You know how one thing leads to another? This tale of musical tables started innocently enough with a trip to a local home decor shop to pick up a few gifts.
The shop, Plum Home & Design, always has the most beautiful window displays. I arrived a few minutes before the store opened, so I had time to see what interesting items they chose to feature for the New Year (photo left). It was simple but oh so elegant…a large gold mirror with a beautifully carved frame, two upholstered chairs and then my eyes landed on the most sensational table………
I wasn’t shopping for a new table, nor do I need a new one! After inquiring about the table (just out of curiosity!) I picked up several gifts and was on my way.
However, over the next few days, I couldn’t get that table off my mind and started wondering where it might fit in my house.
The logical place for “the table” would be in front of the fireplace where we dine most evenings. It’s 3″ wider in diameter than the existing table (photo left); it would fit, plus the extra tabletop space would be advantageous. In addition, the dark marble top would compliment the cream and charcoal decor in the living room…
Hmmm… I’m starting to justify it… Of course, if I did purchase it, I knew there would be quite a shuffle of tables I already have in place…the snowball effect.
Although the marble bistro table in the kitchen is the perfect partner for the banquette, it will be an ideal addition to the “Happy Hour” room. Out it goes!
In its place, I thought the original living room table might work, but the warm tone of the stone top didn’t look good with the marble countertops. Painting the top was not an option (although I paint almost everything, I stop at natural stone!). The next plan was to exchange it with the table in the greenhouse. This, it turns out, was a good move. The size and style are a better fit for the greenhouse. In the spring, the rattan chairs will have to be spray painted in a shade that works with the table and other greenhouse furniture. The iron base suits the rustic greenhouse interior.
Although the diameter of the greenhouse table is 6″ bigger than the bistro table, it fits in the kitchen, but the base looked too chunky. I’ve painted the base and apron charcoal black to diminish the bulk. I haven’t painted the top (yet)…my thought being a solid dark table top may be too stark against the printed pattern on the drapery as well as the banquette…it will do for now.
We don’t eat in the kitchen…I use this area as my “office”. My computer and numerous books and magazines are always on the table. The window faces south, offering bright sunlight on most days and a view of the back garden. Charlie and I spend many hours here; she can keep her eyes on the birds and put the run on them if they get too close. When all that excitement tires her out, she can curl up beside me and have a nap!
This is “the table” I couldn’t leave behind. Pam from Plum Home gave me some information about its history. It’s a French Mahogany Gueridon table with a grey and cream dished marble top. The base has carved knees, and “hairy” pawed feet. It dates back to the 1860s. What is remarkable is the condition it’s in. Not a mark on the base, and it’s solid. What I do love is the scratches on the marble…wouldn’t I give anything to know who has sat at this table in the past!
The table may be over 160 years old, but I have no doubt it will live on for years to come. In the meantime, we plan to add our own patina…
This has been a hectic week with plenty of heavy lifting…but all’s well that ends well!
xox Judy
PS If you live in Edmonton or the surrounding area, I encourage you to visit Plum Home & Design, located in the historic Oliver Exchange Building. Some of the product mix is similar to what we carried at CC on Whyte, with the addition of antiques the owners bring back from trips to the UK. My table, although made in France, found its way to Britain. They brought it home to Edmonton. Everyone who works at Plum is friendly and helpful, and Pam does exceptional (enticing) window and shop displays.
