Quick Dresser Makeover.

I was desperate for more storage in my bedroom so I welcomed this old, well used dresser with open arms. It's seen better days but I actually liked the cracks and dents in the wood. I've had old dressers before, with drawers that didn't shut properly - that drove me crazy! These drawers work perfectly.

I had paint out from doing some touch ups on the bookshelf so I figured why not give it a quick coat of paint? It literally took me 20 minutes to give it a quick coat then I went back and hour later and gave it another quick coat.

A few glass knobs and it feels fresh and new! Well not new maybe, but newer-ish. Gotta love upcycling!

Now I need a new mirror because the dresser was there before was much taller. If I lower this one, I won't be able to see myself in it! I love my little silver piggy bank from the Dollarama. I actually end up using it and it really does add up. Then, I can buy myself a little treat or Girl Guide cookies when they come knocking :)

I'll be back tomorrow with some progress shots of the bookcase. I was a bit over-ambitious about getting all the styling done. I had to prime and paint the new shelves and then realized I likely shouldn't put anything on them for a couple of days. Bummer. I was able to do a few shelves though. Here's a peek.

People laugh at the dog. I think he's cute. Plus, my Dad gave him to me :) 

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Guest Posting ~ Living Savvy.

I'm over visiting Tiffany today at Living Savvy, participating in her Spray Painter's Anonymous series. Be
sure to head over to see what I did with this iron wall hanging that had been kicking around in the basement.

While you are there, be sure to stick around and check out some of Tiffany's great DIY projects and tutorials. Here are a few to get you inspired:)

Check it out!

Have a great day everyone!

Rainy Day Shopping

There is nothing I love more on a rainy day than a trip to a vintage, antique or used furniture store. Especially when there are some goodies. I'll admit, on more than one occasion I've felt I was wasting my time. But usually, I find some rare gem that I find a home for.
Some things aren't lucky enough to come home with me but receive a knowing smile. The smile that says.. I see your beauty. Don't worry. Someone will come for you very soon:)
A trip out yesterday proved somewhat fruitful. I picked up some crystal coasters and plates for storing jewellery. I was inspired by Beau Lifestyle's beautiful display. (If you haven't checked out her blog yet you really must.)

images via beau lifestyle

I forgot to take a picture of my coasters but I also got some crystal dishes
that will hold bracelets and necklaces.

Some pretty plates were purchased to be hung on the wall.

The "tumor". What better than a good conversation piece? 

I don't really know what it is but cool all the same!

And my favorite. A vintage heater to be converted to a light fixture.... for a buck!

Here are some other pieces (the ones that got the smile):

Cute chairs that would be amazing with new upholstery and a coat of glossy paint.

A set of versatile white china trimmed in gold. $40 for the complete set.

More adorable chairs. $50 for the pair. I loved the shape but they were actually kinda mini.

Never underestimate the power of a paintbrush. This dresser has gorgeous lines. 

I envision it a soft pink in a little girl's room since it's not very tall.  A bit like Eleanor's.

I'm digging bamboo pieces lately painted a fun bright color. If I had room in my bathroom, this piece would be mine, painted a fun color and filled with soft white towels!

I dabbled in painting over the winter and discovered I don't have much talent.

If I did this would be the perfect easel.. ah well:)

Beautiful and huge. Someone should really buy this one.

Love the base. Crying for a new shade!

I'm on the hunt for vintage glassware for my bar cart. 

I found a great selection but none that called out to me. (ignore the cheesy commemorative plates!)

I was super bummed that my favorite shop for good bargains, BC Antiques closed up shop early. I had spotted a vintage crystal ice bucket that I've been thinking about since my last visit. Maybe I'll head back over the weekend!

Painted Cabinet

I finally finished painting the cabinet in the dining room. I decided to go with white, since I am still trying to lighten up the space. I just love white paint. I swear, if I have a can of white paint, I'll paint anything that is standing still :)
Here it is before paint:

And here it is finished:

I didn't fill the holes on the drawers before I painted, assuming I could just find new pulls to replace the old ones. Unfortunately, the holes were not standard distance apart, so replacing them was proving difficult. I really didn't want to go back and fill the holes and redo the drawers. I was done with the cabinet at that point - on to other things!

So instead, I primed the old pulls and painted them the same color as the cabinet. I was hesitant, but I'm really happy with how they turned out. For two reasons:

#1 -  They blend into the cabinet. I had been thinking silver or chrome handles, but it may have looked a little busy.

And # 2- It saved me money!

Here is one more with the wallpaper in the room.

I'm so glad to have it finished. One more thing off the to-do list!

My "New" Chair!

I'm so excited! After purchasing an old chair last year, I finally sent it to be reupholstered. And today, I got to pick it up!

Isn't it beautiful!

Remember what it looked like before? Who would have ever chose that fabric? Plus, it was in really bad shape. Kinda gross actually.

I poored over fabric websites and visited fabric stores for the last year looking for the perfect fabric. I am a bit fussy, but my problem was more what would work with the room. I have a geometric print wallpaper, so I didn't want another pattern that would complete with it.

Also, the chair had a channel back which wouldn't allow for any pattern that wasn't random, or else it would love uneven.
I finally picked one that worked well with the other patterns and colors in the room.
What do you think?

The fabric is Waverly Sun N Shade Mimosa Mushroom. It's an indoor/outdoor fabric so it should withstand lots of use!

I am contemplating painting the legs white.. not sure. It feels a bit wild to me since the rest of the room is so soft and serene feeling, but I think it provides a punch that the room needed.

What do you think?

Local Antique Shopping

My sister, niece and I spend the day yesterday scoping out the local antique shops for some unique finds.
While I truly appreciate a quality piece of antique furniture they don't always fit into my budget. My father refinishes lots of them and I am lucky to have a few on loan. I love perusing the shops in hunt of affordable pieces that just need a coat of paint or a little TLC.
We discovered some great pieces at decent prices. I think anyone from around here needs to get out shopping asap! Seriously!
Here are some Riverview Antiques finds:

This lamp was kinda dusty and the shade is terrible but I think it is beautiful!

A little polishing and a simple new drum shade and it could be fantastic.

Price tag? $59.00

There are 4 of these faux bamboo bedside tables.

You could paint them with a glossy paint in any color... white, black, or even yellow or orange!

Price tag? Unfortunately, a little overpriced in my opinion... $110.00 each.

Super cute side table.

Price tag? SOLD Sorry my sister bought it! She plans to paint it black.

Great legs on this coffee table. It also has a raised edge. It would look great painted.

Price tag? I can't remember :( But affordable!

A great bench that nearly came home with me.

It would be oh so nice in my front entry with a freshly upholstered seat.

I left it there though for you. Too expensive.

Price tag? $169.

Cute magazine rack. Painted of course.. Are you seeing a trend here?

 I look at everything and envision it with a fresh coat of paint.

Price tag? $69

Then we headed to Coulson's. I didn't get a chance to ask any questions about prices because there were closing up shop. In my experience though, Mr. Coulson is very reasonable.

Look familiar? I'll bet the price is a little better too.

I'm sorta regretting not scooping up this little guy. I'll see how I feel in the morning and what he costs!

 Potential don't you think?

Not shopping at local antique and used furniture stores is sometimes a missed opportunity. You can pick up some great things and revamp them to make them your jive with your own style. Often they are better quality than anything you may find in a box store. Plus, it feels so great when you upcycle!

Remember that the prices at these stores are rarely firm so don't be scared to push for their best price. It usually always pays off.

Of course, there are a few items I left out because I want them for myself. I would be a sad girl if one of you went out and bought them. I guess you'll have to go see for yourself! 

 So what about you? Anything good in your hood? :)

EARTH DAY & UPCYCLING!

Tomorrow being Earth Day, I've been thinking a lot about upcycling furniture. With the purchase of my home came the realization that I didn't really have much in the line of furniture. Thankfully, my very talented Dad refinishes antique pieces and allowed me to "borrow" some of them to get me started. Actually, I still have a few pieces.. :)
Going out and buying everything all at once was not an option. Then I started hearing the latest design buzz word: "Re" - Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle. All about REvamping the old and making it work again. I guess the idea appealed to both my DIY side and my pocket book!
My inspiration mostly comes from my beloved Coulson's, a local antique & furniture store but other great sources are yard sales, curbside, and your family's basements! Summerside now has a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. I checked it out yesterday and found the prices very reasonable!
Some of my "upcycling" projects include:
A terrible, shiny, honey brown china cabinet. Here it is now with a fresh coat soft blue paint.

I'd like to change the knobs. Maybe some from Anthropologie?

A pair of club chairs that I picked up from a local motel for $30! I had them upholstered in a pretty blue and added some flirty pillows.

I wish I had the before pictures from those projects.... but here are a couple future projets I have up my sleeve.

I just love the channel back on both. Imagine them in a bright geometric print with glossy white woodwork. I could even add some nailhead trim.
Here are some inspiration pics:

*images via caitlin creer interiors

*images via little green notebook

I guess the first step is to decide where to put them and then source some fabrics. I'll keep you posted!