Thursday, April 11, 2013

White hall table, wicker basket and a new jug

Paint is a wonderful thing, and white paint is the most wondrous of cheap ways to renew old things.  I know I bang on a lot here about paint and old furniture but I get such a buzz from looking past the current state and seeing beauty in the future possibility of things.   This hall table was one of those times where white paint really did perform some magic.

coastal hall cabinet white painted lilyfield life
coastal hall cabinet white painted lilyfield life

My friend, Rachel, asked me to paint their hall table -  they had bought it years ago so cheaply and were thinking of getting rid of it out. She decided it was worth painting to see if they could extend it's life in their home.  She picked it up today and was surprised by how the white paint had transformed it.


coastal hall cabinet white painted lilyfield life
coastal hall cabinet white painted lilyfield life

The hall table was one of those Bali pieces that bled but I got it under control quickly with a sealer and a couple coats of Zinsser BIN. I then gave it two coats of my favourite bright white and a top coat of Miss Mustard Seed's wax. The finish is lovely and shiny and smooth. It's still got raised nails and warped wood and a bit of a dodgy trim on the drawers but it definitely looks new and smart, don't you think?

coastal hall cabinet white painted lilyfield life

While I was photographing the table my sweet  Charlie decided to photobomb the pic and he wasn't moving!  Such a funny dog. He's been following me everywhere lately and snuggling on the couch on top of me at night. I think he's glad the weather is cooler and no longer has to lie under the bathroom vanity in the coolest spot in the house.

cavoodle
coastal hall cabinet white painted lilyfield life

The beautiful jug was a present from a friend who we give a lot of our hand-me-downs to. She always gives me gorgeous thank you presents when I pass her daughter down things from my girl. I try and tell her that it's not meant to work like that but really I should shut up because how beautiful is this jug, and how perfectly does it match my kitchen! Thanks Max xx


I think this hall table definitely needs a wicker or wire basket on that lower shelf. This picnic basket that I've used was an op shop find a few years ago. It's got beautiful blue leather plate holders inside and is made in England. I love thinking about who owned it and where it's been and what food they may have packed on their picnics.  I love using it on our picnics and trips to the beach but my husband hates carrying it as it's pretty heavy when full.  I initially planned to sell it but decided it's too lovely to part with.

You may notice that I rubbed out my "do what you love, love what you do" chalk sign. I'm thinking of what to do next with this chalkboard. Any good quote suggestions or other ideas?

Have a good day, I'm shirking my duties today and am heading off over the Bridge to have a coffee with a friend.  I may need to pick up a coffee to make the trip. LOL.

ciao
Fiona xx

coastal hall cabinet white painted lilyfield life


18 comments:

  1. What a great transformation. I love the handmedown circuit. Akes me feel good knowing our kids clothes live on. We call it the magic merry go round.

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  2. it looks beautiful and i love that charlie is in the photos- adds some charm and life!

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  3. Lovely post and the hall table looks great and yes amazing what a coat of white can do.

    Thanks, Lyn, Brisbane

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  4. I want a your gorgeous dog!! Lovely!

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  5. My father-in-law has a little slate in his kitchen that he writes little quotes on occasionally.

    "Fortune favours the brave"

    "A fool and (her) money are easily parted" - A humorously put sly dig at his wife.

    There are some real gems on his slate! ;)

    Anything looks fresher white - love this hall table. x

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  6. Love the way that hall table came up- really beautiful. I have a picnic basket exactly like yours, given to us by my brother and sister-in-law (both now deceased) as a christmas present in the 1970's. Its stored away, I must get it out.Seeing yours has brought back lovely memories.
    Brenda.

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    Replies
    1. thank you Brenda - yes definitely get out your picnic basket and use it. I will have to make an effort and use ours more often.

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  7. It's just lovely. You have done a beautiful job and the picnic basket looks perfect there. I am sure your friend is thrilled!
    Love your photos of your dog also.
    - Sarah

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  8. You and your magic paint brush! This is another beautiful transformation. It doesn't even look like the same table. I could see this being sold for hundreds of dollars in a north shore shop!
    Have a lovely rest of the week
    Karen x

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  9. Ahhhhh i just adore those pull handles ....

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    1. and initially we thought of painting them but they definitely look good contrasting against the white.

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  10. So lovely to see the "after". I have a "Charlie" dog too! Her name is Daisy May! I wondered if you used wax for a final "coat" - I wonder if a normal beeswax would do the same job? :-)

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    1. hi Petra - cavoodles are just the best pets aren't they!
      I personally don't like pure beeswax because of the smell (highly sensitive sense of smell after breaking my nose waterskiing in my youth) and so I used Howards Feed and Wax that i mention here - http://www.lilyfieldlife.com/2013/03/furniture-topcoats-and-waxes-australian.html)
      but yes if the smell doesn't put you off you can definitely use beeswax. do it in a well ventilated area.
      cheers Fiona

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  11. So beautiful - wish I lived closer and you could paint my furniture

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  12. I cannot tell you how often I come here to your beautiful blog to see your furniture makeovers. I love them all and this one is no exception. I have learnt so much from you and really appreciate you sharing all your knowledge. I love your style and your endless energy. Thank you and keep posting.
    Judith

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  13. divine dog. I want him!

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  14. Hi Fiona,

    Everything is so pretty. Love the basket and jug! Darling picture of your pup!

    xxleslie

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Thanks for taking the time to comment! Sorry if you have trouble commenting, you can always email me at lilyfieldlife@bigpond.com