope you have room for them, good luck
Linda from the OC, California
Looks great after you painted the table. You do have a sweet husband. Mine would do the same but probably say ” That is it now!” Saw another cow you might like on Antique Farm House. They have fun items.
It’s been fun watching the transformation! I definitely like this combo the best!
You are so funny with your furniture…but hey, I’m the same way! Love at first sight….then honeymoon is over…then ready for a change. Only acceptable in the furniture/decorating area….ha! I have a question which has been tickling my brain though…..do you have a designated budget for things you allow yourself to buy for your home? What’s your advice on how to know what to keep and what to sell? Do you make it a goal to always sell something before you buy something new? All the blogs I read it seems like everyone is always buying new stuff all the time and I wonder, “are they really pushing out that much inventory?” or are they going into debt to make their homes look good? I’m not a fan of the latter…here’s to hoping you can clear this up! (sorry- I know it’s personal…only share what you think appropriate). Thanks! —-Gail
Loving your new table!! The pine one was pretty as well but this one isn’t as heavy and makes the space look more open…goes better with the rest of the room. Your choices for the side chair cushions will be perfect! I think smaller wing chairs with a tall back would finish the look off nicely! I too have read the Five Love Languages but it was the one for children…really made me understand how better to relate to each of my five children…almost all love languages used there…lol! Take care!
Terry
I agree with the comments about upholstered parsons chairs for either end of your table. I saw some lovely ones at Pier 1 a while ago, and they were actually quite comfortable to sit on. Great for those long dinners with friends and family. I wanted to bring at least one home with me but there is no more room! After 26 years of living in this house I think I’m done decorating except for switching up pillows, rugs, and small items to stay current. Happy decorating!
Love the table! Love the …I will change whatever…attitude . That’s me. 5 Love languages has been such a help to hubs and me for years. Also my grown son! Helps us to understand OURSELVES, and our love. I love knowing how to get my needs met, instead of whining. Because now I know what makes me feel loved and can verbalize it. Him too!
Love the new table and the patina of the top is gorgeous after you applied the hemp oil…i love your idea of covering the chairs with the grain sack..such a beautiful dining room Marian.
I just saw a table like yours at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago and they wanted $9500.00 for it. Keep it, it’s beautiful!!!
I am totally amazed. The table looks new. You are the best seller for your paint!! Now when your aunt sent you the table we rejoiced. And you equally parted ways. I think its a good attitude. I’m so overly sentimental!!!!
But you know what? Each look you’ve done is a new look. I like your idea of the seat covers but well…with my kids and even adults, it seemed the ties popped off, or when sewn all around, it would then leave a tear in fabric. I’m not bossing you as you have ideas beyond my imaginations, but on bottom of chair pad, attach a non-skid piece (like some I’d gotten at Pier1 years ago sans ties and stayed in place). That way the ties do help anchor the pad but the gripper to chair helps keep pad from sliding so much thus ripping the ties. Just a thought from one who got tired of ripped ties. And without the grippers they just slid around sans ties!!!
Just a bit of older mom FYI for I really like the chair pad idea you have!!! And you can wash them!!
Just keep painting stuff so we too get excited to try. And you used clear wax???
Gripper pads for the chair pads!?! That’s the best idea since sewing with drop cloths!!
I love, love, love the bamboo rug. Is this something you made? Where can it be purchased?
Thank you!
Barbara,
Since no one answered you yet, I’ll tell you where she got this rug. 🙂 There is an online shop called DecorSteals.com and they have is every once in awhile for a great price. Sometimes their sister site (AntiqueFarmhouse.com) will have it too.
Nicole
I have a Queen Anne dinner table with pull out side extensions and a parquet top and 6 chairs to match that was purchased in Belgium in 1990. I was soooo in love with it and still love it even with its nicks and scratches. I am ready for a change though. I mentioned I was ready for a new set at a family dinner and my granddaughter was so upset because in her words “we had so many wonderful family dinners around it” so i will keep it and give it to her when she is ready (she is 12), but
I will get my new or preferably old and repainted table and store this one for my granddaughter cause this table has her love now.
I am in love with your rug. Missed it on Decor Steals and found one on craigslist in Dallas but it was sold before I could make the 5 hr trip to pick it up. Still hoping to score that rug someday. Any sources you can tell us about?
Sometimes Decor Steals sells this rug, they sell items she has shown at times.
Just gorgeous!
See…it was meant not to sell!! Beautiful XO
Marian, You can, and will, of course, do whatever you want, but I just love the fact that the table top is a barn door. It’s in such beautiful shape, and gorgeous now with the hemp oil finish. I would never change out the top. The fact that it is a barn door is what makes it so unique! I love furniture like that.
I saw the wonderful makeover of your chairs and think the grain sacks upholstery will look stunning. I love the table makeover, it looks beautiful with the chairs. I agree Gustavian end chairs would complete the look.
Lee 🙂
hee hee. It’s ok. Change is fun. I didn’t realize how bad I was until my SIL commented on a “recent” coffee table change. And I was all…that was like 4 coffee tables ago. And she reminded me it was just January. 10 months and 4 coffee tables. Well…
I do feel like some of my pieces are finally feeling more “right” and permanent. But like you said, only time will tell. Can’t wait to see what you find for the end chairs!
I wish I could get a new table and chairs, you are so fortunate to be able to switch. I’ve had mine for at least 15 yrs. and I am sick to death of them all. Paint won’t help nor stain. It’s the shape and style I am tired of. Round oak with simple spindle back fake oak (rubber wood) chairs. I need a rectangular table with a leaf for big dinners and sturdy metal farmhouse/industrial chairs…well, someday:)
I like both tables, but I do love the way the second one turned out, and think it fits better. The massive legs of the pine table were out of scale with the more delicate chairs.
Good job!
LOVe, love your new-old table in the last Pictures, where the oil has brought out a gorgeous glow!
(when are you going to change the curtains?No offense…..)
Me, again….I have a table with a top like yours. It was too yellow and had a shiny, but chipped up poly on it that my dad applied like 40 years ago. I stripped it and stained it and used your wax on it. I wish I had done the hemp oil. I can’t apply hemp oil over the wax, now, but think the wood would have loved the moisture from it. Any thoughts? More wax? Strip again? (ugh)
I have a base that I want to paint ironstone that is green also. So what exactly do I need to buy to make the base color like yours? Love it and the chairs by the way. I think the grain sack looks great for the seats too.
Oh, don’t get rid of the top. I love, love it! The whole table looks so wonderful!
I love how you made the old table fit with just a new coat of paint and your new chairs! I think it’s beautiful there. I love the worn top.
I had to laugh when I got to the end. Starting about 1/3 of the way through the post I was thinking, hmmm, the stenciled rug isn’t working…
And while I like your slipcover idea, have you considered dark waxing the leather seats? Give the cream leather a bit more dimension?
Marian! I love what’s happening with the table AND chairs!!! And I love the grain sack! I had pinned this image of a dining room a month or so ago, and as soon as you showed what you were starting with your dining room it reminded me of this!
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840421666294/
If the link doesn’t work I’ll give you a shout out on the pin on Pinterest 🙂 The chairs in particular on this pin are yummy (and so is the chandelier…)
Blessings, Katie 🙂
I love your dining room!!! I want you to know that I just finished reading and totally absorbing your book and I LOVE it! I love your style and the way you “keep it real”.
I also enjoy your blog. Thank you for sharing your talent and inspiring me!
I love the ruffled slipcovers! How nice that you and your mother could work on them together.
Your new curtains are so lovely! I have eight windows in my kitchen/office area that have been wanting to wear something blue, so if you are interested in selling your old panels I’d be interested in buying them! 🙂
That’s so funny. Now that it’s painted white, it looks just like the one you liked at Lucketts that was too big. Yay for happy accidents?
The Other Marian
Doesn’t it make you smile, watching how the room is coming together…what needs to be kept, gotten rid of or changed? My MIL’s dining room set is what I’ve got; mahogany from the 1940’s and do like it but have decided, finally, to change the seat covers.
I really love your new table! I found this post from the series How To Decorate for the DIYer!
I super love the old look of this dining table.
I absolutely adore this table!! I’m searching for ideas to build our dining table, and I love how you used different pieces!
I’d love to know where those curtains came from! I love the color and pattern. Did you buy them? Make them? Where did the fabric come from? Do you know the company and style name?