I have decided that my "guest room" needs to actually turn into a guest room. I'm also in spring mode and want to start thinking of fun projects that I can tackle as soon as school lets out for the summer! I have the nautical theme going in the basement and bathroom and would like to continue that theme in the guest bedroom as well.
This is my nautical inspired family room:
{Ignore the red ottoman please...}
I recently read a post from Layla at The Lettered Cottage about a beautiful antique linen press she had found at a flea market {read about it here}. I especially love how the piece became beautiful and fresh with a silky coat of white paint.....thus, making me itch to paint furniture for my soon-to-be guest room downstairs.
I am currently looking on craigslist for a cheap side table that I could easily paint. This is my question...should I paint this?....
This was first my dresser in my nursery and then remained in my bedroom throughout my childhood and adult years...I'm just thinking white paint would be a drastic move that could really update this piece of furniture, but then I don't want to regret it. {I have a feeling I know what your gonna say, mom =) } What do you think?
Hi Katie!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very, very personal decision. There is definitely going to be a large group of people that would say "don't dare paint that", and there's going to be other people that say, "go for it".
I've never had to make a decision on whether or not to paint a family heirloom, I only paint things I pick up at flea markets.
At the end of the day, the decision must be yours.
My husband always says, "You can never get it back once you paint it. But the question you have to ask yourself is- do you WANT it back?" No one can really make the decision but you, because it all boils down to your personal taste and feelings about it. There's no right or wrong as long as you love it. YOU'RE the one that's going to live with it. It's gotta make you happy every time you look at it, whether that means you're happy because it's white or because it's still in it's original finish.
Either way, you're right.
:-)
Layla
The Lettered Cottage
NO! Antiques don't need updating. You're clever, fit your decor to match around your dresser. Lots of seaside cottages have wood accent pieces, also, your nautical decor may not be what you want for your next home. It's a pretty shade of wood, not an ugly outdated look at all. I definitely am for the NOT painting idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat about stripping it and staining it darker? What would that look like? Is it just as hard to restore if you change your mind? Seriously, we'll buy the dresser off of you if you decide to buy a different piece! I love your dresser (but not if you paint it!)!
ReplyDeleteGosh, Katie, I don't know! I totally remember that piece of furniture and it's so pretty as is... I think the "trend" now is to paint things and make them look more shabby chic... but will everyone be regretting that they've ruined their antiques in ten years? Who knows... I like it better as is too... I agree with "Mommy Nee" - use it as an accent piece. You can always decorate it with modern stuff and make it look "transitional!"
ReplyDelete