Some of my favorite words start with RE.
RElax
REfresh
REflect
REbalance
RE is a beautiful thing. Add this simple prefix to just any word and you get something new and beautiful.
Today we're going to talk about
Repurposing and Rediscovering
in nesting.
I am a firm believer that pieces of furniture are like little gems, waiting to be discovered and REinvented (See? Another one!) Maybe it's something you inherited from your grandmother. Maybe it's an olllllld wedding gift that now feels outdated. Maybe it's a little something tucked away at that second hand store. Does it call to you? With just a little attention, a trendy paint color, some new knobs, or a unique texture it could become a masterpiece. It doesn't have to be new to be nesting.
Here's some practical (though not professional) repurposing tips from your friendly nester:
1. Look for a solid, real wood furniture piece that has an attractive shape. Don't get too stuck on what color it is or what the knobs look like. The cosmetic stuff is easy to change. Try to imagine its new identity. You could make it pop! Just make sure it's a solid piece that could last your family a few years without falling apart.
Project in progress: Look at this little beauty! I spotted this gem at a local Value Village. Never mind the missing knob, this side table was meant for me. The plan is to smooth away some of those blemishes with some sanding and add cute knobs. For now it sits next to my side of the bed, perfect and imperfect at the same. OH! And I only spent $7 on it. #WIN.
2. Some pieces just need to be enhanced.
I found this armoire at a pay-by-the-pound Goodwill for $30. I was drawn to its simple, rustic feel. The original plan was to paint it, but when I got it home and waited, the knottiness of the wood was simply too pretty to cover up with paint. What I didn't like was the layer of orangey varnish on it. So with a few hours of hand sanding, the orange was gone. The armoire was stunning and organic. I added cream to the knobs and this piece now sits majestically in our movie room.
Paint is not always the answer! Sometimes your furniture just needs to be enhanced. The natural look is often the best.
3. Choose your paint wisely. There are 2 things to consider when you want to repurpose:
Is this the right color?
Is this the right quality?
I will always sing the praises of a glorious product that is called Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. For a raving imperfectionist like me, this stuff is perfect. NO prep, NO sanding, NO chemical smell, trendy and diverse color options, and it covers beautifully! My mom and I discovered it while visiting The big white goose store and knew it would change our creative methods forever. Let me tell you- it has. My favorite colors so far: Old Ochre and Duck Egg Blue.
3. Sometimes it's NOT love at first sight. That was my experience with this 70's thrift store hutch. Put off by the color and glass, I almost walked away from it. Thankfully my mom has an eye for potential treasure. We stood there, staring and deliberating for about 30 minutes...
Hesitant, but trusting my mom's crafty gut, it came home with us.
2 Coats of Duck Egg Blue chalk paint, lots of elbow grease, a little chicken wire AND...
Love grows. I am IN LOVE with this piece that was the pie safe in our wedding. It now serves as a place to display our fancy dishes, a faux display mantle, and a focal point in our home.
4. Be innovative. Create new purposes for old things. When it comes to repurposing, there are no rules. This lovely antique door? Soon to be our headboard. Pictures to come...
Remember: Beauty is NOT when your home matches Pinterest or Martha Stewart magazine. Beautiful nesting happens when your creativity tells the story of your family.
Happy thrifting!
Happy nesting!
Just make sure it's truly an expression of YOU.
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