A couple of weeks ago I found myself overwhelmed by the number of you who related to my design dilemma. It’s nice to know I’m not alone! In this post entitled, “For when you are neither Shabby Chic nor Vintage nor Beachy but you kinda want to be”, I shared with you that while I will always be a traditional girl at heart, I have a hankering to mix things up here and there and try to add some of the design elements I see out there in blogland.
I kind of think of it in terms of clothing. It’s like having your basic classic pieces in your wardrobe and then adding in some trends here and there. Having the “staples” allows you to try new trends without starting completely from scratch and breaking the bank.
Case in point, this Bombay Company table which we purchased many moons ago and, as you can tell, has seen much better days! But the lines of it are so classic and simple and I knew that with a little bit of paint, I could transform it into something fresh and new.
Ahhhh…now we’re talking!
A coat of creamy white paint and a little bit of distressing gives this classic traditional
table a “french country” twist.
But…hmmm…doesn’t that space in between the handles look a bit bare?
Nothing a little stencil can’t fix!
I used a very dark brown craft paint and just lightly dabbed it on for more of a distressed look.
The brass pulls also got a coat of paint and then were distressed to let some of the original tone show through.
Placed on this little wall at the top of the stairs, it completely brightened up the space.
And of course, I couldn’t help but pick up a couple of new accessories for the top of my “new” table!
This little lovely began it’s life as an “Herb Terrarium“, or so the box said.
But, we both knew it was meant to be a cloche holding some bright yellow lemons!
And this darling red clock provides the perfect punch of color against the white of the table.
It looks right at home next to my rooster topiary. My sweet boy was 3 years old in that photo…sigh…
Creamy roses from the garden.
And, all in all, I’m loving my French Country tweaking of my traditional table!
Before…
After…
Thanks so much for joining me today at the Fence,
This post is partying at the following places:
Great job Vanessa! I love the new color and new accessories. Thanks for sharing.
Pam
The table is simply stunning! I love the use of the stencil instead of a medallion.
Your table looks great! I’m like you-I like a bit of everything. I have the foundation and then change things around with different decor throughout the year.
Great job, Vanessa. I used to love to look in the Bombay co. Ashamed they went out of business. Thanks for joining the party.
What a lovely new look!
Your table turned out beautiful! I have the perfect spot for it in my guest bedroom!
Love the clock too. I have one similar, but it’s still a country blue. Now I know what it would look like red…time for a change!
I love your tweaking Vanessa. Very well done. And what a great analogy with the clothing trends. That’s great advice!
xoxo,
Kim
Oh, honey! You did a wonderful job! I love your pretty table and it’s new paint job and the stencil is perfect! Love how you’ve dressed her too. Pretty cloche and the little red clock – I want it! 🙂
Just a wonderful spot!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Oh I have painted table envy. :o) I would love to paint a few dark tables I have but need to convince my husband first. He thinks I’m nuts to want to paint our furniture…but you just proved that I’m not so nuts! I’m going to show him this post and try to change his mind. Thank you for all the support you have given my blog. I really appreciate you both.
Love your table, it turned out fabulous. Your vignette is gorgeous also. I love your cloche, and yes that is exactly what it wanted to be, so perfect with the lemons and they add such a cheery note to the display. Thanks so much for joining the party. Hugs, Marty
Great decision on the table redo….I love it. The stencil is just the right touch.
Hi Vanessa, I love what you did with the table… it looks amazing with all the accents on top… lovely vignette! I really admire how you blend traditional with shabby and create amazing decor. The stencil detail on the table make it all the more special… loved the stencil color! Thanks for sharing with us!~Poppy
http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/
You did a great job, a whole new look and it cost you very little. Sometimes that is all we have to do is just a little change.
After several hours in blogland trust me that could make the best designer quiver. There is so much talent in blogland, sit back, enjoy and take in the ideas.
Kathy
Love the update, ah yes, I purchased many things from Bombay Co. You know the white really gets me going!
Vanessa, The paint job really updated the look of that old table. I think you should get even a bit more daring and shabby it up with a little more sanding! Go for it girl- you made it this far. *grin*
Cute table top vignette,too. Like the lemons and the blooms as a light contrast to the red clock and the dark greenery. BTW, traditional with a twist is always a good thing. In fact, it’s my mantra!
🙂 Sue
So pretty and those roses, to die for! You did a great job!
Vanessa my dear this is gorgeous!!! I love your style and I love putting in different things to give a space that little surprise, so twist away girl! 🙂 I am in love with you clock, I have a tan one very similar. The kids photos are so adorable, you did a great job on this!
xoxo
Great job Vanessa! It really stands out now!
This looks so great! I have been on the search for a table to go at the top of my stairs too, finally found a table and just painted it with chalk paint. Wonderful job you did!
great makeover~
Hi Vanessa, It looks lovely! And the accessories just pop on the table now. Cute clock and candle holder. : ) I’m all about brightening things up lately. My house is stuck in that beige/taupe era!! Help! haha Have a peek at the little retro table I just redid in heirloom white. I love it! ~ Catie http://catiescorner2.blogspot.com/2011/07/retro-table.html
Love it Vanessa. The little red clock is precious.
Vanessa- It looks great! Wonderful, in fact! I like the little stenciled part in the center too-it really adds a lot to the piece. Perfect! xo Diana
Great job on both the table and the cloche!
This turned out so fresh and cheery looking…and expensive looking :)Love a good table makeover!
Lina
Fancy Frugal Life
LOVE LOVE LOVIN it Vanessa!! Love the vignette you created on top too especially that cloche!! I have a few tables from Bombay Co and their all painted now. Great Job! Martina
Almost forgot LOVE that picture of your mirror with the blue transferware plates around it! So Pretty!!
What a nice job you did love the little table
Pattie
I love it, Vanessa !! The pait is perfect, as is the distressing and stencil. It looks beautiful in the hallway, and the vignette looks fabulous. Love the cloche with the sunny lemons, the clock and, of course, the kiddos! You’ve been saying you wanted to lighten and brighten a bit … well, you just did !! Well done, friend. xoxo
Vanessa, I love it ALL!! Great job! Your phots are wonderful. Thanks for sharing! XO ~LIZ
Vanessa, that is just lovely! I love the grouping of pictures above the table and the red and yellow are perfect pops of summer color! Gorgeous!
Wow! What a difference a little paint can do! Makes me wanna grab a brush and paint a furniture piece in my home! The table turned out quite stunning indeed. =) I’m really loving the table top accessories as well. I bought a little cheese platter with glass cloche at a thrift store and wasn’t sure what to do with it. Your “lemon-bright” idea was just the inspiration I needed. Thanks!
I love the transformation, Great job
It’s beautiful! You did such a great job on it and the stencil is perfect. Oh my, I’d love to have some of those gorgeous white roses! Thanks for sharing ~
xo
Pat
Hi Vanessa! I love the table painted white. It gives it a completely different look. You did a great job! I love all the accessories too – especially that red clock.
Lori : )
Thrifty Decor Mom
That looks awesome. Don’t we all have a table like that from Bombay? I love the new look.
The table looks great painted. I adore the stencil. The cloche is perfect there.
Dee
It’s a great piece and looks even better painted. And the distressed pulls are perfect!
wonderful decor. You are so right about that red clock and the yellow lemons are a wonderful punch of color.
KAT
I like the new look. With some paint and some stencils you can do just about anything.
Wow, the “after” is stunning.
I am popping over from Sarah’s great paint party. (Link #34)
Fondly,
Glenda
Hey gorgeous girlie,
Well, look at you! Going all Shabby on me!! 😉 Well, you’ve done a GREAT job – and what I like about it is that it’s still in YOUR unique style. You’ve taken a bit of a look you like and made it your very own. Go you!!!
Thank you so much for linking up to my Paint, Please link party.
Sarahx