While writing last week’s blog, I kept returning to this photo. There was something about it that I liked…a lot. First, I love pink, but that wasn’t it. It had a beautiful tufted corner banquette but in the end, I determined it was the table that warranted a second, and third look. Then the lightbulb went on…I could paint my table!
This table has seen many transformations. It was a mahogany table in its original state, and for years sat in my mom’s kitchen. Five years ago it found a new home in my greenhouse and I painted it green at that time. When I did the table shuffle in the house several years ago, it ended up in my kitchen. First I painted it all black but felt it was too stark with the banquette and decided to paint the top a pale, pale green, almost white. Now I’ve decided to tone down the white and have used the table in the photo above as my inspiration.
This is what I came up with. I used Annie Sloan paint in French Linen with a dark wax on top. I wanted to replicate the gold band from the inspiration photo and with the table’s routered edge it was easy to gilt in gold.
Although it’s in the kitchen, this table isn’t used for dining. I have my morning coffee here, but mostly, it’s my (messy) “desk.” I have my computer here and spend hours watching YouTube videos, reading, going through my Pinterest feed, answering emails, paying bills, etc. Best of all, I have a perfect view of the back garden, and I can daydream about what to do next. Charlie is always close by, stretched out, snoozing on the banquette.
I’ll be hunting for fabric to compliment the velvet on the banquette to make some comfy pillows like those in the inspiration photo.
You’ll have to use your imagination to see how I got my Marie Antoinette moment from a simple DIY project!
Over Valentine’s weekend, I was feeling very spoiled with pink roses and chocolates. Once I started piling up my current book reads, I decided to go all out with a candle, champagne flute and a treasured tea cup.
You know what they say about simple things amusing simple minds!
It’s been brutally cold here and I think I’m suffering from cabin fever…Spring can’t come soon enough or I’ll paint the whole house!
How are you keeping yourself occupied? xox Judy❤️
The table up-date is beautiful Judy. The linen chalk paint, the gold leaf edge, and what look like a gray band, is very French antique. I too love books on everything Paris, and home decor. Would you consider doing a blog on the books you have collected, and some of your favorites?
Yes, Spring cannot come soon enough, especially with this long cold spell. ❤️
Thank you Karen, A blog on books is a great idea! Heavens knows I have many to choose from. I enjoy a YouTube Channel called, “The Tartan Topiary”. It usually comes out on Friday and she reviews a different book each week on decorating and gardening. xox Judy❤️
Thank you Judy. I will check it out.
Oh my gosh Judy, the table looks gorgeous and it definitely has an antique French look with the colour and guilding. It looks a million times better than the one in your inspiration photo to be honest! I think furniture restoration must also be in your genes along with all your other design talents….you really did an amazing job!! It’s absolutely stunning and pairs perfectly with your banquette! I had to laugh when you mentioned the “Tartan Topiary” to Karen because I’ve been trying to remember the name of that channel and was going to ask you about it😂. I’m also done with this cold weather and have been thinking about my garden non-stop. I can’t wait to get out there again! Hugs, Karen xo❤️
Thank you Karen, believe me when I tell you I’m not that talented…I’m just tenacious! If it doesn’t work out the first time, I’ll try again, and again if necessary. Once that first coat of paint goes on a perfectly finished wood table, everything after is easy to do. I’m not sure my mom would be so thrilled to see what has become of her table, however, I’m know she would be happy that it’s still in good use. It carries so many memories of the time spent around this table for family dinners or just tea and a good gab session. I think you will enjoy the selection of books that are reviewed on the Tartan Topiary channel. xox Judy❤️
Noticed the table right away! Looks great❤️
Thank you Jack, it looks so much better when you are sitting around it! xox Judy❤️